Two-Sided Prequel II: Who You Work For
Who you Work for
Ch1
“You will never make it! You hear me!?” Those were the last words Coco Pommel heard as she quit working for Suri Polomare, her previous boss. Ever since Coco has left her previous work, she has been happily working on a new line of apparel. That is, she was working on a new line, until she finished it.
Just when Coco left Suri, she joined Rarity and assisted her in making costumes for a play, which didn't take the two very long to finish. Though she got payed for her efforts, Coco had a hard time looking for work after the mare finished her project with Rarity. When Coco looked for a job out in Manehattan, every local shop was either not looking for designers, or there was some bad name out against Coco. And she couldn't doubt the fact that there was a bad name against her because when she left Suri, she tossed a hot cup of coffee in her ex-boss' face. But to Coco, Suri deserved it. She stole Rarity's concept by using “a little” of Rarity's fabric. On top of that, Suri had Coco work on a new line up for the contest that was held in the city, even though Suri was the one who was the one participating in the contest. Further more, Suri tried to lie to Rarity that she lost the contest, despite the fact that the unicorn was the supreme victor. That pushed Coco off the deep end and caused her to leave her now former boss. Well, not before splashing hot coffee in Suri's face.
Even though Suri did deserve a hot espresso with a side of poetic justice in her face, Coco regretted her choice of action because it gave herself a bad name. The mare now works at a small coffee shop so she can pay off her rent. Because work was hard to be found in the field of tailoring, especially in the big city, it was the only thing Coco could really receive. Aside from being well skilled in making apparel, she could also make various flavored coffees. However, her ability to make a mean espresso reminded Coco all to well of her previous boss, as if the past likes to make fun of the unfortunate mare. The only thing that Suri did while Coco worked for her was yell at her for being slow and demanding the occasional cup of coffee.
It was another day at the coffee shop as Coco made another transaction at the cash register. “That will be twelve bits please,” she smiled. The customer quickly placed a dozen coins on the counter as the cashier scooped them up and placed it in the drawer. “Her is your receipt and your espresso will be number 37.”
The day was a Wednesday. It was 11AM and slow. Business during this time of day was usually not at a fast pace because most of the pony folk were at work. Coco was an opener at the store and had about an hour left of her shift before she had to clock out.
A voice came from behind Coco. “Do you want be to make the espresso for you?” The cashier looked to see her boss standing from behind. A badge by the name of Steam Joe was pinned on the manager's shirt.
“You sure you can handle it?”
“Honey, I have been working here since I opened this joint! Let me handle it sweetheart.”
“Alright.” After an exchange of smiles, the boss began making the caffeinated beverage as Coco began sweeping the floors of the kitchen.
“Any luck finding any work in your fashion field yet,” Joe spoke.
Coco stopped her sweeping as she heard her boss. “No, not yet...”
Joe could see his co-worker slightly depressed as she resumed her sweeping session, and this time, looking at the ground. “It's been about 2 months since you've been working here and you still haven't found anything?”
“None...” It's not like she hasn't found anything. Coco has given up. No matter how many times she walked in and out of fashion departments, wrote applications, and called various businesses time and time again, it was always a no. “I just don't know why it is so hard to find something in this big ol' city.” She stopped looking for another job almost 2 weeks ago. The effort just didn't seem to pay off, so she would rather make money to pay rent and eat than starve.
“You have got to move on from this place and out in the real world. You know how much you love fashion. Trust me, you have told me a lot about your passion.”
“That's true. But who is going to take me? I mean, I already have a bad name out there even though I stood up for what was right. I just...”
Placing a hoof on her shoulder, Joe said kindly, “Hun, we talk about this almost every time you work. Just remember this: work will find you in due time. You just got to take the initiative to find it.”
“Yeah, you are right.” A light smile came across Coco's light cream colored face. Looking up, she said, “Maybe today I might find some work.”
“Well you have already found it and that is to take this next customer's order.”
The glass door swung open as a pony in a black cloak entered the shop. There were some red flame streaks that stretched across the large dark cloak. It was hard to see the pony's eyes, but a large fang bared out the left side of their mouth.
“C... can you take this customer's order boss?” Coco looked a bit nervous because of the shady figure that had just entered the coffee store.
“Nonsense! You can handle this!” Patting the mare's back, Joe exclaimed, “Hello, inconspicuous customer! My lovely employe Coco Pommel here shall take your order!”
“Thanks for throwing the spotlight on me...”
“Well, you did work in making fashion shows and what's the sort. You should be used to it.” Condemning his co-worker, Joe walked into the kitchen doors and out of sight.
Without realizing it, the cloaked figure was standing at the front counter. Coco clenched the cash register as a shield while she cowered behind it. “How may I umm... t... take your order.”
But the pony in the cloak did not respond. Instead, they reached one arm toward the hood. In fear, Coco thought, Oh no, he... she... they are about to take off their hood! It's probably some hideous face of a wrinkled earth pony! As thoughts of panic shot through her mind, the hooded pony tossed the cloak and unveiled the pony from beneath.
Lowering their head, the individual said in a low tone, “Just a cup of dark walnut coffee and a heart shaped brownie...”
When Coco got a good look at the pony, it was a unicorn colt; a very tired looking one that is. His face was a dark crimson color and his hair had a glass like uniqueness. There were various shades of red in the stallion's hair, like bits of red in a broken glass mural. It seemed that he was handcrafted, made to look perfect.
Well now I feel like a jerk.... But keeping her thoughts to herself, Coco finally responded to the customer's request. “I'm sorry, but we don't have heart shaped brownies...”
“Can't you just cut it up into the shape?”
The earth pony looked at the selection of sweets that sat on the counter. In the midst of them were the brownies in a perfect square. “I don't suppose I could.”
“And can you make sure you make the coffee with love?”
“Umm... excuse me?” Coco was a bit amused with the crimson unicorn and giggled from his request.
“I umm! Just... can you please?”
“Sure.” Then the cashier punched in the order. “Seven bits please.”
