♪♪
Ha! Straight to the changeling hive.
I told you I could do it.
Well, not exactly "straight" Starlight.
We've been popping all around Equestria
and we still have to walk.
It's like twelve steps away.
Before Chrysalis' throne was destroyed,
the closest magic would have gotten us was way over there.
On a scale of one-to-ten, how happy do you think Thorax
is going to be about our surprise visit?
Definitely ten.
I mean, who wouldn't be happy at the chance to marvel
at the overwhelming talent that is...
the Great and Powerful Trixie?
[pow]
Trixie, we're coming to offer Thorax
encouragement and support.
His letters make it seem like the responsibilities of being
the changeling leader are a little overwhelming.
Yeah, I know.
That's basically what I said.
He's dealing with the wants and needs of his subjects,
redesigning the hive,
a Dread Maulwurf wreaking havoc outside.
It does sound like a lot, but...
are you sure that last thing is real?
The Dread Maulwurf?
Sure it is.
Thorax said it's like half-bear, half-mole,
half-raging pile of claws.
But now that the changelings don't feed on the love of
everything around them, plants have started to grow back.
But this Maulwurf keeps eating them all up.
Maulwurf. Uh-huh.
You're just trying to scare me.
But it won't work because not only am I
the Great and Powerful, I am also the Unscareable Trixie.
[explosion]
Rahr!
[scream]
Please tell me Thorax also mentioned a terrifying-looking
changeling who greets visitors but is actually nice?
Nope.
And I'm not nice.
[snarl]
[zapping]
Starlight, you got us here, I'll take us home.
Teleportation spell, go!
Did I save us?
Nope.
♪ My little pony, my little pony ♪
♪ Aaaahhh ♪
♪ My little Pony ♪
♪ I used to wonder what friendship could be. ♪
♪ My Little Pony ♪
♪ Until you all shared its magic with me. ♪
♪ Big adventure! ♪ ♪ Tons of fun ♪
♪ A beautiful heart! ♪ ♪ Faithful and strong! ♪
♪ Sharing kindness ♪ ♪ it's an easy feat ♪
♪ And magic makes it all complete! ♪
♪ To have my little pony ♪
♪ Do you know you're all my very best friends? ♪
♪♪
What are you waiting for?
Use some magic to get us out of here!
Calm down, Unscareable Trixie.
We have to find out what's going on.
Thorax might need our help.
We need our help!
Teleportation spell, go! Teleportation spell, go!
[squeal]
Teleportation spell...
Why do you keep doing that?
You know it doesn't work that way.
I know! But this is my process.
Gah!
I captured these trespassers.
Starlight?
Trixie?
It's OK, Pharynx.
You can let them go.
But they were lurking on our grounds!
In the old days, I would have already feasted on their love.
Well, that's why they're called the old days.
Because they're old.
We don't do that anymore.
♪♪
I liked the old days better.
What are you two doing here?
We wanted to surprise you.
Surprise!
Well, it's great to see you.
I'm sorry about the welcome committee.
[hiss]
I thought Ember helped you get more assertive
so you could deal with all the renegade changelings
who didn't want to change?
Oh, she did. Really helpful.
I was able to convince all of them to change...
except one of them.
My brother.
Your brother?
Yep. Pharynx is my elder brood mate.
[grunts]
Oh, yeah.
You guys have the same...
eye shape?
What a ridiculous comparison. We are nothing alike.
[sigh]
[banging]
Stop doing that!
The hive looked better with holes.
[hiss]
Well, how about I show you the rest of the hive
where it's less loud and bang-y?
There've been a lot of changes since you were here last.
I'm trying to start some new activities since the only thing
we did before was hunt and patrol.
There's theater...
swing dancing,
♪♪
a once-a-week potluck lunch...
Ooh! And who can change shape and organize craft time?
[whoosh]
This guy!
I am really impressed, Thorax.
The hive, all the activities...
Agh! He did it again!
Pharynx dumped an entire can of black paint on me!
He said my fuchsia color wasn't "intimidating to our enemies."
What enemies?
I am so sorry.
I promise I'll talk to him.
You're the ruler of the hive, Thorax.
You need to do more than talk!
Well? Maybe not everything here is amazing.
Seriously, Thorax.
What is up with your brother?
[sigh] Pharynx used to be Head of Patrol.
But now we're peaceful and there's no need to patrol,
so he just stalks around the hive making everyone miserable.
The other changelings are sick of it and if I can't get him
to accept love and friendship and change like the rest of us,
everything I've done here is at risk.
[negative] Uh huh!
[hopeful sound]
[sigh] OK.
We know a thing or two about what it's like to be outsiders.
Maybe we could talk to him for you.
Do you really think you could help?
Thorax, if there's anypony who can help your brother...
it's me.
And with Starlight helping, it might take slightly longer,
but I guarantee you we can do it.
[groan]
Thorax, we're ready to start work on the trail of plants
to lead the Maulwurf away.
I have to head outside.
You're sure you're OK handling Pharynx?
Absolutely!
[shouts]
Yeah. We totally got this!
