Chapter 1View OnlineDon’t make deals with ChrysalisChapter 1Don’t make deals with Chrysalis Prologue I climbed into my bed, my pajamas pants bunching up to my knees in an annoying fashion. The light was off but moonlight streamed in through the window. I could hear mother and father laughing down stairs. They had sent me to bed so that they could watch their movie. I wanted to watch it too, but they said it wasn’t ‘appropriate’. I sighed and placed my hands on my stomach, as I staring at the ceiling trying to get sleepy. I tried closing my eyes and shutting off my mind to everything. Imagining myself floating in space, everything perfectly quiet. However, that plan failed as more loud laughter interrupted my blissful peace. I scowled in frustration. “How could they be so mean as to tell me to go to bed, then be as loud as they were now?” I clench my fists and roll onto my side. After the moment of anger passed, I place my pillow over my ear in an attempt to muffle the sound. It worked but it made me far less comfortable. I toughed it out and waited to fall asleep. It took longer than I liked to fall asleep, and once I did I had a nightmare. I felt like I was drowning, and I hated it. I opened my eyes to find I was floating in green syrup. Despite what my mind told me to do, I found myself trying to breathe the stuff. Imagine my surprise when I found I could breathe it. “Hmm you are an odd one, Nymph. You seem to have memories.” Says a kind yet firm voice. “Who are you? And of course, I have memories everybody does.” I say curling tighter into a little ball. “You appear to be sentient. Odd but not unwelcome.” The voice says as the temperature of the syrup becomes slightly warmer. “Who are you? Can you hear me?” I ask relaxing in the warmth. Maybe this dream isn’t so bad, this stuff feels like a hot tub. “Of course, I can hear you child. But alas it seams you believe this to be a dream.” The voice chuckles lightly. “It is a dream.” I say confidently, in my hot tub. “No, it is not child. You will soon be born and you will serve the hive.” The voice says confidently. “No, I won’t! I will wake up then I will forget this dream, like I have forgotten so many others.” I say less confidently. “Wake up to reality child this is no dream. Can you feel pain in a dream? Are you ever aware of the fact that you are sleeping, when you dream?” As the voice says the word pain, the syrup starts to boil and pain like I have never felt before surrounds me. I am barely aware of the fact that I am screaming. And as quick as it came, it left leaving me breathing heavily. “I don’t want it to be true.” I gasp. “I know child, but it is, and you soon will be born.” The voice says trying to comfort me. “Please, I just want to go home to my family.” I say as I cry in sorrow and despair. “Why would I do that child? Does it not benefit me to keep you here?” “Please, I will do anything to go home.” I say begging now. “You wish to make a deal?” “Yes, a deal!” “Very well then. It has been quite a while since someone dared to make a deal with me.” The voice says eagerly. “If I send you back, do you swear to return to me once your life has ended?” “I do.” I say gulping. “Very well child you may have your life, but upon your death no matter when that may be, you shall return to me and then I will have you for the rest of eternity.” “Fine!” I shout angerly since I am in no position to argue. “When you wake you will find a mark on your heel as a reminder of our agreement. Spend your life wisely, and love your family while you can. Because once you die you will never see them again.” The voice says firmly. “Before I go I have questions for you.” I say wanting my questions answered. “Speak quickly for I will only answer one.” I think about my question for only a second before asking it. “Who are you?” “Out of everything you could have asked, you ask my name? Very well child I shall answer you. My name is, Queen Chrysalis of the Changelings. Now go and live your life.” I woke covered in sweat, my clothes drenched. I climbed out of bed and headed for the bathroom. Once inside I shut and lock the door. I look in the mirror to see my spikey black hair lying flat against my head, looking like I hand just climbed out of the shower. I turned on the facet letting the cool water run over the tips of my fingers. My whole body shook. I splash some water on my face scrubbing my face of the sweet. I should probably take a shower. I thought as I sat on the edge of the tub. I pulled up my leg and twist my foot so I can look for a mark on my heel. Because despite logic said otherwise that was just too real. I didn’t find anything so I moved onto my other foot. Sure, enough on my left heel there sat the word ‘REMEMBER’ in all caps. It took me a moment to realize that it wasn’t in English, but that was the least of my worries. I had practically just sold my soul to some ‘Queen’. I put my foot down and placed my head in my hands. “What have I done?” I ask over and over to myself. Even though I know there was no other way to get back home. Chapter 1 38 years later “As you all know, if you have been paying any attention that is. Fairies also known as changelings in medieval folk lore steal supposedly stole human children and replaced them with their elderly. The children then became servants to the queen of fay. Also, the changelings were known for th- I was cut off by the sound of a school bell and scraping chairs as students rushed to leave before I could issue homework. “wait before you leave please remember that your reports on mystical creatures of medieval folk lore are dew this Friday.” There were a few groans, but mostly the sound of people leaving. “People these days so wrapped up in their own lives that they never see how much they are missing out on.” I sigh as I fallow the class out of the class room.” It was the end of the day so I got to leave. As I hopped into my red pickup truck and headed to the restaurant I was supposed to meet my wife ‘Sharilyn’ at I smiled and hummed happy to be alive. the sun was shining the birds were singing and today was my birthday. I was supposed to meet Sharilyn at our favorite restaurant Sizzle Pop, where the food was greasy and always hot. It wasn’t far away from the house ether, so we probably ate there more than we should. However, I lived my life with one rule ‘No Regrets’, because I knew that when I died I would be a servant to the queen of fay. But I wasn’t yet so I was going to live the life that had cost me so much to the fullest. I saw Sharilyn’s car siting in her usual parking spot. a tree shaded it from the hot sun. I parked my truck beside it, and walked inside Sizzle Pop. The temperature inside and outside were polar opposites. Outside you could cook an egg on the pavement. On the inside of Sizzle Pop, you could freeze that egg. Anyway, I was lucky that I remember to grab my jacket from the house this morning. I saw Sharilyn siting at a booth near the windows. Her hair looked to be made of gold in the sunlight that warmed our table noticeable degrees. When she saw me, her face lit up with a smile and she waved me over. “Hey