Scooping his hoof in his satchel, the unicorn casually placed a good amount of coins that far exceeded the amount of seven. “Will this cover it?”
Must be a foreigner... “Yes... it will.” Gathering only seven of the bits that littered the counter top, Coco pushed the remainder of the coins back at the stallion.
“The extra is to make sure you put love in it.”
“Y... you sure?” The mare was amused on how the customer was acting. I think he is hitting on me.
“Please, make sure it is made with extra love.”
“Okay then.” After taking the rest of the coins, Coco cut a brownie into a heart shape and starting making the cup of coffee. While she was doing so, the cloaked customer was still standing at the register, still as can be. Shying away, the mare continued her task.
Coming out of the kitchen was her boss who looked at the customer and asked, “Have you been helped sir?”
Remaining in his stagnant position, the unicorn hummed a “mmhmm” from his throat.
“Alright then sir... heh...” Hurrying over to Coco, the manager asked, “Did you anger him?”
“No, not at all. He is actually quite funny.”
“How so?”
“He wanted me to make the coffee with extra love.” Coco giggled once again. Just the thought of a customer wanting to have a cup of coffee with love was just weird. However, the unicorn was so serious about it that it was hard for Coco to contain herself.
As the light cream mare walked over to the counter and was about to call the order, her boss asked, “Were you talking about your crazy fashionesta life to another customer again?”
“N... no! Not this time.”
“Good.”
“Your order is ready sir!” Coming back to life, the unicorn slowly took a step forward and used his levitation magic and took the coffee and brownie.
“Thanks... You have any paper towels?”
“Let me get you some,” Joe spoke from behind the counter as he ran off into the kitchen.
“Geeze... always assuming I am always talking about fashion.”
“Did you say fashion?” Without realizing it, the mare was talking aloud and grabbed the customer's attention.
“Yes I did.”
“How much do you know?”
“Well... lots really. What do you want to know?”
“HA!” Joe's voice barked as he stood behind Coco. The mare was startled by the sudden outburst and dashed around the counter where the customer was standing. “I knew you were talking about fashion to the customer!”
“N... no, he asked me!”
“It is true,” the calm unicorn spoke. “And I wanted to know what she has done.”
“Is there a reason you wanted to know?” Coco was curious about this cloaked figure because nopony ever asked her about fashion, even when she mentioned it aloud.
“I am here in Manehattan to look for a fashion designer ready to be assigned a large task.”
“And what may that be?”
“Let's just say... you will be making a dress fit for a queen.”
“That sounds lovely!”
“How about we sit and talk about my proposal?”
“Heh... well I would, but...” The mare looked behind herself to see her boss staring with a blank expression. “...But I have work to do.”
“Is there a time will you be leaving?”
“In about one hour.”
“Then I shall wait until you do.”
“You don't have to.”
Without hesitating, the unicorn held a sack of bits in his hoof and gave it a good shake. Coins sang from the inside, like some joyous Hearth Warming Eve carrel. “I will pay you in a plenty amount.”
“I'LL TAKE THE COMMISION!” The noise from within the cafe was swallowed up by Coco's extreme outburst. She blushed and lowered her head in embarrassment.
Smiling, the unicorn said, “Then I shall be waiting.” And with that, he turned and walked off into the store and rounded a corner.
“Looks like you have yourself some work for your clothe making skills.” As Joe continued to stand where he was before, he smiled at his employee.
“Oh please oh please let me go talk to him now! It's been so long since I have done work in fashion! Just let me go just this once please!” Coco was extremely happy, excited, and nervous all at the same time. Never in her life did she think a scenario like this would happen. Events like this only happen in stories or unrealistic fan fictions.
“Go on, I got you covered. You are finished for the day early. Just let me know if you need a few days off. I haven't made the schedule yet so don't worry.”
Coco's eyes shimmered with delight. The moment reminded her of the time Rarity gave her work after she left Suri. “Thank you so much Joe!”
“Your welcome. Now go do your thing.”
In an instant, she briskly walked over to where the unicorn went off to. As she came around the corner, the mare saw him alone in the corner with his back turned. No other pony was this side of the store either. While he sat, a wisp of a green aura drifted through the air and went into his horn.
Trying not to startle him, Coco spoke calmly, “Umm, I am here...”
But it was to no avail that she was going to startle the unicorn. He twitched in fear as he looked to see who was behind him. “I thought you would be done in one hour.”
“My boss let me go early for the day. Sorry about that...”
“No need to be sorry. Come so we can discuss businesses matters.”
Shaking from anticipation, the mare walked over and took a seat on the opposite side of the stallion. “So what do you want me to do in terms of tailoring, mister...”
“Inferno Fang, but you can address me as Fang if you wish.”
“Alright.” She looked at Fang's coffee and brownie. The liquid in the cup looked like some thick molasses and the heart shaped treat had been shrived, cracked, and darkened. I wonder what he did to... never mind. I might as well not ask...
The stallion sighed in relief and spoke. “I'm glad I finally found somepony to do this job.”
“What do you mean?”
“No matter where I went in this concrete jungle, no tailor nor designer wanted to take my task at hand. I tried to show them the amount I would pay, but they simply said something on the lines of 'We are busy. Come back another time.' You would think that somewhere in this city you might find a generous soul who would take the job.”
“Well I can be that generous pony.” I cannot let this job slip by. Even if I have to come back and work at this coffee shop for the rest of my life, I just can't give up on my passion.
“Are you sure you can do this?”
“Yes, most definitely!”
“Positive?”
“I will put my skills to the test!”
“Because if you disappoint my queen-”
“Wait... did you say queen?”
“Correct.”
The air in the store grew tense. Wow... a queen... A lot went through Coco's mind at that moment. The biggest accomplisment that the mare has done was assist Rarity with the costumes for the pony musical. Aside from that, she has made the lovely clothing designs for the fashion show for Suri and several other commissions for dances and balls. But this task blows everything out of the water! A queen... Coco thought again. “So are you a soldier for this queen?”
“Correct.”
“And where is this queen?”
