Chrysalis kept the telephone-link spell open without notifying Dawn, not seeing any harm in maintaining the link like one of her own drones. It would be unnatural for her to close it, going against her instincts. Unbeknownst to her, Dawn started to notice various voices coming in and out of focus, blurry at first.

Dawn narrowed her eyes as she tried to comprehend what was happening, and once she realized she was hearing voices, tried to listen for them more closely, wanting to know what was said.

'They seem to be set up in a warehouse My Queen.'
'I won't be able to reach the city till tomorrow My Queen.'
'The pony seems to be nice enough, if easily confused.'
'The Princess is safe My Queen.'
'The ones with me are scared and it's hard to keep the foals from blowing our cover My Queen.'

Dawn could hear all of these being spoken almost at once. She furrowed her brows, only getting a couple of the lines of thought recognized before quietly chiming in, 'Are these the other changelings?'

'What?’ the queen responded, Dawn sensing the surprise as well as hearing it, ‘How do you hear them?'

'When I was quiet and relaxing, I heard a couple... something about a princess and somepony being scared.'

'Do you hear them now?’

Dawn strained her mental ears, yet heard nothing any longer.

'No. It was a little disorienting, but kinda nice too... I don't know, hard to explain.' She responded, thinking about what had happened. She had always disliked the idea of being alone, but there were points where she had wanted her space.

'Odd.’ The queen paused, considering as she stayed confused, ‘You'd think I'd sense a new drone in the link… or one of the others would, but they didn't register anything amiss even when you spoke.'

'Weird... maybe because it wasn't my magic establishing or maintaining the connection?' She offered.

'I don't know. Might have been just me not being used to such a spell so I let something spill over.' Chrysalis countered/

'Perhaps...' Dawn said before she giggled, commenting, 'who would have thought a pony would be able to hear the hive mind eh?'

'Certainly not me.’

Dawn chuckled again at the idea, getting distracted by her fatigue thinking back to how she had Violet at her side and wanting them under her wing once more. She yawned again and replied, 'Well, it's not a bad thing though, is it?'

'No, just odd.' Chrysalis replied.

Dawn swore at that moment she felt the queen being happy for something, wondering if it had to do with wanting to care for Violet. She dozed off, trying to ignore the instincts that almost required a body next to herself like Stalwart or Violet, and soon faded out of consciousness.

Dawn’s dreams were filled with whispers and a sensation of others being with her. It wasn’t unpleasant, much like how resting in the next room off of a lively meeting room would be. She could sense others nearby, sleeping or going about their tasks around her as she slept.

She stirred in her sleep every now and then, unused to having others nearby despite its unexpected familiarity. Her dreams wandered about as they were wont to do, causing her to travel or use magic like in her old games, adventuring and defending humans. Despite having lived as a pony for two years, she still dreamed of them without intent after all. Every once in a while, she felt as if there was another presence, watching the dream for a time then would leave. She paid it no mind, too engrossed in the circumstances of her dream before she slowly woke as the sun rose.

The next day was bright, shining on the beauty that the land had. A memory of the last night’s conversation caused her to wonder if they were awake. She then smiled as she felt like it was certain they were awake, unaware that the spell-link had informed her of this.

Dawn stretched slowly before she realized just how hungry she felt, not having eaten the prior night. She debated what to order, whether it was going to be chocolate covered nachos with beef, or a hot dog with bacon cheese salsa and watermelon, or bacon wrapped carrots and avocados.

'Ah, memories." Chrysalis said through the link, smiling slightly at the mare’s thoughts of food.

'Huh? What?' Dawn asked in surprise. She was startled at first to discover she was still speaking to the queen, but curiosity soon overtook that feeling and made her wonder what memories they alluded to.

'Oh, just remembering all the combinations of food Twilight wanted when she was pregnant.’

'Oh...’ Dawn replied, starting to realize that the spell link had been maintained in her sleep. That explained the sensations she had in her dreams at least. ‘I'm having weird cravings now aren't.... I... dammit, I want meat so badly right now and I've been fine until now!'

'Twilight has meat.' Chrysalis reminded her.

'Will she share some? Please?' Dawn asked, being more shy about asking in the process as she felt her stomach rumble.

'Yes.'

'Awesome, this is gonna be the best day ever!' Dawn replied happily, suddenly struck by the idea of how if she had a dog’s tail, she could show her happiness that way, felt disappointment she couldn’t, then started to wonder why she felt that way.

'Come on over.' Chrysalis instructed, chuckling at the mare.

'Ok!' Dawn said eagerly, saddling up before heading across the rooms. Chrysalis opened the door before she even knocked, disguised as needed. Dawn smiled broadly, "So, where's the bacon!"

Chrysalis chuckled, closing the door as she answered. "It's cooking."

Dawn smiled and set her saddle down by the door, listening for the sizzle. Once she heard it, she began walking slowly in its direction. She discovered Twilight had a small camp stove set up with a small skillet on the coffee table.

Dawn chuckled at the sight and sat over across from Twilight by the table, watching for a moment before saying, "Thank you."

"For?"

"Bacon!" Dawn said eagerly, looking over to the skillet.

Twilight chuckled as she cooked. Dawn laid her head down on the table gently a safe distance away from the heat, looking between it and Twilight, wondering what today would be like, when she wasn't thinking about food.

'Sex. Lots and lots of sex.' Chrysalis chimed in through the link

Dawn blushed at the suggestion, admittedly wondering when she would start wearing her collar if that were to be the case.

Chrysalis chuckled at the mare’s reaction, and Dawn looked at Chrysalis briefly before looking back to Twilight. Naturally the purple, scarred pony was focused on cooking, and Dawn waited for the food to cook, unaware she looked much like an impatient hungry puppy even as she laid there under the guise of ‘resting.’

Soon, Twilight was putting eggs and bacon onto a plate, along with toast while jam was placed on the table for them to use. Dawn soon began eating hungrily, trying to be polite but clearly looking forward to the meal, even as it was vanishing before their eyes.

Twilight chuckled as she ate with her hands using silverware while Chrysalis used her magic. Dawn soon finished her food, licking her lips as she realized just how quickly she had polished off the meal.

"That really hit the spot! Thanks Twilight."

"No problem. Always happy to meet a fellow omnivore."

