The B-Sideby KnuxChangelingChaptersGoing to the OutsideThe Princess of the SunDinnerMoonlight WalkThe AttackThe Battle of Mother.....and DaughterA New EraTo the Outside WorldGoing to the OutsideA changeling with a light blue mane and strikingly bright cerulean eyes walked through the halls of the ever changing hive of the Changelings. The changeling was tall with a gnarled horn sprouting from her forehead and large dragonfly like wings buzzing a little from her back. She was on her way to see the Queen of the Changelings herself, Queen Chrysalis. Most of the Changelings who flew by bowed to her as she went by but only if they were in her direct line of sight. Otherwise the drones went on with their daily lives. To be polite the taller Changeling nodded her head to the bowing drones. "Sometimes I hate being a princess", sighed the Changeling as she finally approached the large green covers that separated the Queen's chambers from the rest of the hive. The guards in front bowed and pulled back the covers to allow the Changeling Princess to pass through. Holding her head high, the Princess approached the throne in which the Queen sat. "Mother", the Princess said bowing. "My daughter Aqua", the Queen said bowing her head slightly. Aqua raised her head looking the Queen directly in the eye. Queen Chrysalis was feared throughout the hive and in the pony world. Queen Chrysalis knew, however, that her own daughter wouldn't fear her. Aqua knew that her mother had a soft spot. This meeting, which Aqua had finally gathered enough courage to hold, was about Aqua seeing the pony world. Aqua was always told about the ponies. They were food and foalish creatures. they were better off as food and slaves to Changelings to feed the hive. Aqua was never allowed out the hive for fear that one of the Princesses would find and kill her. That allowed Aqua more time to explore the hive and get familiar with the tunnels that'll appear every once and again to find her way. Queen Chrysalis soon spoke, pulling the Princess from her memory recall. "Why have you called this meeting my child", the Queen asked softly. "W-well", Aqua started. This wasn't time to back out now so she forced herself to push on. "I am almost 17 now and.......I want to see the world outside of the hive!'' Chrysalis frowned a little and Aqua almost flinched. Her mother always gets like this when she talks about the outside. Then she goes on a lecture about how dangerous the princesses are. Aqua braced herself for the speech but the Queen was silent. Aqua tilted her head in confusion expecting her mother to start rambling. The Queen sighed. "Alright", Chrysalis said. "You can go to the outside world. Your magic is strong and you are old enough to handle yourself." Aqua tried hard to contain her excitement. Her heart thudded in her chest and her eyes had a wicked gleam in them. She couldn't believe it! She was finally going to go beyond the walls of the hive and beyond Changeling borders into the pony world. She was finally going to explore and get to know the world. She stiffened as her mother spoke again. "But, guards will go just in case", Queen Chrysalis stated then looked at the gleam of annoyance that flashed in her daughters eyes. "Only two guards not a while squadron." The excitement returned to Aqua's eyes. Two guards was enough. She won't try to ditch them because they will tell her mother by the time they found her and returned. She wasn't going to waste this opportunity. Nodding and giving her thanks in many kisses to her mothers hooves and face, Aqua exited the throne room with a little spring in her step. She wasn't surprised to see two drones waiting outside. Of course her mother immediately went into the Hive Mind to summon these two to escort her. Her mother worked fast. Aqua had access to the Hive Mind but only her mother was allowed to control it until it was deemed necessary to promote Aqua. A few minutes later, Aqua was at the edge of changeling territory, at the edge of a large forest that teemed with life and flowed through her. Aqua took a step forward and her exploration began. The Princess of the Sun"Ugh my head", groaned Aqua as she slowly opened her eyes, "W-what happened?" She slowly lifted her head looking around. She was in a large room that was almost like her mother's room but white adorned with gold and windows. She was laying on a red and gold carpet that stretched to the double doors behind her and in front......what was in front of her? Aqua, fearfully turning her head, looked in front of her and squeaked. In front of her was a large throne made of more gold but it wasn't the throne that scared her but the pony that sat on top of it. The pony was massive, almost as big as her mother. As Aqua took in more details of the pony, she realized that the pony had feathered wings and a horn and it was a bright white. An....ah what was the word? Aqua always forgot what the pony with both wings and a horn was called. A golden crown sat atop the pony's multicolored flowing mane and its eyes were staring down at her curiously. "So, you were in the Everfree forest", the pony said. The voice was soft but also hard and demaning. Gulping Aqua replied, "Y-Yes I-I was. What do you want with me?" The white pony almost smiled at Aqua and stood walking from the throne to stand in front of Aqua. Aqua was scared now, scared for her life and she shivered moving back from the pony. "Do not fear little one", the pony said kindly, "I am Princess Celestia, princess of the sun." The name sounded familiar and sparked uncomfort within the changeling. She slowly lifted her head to look at Celestia, her eyes now hard and cold. "You", she said her words dripping with hate, "You are the princess that almost killed my mother! You made me almost an orphan! I will bring your head to her to make her happy!" Aqua lunged at Celestia, teeth bared and eyes brimming with tears. Celestia only moved out the way to allow the changeling princess to skid to a halt a few feet away. Celestia knew that this was emotions getting in the way of the changeling's better judgement. She always wanted to make friends with the changeling kingdom but Chrysalis wasn't always the negotiating type. Now she knows why. "Please stop", Celestia said, "I know what I did wasn't the greatest thing but I had a reason to do so." "So what", Aqua seethed, "You've also killed my guards so why should I trust you?" At this, Celestia was taken aback. Kill? Oh no, Celestia would never do that. She guessed that she should've told the girl about what happened to her fellow Changelings. "No no they are safe'', Celestia said, "They are outside now as we speak." Just as she said that, the changeling guards walked in, unharmed save for a few dents to their armor. Aqua ran to them still checking for any hidden injuries and the guards assured their princess that they were fine. Aqua slowly turned back to Celestia, who was still looking at Aqua with warmth. Aqua did feel something else.....love....was that love she felt? As a changeling, Aqua was able to feel the emotions of others, even mere animals. "Why are you being so kind Sun Princess", Aqua asked. It was a careful question. "Only because I want to make friends with the Changeling Kingdom", Celestia said smoothly, "I see why your mother didn't want to make an alliance with me. She was afraid that I would kill you, her only child. I won't kill the child of even my most feared enemies. Every life is precious." At what Celestia said, Aqua had a curiosity toward the princess. She wasn't at all what her mother had told her. Instead of a raging sun, Celestia was a warm and inviting fire and a mothers love. Aqua didn't feel her body move but when she came back to her senses, she was muzzle to muzzle with Celestia. Celestia was confused herself about what had just happened but she soon smiled. "I will allow you to stay here in Canterlot", Celestia said, "You can stay in one of the suites with your guards. You will be given food and you will be treated as honored guests of the castle." Aqua was about to remind the princess that Changelings don't need to eat but she guessed that she could try eating ACTUAL food. Canterlot guards came in to escort Aqua and her own guards to their rooms and Aqua almost reluctantly left the Solar Princess. Once Aqua got to her room she looked around the room in awe. It would giver her mothers room a run for its money. The room was a wide open space, enough to fly around if she wanted to and not reach the ceiling until the day was half done. There was a balcony that looked out to the royal gardens and a bathing chamber that was half outside and to Aqua looked like a giant swimming pool. Her bed was large enough to accommodate two full grown alicorns with large wing spans and made her feel like a dwarf. She loved the room and she flopped on the bed laughing. She guessed that she could get used to this. This was a beautiful room and Princess Celestia was actually really nice. She fed a little on the love that was directed toward her and her Changeling guards and no doubt her guards did so as well. So yes, Aqua can get used to living here. "Hopefully mother won't be mad if I stayed here a while", Aqua mumbled to herself staring at the ceiling. DinnerA knock was sounded at the door and Aqua sat up with a start. Heck, she