“Oh umm...” I should have thought of this before hand... Taking his time, Fang replied, “The kingdom is in the... Pointy Rock Glaciers?” As the sentence left the stallion's mouth, he sounded very unsure about himself. I have the title of the Queen's personal guard and yet sound very stupid and suspicious when under disguise...f
“Are those the mountains that go beyond the Everfree Forrest?”
But then again, the queen always tells us, 'The gullible are the easiest to trick.' “Yeeeees... it is.”
“I never thought there was a kingdom out there.”
“We are a umm... quiet little place.”
“How will we be getting there?”
“We take a train to Canterlot and then have an escort carriage take us to the kingdom.”
“Sounds...”
“Exciting?”
“It does...” Now the request was beginning to sound like an even more unrealistic fan fiction. This random customer walks into the coffee shop, offers Coco a job, and says it's for a queen for a kingdom that she has never heard of. Coco was beginning to feel unsure about this task now because of how ridiculous all of this sounded.
“You do not have to take the job if you don't want to.”
“NO! I will take the job!” She has made up her mind. She was going to take the job. She was going to work for this queen. And above all, she was going to continue her dream.
“Alright. Meet me at the train station at 6pm this evening.”
“We are leaving tonight?”
“Correct.”
“That leaves me with little time to prepare...”
“I'm sorry, but I have an agenda to uphold. The queen is...”
“Mean?”
“Let's just say that she needs all the love in the world. If she has none of that...” Fang shivered at the thought of the queen being angered.
“Alright. I will pack all my stuff and see you at the train station.”
“As will I.”
And with that, Coco stood up, informed her boss that she was not going to be working at the shop for a while, and left to her apartment.
***
Being the designer she is, Coco decided to be fashionably early to the train station. She awkwardly had two bags and a trunk strapped to her back as they extruded into the air. The time was 5:30pm and Inferno Fang was no where to be seen. Maybe I was too early...
But the mare thought too soon as she caught eye and fang of the unicorn. He, once again, had his dark hood over his head, as if to purposefully act suspicious. Walking over to him, Coco flimsily approached and said, “I am here.”
Fang noticed that the poor earth pony's legs were shaking from all of the weight that was bared upon her. “Would you be needing any help?”
“No... hehe... I'm fine.”
However, Fang didn't want to take no for an answer. Without asking, he used his magic to untie the ropes that were restraining the luggage and made quick haste to use his magic of levitation to gently let the heavy boxes down onto the ground. “Better?”
“Yes.” With no strength left, Coco flopped onto her belly in exhaustion.
“Haha, look who it is...” A rogue voice came from behind the tired mare.
That voice!
Staggering onto her feet, Coco glanced behind herself to see who it was; and to her surprise and misfortune, it was her old boss, Suri Polomare.
No! Oh no oh no oh no! Why is she hear?! Coco retreated behind Fang as Suri slowly approached.
“Do you know her,” Fang asked.
“Yes... She is-”
“I'm her ex-boss.” Suri was very blunt as she spoke. But somehow, she was smiling as the mare looked at the cowering pony. “Are you finally running away from the city?” A flame erupted in Coco's heart, but was quickly extinguished by her own fear.
“She is assisting me in a commission.” In her line of defense, Fang spoke for Coco.
“Oh, it's you again.” Mocking him, Suri asked, “Have you finally found some city trash to help you with your dress design fit for a queen?”
“No. I found a gem.” Fang was not fazed by any of the petty insults that were thrown at him. He instead stared back with a blank and emotionless stare.
A gem? Wow... I hardly know this unicorn or where he is from and he is standing up for me.
“I see.” Suri then looked at Coco. “Well, I can see why you are running off with this hooded freak.”
“Y... you do?” Coco replied.
“Yup. Thanks to you throwing coffee in my face, I decided to give all of the stores around town a 'friendly' reference about you, saying to never hire you.” Looking down in shame, Coco's expression showed regret. Suri wasn't done with lecturing her previous co-worker. “I warned you before that it is everypony for themselves in the city, not to look out for others. And now here you are, running away like the day you threw that coffee at my face. Coward.”
Coco just wanted to faze out of existence. Suri's words were sharp and hurtful, but made a point. If I didn't throw that cup at her, there would be no bad name against me... She tried to hide entire body out of Suri's view, but Coco could not. Luckly, the mare was able to hide her eyes because they were beginning to glass up with liquid.
“Are you finished,” Fang spoke in a sharp tone toward Suri. “You are offending my client and wasting my time.”
“Oh no! I am FAR from being finished,” the bitter mare replied. By her front hoof was an open cup of coffee. Suri looked down at it with a sinister expression. “Coco.” Like a magnet drawn to metal, the frightened mare looked up to see her old boss. “I think you forgot something when you left.”
“What...? What could I have possibly left in your possession?”
In the blink of an eye, Suri ran at Coco with the styrofoam cup in her hoof. In a fit of rage, the ex-boss yelled, “YOUR STUPID CUP OF COFFEE!” With all of her might, Suri threw the hot coffee at the defenseless pony.
Shutting her eyes in fear, Coco thought to herself, I guess I deserve this...
“Ah!” Coco felt her body shield walk away. When she opened her eyes, she saw Fang staggering a bit as the hot liquid splashed on his face. Looking a bit ahead of herself was Suri, who looked a lot less composed than she did a few moments ago. Regaining his footing, Fang glared at the attacker with a sinister grin. “You missed your target.”
“Grrr...” Suri was angry that she did not hit Coco, but instead hit this hooded freak.
“Are you alright Fang?!”
Turning his head, the stallion replied to Coco, “It's just liquid. Nothing spectacular here.” While he spoke, Coco noticed that the hot coffee was bubbling on his face and it quickly evaporated into the air.
“How did you-”
“I can heat my body up to high temperatures. Again, nothing spectacular here.”
Then, another sudden movement; and this time, it was Fang. He teleported in front of Suri, an inch of his face from her's. In a low tone to where only she could hear, the unicorn spoke, “You should leave before I become angry...”
Grinning her teeth, Suri asked, “And why should I do that?”