there birthday boy, are you hungry? Because I am.” Sharilyn says as I get to the table. I lean over and plant a kiss on her cheek. “Starving.” I say grinning like an idiot. I notice that she already ordered our drinks and an appetizer. The drinks were water, and the appetizer was cheesy bacon fries with extra bacon. “Well let’s pray so we can eat!” she says holding out her hand for me, which I grasp. She bows her head and starts to pray. I never did care for religion as I already knew what awaited me after death but Sharilyn was raised in a very realities family. So, I went along with it to make her happy. she didn’t even know that I didn’t believe in God. Well at least not the same God as she did. I dint know entirely what Chrysalis was, but I wasn’t egger to find out any time soon. “-in Jesus name we pray amen.” she finishes smiling at me. “Amen.” I join in and smile back at her. “Are you ready to order?” Asks a young waiter. Sharilyn looks at me for my answer. I nod and she orders her food. “And what would you like, Sir.” The young man asks. “I would like the fried chicken basket with coleslaw please.” I say passing him our menus. I didn’t have to look at my menu because I knew what I wanted before I got here. “Yes, sir anything else?” “No thank you that will be all.” I say as he walks off. “So how was work?” I ask Sharilyn, as I take a French-fry from the checkered basket. “No, John no talking about work tonight. This is your birthday we must celebrate!” Sharilyn says sternly, but in a playful way. “Yes ma’am.” I say saluting. “So, what do you want to talk about?” “How about you tell me a story.” She says dipping a fry in some ranch, that was by some miracle not frozen.” “Ok a story let’s see if I can think of one.” I say taping my chin. “Ahh yes I have a story. Ok so it goes like this. “Once upon a time, a young boy that went by the name of John was walking down the street to his school. Now this young boy was very handsome, and he caught the attention of a girl name Shari. Shari was the most beautiful in the whole school. Many other boys were jealous of John, but they dared not dispose of him for Shari’s wrath would have been terrible. So, one day they got married and made a whole lot of dudes mad. The End.” I said proudly popping a fry into my mouth. “Your story telling skills need work.” Sharilyn says laughing. “Hey I thought It was pretty good!” I say in mock offense. “Hay the food is here!” She says clearing space for the waiter to place the food. The waiter places down the food and walks away. “Are you ready to lose?!” I say grinning at her. “Ha just because it is your birthday doesn’t mean I am going to go easy on you.” Sharilyn says picking up her fork, as I pick up my chicken leg. “3…2…1…GO!” we say in unison before tearing into our food. The game was to see who could finish the steaming hot food the first. I barely finished my first chicken leg before I needed to come up for air. My heart was pounding, and I felt dizzy. I tried to catch my breath but I just couldn’t. It was a full minute of gasping before I realized what was happening. I John Tharp was having a heart attack. As the realization hit me I fell over onto the cold floor. my vision was starting to fade and I knew I didn’t have long so I breathed my last words. “I…love….you.” I gasp as I notice, Sharilyn leaning over me. “I love you too.” Was the last thing I heard before death clamed me. I woke to find myself surrounded by lime green syrup. This time I knew what was happening. “I am back.” I say sadly. “Don’t be sad my Child. You lived a full life did you not?” Chrysalis asked. “I did indeed queen of fey.” I say happy that this time I knew more than last time. “Fey? What do you mean Child I thought I said I was queen of the changelings not ‘Fey’!” she sounded confused. “Uh never mind.” I say shaking my head. Crap looks like my theory was wrong. “I have a surprise for you my child. I think you might like it.” “What is it?” I ask curious. “Once you hatch you will see. For now, rest gather your strength you will need it to hatch properly.” So, I am in an egg? I suppose that answers a few of my questions. I wish for answers, but for now, I must sleep. After all a princess needs her rest. WAIT, WHAT!
Chapter 2 HatchedView OnlineDon’t make deals with ChrysalisChapter 2 HatchedChapter 2 “Awake my child, you have been asleep long enough. Come, break free of you prison and join me, as we must leave. The ponies have found us!” Mother tries to wake me, as I struggle to open my eyes. My eyelids feel like millstones, that I am trying to lift with my mind. I eventually give up and fall back into sleep. “NO, Daughter wake we must flee!” An electricity fills the egg charging me, like I had been injected with adrenalin. My eyes fly open and I begin to struggle. I slam my head against the egg wall, and drag down. I wasn’t thinking at this point, I was instead merely fallowing instinct. As I drag my head down I notice that the egg is being sliced open, like cutting your way out of a paper bag. Once the hole is big enough, I slide out on a wave of green syrup. I hadn’t realized how much I missed breathing air until then. Mother picks me up, and places my small form on her back. Once I am settled Mother starts running. She leaps through closing holes in the walls of the hive, darting this way and that way. I would have lost my way a thousand times by now, but the Queen seemed to know where to go. I found it odd that we didn’t come across anyone else as we fled. After all this was clearly a hive. So where were the soldiers, the workers, and where were the numerus drones that should be here. Surly they all couldn’t be gone. Could they? Mother dashed through one last door, and into the scorching heat of a wasteland. I looked around there was nothing but rocks and sand as far as the eyes could see. I wondered how far we could make it without water. Mother didn’t seem concerned though she just simply ran. I took this long run as a prime time to examine my new body. It appeared I was some sort of equine bug. I had four legs that looked more like swiss cheese than legs, in my opinion. I had a pair of insect like wings and a razor-sharp horn, apparently. I was actually very similar to my mother, we even had the same hair color. Only she was far bigger than me, but I supposed time would fix that. Also, I was female, but don’t get me started on that. After examining myself thoroughly, I took another look at my surroundings. We had left the hive far behind, and I could make out a greener landscape to our left a little. “Mother, look grass! Perhaps we could rest there.” I say pointing a hoof. Chrysalis look in that direction and scowls. “No, daughter we could not.” She says as she runs around it. “But why?” I ask confused. “Because, child that is the land of the enemy.” She says in a tone that clearly says that she doesn’t wish to speak of it. “Oh, ok then.” I say slightly disappointed. That green landscape looked rather inviting. Chrysalis ran for hours before stopping for a break. I was honestly surprised at her stamina. She set me down on the hard-cracked ground and sat