didn't even remember falling asleep that day. When she looked outside it was sun down and Princess Luna was about to raise the moon. "What is it", Aqua called in a groggy and still sleepy voice. "The princesses request that you join them for dinner", said a gravely voice. One of the guards presumably. "I will be out soon I just need to freshen up a bit", Aqua called out, her voice a bit more clear. She walked to the bathing room and splashed some water onto her face. She looked at herself in the mirror and almost jumped back. She looked....different....happier really. She had this inner glow that shown in her eyes. She hasn't seen that glow since she was talking to that one changeling who expressed his concerns to her. What was his name? Thorax! Thorax yes! She remembered sitting with him outside his home and talking about how her mother can doom them all. He didn't feel right about attacking Canterlot all those years ago but he stayed because he feared the Queen's wrath. Aqua promised him that when she was Queen, she will change their way of life for the better. He will be Aqua's adviser and most trusted friend. Thorax has known Aqua since she was a youngling after all. She remembered the look on Thorax's face when she said that. the glow that came from his eyes was shocking to her but comforting. He was truly happy to hear what the Princess said and that showed. She would have to bring Thorax to Canterlot to meet with everyone else when she gets the chance to go back. On the way to the dining hall Aqua looked around. She wasn't looking around before because she was still stunned at what Princess Celestia had said to her earlier. Now Aqua was seeing the pillars and the art work all over the walls. If she were to go home now, back to the hive, her description of the castle will seem like a fantasy. The doors were pushed open for her and she saw her own guards by where she was to be seated, their armor fixed and now shining brighter than before. She nodded to them as they bowed. "Ah Princess Aqua", a voice called from her right. It didn't sound like Princess Celestia. Aqua turned to see a midnight blue alicorn, her height, walk up to her. The alicorn's mane was a lighter blue than her coat and glittered with stars, just like the night sky. "Princess Luna", Aqua breathed, "You're just as beautiful, no, even more so than the nights you create." The alicorn smiled and stood next to the Changeling Princess. "It is nice to see somepony enjoys my nights", Luna said. "To be honest", Aqua stated with a blush, "A few Changelings and I would sneak out to the entrance of the hive and watch the moon rise and the stars punch into view. I had one particular friend who would say that you would place literal jewels in the sky and then surround them with a lot of light so they will shine bright enough for us to see." "And what was your friend's name", Luna asked, the smile growing a bit wider. "His name is Thorax", Aqua replied with a bit of sadness in her voice, "I wish he were here with me now." Luna looked at Aqua with a warm smile. "I am sure he will join one day", Luna said. Both princesses walked to their respective seats and sat. The food was brought out which was steamed vegetables and daisy sandwiches. Aqua didn't seem so fond of it but out of respect for her hosts she took a bite out of the daisy sandwich. It wasn't half bad really, not as amazing as actual love, but not bad. She took another bite and another until she finished the sandwich then moved on to the vegetables. "So, about your mother", Celestia started. This made Aqua stop and look up from her plate. "Does she still hate me", Celestia asked, "I know she still hates my niece Princess Cadence. She did defeat your mother in an act of showing love. I just want to know if she hates us enough to attack us again." "She does hate you", Aqua admitted taking a bite of carrot, "But she will not attack in risk of you destroying what we have and leaving me with nothing to rule over and no drones of my own. She mostly fears leaving me before it's her time." "I see", Celestia said taking a sip of her tea. "Why do you ask Princess", venom dripped from Aqua's voice as her eyes narrowed. "My sister did not mean any harm by asking", Luna quickly interjected, "She was just asking if we are to expect an assault soon." Aqua shook her head in no and returned to her food. She also ordered more food so her guards could eat. At first they refused but because of Aqua's insistence, they ate. The desert was about to be served when Celestia spoke suddenly. "I deeply regret what happened to your mother that day", she said, "I tried to help her as best I could. She refused but I healed her and her drones anyway. I saw you for the first time sitting next to her on her throne." Aqua was interested and she leaned forward a bit, barely even noticing the desert that was placed in front of her. Celestia continued in a sad tone. "She hated me for showing pity", Celestia said, "She said that Changelings are a proud race and they won't accept outside help unless too desperate. She was trying to hide you from me when I saw you and asked about you. You weren't even four years old yet. I am sure you don't remember me at all. She was scared when I went past her and approached you. She thought that I was going to steal you away from her and never return you so she kicked me out." Luna was the only one who uttered a sigh in the silence that came after. Aqua looked down at the table thinking on what Princess Celestia had just told her. It would make sense that after all these years her mother was so strict on her not leaving the hive or not asking for any outside help. It was all because she was too proud to admit receiving help from ponies. "I guess I know what I will talk to my mother about when I get back", Aqua thought to herself. The rest of the dinner concluded in silence and Aqua barely registered the Solar Princess say her farewell and leave the room. Moonlight WalkAqua walked next to Princess Luna through the garden of Canterlot. It was a beautiful night with the half moon shining bright in the sky. Luna had asked Aqua to join her on a walk to clear her head and get some fresh air. Aqua didn't hesitate to take up the offer, who would? It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Aqua looked up at the stars as she walked, wondering how long it would take for her to reach the brightest one. As if reading her thoughts, Luna chuckled. "Even I know not of how long it'll take", she said. Aqua turned toward Princess Luna in confusion. Her brow was raised in question. "How long it'll take for one to reach a star", Luna said. Aqua only nodded not really wanting to talk. She was thinking over what Princess Celestia had said at dinner. It started to make sense to her as she put the pieces together. Aqua shook her head clearing it then breathed in deep. The night air was cool and crisp and there was a generous breeze. "Thank you", Aqua said. "For what", Luna asked. "For letting me walk with you", Aqua said smiling at the Lunar Princess, "This is an amazing experience. Thank you for not turning me and my guards away and accepting us." Luna just smiled warmly and wrapped a wing around Aqua saying, "You're very welcome." The AttackThe next morning, Aqua woke up feeling refreshed. She had a great time with Princess Luna the previous night and felt the love and adoration for her pouring off of every pony that met her. Aqua went through her morning routine, brushing her teeth and hair, then left the room to join everyone for breakfast. Her guards were waiting outside her room looking alert and visual as usual. "Good morning", Aqua said cheerfully. "Good morning Your Highness", replied a guard. They went to the dining hall to find the princesses already there. Princess Luna was looking over a plate of pancakes that had fruit in the shape of a silly face, her face was alight with hunger and joy. Her sister, Princess Celestia, was just sitting down with her own silly faced pancakes. When Princess Celestia saw Aqua and her guards walk in, she smiled. "Welcome Aqua", Celestia exclaimed in joy, "Come you and your guards will enjoy the breakfast I've made for you all." "Wait, you made these", Aqua asked astonished, "I thought you had chefs for that! This looks beautiful and I don't want to eat it I'll feel bad." "I enjoy making things", Celestia said with a smile, "Please enjoy yourselves." Aqua and her guards sat down and smiled at their own breakfast. The faces were made of bananas, strawberries and pineapples. There was whipped cream for hair at the top of the stack. Aqua almost had tears in her eyes. Luna caught the silver lining the eyes of the Changeling Princess. "Art thou alright", Luna asked, worry coating her voice. Aqua sniffed wiping her eyes and nodded before replying, "This is the first time someone had ever made anything for me. It's sweet." Celestia nodded as she took a bite of her pancakes. Aqua and her guards did the same. The meal was full of laughter and happiness. It was actually one of the rare times she had actually smiled like she ment it. She didn't want to give this up, not ever. After the meal, Aqua was heading to a balcony that looked toward the entrance of Canterlot. Canterlot no longer held her interest, it was what she saw beyond the gates of