What Suri saw next caused her frustrated expression into a frightened one. She was now looking at a completely different face. The unicorn she saw moments ago was gone and what was there now was a sinister and black face. Again in a low tone, Fang spoke, but this time in a different voice, “You should fear what you don't know.” Blinking her eyes a few times, Suri then saw the familiar unicorn face. To the mare, she couldn't make of what just happened. However, she needed to get as far away from here as possible. Getting the last word, Fang barked, “BEGONE!”
Like a dog with its tail in between its legs, Suri sprinted with all her might. I MUST TELL SOMEPONY ABOUT THIS!
***
“Are you still okay?”
“Yeah...”
The world sped by as Fang and Coco sat on opposite sides from each other. The mare looked to the dark train window and saw a sad expression of herself. She was hurt by Suri's insults.
“Is umm... there anything I can do?” The unicorn was trying to remove the silence from the air.
“Well, you can answer a question.”
“Alright.”
“What did you do to Suri that caused her to run off like that?”
“I did a... you know... burning glare.”
“Heh, I can see how you did that because your name IS Inferno Fang.”
“That's what I do. Fire things, eheh...”
“I have another question and it's a silly one.”
“Say what you wish.”
“Will I be treated like a royal guest?”
“Y... yeah, you will?”
Hmm... Being a royal guest. Wow. I remember how Rarity said she has been a royal guest many times over. Makes me feel special. Forgetting the past events of the day, Coco found a smile on her face as she turned her head from the window and looked at Fang. “Umm... thank you for finding me and giving me this job.”
“Your welcome...” Fang's voice trailed off as he looked away from Coco's eyes.
“Is something wrong?”
“Are you SURE you want this job?” The unicorn's vague question confused the mare as he responded with a question.
“What? Of course I do. I am finally going to do some fashion designing, and above all, for a queen.”
“Well there is something I need to show you that may make you change your mind about this.”
“I doubt it. I mean, first you come in to my work, giving me a commission, and second, you stand up for me when my old boss was being a jerk to me. To be honest, this day couldn't have been any better.” Maybe when we get to Canterlot, I will be escorted in a personal carriage by some guardsmen. As Coco's mind began to ponder what may lie in store for her, Fang looked guilty, as if he did something wrong. “Is something wrong?”
“Yes...”
“What is it? You can tell me.”
“I cannot tell you, I have to show you...”
“Then show me.” Coco leaned a bit forward, anticipating what the unicorn has to show.
“Alright. However, you have to promise not to scream.”
“What are you talking about?”
Pulling his hood over his head, Fang looked around and saw that the rest of the train riders were either asleep or facing the other way. He then tugged on the side if his hood with both of his hooves, tunnel visioning himself on Coco. “Promise not to scream,” he asked again.
“Okay...” Will he be showing me a scar or some fire magi-
Her thoughts were suddenly halted... and so was her breath. Before the mare, a new face was beheld; the face of a changeling. Lucky for Fang, Coco did not scream. But her face also made a sudden change of expression, fear.
Quickly changing back to unicorn, the changeling took his hood off. “So, are you sure you want to still take the job.”
Coco looked around to see if anypony saw what she saw. A c...changeling?! HERE?! OF ALL OF THE PLACES AND CHANCES!?
“Now do you see why I asked you if you still wanted the job?”
“Mmhmm...” Pressing her back against the seat, Coco shivered where she sat, shying away from the shape shifter.
“Now, I will ask again. Do you still want to want the job?”
“Will I be making something for the changeling queen?”
“Chrysalis,” the changeling corrected. “And yes, you will.”
“Mmm...” Coco was unsure with herself. She did want to make a dress for a queen, but didn't expect it would be for the Queen of Changelings.
“You can turn down my offer at any moment.” Though he meant what he said, Fang looked a bit scared.
“What happens if I say no?” Now both Coco and Fang had a nervous look on their faces.
“Nothing... You just go home and pretended like this never happened. And what would happen to me... well... A good yell by the queen and have a portion of my rations taken.”
Wow. I feel kind of bad if I turn down this job... But this changeling... he stood up for me. Maybe there is more to the changelings. I know what I must do.
“I will still take the job.”
“Wai- WHAT?!”
“SHHH!” hissed a passenger on the train.
Continuing her thought, Coco said, “You gave me a job, AND you stood up for me. I thought changelings stole love and ate the hearts of ponies.”
“The eating hearts part is only a myth and shown in movies,” Fang laughed casually to himself.
“Anyways, The job shouldn't be that bad. Again, you gave me a chance with this job, so I might as well give this job a chance as well.”
“That is very generous of you. Thank you.”
The thought of Rarity flashed through Coco's mind. After all, she gave me that chance and I gave back. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad... Hopefully.
***
It was a few more hours before the train reached its destination. Coco and Fang got off the train in silence as they went over to the pick up area to see a small carriage. It looked a bit old, like it was from the colonial times, but seemed appropriate. In the small light, Coco could see some green stripes were painted on the cart, giving it that haunting feel of something horrifying has once ridden in this contraption.
“You will be riding in this,” Fang spoke in the dimly lit parking lot.
“Alright...” Though she made up her mind on what she wanted, Coco was still nervous... and a bit cold. The mare shivered as she slowly walked to the door of the carriage.
“Are you cold?”
“A little.”
Fang shivered violently for a brief moment and took off his cloak. “Here. This should keep you warm.”
“What about you?”
“My name is Inferno Fang. I think my fire affiliated abilities will keep me warm.”
When Coco grabbed hold of the clothing, a sudden rush of heat warmed her hoof. She pressed the cloak on her face and was surprised on how warm it was. Without hesitating, Coco put the cloak on and made a comforting “mmm” sound.
“Sir, your baggage is all strapped to the top of your carriage,” spoke the train station co-worker.
“Thank you.” Looking behind him, the unicorn said to Coco, “Are you ready?”
