The Heartbreak Connoisseur

by Jabbie

Rating: teen
Tags: Romance, Drama, Equestria Girls, Comedy
Length: 10129

Queen Chrysalis has discovered a new world that's just brimming with sweet, succulent love ripe for the taking. The only problem is that changeling magic doesn't seem to work in that world, and the agent sent to investigate keeps losing focus.

Queen Chrysalis has discovered a new world that's just brimming with sweet, succulent love ripe for the taking. The only problem is that changeling magic doesn't seem to work in that world, and the agent sent to investigate keeps losing focus. She can't help it if that world is full of delicious distractions.

Not sure where I'm going with this. Say hello to Chitin. Cover art drawn by yours truly, check me out.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2016-02-23 04:30:01 UTC

The Illusionist

In the darkest corner of the Everfree Forest, a massive castle enveloped a rocky clearing. Its jagged spires pierced the blackened sky while green burning torches dimly lit the gates. Beneath the emerald flames stood the castle watch, their dead eyes gazing into the abyss while a passing guard skittered by overhead on his patrol. Though they knew no beast or otherwise dared approach the Changeling Empire, let alone Queen Chrysalis’s Kingdom, they dared not take their sworn duties lightly. Pure and unrelenting fear for what rested within the castle walls forced them to keep their backs straight and their eyes forward.

The divine queen herself, Chrysalis, stepped onto her throne room balcony and watched her subjects. She placed a hoof to her chin while her eyes scoured the ground, searching for any insolent scum willing to defy her orders. “What’s this?!” she spat as her eyes locked onto a young patrol guard sitting on the edge of the outer wall and bobbing his head.

With a mighty leap, Chrysalis dove off the balcony and spread her tattered wings. She swooped down and straightened her legs just before a powerful impact. The walls shook and debris rained down as she landed.

“Whaaaa!” the patrol guard shouted and fell onto his rear, then began frantically scooting away from his menacing queen.

Chrysalis snarled and gritted her teeth. “What exactly do you think you’re doing?” she asked, then glanced down at a small device he was clutching onto. “And what in Equestria is that?”

The young changeling lifted the device on the tip of his hoof, presenting it to his queen. It was a small rectangular piece of metal with a glowing plate of glass covering the surface. Within the glass, moving images and lights were displayed. From the device, a long wire that split near the end was attached, each end emitted sounds and were inserted into the changelings ears.

Chrysalis yanked it away and held it in front of her face, her eyes darting around the screen as she attempted to make sense of the object, which suddenly went black and cast a reflection of the queen’s concerned face. “It seems to be some type of enchanted mirror. You, disobedient little whelp, where did you get this?”

The changeling held up his shaky hoof and pointed towards a strange, glowing ring, the bright and colorful world contained within it contrasting against the dark forest. Chrysalis darted towards the magical opening, leaving a plume of dust in her wake. The changeling coughed and wiped a bead of sweat from his head.

Chrysalis tentatively approached the opening, noticing that it seemed to be obscured on the other side by a strange system of stacked seats. Within were tall creatures the likes of which she’d never seen, and she gasped. An open bag sat on a seat next to a blue-haired girl who seemed otherwise distracted by the contraption covering her ears.

She stuck her holey hoof through the portal and watched it split into five tiny legs with sharp, pointing hooves jutting from the ends. Cringing, she forced herself the rest of the way through and collapsed onto the floor beneath bleachers. With a gasp, she covered her mouth and shook her head, then stood upright and shuddered. She found herself cloaked in a long black dress wearing pointy high heels and tall stockings.

“What is this place,” she whispered, then closed her eyes and pointed her head forward. A powerful burst of magic should have destroyed the seats in her way and sent the strange creatures running for cover, but instead she just stood there. After a moment of feeling ridiculous, Chrysalis reached against her forehead and felt the absence of her horn. With a sharp recoil, she backed out of the portal and returned to her glorious self.

She shook her head and decided to spy on the world from the safe side of the portal. As Chrysalis took in more and more of what was to be seen, she realized that nearly every inhabitant of the world clutched onto a small rectangular hand mirror that emitted strange lights. She also noticed a scuffle unfolding as a purple skinned girl struggled with a small circular device.

No stranger to mirror-based magics, she conjured up a magical device of her own.

Her horn sparked and a spinning green vortex appeared in front of her, from which she pulled out an ancient artifact. It was a hoof-mirror passed down through her royal family. Chrysalis cut the ring of the portal with her mirror and traced around its edges. The glowing ring was pulled into the mirror and the portal was closed. Chrysalis grinned and took in a deep, longing breath through her nostrils.

“That world is full of potent love.” She licked her lips and narrowed her eyes, then glanced down at the small device that vibrated against her hoof.

‘Service Lost,’ the screen lit up displayed its message. “Worthless,” Chrysalis said with a scoff, then dropped the device and crushed it with a powerful stomp.

She then gazed into her own, much better mirror, her mouth watering and her fangs dripping as she smelled the pungent aroma of love radiating from within. “These creatures are ripe for consumption… but who to send…” She wondered.

A short distance behind her castle, Chrysalis eyed a tall manor sitting atop a steep cliffside, a large town built beneath it. “House Locust,” she muttered, then a sharp grin slithered across her cheeks. “Perfect.”

***

House Locust was nearly as old as the Changeling Empire itself, yielding some of the most powerful and gifted changelings, and had served its neighboring queen loyally and unwaveringly for all of its generations. That is, until Queen Chrysalis declared the wrong war.

The Equestrian Goddess, Celestia, had a mutual understanding with the nefarious empire, including Chrysalis’s Kingdom, and refused to meddle within the Everfree Forest at all for nearly a millennia. Chrysalis had worn the crown for a mere eight-hundred years, and knew nothing of the depravity and sacrifice of a true war. The chance of invoking such a calamitous event created a rift between House Locust and the kingdom. House Lord, Sunder Shield, had watched Chrysalis grow from the princess hatchling into the Queen she now was, and he was all too familiar with the true horrors of war--the horrors he feared the actions of his Queen would bring upon his kind once again.

Upon Queen Chrysalis’s declaration, Sunder Shield severed his allegiance to her kingdom and vowed only to serve the Changeling Empire as a whole, though he had hoped it would never come to that. He knew, and told Chrysalis, that without the talent of his honorable house and the loyalty of Cicada City, which swore its allegiance to the house, she would surely be defeated and pushed back. He knew first hoof the might of the Equestrian Capital, and that the Queen’s hive alone stood no chance.

As ambitious as she was bullheaded, Chrysalis chose not to heed his warning, and such began the era of an Empire Divided.