"Starting out as a human probably helps though." she said, chuckling. "I got our tickets, and we leave at ten. The conductor threw in two cabins for us to use if we feel like it since there's not many ponies wanting to ride today."

"Cabins or private car?" Twilight asked, uncertain which was meant.

"Both?" Dawn said uncertainly, trying to recall the event before she shrugged, "I admit I didn't get clarification, as I was being distracted at the time."

"By what?" She asked tilting her head.

"Chrysalis. It seems like we're making more progress in communicating, which might lead to a connection for how Violet might get connected with the hive." Dawn said, feeling a little guilty she rationalized it after the fact.

"Oh?" She asked

"Yeah, it turns out I heard a couple of the other changelings reporting to her when I laid down last night."

She blinked. "You did?"

"Yeah, one of them said 'the princess is safe my queen'. I remember that one well." Dawn said, eyeing the princess for a reaction.

"Oh, interesting." Twilight said, amused. "That must have been when Queeny asked about Violet."

"Ah..." Dawn said, feeling a bit homesick as the discussion stayed on track.

"Something wrong?" Twilight asked, a hint of concern present.

"Just thinking," she said, shaking her head. "It'd be nice to see Violet and Stalwart, but we need to follow up on this Svikopi case too."

"We will be staying the night at your place on the return trip." Twilight reminded her.

"Really? But it's near the other coast of Equestria. Why?" Dawn asked confused.

"So? We are going to pick up a recon unit and a couple of other troopers to help." She said. "Plus I want to see Violet too."

"As you wish." she said, smiling at Twilight, "I could really do with some more ponies we c-"

A flash of light came from her saddlebag as a return letter from Celestia arrived. She pulled it out and began to read.

“Greetings... I'm sending Nightfall to meet you at the Castle of the Two Sisters, should he not meet you at his guild headquarters. Supplies for building homes have been directed to the town site. Everfree Patrol so far is willing to send Allen Wrench, Nymph, and Fire Storm to assist pending details of the arrangement, fee to be discussed... Interesting.”

"Who?" Twilight asked. "And why are we meeting with them there?"

"Nightfall is the other human-turned-pony pegasus that came with me to this world, and is the leader of the Everfree Patrol guild, though no one's seen him lately other than Storm and Nymph. Storm is his right hoof mare," she said, before muttering, "and mate to boot..." and then continued as if nothing had happened, "Allen is a large draft horse of an earth pony who loves to build. Gets antsy if he doesn't, and Nymph is a changeling I found in the mountain range east of Van Hoover, but has made the Everfree Patrol her 'hive' as she sees it."

"She doesn't have a queen?" Chrysalis asked, concerned.

"From what I've gathered, she made Nightfall her queen, then when he was in danger, tried to become a queen. From what I heard from Charred, she even repeatedly impersonated Storm to get him to mate with her and make a hive."

The queen blinked as she tried to process what was said. "That’s... not possible! She's either a queen or a drone, and a drone can't survive without being part of the link."

"And ponies and changelings can't breed." Twilight added.

"And ponies can't talk with changelings using the link." Dawn added with a smile, thinking it a rather perfect counterpoint of challenging assumptions just because the world is similar.

"This world is… uncomfortable." Chrissy said, her discomfort spreading to Dawn easily, though Dawn wasn’t sure if it was her empathy or a side effect of the spell.

"Do you feel endangered?" Dawn asked, concerned.

'No.' She said through the link. 'Just… uncomfortable. That's not how we work. We work this way for a very specific reason and to not see how this works…'

'I meant no disrespect, but perhaps changelings here are different in other ways that you might not have seen.’

This concerned Chrysalis and depressed her. Dawn could feel some of this was instinctual, compounded by a desire to save the drone by bringing her into the hive.

'It'll be ok.' Dawn tried to console, thinking of the times when she saw Nymph, how happy she seemed to be, and her attachment to Nightfall. 'I don't really know how to explain, but she really does think of the guild as her hive and family as far as I can tell. I don't know how she'd react to meeting you Chryssy or even this world's Chrysalis, but on the plus side, you can find out yourself how she's doing when you meet, right?'

'I… I guess.' Chrysalis said.

Dawn saw flashes of drones fighting for their lives against ponies, griffins, yaks, zebras, everyone as hive after hive fell to the onslaught of the other races who saw them as monsters who need to be destroyed. She knew it drove them to adapt and become stronger as they clawed their way back from the brink of extinction over a dozen times. These were not Chrysalis’ memories but memories that seemed to be part of the link itself, instilled in every drone and spilling over to her.

Dawn stuttered, shivering in place noticeably as she felt that kind of 'presence' in the link. Her breath shook as she tried to pull away from such memories, from her or otherwise and replied quietly, "T-that... was... intense."

'What was? 'Chrysalis asked, seeming to be unaware of what Dawn saw. Just as Dawn pulled away she heard whisperings. For Queen and Hive… Survive.

"Head… hurts." she said out loud, adding to her prior comment. She looked over to Chrysalis and continued, "N-next time you share memories, especially ones with that much emotion, l-let me know ahead of time, o-ok?"

"Share memories?" She blinked. "I haven't shared anything with you."

"T-then what was all that about with the fear, everything hunting changelings, and this... I don't know what it is..." She asked, trying to refer to the instinct to survive and adapt and survive and adapt further.

"You mean the Link Memories?" Chrysalis blinked, attempting to process this strange occurrence.

“Is everything alright?” Twilight asked concerned as she looked between the two of them.

"I-I don't know... W-what time is it? A-are we going to be late for the train?"

"It's 9." Chrysalis said as she continued to observe the mare.

"Shit, we'd better get moving. The train leaves at ten." She said, getting up shakily. She was still hungry, but the fear ended up being a good enough distraction for now.

"You sure you've had enough to eat?" Twilight stood, watching the mare closely, her concern only slightly masked.

Dawn shook her head, "Not really, but If there's one thing I don't wanna be known for, it's being late."

Twilight nodded and grabbed her bag as she put on her Royal Guard disguise. "Lead the way."

"Yes ma'am." she said, gathering her things and leading down the elevator toward the station.

Twilight followed behind her, acting as if she were an escort to blend in.