“Y- yeah.” It took a bit of strength to climb into the carriage. After all, it was close to midnight and Coco was nervous, so it took twice the strength. Closing the door, Coco was swallowed by silence. There were glass windows that sealed the inside of the car from the outside world. The cushions were a nice red color and soft. Across from the mare was a mirror. She could see a tired and nervous face as she looked at her reflection.
A muffled sound came from outside. Wondering what it was, Coco opened the door. “Are you now ready?” It was Fang and he sounded a bit impatient. But who could blame him; it was late enough and he wanted to get back to his kingdom as soon as possible.
“I am ready.” When he heard the door close, Fang gave the carriage a harsh tug and made his way onto the road.
Some lights dimly lit the path, so Coco was able to see outside her window. I wonder how long it will take us to get to where the changeling queen is...
Many other thoughts went through the mare's minds such as where she will stay, how will be treated, what does the place look like, and will the queen like her work?
But it was about fifteen minutes before the carriage came to a complete stop. Quickly opening the door, Coco asked, “Are we there yet?”
“No, it's going to be a bit longer.” The voice in the darkness clarified that it was Fang.
“Then why did we stop?”
Coco was about to get out of the carriage when she saw the shadow of Fang grow some large looking wings. They didn't look to be pegasus wings, but more like bat wings. It almost startled Coco, but then she remembered that her escort was a changeling. “Just close the door and hold on tight. And DON'T open the door.”
“Okay...” What is he talking about? And why did he grow wings all of a sudden? Setting her thoughts aside, Coco did as she was told and sat back to where she was. A harsh tug jerked the mare a bit before the cart started moving again. It started at a slow pace, but then the speed began to pick up. Looking to the outside world, everything sped by faster. The carriage began to rattle violently, as if it is going to fall apart at any moment. It got to the point where Coco wanted to open the door and tell Fang to slow down, but she remembered his instruction to not do so.
But just as soon as the cart was at an incredible speed, it somehow stopped its harsh vibration. There was a rushing of the wind, but no other sound followed. It felt as if the carriage was flying. Looking outside, Coco looked in terror as the world shrank below her. AM I IN THE SKY?! A dark blue cloud drifted by to clarify that she was, indeed, in the sky. She pressed herself on the back of her seat in fear. As she did that, however, the warmth of the cloak calmed the mare down a bit. Mustering up her wits, Coco scooted close to the window to see the white moon look down at her. She was surprised on how close she was to the massive rock, but it was just a bit further out of reach. With the warmth of the cloak and the clarity of the moon, not to mention how smooth the ride felt, Coco found herself drifting asleep. She wanted to get a better look at the world, but sleep was slowly invading her eyes. Before drifting to sleep, Coco said to herself, “Maybe this isn't going to be so bad after all...”
***
*KAH! KAH!*
A harsh rupture woke Coco from her soft slumber. The cart slid back and forth before coming to a halt. After a few moments, the door opened and a voice came in as well. “So you actually found somepony.” The voice was a bit harsh, considering it was a changeling. “She looks a bit... disoriented.” Coco's world was literally upside-down as she lay with her back against the wall and feet in the air. “I think you killed her...”
“Wha- I'm not dead!” Turning over, Coco stood onto her feet and looked at the one standing at the door. It was easy to see the changeling because it was decently lit outside.
“Forgive me for my terrible landing.” Fang's voice came from a bit of a distance. The changeling pushed the one standing at the door and beckoned Coco to exit the chariot.
Wide awake from the sudden landing, the mare left the chariot and stood on a stone ground. From her perspective, she saw what made the area look so bright. Every few meters was a lamp post that emitted a light blue-green aura at the top. The lamps looked like a tree roots as they stretched upward toward the light they were holding.
Coco was stunned on how lovely the light looked. It gave her another wave of relaxation, trying to tell her that things were going to be alright.
But just as Coco was getting used to the environment, a loud buzzing sound surrounded Fang, the other changeling, and herself. What came to the mare's mind was a swarm of bees is approaching, but that was impossible, since bees are no where near nocturnal. The stone ground knocked as rogue figures from the night landed around the three of them.
“We have informed the queen of your arrival,” spoke a voice. “Did you find a fashion designer as Queen Chrysalis requested?”
“Yes I have.”
The light from the lamps made it easy to see who was talking. A changeling with a scar slashed over his right eye came forth and approached Coco. “We appreciate your cooperation to work for the queen.”
“I- it's my p...pleasure.”
“My name is Sea Moor. I will be escorting you to the queen.” Sea Moor looked to Fang. “You have had a long day. You have been relieved of your duties for the evening.”
A sigh of relief escaped Fang. “Thanks bro.”
Bro? Sounds very casual talk for a guard, Coco thought to herself.
“Forgive me,” spoke Fang. Coco looked at her previous escort with a concerned look. “May I have my cloak back?”
“Oh! Yes of course! Sorry...”
“No need to be.”
After she gave the cloak back to Fang, Sea Moor said to the mare, “Please follow me.” Then he barked. “Guards!” Without skipping a beat, the surrounding changelings moved into a square formation behind Coco and himself. Looking back to the mare, he asked, “What is your name?”
“Coco Pommel.”
“Shall we?” The changeling gestured his arm forward to beckon Coco to walk forward. She had a hard time moving because of how the day's events have been happening; however, Coco managed to lift her hooves off the ground and began walking forward. Following her was her new escort, Sea Moor, and a group of solderers at her back.
***
Though Coco was the one who started the walk, Sea Moor was the one leading the way. A turn here and a turn there. It was hard to make out where they were headed to because the mare didn't know where she was in the first place. Despite the confusing directions, Coco looked at the many statues and pictures that rested within each hallway they turned on. Some statues were stone figures of the queen and other statues were just suits of armor. Most of the art portraits looked like lovely art that looked extremely valuable,but a few were torn, blackened, or even melted; as if the life was sucked from them.
Rounding one more corner, a much wider hallway was beheld. There were changelings that stood on opposite sides of the hallway, looking in a straight line with a spear in hoof. The armor they wore was black plated and a green gem rested in the middle of the breastplate. A normal yellow light came from the torches that sat on the walls of the hallway. At the end was a large jagged looking door with two more statues of the queen that sat on the outside of the doorway.