***

“Thanks for the history lesson,” Chrysalis hissed. “I know very well what happened…”

A stoic changeling with a wavy green mane stared into Chrysalis’s eyes and shrugged. “Apologies, my Queen, but I’m to recite this information to all who enter the gates of Cicada City, by order of the House Lord.”

“Silence, fool! I demand an audience with Sunder Shield at once!” she shouted.

A giant shadow overcame Chrysalis as a huge changeling descended from above. His long, white mane was tied into a messy bun and he wore a deep battle scar across one closed eye. “I thought that was you I saw approaching, my Queen. Pay no mind to his speech. I wish only to remind all visitors that our great city is independent and peaceful. Now then… How may we be of assistance?” he asked, his voice deep and raspy.

Chrysalis stood tall and composed herself, then cleared her throat. “As your servant pointed out, we may be divided at the moment, but I have a demand… I mean a command… I mean an order that you won’t be forced to carry out, if you choose not to.”

“You mean a request, Chrysalis. That would be a request.” Sunder Shield lowered his thick, bushy white eyebrows and the shell on his back twitched. “What is it?”

“Yes, well…” Chrysalis rolled her eyes. “I require the talents of your house to take on a very important mission.”

Sunder Shield placed a hoof to his chin and narrowed his gaze. “And what, pray tell, is this mission you speak of?”

Chrysalis revealed the mirror she carried and activated it with a spark from her long, sharp horn. A deep green spiral spread from the center of the glass and became a window into a new world. Sunder Shield gazed into it and breathed deeply through his muzzle.

“By Antima’s cracked shell! That world is teeming with pure and true… love. Where is that place?” Sunder asked as his mouth watered.

“Now you see the importance of this mission. Only I have the means generate the portal needed to enter it, but there’s an issue.” Chrysalis shivered and stroked her horn. “Once one enters into that world, they’ll lose all of their magical abilities and transform into one of the strange creatures you see there.”

“I see… That would require unique talents, since we’d be unable to use our usual methods to consume their essence.” Sunder took a deep breath and shook his head. “Listen, Chryssie, I know you have hard feelings about the failed attack, but--”

Chrysalis snapped her teeth and snarled. “Silence! I’m here with an offer of peace, to reunite our Empire. This new world has enough love to sustain our hives for generations. I need an agent to scout the world, to discover a way we can invade. Their love is strong, but their magic is weak. We can conquer them with great ease, and no casualties.”

Skeptical, Sunder glanced away and looked out over the many homes resting in the shadow of the queen’s castle, then considered his own city. “I have an agent I believe would be up to the task, but…”

Chrysalis lowered her eyes and tensed her legs.

“...are you absolutely certain that this world is in no way under the protection of Celestia’s rule.”

“How could it be?” she asked. “That world isn’t of this land. I don’t know from where it appeared, but it must be a sign from our ancestors.” Chrysalis grinned and told the old changeling what she knew he wanted to hear.

“You could be right… Very well, then. I’ll send Chitin to your castle once I’ve given her my orders. She’s an expert of mirror-based magics and even more manipulative than you. I’m certain she can infiltrate that world without the use of transformation.”

“Chitin?!” Chrysalis snarled. “That conniving little--”

“Enough! She may be… devious, at times, but she’s loyal.” Sunder gave a stern nod. “She just has a slightly different outlook on changeling life than most. You can’t fault her for that, now can you, Chrysalis.”

The Changeling Queen scoffed and raised an eyebrow. “Send her to me if you will, but if she fails, I’ll be back for a more serious recruit.”

“She’s never failed me--surprised me, sure, but never failed. What’s more is that she has a keen and discerning sense of taste. She’ll be able to determine the potency of the love offered by these new creatures,” Sunder said as he took flight and turned away. “And Chryssie, if you’re lying to me again…”

“Never!” Chrysalis shouted. “And thank you. Just wait until young Chitin returns with all that delicious love for the whole Empire to share.”

Sunder huffed and flew out of sight. Chrysalis rubbed her hooves together and smiled. “Just you wait, fool.”

“I heard that,” the gatekeeper changeling said. “I’m telling.”

Chrysalis spat at his hooves and bared her fangs. “You’ll do no such thing! Lest you wish to face my wrath!”

The changeling gulped and backed away. Chrysalis nodded knowingly and buzzed into the air, flying back towards her balcony, scheming.

‘The Heartbreak Connoisseur’

Chitin’s mouth watered while she sat on a bench outside of Canterlot High and watched the students hugging and smiling. The scent of sweet, magical love invaded her every breath. She craved it, but forced herself to accept that it was a long way off.

She closed her eyes and lifted a hand mirror from her bag and looked into it. A face she hardly recognized stared back at her. “I look so… different here,” she noted, tilting her cheeks up and examining herself. “I'm so soft, too.”

The reflection in the mirror stuck her tongue out and narrowed her eyes.

“Cut it out,” Chitin scolded. “This is serious business here, alright?”

The reflection pouted and fluttered its lashes.

Chitin groaned and rolled her eyes. “Just send the damn message, will you?”

She then held the mirror near her face and whispered, her words appearing on the glass in the form of fiery green letters.

‘It’s been three days since I’ve entered this world. The inhabitants have been very cooperative and open about all the details of their home world, and I’ve leaned a lot about their social structures. I’m prepared today to enter into their educational system, as that’s where the most potent source of magic seems to be radiating. Seven girls are of particular interest. I’m convinced that if I can absorb their magic, then I’ll regain control of my own magic to some extent. I’ve arrived at this conclusion based on the stories I’ve been told regarding other Equestrians that have entered this world through different portals. With Equestrian Magic at my disposal, I should be able to speed things up around here quite drastically. I’ll report back as soon as I’ve sampled the love, my Lord.’

“Hi there!” a girl with poofy pink hair shouted. “Are you talking to yourself in the mirror?”

Chitin flinched and tucked her mirror away. “Naw. I was just thinking out loud and happened to be looking into my mirror. My name’s Chitin, by the way.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Pinkie Pie!” she said as she reached out and took Chitin’s hand, rapidly shaking it up and down. “You must be new here, because I don’t recognize you at all.”

“Correct, Pinkie Pie. Today’s my first day at your school.” Chitin glanced over her shoulder as she heard footsteps approaching, and she pulled her hand away from Pinkie.

“Ooh! Ooh! Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, meet Chitin! She’s new here.” Pinkie excitedly jumped behind the two girls and shoved them forward.