the capitol. Lush green fields with sparkling winding rivers, forest as far as the naked eye could see. To her, it was something that was so new to her. She had never seen lands so lush with life before. It was amazing, hypnotic. She arrived at the balcony to stare at the wondrous site smiling and breathing in the fresh morning air. The sun sparkled off the rivers in the distance making it look like a river of diamonds. If that were possible, Aqua would be all over it and watching as it flowed past her. Aqua stood there for what seemed like hours. She didn't want to leave, afraid that she will wake back in her room in the hive, her time here but a mere dream. She looked out over the land again but saw something off. It was a little black dot that seemed to be getting bigger. Was that a Changeling? No it couldn't be. Not here of all places right? The dot just started to get bigger but even more dots started to appear. Aqua realized that it was her mother and the hive. She backed away and started running down the hall toward the dining hall. She had to warn the princesses! Aqua slammed the doors open to the dining hall finding it empty. She immediately turned around and looked for the royal study. It took her a few minutes after asking around then she slammed the doors open. The sudden slamming of doors startled the Princesses who were looking over paperwork. The papers went everywhere but Aqua didn't care. Her eyes were wide and her breathing was ragged from running around. "What is it", Luna asked trotting over. "My mother", Aqua rasped out, "She's coming with our entire hive. She's going to attack Canterlot to get me back." At this, the Princesses looked at each other nodding and running out the room. Celestia went and commanded the guards to tighten security while Luna started to evacuate civilians. Aqua and her own guards walked right up to the capitols gates and awaited her mother's approach which was quite quick to say the least. Her mother alighted down in front of her and embraced Aqua in a crushing hug. "Oh my darling", Queen Chrysalis rasped, "My dear little baby!" Aqua patted her mother's shoulder with a small smile. She knows how her mother feels about not seeing her for a while. Aqua was the princess after all. "Mother, I'm fine", Aqua said, "The ponies here are actually very nice and-" "LIES", her mother blearted, "ALL THOSE PONIES DO IS LIE! They could've been trying to get to me through you." Aqua shook her head and backed away from the queen. She looked down after seeing the broken look her mother had. It was heart wrenching because Aqua knew that her mother thought she was corrupted by the pony way of life. Aqua cleared her throat and finally looked back up at her mother. "They aren't lying", Aqua said, "They were very kind and loving toward me despite the fact I am changeling." The resulting gasp almost brought Aqua to tears. It was the gasp of someone heartbroken, someone who's lost something that they loved dearly. Aqua didn't turn away nor did she look at her mother, not being able to break her heart further. Queen Chrysalis' face soon twisted to a look of pure rage. "Do't worry", Chrysalis said in a quiet voice, "I will free you from the spell that they've placed on you." Aqua's head snapped up and before she could say anything, the horde of Changelings that have been hovering above, dove onto the city starting to tear everything apart. Aqua could only scream as the Changelings started to tear the innocent citizens of Canterlot to shreds. Aqua turned and rushed back into the city to help in the defense of the citizens and knocked out any Changeling that dared to harm anypony. Aqua fought through guts and limbs and blood everywhere. Her hole popped hooves were covered in it and so were the Changelings attacking. It made her sick to her stomach, not the fact that there's gore everywhere, but the fact that her own mother would do this. This was insane, there were ponies dying everywhere! She failed to protect one pony that had her throat ripped out and Aqua blasted that Changeling off the now dead pony running toward the castle. At the castle, Queen Chrysalis landed in front of the two royal sisters who were standing tall and had their horns aglow with magic ready to fire. The Queen was seething with hatred as her own horn started to come to life. "You've ruined my daughter", Chrysalis said, "Now let me return the favor." Chrysalis fired a sickly green bolt of energy toward the princesses and they dodged coming at the Queen from both sides. A shield came to life around the Changeling Queen turning into dark green vines that catapulted them into the brush on either side of the entrance to Canterlot Garden. Luna got back up first shooting a light blue bolt of energy at the Queen. Queen Chrysalis was ready, however, and moved out the way and it hit Celestia instead. Celestia screamed falling onto her side. Luna's eyes widened as she beheld her sister and soon scowled. Luna picked up a fistful of grass and twigs and dirt flying toward Chrysalis who was getting into a defensive mode. Luna threw the fistful of earth right into the Queen's eyes. Chrysalis cried out in surprise stumbling back. Luna tackled Chrysalis and charged her horn but Chrysalis shot her magic first catching Luna in the nose before she dodged. Luna wiped at the blood now leaking from her nose. Celestia came up behind the Queen bucking her into the shrubs and was greeted with a crack of chiten armor. Chrysalis howled in pain and stumbled up wincing. Her side was bleeding from her armor digging into the soft flesh beneath and it was now leaking blood. Celestia walked over to Queen Chrysalis with a worried, but cautious, look on her face. "Get away from me you pale trash", Chrysalis spat, anger clear in her voice. "We didn't want to do this", Celestia said, "But you've given us no other choice. Please, surrender." "As if", Chrysalis said, "I WILL SURRENDER TO YOU!" Chrysalis fired a bolt of magic at Celestia, who was caught off guard, and knocked her out. Chrysalis slowly walked over and stood over the Solar Princess and bared her fangs. She was about to to tear out Celestia's throat when a midnight blue blur rammed into her sending them both skidding into the nearby wall. Chrysalis shrieked in pain due to her skidding on her injured side. That was going to get infected if she didn't handle it soon. Luna got up off of Chrysalis breathing heavy, not because she was tired, but because she was in a rage. Her eyes were slitted and a lighter blue than normal and her fur was getting darker. At this, Luna wasn't thinking straight, all she saw was red. "Oh this will be easy", Chrysalis said as she stood back up. Luna just shouted something incoherent and lunged at the Queen. Chrysalis smirked and side stepped at the last second letting Luna hit the wall and knock herself out. Chrysalis almost smiled and stood over the fallen Lunar Princess. She was just about to tear into her flesh when a voice called out. "STOP!" Queen Chrysalis turned to find the Princess of the Changelings, her own daughter, standing before her in defiance. The Battle of Mother.....and DaughterQueen Chrysalis stood before her daughter, staring at the defiance that shown on her daughter's face. It broke Chrysalis' heart even more. "Please", Chrysalis said, her voice breaking, "Come home. I worried when you didn't come home. Please, come back with me." "No", Aqua said quietly. "What", Chrysalis asked. "I said no", Aqua said. Aqua shocked herself by openly defying her mother. She's never done that before. The thing that surprised her the most was that she actually didn't want to go back home, back to the hive. It was all too familiar to her, the same stone walls, the same twists and turns, the same drones most of the time. It was all too boring, too....crushing. It didn't allow her to breathe. Now that she has an actual taste of freedom, her mother wants to take that away from her. She couldn't let that happen. She was shaken from her thoughts as she heard her mother shout. "YOU ARE COMING HOME WITH ME CHILD", the Queen bellowed, "AND YOU ARE COMING NOW!" "NO I AM NOT" Aqua shouted back, "I CANNOT GO BACK TO BEING CRUSHED IN THAT HIVE AGAIN! TO NOT EXPLORE OR BE MYSELF!" Queen Chrysalis was taken aback by Aqua's out burst. She shook her head then grabbed Aqua with her magic. "You don't have a choice my dear", Chrysalis simply said. Aqua lit her own horn and blasted her mother in the face. It was more for her to let go then to hurt. Aqua got her wish as she fell to the ground. She did quickly get back up charging her magic again as her mother slowly turned to her. There was surprise but also something else, something that Aqua never thought would be directed to her unleashed, pure fury. Chrysalis' horn lit up and before Aqua could raise a shield up to protect herself, the sickly green bolt of energy slammed her into the wall. Aqua coughed as the wind was knocked out of her and she tried to regain her breath. Chyrsalis' anger didn't waver, however, as she stood over her daughter almost fuming at the mouth. "How DARE you strike me", her mother spat, "How DARE you go against me like this. You would trade your own species for these ponies?!" Aqua couldn't even form the words she needed. She was still trying to regain her breath after being thrown