Resurrectionby Magicman7997ChaptersChapter 1 (Prompt: Pod)Chapter 2 (Prompt: Rebirth)Chapter 3 (Prompt: Honesty)Chapter 4 (Prompt: Forgiveness)Chapter 5 (Prompt: Banished) Chapter 1 (Prompt: Pod)The Changeling hive was a quiet place. Every drone settled in for the night, not even the guard drones made much noise as they patrolled the labyrinthine halls. It was a very unsettling feeling for one Twilight Sparkle, one she wasn't sure she'd ever get used to. How beings, who seemed to have no real acclimation to magic or modern tools could so effortlessly tunnel through layers of bedrock still astounded her. Of course, given how powerful their, “Mother” was... Twilight blushed at the thought. Five years had passed since a broken Queen Chrysalis appeared in Canterlot again. Five years had passed since she was taken into custody on the spot and dragged before Celestia and Luna. Five long years since Chryssy had surrendered herself begging for any help to save her race from complete extinction. Her pleas struck a particular chord with Luna who could easily see the Queen's redemption as a parallel to her own. It was Luna who suggested the peace accord between the nations, but it was Celestia who sent for Twilight to assist in discovering some way to feed the Changeling race without resorting to harming anypony. Now, not even five years on, the Changelings had not only survived, but thrived in their newly constructed hive under the mountain of Canterlot. Twilight had discovered she could synthesize the same nutrients the Changelings required with out their need to feed off emotion. Now, every single drone could be well fed and never need to assault a pony. The discovery had been a great achievement. In return for a never ending food source, the Hive had named Twilight “Zug'marshalproteca” or “Savior of the Hive”. Even Chrysalis herself had seen fit to thank the lavender alicorn. It was in that short meeting that something clicked. “Is something wrong Zug'marshalproteca,” asked a guard drone. “You seem lost again.” “No, I'm fine, thank you though,” Twilight replied. She was still adapting to how these beings sounded when they spoke Equish. Their native language as a mixture of buzzes, chirps, and clicks, made it difficult for her to teach them Equish at all. It had been necessary however, when the Hive discovered a large trove of minerals in the mountain. Chrysalis saw great potential to trade with Equestria and thus peace, for now, was solidified. “Mother was asking for you,” the drone spoke again. “I believe she said something about your shared project bearing results.” Twilight perked up at this. Without a word, she quickly sped to the Queen's chambers. Stopping just short of the door, she caught her breath and approached the two guards posted there. “Good evening sirs. May I enter,” it was a formal request. If Chrysalis was looking for her, she had no doubt left instructions for Twilight to be instantly admitted on arrival. Still, appearance to keep up and all. “Hail the Zug'marshalproteca! We are not worthy of your presence. We humbly submit ourselves before you and grant you entrance to the Mother's chambers. Long may you both live!” That part was still taking some getting used to. Hero worship was never high on Twilight's list of life goals. But, the more time she was spending in the company of the Changelings, the more she was getting used to it. She stepped softly in the cavernous room that Chrysalis had taken upon starting this new hive. Lit up by spellfire torches that Twilight had designed herself, the massive space resembled more an alchemist's laboratory than a Queen's chambers. All matter of test equipment and vials of liquid were scattered about the place. A small apartment like area did occupy about a third of the circular room, the rest dedicated to the furtherment of the Queen's beloved race. “So nice of you to find you way back,” Chrysalis' voice called out. “I missed you you know,” She left the workbench she was at and crossed over to where Twilight had entered. She gave the alicorn a soft kiss on the muzzle. “Your synth food might be good enough for the drones, but I still prefer the real thing.” “Missed you too,” Twilight said as she muzzled into her lover. She could feel Chrysalis' magic begin to ebb into her and take a small bit of power from her. Over the time that they began to date, Twilight had been able to help Chrysalis come up with a method of feeding that didn't leave the alicorn so exhausted that she couldn't move. In truth, Twilight enjoyed the small bits of energy she gave to Chryssy. It was as intimate an act as one could share. Just one more thing she loved about the queen. “I was told you'd made some progress on the pods.” “Oh yes! Come, you won't be disappointed!” Chrysalis led Twilight to two small pools of a ruby colored liquid that were stationed near another work bench. Inside the two pools Twilight could clearly see two Changeling pods adrift in the liquid. “The DNA took hold easily. Your magical manipulation of life matrices combined with our spawning pools was a genius idea. I was finally able to find a suitable drone carrier strain to use as a base. After I was able to make sure it was all stable, the rest was just elementary.” Twilight peered closer into the pools. Using her magic, she lit up the pools with a soft magical glow. Inside the pods, she could see two pony foals, incubating quite nicely. The one on the left, a pegasus filly with a cyan coat. The one on the right, an earth pony with a pink coat and mane. A small tear threatened to fall down Twilight's face. Sensing the change in her lover's emotion, Chrysalis came to Twilight's side and nuzzled her softly. “Don't worry dearest. It will work this time. We'll be able to get them back. All of them.” “I hope so. I really do. Thank you my love. For everything.” “Only for you. Only for you.” As the two lovers shared a tender moment, the foals slept peacefully in their pods, growing stronger and nearly ready to bring the first two of the five lost Elements of Harmony back to the world. Chapter 2 (Prompt: Rebirth)Deep beneath the city of Canterlot, hidden away in the very mountain the city was built upon, one very exhausted alicorn sat tending an experiment in progress. Her eyes struggled to remain open as the past few days came crashing back upon her. She was so close to fulfilling her wish now. The two foals, nestled securely in their life pods were nearly full term. In the span of a short 3 weeks she and Chryssy had managed to successfully create the new lifeforms thanks to her royal highness's spawning pools. If everything went according to calculations, in the next few days, Twilight would have the first two of her friends back. If all went well, she will have made amends for two of the five lives that were on her hooves... “Twilight! Run! You have to get the other princesses out of here. We can buy you some time! Don't worry, we'll be right behind you in ten seconds flat.” “But I won't leave you! I can't! We all have to leave together or the portal might close! I won't take that risk Rainbow!” “We'll be right as rain Twilight! Besides, it's Gummy's birthday tomorrow. And I have to throw him a party!” “Oh, Pinkie...” No matter how much time passed, the pain of losing her five closest friends still haunted her. Twilight had managed to carry the limp bodies of Celestia, Luna, and Cadance to the portal's entrance. Gently, she placed the tree mares on the other side and turned to charge back into Tartarus to save her friends. It was then that the horror of the situation was made real to her. Twilight turned just in time to see an Eldritch demon consume the life essence of Fluttershy and Rarity. The behemoth towered over the four remaining ponies as it deposited the first two lifeless corpses into a river of lava. The tears flowed freely now from Twilight's face. The despair of this too much for her to reconcile. In the end, a quick shove through the portal's entrance by none other than the Element of Loyalty herself had saved Twilight from a similar fate. “Rainbow, no!” “It's okay egghead, you've got a lot more to do in this world than I do,” her smile trying to lighten the mood. “Besides, everyone's gotta go. I just get to be awesome when I do it.” The magic around the portal destabilized then and sealed Twilight and Rainbow to their respective fates. There was no stopping the heart wrenching sobs that came from her chest now. She didn't want to wake Chryssy, but now, she couldn't stop if she tried. Sensing the sudden wave of negative emotion, Chrysalis shot upright from her bed. Frantically she searched the chamber for Twilight and saw the lavender alicorn in the midst of her breakdown. Quickly, she came to her marefriend's side and nuzzled her. She let her guard slip for only a moment and tried to siphon off some of the negative emotional energy that poured from Twilight's very soul. Painful as it was to absorb, any pain was worth enduring if only to help ease Twi's misery. “You saw them again,” she asked. “They're getting worse. Do you think it might be time to talk to Luna? She is, after all, the keeper of the dream realm. Maybe she could help you.” Twilight sniffed away a rogue tear, “I'm fine. Nothing to concern the princesses with.” She rose to her hooves and stretch out every muscle that she could. “Besides, I don't think there's much she could do for me anyway. These aren't nightmares, they're a guilty conscious reminding me of the sins I've committed.” “You committed no sin dear. You saved the rulers of your kingdom from a very ancient demon king. You and your friends knew the dangers when you entered that hell. The fact that ANY of you walked out of it is a miracle in and of itself.” Chrysalis pulled Twilight into a firm but warm embrace. “You can't keep doing this to yourself. It's not healthy. Besides, when we are successful, our first two younglings are going to need their mother,” she said with a wink as glanced over to the spawning pools. Twilight sighed into Chrysalis's neck. She was right. Getting herself worked up wasn't going to do anypony any good. Especially somepony who was about to be the mother of twin filly foals. Her body began to relax as she shifted into a more comfortable position against her lover. Suddenly twin alarm spells went off as the spawning pools began to bubble. Confused and worried, Twilight rushed over and began to analyze them with her magic. “I don't understand. My magic says everything is normal! What's happening?” “Something wonderful,” Chryssy said with a smile. “Two new lives are about to enter the world.” Chrysalis took her place at the terminal connected to the twin spawning pools. Deftly, she used her magic to begin draining