Sunset Shimmer furrowed her brow and crossed her arms as she looked the new girl over. She noticed Chitin was wearing a black turtleneck sweater with a slit cut across the chest, as well as holes cut out on the shoulders and elbows. She then noted the leggings with scattered holes that led into dark blue boots with large buckles. However, most notable was the sharp fang resting overtop of her bottom lip. This girl is definitely trouble, she thought.

Chitin reached forward and grabbed Sunset’s hand, then rapidly shook it up and down just as Pinkie had done to her. “Nice to meet you girls. I’m new here.”

Sunset jerked her hand away and frowned. “Let’s cut to the chase, which portal did you come through, because I know you didn’t come through this one.”

Chitin coughed and took a step back. “W-what? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh really…” Sunset scoffed. “Tell me, then, who raises the sun?”

Chitin lifted a finger and opened her mouth to speak. “Obviously it’s…” she stifled herself and lowered her eyes. “Celestia?”

Twilight and Pinkie giggled at each other and Sunset beamed. “Aha! I knew you were from Equestria. Now tell us what you are and why you’re here.”

Chitin sighed and raised her hands over her head. “Well that was quick…” she took a deep breath and thought, then grinned. “Well, the truth is that I’m a basilisk. I’ve lived alone in the Everfree Forest my entire life. Anytime I tried to make a friend, I accidentally turned them to stone. My life was a constant nightmare, and when I discovered this place, I saw an opportunity to become something else. I guess my fangs followed me here. I’m sorry if they scared you.”

Pinkie Pie hugged Chitin and swayed her back and forth. “Well if it's friends you want, then you’ve come to the right place! Right, girls?”

“Right,” Twilight Sparkle said with a quick bow. “This is the most friend-centric place I’ve ever seen. And we’re all about second chances and fresh starts around here, too.”

Sunset shook her head and placed her fingers to her forehead. “You were a basilisk? I don’t know, Chitin. I find that pretty hard to believe.”

“I can show you, if it’ll help.” Chitin reached into her bag and revealed her mirror. “This is an enchanted mirror that I found in an abandoned dragon’s horde. It’s pretty neat.”

Sunset, Twilight and Pinkie gathered around the mirror and peered down into it.

“Let’s go behind the school over there. I don’t want everyone around here to see this. I just want to be a normal girl when this is all said and done, you know?” Chitin said as she led the three girls around the corner of the school where no other students seemed to be.

Sunset bit her lip and watched her feet as she walked, her mind cloudy and her heart heavy.

Chitin smiled and ran her fingers over the mirror’s center. “This thing has Equestrian Magic stored within it. Watch.” She ran her fingers over the glass and caused the reflection to ripple into a blur, which then began to glow a deep and vibrant pink. Chitin stepped back and stretched her arm straight up, then traced a wide circle with the mirror. As she completed the circle, the space within it rippled from the center and revealed a new world.

“Wow…” Twilight pushed her glasses up and widened her eyes. “I have so many questions.”

Pinkie bit her fingertips and grinned widely while Sunset grimaced at the sight of a freely created portal.

“Now remember, it’s important that you don’t look into my eyes… Very important.” Chitin took a deep breath, then jumped head first through the portal. She performed a somersault mid-air, and as she crossed the barrier, she transformed into lengthy serpent and coiled up. “Now do you ssssssssee, Ssssssunsssssset?” she said, her snake’s tongue flicking the air.

Sunset shielded her eyes and looked up the length of the creature’s body. “I’m sorry I doubted you, Chitin. It’s just that most creatures that come here from Equestria tend not to be trustworthy, including myself.” Sunset smirked and shook her head. “Alright, you can come back now.”

Chitin sat on her knees in the grass behind her mirror as it cast its vivid illusion, and she grinned. The three bright green gems embedded along the mirror’s frame began to dim, and she gasped. She closed her eyes and squeezed the handle, causing the image to move along. The projected basilisk darted forward, startling the three girls as Chitin simultaneously jumped with it, appearing before them. She stood up and brushed herself off as the three turned and faced her.

“Now you’ve seen the real me… I hope you and your friends can accept me for who I am--or, was.” Chitin bit her lip as she noticed the glowing emeralds on her mirror had faded to black. Oh geez, I wasted the last of the magic on that one illusion… I’m in trouble, she thought. It seems magic gets consumed more quickly in this world.

“I’ll be keeping an eye on you for a while, but we’re willing to accept anyone that wants to better herself in this school.” Sunset looked to each of her friends and gave them a nod of approval. “Let’s introduce her to the others, shall we?”

“Wait,” Twilight said with a tilted head and crooked frown. “Am I just supposed to accept that a magical snake monster decided to start going to school here with its magical mirror?”

“Don’t call me, ‘it,’” Chitin huffed and placed her hands on her hips.

“Come on Twilight,” Sunset said with a chuckle as she placed an arm over her shoulder and walked. “Just chalk this up with the rest of the crazy things you've seen around here.”

Chitin slowly followed behind them, a bead of sweat dripping down her forehead as she squeezed her deactivated mirror, which happened to be her only means of communicating with her homeworld. I can do this. I just need to make one of them love me without the use of any magical trickery, then I can recharge this mirror… I can do that, right? she wondered.

“It’s still pretty early, but the rest of our friends should be here soon,” Sunset said as she waved towards the front of the building. “We usually meet in spare music room before classes start. Come on.”

Chitin jogged and caught up with the three girls, then Twilight turned and smiled at her.

“So how long have you been living here?” Twilight asked.

“This is only day-three. I’m still getting used to this new body,” she answered. “How about you?”

Twilight laughed and scratched her head. “I’ve always lived here. My friend Sunset is from your world, though.”

“I figured.” Chitin smiled and raised her eyebrows. “So what were you on the other side, Sunset?”

Sunset stopped and cleared her throat, shaking the blush from her cheeks. “I was a unicorn.”

Chitin’s muscles tensed and she looked down. “I see. But why would a unicorn want to leave Equestria?”

“I have my reasons. You have yours,” Sunset said as she pulled open the front doors and led the way into the school. “Maybe someday I’ll tell you my story.”

“I heard about what happened before… from some of the other students. What you did.” Chitin grinned and stepped up to Sunset’s side. “You and I aren’t so different, are we? Were you banished from Equestria?”

Sunset cringed and turned away from the girl next to her. “We’ve all made mistakes. I’ll give you that.”

Chitin grinned and bit her lip as they walked down the hallway. She sized Sunset up as a potential target in which to coax out unrequited love. They had the most in common after all, she thought.

Sunset opened up the doors to a small music room and held them as her friends and Chitin stepped in. “This is our usual meet-up spot and where we have our band practice. The others will be here soon.”