Dawn walked, halfway to getting to the station before linking with Chrysalis again, 'you know, if you two are acting like you're escorting me, doesn't that mean that it's highly likely we're being watched by someone on Flare's side?'

'Perhaps, perhaps not. But best not to draw unnecessary attention by having a princess following a guard.'

'Agreed...' she said, looking around more carefully than usual, though still relatively calm.

They reached the platform and boarded, soon leaving afterward. There were only about four other families that had boarded the small two passenger long train. They were led to the forward passenger cab, bypassing the small kitchen unit separating the two.

"If you need anything Princess, let us know." the assistant offered.

"Thank you, we will." she said, bowing her head slightly before watching him leave and close the door behind him.

Twilight smiled as she looked around. "I see you opted for the private car this time."

It was split in half, the center being the passageway, the two sides having doors with curtains over the windows so occupants can have some privacy if they wished.

"We got bumped up for buying the tickets and my status. Normally I'm not one to abuse my power, but looks like they weren't going to get anyone who would pay to get put in it." She said, smiling.

"Also not an abuse of power to use cars meant for your use." Twilight pointed out.

She sighed very slightly, as it wasn't what she meant at all, but she wasn't about to argue with her either. "So, I'm thinking I'll go get some food from the kitchen to add to the breakfast you gave. Any objections?"

"None. Grab me a light snack and something to drink." Twilight said as she went to one of the cabins.

Dawn gathered the required items before returning. Chrysalis smiled, seeing her chance to affect the mare and give her mate something… enjoyable. She gave the mare a slight push toward something she knew her mate would love, a submissive ‘pet.’

The next thing Chryssy knew about an hour later, the mare was trying to reach her. She used her magic to expand the connection, re-establishing the link with her.

'Yes?' The queen asked, wondering what they were contacting her for.

"Well... that went beautifully.' she started out, sounding very disappointed.

'What happened?’ Chrysalis asked, surprised and upon tasting the mare’s disappointment, lacking sarcasm, she commanded, ‘Show me.'

Dawn recalled the experience so far, her memories and feelings as best as she could remember them, attempting to relay it to her by recollection. It had gone well at first, Dawn working her up by being herself, perhaps almost too much so. Twilight enjoyed it then suddenly was pulled out of the moment without explanation. Dawn had tried to keep it going but her mate had simply not let herself get back into the mood.

'I was afraid this would happen. I'd hoped it would be similar to what she did with me but it seems her pony upbringing morals are stronger than I thought.' Chrysalis sighed, saddened, but it was clear none of it was directed at Dawn. 'I am sorry for working you up as I did. I’m sure your husband will enjoy it at least.'

'It's not your fault, I mean, we still at least got a little relief in there.' she chuckled. 'I'll still be happy with that. After all, you've mentioned she doesn't view things like we do, and for her to do that at all is a stretch for her, right? Maybe it's just foal steps for now.'

'I guess...' Chrysalis said clearly upset at what she did to Dawn and now the mare was stuck in her mood as far as she knew until they reached her home.

'Chryssy, please don't be upset. I'm content, and if anything, quite happy that you're trying so hard for her. Maybe at some point, we can make up for it, if you desire anyway.' Dawn said, trying to comfort her and even make a little joke, but hoping it'd be accepted at some point.

'While I wouldn't mind going to bed with you I do not desire you as a lover the same way Twilight does, and I wish for her to open up to the side she clearly has. That won't happen if I take those she desires.'

'Very well,' Dawn said, slightly disappointed, 'I can respect that. We'll just have to try harder then, won't we?"

'Yes. As you said, we made progress.' Chrysalis said, cheering up some. 'Sorry again for you having to wait a few days for release. Is there some way I can make it up to you?'

'At this point? Give Twilight the love and passionate care that we hoped I would give her in my stead.' Dawn chuckled. 'It's already been forgiven Chryssy. If anything, I'm surprised we're able to communicate this far out. When I first started using the spell, it only had a reach of halfway across the city, though that was when I was a unicorn.'

'I'm fueling it on my end, so I think that's what is helping. Remember, the Link reaches for many thousands of miles.' She said. 'And no, you will be hers, even if it takes time.' She said thinking of a way to make it up to Dawn. 'Would… you like to know our history?' She asked slowly, it was the only thing she could think of right now.

'A history lesson would be a good idea I think. You have my undivided attention, though I apologize in advance if my mind or imagination wanders.'

'Do not worry. We are in the Link.' She said. 'Now, no one save very few ever gets to know our history. We keep it closely guarded so that it may not be used against us. Only those who are true friends of the Hive ever even get to hear part of it. Twilight knows the most out of those who live, with the Sisters knowing a little less. So do you understand what I am telling you?'

'That you're showing something so valuable to yourself that it's one of the greatest forms of trust you are able to give...' Dawn thought to Chryssy. 'If you feel I'm such a friend to the hive, honestly, I'm deeply honored... you really think so much of me?'

'Yes. I've seen who you are Dawn. You are a Friend of the Hive.' She said sending a mental smile. It had helped that she had grown to know the mare very well through their memories and could judge her more easily because of it. 'Now since we are in the link rather than just tell you I'm going to send the Links's Memory to you, at least a few bits so you understand us better. Some of it won't be pretty you understand?'

'Thank you.' Dawn replied at the comment of being a friend. 'I understand it won't be pretty, I will try to hang in there, though now I fear my empathy might get in the way, but... I will try.'

'I suppose we will start with the legend of the First Queen.' Chrysalis said. 'She existed before the Hives were what they are now, when the Link wasn’t as strong.’

'As ready as I'll ever be.' Dawn replied, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes so she could focus.

Dawn became Queen as the memory poured in. There was no name. Names had no concept, held no meaning. She was The Queen. That was all that mattered.

It was what they called her, these things that were like them but not them. The things that held her and her hive. They were covered in fur, covered in colors, carrying their sharp sticks.

They wore things, things that acted like chitin, but wasn’t chitin. They held her, restrained her, forced her to lay eggs, forced her hive to work. They carried heavy objects until their legs gave out, just to dig for useless shiny objects, to dig until they could dig no longer, dig until they were no longer ‘useful’ and then disposed of them.

Her drones, her beautiful drones… Their link they shared, it showed her everything, helped her feel everything, all that made them work faster, all that made them obey.

