Prologue: My World, My Heart, My Sister
PROLOGUE: MY WORLD, MY HEART, MY SISTER
In a time long since passed, many would often forget that the changelings, despite their reputations, that they to had families. However, their traditions and lack of understanding of the complexities of love were often shown. Queen Chrysalis, recently inaugurated queen of a particular changeling hive was tired from a day of countless duties. However, possessing that bolstering confidence which she'd often reveled in, she didn't reveal any signs of weakness in her resolve. The queen resided in her private chambers for the time being, although she wasn't alone, and accompanied by one other.
"Exuvia, what do you think you're doing?" The younger Queen Chrysalis was leaned up on her mattress in her bedroom chambers. The walls making up her quarters were made of black carapace, lit by pulsing green pods which acted as night lights in her chambers. Her furniture, despite the actual architecture, was fairly similar to pony furniture. Her room was elegant in a sense, and was befitting of one of her status. The queen wore an annoyed look as she'd just stared at the other individual in her room, a figure mimicking her exact appearance. Queen Chrysalis's face scrunched up in absolute annoyance, as she repeated her question, something she wasn't used to doing. "I said, what are you doing, baby sister?"
The changeling, known as Exuvia turned her head slightly to glance back at Chrysalis. "Dreaming, Chrysalis."
All expression drained from Chrysalis then as she'd just groaned. "Dreaming of what? We already look the same."
Exuvia looked into the mirror for some time in reaction to Chrysalis's words, and in further reaction, she frowned. "Yes, but I've got a curly mane, I wish it was more like big sister's."
Queen Chrysalis sighed heavily, but couldn't help but snicker as well the more she thought about it. "Charming, but stupid nonetheless. Did you forget what you are? You're a changeling, you can be anything you want. It does not have to be me."
That's when Exuvia snapped back at her sister in frustration, "But it does have to be you Chrysalis. It can only be you!"
Queen Chrysalis cocked a brow as her eyes widened, and she appeared more than skeptical.
Exuvia placed a hoof on her chest, turning to face her sister then and approaching her bed, still wearing Chrysalis's appearance. The changeling stood on her two back hooves ecstatically, raising her front two towards the ceiling in show of Queen Chrysalis's glory, in show of her unending admiration for her. "You are the ONLY changeling who is so amazing big sister! You are the ONLY changeling who is so great. You are special!"
Queen Chrysalis sighed once more, before smirking softly. She glared into the eyes of her sister, silently for some time before leaning forward and tilting her sister's head up to get a better look at her. "I am, and so are you, you are my sister. Now, how about we stop pretending and you show me the form I'd rather prefer, I know you don't like to make me upset, Exuvia."
Princess Exuvia, then nodded reluctantly before glancing to the lower left. Slowly but surely, her current form melted away like an outer shell, and she stood there, tinier than before with a look not much different from Chrysalis, but still, her mane was more frizzy. She glanced up at her sister hesitantly for a second, before hurriedly looking away soon afterwords and turning away.
Queen Chrysalis grinned then, before lifting her sister onto her bed. "Aha! Don't you hide from me!" Queen Chrysalis then embraced her, and placed a hoof atop her head as she'd kept the younger changeling close. "You to are an inheritor of our legacy, be proud!"
Princess Exuvia frowned heavily, turning red in the face. "But....I could never live up to your name..."
Queen Chrysalis rolled her eyes, as she'd smirked again. "But you can still do much baby sister. As second born of the changeling hive's nobility, you are still destined for greatness! YOU, will do all you can to grow into a strong dependable changeling, do you understand?"
Princess Exuvia sighed heavily, just glancing down at Chrysalis's blankets. "Yes....."
Queen Chrysalis then turned her sister's head towards her yet again, looking her in the eyes. At that point, Chrysalis's eyes began to shimmer with a vibrant green glow, as she'd cackled softly to herself. "It's amusing, baby sister. You do realize that your feelings are as clear as day to me, although you are my own sister, how come you appear so flustered? What have I done to earn your affection so? It's quite unfortunate, such feelings will only cloud your judgement."
Princess Exuvia trembled due to Chrysalis's words but remained staring into her older sibling's eyes. She nodded, gulping afterwords. She'd paused, hesitant to go into detail about Chrysalis's other questions, but it being Chrysalis, she did it anyway. "I...I can't help it, you're my big sister, how can I not like you? How can I not love you?"
Those words caused Chrysalis to cringe, as she'd suddenly shoved her sister away reluctantly. She sighed heavily and just placed a hoof over her face tiredly. "Exuvia, would a pony caress the vegetables it eats? Would a dragon feel affection for a slab of meat? Would you caress your own food? Love is food, you must understand that. How could I ever house such a thing as an actual emotion? Being unable to grasp that simple concept will only lead you to do something quite idiotic someday, and if it comes down to that, I will not hesitate to make the better decision for our hive. You are my sister, so you have my patience, but don't expect that patience to last forever." She'd then flashed Exuvia a grin. "But nonetheless, despite your issues, I do enjoy a little midnight snack every now and then."
Princess Exuvia lowered her head and glanced up at Chrysalis questioningly. "Again, Chrysalis?"
Queen Chrysalis nodded before stating simply. "Yes, again." She'd continued, raising a hoof. "Consider it a lesson, for if you weren't my sister Exuvia, I'd simply have you killed. But as I said your position is special and I have a duty to uphold. I fear you've confused that duty with love, your position and relation to me as love. We are not ponies. We do not have the necessity for such things, you and I, we will carry on this legacy through sheer ambition alone. We will secure our places in this world through cunning and deceit, such is our naturally inherit gifts. That is the thrill of being a changeling! We do not need love to hold us back."
Princess Exuvia was silent, before nodding and flashing Chrysalis a cheerful smile and closing her eyes. "It is for such reasons, that I do love you sister, more than anything. I would do anything for you, I would give everything for you. You are my hero, big sister."
Queen Chrysalis's eyes shut halfway as she'd reacted with a cold grimacing stare in regards to her sister. She looked horribly disappointed and tired. She didn't speak for a few seconds, before only saying, "How foolish."
Princess Exuvia nodded, as she'd smiled softly. "Sorry, I can't help it." Her eyes then snapped wide, as they'd pulsed with a vibrant green hypnotic glow, and she was lost in the trance, staring into nothing like a mindless empty husk.