down herself. I stretched my limbs and buzzed my wings a little. I took this opportunity to try to learn to walk. I tried moving my hooves in a walking fashion, only to fall flat on my face. I look at Chrysalis and see her doubled over laughing. “Ha ha very funny.” I say getting up. “You could ask for my help.” Chrysalis says, once her laughter dies down. “I got this.” I say as I take a step forward, only to end up falling again. “Are you sure?” The Queen asks trying to not laugh. “Yes, besides third time is the charm, Right?” I say getting up and slowly take a step forward moving my front left and back right hooves at the same time. Once they reach the ground I shift my weight to them, and fall over. I groan and stamp a hoof in frustration. “You will get it soon enough, Child. Now we must continue, the ponies may be on our trail.” Mother comforts as she stands, picks me up and sets her on her back. Suddenly there is a loud boom and a rainbow shoots across the sky. Mother snatches me off her back and tosses me under her. Then she drops to the ground and with a flash of green fire, darkness surrounds me. “What’s happening?” I ask hoping mother can hear me. “Quiet they will hear you.” She whispers urgently. I am half tempted to ask who will hear me, but I dare not. If mother is right and she doesn’t want that then it must not be good. “I saw her right here!” A voice says. “Are you sure Dash? I don’t see her anywhere.” A new voice says “Yes, I am sure. She was right here!” the first voice says. What was her name? Dash? “Well the only thing here Is this rock.” Says the second voice tapping my hiding spot. “Do you think she is the rock?” asks Dash. “That would be silly why would she hid instead of teleporting or flying away. Hiding isn’t Chrysalis’s style.” Says the second voice. “Twilight, she is a changeling. Changelings hide behind other forms. It makes more sense that she would turn into something, instead of just flying away.” Says Dash. “You have a point, but I doubt she would turn into a rock.” Says Twilight. “What ever lets just keep looking. Its far too hot and I want to go home.” Dash relents. “That I can agree with.” There is the sound of another boom and a pop. We stay hidden for a while and I fall asleep in the darkness. I awoke in a forest. I looked at my surroundings, giant oaks dropped hundreds of acorns onto the mossy ground. Moonlight filtered in through the trees. The gurgle of a small brook caught my attention. I found I was thirsty, but I was slightly worried Mother was nowhere in sight. I scanned the trees for sight of her but I couldn’t see her. I know it’s odd, but without her I felt scared. I knew I shouldn’t be scared, I mean I was 45 in my old life when I died, I should have the mentality of a 45-year-old. But I found myself wishing for the presence of my new mother, who I had only met in person today. Technically, I was only one day old. “Your awake.” A familiar voice says behind me, filling me with relief. I turn around to see Chrysalis, dripping with water. “Where did you go?” I ask calming in her presence. “Just down to the brook. I felt your fear, so I came to check on you. Is everything ok?” She asks scooping me up. I am placed on her back, as she walks down to the stream. “I am fine. I was just worried about you.” I say hugging her neck. “Wait how did you feel my fear?” “Our minds are connected. We can read each other’s emotions, and send thought through the hive mind.” Chrysalis explains. “Why can’t I read your emotions? And I haven’t gotten any thoughts.” I say confused. “You are to young to read emotions, or receive thoughts. Right now, you are like an open book. You broadcast your thoughts without even knowing it.” Chrysalis steps over a log, and the brook comes into view. “One day, once you are older you will be able to send commands to your own swarm through the hive mind.” She says proudly. “My own swarm?” “Yes, you are a royal, that means once I am gone you will rule the hive.” Chrysalis sets me down by the brook. “Now, Princess you need two things a name and a bath.” Mother gestures to the green syrup that dried on me. “I could use a bath.” I agree. “But I already have a name, Josh Tharp.” “That ‘was’ your name but now you require a new one.” She levitates me with her magic holding me in the water. “Fine how about, Titania” I say merely for the irony. You know because Titania was the Queen of fey. Fey also known as changelings. Ugh people never paid attention in my mythology class. “Titania, I like it, it sounds powerful. It’s not how changeling Queens are usually named, but you aren’t usual are you.” The water started to clean me off but what really got me clean was Chrysalis scrubbing me with a chunk of moss. “How are Queens usually named?” I squeeze my eyes shut as Chrysalis rinses me off. “It’s a long tiresome story that is super confusing and maybe someday I will tell you.” Chrysalis takes me out of the water and tells me to flap my wings. I don’t have enough strength in my wings to fly but flapping them helped to dry me off. Once I finish drying myself. Chrysalis picks me up and crosses the stream. She sets me down on the other side and tells me to practice walking. It is far harder than last time as the ground is uneven but I keep trying and though I fall a lot, though the falls are getting fewer. Eventfully Chrysalis decided that was enough for one night. Really cool fact that mother told me. Changelings have such good night vison because, the hives get pitch black in some places, and we need to be able to navigate them. Mother carried me to a patch of moss near the base of a tree. We plopped down together and slept. In the morning I practiced more walking. I made it three whole steps without falling the first time, the next five. The longer I practiced the more I could do! I let out a high pitched squee when I made it ten whole steps. “What was that?” Asked Chrysalis lifting her head. “Sorry didn’t mean to wake you.” I say walking over to her. (I is a pro now) “Hey you walked! Congratulations.” She said standing and stretching. “Thanks! So, what are we going to do today?” I ask siting down. “Well if we can get out of this forest we can find a town, get some food.” She seems to think for a moment then slams her hoof into her forehead. It looked a lot like a facepalm…facehoof? “Buck. I forgot you are to young to change form. That puts a slight problem into my plan.” I am pretty sure that buck means something else here. I think to myself. “So, why is that a problem?” I ask. “Because most everypony thinks of us as monsters.” She says rubbing her forehead. “Why would they think that?” “Maybe it’s our looks. Maybe it’s our eating habits. Maybe it’s because I tried to take over their kingdom, once or twice.” “What are our eating habits exactly?” I ask slightly afraid of her answer. “Changelings feed off of love.” She says simply. “How does that even work.” I ask. Glad it wasn’t cannibalism or something like that. “You ask a lot of difficult questions to answer. You know, that right?” She says grinning at me. I giggle as she picks me up and walks deeper into the forest. It is