Pinkie Pie giggled and hopped onto the stool behind her drum set while Twilight leaned back against a table.

“Do you mind if I ask a few questions?” Twilight asked. “I’m really curious about that mirror of yours.”

“Sure go ahead,” Chitin answered. “What about the mirror?”

Twilight rubbed her chin and raised an eyebrow. “It's just amazing to me that it’s able to create a stable portal on command. I had a device that created portals, but they were sporadic and unpredictable. You said that thing stores Equestrian Magic, but do you know how?”

Chitin lifted the mirror from her belt and looked it over. All traces of magic were absent. “Beats me,” she said. “Like I told you, I just found this thing. I don’t know how it works, and it seems like it’s dead now.”

Twilight reached out and grabbed the ancient artifact as Chitin handed it to her. She looked it over and saw a perfectly normal reflection of herself. She then noticed the black gems embedded into the handle and frame. “Hey, weren’t these gemstones green before?”

“Yeah, but when I opened that portal, I apparently drained ‘em out or something. Who knows?” Chitin shrugged and chuckled.

Sunset crossed her arms and frowned. “You seemed pretty savvy with that thing. Are you sure you’re telling us everything, honestly?”

“Cross my heart,” Chitin replied. “What good would lying do?”

“Someone tellin’ lies in here?” Applejack asked with a quiet chuckle as she and Rainbow Dash stepped into the room.

“Nope!” Chitin answered. “Just talkin’ truth.”

Rarity and Fluttershy followed them in shortly after and they each froze at the site of Chitin.

Rarity smirked and placed her hands on her hips. “And who might you be, darling? My name’s Rarity, and I must say, I love the boots.”

“Thanks! I don’t know where they came from.” Chitin smiled and reached out to Rarity’s hand, who gently cupped it and squeezed.

“What do you mean you don’t know where they came from?” Rarity asked.

Sunset stepped forward. “She’s like me, Rarity. When she came through the portal they just appeared on her.”

Rarity jumped back and held up karate hands. “Came through the portal?! Who is she?”

“I’m Chitin. I’m friendly though, so don’t worry.” Chitin nodded with a grin. “I just look evil, apparently.”

“Well yeah,” Fluttershy interjected. “Probably because of your sharp fangs sticking out. Are you a vampire?”

Rainbow Dash smacked her forehead and huffed. “Come on, Fluttershy. There’s no such thing as vampires.”

“Well ya mighta said that there’s no such thing as a magical pony princess a couple months ago, too, Dash.” Applejack raised her eyebrows and smirked.

“True,” Rainbow agreed.

“I’m not a vampire. Those aren’t even real in Equestria… at least I don’t think so.” Chitin shrugged. “Either way, I’m not that.”

“Then what are you?” the four confused girls asked in unison.

Sunset glanced to Twilight and adjusted her jacket. “She’s a basilisk, which is a giant snake that turns you to stone if you look into its eyes.”

The four gasped and shielded their eyes.

Chitin crossed her arms and bit her lip, lowering her eyes.

“It only happens in Equestria. She’s just a regular girl here, like me,” Sunset explained.

Fluttershy immediately opened her eyes and beamed. “Were you still able to talk in Equestria? A talking snake sounds so cool. What was it like shedding your skin? Did you have a rattle? Is that why you have such long fangs still? I’m sure they were so much longer when you were a snake.”

“Uhm…” Chitin cleared her throat as everyone stared at her.

Fluttershy blushed and sank into the corner. “Sorry… I’ll be quiet now.

“It’s alright… what’s your name again?” Chitin asked.

“I’m… Fluttershy,” she squeaked.

“Okay, so Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and,” she said, pointing around the room. “Mind if I get your names?”

Rainbow Dash stepped forward and puffed her chest out. “I’m Rainbow Dash, and this is Applejack. Your name’s Kiting? So like, a kite flying snake?”

“Not quite. I’m Chitin, which is like kiting without the ‘G,’ if that helps.” Chitin nodded. “Nice to meet all of you. I realize it must be scary to be talking to someone that used to be a giant snake monster, but I’m glad you’re all willing to give me a chance.”

“I don’t think it’s scary at all,” Fluttershy added.

The seven girls then each glanced to each other with mutual nods. Sunset stepped forward and took a deep breath. “Alright everyone. I’m not sure what’s going on right now, but it looks like we have a new resident and classmate here. I know better than anyone that anybody can make mistakes, and that no matter how bad you get, there’s always hope for a better, happier life. I was given that chance and I’m ready to pay it forward to Chitin. What do you guys think?”

“I love making new friends!” Pinkie shouted.

“I don’t see why not,” Rainbow said with a balled fist. “She seems cool enough to me.”

“Yeah I agree,” Applejack added. “This is a judgment free kinda school we got here, so her past is a non-issue if you ask me.”

Fluttershy blushed and lowered eyes, placing a finger to her mouth. “I really wanna know more about what it was like being a snake… if you don’t mind.”

Twilight and Sunset smiled at each other and nodded together.

“I have no qualms with letting you into our little circle,” Rarity said. “But please, darling, you absolutely must let me replicate those boots of yours. They’re equal parts cute and intimidating, which I find to be simply fascinating.”

“Okay, sure.” Chitin laughed. “Sure to all of you. Anything you guys need from me, just ask.”

“How about a moment in private?” Sunset asked.

Chitin gulped and nodded. “Yeah, alright.”

Each of the other six girls acknowledged Sunset’s request and headed towards the door, each offering their salutations to Chitin as they passed her on the way out. Sunset closed the door behind them and leaned against it.

“Look, Chitin. I know there’s more to you than you’re letting on. I’m not an idiot. Lucky for you I’m surrounded by the most wonderful and trusting girls in the world. I invited you into our group for one reason only: To keep a close eye on you. Until I’m sure that I know the truth about you, I won’t let you out of my sight.” Sunset lowered her eyebrows, her arms crossed tightly.

A slick grin slithered across Chitin’s cheeks. “Is that so, Sunset?”

“You’re damn right it is. I don’t know what you're playing at, but you better be sure I’m gonna find out.” Sunset turned around and placed her hands on the door handles.

“Sunset,” Chitin called out. “Who hurt you?”

Sunset gritted her teeth and shoved the door open, then stomped away.

“Talk about tainted love,” Chitin mumbled with a scoff. “She probably tastes like dusty hallway on a cold afternoon.”

“Interesting description, dear.” Rarity stepped back into the music room with a crooked smile and a raised eyebrow. “Thinking of eating us already?”

Chitin blushed and shook her head.