Queen Chrysalis's own horn started to glow as she'd cackled softly to herself, "And just as satisfying."
Later that night, Queen Chrysalis remained silent as she'd looked down at her sleeping sister, coursing her hoof through her mane as she'd simply observed her quietly and contemplatively. Soon the door to her chambers opened, and she didn't pay it any mind. Almost as if she knew who would be coming. She then momentarily glanced up, to take notice of a guard adorned in well crafted black armor. Queen Chrysalis smirked softly, as she'd rose from her bed, leaving her sister sleeping on it as she'd teleported then and proceeded to one of her counter's and began to use a brush to comb through her mane. "Yes?"
The guard just stood there for some time, as he'd muttered, "My queen, her sickness, has it gotten any better?"
Queen Chrysalis glanced back at the guard in interest with a soft chuckle. "Oh? Are you worried? She's underage you know."
The guard staggered back a bit angrily, before regaining his composure and lowering his head. "M-My queen! Of course my intentions wouldn't be so foul. But to be more specific, yes, I am worried, but not about Princess Exuvia, about you. My queen, those second born to your heritage are meant to be your support are they not? But your sister is frail and she is sick, she is of no help."
Queen Chrysalis still wore an amused expression and a soft smile with half closed eyes as she then poured them a glass of a bubbly green substance, and she took a sip from her own cup as she'd used her telekinetic magic to carry over the other glass to the guard. "That's true, Exuvia is of little help to me, for now." Queen Chrysalis paused to look at her sister for a moment. "Tell me, as a changeling do you know just how great the capabilities of our magic is? Well....if you're blessed with such gifts of course." Queen Chrysalis then took another sip from her cup before cackling cheerfully and muttering, "Oh how this is so much more convenient. But yes, do you? Do you even have the slightest clue of how much more superior we are to ponies?" She'd looked at him curiously.
The guard, not wanting to be disrespectful, of course took a sip from his own cup before shaking his head. "I believe I'm certain my queen, but I also know that you would never tell us everything, it is unlike you. It is why you are our queen, you've always been cunning, wise, and powerful. You will always keep an ace in the whole, if I can recall correctly. So no, no I don't know how great our potential actually is as changelings my noble queen." He'd bowed his head, "Would you give me the honor?"
Queen Chrysalis grinned then, as she chuckled a bit speaking in a delighted tone. "Why of course, my noble subject." Queen Chrysalis then began circling her bed again, her eyes locked onto her sister's tiny sleeping figure. "Are you aware of the legend of the puca?"
To this, the guard's eyes widened as he'd raised a brow. "Of course my queen, but I cannot fathom where you could possibly be going with this. The puca legend is a pony's tale they told their larva to scare them. There is no such evolutionary form as a puca among the changelings, this was proven a long time ago my que-"
Queen Chrysalis interrupted him angrily. "Did I ask for a history lesson!? I simply asked if you were aware of the old stories." Queen Chrysalis sighed, before smiling again. "Yes, a puca evolution is quite unfathomable. And you are correct." She'd paused, just giving her sister a curious longing stare. "It is impossible to ascend into the puca evolution. For many of us, including myself, this is simply an unattainable dream. The puca, legendary shape-shifters said to be able to take on any terrifying form; they are gods and legends amongst our kind of course, but none of our current generation has been blessed enough to see one." And in that moment Queen Chrysalis began caressing her sister's mane affectionately, before glancing back at the guard again. "Until now....."
The guard stood there, unable to make sense of her words. He kept his gaze focused on Queen Chrysalis for a moment before glancing down at the sleeping Princess Exuvia, then back up at Queen Chrysalis. "What?"
Queen Chrysalis grinned fiercely. "It seems, you must be born as a puca, not ascend into one."
The guard stomped a hoof, before cocking a brow at Queen Chrysalis. "My queen, you cannot be possibly suggesting Princess Exuvia is a puca! She is sickly and diseased with the plaque of love, she is defenseless and I have watched over her as you have being a personal guard for the both of you. I have not seen anything even remotely capable of proving she's a puca!"
Queen Chrysalis only smiled, as she'd climbed onto her bed, still keeping her glass aloft with her telekinetic magic and keeping close to her sister. "She is a puca. I have known for many years now. Do you truly believe I would've simply kept her alive this long if she proved to be of absolutely no worth to me? No, I knew my precious sibling would have some capabilities. That there had to be a reason she was born into this world, for she is of noble heritage and not once has nobility ever been so deceivingly useless. How ironic, to even have such strong changeling qualities embedded into your very veins without being aware. She is our precious little puca ascendant. And I will use all that potential, each and every one of her wonderful qualities will be put to use." Queen Chrysalis continued to stroke her sister's mane affectionately, "She would do anything for me, absolutely anything she said,...My dear dear sister hmhm."
There was a drawn on silence for a moment.
The guard then spoke up, "Forgive me my Queen, but despite what you say I cannot bring myself to believe such words without credible proof. I believe you are being too hopeful. Besides, we have bigger problems to contend with rather than relying and discussing puca legends in the form of a frail little changeling. You know what I speak of don't you my Queen?"
Queen Chrysalis glared at him.
The guard continued, "We are in need of a reliable food source my queen, love is only so readily available for us."
Queen Chrysalis rose, before heading over to a small opening in her chambers, a window which'd allowed her to gaze out into the entirety of the hive. "Yes, I believe the ponies of Equestria are perfect candidates, don't you? So full of love and innocence."
The guard then groaned heavily, "My queen, you know that is not possible. The ponies of Equestria are untouchable."
Queen Chrysalis glared back at him in silence yet again.
The guard then appeared bewildered by what she was implying. "You're serious? My queen! Princess Celestia would never allow us to openly feed on her subjects. You've been educated since the day you were born, you know we cannot touch the ponies!"
Queen Chrysalis then flashed him a cheeky smile, before closing her eyes halfway and simply speaking in a calmed tone. "My dear subject, aim for the stars and we will at least touch the clouds. We must aspire big, do not worry about Princess Celestia, I will take care of her when the time is necessary. I will also be heading to Equestria to study pony culture for quite some time in a bit, my sister of course will be quite upset about these happenings but she must remain here. Keep her here until I return, and ensure she studies as much as she can about pony culture as well, I want her to be well educated by the time she joins me in my new castle in Equestria." Queen Chrysalis finished her glass of green substance and she snickered, "Materialized love through magic. It truly is a delicacy, our draining powers are just as convenient. Equestria is a smorgasbord waiting to be served on a platter for all of us to enjoy." Queen Chrysalis paused, "Worry not Xareth, my plans are always full proof, and even if not-" she'd glanced back down at her sister whom was still sleeping soundly on her bed comfortably, "I always have a backup. Do you understand?"