away the nutrient rich fluid that surrounded the pods. As the liquid receded, Twilight began to see the translucent pods much clearer. She could see the two fillies begging to stir and become a little agitated. She worried that they might somehow suffocate inside the egg like structures. “What if they can't breach the pods? They won't have enough air!” Twilight moved herself into position to remove the first pod from the rack it was attached to. Chrysalis's voice stayed her hoof for just a moment longer. “They need all the time in the pod we can allow. Trust me, the drone carrier strain I selected is quite hardy. They'll be fine and will break free with not a problem at all.” Seconds seemed like hours as the last of the liquid drained from the pods themselves. Twilight began to fear the worst as the only sounds she could hear was the last few drips of fluids coming off the racks. Finally, just as despair threatened to take hold, she heard the faintest of crackling noises coming from the pods. More and more cracking joined the original noise until the room sounded with the cacophony of hatching. Suddenly, with a great crunch, the pods split open and the room fell silent once more... Except, for the sound of two wailing pony fillies... Chapter 3 (Prompt: Honesty)THREE MONTHS AFTER “REBIRTH” Twilight Sparkle sat on a small pile of cushions in a hastily constructed nursery. It was still a strange feeling, being a mother of two foals. She'd always dreamed of children, just most times those dreams included thoughts of a wedding, and a house, and a husband. Yet here she sat, nursing a young cyan pegasus with a rainbow colored mane, not in a house, but a chamber deep underground. Still, as she looked down at the youngling graciously accepting nourishment from her, she wouldn't have it any other way. She and Chryssy had been successful! Their cloning of the first two of her dearly departed friends went off without a hitch. After almost a month of sleepless hours pouring over data and countless more spent casting complex spells, they had done the (once) impossible. Two perfect copies of her old friends Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash now shared this new home with Twilight and her marefriend. They might not have the same memories as her old friends, but that was another problem for another time. For now, Twilight was ecstatic just to have them with her alive once more. “I don't remember a time, in the five plus years we've been together, that I've ever sensed this much joy radiating from you,” the hive queen said. Walking into the nursery as quietly as she could, Chryssy beheld the beautiful sight before her in a mix of unabashed hunger and deep contentment. “I'm beginning to think I should have just changed myself into a stallion in one of our nightly romps if this is what motherhood does for you,” she said, winking playfully. A blush crept across Twilight's muzzle. “I can't help it. I always dreamed of foals of my own, and now, it's real!” Twilight noticed that the little filly at her teat had stop nursing. Gently lifting her with her magic, she placed little Dashie in her crib. Within seconds, the young foal reached out with stubby forehooves to grasp a plush doll of her Auntie Cadance that sat in the crib. With the toy locked in a death hug, a small smile came across the filly's face. Not to be outdone, as if sensing her sister was finished with her feeding, young Pinkamena began to stir. Sensing the oncoming unhappiness from the foal that she helped create, Chrysalis strode gently to the side of her crib. Softly, the changeling queen reached over the rail and brought the pink earth pony into a warm embrace. Pinkie cooed at her mother's touch and a smile, a genuine smile of happiness came across Chryssy's face. “I think someone else does a pretty fantastic job at being a mom too you know,” Twilight said as Chrysalis walked towards her. “Of course, you've got a few more years experience and a heck of a lot more children under your belt too.” With all the eagerness of Cerberus with a new ball and the tenacity of a Diamond Dog protecting his gems, young Pinkie greedily suckled at Twilight's breast. Twilight gave a short gasp of pain as the foal latched on tightly to her. “Goodness, I didn't realize that your insatiable appetite was a genetic thing Pinkie. I knew you liked food, but...” Again, a small lance of pain shot through Twilight's body as the foal drank happily. “About the 'years more' experience thing,” Chryssy asked hesitantly. “It...it doesn't bother you that I have, um, bore so many children. Does it?” If it were possible to see the blush of embarrassment on her ebony face, Chryssy was sure she'd be positively glowing. “No, I've never really thought about it before,” Twilight answered quickly. “I mean it's a part of who you are. You're the progenitor of an entire race. I couldn't really hold that against you. Even if I wanted to.” With a soft flick of her wing, the lavender alicorn motioned for her love to come closer. When she arrived, Twilight gave her a soft kiss on the cheek and nuzzled into her, taking in her scent. “Never forget, I love you for you. All of you. What you are, what you have been, and what you will be. Nothing, not even Faust herself will change that.” Chrysalis couldn't remember the last time she had shed tears. She wasn't entirely sure it was even possible. But then, in this most serene of moments, she found herself unable to hold back the well springs that were in her eyes. A short sniffle later, and the feeling had passed. Happiness, the most fulfilling of all the emotions that she could consume, had found a home here. With her, her hive children, her marefriend, and now, her pony children as well. The moment was lost however when the skittering of footsteps crept into the room. “A thousand apologies your Highness. A surface pony is in the antechamber and says that she is here to see both her Majesty and the Zug'marshalproteca,” the drone prostrated himself to the floor as he finished his announcement. “We informed her that you were not receiving visitors, but she insisted that she be seen. She asked that we bring this as proof of her urgency,” the drone reached into a small pouch at his side. He withdrew and old weathered hair bow, one that was common for young fillies to wear. It's crimson color, long since faded and it's loops thread bare. “Shall I send her on her way by force your Majesty?” Recognizing the bow instantly, Twilight looked to Chrysalis. “We both need to be there for this. Can you go and meet with her first. I'll be up as soon as I'm done here.” Chrysalis simply nodded and turned her attention to the drone at her feet. “Rise, drone,” she commanded. As the drone found it's feet, it was instantly knocked back off them as Chrysalis struck him with a hoof to the head. “That, is for even CONSIDERING violence against a visitor. We have worked so hard to maintain peace with the surface ponies. And yet, your first thought was to 'send her on her way by force'? You still have much to learn. You will lead me to this pony and then you shall return to your post. Understood?” Quickly, the drone found his feet again and saluted his queen. “Yes my Queen. I apologize for my actions. I shall do better,” the drone spun on his hooves and led the way for his monarch. The pathways lead closer and closer to the surface. Finally, the drone stopped before a door and swung it open. Natural light poured into the hallway from the antechamber, so much so that Chrysalis was momentarily blinded. The feeling passed quickly and she followed the drone into the room. The antechamber was nearly the size of her own quarters. The major difference being that there was no furniture here. Just banners and tapestries depicting the entrance to the Hive below. Four other drone guards stood motionless in the room. Not the most pleasant of welcoming committees, but they did their job. If a visitor ever came, such as one did now, one drone would step through the entrance door to the hive and pass along the info to a messenger guard. Then it was a simple case of find the intended target and retrieve them. Efficient, safe (for the most part), and above all, it allowed Chryssy to control the situation. She couldn't be happier with how it all worked. The room's other occupant, turned as she heard the door open behind her. A young blond colored mare wearing a bright green bandanna around her neck stepped forward to meet with the brood queen. She was instantly stopped by dual halberds as two royal drone guards intercepted her. It was hard to discern expressions on a changeling's face, but somehow, the young mare knew they meant business. “Announcing her royal Highness, Broodmother, and Queen of the Hive, Chrysalis. All kneel in her glory,” the escorting drone dropped on his forehooves as he allowed Chrysalis to enter. As she came closer to the visitor, the guards slowly backed away and returned to their posts. With a careful sigh as if to steel herself for the conversation about to occur, Chryssy spoke. “AppleBloom It is good to see you again. I apologize for any unfair treatment you may have been given while waiting for me. Drones make excellent guards, though sometimes they can be a bit overzealous. I understand that you wish to speak with myself and Twilight?” “Good afternoon, yer Highness,” AppleBloom said through gritted teeth. “Yeah, Ah'm here to talk to you and Twilight about ma sister. Let's just get this over with before I say something Ah'll regret.” Chrysalis winced at the malice and anger she could sense radiating from the young AppleBloom. She had gotten used to the fact that not all of Equestria's ponies were going to be welcoming or civil to her and her children. But the fact that the young mare before her was so close to her own marefriend made it a bit of a bitter pill to swallow. “Twilight will be along shortly. She's finishing up a few things in the lab. Would you like to come with me? We can surely find someplace a little more comfortable than just this antechamber.” “If it's all the same to you, Ah think Ah'll stay right here. The less time Ah'm here, the better off Ah'll feel.” AppleBloom scuffed at the rocky floor with her hooves. She gazed all around the massive chamber trying to find something, anything to focus on rather than the bug queen before her. Chryssy's nerves grated a little at the mare's behavior, she might not be friendly, but she didn't have to be so openly hostile about it. “AppleBloom, I know that it might be difficult to believe, but I really have changed. I'm not the same being I was that day of the wedding. I realize now that force got us nowhere. I know I have a lot of making up to do, to everypony. But it's hard