“Guards, dismissed!” As Sea Moor spoke, the changelings that were following him and Coco turned away and left. One of the guards who was standing in the hallway also began to leave until Sea Moor said in an irritated tone, “Not you! You stay put.” The stand out changeling quickly squabbled back into his position. “Come,” Sea Moor said to Coco.
She didn't speak, but responded by walking forward. As Coco walked closer to the large door, she felt more and more nervous. Never in her life did she think that she would meet any royalty, nor to think that she would work for a changeling.
About midway toward the door, Coco asked, “So... what do you do around here Sea Moor?”
Holding his head high, the changeling replied, “I am the combat instructor. I also happen to be the best trainer and strongest warrior.”
“That's nice.”
“It's all thanks to the queen who has blessed me with the position that I have.”
Looking to her sides, Coco saw some of the guards either rolling their eyes or pointing at Sea Moor's back, making fun of his boasting.
It didn't take long before they reached the large, spiky seal. Taking flight, Sea Moor flew up to the large left door handle and began pulling on it so that he may open the door. But for some reason, it would not budge. Pulling harder, the changeling yanked the handle again. To no avail, sadly, the door remained shut. “Confounded door!”
On the ground, Coco saw a sign that rested near the bottom of the right door, saying, “To open the door, push.”
Taking heed to what the sign said, Coco put her hoof on the right door and gave it a good push. Surprisingly, it took very little effort to get the door open. As if having life on its own, the door slowly opened up wide and another large room was from within, but a lot darker.
“How did you open this door?” Sea Moor looked exhausted as beads of sweat crawled down his face.
“I just read the sign and pushed it open.”
“Oh...” Sea Moor looked a bit embarrassed because he didn't manage to open the door.
“Better watch out Sea Moor,” spoke one of the guards standing behind Coco and himself. “Maybe she will take your title as the strongest warrior.” Low pitched laughs echoed through the hallway while Sea Moor tried to hide his face.
“Shut up!” Even Coco was trying not to smirk. “It's not funny Coco...”
“I'm sorry, they are just having fun.”
“Hm!”
“SILENCE!” Another voice came through the hallway and devoured the laughter from the guards. “Enter now, pony!”
“That's the queen...,” Sea Moor wispered. “She has summoned you.”
The sudden outburst froze Coco. Try as she might, the mare could not get herself moving.
“Would somepony get her in here? It is late and I would like some rest!”
“Yes my queen!” Looking to Coco, Sea Moor said, “Forgive me.” Using his magic of levitation, he lifted the earth pony and briskly moved her into the other room. Coco wiggled her arms and legs around trying to get back on the ground, but could not overcome the spell. It took a few moments before suddenly falling to the ground.
“Close the door,” the voice spoke again but sounded a lot closer.”
“Yes my queen!” And with that, all light was consumed by the darkness. Scrambling to her feet, Coco tried to find any source light but couldn't.
“Welcome...” A pair of green eyes leered through the dark filled room.
“EEP!” Coco shivered in fear as she cowered into a fetal position. What have I gotten myself into?!
Two-Sided Prequel II: Who You Work For
Who you Work for
Ch2
Even though the darkness swallowed the mare whole, Coco knew she looked ridiculous as she lied on the floor. But as she was on the cold ground, she looked up and saw two pairs of eyes; one that rested high in the blackness, and the other was lower and a bit to the side.
Then voice cut the silence. “Lights!” A bright yellow light shined brightly and blinded Coco and made her wince her eyes. “TOO BRIGHT,” yelled the voice again.
“F-forgive me my queen...,” said another voice but in a panic. Coco blinked and the darkness made another return.
Speaking again, the feminine, yet aggressive voice spoke, “Light the room with your green flame, guard. It makes me feel more assertive.” Instead of being blinded by a harsh light, two torch stands that towered over Coco plumed a light green flame in each one. The light didn't reveal what the hollowed room looked like, but it did reveal something more dark than the blackness that covered the room moments ago.
Sitting at a jagged looking throne was a larger looking changeling. Coco didn't need to question who it was. It was the queen; Queen Chrysalis. To her side was a familiar looking changeling. It had a large fang bared out of its mouth and was clothed in armor.
It's Fang! To her surprise, Coco was smiling. It was nice to see a familiar face and it made the darkness seem nonexistent.
But her smile was short lived when the queen spoke, “Hello my dear.” Coco sucked her lips in and shivered in fear.
“H-hello C-Chrysalis.”
“Queen Chrysalis,” Fang corrected. For whatever reason, he felt the need to correct the mare, even though he knew what was going to happen next.
“Keep quiet!” Chrysalis boomed at the guard. Levitating a small rock, the queen chucked it at her guardpony and it made a hollow “tong” sound as it hit the helmet. “When you stand beside me, you do not speak.” Instead of saying something, Fang nodded. Looking back at Coco, the queen smiled. But it was not a sinister smile that would invoke fear. The smile was a relieved one, like a weight was taken off of the wearer's shoulder.
Speaking, Chrysalis said, “Thank you for taking my offer, dear. You have no idea what you are about to do will change a lot of things.”
“W... what do you mean?” Coco was confused on what the queen was trying to explain.
Standing up and taking a few steps forward, the changeling continued, “As you may have guessed, my personal guard here was on a quest to find me a pony worthy of designing me a dress.” She gestured to Fang as she mentioned him. “And lucky for you, you will be that one to design that dress for me.” Walking closer, Chrysalis reached out her arm and put her hoof under Coco's chin. As soon as she touched the earth pony, Coco began to shiver more violently. “Don't be afraid, my dear. We won't bring any harm to you.”
“B-but why...? Why do you need me? Or in fact, why do you need anypony to help you- I MEAN, NO OFFENCE! But... don't you have any other changelings that can make you a dress?”
“Let me show you.” Turning away from Coco, the queen walked into the darkness. It was a few moments before a crash was heard; the sound of a vase breaking. “Who put this blasted vase in my Hall of Power!?”