into a wall. Queen Chrysalis grabbed Aqua in her aura again bringing her face to face with her. "Either you come with me now", Chrysalis said, "Or I force you back." Aqua kicked Chrysalis in the muzzle breaking the Queen's nose. Chrysalis staggered back holding her nose with a hoof. The Changeling princess could only raise a shield when her mother lunged at her. Chrysalis' rage was only heightened at what her daughter had done. Her own DAUGHTER! She lunged at Aqua slamming into the shield and bucking at it. Aqua held firm and flew into the sky to avoid her mother's brutal onslaught. Chrysalis only watched and licked the blood coming from her nose. She smirked and flew up after Aqua, fangs bared and ready to tear into chiten armor. Aqua shot a cerulean bolt of magic at Chrysalis who dodged it and rammed into her. Aqua flipped so her mother was above catching her mother by surprise. Aqua sunk her fangs into the injured side of the Queen then kicked her to the nearest balcony. She did follow up attacks firing spells at Chrysalis to keep her down. It seemed to work for a short while but Chrysalis got back up. Aqua sighed and tackled her mother to the ground. Chrysalis was almost knocked out just from the drop alone. She kicked Aqua off cracking the Princess' armor around her chest. Aqua stumbled back. Chrysalis came charging at her and Aqua sidestepped barely, feeling the wind brush by her. Chrysalis stopped remarkably well and bucked Aqua in the face sending her back into the wall. Aqua felt as if every bone in her back shattered. Black started to creep up on her at the edges of her vision. She fought it off and grabbed a good sized branch and sharpened the end. "I will have to take you", Chrysalis said, "BY FORCE!" Chrysalis charged at the downed Princess a sadistic smile on her face. Aqua weakly lifted the branch but couldn't lift it high enough yet. Her mother was closing in, fast. Aqua started to panic, she was probably going to die with this next attack. Adrenaline started going through Aqua and her eyes focused. Chrysalis wasn't even able to scream as the branch Aqua held went straight through her eye and out the back of her head. Aqua didn't even flinch when the blood sprayed on her covering her face. Chrysalis' body spasmed then collapsed in a heap next to Aqua. Aqua slowly got up, avoiding the pool of blood now forming under the Queen's body. She saw Princess Celestia and Princess Luna rush over to her. "Aqua", Celestia shouted. Aqua could only manage a weak smile and an equally weak chuckle before darkness claimed her and she collapsed. A New EraAqua awoke to a light shining directly on her. It was moving for some reason. There were.......voices. She couldn't make out the words just yet but the voices sounded surprised and grateful. Aqua let out a small groan turning her head from the light. The voices slowly became clearer and she could make out the words. "She's awake!" "Someone call the princesses!" "Keep an eye on her!" The light dimmed as a hoof reached to turn it away. Aqua looked to the side where doctors were looking over at her with clipboards with them documenting what was going on right now. "How long was I out", Aqua asked weakly. One of the doctors, a unicorn with a brown mane and a purple coat, walked up and responded. "Two days your highness." Aqua looked back up at the ceiling and sighed. "What of my mother?" "She's gone ma'm. Dead." At this, Aqua's eyes widened. She......she had done that. She had killed her mother. She had no choice but to do it. She was going to be killed. Tears started to flow from her eyes and she started to mumble sorry multiple times before she took a deep breath a few minutes later calming herself down. She turned back to the doctors. "Ok, I want to leave", Aqua said. "You shouldn't", said a doctor, "You still have to rest. You have a sprained wing and your chest was almost caved in. No broken bones but you were very close to that." Aqua looked down at her chest, which was bandaged, and sighed. She just wanted to go and help the Changelings that wanted to stay and follow her. So, she got up anyway and walked toward the door. The doctors that tried to stop her were levitated out the way. When she left the hospital, she was greeted by the Princesses. She nodded to them. "Oh thank the stars thou is alright", Luna said with tears in her eyes. "We were just about to check on you", Celestia said, "but it seems like you have things under control." "Where are the Changelings", Aqua asked. "They're contained for now", Celestia said, "They are not in the dungeons but contained in houses that haven't been in use for years. I assure you that the living arrangements are healthy." Aqua only nodded and headed in the direction of the abandoned houses. Aqua arrived at the houses within a few minutes and beheld all of the Changelings there. Some were in a state of shock and others with no emotion at all. They had no leader and it was a shock that Queen Chrysalis was taken away from them so quickly. Aqua cleared her throat and called for the Changeling's attention. "Changelings", she started, "My mother is gone. I shall take up the mantel of Queen from now on. You can either follow me now or find another hive to go to." Many of the Changelings looked at each other and chatter started to arise. A few minutes later, one voice called out. "I shall stay by your side." The changeling that stepped out has similar color eyes to her own and his wings were shinier than the others. "Thorax", Aqua exclaimed in joy rushing to hug her friend. "I've missed you my friend", Thorax said hugging Aqua back gently. Other Changelings soon called out saying they would follow her until the end of their days. Aqua smiled as the Changelings gathered around their new Queen and carried her back to the castle. The Princesses were awaiting her as the Changelings carefully deposited their new Queen before them. "Aqua, I am so proud of you", Celestia said. Aqua only nodded barely containing her tears. Luna and Celestia embraced the Queen. "What will you do now", Luna asked. "Maybe build a hive nearby", Aqua said, "We can live in peace and explore and just be ourselves. That's all I want." "You will be the perfect leader", Celestia said. Aqua nodded then turned back to her Changelings. They all looked at her expectantly, waiting for her orders. Aqua took off into the sky and the horde of Changelings followed after her. Aqua was going to make a new era, one where Changeling are free. Free to explore, free to express their feelings. She looked next to her where Thorax now flew and smiled at him. It was going to take some time, but things will change in her hive, she just knows it. She will do that much in her mother's memory and do what her mother couldn't, wouldn't do: Ask for outside help. She will be the leader her subjects deserved. She will be Queen Aqua. To the Outside WorldAqua stepped past the barren wastelands of the Changeling Kingdom and into the lush EverFree. Taking a step back, Aqua took a deep breath. She then stepped back onto the soft grass then smiled giggling happily. She then ran, she ran as fast as she could. Of course she knew that the Changeling scouts were right behind her but she didn't care. All she wanted to do was run, and run she did until she stopped in a large clearing. Aqua was out of breath, her cerulean mane whipped around her face and matted with sweat that now gleamed on her face. This was such a rush for her! Aqua collapsed onto the grass her face turned toward the sky. The Changeling guards caught up and landed a foot away watching her carefully. She let herself drift off into sleep. She awoke to a hoof shaking her gently. She groaned and turned over closing her eyes once again but the shaking only resumed. "My princess", a raspy voice said, almost in alarm. Aqua finally turned back onto her back and looked up at the changeling guard that was standing over her. He looked....worried. Why was that? "What's wrong", she asked, standing up immediately. "Ponies up ahead", the guard said, motioning for the other guard to stand next to him, "We need to get you out of here." Aqua barely had time to move before the ponies appeared. They were clad in golden armor that clanged with each movement and their coats were white. The ponies instantly went on guard. One of the changeling guards hissed at the guards stepping in front of the princess. "Step back you foals", one of the changeling guards hissed, "None shall touch the princess!" "Changelings", said one of the white ponies, "I bet you were all going to attack Canterlot. Well, you're coming with us!" "Princess run", said the changeling guards as they went to engage the other guards. Aqua wasted no time as her wings buzzed lifting her body off the ground and propelling her forward. Her heart was beating fast in fear as she flew but she was cut off before she even reached the border of her home. This guard was a light blue and feathery wings kept him aloft, a pegasus. Aqua screamed and tried to turn around but she found herself surrounded by two more pegasi. "You are coming with us", one of them said before Aqua felt something smash into the back of her head knocking her out. The guards caught her making sure there was no damage to the changeling princess knowing what would happen if word got out about this.