The guard revealed as one known as Xareth only gritted his teeth, as he'd nodded reluctantly. "Yes....my queen."
Queen Chrysalis chuckled a bit, "Thank you Xareth. Please, don't feel so down about all of this, I do have plans for our glorious hive, I will not fail in securing us a prosperous future that'll last us for eons on end!" She gave him a hopeful smile, "I may be a young and upcoming queen, but put your trust in me and I shall never let the hive down. I will take Equestria and Canterlot, and defeat Princess Celestia, just have faith in me and once that is complete, I will move onto the next phase of my plan. But you must keep your end of the bargain and ensure Exuvia never leaves this hive, that she remains here in this palace away from the surface world. She cannot be allowed to explore the sights, she must study, and she must be ignorant of all that lies above. For she is still ill."
The guard Xareth nodded to her yet again, "I understand my queen...."
Queen Chrysalis nodded, "Good." She then looked out towards the hive from her window again. "Oh how I do relish in the idea of the future to come. We shall be legends, we shall be the first hive to have ever conquered Equestria. It shall be beautiful."
The guard Xareth just looked upon Queen Chrysalis questioningly, distastefully, for quite some time.
Years passed, and that look had never left Xareth's face whenever he thought back to his ruling queen. And in this particular moment, as they were all gathered in front of a dedication, a memorial to that very same queen, Xareth could only close his eyes as he'd kept his hooves crossed, and thought silently to himself. It seems you have failed my queen, how unfortunate.
The changelings were gathered in the heart of the hive.
Princess Exuvia didn't shed any tears as she stood there in front of a statue in dedication to Queen Chrysalis's efforts for the hive. Princess Exuvia simply looked up at it for some time, just lost, as she remained focused on Chrysalis's face with wide eyes, as her face immediately scrunched up afterwords. She then buried her head in her hooves, unable to fully express her grief in front of her subjects who were situated behind her. She only sat there, not angry not bitter as of yet, only wanting to grieve her missing and supposedly dead sister, and grieve she did. "Chrysaliiiiiiiiiiiis! CHRYSALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS!!!" She'd cried out pathetically.
Looking upon her, many of the changelings were skeptical.
It was at that point, Princess Exuvia, broke into tears as she closed her eyes tight, and let off a mewling cry. "They said you'd come back! That you'd take me with you to Equestria! So where are you!? Why're they telling me you're dead!? Why're they saying all these awful things about you!? Chrysalis! My big sister! MY QUEEN! You're a liar! Liar liar liar liar liar! LIAAAAAAAAR!!!"
It was also at that point, many of the changelings, couldn't help but cringe in bewilderment, unable to process such emotions.
Two changelings in particular stood towards the back, as they nodded to each other.
One spoke, "We cannot allow this to go on."
The other however, looked at him as if he were insane. "What're you saying?...Queen Chrysalis would never allow such a thing to happen, Princess Exuvia, despite her illness, is still in direct relation to the queen. We cannot harm her, you know that...."
His fellow replied however, "How can Queen Chrysalis punish us? If she isn't even alive?"
The other snapped back abruptly, "You don't know that!"
It was at that point his companion shoved him, pinning him up against the black carapace walls of the changeling grounds. "Would you rather we be ruled by that!? The queen spoke often of the princess's illness, and I can smell the aroma of her undying love for the queen even from here. How can we trust something such as that to be our new queen?! To have the capability to feel such emotions will only be a hindrance to the hive! We cannot be led by our own food! What of the hive if Princess Exuvia falls in love with the ponies? What if she betrays us? What happens to us who still possess our sanity, who cannot possibly feel love! What are we to do living alongside ponies, one of our greatest food sources, as allies!? If we follow the princess, then we follow ourselves into our own demise!"
The changeling being held only trembled, as he'd shook his head. "B-But that would be treason! We, we cannot possibly take the life of our own princess, our soon to be QUEEN! I'm certain she only sobs in reaction to Queen Chrysalis's great service to the hive!"
And just as before, his fellow reacted in retort. "Now you are simply in denial!" He'd swiped a hoof, "We do not sob for our queen's in any manner. We honor their sacrifice and role as our leader's, but to feel sadness, to feel such sorrow, it is only pitiful! Love is sustenance. The ponies are insane, ill, sick in the heads, it is why we feast on their sappy emotions!" He'd quieted down somewhat as he'd glanced back at the rest of the changelings, motioning to them in their regard as well. "Look around brother, we all feel the same. We all can sense it, you and I are not alone. Princess Exuvia will only lead the hive to ruin and starvation." He glared at his pinned companion once again, sneering slightly. "We shall do it tonight, and we shall make it quick. We can elect another queen after the deed is done, repeat the cycle with an entire new lineage. The hive will be saved. Won't you join me?"
The pinned changeling, just glanced about for a bit before looking to the massive crowd of changelings, where he to, saw nothing good from their reactions. As many of them regarded Princess Exuvia, many of them looked upon her in horror, while others could only regard the princess with bewilderment and confusion, disgust, and worry. While others looked at her angrily, and some were even glancing back at the two, catching wind of their conversation yet not objecting either. The changeling glanced down reluctantly, realizing that it was only due to his fear and respect for Chrysalis he was skeptical about this, but he to knew that this would probably be best for the hive in so many ways as well. He then looked to his fellow pinning him, giving him a firm nod, "Yes, I will, Xareth."
Xareth then smirked, as he'd rose and let his companion stand, focusing on Exuvia once again.
And they looked to Princess Exuvia, as she continued to whale and mewl atop the palace steps, sobbing for Chrysalis.
Eventually, night did come to the hive, long after Queen Chrysalis's ceremony had ended.