enough to do that as it is, let alone if ponies won't even give me a chance to make things up to them.” She hoped that her words might reach the young mare's sense of honor in that sentence. From what Twilight had told her about the Apple clan, they were a hard working and dedicated bunch that put family above all else. They believed in second chances, so long as the one who had done wrong was willing to put forth the effort to redeem themselves. AppleBloom sighed heavily, “Ah know. Ah should be givin ya a better shake than Ah am. But the truth is yer Highne...Chrysalis, a wolf can't change his skin. No matter how much he wants to. Ah know the princesses trust ya, and Ah know Twilight adores ya. As fer me, well, Ah'm not sure Ah can meet ya half way yet.” “So long as you're willing to meet me, that's what matters,” Chryssy replied as she extended her hoof towards AppleBloom “Please, can we, start over?” Reaching out, AppleBloom warily shook the queen's hoof. “Ah guess that'd be a start. I'm AppleBloom Apple.” “A pleasure AppleBloom I am Chrysalis. High Queen of the Hive.” “Glad to see you two making progress,” came the voice of Twilight from behind them. She crossed into the chamber and softly kissed Chryssy on the cheek. “They're asleep, though I'm not sure that Pinkie left me intact.” Twilight moved quickly to AppleBloom's side and swept her in a tight hug. “And you young lady, are growing up way too fast. Look at you. Quite the pretty filly! I wonder, how many young colts do you have chasing after you?” Bloom blushed at that but genuinely returned the hug. “It's great to see ya Twilight! Yer looking awfully fine yerself. As far as the colts go, well,” her blush deepening as thoughts of her young coltfriend flashed through her head. “Ah brought what ya asked for,” she said as she reached into her saddlebags. “Found as many of 'em as Ah could. Will it really work? Will Ah have her back, no foolin?” Twilight took the small package from Bloom's mouth. Carefully, she opened it, revealing ten of AJ's old red hair ties. Woven into each tie, were several pieces of blond mane and tail hair. Tears came unwarranted as Twilight looked at the ties. It was if she was holding a priceless magical artifact in her hooves. She was scared to breathe for fear that she might destroy them. Gently, and with a surgeons precision, she passed the package to Chrysalis who took it in her own magical field with the greatest of care. “To answer your question AB, yes and no. The cloning has been successful so far. But we haven't perfected all of the process yet. I assure you, if everything goes as we've planned. We'll both get her back.” AppleBloom nearly tackled Twilight in a bone crushing hug. Tears rained down her muzzle as she held on to Twilight for dear life. “Oh thank ya Twilight! Thank ya ever so much! I've missed her so bad! I want ma sister back.” The tears that Twilight had been holding back sprang forth as she stroked AppleBloom's mane. “So do I AB. So do I.” Chapter 4 (Prompt: Forgiveness)“Fluttershy, get away from there,” Twilight cried out as she watched the yellow pegasus attempt to dodge another round of spell fire from the demon. The lavender alicorn attempted to get to her hooves and rejoin the fight, only to find her strength quickly dwindling. They had managed to free Celestia, Luna, and Cadance from their prison, but now, ever so close to the portal that would take them home, they had been intercepted by the demon's minions. Their progress halted, the most they could do was stand their ground and hope for a miracle. “I can't keep flying, I'm too eeeeeep,” Fluttershy was cut off as a large crimson hand snatched her from mid air. Despite the sounds of battle, the five remaining ponies could hear the gentle pegasus' ribs crunch as the hand squeezed around her barrel. Shy collapsed against the great force and pain and hung limply in the demon's hand. “You put her down this INSTANT! You uncouth brute!' Rarity charged forward to assist her dearest friend. As minion after minion was singed from the blasts from her horn, she reached the demon's feet. Bearing down with all her concentration and might, she charged her horn with as much energy as she could. The resulting blast was by far the best display of offensive magic the group had ever seen from the fashionista. Unfortunately, it was little more than a pin prick to the eldritch demon. Annoyed by the pest at his feet, he swept Rarity up into a crushing grasp as well. “HMM,” he bellowed. “YOU TWO SHALL BE FIRST!” Slowly, the demon drew his grip around Rarity and she cried out in a mix of terror and pain. The howls echoed off the cavern walls and brought the four ponies attention to the scene playing out in front of them. Twilight could only look on in horror as she saw the soul stealing spell begin to charge from the demon's horns. “NO! PLEASE, NO!” The violent spell settled over the two ponies in the demons clutches and slowly drained their life energy away. The last thing Twilight ever saw of Fluttershy and Rarity was the look of pain in their eyes as the spark of their existence was snuffed out. Finished with the task of draining them, the demon discarded the corpses into a nearby lava bed. Laughing maniacally, he called out, “WHO'S NEXT!” “NO, PLEASE, NO” cried a fitful Twilight in her sleep. The pain and torment she was suffering at the hands of her dreams was more than enough to wake Chrysalis. She quickly wrapped her hooves around the now shaking alicorn and attempted to soothe her awake. “Twilight. TWILIGHT! Wake up! Please!” The changeling queen, quickly harnessed her magic and began to siphon off the fear and terror from her marefriend, hoping that it would wake her. The pain of such emotion was strong, especially since it was so very real to Twilight. After taking as much as she could stand, Chryssy canceled the transfer and looked down at her lover. With relief, she saw that Twi's breathing was slowing and she was beginning to wake. “Oh no, not again,” Twilight cried burying her muzzle into Chrysalis as deeply as she could. “I can't go on like this. This is the fourth straight night! We're so close to AppleJack being brought back and Pinkie and Rainbow need me now more than ever! I can't keep losing sleep like this. I just can't!” Twilight lost it then. The weight of everything spilled out in the tears that Chrysalis now tried to wipe away. Stroking her lover's mane, she whispered soft words of encouragement and soothing into her ear. When the worst of the sobbing stopped, she raised Twilight's gaze to meet her own. With a look that spoke not only of determination, but of the deep love and concern she had for the alicorn, she simply spoke. “We must go see Luna. Today.” The pair arrived at the castle shortly after dusk. The foals were left in the care of the hive's matrons and AJ's spawning pool was ensorcelled to instantly alert Twilight or Chrysalis if levels went to far out of normal. As they entered the main throne room, ponies all around began whispering in hushed tones as the alicorn and the changeling strode side by side with their tails entwined. Twilight seemed oblivious to the attention they were drawing. Chryssy, on the other hoof, was very certain that she wished she could cause physical pain with the glares she was shooting the other nobles. They approached a small wooden desk at the head of the throne room. Behind it sat a studious looking unicorn mare. With a slick sliver coat and a unfurled scroll and crescent moon cutie mark, one could only assume this pony was perfect for the job she had. Stepping forward, they were not immediately recognized. A gentle clearing of the throat got the mare's attention quickly enough. “Can I help you?” “Good evening to you as well Moondancer,” said Twilight sweetly. “I know we don't have an appointment, but we need to speak with Princess Luna. It's a very serious situation.” Twilight scuffed her hoof across the floor as she spoke. Normally, she'd have to wait until all the other petitioners were seen since she wasn't on the docket for the night. She hoped that by explaining her situation this way, she might bypass the hassle. Worst case scenario, she'd just pull rank as a Princess of Equestria and use her title. She hated the thought, but in this case, she'd make an exception. Moondancer looked up from her desk at the sound of Twilight's voice. She bowed her head instantly as she spoke. “Oh, forgive me Princess Twilight. I didn't realize it was you. I'm sure her highness will make some time for you. Please wait here and I'll announce you to her.” Quickly, the silver mare walked towards the dais that the thrones sat upon. As she moved, more eyes turned and glared at Twilight and Chrysalis. It was easy to tell their jealousy and disdain, both from the looks on their faces and their body language. Sensing the situation tensing up a bit, Chryssy found her sense of humor. “Wow, didn't realize how much it helped being romantically involved with someone in high political circles,” she giggled. Twilight's only response was a deepening blush and a look that said, “you-are-so-going-to-pay-for-that-when-we-get-home.” Moondancer returned to the pair and spoke softly to them, “She's finishing up with a petitioner now. Once she's done, she will receive you in the south conference room. If you will, I can show you the way.” The two lovers followed the silver mare down a side hallway towards a conference room. As they entered the door Luna's voice echoed through the throne room halls, “We announce that court shall recess for 30 minutes.” Twilight and Chryssy made themselves comfy on several large cushions in the room. The room was more private lounge than conference room. Memories of many a day with Celestia while she held meetings in similar rooms came to Twilight. The fondness of which made her smile for the first time since the nightmares began. Seeing her marefriend smile but happiness to Chrysalis as well. For it not only meant that Twilight had found a little peace, but that she could finally get some decent nourishment. The Lunar Diarch strode confidently into the room flanked by two of her Night Guard. Moondancer, Twilight, and Chrysalis all bowed their heads in respect as she entered. “My friends! You do not have to be so formal. We would request that you rise and speak to us as equals.” With a glance, Luna dismissed the guards and her senchal. Once they were safely outside the room, Luna strode forward and nuzzled Twilight affectionately. She then did the same with Chrysalis as she made her way to her own cushion. “So, what can we do for our friends? Moondancer said that it was a serious situation. Has there been a problem between the pony villagers and the hive?” Clearing her