There was so much pain… why did the colored ones use so much pain?

They barely could eat, there was no love, no food for her hive or herself. They saw her as just tools.

Just tools…

She couldn’t accept this. She was Queen, the hive needs her, there must be something that can be done.

She worked tirelessly to comfort her beautiful drones, never getting to see them. She could not see them, but she always worked, just as they did, trying to slowly undo the restraints in her dark hole. Constant work for everyone…

One day, it loosened! The thing around her neck holding it to
the wall was finally loose! She had been chipping away at the stone with her
hooves, little by little.

Now she just needed to pull. She’d have these things around her legs, but if she could just move, something could happen, she could move from the hole.

Hoofsteps, they were approaching… wait. A light, they were coming for her eggs, they must not have them. No more of her drones should fall into their care.

There were two sets of hooves approaching. She focused on the eggs below her, and she pulled.

Sounds of shifting stone echoed in the small place, making loud noises. The two came close. She tackled the two furry things.

She sank her teeth deep into its soft neck. Deeper, it must go deeper!

Copper filled her mouth, and then she pulled, tearing at the soft flesh as her captor clutched its neck, gurgling as she kicked with her hind legs to push the other one into the wall. It slumped down with a small sound.

She grabbed her eggs, carrying them as best as her weak form
could, and ran for the open door into the dark tunnels. She did not know the
way, but that did not matter. She could feel her drones, and she rushed to meet

A spark seemed to go through her children, copper filling many of their tongues, force from their hind legs hitting soft forms against the wall. Their captors were numerous, and her drones so weak…

Many lights went out, but a few still remained. Her children were running, coming to her, they wanted to be with their queen after all this time.

She reached the exit and broke to the daylight. The light burned, but they ran. They had to collect the others who still lived. There were others who fought, others who fled, and more who hid. So few remained.

They were all weak. She realized this was what allowed the hardships they faced. Their weakness left them to be used by the strong. They must no longer be weak. They must become stronger than their enemies. They must become powerful so they could not be separated again.

Queen… the colored ones will fear that title.

Dawn struggled to sift through the memories, as if she knew they were not her own, but as she continued, they were accepted, taking it in as a story format instead making it easier for her to accept. Her empathy was touched, having reminded her of the teasing and hardships she herself bore growing up. Her memories of her own life shifted slightly, adding in a tie to what she was learning in that despite the hardships the world sent, she would survive.

The living memories shifted. Dawn became Talia, a soldier of a small hive in the land of the striped ones. She galloped through the thick brush, hard chitin protecting her from the sharp brambles and vines.

In the distance, columns of smoke rose skyward. The Link was filled with panic, fear, death and flames. So many flames…

Talia had been sent to scout out settlements of the striped ones, far from the larger ones for possible infiltration and food collection.

The hive was small, not even 150 in total. They had just settled this area. The ground was sandy and brittle, not good for caves, so the queen had decided to build upon the surface like the striped ones. She was queen. It was her decision.

And now, that village was under attack by striped ones.

The link called for all drones to defend the queen, who was in the middle of the fighting. She was the target of the striped ones’ attack as they cut down any drone that got in their way, whether they be soldiers, worker, or even caretakers.

Then it happened. With a spike of intense pain, causing Talia and those with her to skid to a halt, the Queen’s light went out and her memories passed into the link.

The Queen was gone. The hive had no leadership… and their organized defense began to crumble, as there was no Queen to defend or give direction.

They divided into small groups, as older drones tried to command the younger.

‘All drones, evacuate the hive! All remaining soldiers, hold off the striped ones ‘till eggs and injured are clear! Workers, Caretakers, get the wounded and eggs now! Go north and then loop around east to head south!’ Talia ordered through the link.

Talia was an experienced soldier, having survived several fights with the striped ones. Now she was putting that experience to use getting the hive to safety. With some hesitation, the drones began to obey, becoming more organized with a more direct objective.

Talia oversaw her task as best as she could, and as a morbid blessing, over half the hive was dead so she could focus on what remained, though only barely.

She ducked as a stick with a sharp rock on the end flew at her. She hissed in reply. A Striped Ones hunting pack had found her group. As much as she wished to spill their blood, she couldn’t focus on the hive and fighting at the same time. She gritted her teeth as she was forced to retreat.

Slowly, what remained of the hive abandoned the doomed village, heading north with the striped ones pursuing. When it came time to change direction, Talia ordered the soldiers to head north as the workers and caretakers doubled back around like she had ordered prior. It was risky, but the striped ones needed something to chase. Once they were safely away, the soldiers could lose them and meet up later.

As night was falling, hours later Talia was in a fierce fight, not with the striped ones but drones of the hive. They attacked with their horn energy, fangs and hooves as they all battled for dominance to prove who was superior and would become queen.

With a cracking of chitin and a bitter taste, the last drone who resisted went limp, and she dropped the soldier’s neck from her mouth, stepping up onto the corpse as she bared her green coated teeth at those who remained.

‘I. AM. QUEEN!’ she declared and looked at them all, daring them to challenge her rule.

Not one of them moved, and one by one began to lower their head submissively.

Queen Talia servayed her hive, already feeling her chitin itching as the link demanded a proper queen. She would not make the same mistakes as the former stupid queen and would build a proper hive underground, where all those who were not them were at a disadvantage, and the changelings could defeat them.

She would be a better queen then the old one.

Dawn was flailing about in life as she lived the memories, feeling a great deal of sorrow from the prior queen’s death, then revulsion at the idea of killing the others who wanted to be queen over Talia. There was no doubt in her mind that Talia should have gotten leadership, but those that remained shouldn’t have had death in her eyes… killing those who were weaker solely for challenging them was only weakening the hive in her eyes, they still had value for what they could have helped with otherwise if not a fight to the death. She was unaware of the tears that were going down her cheeks because of the memories.

Dawn found herself pulled out of the memory and back into the real world.

‘Dawn? Dawn wake up!’ Chrysalis said, stopping the stream of memories to the mare.

‘So much pain… why did they have to go through so much?’ Dawn thought as she cried, trying to get a hold of her emotions and empathy before starting to calm, apologizing quickly, ‘Sorry Chryssy, I … i don’t know what happened there.’