As night came, that same changeling who'd been pinned now traveled through the hollow corridors of the changeling palace. At one point he came across a more open area, a long narrow hall that also acted more so as a porch. This porch allowed one to gaze off and get the full view of the entire hive, and the changeling found himself mesmerized by that gorgeous view. He leaned atop the black carapace railing and then leaned against the side of one of the ebony stone spires which kept the palace structure aloft with so many floors. He smiled to himself, and didn't find it surprising that despite the fact they couldn't make sense of love with other organisms, they could certainly feel joy and happiness in regards to the hive itself.
He believed they all shared that same belief. Then he'd cringed in realization and a grim reminder. Of course, all except one had such an undying love for the hive. Princess Exuvia often didn't show much love in regards to contributing to the hive, only in her obsession with her sister. Her sickness was definitely severe, and that didn't make it any less annoying for him. The changeling gritted his teeth, wondering how one such as that could be destined to lead them. But they'd take care of that tonight. For now, he continued to admire the hive, it's multiple towering cocoon shaped towers, each of them pulsing with a beautiful vibrant green as a multitude of emerald sacs hung about the stone spikes on the overhang. He could only admire all of their hard-work. He certainly did have a feeling of slight guilt to betray his princess. But he'd convinced himself he was also doing it out of respect for his previous queen, to protect the hive she knew they all wanted to keep preserved. Princess Exuvia endangered the hive, she couldn't be allowed to inherit such a position of power through simple tradition.
But as the changeling pondered the thought, he was suddenly interrupted by a tap on the side, which'd caused him to jump. He'd immediately glanced back with wide turquoise eyes and a stunned expression, before easing up with a slight sigh.
Standing behind him would be his companion from earlier, wearing a hooded cloak. "Are you ready, Zarav?"
The changeling known as Zarav only nodded, gulping soon afterwords. "Let us begin, for the glory of the hive Xareth."
Xareth nodded, as he'd pulled down on his hood and changed his appearance to that of a pony. "Indeed."
The two continued down the halls, which were surprisingly barren and dark.
"Where're all the guards?" questioned Zarav.
Xareth replied almost immediately, "They went on ahead, they're a part of my sect afterall."
Zarav's eyes widened, as he'd glanced over at Xareth. "Ahead? You don't mean-"
Xareth nodded and smiled. "Of course, they to wish what is best for the hive. It is their biggest priority first and foremost."
Zarav just sighed, looking at Xareth questioningly. "Then, it is likely already over?"
Xareth shook his head. "Perhaps, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Princess Exuvia always desired to be by the queen's side, so she would often take her studying quite seriously. She is still a princess of noble lineage, born into greatness. It'd be best not to underestimate her or believe her to be absolutely defenseless. Although, I do believe I give her too much credit."
Zarav's nose was scrunched up a bit, for he did as well.
However as the two made their way further down the hall, it was only a matter of time before they'd come upon a more open area. It was a large beautiful room, decorated to the brim and even having tiled marbled floors. But that room was only made for the purpose of leading into the main chamber room of the princess. However, as the two changelings stood there in the dark, they could only feel puzzled due to the fact they were the only two present. The two looked at one another, as they both had cocked brows, wondering where the guards that'd gone on ahead could've possibly went. Xareth then flashed Zarav a smile.
Xareth sighed with relief. "It seems that it is already over. Perhaps I worried too much."
Zarav looked ahead at the chamber room door. "A-Are you certain?"
Xareth nodded, "Of course, there is no other explanation."
And it was at that moment that emerging from her chamber doors, would be Princess Exuvia herself. She regarded the two with a confused look, just staring at them before sighing heavily. "Xareth? Are you here to kill me to? That makes me sad."
The two changelings expressions immediately sunk as they'd staggered back in unison.
Xareth winced at her before frowning heavily, then sighing. "Princess.....So you are still alive? You must be a bit capable then."
Princess Exuvia wore a black cloak, as she raised the hood over her head. "I am leaving. So you don't have to attack me anymore Xareth. All I want to do is go now, so please, leave me alone." She then flashed them a smile at that point, before lowering her head. "I'm sorry Xareth, I had to make a mess in the chambers of the ones who came earlier, please clean them up for me while I'm gone. Chrysalis would be mad if she saw that." She looked at them, "You'll do that for me won't you? Xareth?" She glared at him.
Xareth gritted his teeth, before glaring angrily at her. "T-TREASON! YOU'RE RUNNING AWAY FROM THE HIVE!?"
Princess Exuvia frowned heavily. "Yes, I am. I no longer have any reason to stay here. I could care less about the hive, and I could care less about any of you. My sister was my world, and she is gone now. So now I will go punish those responsible."
The changeling Xareth immediately got in a combative stance. "YOU....ARE NO PRINCESS OF MINE!!!"
Princess Exuvia only looked at him with a hollow expression then.
Xareth summoned an ethereal lance before charging ahead. "YOU'VE DISGRACED THE HIVE!!! TRAITOR!!!"
Princess Exuvia tilted her head back, focusing on him intently. "I studied for years to protect big sister. I wanted to be there for her when she needed me." Her eyes saddened, "But instead I was stuck here in this pitiful little hive for all this time. I loved her more than anything. Does that make you angry? That I, a changeling, am capable of loving another? You useless subjects just stood around and fell as my precious sister fought her way to the heart of the pony empire." She'd snarled, "That angers me." And paused for a second, then lowered her head, baring her fangs some. "We are a hive you say? Yet even with a thousand of you, big sister perished at the hooves of ponies!?" Tears swelled in the eyes of the princess then, as she'd snapped, stomping her hoof as her eyes turned a bright shade of blinding green. "It was stupid to trust her to such useless subjects! Useless useless useless useless!" And the princess was then veiled in a cloud of green smoke, covering her body up entirely as everything fell silent.
Xareth immediately halted, as he'd glanced up at the cloud of smoke, hesitant now to press forward.
Then emerging from that cloud would be a green and black griffon, as it unsheathed its talons and pressed both mighty paws into the marble tiles beneath it, cracking them. The griffon glared down at the supposed pony with wide eyes, as it curled in its sharp appendages only to spread its wings and arms, revealing its large, true, and mighty form.
Xareth trembled as he'd looked upon the mighty creature, unable to express himself as his lance dissipated into the air.
Zarav then turned, immediately trotting off in horror, screaming. "M-MONSTER!!!! MONSTER!!!!"
Xareth shook his head. "B-But..that's impossible. We...we...we can't...not even Queen Chrysalis..." He'd reverted to his old form.