throat, Twilight began to shake, as the prospect of having to reveal the horrid dreams she'd been having became oh so very real. Sensing her marefriend's apprehension, Chrysalis took the initiative. “She's been haunted by some very vivid nightmares as of late. Although, the way she tells it, they aren't really dreams. More like, memories trying to resurface. She wakes up terrified. I've tried to help as much as I'm capable, but even I can't siphon off enough of the negative energy to lessen their impact on her. I fear for her Luna, not just her mental health, but her physical state as well. Our project is just beginning to bear fruit, but we cannot risk any mistakes. And the lack of restful sleep is only increasing the chances of an error.” The lunar alicorn sat back on her haunches slightly as she listened to the changeling queen. She levitated a small tea service over to the three of them as Chryssy finished her narrative. Pouring three cups of a strong Jasmine brew she offered the drinks to her guests. Gratefully, the two mares took their cups and settled back against one another. Luna sipped carefully as she knitted her brow in thought. “You are reliving our fight with Ba'hal in the dream realm? My dear Twilight, that thou art still sane is a miracle. No one should ever have to relive those horrors again. But what could be causing the visions to appear? Perhaps some lingering dark magic from the encounter?” Finally, Twilight found her voice. “No Princess, I'm certain I know what is causing them. It's my conscience. It's punishing me for leaving my friends to their death. It's punishing me for allowing Rarity and Fluttershy to be taken so easily.” Her voice began to quiver and tears rapidly formed in her eyes. “It's punishing me for being alive when they are gone!” Twilight began to wail uncontrollably. Quickly Chrysalis began to hold her love and stroke her mane. A quick glance over at Luna spoke volumes as to how often this very scene occurred. Gently, Luna took her place on the other side of Twilight and joined in the hug. “You seek forgiveness when none is needed,” Luna said softly. “Thine friends are surely at peace in the fields of Elysium. Could they see you, we are certain they wouldst hold no malice towards you. We...I know I am most grateful for everything the six of you did for me. More so, I owe my very return to you and the other bearers. I have a debt that I can never repay to you. You are not the monster you make yourself to be Twilight Sparkle. You are a hero, warrior, lover to thine consort, but most of all, now a mother. Never, EVER, let anypony especially yourself ever tell you that you are anything less.” Twilight's sobbing abated as Luna finished. Finally, with a soft sniffle, she croaked, “Thank you Luna. I will try. But what about my visions, er, dreams? What can we do about them?” Luna charged her slender ebony horn with a soft white light. Slowly, Luna lowered her horn until it ever so gently touched Twilight's own. The spell pulsed between the two alicorns for not more than a second. Twilight breathed a sigh of relief as the energy washed over her body. “This spell will place a sentinel ward on your dreams. Should the nightmare attempt to come again, it will trigger itself to return you to the dreamscape. If for some reason it fails, it's last effort will be to summon me to thine dreams. It won't be permanent, but perhaps it will give you sometime to catch up on your rest and resolve the memories that haunt you,” Luna rose to her hooves as the Moondancer re-entered the room. “I must return to Night Court. Please, come and visit again soon my friends.” The lunar diarch bowed her head slightly as she took her leave of the mares. “One more thing,” Luna said as she was heading out of the door. “My sister and I would love to see the 'progress' you two have made. It has been far too many years since the sound of young foals has filled this castle.” “I'm certain we can bring the girls by soon. After all, who are we to deprive them from their favorite aunts,” Twilight said as a grin spread across her face. Helping Chrysalis to her hooves Twilight and her lover followed Luna and her senchal out of the door. Leaving the castle, she felt more at peace with her memories than she had in years. “Thank you.” Twilight's gratitude took Chryssy by surprise, “What for?” “For being the greatest marefriend I could ever ask for.” Twilight nuzzled into the crook of Chrysalis' neck as they walked down the streets of the capital “I think it's time we go home, I'm sure the girls have driven the matron caretakers to their wits end. Besides, we need to check on AJ's progress.” “I have the greatest marefriend ever,” Chryssy responded. “But, if you like, we could hold a contest tonight and see just how satisfied with our respective mates we are.” The sultry look on the hive queen's face nearly made Twilight ravish her right there. She scooped Chrysalis in a tight embrace and whispered into her ear as the teleport spell took hold. “You, me, bedroom, NOW.” Chapter 5 (Prompt: Banished) Chapter 5 (Prompt: Banished) “On the count of high treason against her royal highness Queen Chrysalis, how do you plead?” “Unrepentant.” “On the count of dereliction of duty, how do you plead?” “Unrepentant.” “On the count of destruction and murder of over 200 of your fellow hive members, how do you plead?” “Unrepentant.” “Then we, the council of 7 elders of the Black Swarm, judge you, General Kerrigan, Blade of the Swarm, to be guilty without remorse. Your punishment shall be death in the acid pits. Your sentence to be carried out immediately.” Quickly, two of the largest of the Royal Guard drones swooped down upon the former military leader. Pressing her muzzle to the hardened floor of the council's chambers, they quickly bound their former colleague in their own sticky mucus. She was drug from the chamber in order to meet her fate when a voice echoed suddenly from every corner of the room. “WAIT,” a huffing Twilight Sparkle exclaimed as she came charging into the room. “Zug'marshalproteca. We are honored to have your presence,” said the lead elder of the council. “However, we have reached a decision. Justice must be served.” “I offer an alternative,” Twilight said as she straightened out her coat. “The good general may have caused severe damage to the hive and to pony/changeling relations, but I firmly believe she was behaving this way out of fear. A fear that the advances I have brought to the collective will fail and once again that you and your kind will be forced to scavenge for food. You cannot, in good conscious, punish her for that.” “What do you offer, your highness?” “Banishment, to the frozen lands beyond the Crystal Empire. But, banishment with a purpose. True, she would be on her own, but send her there to reconnaissance for the Crystal Monarchy. If she truly can be reformed, let her earn it by helping Shiny and Princess Cadance.” The elder seemed to contemplate this offer. Without words, the other elders chimed in with their feelings on the matter by way of subtle clicks and the buzzing of their wings. “If this was to be your punishment, would you obey it to the letter under penalty of death?” Growling to herself, Kerrigan refused to make eye contact with the elder, a clear sign of disrespect. Instead, she focused her icy gaze on Twilight. Twilight bucking Sparkle. The bane of her existence. The reason her beloved queen had gone from ruthless ruler, to a marehood whipped foal. If anything, the banishment would give her time to plot her revenge. Even if she had to nearly freeze her mucus sac off to do it. Plus, the chance to screw with two ponies oh so very close to that damned alicorn was just to good to pass up. “I will. If the council deems this as my punishment, then I shall take my exile.” “Very well, Kerrigan, Blade of the Swarm. You are hereby banished to the Frozen Wasteland. You will be responsible for finding your own shelter upon your arrival. You will make contact with the Crystal monarchy within one week of your arrival. The monarchs will be made aware of your arrival and will also be made aware of your punishment. So is the will of this council. Guards, remove her.” The guards once again made to remove Kerrigan from the chambers. As they led her away, she stopped and looked at Twilight. “I'll see you again, sooner than you realize.” The statement sent a shudder down Twilight's spine. “What the hay was that all about?” Upon returning to her and Chryssy's chambers, she was immediately besieged by two bouncing balls of pony foal. “MOMMA! MOMMA! We missed you so,” said Rainbow as she quickly jumped onto Twilight's back. Pinkie soon joined in the pony pile and was instantly met with a raspberry to the stomach. “TeeHEEHEEHEE! That tickles Momma!” “How'd it go my love,” said a clearly concerned Chrysalis. She gently cradled a nursing AppleJack in her hooves as she spoke. “Were you able to spare her?” “I was, but, I'll be honest Chryssy, I still don't understand why you had me do it. She betrayed you. Attacked an entire pony village against orders, and then killed her entire unit. Why in the name of Celestia would you want her to continue to draw breath?” “It's...complicated. I love all my children. But with Kerrigan it's...different.” “How so,” asked a clearly curious Twilight. She noticed that the hive queen seemed quite uncomfortable trying to explain it. Twilight warred in her mind as to whether her marefriend's privacy was worth more than the headache her insatiable curiosity would cause her. Eventually, curiosity won out. “Please Chryssy, I want to know. If it's a part of you, I would want to know. Remember, no secrets between us...” Sighing, Chrysalis resigned herself to tell the brief version of the story. “As you know, much like many other insectoid species, as queen, I lay eggs which turn into new workers and drones. Hence, why all of the collective are my children. But, once every 20 years or so, I am able if I choose, to take a mate into my bed. We lie together as lovers do and instead of a new egg sac, a single embryo is created. That embryo, nourished much like a foal in pregnancy, grows to term and is actually born rather than hatched. This worker, and it will always be a worker, is to be the next in line for the throne. You could say the Kerrigan, is really a princess. And she...,” the queen stopped as tears formed in the corners of her eyes and her voice caught in her throat. “Is closer than just an egg that hatched from your spawning pools,” said Twilight. “She's..” “My daughter.” Author's Note Sorry for the length of time it took for the update. Some personal demons reared their ugly head and it affected my writing. Kerrigan is inspired by the Starcraft character of the same name. Looks like Twilight and Chrysalis have an antagonist now...