“Don’t fret. I’m only joking.” Rarity laughed and gestured towards the hallway. “I saw Sunset storm out of here. I figured it’d be best to let you know a little about her. Walk with me.”

Chitin nodded and joined Rarity as they walked past dozens of students through the hallway. “Yeah, Sunset doesn’t seem to like me very much.”

Rarity shrugged. “Yes, well… It’s hard to blame her for having some trust issues, considering we’ve faced a lot of trouble that came here from Equestria. The thing about Sunset is that she wears a peculiar shell around herself. It’s not an easy shell to crack, either. But once she lets you in, she’s one of the most loyal and sweetest friends you could ask for.”

“I know a lot about shells, believe me.” Chitin giggled. “I’ll give her time to open up, then.”

“That’d be a good idea. For now, just try not to get roughed up by her jagged edges, if you catch my drift, darling.” Rarity placed her hand on Chitin’s shoulder and nodded. “Well this is my first class, I’m not sure where you should report to, assuming you’re starting today.”

“Ah, right. I’m not sure either. I guess I should go figure it out.” Chitin smiled and her fangs gleamed beneath the fluorescent lights. “And thanks, Rarity. This little chat made me feel a lot better. I can tell, you’re a real sweetheart, aren’t you?”

Rarity blushed and flicked her wrist. “Oh, psh, that? Don’t mention it, dear. Have a nice day, and we’ll chat more soon.”

Maybe she’s the one, Chitin thought as she placed a finger on her lips. If not her, then maybe Fluttershy… Hmm? her attention was caught by long pink hair and a turquoise eye peeking around the corner.

“Hi there. Need something?” Chitin asked, waving at the girl.

Fluttershy gulped and stepped out from around the corner. “I was wondering if you had Study Hall as your first period, too.”

“Huh?” Chitin asked. “What’s that?”

“It’s where you study in the library for an hour. I usually use it to finish up my homework since I… Uhm, never mind. So, do you have Study Hall?” she asked, her hair falling over one eye.

“Sure, I guess so. I take it you want me to go with you so you can ask me about snakes?” Chitin asked with a giggle.

Fluttershy silently nodded and turned around, leading the way to the library. Chitin shrugged and followed her, taking mental notes of the school’s layout. Alright Chitin, dig deep, what do you know about basilisks… think think think…

As they walked into the library, Fluttershy stepped up to a desk in the corner and took a seat. Chitin joined her and nonchalantly tapped the desk with her knuckles.

“So,” Fluttershy said as she perked up. “As long as you’re sure you don't mind telling me, I’m dying to know what it feels like to be an actual snake slithering around and just doing snake things. Will you tell me?”

Chitin took a deep breath and rubbed her temples. “Yeah I don’t mind. It’s just that I never described my routine to anyone before, so I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have anything specific you want to know?”

“Yes,” Fluttershy answered. “First of all, what’s it like to move around by serpentining. Does it feel funny on your belly?”

Chitin tilted her head and grinned, showing off a single sharp fang as Fluttershy’s unique inner scent wafted into the air. “You’re incredibly cute, Futtershy. Is that really what you wanted to ask? You do realize that I was no ordinary snake, right?”

“Mhmm,” Fluttershy hummed and nodded with wide, expectant eyes.

Chitin raised an eyebrow and smiled. “I suppose it felt funny, in a way, but it was normal to me because I was so used to it, you know?”

“Ah, right. That makes sense.” Fluttershy smiled widely and rubbed her hands together. “What does a basilisk eat? Did you turn your prey to stone, and then eat the stones? Or did you just eat live prey like a regular snake, and only turn threats into stone?”

Chitin felt a growing pit in her stomach as her mind was clouded by the love trapped deep within Fluttershy’s heart, its scent growing stronger the longer their conversation carried on. “Oh you know… I ate…” She paused. “Uhm, mice. Mice and fish.”

“Mice and fish?” Fluttershy frowned. “Didn’t you say you were a huge snake?”

“I don’t think I said that.” Chitin shook her head and took a deep breath, her stomach aching. Pull yourself together. Now! she scolded herself.

Fluttershy lowered her eyes and bit her lip. She then turned and looked into Chitin’s eyes. “Were you not really a snake after all?”

Chitin turned away and rested her chin on her hand with her elbow on the table. She clenched her stomach with the other hand and took a deep breath. The overwhelming scent of Fluttershy’s purity filled her chest. The aroma was so beautifully delicate that a small tear welled up in the corner of Chitin’s eye, and she quickly wiped it away.

“Hey,” Fluttershy whispered. “If you weren’t a snake, you can tell me. I promise I can keep a secret. As long as you’re nice, I’ll be your friend and help you in any way I can. I can tell you’re hungry and don’t know what to do.”

“You can keep a secret?” Chitin asked, sensing an easy solution. “Are you sure?”

Fluttershy sank into her chair and winced. “Unless you really are a vampire… I… I guess I could keep it a secret. Do you want to suck my blood?”

“I’m not a vampire,” Chitin snapped back with a forceful whisper. “I’m a changeling, and I’m starving.”

“What’s a… a changeling?” Fluttershy asked.

“I eat love. Since no one around here loves me, I’m kinda screwed.” Chitin ground her teeth and pressed her hand against her forehead. “There’s another way, though. If you can keep a secret, you can help me.”

Fluttershy shuddered and sank even lower. “What do you need me to do?”

Chitin took a deep breath and leaned back, detecting the fear in Fluttershy’s eyes. “I need to make you cry. If you let me hurt your feelings enough, I can absorb the emotions released from your heart.”

“Absorb my emotions?” Fluttershy asked, her teeth chattering.

Chitin groaned and pressed her forehead against the desk. “Forget it. I don’t even know you, there’s no way you'd ever--”

“I’ll do it.” Fluttershy squeezed her eyes shut and sat upright. “I’ll help you, because I can tell you really need it.”

Chitin leaned back up and loosely crossed her arms. “You’d really do this for me?”

Fluttershy nodded. “I know we just met, but I accepted you as our newest friend back in that music room, and I’d do anything to help a friend in need.”

“Even let me drink your blood with my vampire fangs?” Chitin giggled and bared her two long, sharp teeth.

“What?!” Fluttershy cried out.

“Shh!” The librarian hushed them from across the room.

“I’m just kidding, Fluttershy. Your emotions are all I need to drink,” Chitin explained.

“And you’re sure this is the only way?” Fluttershy asked.

“Not really. My other option is to go find a random stranger and torment her until her heart and spirit break.” Chitin shrugged. “I can do that if you want, instead.”