far slower going in the forest than it was when we were moving through the wasteland. Mother had to duck under branches and climb over fallen trees. When I asked why she didn’t just fly over the forest, she said that it was too easy to see a flying target. I understood that she didn’t want to be seen. Because she may have some enemies but gosh this was so slow. My hunger didn’t make this pace any easier it was hours before we exited the forest. There was a dessert not as dry as the wastelands but still hot. “Not another desert!” I groan. “Is your whole world like this.” I complain. “No, my dear, Titania. However, we are getting close to a town called Dodge junction. There we can find food.” “So how do I eat?” I ask. “It might be important information.” “You will know what to do when the time comes.” The Queen says. “I hope so.” I say. Mother starts running toward a hill. My dark chitin heated up easily, and though It was better than the wasteland. I found I had a distinct hatred for this type of terrain. At least the ground in the wasteland was hard packed, and far less dusty. Mother climbed the small hill, while I clung to her so I wouldn’t fall off. At the top of the hill we were able to look down on a small town. Train tracks ran through the town. Maybe we could take the train! I think hopefully. “No.” Chrysalis says tiredly. “How did you do that?” I ask stunned. “Open book, remember.” She says as she starts walking down the hill towards the town Author's Note Well hello dear readers. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for reading ;)
Chapter 3 SeparationView OnlineDon’t make deals with ChrysalisChapter 3 SeparationChapter 3 “Did you have to attack them in the open like that?” I ask Mother as we ran from the town. Mother carried a pony that she had put into a pod, with her magic. The shouts of angry ‘towns folk’ could be heard behind us. Night had fallen and they held torches to see. However, the torches were helping us locate and avoid them. They surrounded us on all sides except the front, looking like a U from above. The towns folk had chased us into a forest on the other side of the town “Yes, I did. They had already figured out I was a changeling, and I wasn’t about to leave without a food source!” Mother says as she doges a tree. I suppose she was right but still there was other ways of going about it. “Like what, Child what could I have done differently!?” she hisses clearly angered. “I don’t know.” I say as I try thinking about how the night sky looks rather nice tonight, in an attempt to block her mind reading. No more is said as Chrysalis ducks under fallen trees and leaps over roots. Occasionally the pod hits a branch, and each time I wince thinking the pod might break. I wasn’t proud of kidnaping this pony, but we had to eat. Besides, I was really hungry. Suddenly Mother stops on a dime. I quickly hug Chrysalis neck, to avoid flying off and into the bushes. I look around her neck to see why she stopped. A spear is leveled at her heart. My heart quickens when I see the white stallion his golden armor glinting in the moonlight. Mother turns to run back the way we came only to find us surrounded on all sides. “Well Buck.” She says dropping the pod. It didn’t take long for them to subdue my Mother. We both were depleted on energy, we were tired and hungry. Chrysalis had been running pretty match all day, and she was practically dead on her hooves. As for me, well I was pretty much useless in any situation. They put shackles on Chrysalis, and told a guard to watch me. Frankly they weren’t that worried about me. They loaded her into the back of a prison wagon, and drove us back towards Dodge junction. I was terrified of what might happen. Not only for myself but for my Mother too. I knew she could feel my fear and I tried to calm myself. That didn’t go well though I was too scared. A guard held me in the back with Mother. She looked at me with calm eyes. A calming feeling spread over me. I knew she had done something, and I mentally thanked her for it. My guard was nicer than the other guards. As he held me gently, and didn’t antagonize me or my Mother. A gesture which I was grateful for. I knew it would be a long ride so I tried to sleep. I dreamt I was in the wastelands again. The hard-cracked earth and the scorching sun was a truly miserable experience. I wandered aimlessly until I felt a cool breeze. Odd because in the wasteland there was nothing but scorching breezes, that made you hotter than you were before. I turned around to come face to face with a deep blue pony, with a waving mane and tail that billowed in the breeze. Stars glistened in her mane and tail looking like the night sky. “Hello, Young one. I have been informed, that you were found with, Queen Chrysalis. Why is that?” “Who are you? And why do you care?” I ask trying to not stare at her waving mane. “I am, Princess Luna, I control the rising and setting of the moon. I also walk in the dreams of ponies to rid them of nightmares. And I care because, Queen Chrysalis has done some very bad things. And I need to know why she would be carrying around a baby changeling.” She says calmly and regally. “I am inclined to believe this is more of an, interrogation than a friendly Q and A. I don’t answer interrogation questions.” I say coldly. “This isn’t an interrogation. I am merely curious. It is very out of the ordinary for the Queen to be carrying around one so young.” She says in a slightly patronizing way. “I think that is none of your business.” I say turning around in a huff. “You dare turn your back on a Princess! That is my land you and the Queen have been trapesing through, that makes this my business!” She snarls. “Well you’re not the only Princess here!” I snap back, and instantly regret it. “Well I suppose that answers my question.” She says calmly, as if she had never been upset in the first place. “Now, where have you been all this time?” I chuckle a bit at this knowing despite the fact that she knows that Chrysalis is my Mother she would never guess that question in a million years. “Good luck guessing.” I say calmly as I begin walking away. She continues to pester me all night, through all of which I don’t say a word. I wake to the sound of a train whistle. We are standing at the platform to get on the train. My guard is still holding me while, Mother watches him like a hawk. I yawn and grin evilly as I watch the domino effect on the guards. Every guard yawns one after the next. Each guard is clearly tired, while Mother looks a bit better. My stomach rumbles and I wish for some food I haven’t eaten in days. My guard hears my stomach and looks around to make sure no one is watching. Nobody is except Chrysalis all the guards are watching her. The guard looks down at me and smiles kindly. He quickly raps me in a hug. I feel the need to breath in through my mouth so I do. As I suck in a large breath of air, my hunger starts to fade. I don’t know what would happen If I took too much but I don’t want to hurt this guard. So, I only take three more breaths. Before I stop breathing through my mouth and switch to my nose. The