The griffon snarled as her tail swayed. "Quiet now Xareth, you have to answer for your crimes." The griffon then raised its mighty talon, and squinted at the changeling beneath her, "Join the others who failed to protect their queen."
And all was silent, as she'd brought that mighty talon down upon his trembling body.
You will do it for me, won't you?
Queen Chrysalis's words echoed in Exuvia's mind.
Princess Exuvia frowned heavily, as she thought back to such words Chrysalis said, as a liquid green substance drenched her body, she was now in her original form once again. She made her way down the hall, and along the way she came across the changeling who'd been accompanying Xareth earlier. He sat, trembling against the ebon black pillar he'd been leaning against some time ago. The princess just glanced down at him momentarily, before moving on ahead. She did take a second to regard the hive one last time, before going along and continuing down the hall, keeping her hood raised. She muttered, "Sorry, big sister." As her form had changed once again, into something a bit more peculiar. She now had a flowing sapphire mane, and her coat had remained a pure black as her eyes were a significant shade of pale blue. She glared ahead, with eyes brimming with rage.
She made her way towards the exit of the palace, now in the filly form of a familiar, yet terrifying figure.
And in Princess Exuvia's chamber, across the spattered floor of green and tattered limbs, there laid an open book on her bed sheets. Stained green by the corpses of the changeling guards which surrounded it, the books portrayed two alicorns in particular, the goddesses of the sun and moon. Princess Celestia and Nightmare Moon, were sketched into subject.
"I cannot keep my word, *not even for you*."
It was midday in Equestria.
Deep in the cavernous wastes of the badlands, further beneath the dark crevices which were strewn about the entire area. There in the darkness of a secluded cave, a still beaten and humiliated Queen Chrysalis lingered, but she wasn't focused on dwelling on her past defeat, not in the slightest. Queen Chrysalis paced back and forth, as a group of her subjects remained focused on her. "How long have I been in recovery!?" she'd demanded, practically spitting on each and every one of them in her rage.
One of the changelings trembled, as he'd lowered his frame. "M-My...My queen...erhm..."
Queen Chrysalis snapped at him angrily. "WELL SPIT IT OUT YOU USELESS FOOL!!!!"
The changeling shut his eyes tight in fear. "Y-You've been in recovery for months my queen! Forgive us for our slow pace!"
Queen Chrysalis then shuddered as she'd immediately became frozen, she'd acted as if she'd been struck, unable to speak or express herself. She turned away from them, "Have any of you at least relayed a messenger to inform the hive of my status?"
Another of the group spoke up, hesitantly. "N-No my queen, we felt it was necessary we all remain here to protect y-"
Queen Chrysalis raised a hoof immediately silencing him. As she then raised another hoof to her head, she closed her eyes and sighed heavily, then speaking in a frustrated tone. "Of course,.....of course.......Then we must hurry...."
"So we are going back to the hive my queen?" Another changeling inquired.
Queen Chrysalis appeared dead inside as she just groaned. "No, we'll be going to Canterlot. I must speak with Celestia."
The group of changelings immediately gasped, obviously confused as one spoke out. "M-My Queen! But that's foolish!"
Queen Chrysalis raised a hoof. "Princess Exuvia will not be pleased with my lengthy absence, if she hasn't already made her move." Queen Chrysalis then made her way for the exit of the cave, as she'd flinched in pain and nearly fell to the rough grime beneath her. She squinted angrily as she'd staggered to her hooves, and started to breath heavily. "Ugh....Blasted Elements of Harmony! Meddlesome little brats! Ruining everything!" And as Queen Chrysalis made her way further out of the cave, finally reaching outside, she'd paused for some time before exhaling heavily. She just looked up towards the sky for some time as she wore a light scowl with her lower lip puckered somewhat and half closed eyes in a more tired than irritated expression. She'd spoke faintly, "Wasn't it the mid afternoon last I checked?...." Queen Chrysalis inquired of her few remaining changelings.
One of the changelings spoke up yet again, "Y-Yes my Queen it was....Is something the matter?"
Queen Chrysalis just continued to speak faintly. "Just a bad feeling, I'd have to say." I do hope you don't believe I was the sole threat the changelings had to offer Celestia. Much like the alicorns, we to, have those 'special' ones. One I regrettably wanted to hide for a bit longer. Queen Chrysalis smiled softly to herself in amusement and exhaustion, as she then once again, looked up towards the brightness of the full moon, as an eclipse came into place. How foolish.
"LUNA!"
Princess Luna, who was sound asleep in her bedroom chambers, blinked a bit as she'd yawned heavily. It took her a few seconds to even have the slightest idea of what was happening, as she felt the blankets of her bed be forcefully torn away from her. She raised a brow as she leaned up in her bed and just glanced about for a bit, to see Celestia hurriedly approaching her bedside. "Celestia?"
Princess Celestia, whom was accompanied by practically an entire unit of guards, spoke hurriedly. "Luna!? W-What's going on!?"
Princess Luna was still in a bit of the daze, "What're you talking about sister?"
Princess Celestia shook her head, "It's not time for the moon to rise! Why have you been trying to make it so!?"
Princess Luna's eyes widened then, as she just shook her head. "What....I have done no such thing sister, I have been sleeping..."
Princess Celestia's expression then twisted a bit into a look of utter disgust and bewilderment, "This is no time for games Luna!"
Princess Luna, now horribly frustrated, snapped back angrily. "And I told you! I am playing none!"
And the two remained in place, staring at one another for a few seconds longer before Celestia simply beckoned, "T-Then who?"
Meanwhile, certain events had already begun to transpire in the great Crystal Kingdom of the far north.
Princess Cadence remained situated on her throne as she'd also remained steadfast with a look of quiet anger, trying to keep her composure while glaring down at the tiny, cloaked, individual before her with an impatient glare. "Who are you? You are no child."
And standing in the middle of her throne room, surrounded by a multitude of sleeping guards would be a single tiny filly, as she'd bowed before Princess Cadence. "This place is so amazing!" And she lowered her hood with a joyous smile and closed eyes, revealing a filly with a bright pink coat and a mane made-up of a moderate violet & rose tint with pale gold streaks. "Isn't it, Princess Cadence?" And as she opened her eyes, light purple eyes glared at the princess, mirroring the color which stared right back at her.