‘Because we are monsters.’ She replied simply.

‘No you’re not! You’re much more than that…’ Dawn replied immediately before thinking back to the last memory about the queen selection and frowned, tears still threatening to fall, ‘It shouldn’t have come to that, so few made it out, why kill what few you had left?’

‘Because they wouldn’t submit.’ Chrysalis replied simply.

‘I... that…’ Dawn said, wanting to answer along the lines of ‘but they could have submitted after they were beaten, they should have’ and yet realizing that was not the changeling way, that they fought until the bitter end, even amongst themselves. A final pair of tears fell from her cheeks before she started to wipe them away and tried to focus on calming herself instead.

'Some did submit during the fight, and some did not. Those who didn’t… died.'

‘So they chose to take on that which they could not and chose their end… in a way, a weakness by poor judgement ability being weeded out?’ Dawn asked, trying to find some solace somewhere in that memory.

'yes and no. they showed their conviction and willing to die for the hive. and their deaths proved who was strongest.'

Dawn simply took in that answer and continued to mourn the losses held that day in her own way, again trying to calm herself and try to do her best to respect their history, even if some of it was so alien to her right that moment.

‘We will take a break.’ Chrysalis said.

'Sorry. I must seem so strange to be so moved by this...' Dawn replied, trying to get a grip on her emotions, to bury them so she could be her cheerful self again.

'You are not. This is a very emotional thing. Our history is one of pain, violence and bloodshed. It is what drives us.'

'Well... It's not what I had pictured, that's for sure.' Dawn admitted, thinking.

'That's because we are the monsters who go bump in the night. We must surely have dark evil origins. At least, that's what most believe.'

'I guess I had just never thought about it... I had no reason to find out about the background to the changelings, even in meeting Nymph...'

'There is no guarantees that the history is the same here. This is our history from our world.'

'Even so... Thank you for sharing it with me. And Chryssy? Thank you for having me be a friend to the hive. Though now I feel required to ask, because I love understanding myself better, what exactly have you noticed in me?'

'There is more to our history but perhaps another time then.' She said. 'As for what I noticed you are a kind and caring individual who doesn't judge other except for what you know to be true and see yourself. And even then, you care for those who may not deserve it. You have been kind to me despite me being seen as an enemy of this world, and you do not judge Twilight, not for her appearance, nor her world views and actions she sees as necessary. What I've seen is a kind, compassionate mare truly deserving of those wings on your back.'

Dawn blushed at the kind words, starting to wipe the tears threatening to form in her eyes again as she felt their earnesty in the reply, fully grateful at being understood so well. It brought her comfort of a kind only Stalwart had given her before.

'Thank you. It means a lot to me hearing it from someone I know, and I can’t help but feel like you know me so well. It also doesn't help that some ponies have asked me why I'm a princess they haven't heard of, and then assume I must not have earned it, Nightfall especially. He asked me how I thought I could accept such a position, having failed in the mirror to get him home, and in defeating Svikopi only by breaking my horn, on top of being a human originally when a princess should be a pony...' She sighed and shook her head, 'Forgive me, what's past is in the past, and if I can't change it, then all I can do is move on while learning from it.'

'What would have happened had you not shattered your horn?' Chrysalis asked, wanting to correct the negativity she saw in the mare.

'I know... I would have been taken over by Svikopi and been his prisoner, and I don't know what would have happened to Starlight Dusk... From what I heard, he ranted about how he wanted to undo Starswirl the Bearded by taking away those who were his students, Celestia and Luna primarily, though he likely would have gone for Twilight after or in the process.'

'Exactly. You did stop him and were very important in his defeat. Do not ever let anyone tell you otherwise.’ Chrysalis informed her firmly, ‘You've made mistakes, but so has Celestia and Luna. What's important, is that you learn from them.'

'Yeah, that's all we can do...' Dawn thought as she opened her eyes, looking down at the seat before glancing over at Twilight.

Twilight was looking at her concerned. "You ok?"

'We will continue the history in a bit f you wish.' Chrissy said

"I will be fine...” Dawn shook her head, “just getting a bit of a history lesson with Chryssy, and then was given a rather beautiful compliment... I hope I don't ever forget it." She said smiling bashfully before replying to Chrysalis, getting her emotions back in check. 'I think… I think I'm ready to continue once Twilight's done checking up on me Chryssy, and thank you. Really.'

"History of the Changeling race huh?" Twilight asked knowingly.

"Yeah." Dawn replied, still keeping quiet.

Twilight nodded then grabbed a book to read

'Ok Chryssy... next chapter if you would please...' She replied before taking a deep breath, closing her eyes and trying to emotionally prepare herself for the next segment.

She was Queen Femina, moving through the frozen wasteland to the north, clutching a nymph to her chest to shield it from the wind. It was wrapped in the blanket alongside the crystal that contained the memories of her link, if she didn’t make it, then at least the link would go on. Her body ached. The only good thing about the cold was that it froze the blood in her wounds so she didn't have to worry about bleeding out for now. She knew her injuries were too severe to survive, and she was staying alive on sheer willpower. She had to survive, this nymph was all that was left of her home. She had to get it too safety. Her scouts had found a small hive of her kind. They didn't seem to have a queen yet, most likely attacked as hers had been. The other races were getting more organized and spreading faster. She had already taken in refugees from other hives that had been destroyed.

Then the large hairy ones found her growing hive, and though her soldiers fought well, they were outnumbered 3 to one.

She crested a hill and the small cluster of rocks came into view. Yes, they hadn't been hit yet, they would survive.

Dawn silently cried in sympathy toward them both, for their wounds and for the cold and for the loneliness that resonated in her own memories all too well. She gave the signal to stop to Chrysalis.

'Sorry. I'm at my limit... no more for now please.' she replied as she subconsciously relayed the memories of nearly freezing in her car, abandoned by all she knew and cared about while being within arm's reach of her own remaining parent, refusing to give in to the hardships. She didn’t want to relive those memories again.

'I understand. Another time.' Chryssy said as she sent her sympathy and understanding, recognizing those scenes from her prior digging into the mare.

'Sorry...' she apologized again as she struggled to get her emotions under control, trying her best to hide that she was crying.

'For what?'