guard smiles at me and breaks off the hug. I notice Mother is still watching, I look at her and she smiles and nods. We board the train and I am happy to find that the guards planned to let Chrysalis hold me for a while. As we sat in our seats I noticed that all the ponies sat as far away from us as possible. The guards took seats all around us. My guard sat at a window seat across from us. “That is one interesting guard.” Mother whispers to me. “Yeah, you know he gave me some love!” I whisper back. “You were smart to not drain him. He might feed you again if you continue to be nice.” She says grinning at me. “What about you? Don’t you need food too.” I ask worried, after all she had been spending the most energy. I had only been stumbling around. “I will soon, but not yet.” She whispers in my ear. Despite the fact that we were prisoners, I found the train to be quite exciting as I had never been on a train before. We had to be moving at least 40mph, pretty good for a train. We were sitting in a window seat and I got to see the landscape it was starting to get greener. After a while I got bored of looking at the landscape. I hope this ride is almost over. I think looking around to see that the ponies were watching us I locked eyes with one pony. We were having a good staring contest when she shrieked and leaped out of view I suspected she was hiding under her seat. Not long after that the train started to slow, before screeching to a stop. The ponies as they hurried off as fast as they possibly could. Leavening only the guards and us on the train. They made no move to get off so I suspected this wasn’t our stop. Suddenly a white pony with a flowing multi colored mane and tail wearing a crown and some sort of neck thingy walked into the car. All the guards bowed low to the pony. “Rise my little ponies, I am merely here for the princess. “No, you won’t take my daughter!” Mother screamed standing up the guards prodded her with their spears. One was placed under her chin. “Don’t worry chrysie she will be fine. However, I need to get her to, Twilight so she can learn about the magic of friendship before it is too late. Maybe she will join Thorax’s hive when this is all done.” The white pony said. “She will never betray me, Celestia. I don’t know how you figured out who she was, but you will never convert her.” Queen Chrysalis spits angerly. “Oh, nopony can resist my Sister’s interrogation tactics.” Chuckles Celestia. “Curse you, Luna!” I shriek as Celestia pulls me away from my Mother. “Bite your tongue, child you do not speak of your ruler like that.” Celestia says as she holds me beside her. “Good job, Titania! Don’t let them convert you!” Mother says before a guard whacks her with the butt of his spear. “Buck, you, Celestia! A thousand curses upon your name!” I say as Mother gets back up. Several guards looked shocked at my outburst. And Celestia looks pissed. “Don’t ever change daughter.” Says the queen grinning a grim smile at me. “I won’t!” I say as Sunbutt floats me outside of the train car. “Don’t worry child once we lock away Chrysalis for good you wont ever have to see her again.” Sunbutt says. If I could I would spit in her face. I think knowing that Mother can still hear my thoughts. “I hate you Sunbutt!” I snarl looking away from her. “I got that impression. However someday I hope we can be friends.” She sighs leading me into the town of Ponyville. I want to ask where we are going. But I don’t wish to grace her with a question. Instead I just float along. My question is answered anyways as we head towards a giant tree castle that seems to be made of crystal. As we get to the door Celestia knocks thee times on the giant door. “One moment.” Says a male voice from inside. The door is flung open by a small green and purple dragon. “Hello, Spike.” Says Sunbutt in a calm Motherly voice. “Princess Celestia! What are you doing here?” Asks Spike. “Is, Twilight around? I would prefer to only say this once.” She says walking inside. “Yes actually, she Is in the library.” “Thank you spike.” Sunbutt and Spike walk down the hall towards the library, with me in tow. We reach an open door and I am floated inside. “Twilight, Princess Celestia is here!” Spike yells at the book shelves. There is a familiar pop and suddenly a purple unicorn with wings is standing in the middle of the room. “Princess Celestia, it is so good to see you. And it appears you brought a friend.” She says looking at me. “Did you shrink Chrysalis?” She asks. “I wish.” Sighs Sunbutt. “Princess Twilight please say hello to, Princess Titania daughter of, Chrysalis.” She says gesturing to me with a hoof. “She is here to learn about friendship before it is too late.” “It is very nice to meet you, Titania. And Celestia it is never too late to learn about the magic of friendship.” Says Twilight smiling at me. “Oh, Princess Twilight please show me how to make friends! How to make friends is something that every changeling must learn, because we are all stupid!” I say plastering my face with a clearly fake grin and lacing my voice with peppy sarcasm. Twilight looked slightly hurt at my words. “Hey don’t mock, Twilight!” Spike says, trying to defend her. “It’s ok, Spike the baby changeling is probably just tired and hungry, from her long trip.” She counters. Ooh she is good. I think to myself. “Where did you find her?” Asks Spike. “Oh, when we captured, Chrysalis, Titania was with her.” Sunbutt explains. “You captured Queen Chrysalis!” Exclaims twilight. “We can talk about this later Princess Twilight but for now I must leave.” Sunbutt says setting me down on the ground and teleporting away. Leaving me in the hooves of Princess Twilight.
Chapter 4 PlansView OnlineDon’t make deals with ChrysalisChapter 4 PlansChapter 4 My plan was simple. Step 1 Negotiate visiting times with chrysalis. Step 2 Learn how to change form, and other things I am going to need to learn as a changeling. Step 3 Break mother out of prison, using newfound ability’s. Unfortunately, I was stuck in a class room with fillies and colts listening to someone named, Cheerilee talk about the founding of Equestria. I wasn’t paying attention though. The only reason I was here was because Twilight didn’t believe I could read or wright. Just wait until I get my first weighting assignment, won’t she be shocked. “Class, you may have noticed we have a new student today.” Cheerilee said catching my attention. I thought it was a bit odd we didn’t do introductions at the beginning of class. But hey, each teacher does things differently. “Titania would you please come to the front of the class.” I get up hoping my walking practice pays off. I pass the desks one by one, each face looks scared. Except one, it’s a cream-colored filly with a pink bow in her red mane. She stares at me and doesn’t blink. I am so busy looking at her that I trip and fall in front of the whole class. If not for the fact that they were all terrified of me, they probably would have laughed. Instead I just get back up and continue my walk. “Are you alright? That looked like a nasty fall.” I say I am fine and she nods once. “Would you like to