Chapter 1 (Prompt: Pod)The Changeling hive was a quiet place. Every drone settled in for the night, not even the guard drones made much noise as they patrolled the labyrinthine halls. It was a very unsettling feeling for one Twilight Sparkle, one she wasn't sure she'd ever get used to. How beings, who seemed to have no real acclimation to magic or modern tools could so effortlessly tunnel through layers of bedrock still astounded her. Of course, given how powerful their, “Mother” was... Twilight blushed at the thought. Five years had passed since a broken Queen Chrysalis appeared in Canterlot again. Five years had passed since she was taken into custody on the spot and dragged before Celestia and Luna. Five long years since Chryssy had surrendered herself begging for any help to save her race from complete extinction. Her pleas struck a particular chord with Luna who could easily see the Queen's redemption as a parallel to her own. It was Luna who suggested the peace accord between the nations, but it was Celestia who sent for Twilight to assist in discovering some way to feed the Changeling race without resorting to harming anypony. Now, not even five years on, the Changelings had not only survived, but thrived in their newly constructed hive under the mountain of Canterlot. Twilight had discovered she could synthesize the same nutrients the Changelings required with out their need to feed off emotion. Now, every single drone could be well fed and never need to assault a pony. The discovery had been a great achievement. In return for a never ending food source, the Hive had named Twilight “Zug'marshalproteca” or “Savior of the Hive”. Even Chrysalis herself had seen fit to thank the lavender alicorn. It was in that short meeting that something clicked. “Is something wrong Zug'marshalproteca,” asked a guard drone. “You seem lost again.” “No, I'm fine, thank you though,” Twilight replied. She was still adapting to how these beings sounded when they spoke Equish. Their native language as a mixture of buzzes, chirps, and clicks, made it difficult for her to teach them Equish at all. It had been necessary however, when the Hive discovered a large trove of minerals in the mountain. Chrysalis saw great potential to trade with Equestria and thus peace, for now, was solidified. “Mother was asking for you,” the drone spoke again. “I believe she said something about your shared project bearing results.” Twilight perked up at this. Without a word, she quickly sped to the Queen's chambers. Stopping just short of the door, she caught her breath and approached the two guards posted there. “Good evening sirs. May I enter,” it was a formal request. If Chrysalis was looking for her, she had no doubt left instructions for Twilight to be instantly admitted on arrival. Still, appearance to keep up and all. “Hail the Zug'marshalproteca! We are not worthy of your presence. We humbly submit ourselves before you and grant you entrance to the Mother's chambers. Long may you both live!” That part was still taking some getting used to. Hero worship was never high on Twilight's list of life goals. But, the more time she was spending in the company of the Changelings, the more she was getting used to it. She stepped softly in the cavernous room that Chrysalis had taken upon starting this new hive. Lit up by spellfire torches that Twilight had designed herself, the massive space resembled more an alchemist's laboratory than a Queen's chambers. All matter of test equipment and vials of liquid were scattered about the place. A small apartment like area did occupy about a third of the circular room, the rest dedicated to the furtherment of the Queen's beloved race. “So nice of you to find you way back,” Chrysalis' voice called out. “I missed you you know,” She left the workbench she was at and crossed over to where Twilight had entered. She gave the alicorn a soft kiss on the muzzle. “Your synth food might be good enough for the drones, but I still prefer the real thing.” “Missed you too,” Twilight said as she muzzled into her lover. She could feel Chrysalis' magic begin to ebb into her and take a small bit of power from her. Over the time that they began to date, Twilight had been able to help Chrysalis come up with a method of feeding that didn't leave the alicorn so exhausted that she couldn't move. In truth, Twilight enjoyed the small bits of energy she gave to Chryssy. It was as intimate an act as one could share. Just one more thing she loved about the queen. “I was told you'd made some progress on the pods.” “Oh yes! Come, you won't be disappointed!” Chrysalis led Twilight to two small pools of a ruby colored liquid that were stationed near another work bench. Inside the two pools Twilight could clearly see two Changeling pods adrift in the liquid. “The DNA took hold easily. Your magical manipulation of life matrices combined with our spawning pools was a genius idea. I was finally able to find a suitable drone carrier strain to use as a base. After I was able to make sure it was all stable, the rest was just elementary.” Twilight peered closer into the pools. Using her magic, she lit up the pools with a soft magical glow. Inside the pods, she could see two pony foals, incubating quite nicely. The one on the left, a pegasus filly with a cyan coat. The one on the right, an earth pony with a pink coat and mane. A small tear threatened to fall down Twilight's face. Sensing the change in her lover's emotion, Chrysalis came to Twilight's side and nuzzled her softly. “Don't worry dearest. It will work this time. We'll be able to get them back. All of them.” “I hope so. I really do. Thank you my love. For everything.” “Only for you. Only for you.” As the two lovers shared a tender moment, the foals slept peacefully in their pods, growing stronger and nearly ready to bring the first two of the five lost Elements of Harmony back to the world.
Chapter 2 (Prompt: Rebirth)Deep beneath the city of Canterlot, hidden away in the very mountain the city was built upon, one very exhausted alicorn sat tending an experiment in progress. Her eyes struggled to remain open as the past few days came crashing back upon her. She was so close to fulfilling her wish now. The two foals, nestled securely in their life pods were nearly full term. In the span of a short 3 weeks she and Chryssy had managed to successfully create the new lifeforms thanks to her royal highness's spawning pools. If everything went according to calculations, in the next few days, Twilight would have the first two of her friends back. If all went well, she will have made amends for two of the five lives that were on her hooves... “Twilight! Run! You have to get the other princesses out of here. We can buy you some time! Don't worry, we'll be right behind you in ten seconds flat.” “But I won't leave you! I can't! We all have to leave together or the portal might close! I won't take that risk Rainbow!” “We'll be right as rain Twilight! Besides, it's Gummy's birthday tomorrow. And I have to throw him a party!” “Oh, Pinkie...” No matter how much time passed, the pain of losing her five closest friends still haunted her. Twilight had managed to carry the limp bodies of Celestia, Luna, and Cadance to the portal's entrance. Gently, she placed the tree mares on the other side and turned to charge back into Tartarus to save her friends. It was then that the horror of the situation was made real to her. Twilight turned just in time to see an Eldritch demon consume the life essence of Fluttershy and Rarity. The behemoth towered over the four remaining ponies as it deposited the first two lifeless corpses into a river of lava. The tears flowed freely now from Twilight's face. The despair of this too much for her to reconcile. In the end, a quick shove through the portal's entrance by none other than the Element of Loyalty herself had saved Twilight from a similar fate. “Rainbow, no!” “It's okay egghead, you've got a lot more to do in this world than I do,” her smile trying to lighten the mood. “Besides, everyone's gotta go. I just get to be awesome when I do it.” The magic around the portal destabilized then and sealed Twilight and Rainbow to their respective fates. There was no stopping the heart wrenching sobs that came from her chest now. She didn't want to wake Chryssy, but now, she couldn't stop if she tried. Sensing the sudden wave of negative emotion, Chrysalis shot upright from her bed. Frantically she searched the chamber for Twilight and saw the lavender alicorn in the midst of her breakdown. Quickly, she came to her marefriend's side and nuzzled her. She let her guard slip for only a moment and tried to siphon off some of the negative emotional energy that poured from Twilight's very soul. Painful as it was to absorb, any pain was worth enduring if only to help ease Twi's misery. “You saw them again,” she asked. “They're getting worse. Do you think it might be time to talk to Luna? She is, after all, the keeper of the dream realm. Maybe she could help you.” Twilight sniffed away a rogue tear, “I'm fine. Nothing to concern the princesses with.” She rose to her hooves and stretch out every muscle that she could. “Besides, I don't think there's much she could do for me anyway. These aren't nightmares, they're a guilty conscious reminding me of the sins I've committed.” “You committed no sin dear. You saved the rulers of your kingdom from a very ancient demon king. You and your friends knew the dangers when you entered that hell. The fact that ANY of you walked out of it is a miracle in and of itself.” Chrysalis pulled Twilight into a firm but warm embrace. “You can't keep doing this to yourself. It's not healthy. Besides, when we are successful, our first two younglings are going to need their mother,” she said with a wink as glanced over to the spawning pools. Twilight sighed into Chrysalis's neck. She was right. Getting herself worked up wasn't going to do anypony any good. Especially somepony who was about to be the mother of twin filly foals. Her body began to relax as she shifted into a more comfortable position against her lover. Suddenly twin alarm spells went off as the spawning pools began to bubble. Confused and worried, Twilight rushed over and began to analyze them with her magic. “I don't understand. My magic says everything is normal! What's happening?” “Something wonderful,” Chryssy said with a smile. “Two new lives are about to enter the world.” Chrysalis took her place at the terminal connected to the twin spawning pools. Deftly, she used her magic to begin draining away the nutrient rich fluid that surrounded the pods. As the liquid receded, Twilight began to see the translucent pods much clearer. She could see the two fillies begging to stir and become a little agitated. She worried that they might somehow suffocate inside the egg like structures. “What if they can't breach the pods? They won't have enough air!” Twilight moved herself into position to remove the first pod from the rack it was attached to. Chrysalis's voice stayed her hoof for just a moment longer. “They need all the time in the pod we can allow. Trust me, the drone carrier strain I selected is quite hardy. They'll be fine and will break free with not a problem at all.” Seconds seemed like hours as the last of the liquid drained from the pods themselves. Twilight began to fear the worst as the only sounds she could hear was the last few drips of fluids coming off the racks. Finally, just as despair threatened to take hold, she heard the faintest of crackling noises coming from the pods. More and more cracking joined the original noise until the room sounded with the cacophony of hatching. Suddenly, with a great crunch, the pods split open and the room fell silent once more... Except, for the sound of two wailing pony fillies...