Going to the OutsideA changeling with a light blue mane and strikingly bright cerulean eyes walked through the halls of the ever changing hive of the Changelings. The changeling was tall with a gnarled horn sprouting from her forehead and large dragonfly like wings buzzing a little from her back. She was on her way to see the Queen of the Changelings herself, Queen Chrysalis. Most of the Changelings who flew by bowed to her as she went by but only if they were in her direct line of sight. Otherwise the drones went on with their daily lives. To be polite the taller Changeling nodded her head to the bowing drones. "Sometimes I hate being a princess", sighed the Changeling as she finally approached the large green covers that separated the Queen's chambers from the rest of the hive. The guards in front bowed and pulled back the covers to allow the Changeling Princess to pass through. Holding her head high, the Princess approached the throne in which the Queen sat. "Mother", the Princess said bowing. "My daughter Aqua", the Queen said bowing her head slightly. Aqua raised her head looking the Queen directly in the eye. Queen Chrysalis was feared throughout the hive and in the pony world. Queen Chrysalis knew, however, that her own daughter wouldn't fear her. Aqua knew that her mother had a soft spot. This meeting, which Aqua had finally gathered enough courage to hold, was about Aqua seeing the pony world. Aqua was always told about the ponies. They were food and foalish creatures. they were better off as food and slaves to Changelings to feed the hive. Aqua was never allowed out the hive for fear that one of the Princesses would find and kill her. That allowed Aqua more time to explore the hive and get familiar with the tunnels that'll appear every once and again to find her way. Queen Chrysalis soon spoke, pulling the Princess from her memory recall. "Why have you called this meeting my child", the Queen asked softly. "W-well", Aqua started. This wasn't time to back out now so she forced herself to push on. "I am almost 17 now and.......I want to see the world outside of the hive!'' Chrysalis frowned a little and Aqua almost flinched. Her mother always gets like this when she talks about the outside. Then she goes on a lecture about how dangerous the princesses are. Aqua braced herself for the speech but the Queen was silent. Aqua tilted her head in confusion expecting her mother to start rambling. The Queen sighed. "Alright", Chrysalis said. "You can go to the outside world. Your magic is strong and you are old enough to handle yourself." Aqua tried hard to contain her excitement. Her heart thudded in her chest and her eyes had a wicked gleam in them. She couldn't believe it! She was finally going to go beyond the walls of the hive and beyond Changeling borders into the pony world. She was finally going to explore and get to know the world. She stiffened as her mother spoke again. "But, guards will go just in case", Queen Chrysalis stated then looked at the gleam of annoyance that flashed in her daughters eyes. "Only two guards not a while squadron." The excitement returned to Aqua's eyes. Two guards was enough. She won't try to ditch them because they will tell her mother by the time they found her and returned. She wasn't going to waste this opportunity. Nodding and giving her thanks in many kisses to her mothers hooves and face, Aqua exited the throne room with a little spring in her step. She wasn't surprised to see two drones waiting outside. Of course her mother immediately went into the Hive Mind to summon these two to escort her. Her mother worked fast. Aqua had access to the Hive Mind but only her mother was allowed to control it until it was deemed necessary to promote Aqua. A few minutes later, Aqua was at the edge of changeling territory, at the edge of a large forest that teemed with life and flowed through her. Aqua took a step forward and her exploration began.
The Princess of the Sun"Ugh my head", groaned Aqua as she slowly opened her eyes, "W-what happened?" She slowly lifted her head looking around. She was in a large room that was almost like her mother's room but white adorned with gold and windows. She was laying on a red and gold carpet that stretched to the double doors behind her and in front......what was in front of her? Aqua, fearfully turning her head, looked in front of her and squeaked. In front of her was a large throne made of more gold but it wasn't the throne that scared her but the pony that sat on top of it. The pony was massive, almost as big as her mother. As Aqua took in more details of the pony, she realized that the pony had feathered wings and a horn and it was a bright white. An....ah what was the word? Aqua always forgot what the pony with both wings and a horn was called. A golden crown sat atop the pony's multicolored flowing mane and its eyes were staring down at her curiously. "So, you were in the Everfree forest", the pony said. The voice was soft but also hard and demaning. Gulping Aqua replied, "Y-Yes I-I was. What do you want with me?" The white pony almost smiled at Aqua and stood walking from the throne to stand in front of Aqua. Aqua was scared now, scared for her life and she shivered moving back from the pony. "Do not fear little one", the pony said kindly, "I am Princess Celestia, princess of the sun." The name sounded familiar and sparked uncomfort within the changeling. She slowly lifted her head to look at Celestia, her eyes now hard and cold. "You", she said her words dripping with hate, "You are the princess that almost killed my mother! You made me almost an orphan! I will bring your head to her to make her happy!" Aqua lunged at Celestia, teeth bared and eyes brimming with tears. Celestia only moved out the way to allow the changeling princess to skid to a halt a few feet away. Celestia knew that this was emotions getting in the way of the changeling's better judgement. She always wanted to make friends with the changeling kingdom but Chrysalis wasn't always the negotiating type. Now she knows why. "Please stop", Celestia said, "I know what I did wasn't the greatest thing but I had a reason to do so." "So what", Aqua seethed, "You've also killed my guards so why should I trust you?" At this, Celestia was taken aback. Kill? Oh no, Celestia would never do that. She guessed that she should've told the girl about what happened to her fellow Changelings. "No no they are safe'', Celestia said, "They are outside now as we speak." Just as she said that, the changeling guards walked in, unharmed save for a few dents to their armor. Aqua ran to them still checking for any hidden injuries and the guards assured their princess that they were fine. Aqua slowly turned back to Celestia, who was still looking at Aqua with warmth. Aqua did feel something else.....love....was that love she felt? As a changeling, Aqua was able to feel the emotions of others, even mere animals. "Why are you being so kind Sun Princess", Aqua asked. It was a careful question. "Only because I want to make friends with the Changeling Kingdom", Celestia said smoothly, "I see why your mother didn't want to make an alliance with me. She was afraid that I would kill you, her only child. I won't kill the child of even my most feared enemies. Every life is precious." At what Celestia said, Aqua had a curiosity toward the princess. She wasn't at all what her mother had told her. Instead of a raging sun, Celestia was a warm and inviting fire and a mothers love. Aqua didn't feel her body move but when she came back to her senses, she was muzzle to muzzle with Celestia. Celestia was confused herself about what had just happened but she soon smiled. "I will allow you to stay here in Canterlot", Celestia said, "You can stay in one of the suites with your guards. You will be given food and you will be treated as honored guests of the castle." Aqua was about to remind the princess that Changelings don't need to eat but she guessed that she could try eating ACTUAL food. Canterlot guards came in to escort Aqua and her own guards to their rooms and Aqua almost reluctantly left the Solar Princess. Once Aqua got to her room she looked around the room in awe. It would giver her mothers room a run for its money. The room was a wide open space, enough to fly around if she wanted to and not reach the ceiling until the day was half done. There was a balcony that looked out to the royal gardens and a bathing chamber that was half outside and to Aqua looked like a giant swimming pool. Her bed was large enough to accommodate two full grown alicorns with large wing spans and made her feel like a dwarf. She loved the room and she flopped on the bed laughing. She guessed that she could get used to this. This was a beautiful room and Princess Celestia was actually really nice. She fed a little on the love that was directed toward her and her Changeling guards and no doubt her guards did so as well. So yes, Aqua can get used to living here. "Hopefully mother won't be mad if I stayed here a while", Aqua mumbled to herself staring at the ceiling.