tell the class about yourself?” Asks the teacher in a kind voice. “Sure, why not.” My name is Titania I am four days old. I am also Queen Chrysalis’s daughter; therefore, I am a princess.” Also, I plan to kill Princess Sunbutt one day and rule my own hive. That last sentence I say in my head. I don’t think it would have gone over well. “Do you have any talents or things that make you special, that you would like to share?” “Like I said I am four days old, and I can already, walk, talk, write, read, and do math.” I say proudly. “Well that’s wonderful! You may return to your seat, Titania.” I walk back to my seat, and this time I am paying attention so I don’t fall. I look at the clock to find that it is past noon. “I wonder what I am going to do for lunch break.” I wonder to myself. “Probably work on my walking.” I think remembering the fall I had recently. “I wonder how far away Mother can hear my thoughts. It would be great if we could communicate through distance.” “Oh, look at the time. I guess we can call that a day. Enjoy the rest of your day class.” Says the teacher, making me wonder if there Is even a school board, or rules for school teachers. The class runs outside. While I hang back. One thing I always hated about my job was the lack of thanks from my class. I walked up to Miss Cheerilee. She was looking at some papers on her desk and didn’t see me. “Miss Cheerilee, I wanted to thank you for teaching us today.” I say. Cheerilee looked shocked to hear that, let alone from me. “Your very welcome, I hope to see you tomorrow.” She smiles. “You might.” I say not really caring either way. It’s not like I had anything better to do. I turn and leave the school house. It was a sunny day, in the small town. The fillies and colts played in the playground, while I walked back towards the castle. Twilight should be inside in the library, she is almost always in the library. That’s what Spike says at least. Suddenly I am lifted off of the ground in a magical aura. “Hey, put me down!” I yell, trying to see who is levitating me. “Where do you think you are going?” asks Twilight as she walks into my vision. “Me, going somewhere? I think you have the wrong changeling, Miss Sparkle was it?” I say in a British accent. “You know if you changed into an actual pony, I might be fooled!” she says in sarcastically. “But not a bad try.” She says after a moment. “So, warden where are we going today? Am I being transferred to the same hellish prison as my accomplice!” Twilight sighs. “No, we are not going to see, Chrysalis. We are going to go see, Fluttershy, so she can show you how to be kind to somepony.” “But when can I see Chrysalis?” Now is my chance to enact step one of my plan. “I am worried about her, and I want to see if she is alright.” I say, hoping for the adorable kid card to be in the deck of cards that came with this new body. “I am sure she is fine. It’s good that you care for somepony, even if it is Chrysalis. But I don’t think I can let you vist her. She might affect you negatively in your search for friendship.” She says in a kind tone as she floats me away. Cue the tears. “But I miss her. She is the only family I have. How could you be so mean, Twilight Sparkle.” I cry letting the tears flow. Man, this body can really turn on the tears. I think glad to know I have that card in my deck. “Oh, please don’t cry!” says Twilight. Floating my tears away. “I will talk to, Princess Celestia and try to get her to let you see your Mother.” So, she is going to talk to, Sunbutt not the outcome I was looking for but I guess it will do. Now It is time to seal the deal. “But you don’t like Mommy, you won’t try you bestest.” I sniff. “I promise to do my best.” She says smiling at me.” “Really!?” I ask. “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” She says as she crosses her heart and slams a hoof into her eye. “Ouch, fiddle sticks happens every time!” she says. “Thanks Twilight!” Who uses fiddle sticks anymore? Maybe it’s still in use in this world. “So, who is, Fluttershee?” I notice that we are headed towards a forest. “Also, can you please put me down. I need to work on my walking as much as possible.” “Her name is, Fluttershy. She is one of the kindest ponies you will ever meet.” Twilight says as she puts me down on the ground. As my legs are smaller than Twilight’s I have to walk quicker than usual to keep up. The new element of speed is more difficult to pull off. But I manage it without falling too many times. “So, where are we going to meet this, Fluttershy pony?” I ask my legs getting far more use than normal today. “She should be at her cottage. She spends most of her day taking care of the woodland creatures that come out of the everfree forest.” “So, she is like a vet?” “Not quiet while she dose take care of sick animals, she doesn’t have the degree that is required to be a vet.” Twilight says glancing at me. “How do you know so much for one so young?” “That Is something only, Chrysalis and I know the answer to. Good luck prying the answer form my lips, and well I doubt my Mother would tell you anything you wanted to know out of the kindness of her heart.” I say concentrating on not falling. “I was just curious.” “Curiosity killed the cat.” I say looking at her. “Oh my, that’s just dreadful. Did you give it a proper funeral?” Asks a soft feminine voice from above. “What?” I look up to see a yellow pegasus with a light pink mane and tail. “Is that a baby changeling?” Asks the newcomer, she descends on me quicker than I can get away. “Hello, Fluttershy. Why yes, it is a baby changeling. She is also a Princess.” Says Twilight as Fluttershy plucks me up in a big hug. The hug is soft and warm. She hugs me gently carful not to crush me. Then I feel it, the love. My eyes go wide as I feel it. I open my mouth and gulp it in. Her love, unlike the guards is strong. Her love actually has a taste to it, sweet like watermelon. I gulp in more savoring the flavor like a wine taster. With love like this I need to be careful, to not take too much. I take one last gulp and break out of the hug. I didn’t think I was hungry before, but now I was sure that I had been because I felt full for the first time in days. I looked at the yellow pony to see her smiling and reaching for me again. I knew if she hugged me again I wouldn’t be able to stop feeding until she had no more love. “Stop!” I shout before she can touch me. Fluttershy recoils looking scared at my outburst. “Maybe no more hugging, for now at least.” I say clearing my throat. “Okay.” She says nodding. Meanwhile Twilight looks at me curiously. I wonder if she saw me feeding. “So, Fluttershy where are you off to.” I ask smiling. “Well I thought I would pick up some tea for when, Discord comes over later.” Fluttershy says in a cheery voice. “Who is, Discord?” I ask Twilight. “Discord is the spirt of chaos and disharmony.” Twilight explains. “Reformed spirit.” Says a voice that sounds familiar. One very familiar voice. Suddenly a creature appears. It is an odd thing as it seams to be made up of parts from several different creatures. “Why hello Fluttershy. It is very good to