'I don't know, not being strong enough?' She sniffled, barely having gotten her breath calmed.

'Dawn you are strong. Very strong.'

'You sure ‘bout that?' She chuckled weakly, having significant doubt in herself.

'Yes. Not many could endure what you have, yet still remain positive and show compassion.'

'Thanks...' she said, taking a deep breath before letting it out slow. 'I think we'll pick up tomorrow if that’s ok with you.'

'Yes. That is fine little pony.' She said and Dawn could feel it was meant with care. 'Shall I leave you to rest?'

'Well, I could use the company, if it’s not too much trouble...' she replied as she curled up on the seat, oblivious to the knock on the door for lunch service at mid-afternoon.

Twilight got up to answer it as Chrysalis replied. 'Not at all.'

Dawn continued to feel the positive emotions from the queen, slowly feeling the support as her negativity chipped away.

The server had brought some hayburgers and juice, while having a pitcher of water available. Dawn rested on the seat, still curled up but unnoticed by the server, who said they'll be arriving in 2 hours.

Twilight brought the meal in and set up the small table. 'Looks like your meal has arrived little pony.'

"Thanks, I was starting to get really hungry." Dawn smiled and sat up. She looked a lot better now, having been comforted and finally relaxed from the struggles of long ago.

Chrysalis chuckled. 'No problem little pony.'

Twilight was splitting the meal up as Dawn gently closed the link’s effect on her end on a final note of gratitude. She turned toward Twilight to give her attention, should it be requested. Twilight soon finished division of the food and held it out with her magic.

Dawn accepted her portion with her magic before saying, "I had no idea they had been through so much."

"The changelings?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah..."

"There is a reason they are so focused on strength and being strong. Queens are only attracted to those who are strong."

"Absolutely." She said, taking a bite of her food, "and they were really adapting of their circumstances... I don’t get why they were ever feared to begin with anymore."

"Because they look like monsters. Dark chitin, fangs, sharp reeth, bug eyes and twisted horns, they weren't anything like the other races on Equus which are all at least similar biology and, with the exceptions of the Griffins, mammals. They are insect based."

"I admit I'm not normally one to like insects, and am terrified of spiders, but they don't seem so foreign to me now that I’ve met them..."

"You have to factor in these were times even before the Unification. The races were still primitive and starting out. Monsters roamed the land, not just confined to a hand full of places like now."

"I suppose so..." Dawn replied, thinking about it with the memories given to her. She ate slowly and put on the condiments given, savoring the flavors despite feeling like something was missing.

"Yeah. It doesn't excuse trying to wipe out another race, especially since even after they stopped being primitives they continued. It's honestly not the best time in our history."

"Yeah... no race is perfect sadly, and some wounds run quite deep, but hopefully they can be fixed, with time and with effort." she said between bites as she soon polished off her first burger.

"I'm doing what I can, but it's ingrained in the Changelings to be how they are now. Deception is how they survive. Strength is how they overcome those who seek to destroy them. It's why Chrysalis was so happy to gain a daughter with me."

Dawn chuckled, "Oddly enough, I was thinking of the ponies when I said it... At least here anyway, they've been just as responsible for trying to hunt them down and destroying them. Still, I can imagine how happy you two are having Violet. She's a wonderful filly... so your having Violet showed her that you were strong? Or were you only allowed to have her because you were strong?"

"Changelings have taken on a culture of breeding desired traits into themselves.” Twilight clarified. “Traits that improve their race. As such, Queens are basically set to only be attracted to those who are strong and able to pass those traits onto the next generation. As such, they cannot breed a princess unless there is love from the queen as that means they have found a suitable mate. Even so, ponies and Changelings cannot breed, though now we know alicorns can."

"Ah... interesting. I wonder what the difference is just from unicorn to alicorn. I mean, the similarities is wings and horn but still."

"The magic, alicorns are a mix of all three tribes and their abilities. Their magic is a combination of such and different as a result. Even their biology is different."

"Odd, I don't feel like I'm different though... But wouldn't that mean that princesses would lose their ability to breed with ponies? Or does that mean that we become a middle ground that ... hmmm." Dawn thought, considering the implications of what's said. If she followed the same rules as Twilight, that meant that she could be impregnated by Chrysalis as well, though she seemed unwilling for now.

"Yes, a middle ground is fitting. Celestia has had foals in the past."

"What?! She has?" Dawn exclaimed loudly in surprise.

"Yes, several before she became Princess, and before she knew she was immortal."

"Ah..." she replied as that sank in. She thought to herself that either they had long since past, or had so many generations go past that it might have been too much to ever share if that were true of her own Celestia. She started wondering about her own child, how she might handle them growing up and their children and their children, if she was going to outlive them all. The thought disturbed her a great deal.

"Cherish what you have." Twilight said recognizing that look. "And never forget them."

"I fully intend to..." She replied somberly. They still had some time before they were to arrive in ponyville. "Do you think my child will be born an alicorn or no?"

"Don't know. My niece was."

"Hm...” Dawn thought, unsure and feeling like it was unlikely, “I started my pregnancy as a unicorn. They gave me my wings only a few months back."

Twilight only shrugged in reply.

"Guess it doesn't matter either way... So, should we continue my magical practice since we have the time?"

"Yes lets." She sad

Dawn took a deep breath after they finished their meal, and gave twilight her full attention.

"OK so then first thing first is...."

Two hours later the train was pulling into the Ponyville Station as Twilight smiled at Dawn. "You're doing great."

Dawn shook her head, "I don't know how I managed before... this is so confusing and yet I keep casting on instinct more than all this that you're going over. It's hard! Doesn't help Svikopi mis-taught me by the sound of it."

"Yes, he did. Seems he wanted you able to do basic magicks, but not be strong enough to be able to resist him." she said, standing as she started to grab their things. "And if it is by instinct, it may mean you have a knack for advanced spells."

"Perhaps. In a way I hope so, but I'm also afraid of the idea if that makes sense..."

"You should be. What we are doing can be dangerous if mishandled. Having a healthy dose if respect for it is good. It's like fire when done right. It can give you light and warmth and clear away brush, but lose respect for it and it will go out of control and destroy lives."

She nodded, having started to fasten her saddlebag snugly on her body and standing by the door. "I understand, at least partly, but since we're here, I'm guessing you want me to show you around or no?"