Chapter 1: Shall my love follow you home?
CHAPTER 1: SHALL MY LOVE FOLLOW YOU HOME?
It was at first a quiet day in the heart of the great kingdom known as the Crystal Empire. However, that peace was ruined by the looming overcast and ominous message which remained situated in the skies above. The moon covered the sun, and nopony could understand why. Panic had not erupted in the streets just yet, as many were skeptical enough to believe that it was perhaps a simple mistake on Canterlot's end. However the cause of these events was already in the empire, having used her talents to make her way all the way to the castle unknowingly. There she knew her goal awaited her, she sought an audience with Princess Cadence. And now, in the heart of this great empire, she had her audience.
"Who're you?" Princess Cadence raised a brow at the creature before her, wearing her appearance. "A changeling?" Further off in the distance, a quill moved all on its own as Princess Cadence paid no mind to it, allowing it to write over her piece of parchment.
The doppelganger of Princess Cadence only frowned then, before twirling her hoof a bit on the marble floor beneath her. She smiled softly then, gracefully, and everything about her possessed the same amount of beauty that gave Princess Cadence the same adoration. Princess Cadence couldn't help but cringe before the sight, knowing full-well that this creature was wearing her appearance but still able to act in such a manner, it was all distastefully charming. "Maybe Princess, do you dislike changelings?" The doppelganger glanced up at the princess curiously with a raised brow. "Do you hate changelings? Despise them?...Kill them?"
Princess Cadence, still, remained composed. "I don't see where you're going with this, obviously you're a changeling, which is apparently why you've become so defensive against my claim. So tell me changeling, what're you planning to accomplish?"
The doppelganger gave off a tired look as she just wore a soft smile. "Please don't get me wrong princess...I don't hate you."
Those faint words caused Princess Cadence to raise a brow then, "There is no other reason. Of course your kind is still bitter about your defeat in Canterlot and your failure to ruin my wedding day! If anypony has the right to be upset, it's me."
The doppelganger soon just trekked back and forth in the throne room. "I know princess. I just wanted to ask you some things."
Princess Cadence squinted at her for some time, unsure what her motives were before leaning her head back some. Her eyes widened as soon enough, an even bigger influx of guards made their way into the throne room readily with haste.
An individual guard spoke out then, accompanied by the bellied roars of his fellow, "Protect the princess!"
Princess Cadence looked to her guards worriedly before raising a hoof, "Calm yourselves my-"
But it was the mysterious trespasser whom simply went on the defensive. She cast a spell all too familiar to Cadence. It was a transparent light blue barrier which shielded her around a certain perimeter. She cast the spell with ease, and it let off a harmonic ringing melody similar to chimes blowing in the wind. The doppelganger only tilted her head to the left then. "What is love princess? I hear you're the princess of it. Your love is grace and it protects these lands, would you explain that to me?" She gave Princess Cadence a tired glare then, a menacingly frightening glare despite her size.
Princess Cadence flinched, appearing offended due to the question. Although she was also thrown off track by the changeling's magic. Was this creature really a changeling? That was most certainly alicorn magic, which wouldn't be possible for any changeling. So how was this creature before her able to mimic her spell with such ease? She leaned forward from her throne somewhat, before just speaking in a calmed tone, wanting to have a normal conversation with the creature if possible. If Princess Cadence could, she'd prefer diplomacy over violence anytime. "Yes, love does mean quite a lot to me changeling. So much so, that yes, I, nor would any of us, ever kill a changeling. You must be misunderstanding, whatever happened to any changeling was only an unfortunate consequence of their own decisions. Love is something special, and cannot be put into words so easily. It's something you feel inherently deep within, a feeling of joy, nervousness, happiness, and so much more, all possibly at once. There's so many ways to describe love to know it's one of the most cherishing things one can find. Love is happiness."
The doppelganger looked away from Cadence at that moment, to focus only on the ground for some time. She glanced back up at the princess quietly, with an actual expression which could be described as innocent curiosity. "Does love kill?"
Princess Cadence's expression twisted into one of disgust for a moment after hearing such words, "What?"
The doppelganger looked at her desperately, pleadingly almost. "Does love kill? Is it a weapon, as much as it is joy?"
Princess Cadence shook her head, desperately wanting to clear up such an insane way of thinking. "Of course not! Love isn't something as horrible as a weapon! It's an emotion of purity used to spread happiness and peace, not violence little changeling." She paused, squinting a bit at the creature centered in the middle of the room, "How could your mind even come up with such a possible conclusion?" Now she was the one whom appeared desperate, before just wondering silently.
The guards all remained focused on the barrier, their lances fastened on the target within. They however kept their postures as stiff as statues, refusing to move or even twitch as long as this creature was in range of their princess.
The doppelganger within just looked at Princess Cadence, just as baffled. "Love and peace?" She glanced to the lower left with a heavy frown and saddened eyes as she closed them soon afterwords. "I see." She appeared satisfied. "So it wasn't a lie."
Princess Cadence flinched yet again. "A lie?! What would you know? You feed on the love of others!" She yearned to argue with this changeling, the kind who not only attempted to ruin her wedding day but now also mocked the sanctity of love. For now, the princess rose from her throne, and started making her way down the steps. "Do explain your reasoning, won't you?"
The doppelganger shook its head at her. "I heard ponies think of love differently than us. I heard love guides them. I'm shocked to see it was true. So love isn't just food? It can be so much more?" The doppelganger sighed with relief, as she chuckled softly afterwords, closing her eyes. "I knew I wasn't wrong." She regarded Princess Cadence with a peaceful expression then, as if she had all the answers she needed. "Big sister always told me I was sick. But I thought, maybe I was just different." But just as she'd said that, the doppelganger let off a heckling cough, wheezing afterwords as she gagged into her bent hoof which she now used to cover her muzzle. The changeling looked at her hoof soon afterwords tiredly, noticing it was covered in a green goop. "I also think you're wrong though princess. Love can be a cycle can't it? Love took away my sister, and for your loved ones, wouldn't your love for them ensure you do all you can to protect them? Can't love bring harm to us, just as much as happiness?" The doppelganger paused, still wheezing in soft shortened breaths, as her voice even started to change. Princess Cadence observed keenly, still unsure if the creature before her truly was a changeling.