Chapter 3 (Prompt: Honesty)THREE MONTHS AFTER “REBIRTH” Twilight Sparkle sat on a small pile of cushions in a hastily constructed nursery. It was still a strange feeling, being a mother of two foals. She'd always dreamed of children, just most times those dreams included thoughts of a wedding, and a house, and a husband. Yet here she sat, nursing a young cyan pegasus with a rainbow colored mane, not in a house, but a chamber deep underground. Still, as she looked down at the youngling graciously accepting nourishment from her, she wouldn't have it any other way. She and Chryssy had been successful! Their cloning of the first two of her dearly departed friends went off without a hitch. After almost a month of sleepless hours pouring over data and countless more spent casting complex spells, they had done the (once) impossible. Two perfect copies of her old friends Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash now shared this new home with Twilight and her marefriend. They might not have the same memories as her old friends, but that was another problem for another time. For now, Twilight was ecstatic just to have them with her alive once more. “I don't remember a time, in the five plus years we've been together, that I've ever sensed this much joy radiating from you,” the hive queen said. Walking into the nursery as quietly as she could, Chryssy beheld the beautiful sight before her in a mix of unabashed hunger and deep contentment. “I'm beginning to think I should have just changed myself into a stallion in one of our nightly romps if this is what motherhood does for you,” she said, winking playfully. A blush crept across Twilight's muzzle. “I can't help it. I always dreamed of foals of my own, and now, it's real!” Twilight noticed that the little filly at her teat had stop nursing. Gently lifting her with her magic, she placed little Dashie in her crib. Within seconds, the young foal reached out with stubby forehooves to grasp a plush doll of her Auntie Cadance that sat in the crib. With the toy locked in a death hug, a small smile came across the filly's face. Not to be outdone, as if sensing her sister was finished with her feeding, young Pinkamena began to stir. Sensing the oncoming unhappiness from the foal that she helped create, Chrysalis strode gently to the side of her crib. Softly, the changeling queen reached over the rail and brought the pink earth pony into a warm embrace. Pinkie cooed at her mother's touch and a smile, a genuine smile of happiness came across Chryssy's face. “I think someone else does a pretty fantastic job at being a mom too you know,” Twilight said as Chrysalis walked towards her. “Of course, you've got a few more years experience and a heck of a lot more children under your belt too.” With all the eagerness of Cerberus with a new ball and the tenacity of a Diamond Dog protecting his gems, young Pinkie greedily suckled at Twilight's breast. Twilight gave a short gasp of pain as the foal latched on tightly to her. “Goodness, I didn't realize that your insatiable appetite was a genetic thing Pinkie. I knew you liked food, but...” Again, a small lance of pain shot through Twilight's body as the foal drank happily. “About the 'years more' experience thing,” Chryssy asked hesitantly. “It...it doesn't bother you that I have, um, bore so many children. Does it?” If it were possible to see the blush of embarrassment on her ebony face, Chryssy was sure she'd be positively glowing. “No, I've never really thought about it before,” Twilight answered quickly. “I mean it's a part of who you are. You're the progenitor of an entire race. I couldn't really hold that against you. Even if I wanted to.” With a soft flick of her wing, the lavender alicorn motioned for her love to come closer. When she arrived, Twilight gave her a soft kiss on the cheek and nuzzled into her, taking in her scent. “Never forget, I love you for you. All of you. What you are, what you have been, and what you will be. Nothing, not even Faust herself will change that.” Chrysalis couldn't remember the last time she had shed tears. She wasn't entirely sure it was even possible. But then, in this most serene of moments, she found herself unable to hold back the well springs that were in her eyes. A short sniffle later, and the feeling had passed. Happiness, the most fulfilling of all the emotions that she could consume, had found a home here. With her, her hive children, her marefriend, and now, her pony children as well. The moment was lost however when the skittering of footsteps crept into the room. “A thousand apologies your Highness. A surface pony is in the antechamber and says that she is here to see both her Majesty and the Zug'marshalproteca,” the drone prostrated himself to the floor as he finished his announcement. “We informed her that you were not receiving visitors, but she insisted that she be seen. She asked that we bring this as proof of her urgency,” the drone reached into a small pouch at his side. He withdrew and old weathered hair bow, one that was common for young fillies to wear. It's crimson color, long since faded and it's loops thread bare. “Shall I send her on her way by force your Majesty?” Recognizing the bow instantly, Twilight looked to Chrysalis. “We both need to be there for this. Can you go and meet with her first. I'll be up as soon as I'm done here.” Chrysalis simply nodded and turned her attention to the drone at her feet. “Rise, drone,” she commanded. As the drone found it's feet, it was instantly knocked back off them as Chrysalis struck him with a hoof to the head. “That, is for even CONSIDERING violence against a visitor. We have worked so hard to maintain peace with the surface ponies. And yet, your first thought was to 'send her on her way by force'? You still have much to learn. You will lead me to this pony and then you shall return to your post. Understood?” Quickly, the drone found his feet again and saluted his queen. “Yes my Queen. I apologize for my actions. I shall do better,” the drone spun on his hooves and led the way for his monarch. The pathways lead closer and closer to the surface. Finally, the drone stopped before a door and swung it open. Natural light poured into the hallway from the antechamber, so much so that Chrysalis was momentarily blinded. The feeling passed quickly and she followed the drone into the room. The antechamber was nearly the size of her own quarters. The major difference being that there was no furniture here. Just banners and tapestries depicting the entrance to the Hive below. Four other drone guards stood motionless in the room. Not the most pleasant of welcoming committees, but they did their job. If a visitor ever came, such as one did now, one drone would step through the entrance door to the hive and pass along the info to a messenger guard. Then it was a simple case of find the intended target and retrieve them. Efficient, safe (for the most part), and above all, it allowed Chryssy to control the situation. She couldn't be happier with how it all worked. The room's other occupant, turned as she heard the door open behind her. A young blond colored mare wearing a bright green bandanna around her neck stepped forward to meet with the brood queen. She was instantly stopped by dual halberds as two royal drone guards intercepted her. It was hard to discern expressions on a changeling's face, but somehow, the young mare knew they meant business. “Announcing her royal Highness, Broodmother, and Queen of the Hive, Chrysalis. All kneel in her glory,” the escorting drone dropped on his forehooves as he allowed Chrysalis to enter. As she came closer to the visitor, the guards slowly backed away and returned to their posts. With a careful sigh as if to steel herself for the conversation about to occur, Chryssy spoke. “AppleBloom It is good to see you again. I apologize for any unfair treatment you may have been given while waiting for me. Drones make excellent guards, though sometimes they can be a bit overzealous. I understand that you wish to speak with myself and Twilight?” “Good afternoon, yer Highness,” AppleBloom said through gritted teeth. “Yeah, Ah'm here to talk to you and Twilight about ma sister. Let's just get this over with before I say something Ah'll regret.” Chrysalis winced at the malice and anger she could sense radiating from the young AppleBloom. She had gotten used to the fact that not all of Equestria's ponies were going to be welcoming or civil to her and her children. But the fact that the young mare before her was so close to her own marefriend made it a bit of a bitter pill to swallow. “Twilight will be along shortly. She's finishing up a few things in the lab. Would you like to come with me? We can surely find someplace a little more comfortable than just this antechamber.” “If it's all the same to you, Ah think Ah'll stay right here. The less time Ah'm here, the better off Ah'll feel.” AppleBloom scuffed at the rocky floor with her hooves. She gazed all around the massive chamber trying to find something, anything to focus on rather than the bug queen before her. Chryssy's nerves grated a little at the mare's behavior, she might not be friendly, but she didn't have to be so openly hostile about it. “AppleBloom, I know that it might be difficult to believe, but I really have changed. I'm not the same being I was that day of the wedding. I realize now that force got us nowhere. I know I have a lot of making up to do, to everypony. But it's hard enough to do that as it is, let alone if ponies won't even give me a chance to make