see you, are you well?” “Q!? What are you doing here?” I ask shocked to hear the voice of John de Lancie. The creature turns to look at me. “Are you talking to me, little Princess?” asks Q. “Of course, I am talking to you, Q.” I say happy to hear a familiar voice. There is a pop and suddenly a small version of the creature is standing beside me, wearing a tan trench coat and fedora. A mini rain cloud hovered above him dousing him in rain. “Hey, Josh, my girl you don’t blow my cover, and I won’t blow yours deal? I will be in touch. Oh, and by the way call me, Discord.” Discord says quietly to me, before diapering in a flash. Leaving me slightly confused to how he knows me. “What was that about?” Asks Twilight looking down at me. “None of your beeswax, Twilight.” I snap. “And that, Fluttershy is why we were coming to find you.” Twilight sighs. “Miss Changeling Princess over here is the daughter of, Chrysalis, and, Princess Celestia wants her taught about the magic of friendship. But before that can happen I need her to learn to be kinder.” She explains. “Oh my. Well, I will do my best, Twilight.” Fluttershy says shyly. “I can be nice. When I feel like it.” I sigh knowing my point will not dissuade Twilight one bit. “That’s not often enough.” Twilight says. “I will see what I can do, Twilight.” Fluttershy says she picks me up in her hooves and flies off. I enjoyed flying far more than walking. I think to myself as Fluttershy sets me down gently, then goes to land herself. I notice that we made it to Flutershy’s cottage. It looks like something off of a Disney movie, where the Princess is friends with all the woodland creatures. “Would you like to help me feed the animals?” Asks the shy pony. When she lands all sorts of animals come out of nowhere, and literally surround her. There are bunnies, mice, birds, hedgehogs, even a bear! “Uh, sure.” I say backing away slowly from the bear. “Let’s get started. These poor animals must be starved.” Actually, all these animals looked rather plump. I think to myself. “What can I do to help?” I ask picking up a white bunny. “Would you like to feed, Harry?” “Sure, why not. Is this, Harry?” I ask holding up the bunny. “No, that’s, Angle Bunny. That is, Harry.” She says pointing a hoof toward the bear. Suddenly the Angle bites me on the hoof and runs away. “More like demon bunny.” I mutter under my breath, as I shake my hoof. That’s when I realize what I signed up for. “Crap, so this is how I die.” Author's Note Sorry for the long wait.
Chapter 5 GrowthView OnlineDon’t make deals with ChrysalisChapter 5 GrowthChapter 5 I never liked bears to begin with. Ever since a child people would ask me what my least favorite animal was. My answer stayed the same, I hate bears. So naturally I have to feed a bear. I couldn’t have just fed the demon bunny, oh no I have to risk life and limb to sate to the ravenous apatite of the bear. I will most likely die, but I did volunteer to help so I would. “Don’t worry, Harry is a vegetarian. He only eats berries.” I must have looked scared because, Fluttershy decided to reassure me. It helped quell the fear of him eating me. I was still scared but I felt I could do this, without passing out from sheer terror. “So, where do you keep the berries?” Remember deep breaths. I remind myself. “They should be inside. One second I will be right back.” Fluttershy walks inside. As she disappears, I am slightly tempted to just run off and hide. Get away from these ponies, and bide my time till I can break my Mother out of prison. It was a fleeting thought that only lasted a moment before I shot it down. Where would I go? I need the ponies for food. Not to mention I can’t protect myself, it would be suicide to run away. Fluttershy returned with a gallon sized bucket, however it was empty. She set it down in front of me with a smile. “Here you go, Titania. I am afraid I am out of berries. You will need to go pick some. If you need me then I will be right inside cutting up some carrots.” “Where do I find berries?” I ask looking at the bucket. “You can find some on the edge of the everfree forest.” She points a hoof toward some bushes on the edge of the forest. “Don’t go into the everfree forest though. All sorts of dangerous creatures live in there!” she warns. “Ok got it, don’t go into forest.” I repeat picking up the bucket in my mouth, and tuning to leave. “Oh, and only pick the red berries; the rest are poisonous.” She calls after me as I walk towards the everfree forest. I was very disappointed to find that the bushes were almost bare. A few small berries still clung to the bush, but there wasn’t even close to enough to fill the bucket. I looked around for more berry bushes. The only ones I could see were the bare ones I was already looking at. I peered through the trees hoping to find some close to the edge. A little ways into the forest sat several bushes heavy with berries. I bit my lip contemplating what to do. Do I go in and get the berries or do I stay in safety? Now that was a no brainer, go get the berries obviously. I will take my odds of Fluttershy killing me over a hungry bear any day. I pick up my bucket and walk carefully to the bushes. The fallen leaves and sticks crunch under my hooves, as I walk past the tall trees. I get to the bush fairly quick, and start filling my bucket with the red berries. I used to go berry picking a lot when I was younger. I always came home scratched by the thorns from the blackberry bush. The pie that my mom would make with the berries, was well worth it though. Man, she new how to make a pie. Now though my tough chitin protected me from the tiny thorns. I was rapidly filling the bucket. When the bucket is full I turn around to head back to the cottage. But I don’t know which direction I came from and I can’t see the edge of the forest anywhere. I am officially lost, in a forest that is filled with deadly creatures. “Well crap.” I say to myself, spinning in a circle trying to find the edge of the forest to no avail. I think that the cottage is to my left, so I pick up my bucket which is far heavier than before. I try to walk with it in my mouth only to fall over, and watch helplessly as all the berries spill out onto the ground. I get up, angry at my predicament. I whack the bucket and see it go flying, sending berries flying in all directions. I am breathing heavily, as I start to run as best as I can in one direction. The air in my face is starting to calm me down, and I try to think calm thoughts as I slow down. Ok just breathe you couldn’t carry all those berries anyway. I think as I come to a stop. I look up at the sky to see it getting darker. It will be night soon, and I am going to need a fire and shelter. I think, remembering the few survival tv shows I watched in my previous life. I start collecting sticks, and placing them into piles organized by size and shape. I try to make a teepee only for it all to collapse in on itself. I flop on the ground and close my eyes feeling extremely frustrated. I scream in frustration with my teepee, with my bucket of berries, with my stupidity of getting lost, with my uselessness in