“No… that won’t be necessary.” Fluttershy cringed and squeezed her arms. “So, you said you eat ‘love?’”

“Well, love is what fills changelings up the most. Other emotions can be absorbed too, but they aren’t nearly as potent. Extreme sadness is the next best thing, then anger, then fear, then joy. Anything else isn’t noticeable as nourishment,” Chitin explained as she picked at her fingernails. “That’s why I need you to cry since it’d be impossible for you to actually give me your love.”

Fluttershy nodded and bit down on the tip of her thumb, sitting quietly for several long moments. “So how do you normally eat love?” she finally asked.

“Back in Equestria, I have the ability to shapeshift into anyone I lay eyes on. I’m pretty good at mimicking different personalities, too. So when I take someone’s spot, I’ll find the one who loves them and eat their love.” Chitin coughed and looked away. “That’s how it works for me, anyway. Some changelings are born as permanent shifters, meaning they replace a baby pony in Equestria and eat the love of its parents until it grows up, at which time it returns to the Changeling Empire. When we take colts and fillies, they become what we call love taps. We hypnotize them into loving anyone they see, and even though the love they produce is artificial and weak, it holds us over until we can get a real feeding in.”

Fluttershy remained silent, her eyes wide. She blinked several times and tilted her head with a smile. “That kind of reminds of the cuckoo bird, in which some species will force its eggs into the nests of birds of a different species. It’s called a parasitic brood, does that sound familiar? Equestrian nature sounds so interesting. I wish I could visit.”

“That sounds right. So, you’re comfortable with everything I just told you?” Chitin asked skeptically.

“Well, it’s a lot to take in, but it wouldn’t be the strangest thing that I’ve experienced lately.” Fluttershy stood up and stretched her arms over her head. “So, you must be hungry.”

Chitin nodded and raised her finger, then lowered it as her words escaped her. She looked over the girl she just met, wearing a small white tanktop and pastel green skirt. With a deep sigh, she lowered her eyes. “I can't hurt you, Fluttershy. Not after you’ve been this kind to me. I don’t get it, though. I just confessed to lying to you and was ready to hurt you to benefit myself. Why are you being so nice to me?”

Fluttershy shrugged with one shoulder and smiled. “Well, I was a little disappointed when I found out you weren't a snake, but I think you being a changeling is even more interesting. I already know everything there is to know about snakes. You’re something new.”

“So you’re just curious about my species?” Chitin asked.

Fluttershy shook her head. “Not only that, but you just seem like the kind of girl who could really use a little kindness,” she said.

For the first time in a long, long time, Chitin felt her heart skip a beat. “Thank you, Fluttershy. Believe it or not that really means a lot to me.”

“Oh, don’t mention it. It makes me very happy to help out.” Fluttershy stood up and felt a deep energy bubbling up from within.

Chitin detected the phenomenon and tilted her head as a faint aura of magical light flashed around Fluttershy, then faded.

“Oh wow, I think I almost ponied up,” Fluttershy said with a smirk. “Almost…”

Chitin rubbed her chin and thought about all the stories she had heard during her initial reconnaissance about the girls ponying up in the past. “I have another idea, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy tilted her head and sat back down. Chitin grabbed her hands and leaned forward, resting her head on Fluttershy’s shoulder.

“Focus on what it feels like to pony up,” Chitin said, then took a deep breath as Fluttershy closed her eyes and concentrated.

Chitin inhaled a small stream of flowing bliss, the feeling Fluttershy got as Equestrian Magic enveloped her body. After several long moments, Chitin dropped Fluttershy’s hands and leaned back into her seat.

“What did you do?” Fluttershy asked, her chest tingling.

“I just drank your joy, Fluttershy. It wasn’t very filling, but it helps me a lot. I think this might be all I need for now. Thank you again.” Chitin took a deep breath and felt the magic settling into her chest.

“Wait, I thought my joy was the least important emotion you could get.” Fluttershy scratched her head. “Didn’t you want me to cry?”

“Are you kidding me? After all you just said to me? I may be a pretty heartless monster, but nobody’s that heartless.” Chitin laughed and leaned forward on the table, pulling her mirror from her back pocket.

Fluttershy watched as Chitin stared at the black gems that slowly turned a dim green. Her reflection in the mirror offered a smile, then a deep yawn. After that, it disappeared and the mirror reflected the ceiling despite being pointed directly at Chitin’s face.

“That is a weird mirror… did it just yawn?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yeah. It’s a magical mirror. It’s telling me that I don’t have a lot of magic to spend right now, which I already knew,” Chitin explained. “Please keep all of this a secret, Fluttershy. I’m really trying to be a nice girl around here, but it won’t work if your friends find out about me before the time is right. Understand?”

Fluttershy nodded. “You’re right. Sunset will never forgive you if she finds out you lied to her face. Better give it some time. For now, it’ll be our little secret.”

“Thanks, Fluttershy. I think we’re going to be good friends in no time.” Chitin smiled and placed her hand on Fluttershy’s knee, giving it three quick taps.

“I’d like that,” Fluttershy said. “You’re a very interesting person. I mean changeling.”

“You too. Are an interesting person, I mean.” Chitin chuckled and snatched her mirror off of the table. “I gotta run. Catch ya later, Shy.”

“Okay,” Fluttershy said as she waved.

Chitin flashed a bright smile, then she exited the library and ran down the hallway until she found a quiet corner. She ran her fingers over her mirror and sank down. Her reflection appeared with its mouth wide open, fangs dripping.

“I got us the magic we need to send another message. Please just do this for me, okay?” Chitin nodded and smiled.

The glass rippled and became a green vortex. Chitin began to whisper into it, her words once again appearing as green, flaming letters.

‘Study. Infiltrate. Sabotage.

The seven girls I mentioned before might be able to put up a serious fight if we invaded now. In time, I’ll be able to tear them apart and ensure that no one can stop our hive once we march. I just need time, My Lord.

I’m trying my best, but the act of infiltration is proving difficult. I’ve mostly infiltrated the group of the magical girls, but I’m not yet fully trusted. If I had my ability to morph in this world, I’d be on my way home with some of the strongest Equestrian Magic I’ve ever felt. I believe these girls are very special and wield some kind of magic far beyond that of your typical pony. I got a small taste of it today, and it tasted like cold, harsh sunlight. I ate joy, of all things, and it gave me enough strength to send you this report after completely draining myself earlier, if you can believe it. I’ll likely be blacked out again after this, so bear with me while I try to harvest some more of this potent magic. I’ll check back in as soon as I discover whether or not I’ll ever recover the ability to shapeshift in this world.

Yours faithfully, Chitin.’