things up to them.” She hoped that her words might reach the young mare's sense of honor in that sentence. From what Twilight had told her about the Apple clan, they were a hard working and dedicated bunch that put family above all else. They believed in second chances, so long as the one who had done wrong was willing to put forth the effort to redeem themselves. AppleBloom sighed heavily, “Ah know. Ah should be givin ya a better shake than Ah am. But the truth is yer Highne...Chrysalis, a wolf can't change his skin. No matter how much he wants to. Ah know the princesses trust ya, and Ah know Twilight adores ya. As fer me, well, Ah'm not sure Ah can meet ya half way yet.” “So long as you're willing to meet me, that's what matters,” Chryssy replied as she extended her hoof towards AppleBloom “Please, can we, start over?” Reaching out, AppleBloom warily shook the queen's hoof. “Ah guess that'd be a start. I'm AppleBloom Apple.” “A pleasure AppleBloom I am Chrysalis. High Queen of the Hive.” “Glad to see you two making progress,” came the voice of Twilight from behind them. She crossed into the chamber and softly kissed Chryssy on the cheek. “They're asleep, though I'm not sure that Pinkie left me intact.” Twilight moved quickly to AppleBloom's side and swept her in a tight hug. “And you young lady, are growing up way too fast. Look at you. Quite the pretty filly! I wonder, how many young colts do you have chasing after you?” Bloom blushed at that but genuinely returned the hug. “It's great to see ya Twilight! Yer looking awfully fine yerself. As far as the colts go, well,” her blush deepening as thoughts of her young coltfriend flashed through her head. “Ah brought what ya asked for,” she said as she reached into her saddlebags. “Found as many of 'em as Ah could. Will it really work? Will Ah have her back, no foolin?” Twilight took the small package from Bloom's mouth. Carefully, she opened it, revealing ten of AJ's old red hair ties. Woven into each tie, were several pieces of blond mane and tail hair. Tears came unwarranted as Twilight looked at the ties. It was if she was holding a priceless magical artifact in her hooves. She was scared to breathe for fear that she might destroy them. Gently, and with a surgeons precision, she passed the package to Chrysalis who took it in her own magical field with the greatest of care. “To answer your question AB, yes and no. The cloning has been successful so far. But we haven't perfected all of the process yet. I assure you, if everything goes as we've planned. We'll both get her back.” AppleBloom nearly tackled Twilight in a bone crushing hug. Tears rained down her muzzle as she held on to Twilight for dear life. “Oh thank ya Twilight! Thank ya ever so much! I've missed her so bad! I want ma sister back.” The tears that Twilight had been holding back sprang forth as she stroked AppleBloom's mane. “So do I AB. So do I.”
Chapter 4 (Prompt: Forgiveness)“Fluttershy, get away from there,” Twilight cried out as she watched the yellow pegasus attempt to dodge another round of spell fire from the demon. The lavender alicorn attempted to get to her hooves and rejoin the fight, only to find her strength quickly dwindling. They had managed to free Celestia, Luna, and Cadance from their prison, but now, ever so close to the portal that would take them home, they had been intercepted by the demon's minions. Their progress halted, the most they could do was stand their ground and hope for a miracle. “I can't keep flying, I'm too eeeeeep,” Fluttershy was cut off as a large crimson hand snatched her from mid air. Despite the sounds of battle, the five remaining ponies could hear the gentle pegasus' ribs crunch as the hand squeezed around her barrel. Shy collapsed against the great force and pain and hung limply in the demon's hand. “You put her down this INSTANT! You uncouth brute!' Rarity charged forward to assist her dearest friend. As minion after minion was singed from the blasts from her horn, she reached the demon's feet. Bearing down with all her concentration and might, she charged her horn with as much energy as she could. The resulting blast was by far the best display of offensive magic the group had ever seen from the fashionista. Unfortunately, it was little more than a pin prick to the eldritch demon. Annoyed by the pest at his feet, he swept Rarity up into a crushing grasp as well. “HMM,” he bellowed. “YOU TWO SHALL BE FIRST!” Slowly, the demon drew his grip around Rarity and she cried out in a mix of terror and pain. The howls echoed off the cavern walls and brought the four ponies attention to the scene playing out in front of them. Twilight could only look on in horror as she saw the soul stealing spell begin to charge from the demon's horns. “NO! PLEASE, NO!” The violent spell settled over the two ponies in the demons clutches and slowly drained their life energy away. The last thing Twilight ever saw of Fluttershy and Rarity was the look of pain in their eyes as the spark of their existence was snuffed out. Finished with the task of draining them, the demon discarded the corpses into a nearby lava bed. Laughing maniacally, he called out, “WHO'S NEXT!” “NO, PLEASE, NO” cried a fitful Twilight in her sleep. The pain and torment she was suffering at the hands of her dreams was more than enough to wake Chrysalis. She quickly wrapped her hooves around the now shaking alicorn and attempted to soothe her awake. “Twilight. TWILIGHT! Wake up! Please!” The changeling queen, quickly harnessed her magic and began to siphon off the fear and terror from her marefriend, hoping that it would wake her. The pain of such emotion was strong, especially since it was so very real to Twilight. After taking as much as she could stand, Chryssy canceled the transfer and looked down at her lover. With relief, she saw that Twi's breathing was slowing and she was beginning to wake. “Oh no, not again,” Twilight cried burying her muzzle into Chrysalis as deeply as she could. “I can't go on like this. This is the fourth straight night! We're so close to AppleJack being brought back and Pinkie and Rainbow need me now more than ever! I can't keep losing sleep like this. I just can't!” Twilight lost it then. The weight of everything spilled out in the tears that Chrysalis now tried to wipe away. Stroking her lover's mane, she whispered soft words of encouragement and soothing into her ear. When the worst of the sobbing stopped, she raised Twilight's gaze to meet her own. With a look that spoke not only of determination, but of the deep love and concern she had for the alicorn, she simply spoke. “We must go see Luna. Today.” The pair arrived at the castle shortly after dusk. The foals were left in the care of the hive's matrons and AJ's spawning pool was ensorcelled to instantly alert Twilight or Chrysalis if levels went to far out of normal. As they entered the main throne room, ponies all around began whispering in hushed tones as the alicorn and the changeling strode side by side with their tails entwined. Twilight seemed oblivious to the attention they were drawing. Chryssy, on the other hoof, was very certain that she wished she could cause physical pain with the glares she was shooting the other nobles. They approached a small wooden desk at the head of the throne room. Behind it sat a studious looking unicorn mare. With a slick sliver coat and a unfurled scroll and crescent moon cutie mark, one could only assume this pony was perfect for the job she had. Stepping forward, they were not immediately recognized. A gentle clearing of the throat got the mare's attention quickly enough. “Can I help you?” “Good evening to you as well Moondancer,” said Twilight sweetly. “I know we don't have an appointment, but we need to speak with Princess Luna. It's a very serious situation.” Twilight scuffed her hoof across the floor as she spoke. Normally, she'd have to wait until all the other petitioners were seen since she wasn't on the docket for the night. She hoped that by explaining her situation this way, she might bypass the hassle. Worst case scenario, she'd just pull rank as a Princess of Equestria and use her title. She hated the thought, but in this case, she'd make an exception. Moondancer looked up from her desk at the sound of Twilight's voice. She bowed her head instantly as she spoke. “Oh, forgive me Princess Twilight. I didn't realize it was you. I'm sure her highness will make some time for you. Please wait here and I'll announce you to her.” Quickly, the silver mare walked towards the dais that the thrones sat upon. As she moved, more eyes turned and glared at Twilight and Chrysalis. It was easy to tell their jealousy and disdain, both from the looks on their faces and their body language. Sensing the situation tensing up a bit, Chryssy found her sense of humor. “Wow, didn't realize how much it helped being romantically involved with someone in high political circles,” she giggled. Twilight's only response was a deepening blush and a look that said, “you-are-so-going-to-pay-for-that-when-we-get-home.” Moondancer returned to the pair and spoke softly to them, “She's finishing up with a petitioner now. Once she's done, she will receive you in the south conference room. If you will, I can show you the way.” The two lovers followed the silver mare down a side hallway towards a conference room. As they entered the door Luna's voice echoed through the throne room halls, “We announce that court shall recess for 30 minutes.” Twilight and Chryssy made themselves comfy on several large cushions in the room. The room was more private lounge than conference room. Memories of many a day with Celestia while she held meetings in similar rooms came to Twilight. The fondness of which made her smile for the first time since the nightmares began. Seeing her marefriend smile but happiness to Chrysalis as well. For it not only meant that Twilight had found a little peace, but that she could finally get some decent nourishment. The Lunar Diarch strode confidently into the room flanked by two of her Night Guard. Moondancer, Twilight, and Chrysalis all bowed their heads in respect as she entered. “My friends! You do not have to be so formal. We would request that you rise and speak to us as equals.” With a glance, Luna dismissed the guards and her senchal. Once they were safely outside the room, Luna strode forward and nuzzled Twilight affectionately. She then did the same with Chrysalis as she made her way to her own cushion. “So, what can we do for our friends? Moondancer said that it was a serious situation. Has there been a problem between the pony villagers and the hive?” Clearing her throat, Twilight began to shake, as the prospect of having to reveal the horrid dreams