Replying, Fang said, “Umm, you did my queen.” An object made a quick “zup” through the air and pelted the guard in the head. It was another rock, but larger than the last one.
“Didn't I tell you to keep quiet?”
“Yes, but you said “to keep quiet” as long as I stood beside you.” Something large rushed through the air and collapsed on top of Fang. It was, yet again a rock; but some would say it was a bolder. Nevertheless, the large thing rested on him and only his head poked out of the bottom of the rock. Fang's expression was him grunting from the crushing weight of the large rock that sat above him.
Coco was about to walk over to him and help, but the queen's voice came from behind the mare. “Such arrogance...” Turning her head, Coco saw Chrysalis. But she looked different. She looked unique. She looked... beautiful.
The queen was dressed in a lovely outfit. A light blue-green fabric covered her torso and rear as it draped over her body. The fabric went all the way up to the mid section of the queen's neck. Where the fabric cut off was a golden necklace that had a sapphire gem that held the piece together. What made the dress even more stunning was the detail. Around the rim of the dress was a white fur outline, giving it that royalty cloak look. And there was a transparent silky vale that covered the green-blue fabric, creating a hidden beauty feel.
To her suprise, Coco Pommel found herself looking at the dress. She circled Chrysalis several times, taking in every bit of detail of who made this. “I have never seen anything like it,” Coco spoke in haste and excitement. “The silky fabric. The fur outline. And this gem! Such a lovely complement of royalty and mystery.” Chrysalis looked a bit embarrassed as this common folk pony walked around her, touching her dress. As Coco finished looking at the lovely designed dress, she asked, “You have such a lovely dress. Why do you need me to help you?”
But the queen didn't answer. She only walked toward her throne and levitated the large stone off of Fang. He grunted as he stood up and stretched a bit to get the kink out of his back. Sitting down in her seat, Chrysalis decided to answer. “I need a dress for the Grand Galloping Gala.”
“But how come you need... wait! Did you just say-”
“Yes I did. THE Grand Galloping Gala.”
“Wow! It must be an honor to be invited to-”
“I WAS NOT INVITED!” The outburst from the queen caused Coco to jump back and shiver in fear again.
“Please don't yell...,” Coco begged.
“WHY NOT?! I AM THE QUEEN OF CHANGELINGS! YOU DO NOT INSTRUCT ME!” Something had set off the changeling. Her eye's bled a green aura as it began to wisp through the air.
“My queen!” Fang barked in the midst of Chrysalis' outburst. Before she had a chance to yell again, the guard spoke again, “Please maintain your composure. You know you do not want the others to see their queen erupt in a fit of rage. We understand your pain, my queen.”
Pain? What is he talking about? And why did she yell like that?
Taking in a big sigh, Chrysalis continued where she last left off. “I was not invited...”
It took Coco a bit of strength to swallow the lump in her throat that prevented her to speak. “But how will you be able to get in?”
“I had one of my guards infiltrate the castle and steal a few tickets.”
I could have guessed. “But that still does not answer why you need me.”
“Simple: To make a dress.”
“But be more specific.”
“Must you question everything?” Chrysalis was growing impatient as Coco was becoming more curious.
“I... just want to know...” The mare, despite her uncomfortable position, just wanted an answer. A complete one that is.
Chrysalis huffed out of her nostrils in frustration, but gave in to the request. “Fine, I will tell you.” She glanced over to Fang before looking back at Coco. Taking her time, the queen thought of how to say it to the pony. Then she spoke. “As you may know, we feed off of love.” The changeling's horn began to glow and a painting floated out of the darkness. Turning the portrait to Coco, she could see a painting of a lovely waterfall. “Love comes in many forms. Cute and colorful, romance, love and care, and... art.” Pointing her hole ridden horn at the painting, Chrysalis shot a beam of green energy at the lovely picture. As she continued to eject magic, the once beautiful art was now turning black and lifeless. After a few moments, the picture was nothing more than a black, indescribable faded image.
Licking her lips, the queen smiled. “What a tasty treat,” she said aloud. Placing the portrait down, Chrysalis resumed from her last sentence. “This is just one way of obtaining love.” The earth pony opened her mouth slightly only to have Chyrisalis hold her arm up to keep the mare from talking. “We can suck the love out of objects that had some form of effort put into them, such as the painting you just saw. Another example on how we absorb love is from your food. Depending on the amount of effort put into said food would give us that amount of love.”
So that's why Fang wanted me to put extra love in his coffee. That also explains the green glow from his horn when he sucked the love from it.
“And lastly...,” said the queen. “The last way for a changeling to obtain love is through gained affection.”
“Is this where I come in?” Coco began to catch on.
“Correct. You are to design a dress for the Grand Galloping Gala so that I may disguise myself and be admired by others.”
It was all beginning to make sense! Queen Chrysalis needed somepony to make a dress for her so that others can look at her and “love” her dress. That way, she can receive love. But still... A few questioned remained in Coco's mind. “Umm... I still have a few more questions...”
The queen gave an irritated sigh. “What?”
“I mean... I don't mean to say that you will, but... will you be invading Canterlot on the night of the Grand Galloping Gala?” Her voice grew higher as she asked the question. That was a stupid redundant question!
“No.” To her surprise, Chrysalis gave a calm reply.
Coco's knees gave in. Oh thank goodness.
“You needn’t worry. I do not plan on harming anypony... not this time...” Chrysalis' eyes began to burn again, when her eyes met Fang's. She clenched her lids shut and asked, “What else do you want to say?”
“OH! Yes! Right... let's see... umm... Why don't you have your own designers create something for you? Sure, you have me, but you have them.”
“Two things: One, it is the theme of the Gala; The princess and her...” Chrysalis paused. “...S-shining armor.” As she said it, the sentence burned her voice box. “The theme is centered around Princess Cadence and her lovely husband.”
“What is the problem with that?”
“Well, aside from my personal hatred for the two, I don't think my dress will pass everything but princess worthy.”
“Why do you Cadence and Shining Armor?”