Prologue--Study. Infiltrate. Sabotage.

Water dripped from sharp stalactites in a damp, dark cavern, illuminated only by two dimly glowing torches near an iron door. Thousands of eggs lined the cavern walls in clusters, eerie sounds of squirming and slithering permeating the thin, translucent shells. Tiny fangs broke the membrane containing one of the many larvae, and it consumed its shell.

Just then, the iron door creaked open, and two tall changelings stepped from a brick hallway into the cavern. “We’re in time,” a soft voice said.

Two sets of glossy blue eyes watched as thousands of larvae chewed through their shells and fell to the cave floor, hissing and squirming. Each was a dull gray color with a dark blue shell attached to its rear, and each had vivid blue eyes that aimlessly searched the cave.

“By Ditiscidae’s soggy pinchers! Look!” The tall male changeling sporting a bright green shell pointed to a peculiar larva. “Its shell is purple. Could it be?”

His red-shelled partner fluttered towards the standout and lifted it into her porous hooves. “We finally did it. We have an heiress. Oh glorious day,” she said as gray larvae rained down from the walls around her. “Oh glorious day, indeed.”

“Indeed, darling.” He placed his hoof onto her shoulder as they cradled the special larva, thousands of others piling up and slithering around their hooves, all blue shells. “Say hello, Li’l Chitin.”

***

A bright purple shell shimmered in the moonlight as a young changeling stood atop a mansion, her long blue and purple mane waving in the breeze. In her hoof she clutched a mirror given to her by her father, Lord Sunder Shield, leader of House Locust and renowned military general. She stared into her own eyes and as she frowned, it smiled back. She grunted and attached the mirror to the side of her shell, then took flight.

“Stupid thing… it’s never gonna cooperate,” she told herself, then carried on. As she buzzed near the walls of Cicada City, her hometown, she was met by the gatekeepers. They were two bald changelings with dark blue shells wielding dull spears.

“On a mission. Skitter aside, please.” She nudged the crossed spears and lowered her eyebrows, then sighed.

The two changelings glanced to each other, remaining silent, unable to speak. Chitin closed her eyes and tightened her stomach, creating a plume of pheromones. Upon receiving the scent, the guards gave a knowing nod and lifted their spears.

“Thanks guys. Keep up the good work. The city won’t be on lockdown much longer. I promise.” Chitin smiled at them and zipped over the walls and into the deep, dark Everfree Forest. The changeling guards shrugged and returned to their posts.

After a lengthy flight, Chitin arrived at a clearing in the forest. Within that clearing was a camp of many tents, as well as a small fire in the middle with many ponies gathered around it. She lowered herself behind a thick tree and listened.

“I hope y’all’re excited as I is,” a brown stallion said to the group, a young blond and pink mare clinging to his side. “We’ll be settlin’ down and buildin’ our new town in no time. I swear it!”

“Yes sir, I do reckon we gotta be gettin’ close to a good spot by now. We’ve been cuttin’ away at this dang ol’ forest for days.” Another stallion added a log to their fire and tilted his hat forward.

“Don’t you fret, Haystacks, as long as I’m leadin’ this here expedition, I won’t let ya down.” He then wrapped his foreleg around the mare next to him. “And with Cherrypie by my side, I got the best reason a stallion could as for to make this work.”

Chitin grinned and tasted the bond between them as they kissed. She turned around and leaned against the tree as she grabbed the mirror from her shell. “Come on, damn you,” she whispered. “You’re supposed to do what I want.”

Her reflection stuck its tongue out at her and then disappeared, reflecting only the flames from the campfire behind her.

“Come on. That’s not even how reflections work,” she muttered as she tilted the mirror from side to side, but still only saw the reflection of the fire. “Forget it. I’ll do this myself.”

Study, infiltrate, sabotage, she reminded herself. “Let’s do this.”

Chitin peered around the tree and waited for an opportunity. Moments passed, then the stallion stood up away from his apparent lover. “I may as well go grab some more firewood, keep this baby roarin’ until mornin’.”

Perfect. Chitin rubbed her hooves together and skulked through the trees towards the small trail the stallion followed. She glanced over her shoulder and saw the other members of the camp chit chatting around the fire, then proceeded to stalk her prey. She took flight and hovered in the shadows while he collected thick twigs and broken branches.

“Hello,” she said as she landed in front of him. Before he could shout, she spat a thick ball of mucus over his mouth, muffling his cries. He frantically wiped at his face to no avail, his hooves only becoming glued to his muzzle.

“Take a little nap, will ya?” Chitin said before sticking her tongue out and projecting a thick, web-like slime.

She then closed her eyes and her horn flashed green. In an instant, her body shapeshifted into the spitting image of the stallion she had captured. “Awh shucks, if you ain’t just the mud-buckin’est, hayseediest little ol’ colt I ever did done lay eyes on,” she mocked. “Pathetic.”

The stallion's eyes watered as he watched the changeling walk towards his camp.

Chitin carried the bundle of sticks and dropped them on the pile, then took a seat next to the pink mare, wrapping a hoof around her. She then quite convincingly faked a yawn and stretched her haunches out. “It’s sure gettin’ late, doncha think? Thinkin’ I may hit the hay soon. Go on and ready our bed, Cherrypie, if ya would.”

Every pony glanced to the other, then nodded. Cherrypie blushed and stood up. “Okay, Golden Oats, I will.”

Chitin smiled and watched which tent the mare went to, then slapped her thigh. “Well, I s’pose I’ll go join her. Keep this fire tended to, Haystack.”

Haystacks frowned and nodded. “Y’sir.”

Chitin trotted to the tent and stepped inside. There she saw Cherrypie sprawled out beneath a blanket from the chest down. She joined her and blew out the single candle illuminating their tent. The light from the fire outside permeated the fabric and dimly lit the tent. Chitin wrapped her large, masculine hooves around Cherrypie and leaned in for a kiss.

As their lips touched, she inhaled a deep, aromatic aura from with Cherrypie’s chest. It was pure, true love, and Chitin quivered as it filled her body with energy and strength. She savored the flavor with each breath, then slid her tongue into the mare’s mouth.

Once they parted, Chitin leaned into the mare’s ear. “You’re delicious,” she whispered. “I don’t think I’ve ever tasted innocence quite like yours before.”

Cherrypie recoiled and opened her eyes. “Golden… what’re ya sayin’? You don’t sound like yerself.”

“Want to hear a secret?” Chitin asked.

Cherrypie’s eyes widened as her lover’s deep amber eyes stared into hers.

“I’ve been lying to you.” Chitin smiled widely. “I’m not who I pretend to be.”