she'd been having became oh so very real. Sensing her marefriend's apprehension, Chrysalis took the initiative. “She's been haunted by some very vivid nightmares as of late. Although, the way she tells it, they aren't really dreams. More like, memories trying to resurface. She wakes up terrified. I've tried to help as much as I'm capable, but even I can't siphon off enough of the negative energy to lessen their impact on her. I fear for her Luna, not just her mental health, but her physical state as well. Our project is just beginning to bear fruit, but we cannot risk any mistakes. And the lack of restful sleep is only increasing the chances of an error.” The lunar alicorn sat back on her haunches slightly as she listened to the changeling queen. She levitated a small tea service over to the three of them as Chryssy finished her narrative. Pouring three cups of a strong Jasmine brew she offered the drinks to her guests. Gratefully, the two mares took their cups and settled back against one another. Luna sipped carefully as she knitted her brow in thought. “You are reliving our fight with Ba'hal in the dream realm? My dear Twilight, that thou art still sane is a miracle. No one should ever have to relive those horrors again. But what could be causing the visions to appear? Perhaps some lingering dark magic from the encounter?” Finally, Twilight found her voice. “No Princess, I'm certain I know what is causing them. It's my conscience. It's punishing me for leaving my friends to their death. It's punishing me for allowing Rarity and Fluttershy to be taken so easily.” Her voice began to quiver and tears rapidly formed in her eyes. “It's punishing me for being alive when they are gone!” Twilight began to wail uncontrollably. Quickly Chrysalis began to hold her love and stroke her mane. A quick glance over at Luna spoke volumes as to how often this very scene occurred. Gently, Luna took her place on the other side of Twilight and joined in the hug. “You seek forgiveness when none is needed,” Luna said softly. “Thine friends are surely at peace in the fields of Elysium. Could they see you, we are certain they wouldst hold no malice towards you. We...I know I am most grateful for everything the six of you did for me. More so, I owe my very return to you and the other bearers. I have a debt that I can never repay to you. You are not the monster you make yourself to be Twilight Sparkle. You are a hero, warrior, lover to thine consort, but most of all, now a mother. Never, EVER, let anypony especially yourself ever tell you that you are anything less.” Twilight's sobbing abated as Luna finished. Finally, with a soft sniffle, she croaked, “Thank you Luna. I will try. But what about my visions, er, dreams? What can we do about them?” Luna charged her slender ebony horn with a soft white light. Slowly, Luna lowered her horn until it ever so gently touched Twilight's own. The spell pulsed between the two alicorns for not more than a second. Twilight breathed a sigh of relief as the energy washed over her body. “This spell will place a sentinel ward on your dreams. Should the nightmare attempt to come again, it will trigger itself to return you to the dreamscape. If for some reason it fails, it's last effort will be to summon me to thine dreams. It won't be permanent, but perhaps it will give you sometime to catch up on your rest and resolve the memories that haunt you,” Luna rose to her hooves as the Moondancer re-entered the room. “I must return to Night Court. Please, come and visit again soon my friends.” The lunar diarch bowed her head slightly as she took her leave of the mares. “One more thing,” Luna said as she was heading out of the door. “My sister and I would love to see the 'progress' you two have made. It has been far too many years since the sound of young foals has filled this castle.” “I'm certain we can bring the girls by soon. After all, who are we to deprive them from their favorite aunts,” Twilight said as a grin spread across her face. Helping Chrysalis to her hooves Twilight and her lover followed Luna and her senchal out of the door. Leaving the castle, she felt more at peace with her memories than she had in years. “Thank you.” Twilight's gratitude took Chryssy by surprise, “What for?” “For being the greatest marefriend I could ever ask for.” Twilight nuzzled into the crook of Chrysalis' neck as they walked down the streets of the capital “I think it's time we go home, I'm sure the girls have driven the matron caretakers to their wits end. Besides, we need to check on AJ's progress.” “I have the greatest marefriend ever,” Chryssy responded. “But, if you like, we could hold a contest tonight and see just how satisfied with our respective mates we are.” The sultry look on the hive queen's face nearly made Twilight ravish her right there. She scooped Chrysalis in a tight embrace and whispered into her ear as the teleport spell took hold. “You, me, bedroom, NOW.”
Chapter 5 (Prompt: Banished) Chapter 5 (Prompt: Banished) “On the count of high treason against her royal highness Queen Chrysalis, how do you plead?” “Unrepentant.” “On the count of dereliction of duty, how do you plead?” “Unrepentant.” “On the count of destruction and murder of over 200 of your fellow hive members, how do you plead?” “Unrepentant.” “Then we, the council of 7 elders of the Black Swarm, judge you, General Kerrigan, Blade of the Swarm, to be guilty without remorse. Your punishment shall be death in the acid pits. Your sentence to be carried out immediately.” Quickly, two of the largest of the Royal Guard drones swooped down upon the former military leader. Pressing her muzzle to the hardened floor of the council's chambers, they quickly bound their former colleague in their own sticky mucus. She was drug from the chamber in order to meet her fate when a voice echoed suddenly from every corner of the room. “WAIT,” a huffing Twilight Sparkle exclaimed as she came charging into the room. “Zug'marshalproteca. We are honored to have your presence,” said the lead elder of the council. “However, we have reached a decision. Justice must be served.” “I offer an alternative,” Twilight said as she straightened out her coat. “The good general may have caused severe damage to the hive and to pony/changeling relations, but I firmly believe she was behaving this way out of fear. A fear that the advances I have brought to the collective will fail and once again that you and your kind will be forced to scavenge for food. You cannot, in good conscious, punish her for that.” “What do you offer, your highness?” “Banishment, to the frozen lands beyond the Crystal Empire. But, banishment with a purpose. True, she would be on her own, but send her there to reconnaissance for the Crystal Monarchy. If she truly can be reformed, let her earn it by helping Shiny and Princess Cadance.” The elder seemed to contemplate this offer. Without words, the other elders chimed in with their feelings on the matter by way of subtle clicks and the buzzing of their wings. “If this was to be your punishment, would you obey it to the letter under penalty of death?” Growling to herself, Kerrigan refused to make eye contact with the elder, a clear sign of disrespect. Instead, she focused her icy gaze on Twilight. Twilight bucking Sparkle. The bane of her existence. The reason her beloved queen had gone from ruthless ruler, to a marehood whipped foal. If anything, the banishment would give her time to plot her revenge. Even if she had to nearly freeze her mucus sac off to do it. Plus, the chance to screw with two ponies oh so very close to that damned alicorn was just to good to pass up. “I will. If the council deems this as my punishment, then I shall take my exile.” “Very well, Kerrigan, Blade of the Swarm. You are hereby banished to the Frozen Wasteland. You will be responsible for finding your own shelter upon your arrival. You will make contact with the Crystal monarchy within one week of your arrival. The monarchs will be made aware of your arrival and will also be made aware of your punishment. So is the will of this council. Guards, remove her.” The guards once again made to remove Kerrigan from the chambers. As they led her away, she stopped and looked at Twilight. “I'll see you again, sooner than you realize.” The statement sent a shudder down Twilight's spine. “What the hay was that all about?” Upon returning to her and Chryssy's chambers, she was immediately besieged by two bouncing balls of pony foal. “MOMMA! MOMMA! We missed you so,” said Rainbow as she quickly jumped onto Twilight's back. Pinkie soon joined in the pony pile and was instantly met with a raspberry to the stomach. “TeeHEEHEEHEE! That tickles Momma!” “How'd it go my love,” said a clearly concerned Chrysalis. She gently cradled a nursing AppleJack in her hooves as she spoke. “Were you able to spare her?” “I was, but, I'll be honest Chryssy, I still don't understand why you had me do it. She betrayed you. Attacked an entire pony village against orders, and then killed her entire unit. Why in the name of Celestia would you want her to continue to draw breath?” “It's...complicated. I love all my children. But with Kerrigan it's...different.” “How so,” asked a clearly curious Twilight. She noticed that the hive queen seemed quite uncomfortable trying to explain it. Twilight warred in her mind as to whether her marefriend's privacy was worth more than the headache her insatiable curiosity would cause her. Eventually, curiosity won out. “Please Chryssy, I want to know. If it's a part of you, I would want to know. Remember, no secrets between us...” Sighing, Chrysalis resigned herself to tell the brief version of the story. “As you know, much like many other insectoid species, as queen, I lay eggs which turn into new workers and drones. Hence, why all of the collective are my children. But, once every 20 years or so, I am able if I choose, to take a mate into my bed. We lie together as lovers do and instead of a new egg sac, a single embryo is created. That embryo, nourished much like a foal in pregnancy, grows to term and is actually born rather than hatched. This worker, and it will always be a worker, is to be the next in line for the throne. You could say the Kerrigan, is really a princess. And she...,” the queen stopped as tears formed in the corners of her eyes and her voice caught in her throat. “Is closer than just an egg that hatched from your spawning pools,” said Twilight. “She's..” “My daughter.” Author's Note Sorry for the length of time it took for the update. Some personal demons reared their ugly head and it affected my writing. Kerrigan is inspired by the Starcraft character of the same name. Looks like Twilight and Chrysalis have an antagonist now...