DinnerA knock was sounded at the door and Aqua sat up with a start. Heck, she didn't even remember falling asleep that day. When she looked outside it was sun down and Princess Luna was about to raise the moon. "What is it", Aqua called in a groggy and still sleepy voice. "The princesses request that you join them for dinner", said a gravely voice. One of the guards presumably. "I will be out soon I just need to freshen up a bit", Aqua called out, her voice a bit more clear. She walked to the bathing room and splashed some water onto her face. She looked at herself in the mirror and almost jumped back. She looked....different....happier really. She had this inner glow that shown in her eyes. She hasn't seen that glow since she was talking to that one changeling who expressed his concerns to her. What was his name? Thorax! Thorax yes! She remembered sitting with him outside his home and talking about how her mother can doom them all. He didn't feel right about attacking Canterlot all those years ago but he stayed because he feared the Queen's wrath. Aqua promised him that when she was Queen, she will change their way of life for the better. He will be Aqua's adviser and most trusted friend. Thorax has known Aqua since she was a youngling after all. She remembered the look on Thorax's face when she said that. the glow that came from his eyes was shocking to her but comforting. He was truly happy to hear what the Princess said and that showed. She would have to bring Thorax to Canterlot to meet with everyone else when she gets the chance to go back. On the way to the dining hall Aqua looked around. She wasn't looking around before because she was still stunned at what Princess Celestia had said to her earlier. Now Aqua was seeing the pillars and the art work all over the walls. If she were to go home now, back to the hive, her description of the castle will seem like a fantasy. The doors were pushed open for her and she saw her own guards by where she was to be seated, their armor fixed and now shining brighter than before. She nodded to them as they bowed. "Ah Princess Aqua", a voice called from her right. It didn't sound like Princess Celestia. Aqua turned to see a midnight blue alicorn, her height, walk up to her. The alicorn's mane was a lighter blue than her coat and glittered with stars, just like the night sky. "Princess Luna", Aqua breathed, "You're just as beautiful, no, even more so than the nights you create." The alicorn smiled and stood next to the Changeling Princess. "It is nice to see somepony enjoys my nights", Luna said. "To be honest", Aqua stated with a blush, "A few Changelings and I would sneak out to the entrance of the hive and watch the moon rise and the stars punch into view. I had one particular friend who would say that you would place literal jewels in the sky and then surround them with a lot of light so they will shine bright enough for us to see." "And what was your friend's name", Luna asked, the smile growing a bit wider. "His name is Thorax", Aqua replied with a bit of sadness in her voice, "I wish he were here with me now." Luna looked at Aqua with a warm smile. "I am sure he will join one day", Luna said. Both princesses walked to their respective seats and sat. The food was brought out which was steamed vegetables and daisy sandwiches. Aqua didn't seem so fond of it but out of respect for her hosts she took a bite out of the daisy sandwich. It wasn't half bad really, not as amazing as actual love, but not bad. She took another bite and another until she finished the sandwich then moved on to the vegetables. "So, about your mother", Celestia started. This made Aqua stop and look up from her plate. "Does she still hate me", Celestia asked, "I know she still hates my niece Princess Cadence. She did defeat your mother in an act of showing love. I just want to know if she hates us enough to attack us again." "She does hate you", Aqua admitted taking a bite of carrot, "But she will not attack in risk of you destroying what we have and leaving me with nothing to rule over and no drones of my own. She mostly fears leaving me before it's her time." "I see", Celestia said taking a sip of her tea. "Why do you ask Princess", venom dripped from Aqua's voice as her eyes narrowed. "My sister did not mean any harm by asking", Luna quickly interjected, "She was just asking if we are to expect an assault soon." Aqua shook her head in no and returned to her food. She also ordered more food so her guards could eat. At first they refused but because of Aqua's insistence, they ate. The desert was about to be served when Celestia spoke suddenly. "I deeply regret what happened to your mother that day", she said, "I tried to help her as best I could. She refused but I healed her and her drones anyway. I saw you for the first time sitting next to her on her throne." Aqua was interested and she leaned forward a bit, barely even noticing the desert that was placed in front of her. Celestia continued in a sad tone. "She hated me for showing pity", Celestia said, "She said that Changelings are a proud race and they won't accept outside help unless too desperate. She was trying to hide you from me when I saw you and asked about you. You weren't even four years old yet. I am sure you don't remember me at all. She was scared when I went past her and approached you. She thought that I was going to steal you away from her and never return you so she kicked me out." Luna was the only one who uttered a sigh in the silence that came after. Aqua looked down at the table thinking on what Princess Celestia had just told her. It would make sense that after all these years her mother was so strict on her not leaving the hive or not asking for any outside help. It was all because she was too proud to admit receiving help from ponies. "I guess I know what I will talk to my mother about when I get back", Aqua thought to herself. The rest of the dinner concluded in silence and Aqua barely registered the Solar Princess say her farewell and leave the room.
Moonlight WalkAqua walked next to Princess Luna through the garden of Canterlot. It was a beautiful night with the half moon shining bright in the sky. Luna had asked Aqua to join her on a walk to clear her head and get some fresh air. Aqua didn't hesitate to take up the offer, who would? It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Aqua looked up at the stars as she walked, wondering how long it would take for her to reach the brightest one. As if reading her thoughts, Luna chuckled. "Even I know not of how long it'll take", she said. Aqua turned toward Princess Luna in confusion. Her brow was raised in question. "How long it'll take for one to reach a star", Luna said. Aqua only nodded not really wanting to talk. She was thinking over what Princess Celestia had said at dinner. It started to make sense to her as she put the pieces together. Aqua shook her head clearing it then breathed in deep. The night air was cool and crisp and there was a generous breeze. "Thank you", Aqua said. "For what", Luna asked. "For letting me walk with you", Aqua said smiling at the Lunar Princess, "This is an amazing experience. Thank you for not turning me and my guards away and accepting us." Luna just smiled warmly and wrapped a wing around Aqua saying, "You're very welcome."