“What does that mean?” the mare asked. “I don’t understand.”

“Shh. Stay quiet.” Chitin placed a hoof over her mouth and hushed her. “It really isn’t unlike you to not understand, now is it… You’re a pretty dim-witted mare, you know. Do you even know why we’re on this expedition?”

Cherrypie winced and shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes.

“I was tasked with taking you morons out here and abandoning you all. Nopony back home wants you around. They said good riddance the second you stepped into the forest. I just can’t believe you were dull enough to think that somepony like me could ever actually love somepony like you. Pathetic.” Chitin rolled on top of the mare and pinned her legs down. “The only time you were ever useful was as my plaything. Thanks for the nights.”

Cherrypie fell limp as her heart shattered, and Chitin breathed in her agony. She pressed her muzzle against the mare’s cheek and licked up the side of her face, tasting her flowing tears. Chitin shuddered and her mouth watered profusely. “You were a rare treat, Cherrypie,” she said, her teeth dripping.

“Now get out of here! I never want to see you again!” Chitin shouted.

Cherrypie flinched and covered her face, then scurried out of the tent and galloped into the woods. Haystacks jumped up and called after her. “Wait, Cherry! Where ya goin’?”

Chitin then stomped out of the tent and into the other side of the forest, a wide smile plastered across her cheeks. As soon as she entered into the darkness, she dropped her disguise and stepped up to the captured stallion. She leaned down and sank her long, sharp fangs into his neck. A potent venom was injected into him, and his eyes went blank.

“Nap time’s over, chump.” Chitin tore her gooey encasing from his body and took flight, disappearing into the night.

Golden Oats wobbled to his hooves and wiped his eyes, shaking his head.

“What did you say?!” Haystacks shouted as he trotted up to his leader’s side.

Golden Oats stumbled backwards and fell against a tree, a glint of green flashing in his eyes. “I don’t know… It’s time for us to be gettin’ back home, Hay.”

“But the expedition! What about our new village?” he asked.

“There’s nothin’ in this forest for us… Look around you, Haystacks. Let’s go find Cherry and stay away from this dark place.” Golden Oats clumsily trudged to the clearing and collapsed, his legs weak and his neck stiff.

“I knew this was a bad idea… This forest is no place for ponykind.” Haystacks helped his friend to his hooves and called the other ponies from their tents. He had an announcement to make…

***

Chitin rested on her bed after another job well done. She clutched her mirror between her hooves as she leaned against her pillows. “Nothing like the taste of a broken heart, right?”

Her reflection smiled and rapidly nodded.

“How would you describe that one? I'd say it was very tender. You can tell that she hadn’t experienced anything like that before, so it was extremely pure. I especially liked the way it came out of her in a smooth stream instead of pulsing bursts like the others. You know?”

Her reflection tilted her head and shrugged.

“Well trust me; it makes a difference. Flavor-wise, it was very savory. I expected sweetness from someone so young and innocent, like spring flowers or an early morning breeze over a lake,  but it was a pleasant surprise. Her love tasted like summer rain clouds, but when I cracked her heart open it was like a beam of winter moonlight filling my mouth. So strange. If I wasn’t under pressure, I’d have kept her there crying for hours if I could.” Chitin rubbed her stomach and licked her lips.

“Why won’t you work with me? Things would be so much easier if we worked together.” She looked into her reflection’s eyes and sighed. “If you don’t want me as your keeper, just say so.”

Her reflection opened its mouth and bared its fangs in a gaping smile.

Chitin groaned and closed her eyes. “You’re so weird.”

“You do realize you’re talking to yourself, right Chitin?” A large changeling stepped into the girl’s room, his long white mane falling past his back.

“It’s called knocking, Dad!” Chitin shouted and rolled onto her side, facing away.

“I just wanted to let you know that your mirror is a reflection of the magic inside of you. It doesn’t have a personality of its own, or anything like that,” he explained. “Also, I wanted to say that you did a great job. A herd of wandering ponies can be pretty stubborn. I’m glad you diffused the situation before they discovered our city.”

Chitin raised her eyebrows and leaned up. “It was a cakewalk. Plus I got to taste the most delicious mare. So worth the effort.”

“Yes, I heard you describe her flavor as summer rain clouds and winter moonlight. You’re such a little oddball, my dear. I hope you realize just how lucky you are to be able to taste the love you consume, even though your flavor descriptions are a little uncanny.” The large changeling laughed and rubbed his chin. “I’ve never heard of such a thing before. None of your twenty-three-thousand siblings seem to have developed that ability either; although, ninety-nine percent of them can’t even speak, so…”

“Hehe.” She giggled and covered her mouth. “Thanks, Daddy.”

“Anyway, the mirror. You’re special in more ways than one, Chitin. A colored shell means that you have access to more changeling magic than most. While any changeling can shapeshift, you’ll soon discover a full arsenal of spells at your disposal. That’s what makes our family so important to the Empire. The fact that you can cause that mirror to react at all means that you’re a mirror-mage, just like your mother,” he explained. “And I’m so proud of you.”

“But why me?” Chitin asked. “Why not any of my twenty-three-thousand siblings? Or at least one of the other colored shells?”

“No one can say for sure, but I believe that our ancestors chose you for a reason. You’re destined to do great things for House Locust and Cicada City,” he said. “Perhaps even the entire Changeling Empire. And mirror-based magic isn’t something to take lightly. It may very well be the most difficult of all the changeling techniques to master.”

“Okay… thanks. I need to get some sleep.” Chitin rolled back over and grimaced.

“Alright, dear. And don’t count your blue-shelled siblings out so quickly. They’re a vital part of our military operations as well. And those of you with colored shells are looked upon as leaders. So please, stay strong and focused.” He nodded and cleared his throat. “Goodnight, Chitin.”

“G’night, Dad.” Chitin sighed as the door latched shut and she lifted her mirror to her face. “Why don’t I understand you?” she asked herself with a crooked frown, and her reflection stared back down with a devilish grin.

“I’m losing my mind, aren’t I…” She groaned and tossed the mirror to the foot of her bed. She then sat upright and stared at the setting moon through her tall bedroom window.

Chitin sighed and pressed her hooves over her eyes, leaning forward. “I need to eat,” she said as she pushed her window open and took flight.

She then groaned and turned back around. “Fine, you can come too,” she said as she snatched her mirror off of her bed. “But don't give me an attitude this time. Got it?”

“Truly an oddball if I've ever seen one,” Lord Sunder Shield muttered as he watched his daughter scolding her own reflection from his window. “Be careful, child.”