"Sure. And do you want to meet your friend first or wait till tomorrow?" She asked, donning her disguise.

She hesitated, "I don't know honestly. It's been a while since I saw him, but he's probably busy with the guild." She said, heading out toward the platform. Frankly it wouldn’t surprise her if he delayed the meeting, but it wasn’t particularly like him, what she knew of him anyway.

"The letter said he'd meet us at the ruins." She said as she followed behind.

"Fair enough. I didn't remember that part, so I guess we'll not worry about it, unless you meant it said the guild building itself." Dawn said, stepping off the platform down to the path toward town.

"Well we can go do research first and rest after the train or we can go meet your friend and the others who are going to help now." Twilight said as she followed.

"In my opinion? We may as well go meet them at the guild, they have an inn there as it is, even though not too many go because of how close it is to Everfree, but it'll be closer to the two sisters castle and cheaper." She said, already turning toward the roads needed. "By flight it'll only be an hour, or by walk it'd be half a day. I'm guessing we're going to fly?"

"Yes, but we will need to get outside of town so I can swap disguises." She said looking at the unicorn horn she had on her gray head, the body lacking wings. “As well as send a message to Twilight."

"Ah. Sorry, guess I hadn't paid enough attention. Could always borrow a bathroom stall though eh?" she chuckled, "Well, we could stop by 'the eyesore' as you put it, to see her. That is what you meant by it right, her castle?"

"Is it a giant crystal tree?"

"More or less.... looks a bit like an awkwardly shaped crystal castle to me, but yeah. I hope mine's a bit more... tactful. Should I ever request one." she said, chuckling because she knew she wouldn't ever request one.

"Then yes, that's what I mean by the eyesore."

"Gotcha... Well, guess we can stop by there, get those resources out of the way right?" Dawn asked, wanting to make sure it was what twilight wanted.

"I’m fine either way. Studying may take some time and if you’re tired, it would be the one we should pick. If you’re wanting to, we can still go to your friend. I'm asking you which are you up for." Twilight said, not letting the princess push the decision onto her.

"I'm honestly not that interested in rushing to see him just yet.” Dawn said with a shake of her head. “Let's go to the castle then, see if our Twilight knows what those ingredients might be used for, and rest until morning, then make the trip to the guild."

"Lead the way." She said gesturing

Dawn led the way down toward Ponyville, the castle very soon in view of the sunlight, though it was soon to be dusk. She took a leisurely pace, looking around as she hadn't really visited there much at all in her time in Equestria.

Twilight also looked around intensely and smiling. It had been a long time since she had seen the town like this and it felt good to see it so again. Dawn continued to walk along, sniffing the air around the bakery but resisting the urge to get some sweets. She continued, greeted casually by others there but nothing more than a courteous hello.

"This town always did treat me just like one of the normal townsfolk, even after I became a princess." Twilight said quietly, smiling softly as she saw familiar faces.

"Good to have something familiar and comforting huh?" she asked gently

"Yes, and I haven't seen a lot of these faces in some time."

"Perhaps we should stick around longer then? Give you a chance to recoup and socialize with them once again?"

"Sadly, they don't know who I am, and we have important matters to attend to." Twilight reminded her.

"Fair enough... maybe after it's over." She said, before realizing that may be a long time, if this visit to Ponyville takes as long as the last time she had visited a couple years ago.

"Perhaps." Twilight said as they walked.

The pair walked on quietly, until all too soon, they were in front of the doors to Twilight's 'eyesore' castle. Dawn knocked on the door and waited while Twilight watched the surrounding area. Soon enough, the door opened, and no one was at eye level, but a squeaky almost adolescent voice called.

"Oh hey Dawn. How's it goin?"

"Hi!" she replied back, looking down to see the purple ‘kinda-dragon’ that opened the door. "I was wanting to speak to Twilight or take a look through some of her books if she's not around. Is she free?"

"Sure, come on in!" Spike replied, waving them in, already turning to walk down the hall with his short stubby legs. He led the way down the halls and up some stairs before going to a room on the second floor where Twilight was reorganizing her books yet again.

Twilight followed behind playing the part of the guard perfectly.

Dawn cleared her throat before calling out, "Hey Twilight, we're here!"

"Dawn? Oh, sorry, you caught me in the middle of my mid-season reorganizing. See, normally this time of the year I sort them alphabetically, sorted by author’s species and hobbies, but clearly it's better to have them sorted chronologically by author’s mane color, subject of expertise, and then popularity!"

"Ah..." Dawn replied, not sure how to reply. "Well, we've got a bit of a spell problem on our hooves, and were wanting information on it. Can you help?"

"Huh, well that sounds interesting. What's the problem?" Twilight said, still sorting out books as she listened.

"Someone's been stealing specific books and ingredients, and I don't have the knowledge or training to figure out what it might be used for." Dawn replied, turning back to her 'guard' Twilight, "Do you remember the list of things involved?"

Princess Twilight already had a quill and scroll out and ready, looking between them until she saw Stonewall nodding and pulling out the list from her saddlebags.

"These are the items that have been being taken, and we thought with your considerable library you might be able to aide us Princess." She said deepening her voice slightly so as to hide it.

"Oh!" she replied, grabbing the list eagerly without even paying attention to the voice, "Let's take a look." She said, already reading and saying out loud each of the items, and making a continual commentary on them.

"Aaaand there she goes." Spike said with weary sarcasm. "She's gonna be like that for a while. You two hungry? I could go for some pancakes."

"Yes Sir Spike, I would be honored." Stonewall nodded politely.

"Let's see, Starswirl the Bearded’s Spell Matrices Vol. 3… Solar Delight's Ancient Spells: A Reference Guide… six grams of ground ferital root… two teaspoons of water from a beni plant… a pound of sugar…" Twilight mumbled in her own little world.

"Sir Spike huh?" he said, looking up at the guard pony, "I like the sound of that!" He climbed up onto their back and patted their neck, "I don't suppose you mind giving me a lift to the kitchen either. It's just down the hall." he pointed.

Dawn chuckled lightly and then moved to follow them both, sensing where it was going.

"Not at all Sir Spike." She said starting to walk having to be careful so he did not touch her hidden wings. "It is the least I could do for a hero such as yourself."

