@CronoM
So friendship isn’t okay if you just want to be stronger? But isn’t that what friendship is all about? Getting together to become stronger and unbreakable. Y’know like the sticks analogy. One stick is easy to break but many are unbreakable.

@CronoM
I have a version of “Dusk Till Dawn”. Is it ok if i add Mo and Bo?

I hear what you’re saying but there are problems with that.

One, none of them historically have the moral fiber to be trusted to simply go back to that path of friendship, being satisfied with their current circle, and possibly deciding to just take over Equestria again.

Two, its sort of pursuit of friendship for all the wrong reasons sort of deal. They have to be convinced to pursue some form of friendship that does not promise higher success rate for gaining power. Its fine if that is a side effect, but they aren’t going to empathize with anyone else less ‘useful’ then those in their group of friends if that is their end goal.

Them being friends isn’t the only end goal. In theory its fine if friendships are born from alliances. But these 3 need a slightly different motivation so they can empathize with people eventually.

@Red Cedar
After all, they’re not flawless.

Work in progress…

@Background Pony #35DA
But they did care about each other. They made jokes with each other, came up with a plan together, and eventually put their own needs after each other and looked out for each other’s wellbeing. That was how they got Grogar’s bell. They refused the feelings then, but they did like how it feels. They liked how they feel around each other, and they know how friendship feels, at least friendship with each other. And who are we to say their version of friendship is wrong? They can team up to become more powerful and rule Equestria together. Who says their friendship is wrong just because it also makes them more powerful?

@Wayneponeth
U have to have had experienced real friendships to know, real friendship is because u actually care about each other, not just with them out of boredom, not wanting to be alone or as a means to a end. Cozy at the time tried to get them to be friends because she believed friendship equals power.

@Lord WyrmSpawN
Who are we to say their alliance is not real friendship as well? What kinds of friendship are the “real friendship” by definition?

@Wayneponeth
Real friendship, not alliances borne of convenience.

Well no pony expects them to be besties from the get go

But Cozy, you know more about friendship than the two of them. You even encouraged all three of you to be friends before. You know how friendship feels.

Just need to keep talking

Boring them into reformation seems to be doing the trick.

Looks like they’re starting to come around. A good sign.

But I’m afraid Thorax and Pharnyx might have something to say about Chrissy getting her hive back.

I will give Chrysalis credit for having the courage to admit she hates being alone.

Progress

Tirek could return to his homeland, IN THEORY. I mean, it’s been around a millenia since his country has heard from him. I wonder if they were even aware he attacked Equus twice.
As for Chrysalis, maybe she has a few loyal units? Is true Thorax basically brainwashed the hives under his command without so much resistance (probably because changeling probably work in hivemind mentality), but some hivers like Pharynx proves some miss the old rulership.
As for Cozy, yes, you are right, you deserve a sweater because you are that smart.

Nice

That’s better…