[grunts]
So. How do you want to play this?
I'm thinking good pony/bad pony.
You yell and blast him with magic,
while my natural charisma will convince him that--
Starlight?
Hey, Pharynx.
I know when we first met, it didn't go so well...
I put you in a bag.
I thought it went great.
Right. [ahem]
So... not a big fan of the vines, huh?
They're a safety hazard.
An enemy could hide in them or use them as weapons.
I don't even know why they're here.
Because they're pretty?
That's ridiculous.
Totally.
We get you.
But maybe don't express how you feel by destroying them?
I don't take advice from ponies.
The only thing I take from you is breakfast.
At least I used to.
You know, you're a lot like us.
Doubt it.
It's true.
Do you know who Twilight Sparkle is?
No.
Well, she's the most well-liked, studious,
do-goodiest pony in Equestria.
She sounds awful.
Oh, you'd hate her. I used to.
She made me unsure about my place in the world,
which led me to act out against her.
And I used to be a dictator who ran a village with an iron hoof!
Really? Hmm. Maybe you two do understand me.
Yes! We do!
But now, Trixie has come to terms with being second-best...
And I no longer control ponies against their will.
And our lives are so much better for it.
Wow. So you're both losers.
Stay away from me or I'll do to you what I did to the vines.
Well, operation Lead Maulwurf away is coming along.
How'd it go with Pharynx?
Your brother is...um, challenging.
That bad, huh?
It wasn't great.
You want to talk it out?
You can come with me to the Feelings Forum.
The Feeling what, now?
It's a place for changelings to express their feelings
so we all gain a better understanding of each other.
It's really helped bring the hive closer together.
Sometimes I feel like I'm a blue changeling.
Sometimes I feel like I'm a purple changeling.
But here I am, a green one.
You can be anything you want to be.
Be blue one day and purple the next.
Be both on the same day!
But then I feel like I'd be living a lie.
It's very brave of you to share something so personal.
Does anyone else have similar concerns?
I used to, but craft time has given me such a creative outlet
I feel great now.
Everyone loves craft time.
[chatter]
Well...
everyone except for you-know-who.
Yeah. You-know-who spends all his craft time making spears.
He's scary and intimidating.
You-know-who makes me uncomfortable.
He makes us all uncomfortable!
Everyone, please, I understand Pharynx
can be challenging at times--
That's an understatement.
He lined the hallway with thorns!
He teaches little changelings to growl and hiss!
My soup's too hot!
What?
I thought the Feelings Forum was for sharing our problems?
It sounds like your lame Feelings Forum is for talking
about me behind my back.
The Feelings Forum is for talking about anything
that's bothering you.
Is there something you'd like to share, Pharynx?
Actually, there is.
The changelings used to be a fearsome swarm.
Now we sit around talking about our feelings so much
you can't even stop a Maulwurf
from eating all your pretty plants.
I could've sent that thing packing before,
but I guess now, we'll just try to lead it away
and hope that keeps us safe!
I don't feel safe with him around.
I'd feel safer if he were gone.
I can't do that.
We want him banished!
[all chattering at once]
[sip]
Hey! My soup's cooled down!
These Feelings Forums are great for solving problems!
[gong]
Everyone, please, if we are interrupting each other,
we are not affirming each other.
[arguing]
That's it! Feelings Forum is over!
♪♪
I.... I want to say something, but it goes against everything
I've been taught as Twilight's pupil.
Oh, then by all means, say it.
[sigh]
I think Pharynx is a lost cause.
I'm all for second chances, third even,
but he just seems like a bad bug.
And Thorax has a duty to the whole hive,
not just his brother.
If he keeps sticking up for Pharynx,
the hive might decide they don't want Thorax as their leader.
I think he might have to kick Pharynx out,
but I don't want to be the one to tell Thorax that.
Me neither! But somepony probably should.
I nominate you!
[sigh]
[whoosh]
Thorax... we have something to tell you.
It's about Pharynx, isn't it?
Maybe?
Look, I know he's an aggressive warrior type,
but when I was little, every young changeling
wanted to be like that.
♪♪
[attack cries]
Every young changeling except me.
The others would pick on me for not wanting to fight.
Look at the little grub playing with his dollies.
[mean laughter]
Step away from my brother.
[slam]
But Pharynx never let them hurt me.
We were just complimenting his dollies.
[shriek]
[squeals]
♪♪
[whoosh]
Thanks, Pharynx.
Why are you hitting yourself?
Stop hitting yourself.
Why are you hitting yourself?
Ouch!
Cut it out, Pharynx!
They're right, you know.
You need to have tougher skin.
Awwww. That was a really sweet story...until the end.
I know Pharynx loved me, in his own way.
And I know there's still good in him.
That's why I keep sticking up for him.
Anyway, what did you want to talk to me about?
Me? No.
But Starlight has something she'd--
Actually, Thorax, um...
never mind.
Come on, Trixie, we've got a... thing to do.
What are you doing?
I thought we agreed you'd tell Thorax
he had to kick his brother out of the hive.