The AttackThe next morning, Aqua woke up feeling refreshed. She had a great time with Princess Luna the previous night and felt the love and adoration for her pouring off of every pony that met her. Aqua went through her morning routine, brushing her teeth and hair, then left the room to join everyone for breakfast. Her guards were waiting outside her room looking alert and visual as usual. "Good morning", Aqua said cheerfully. "Good morning Your Highness", replied a guard. They went to the dining hall to find the princesses already there. Princess Luna was looking over a plate of pancakes that had fruit in the shape of a silly face, her face was alight with hunger and joy. Her sister, Princess Celestia, was just sitting down with her own silly faced pancakes. When Princess Celestia saw Aqua and her guards walk in, she smiled. "Welcome Aqua", Celestia exclaimed in joy, "Come you and your guards will enjoy the breakfast I've made for you all." "Wait, you made these", Aqua asked astonished, "I thought you had chefs for that! This looks beautiful and I don't want to eat it I'll feel bad." "I enjoy making things", Celestia said with a smile, "Please enjoy yourselves." Aqua and her guards sat down and smiled at their own breakfast. The faces were made of bananas, strawberries and pineapples. There was whipped cream for hair at the top of the stack. Aqua almost had tears in her eyes. Luna caught the silver lining the eyes of the Changeling Princess. "Art thou alright", Luna asked, worry coating her voice. Aqua sniffed wiping her eyes and nodded before replying, "This is the first time someone had ever made anything for me. It's sweet." Celestia nodded as she took a bite of her pancakes. Aqua and her guards did the same. The meal was full of laughter and happiness. It was actually one of the rare times she had actually smiled like she ment it. She didn't want to give this up, not ever. After the meal, Aqua was heading to a balcony that looked toward the entrance of Canterlot. Canterlot no longer held her interest, it was what she saw beyond the gates of the capitol. Lush green fields with sparkling winding rivers, forest as far as the naked eye could see. To her, it was something that was so new to her. She had never seen lands so lush with life before. It was amazing, hypnotic. She arrived at the balcony to stare at the wondrous site smiling and breathing in the fresh morning air. The sun sparkled off the rivers in the distance making it look like a river of diamonds. If that were possible, Aqua would be all over it and watching as it flowed past her. Aqua stood there for what seemed like hours. She didn't want to leave, afraid that she will wake back in her room in the hive, her time here but a mere dream. She looked out over the land again but saw something off. It was a little black dot that seemed to be getting bigger. Was that a Changeling? No it couldn't be. Not here of all places right? The dot just started to get bigger but even more dots started to appear. Aqua realized that it was her mother and the hive. She backed away and started running down the hall toward the dining hall. She had to warn the princesses! Aqua slammed the doors open to the dining hall finding it empty. She immediately turned around and looked for the royal study. It took her a few minutes after asking around then she slammed the doors open. The sudden slamming of doors startled the Princesses who were looking over paperwork. The papers went everywhere but Aqua didn't care. Her eyes were wide and her breathing was ragged from running around. "What is it", Luna asked trotting over. "My mother", Aqua rasped out, "She's coming with our entire hive. She's going to attack Canterlot to get me back." At this, the Princesses looked at each other nodding and running out the room. Celestia went and commanded the guards to tighten security while Luna started to evacuate civilians. Aqua and her own guards walked right up to the capitols gates and awaited her mother's approach which was quite quick to say the least. Her mother alighted down in front of her and embraced Aqua in a crushing hug. "Oh my darling", Queen Chrysalis rasped, "My dear little baby!" Aqua patted her mother's shoulder with a small smile. She knows how her mother feels about not seeing her for a while. Aqua was the princess after all. "Mother, I'm fine", Aqua said, "The ponies here are actually very nice and-" "LIES", her mother blearted, "ALL THOSE PONIES DO IS LIE! They could've been trying to get to me through you." Aqua shook her head and backed away from the queen. She looked down after seeing the broken look her mother had. It was heart wrenching because Aqua knew that her mother thought she was corrupted by the pony way of life. Aqua cleared her throat and finally looked back up at her mother. "They aren't lying", Aqua said, "They were very kind and loving toward me despite the fact I am changeling." The resulting gasp almost brought Aqua to tears. It was the gasp of someone heartbroken, someone who's lost something that they loved dearly. Aqua didn't turn away nor did she look at her mother, not being able to break her heart further. Queen Chrysalis' face soon twisted to a look of pure rage. "Do't worry", Chrysalis said in a quiet voice, "I will free you from the spell that they've placed on you." Aqua's head snapped up and before she could say anything, the horde of Changelings that have been hovering above, dove onto the city starting to tear everything apart. Aqua could only scream as the Changelings started to tear the innocent citizens of Canterlot to shreds. Aqua turned and rushed back into the city to help in the defense of the citizens and knocked out any Changeling that dared to harm anypony. Aqua fought through guts and limbs and blood everywhere. Her hole popped hooves were covered in it and so were the Changelings attacking. It made her sick to her stomach, not the fact that there's gore everywhere, but the fact that her own mother would do this. This was insane, there were ponies dying everywhere! She failed to protect one pony that had her throat ripped out and Aqua blasted that Changeling off the now dead pony running toward the castle. At the castle, Queen Chrysalis landed in front of the two royal sisters who were standing tall and had their horns aglow with magic ready to fire. The Queen was seething with hatred as her own horn started to come to life. "You've ruined my daughter", Chrysalis said, "Now let me return the favor." Chrysalis fired a sickly green bolt of energy toward the princesses and they dodged coming at the Queen from both sides. A shield came to life around the Changeling Queen turning into dark green vines that catapulted them into the brush on either side of the entrance to Canterlot Garden. Luna got back up first shooting a light blue bolt of energy at the Queen. Queen Chrysalis was ready, however, and moved out the way and it hit Celestia instead. Celestia screamed falling onto her side. Luna's eyes widened as she beheld her sister and soon scowled. Luna picked up a fistful of grass and twigs and dirt flying toward Chrysalis who was getting into a defensive mode. Luna threw the fistful of earth right into the Queen's eyes. Chrysalis cried out in surprise stumbling back. Luna tackled Chrysalis and charged her horn but Chrysalis shot her magic first catching Luna in the nose before she dodged. Luna wiped at the blood now leaking from her nose. Celestia came up behind the Queen bucking her into the shrubs and was greeted with a crack of chiten armor. Chrysalis howled in pain and stumbled up wincing. Her side was bleeding from her armor digging into the soft flesh beneath and it was now leaking blood. Celestia walked over to Queen Chrysalis with a worried, but cautious, look on her face. "Get away from me you pale trash", Chrysalis spat, anger clear in her voice. "We didn't want to do this", Celestia said, "But you've given us no other choice. Please, surrender." "As if", Chrysalis said, "I WILL SURRENDER TO YOU!" Chrysalis fired a bolt of magic at Celestia, who was caught off guard, and knocked her out. Chrysalis slowly walked over and stood over the Solar Princess and bared her fangs. She was about to to tear out Celestia's throat when a midnight blue blur rammed into her sending them both skidding into the nearby wall. Chrysalis shrieked in pain due to her skidding on her injured side. That was going to get infected if she didn't handle it soon. Luna got up off of Chrysalis breathing heavy, not because she was tired, but because she was in a rage. Her eyes were slitted and a lighter blue than normal and her fur was getting darker. At this, Luna wasn't thinking straight, all she saw was red. "Oh this will be easy", Chrysalis said as she stood back up. Luna just shouted something incoherent and lunged at the Queen. Chrysalis smirked and side stepped at the last second letting Luna hit the wall and knock herself out. Chrysalis almost smiled and stood over the fallen Lunar Princess. She was just about to tear into her flesh when a voice called out. "STOP!" Queen Chrysalis turned to find the Princess of the Changelings, her own daughter, standing before her in defiance.