“That's not important!” Turning her head, Chrysalis was fighting back her emotions.
Why is she acting like this? I thought she would be more controlling and full of meanness... but-
The mare's thoughts were interrupted by the queen's voice. “Anyways, number two. This dress you see here is made from spider webbing and spider silk.”
“WHAT?!” Coco's outburst almost surprised Chrysalis, but it did surprise Fang. “That's impossible!”
“It's not for us.”
“Spider webbing is delicate as it is strong. Many designers have spent years trying to make a fabric out of spider webs, but have all failed. Some of us know that spider webs can grab hold almost anything and is extremely difficult to move through. That is why some designers thought they could make something out of it. But... well, I just told you.”
“That is exactly why I need a designer such as yourself. Again, this dress is made of spider web and silk. That also makes it very delicate.”
“Fair enough. Now one more question.”
“Do you ever stop talking?”
“N-no... I just need to know things... I just got here after all...”
“Fine, but ONE MORE! It's late and I am tired.”
“Alright...” Coco felt sorry for her question storm, but all she wanted was an understanding of things. “So, how come your fashion designers can't create other works, like using cotton or wool.”
“Just as you said with your kind not being able to handle spider webbing, it is the same with us when it comes to any other type of fabric. It is not that it is too fragile, but it sticks to us. Think of it this way. We are like insects with little hairs on our bodies that help us stick to surfaces.” Getting up from her seat, Chrysalis walked behind her throne and up to the wall. To Coco's amazement, she saw the queen walk up the wall horizontally. “See what I mean?”
“Uhh huhh...”
Chrysalis buzzed her wings and hopped off the wall, back down to the ground. “Because of these hairs, fabric tends to stick to us. The smaller it is, the more sticky it can get. You can imagine what it is like to be a changeling and try to hold a thin line of silk would be like.” Coco couldn't speak but nod. “How we handle webbing is different. We also have a bit of a layer of oil that covers our body and causes spider web to slip off.”
“Wow. That sure is something.”
Holding her head high, Chrysalis said, “We are a unique type of creature and are proud to be what we are.” Even Fang held his head high and even puffed his chest out.
Smiling, Coco said, “At least you have a good sense of pride.”
“We need it. Without it, there would be no will to survive.”
Even though her question limit has been reached, Coco asked, “One more thing.”
“NO! No more questions!”
But something in Coco's heart caused her to speak. “Who gave you this idea to go to the Grand Galloping Gala?”
Instead of an assertive answer, the queen was quiet, her face was still. Then she replied, “No more questions.”
“Sea Moor gave her the idea,” Fang blurted out. In an instant, the large bolder found itself on top of the guard once more.
“Do not answer for me.”
“Uugghh!”
“He just never learns.” Chrysalis shook her head.
Coco looked at the queen and asked, “Is Sea Moor that combat instructor?”
“Silence! I said no more questions.”
From behind the queen, Fang spoke again, “Yeah, he is.” The rock lifted slightly off the ground and fell right back onto the changeling. “AH! I think you broke something.”
“Anyways...” Chrysalis turned away. “I am off to my quarters to go and get some rest. SEA MOOR!”
Both doors swung open. “Yes my queen!” Light bled into the the throne room.
“Have you and Inferno Fang take our lovely designer to her estate.” Being kind, Chrysalis lifted the large thing off of Fang.
“Thank you my queen.” The large fanged changeling bowed in respect.
Without acknowledging him, Chrysalis began to walk into the dark. Before disappearing, she said, “Tomorrow you will begin making my dress. Think well and hard on what you need to do. Do not disappoint me...” Then she vanished.
“Come!” Sea Moor's voice echoed in the large room as he spoke.
Coco almost ran to the changeling. “Your queen kind of scares me...”
“Don't worry, she won't hurt you.”
“Really?”
“Well,you are a valuable resource to her. I don't think she would try to harm the one trying to help her.”
“If only she didn't throw rocks at me,” Fang rebelled as he limped forward.
“That's because you don't shut up. And I thought I dismissed you.”
“You did. However, that does not stop me from protecting the queen.”
“Good point. Anyways...” Sea Moor looked to Coco. “Shall we?”
“Y-eah.” There were still questions to be asked, but the mare decided to keep her mouth shut. As she walked ahead, Sea Moor was pulling the doors close with his magic as Fang stood behind him.
Just as the doors were about to be sealed, Sea Moor said to Fang, “It's about time the queen pulled the cobweb out of her ears and listened to me for once.”
He saw it come out of the dark. A large rock, about the size of about four inches in diameter, flew out of the blackness and at Sea Moor. He ducked and evaded the large thing. Unfortunately, Fang didn't see it coming. It struck him in the cheek and made him stumble and fall onto his side. Coco quickly ran over to him to see if he was alright as several guards let out an “ooo.”
“Are you alright?!”
But Fang replied with another question, “...why me...?”
***
“So this is where I will be staying?”
“Correct. All of your baggage is already inside.”
Coco looked into the dark room and saw a bed; a very tarnished one. It was hard to see what else was inside, but it was too dark. Looking behind her was Sea Moor and the swollen face of Inferno Fang. She felt bad for him and his misfortune, even though he wasn't listening to the queen.
Trying to make haste, Sea Moor said, “Well good night to you Mrs. Pommel and you have a good night's rest.”
“W-wait!” Coco needed to do something first. “Umm... Fang?”
“Hmm?”
She moved quick and embarrassed Fang. Coco held him close. “Thank you...” Embarrassed, she ran into the room and jumped onto the bed. To her surprise, it was soft and more comfortable than she would have thought. If only it didn't smell strange.
“Goodnight,” Sea Moor called. He then shut the door. The changeling looked at his friend and noticed that Fang's swollen face was no more. “I can see you used the love she gave you to heal yourself.”
Fang was quiet.
Inside of the room lay Coco. It was dark, but at least the light of the moon poked out of the corner of a window. Laying on her chest, she tried to think about what she was going to do the next day, but her hidden exhaustion crept up on her and took over.
At last, she slept. She too, was quiet.