The doppelganger's image began to fuzz in and out of sight, shimmering like static and showing a more understandable believable form. It was a changeling, and she was tiny, weak, and tired. But her appearance in particular only reminded Princess Cadence of one other, and that caused the princess's demeanor to sink heavily as she could easily connect the pieces afterwords. That green gangling mane, those eyes indifferent from a pony, and that figure, that face, that lighter version of such a distastefully haunting voice. Princess Cadence muttered beneath her breath with a light scowl, "Chrysalis?...." She then leaned her head back, before squinting at the changeling. "So she had a little sister. You're only just a larva, yet you traveled all the way here to find her?" That true appearance, her words, they all made sense now. Princess Cadence however wasn't worried anymore, only curious. "What were you thinking? You can't possibly believe you can threaten me? I'm a princess, you're practically a filly."
Princess Exuvia continued to wheeze as she spoke faintly. "I know I can princess. Because I love my big sister more than anything."
This caused Princess Cadence to flinch yet again as she got uneasy due to the confidence in the child's voice. "Stand down little changeling! I refuse to fight one as young as yourself! Go back to where you came, you're obviously not well."
Princess Exuvia lowered her head. "The ponies love for one another, their subjects, their families, I'm happy I found a place where I don't feel so alien. Where love isn't just food, and it's as great as I've felt all my life." She frowned heavily, wearing an annoyed expression as she closed her eyes. "And I'm sad that it had to be you ponies who took that all away from me." She glared at the princess then, coughing once again for a second before her body started to become enveloped in a light blue mist. "Just as you would all do anything to protect those you love. I will do anything for my big sister. I will become anypony or anything if it means I'm one step closer to bringing her back! To bringing her peace! I will dethrone Equestria, Princess CADENCE!"
Soon the very castle grounds began to shutter and tremble as if affected by a great tremor. The halls and pillars shook uncomfortably as light pebbles of debris rained down over the heads of all present in the throne room.
Princess Cadence's pupils dilated at the scene before her as she couldn't understand how such a weak and frail changeling larva could've possibly caused such a magical reaction in her castle, and continue to cause it. Princess Cadence had to think on her hooves and she knew it, she swiped her hoof then, before shouting to her guards. "EVERYPONY OUT!" Before breathing heavily and regarding the little changeling before her. "I never imagined Queen Chrysalis could be the target of such affection."
Princess Cadence, manifested a scroll as she looked it over for a second, before that scroll disappeared in a poof of smoke.
The crystal guards all were hesitant, but gave Princess Cadence a salute. "But, as you wish...Princess Cadence!"
However,...
Soon the shield surrounding Princess Exuvia disappeared, as reappearing from the veil of blue mist would be a figure that sent chills down Princess Cadence's spine, and caused all of the guards to halt. Standing now in the center of the throne room would not be a doppelganger of Princess Cadence, nor would it be a simple mirage. Each and every one of them could feel the ominous atmosphere, and the frosty chill which radiated from the being as her mane of sapphire flame flowed in the now blackened throne room. A tinier version of Nightmare Moon stood in the center, as all eyes were fastened on her. Princess Cadence staggered back before her horn started to glow a radiant luminescent crystal shade, as she couldn't help but gulp but still stand defiantly. "What are you?...No ordinary changeling, not even Queen Chrysalis, was capable of such a metamorphosis."
Princess Exuvia raised a blackened hoof as she wore a blank expression. "Big sister called me a puca." Exuvia became lost in a sea of memories then, recalling when she'd first heard that word. Chrysalis would use it often, and Exuvia couldn't help but overhear it once. She knew Chrysalis thought she was special, maybe she was, she didn't pay any mind to the word however.
Princess Cadence froze then. "A puca!?"
Princess Exuvia raised a brow at Princess Cadence then, a little surprised she recognized the word. "Mhm?..."
Princess Cadence shook her head. "But puca's aren't changelings!"
Princess Exuvia blinked a bit, still a little confused. "What're you saying?"
Princess Cadence stomped a hoof defiantly, angrily. "I'm saying there's no way you can be a puca little girl! AND a changeling!"
Princess Exuvia just laughed, before shaking her head at Princess Cadence, and glaring at her in silent anger. "Liar." Then sprouting from the shadows which now enveloped the room, twisted black tendrils emerged from the infinite black, as if exiting from a sea of ebony shade and latching onto anything within its grasp. The black tendrils wrapped themselves around the guards first, before pulling them in closer towards Exuvia and slowly submerging them into the darkness, consuming their very beings as they'd writhed and attempted to escape. Princess Cadence only watched in horror and shock as her guards were slowly enveloped into shadow, disappearing as if they were never there to begin with. Princess Exuvia just lowered her hind legs before focusing on Princess Cadence. "Princess Cadence, don't be afraid." Exuvia sighed, "You still have much to answer for."
Prince Shining Armor, whom was on the outer perimeter of the Crystal Kingdom, couldn't take his eyes off the sky. He just stared at the endless eclipse, and the midnight blue which surrounded it. It all felt so cold and ominous, almost as if he were looking at an entirely different world. The scene gave him chills, accompanied by the hollow northern winds which only made it worse. Shining Armor was currently accompanied by two guards, wearing a hooded cape which he'd also used as a scarf. He felt alone out here, almost like a tiny figure under an infinite all seeing eye, as if the sky was a presence in itself, watching him. The longer he regarded the eclipse, the more he simply wanted to turn away from it and return to the castle, which he soon did. "Come on guys, let's get out of here. I'm sure Cadence is a little worried as well since we've been out for so long."
The guards only nodded in reaction, and remained situated on opposing sides of their prince.
Shining Armor continued to trek through the snow, as the three continued down the path leading towards the Crystal Empire casually. Shining Armor however appeared to be lost in thought the longer he trekked, unsure just how dire this situation might be. He often worried about the conditions back home, and how Twilight was doing. She was often thrown into the front lines of many dangerous situations considering the fact she was one of Elements of Harmony now. Shining Armor frowned. "You think too much."
One of the guards cocked a brow at Prince Shining then. "My Prince?"
Shining Armor just waved a hoof, disregarding his own words. "It's nothing, sorry about that."
But soon, appearing in the distant horizon, in view of the Crystal Empire would be a bright yellow flash.