The Battle of Mother.....and DaughterQueen Chrysalis stood before her daughter, staring at the defiance that shown on her daughter's face. It broke Chrysalis' heart even more. "Please", Chrysalis said, her voice breaking, "Come home. I worried when you didn't come home. Please, come back with me." "No", Aqua said quietly. "What", Chrysalis asked. "I said no", Aqua said. Aqua shocked herself by openly defying her mother. She's never done that before. The thing that surprised her the most was that she actually didn't want to go back home, back to the hive. It was all too familiar to her, the same stone walls, the same twists and turns, the same drones most of the time. It was all too boring, too....crushing. It didn't allow her to breathe. Now that she has an actual taste of freedom, her mother wants to take that away from her. She couldn't let that happen. She was shaken from her thoughts as she heard her mother shout. "YOU ARE COMING HOME WITH ME CHILD", the Queen bellowed, "AND YOU ARE COMING NOW!" "NO I AM NOT" Aqua shouted back, "I CANNOT GO BACK TO BEING CRUSHED IN THAT HIVE AGAIN! TO NOT EXPLORE OR BE MYSELF!" Queen Chrysalis was taken aback by Aqua's out burst. She shook her head then grabbed Aqua with her magic. "You don't have a choice my dear", Chrysalis simply said. Aqua lit her own horn and blasted her mother in the face. It was more for her to let go then to hurt. Aqua got her wish as she fell to the ground. She did quickly get back up charging her magic again as her mother slowly turned to her. There was surprise but also something else, something that Aqua never thought would be directed to her unleashed, pure fury. Chrysalis' horn lit up and before Aqua could raise a shield up to protect herself, the sickly green bolt of energy slammed her into the wall. Aqua coughed as the wind was knocked out of her and she tried to regain her breath. Chyrsalis' anger didn't waver, however, as she stood over her daughter almost fuming at the mouth. "How DARE you strike me", her mother spat, "How DARE you go against me like this. You would trade your own species for these ponies?!" Aqua couldn't even form the words she needed. She was still trying to regain her breath after being thrown into a wall. Queen Chrysalis grabbed Aqua in her aura again bringing her face to face with her. "Either you come with me now", Chrysalis said, "Or I force you back." Aqua kicked Chrysalis in the muzzle breaking the Queen's nose. Chrysalis staggered back holding her nose with a hoof. The Changeling princess could only raise a shield when her mother lunged at her. Chrysalis' rage was only heightened at what her daughter had done. Her own DAUGHTER! She lunged at Aqua slamming into the shield and bucking at it. Aqua held firm and flew into the sky to avoid her mother's brutal onslaught. Chrysalis only watched and licked the blood coming from her nose. She smirked and flew up after Aqua, fangs bared and ready to tear into chiten armor. Aqua shot a cerulean bolt of magic at Chrysalis who dodged it and rammed into her. Aqua flipped so her mother was above catching her mother by surprise. Aqua sunk her fangs into the injured side of the Queen then kicked her to the nearest balcony. She did follow up attacks firing spells at Chrysalis to keep her down. It seemed to work for a short while but Chrysalis got back up. Aqua sighed and tackled her mother to the ground. Chrysalis was almost knocked out just from the drop alone. She kicked Aqua off cracking the Princess' armor around her chest. Aqua stumbled back. Chrysalis came charging at her and Aqua sidestepped barely, feeling the wind brush by her. Chrysalis stopped remarkably well and bucked Aqua in the face sending her back into the wall. Aqua felt as if every bone in her back shattered. Black started to creep up on her at the edges of her vision. She fought it off and grabbed a good sized branch and sharpened the end. "I will have to take you", Chrysalis said, "BY FORCE!" Chrysalis charged at the downed Princess a sadistic smile on her face. Aqua weakly lifted the branch but couldn't lift it high enough yet. Her mother was closing in, fast. Aqua started to panic, she was probably going to die with this next attack. Adrenaline started going through Aqua and her eyes focused. Chrysalis wasn't even able to scream as the branch Aqua held went straight through her eye and out the back of her head. Aqua didn't even flinch when the blood sprayed on her covering her face. Chrysalis' body spasmed then collapsed in a heap next to Aqua. Aqua slowly got up, avoiding the pool of blood now forming under the Queen's body. She saw Princess Celestia and Princess Luna rush over to her. "Aqua", Celestia shouted. Aqua could only manage a weak smile and an equally weak chuckle before darkness claimed her and she collapsed.
A New EraAqua awoke to a light shining directly on her. It was moving for some reason. There were.......voices. She couldn't make out the words just yet but the voices sounded surprised and grateful. Aqua let out a small groan turning her head from the light. The voices slowly became clearer and she could make out the words. "She's awake!" "Someone call the princesses!" "Keep an eye on her!" The light dimmed as a hoof reached to turn it away. Aqua looked to the side where doctors were looking over at her with clipboards with them documenting what was going on right now. "How long was I out", Aqua asked weakly. One of the doctors, a unicorn with a brown mane and a purple coat, walked up and responded. "Two days your highness." Aqua looked back up at the ceiling and sighed. "What of my mother?" "She's gone ma'm. Dead." At this, Aqua's eyes widened. She......she had done that. She had killed her mother. She had no choice but to do it. She was going to be killed. Tears started to flow from her eyes and she started to mumble sorry multiple times before she took a deep breath a few minutes later calming herself down. She turned back to the doctors. "Ok, I want to leave", Aqua said. "You shouldn't", said a doctor, "You still have to rest. You have a sprained wing and your chest was almost caved in. No broken bones but you were very close to that." Aqua looked down at her chest, which was bandaged, and sighed. She just wanted to go and help the Changelings that wanted to stay and follow her. So, she got up anyway and walked toward the door. The doctors that tried to stop her were levitated out the way. When she left the hospital, she was greeted by the Princesses. She nodded to them. "Oh thank the stars thou is alright", Luna said with tears in her eyes. "We were just about to check on you", Celestia said, "but it seems like you have things under control." "Where are the Changelings", Aqua asked. "They're contained for now", Celestia said, "They are not in the dungeons but contained in houses that haven't been in use for years. I assure you that the living arrangements are healthy." Aqua only nodded and headed in the direction of the abandoned houses. Aqua arrived at the houses within a few minutes and beheld all of the Changelings there. Some were in a state of shock and others with no emotion at all. They had no leader and it was a shock that Queen Chrysalis was taken away from them so quickly. Aqua cleared her throat and called for the Changeling's attention. "Changelings", she started, "My mother is gone. I shall take up the mantel of Queen from now on. You can either follow me now or find another hive to go to." Many of the Changelings looked at each other and chatter started to arise. A few minutes later, one voice called out. "I shall stay by your side." The changeling that stepped out has similar color eyes to her own and his wings were shinier than the others. "Thorax", Aqua exclaimed in joy rushing to hug her friend. "I've missed you my friend", Thorax said hugging Aqua back gently. Other Changelings soon called out saying they would follow her until the end of their days. Aqua smiled as the Changelings gathered around their new Queen and carried her back to the castle. The Princesses were awaiting her as the Changelings carefully deposited their new Queen before them. "Aqua, I am so proud of you", Celestia said. Aqua only nodded barely containing her tears. Luna and Celestia embraced the Queen. "What will you do now", Luna asked. "Maybe build a hive nearby", Aqua said, "We can live in peace and explore and just be ourselves. That's all I want." "You will be the perfect leader", Celestia said. Aqua nodded then turned back to her Changelings. They all looked at her expectantly, waiting for her orders. Aqua took off into the sky and the horde of Changelings followed after her. Aqua was going to make a new era, one where Changeling are free. Free to explore, free to express their feelings. She looked next to her where Thorax now flew and smiled at him. It was going to take some time, but things will change in her hive, she just knows it. She will do that much in her mother's memory and do what her mother couldn't, wouldn't do: Ask for outside help. She will be the leader her subjects deserved. She will be Queen Aqua.
To the Outside WorldAqua stepped past the barren wastelands of the Changeling Kingdom and into the lush EverFree. Taking a step back, Aqua took a deep breath. She then stepped back onto the soft grass then smiled giggling happily. She then ran, she ran as fast as she could. Of course she knew that the Changeling scouts were right behind her but she didn't care. All she wanted to do was run, and run she did until she stopped in a large clearing. Aqua was out of breath, her cerulean mane whipped around her face and matted with sweat that now gleamed on her face. This was such a rush for her! Aqua collapsed onto the grass her face turned toward the sky. The Changeling guards caught up and landed a foot away watching her carefully. She let herself drift off into sleep. She awoke to a hoof shaking her gently. She groaned and turned over closing her eyes once again but the shaking only resumed. "My princess", a raspy voice said, almost in alarm. Aqua finally turned back onto her back and looked up at the changeling guard that was standing over her. He looked....worried. Why was that? "What's wrong", she asked, standing up immediately. "Ponies up ahead", the guard said, motioning for the other guard to stand next to him, "We need to get you out of here." Aqua barely had time to move before the ponies appeared. They were clad in golden armor that clanged with each movement and their coats were white. The ponies instantly went on guard. One of the changeling guards hissed at the guards stepping in front of the princess. "Step back you foals", one of the changeling guards hissed, "None shall touch the princess!" "Changelings", said one of the white ponies, "I bet you were all going to attack Canterlot. Well, you're coming with us!" "Princess run", said the changeling guards as they went to engage the other guards. Aqua wasted no time as her wings buzzed lifting her body off the ground and propelling her forward. Her heart was beating fast in fear as she flew but she was cut off before she even reached the border of her home. This guard was a light blue and feathery wings kept him aloft, a pegasus. Aqua screamed and tried to turn around but she found herself surrounded by two more pegasi. "You are coming with us", one of them said before Aqua felt something smash into the back of her head knocking her out. The guards caught her making sure there was no damage to the changeling princess knowing what would happen if word got out about this.