"Huh, you know something I don't?" he asked, leaning his head toward hers and eyeing her curiously, "Ohhhh wait, now I know! You've heard of what I did in the Crystal Empire, right?"

"Easy there Spike, I know you like telling that story, but it happened what, three years ago?" Dawn asked, chuckling.

"Hey, a dragon's gotta start somewhere right?"

"Yes I have, you saved many ponies that day Sir Spike." Stonewall said.

"Hehe, yeah, I am pretty awesome after all." He said as they reached the kitchen doors, arms reaching behind his head as he half reclined on Stonewall’s back.

"So, is the 'pretty awesome' 'Sir Spike' wanting plain pancakes, blueberry, bacon, maple, or what?" Dawn asked, oblivious to having mentioned bacon.

"Blueberry sounds good, oh, and gem pancakes!" he said eagerly, standing up on 'Stonewall's back

"I shall make them if Sir Spike would not mind?" She asked looking back at the dragon.

"Sure." He said, giggling at their repeated calling him ‘sir’ before hopping down off their back onto the floor.

"I'll get the table ready." Dawn chimed in, opening cabinets to locate what was needed.

Stonewall went and started to pull items out and began to mix the batter

Spike sat down in his chair, and as soon as Dawn even set down the dishes needed, he pulled out a few comic books and continued to read where he last left off. Dawn looked on for a moment, recognizing that he had no pockets, no saddlebags that could have held the comics, and began wondering where in the world he pulled them from. This only lasted a few seconds before she shrugged, not wanting to really think about it too hard.

Stonewall smiled as she hummed a tune while she cooked

Dawn's stomach grumbled, despite having eaten the hayburgers before, and simply looked between Stonewall and Spike, enjoying their presence as she suppressed her hunger. After a bit, Stonewall set a plate of gem pancakes before Spike and blueberry ones for herself and Dawn.

"Ooooo," was all Dawn got out to say before she reached for some butter to spread on the pancakes.

"Oh wow!" Spike called, putting his comics away before stabbing a fork into the pancakes and taking a comically big slice out of them, soon saying around the bite, "Wow, fifz juff lik' Twilif’s!"

"I shall take that as a compliment Sir Spike." Stonewall chuckled as she sat.

Dawn readily ate her own pancakes, though not at the same speed as spike, sighing contentedly as she feels like it hit her cravings almost perfectly that moment. She ate slowly, savoring the flavors as she tried not to laugh at the sight of Spike eating noisily and having bulging cheeks as he chewed his food.

Stonewall chuckled at seeing Spike behave this way. It had been a long time since he was this young. It was nice to see his innocence once more.

Spike ate, oblivious to the connection they had as he demolished the last of his pancakes, "Mmmmm-mm! That was deeelicious!" He said after he swallowed the last bite. "Where'd you learn to make these? Everyone always seems to burn them when it's not Twilight."

"Oh, I enjoy cooking." She chuckled. "So you learn the general basics that are true for all food."

"Well, wherever you learned it, I loved it!" he declared with finality.

"Spike, would you mind if we used a guest room for the night?" Dawn asked soon after.

"Sure, but only if you make those pancakes again for breakfast." he winked, shooting out two claws at Stonewall before climbing down off the chair, "Come on, follow me."

"I'd be happy too." Stonewall chuckled, getting to her hooves

"Awesome!" he cheered, pumping an arm and then whistling a happy tune. Before long, they were in front of the guest room. "Well, here ya are! If ya need anything, lemme know! Payment by pancakes in advance is always appreciated!"

He sauntered off shortly after, Dawn already heading into the room so she could take off her saddlebags once again.

Twilight followed behind, a small smile on her face. "It's nice to see him so young and innocent again."

"I'm glad." She said simply, worried that ill had befallen him in Stonewall’s timeline. Rather than risk upsetting her, she looked at the two beds present, "Guess we don't have to worry about sharing beds at least." She chuckled, remembering her earlier discomfort only after that had been said.

"Eh, wouldn't matter to me as long as you didn't mind metal."

"Probably not. I like having a body next to me when I sleep. It's comforting. After months of sharing either bed or tent with Stalwart, It’s hard to sleep without. Not that I can't, of course."

"If you like we can use one bed."

"I'd... appreciate it, though I don't want to make you uncomfortable." She said, shifting in place a bit.

She tilted her head. "Why would it make me uncomfortable? It's just sleeping in the same bed."

Dawn chuckled, starting to reopen the link if she was able, replying, "Oh, no reason."

Twilight nodded grabbing a book to read.

Dawn’s spell-link was weaker than before and took almost 10 minutes to strengthen. 'Sorry, didn't notice the link. Everything ok?' The queen asked.

'Mostly. Noticed Twilight was being a little happier around Spike. Thought I'd relay that to let you know. That, and she apparently didn't see a problem with sleeping in the same bed.' Dawn mentally giggled. 'I don't know about you, but that implies a few things where I'm from, like trust or possibly affection.'

'A bit of trust I guess, as she wouldn't do it with someone she expected to try and kill her. But to her, sleep is sleep and doesn't mean anything.'

'Fair enough...' Dawn replied, slightly disappointed, 'Well at least I'll be comforted if nothing else. Mind if I ask for some more history, or is it a bad time?'

'Any time is fine. I can multitask.'

'Heh, you're better than I am then... despite my being a mare I still can't multitask well, though it doesn't stop me from trying.' She chuckled, thinking to all the stereotypes of how women were better at it. She knew firsthand how that wasn’t true. Her abilities definitely didn’t improve after hormones or getting her current form.

'Well, ponies, and any other race for that matter, can't multi-task like a Queen.' Chrysalis replied with a chuckle at the mare’s thoughts, mixed with a bit of pride in her position.

'I bow to your expertise, my queen.' She said, smiling broadly as she thought it while debating if she would indeed bow to them. She climbed up into bed and curled up lightly, feeling her belly’s unwillingness to stretch or bend, grunting quietly as she got comfortable.

'Whenever you're ready Chryssy.' She replied.

Author's Notes:

And we get to see some of the Changeling history and what shaped their entire world views and culture.

I have a PATREON with fair rewards. Every bit is greatly appreciated and helps me out.