Shining Armor just looked at it, as did his guards, as Shining's expression sunk. "C-Cadence?" The prince then simply bolted off into an extensive sprint, as he used his teleportation magic in periodic bursts forward. What the heck's happening at the castle!?
The guards followed him in suit. "P-Prince Shining!"
Time had passed by as if minutes were seconds for Cadence, and she'd lost track of it as she'd attempted to keep this creature she knew to be dangerous away from her kingdom and subjects. She couldn't let any harm befall them.
Princess Cadence and Princess Exuvia now remained situated in the air, as Princess Cadence abruptly turned away from the girl, and then bolted in the opposite direction, straight towards the regions in the northern mountains with a mighty flap of her wings. She glanced back at Princess Exuvia, whom was hot in pursuit almost immediately as she saw that she was still wearing the appearance of Nightmare Moon. Princess Cadence squinted at Exuvia then, also noticing the changeling had deep bags underlining her eyes, and her exhaustion was apparent. Princess Cadence muttered to herself, "So your magic does come at a cost." Tears swelled in Princess Cadence's eyes, as she looked ahead again. I'm sorry I was too late to react my faithful guards. I promise I won't let your loyalty and drive to protect me go in vain. I will stop this monster here and now, that I promise you. Forgive me for this Shining Armor, I can't risk you to. If this child wants a confrontation with the alicorns of Equestria...She shall have it.
Princess Exuvia flapped her wings, as she sped up, gaining ground on the princess before her. As they soared through the midnight skies, cold winds beat against their coats as Exuvia could tell that she was the one whom was getting far more affected by the hazardous weather out here in the cold north. Each flap of her wings was tiresome, yet her motivation to complete her quest was even more fierce. She paid no regard in the direction they were going, nor did she really care. She just kept her eyes fastened on the alicorn before her heading straight into the heart of the blizzard. Exuvia assumed she was being led away from the kingdom for obvious reasons, of course Princess Cadence probably didn't want to bring anymore harm to her subjects. "This is fine..."
Suddenly a thick shadow overcast Princess Cadence, causing her eyes to snap wide as she glanced back in bewilderment. There, hurdling over her would be a thick large sphere of embodied darkness, heading straight for her. Princess Cadence immediately attempted to react, "AH!" But she was far too late, as the sphere made contact with her, and Cadence felt a burning sensation scorch her body, causing her to flail and react in suit as she'd pushed herself away from the sphere which dissipated, but still caused Princess Cadence to plummet down to the icy hills as she rolled down and landed in an open field of bedded snow. Her right wing was immobile, as she breathed heavily and looked off into the distance of the thick blizzard to see Exuvia touch down some ways ahead of her. She glared at the changeling then, angrily. "You're obviously delusional, little puca."
Exuvia began a slow approach towards Princess Cadence, as they both now stood in the open field of snow facing one another, out in the pale moonlight of the full moon which covered the sun. It was a beautiful scenario Exuvia believed, and she knew this was only one milestone she'd have to accomplish in order to feel satisfied. She ignored Princess Cadence's words, and began her approach slowly, silently, still glaring at the princess intently. "It's over Princess Cadence."
Princess Cadence backed away some.
But as Exuvia felt another chill of the cold wind blow, her heart throbbed painfully as she coughed yet again. She covered her muzzle with her hoof, wheezing and breathing heavily as the cold became more severe. She shivered horribly, and simply placed a hoof over her chest, attempting to calm herself as her heart ached and she remained focused on the ground for some time.
Princess Cadence nodded, "It is over."
And emerging from the blizzard, guided by a luminescent blue light, would be another figure. That figure stood beside Princess Cadence in that moment, halting to look upon the wheezing Princess Exuvia with curiosity.
It was Princess Luna, whom wore a fiercely determined expression as well. Princess Luna spoke out, "For you."
Princess Exuvia looked upon the two with half closed eyes, tiredly as she heard the sound of trotting behind her.
And finally, emerging in the distance would be a third figure. It was none other, than Princess Celestia.
This caused Princess Exuvia's eyes to widen, in shock, as her gaze remained fastened on Princess Celestia in disbelief. Princess Celestia?
Princess Celestia spoke out, in regards to Princess Cadence. "Cadence! Are you alright? We are very grateful for your letter."
Princess Luna nodded to Celestia, "Yes, thankfully this creature was just as foolish to announce itself so publicly."
Princess Exuvia just glanced down, still with wide eyes, silently and in disbelief.
Princess Celestia spoke faintly, as the three surrounded Exuvia. "So, do you have anything to say for yourself?"
Princess Exuvia, however raised her head, looking up towards the sky for some time, before a large grin spread from cheek to cheek. They're all here. Each and every Princess of Equestria. All of them are here. Right here before me Chrysalis. She burst into wild joyous laughter then, causing each of the princesses to stagger back questioningly. Princess Exuvia just looked back at Princess Celestia first, which could only be described as an expression of pure ecstasy and excitement. "ONE," Her gaze drifted to both Princess Cadence and Princess Luna. "TWO, THREE! BIG SISTER! THEY'RE ALL HERE!" She stood on her hind legs as she spread all four hooves, "Ahahahaha!" Her laughter drew on as she soon became enveloped in a veil of pink smoke.
And soon, bursting from the ground on all sides would be stone spikes, spreading all throughout the open field of snow.
Princess Celestia immediately took to the skies as she glanced around hurriedly. "LUNA!? CADENCE!?"
Princess Cadence and Princess Luna were protected by a small barrier. Princess Luna caught sight of her sister's gaze as she looked up at her and gave her a reassuring nod, ensuring that Cadence was protected from behind the barrier.
Princess Celestia then focused back on the cloud of pink smoke before her.
As the cloud of pink smoke cleared, Princess Celestia spoke faintly, "That's no changeling."
And standing, smirking at Princess Celestia would be a female draconequus, as if a living embodiment of Discord. Then as she stood there, two single trails of blood rolled down each of her cheeks from her eyes, and she ignored it, refusing to acknowledge the strain as she slapped her tail against the bed of snow beneath her as her body shimmered with black magic.
Princess Celestia's nose wrinkled up a bit at the sight of it, as she glared right back at the puca.
Princess Cadence looked on from behind the barrier, still unable to connect the pieces. What could you have possibly been planning by taking such a creature under your wing? Just what were you up to, Chrysalis?