Maybe we don't have to.
Get Pharynx and meet me at the hive entrance.
I'll explain everything.
And how am I supposed to know where Pharynx is?
I just saw Pharynx.
Oh. Well, that was easy.
♪♪
We'll just use one problem to solve another.
I switched the trail of plants around
to lure the Maulwurf here.
The changelings may not be able to stop it anymore,
but Pharynx certainly can.
When it attacks, he'll save his brother,
showing everypony his good side.
The others will accept him and Pharynx will finally
let love and friendship into his life and transform!
Wow.
I know, right?
Great idea.
Where's Pharynx?
He's gone.
Gone like gone to the throne room?
Gone like gone.
One of the changelings said Pharynx left the hive for good.
[cheers]
Then who's going to stop the Dread Maulwurf I'm leading here?
[screams]
Thorax! There you are!
Pharynx is missing!
[screams]
Wait for it...
--and the Dread Maulwurf is coming this way!
[screams]
Told ya.
That doesn't make any sense.
The trail of plants should have lead the Dread Maulwurf away.
I might have re-laid them to lead it back toward the hive.
Why would you do that?
I thought if Pharynx saw you were in danger, the loving,
caring side of him would come out when he protected you.
But instead he's out there alone
somewhere between us and that rampaging monster?
I have to save him.
I'm coming with you.
Of course you are.
This is all your fault.
Oh, don't be too hard on Starlight.
Her heart was in the right place.
You're coming too!
Oh. Right.
I mean, I was gonna volunteer anyway.
Who else is coming?
Fine.
Oh, sure, you could all stay here.
Not help Pharynx and he won't bother you anymore.
It's your choice.
But remember when you didn't have a choice.
When you were forced to obey Chrysalis.
You might have been unstoppable, but you weren't free to choose.
And now you are.
Because of Thorax.
Well, it's his brother out there.
And now it's your chance to prove you're just as strong
embracing love as you were feeding on it.
Now is your chance to show what changelings can really be.
Not because you have to, but because you choose to!
That was an amazingly epic speech, Starlight.
I just can't believe not a single changeling
was moved by it.
I can't blame them.
If he wasn't my brother, I don't think I'd be here.
We're going to have to face the Maulwurf by ourselves.
Maybe it'll be long gone
and we'll find Pharynx out here alone.
[growls and grunts]
Or maybe not.
♪♪
Pharynx!
What are you doing here?
I'm here to save you!
Get out of here!
Let me handle this!
We're not leaving you!
♪♪
[growl]
I may have forgot to mention in my letters that Maulwurfs
have really thick hides.
[roar]
I thought you said you could beat this thing!
Yeah, with the rest of the swarm.
Not alone!
Good thing you're not alone!
I told you it was an epic speech.
[shouts]
♪♪
It's no use!
We're out of practice and he's too tough!
♪♪
And strong.
Too bad we can't get it to fight itself.
That's it!
Thorax! Remember when we were young
and I made you hit yourself?
Now is not the time to make fun of me, Pharynx!
Oh! Right! Of course!
♪♪
Why are you hitting yourself?
Yeah, Maulwurf.
Why are you hitting yourself?
[thwack]
Why are you hitting yourself, huh?
[crash]
[hiss]
[chomp]
Oooh. That looks like it hurts.
[screech]
♪♪
We did it! It's gone!
[cheers]
What were you doing out here?
Leaving. I'm done with all of you.
Oh.
It's just, why bother fighting the Maulwurf then?
You could have left it alone.
Well, I couldn't just let it attack you!
But I thought you were done with us and you didn't care.
I never said that!
The hive is the thing I care about most.
Well, you certainly don't act like it.
Well, I'm sorry if I don't get excited about pretty flowers
and Feelings Circles.
It's a Feelings Forum.
Whatever. It doesn't matter.
Even if I do care about the hive,
I obviously don't have a place there anymore.
Actually, you do.
Because we've been wrong.
The hive may be a gentler, nicer place...
But that doesn't mean we won't have to defend ourselves.
Clearly.
And who better to help us do that than the only changeling
who never stopped protecting us?
[agreeing chatter]
You all... want me to stay?
Unless you still want to leave the hive.
Why would I want that?
I love the hive!
[cheers]
[whooshing and chimes]
♪♪
He did it!
He transformed!
I always knew you had it in you!
Really? Because I thought you said I was a lost cause
and you were going to tell Thorax he should kick me out.
Starlight!
How could you say that?
Wha? that's...
I mean...
but you...
Lucky for us, you weren't a lost cause.
Lucky for me, you didn't give up on me.
[happy chatter]
So... Glad everything worked out.
Yeah. Let's talk about how you not only lead the Maulwurf
to the hive, but also drove my brother away from it?
I am so sorry about that.
But I would like to point out that my admittedly terrible plan
did bring everything together in the end.
Hey, do you guys want to hear the story
about how I used to make Thorax hit himself?
Absolutely. Yes. Right now!
Well, when we were young,
every changeling wanted to be a warrior.
Except for Thorax...
He was a little weak.. but I had to protect...