pretty much every situation, with the fact that I had to find a way to get my Mother out of prison, with my recent death at the hands of fried food. I hated this world, I hate Celestia and Luna, I hate Twilight and her patronizing tones, I hate everything. I wish I was back in the egg, at least in there I didn’t have to worry about all of this. At some point I had started crying tears of frustration and rage. I eventually curled up in a ball on my side, and just cried myself to sleep. I dreamed I was back in my egg, the soft safe warmth of the syrup surrounding me. The green syrup, made me feel as if I was floating in space. I noticed a figure moving outside my egg. It was only a silhouette, but I could hear its sniffing and growling. Suddenly the creature screeched in pain and fled. I noticed that some ponies found my egg. The ponies pondered what to do with me for a while, but the unicorn of the group picked my egg up with magic and carted it out of the forest. I felt the occasional jostling, but other than that it was all dull and unimportant. I dreamed that I was loaded on a train. The dream was very boring and it was starting to give me a headache. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the warm safety of my egg. When I awoke I was in surrounded in green syrup again. It wasn’t a dream I realized. I stabbed the wall with my horn going straight through, then I sliced down. Cutting my way out of an egg again for the second time. I spilled out onto a warm stone floor. I looked around I was definitely in a hive. This one was covered in plant life, moss and vines covered the walls and ceiling. Suddenly I gasped in pain, and grasped my head in my front hooves. Pain filled my head, like someone was splitting it open with an axe. I screamed and writhed on the floor in pain. Drool hung out of my mouth, and there were voices, so many voices each screaming at me, though I couldn’t understand them through the pain. I couldn’t see through the tears in my eyes. This pain was overwhelming. I am barely even aware that I am being held down. I scream over and over my tears flowing. I slam my head against the floor in attempt to smash my brain in. Death would be better than this unyielding pain. But then my head is held down and I can’t move anymore. I wish I could pass out but I can’t, so I will just scream and cry till I die. Hours pass and eventually my screams turn to moans of pain. I wish for death but none comes, only more pain comes. And then there are those voices so loud so very loud. Each voice Is screaming over the rest, in an attempt to be heard. Suddenly I feel a calming presence, and a voice sticks out from the cacophony of voices. “Child, calm yourself your Mother is here.” Says the calming voice of Chrysalis in my head. I blink away my tears, and I ley still. The pain noticeably lessons, and the voices quite a decibel or two. “Mother, help me, it hurts too much.” I manage to gasp. “I already am, but you need to enter the hive mind on your own.” She says sternly yet kindly. “How?” I ask my voice horse and dry. “Open your mind, don’t force away the voices, separate them, and listen to them.” She says as the volume turns back up, and the pain increases to its previous level. I focus on the voices ignoring the pain. Each voice is different, and they seem to be having conversations with each other. As I try to listen in on the conversations the pain increases. I think back to what Mother said. “Open your mind.” I take deep breaths trying to calm myself through the pain. I close my eyes and Imagine my mind is a white room, and I place all the different voices in bubbles. Separation done, they float around the ceiling. The pain leaves as the voices quieten till they are but far away whispers. I pop a bubble and a voice filters in. “Who is she? A princess! Chrysalis is here too? I Hate her!” The voice seemed to be having a conversation with someone, but I could only hear one side of it. I reimagine a bubble around the voice sealing it away. Then I Imagen a big bubble that pulses, and I know that it is my Mother, I pop it. “Hello? Mother are you there?” I ask in my head. “Yes, Titania I am here. Congratulations on entering the hive mind.” She says her voice, full of pride. “Is it this painful for all the changelings? I ask remembering the pain well. “No, usually changelings are forced into the hivemind quickly. Unfortunately, royals have to be guided to the hivemind, by their Queen.” “It sure took you a while for you to do your guiding.” I say mentally glaring at her. “For that I am sorry, Titania, however I was too far away to be of help. Open your eyes you have visitors.” She says. I open my eyes to see a whole bunch of ponies looking at me. There was Mother, Sunbutt, Moony, Twilight, Spike, Fluttershy, a colorful looking creature with antlers, and some other ponies I had never seen before. “Well, what are you guys in for? Robbery? Murder? Kidnaping?” I joke, Mother is the only one who gets it though. “You seam to have had a growth spurt.” Comments Twilight. I give myself a quick look over. I had grown a lot, since I went into the pod. I was now the size of an average pony. “You are right, Sparkle.” “Princess Titania, have you learned the magic of friendship yet?” asks Luna. “Moony last time I answered one of your questions it got me a royal visit from, Princess Sunbutt here. So, you will understand my hesitation to answer any questions you toss my way.” I say smiling. “I shall take that as a no.” Sighs Luna. Sunbutt muttered something about disrespect but I couldn’t catch it. “What was all the screaming about?” asks Spike. “Oh that, I just have an allergy to all of you, naturally.” I say faking a coughing. “Ah, think you are lying.” Says an orange pony wearing a cowboy hat. “Ever heard of sarcasm?” I ask the orange pony. “If, Titania is alright then my Sister, and I must return to Canterlot.” Says Sunbutt. “I will be just peachy when you are gone,” permanently. I add via hive mind to Mother, who winks at me. “So, I guess you need more time with Fluttershy.” Says Twilight shaking her head. “About that, Twilight. Princess Celestia and I were talking, and we think it is best that, Princess Titania stays here with the other changelings.” Says the colorful reindeer/bug guy. “No, Celestia she won’t stay here with these traitors.” Mother hisses. “Yah what she said!” I add in. “Chrissy, you don’t have any say in the matter. You were only brought out of prison to help save your daughter. Now that she is better you will be sent back to prison, when Luna and I leave.” Sunbutt says smiling. “Sister, we must leave. We have things to attend to.” Says Moony. “Very well, Sister, good day, Thorax, Spike, Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie. Come along, Chrissy, can’t have you getting attached to this new hive, can we?” Sunbutt mocks as, Sunbutt, Moony, and Mother all disappear in a flash of light. “I will get you out soon Mother. I promise.” I tell her through the hive mind. I wait for a response, but I only receive silence.
Chapter 6 apologiesView OnlineDon’t make deals with ChrysalisChapter 6 apologiesChapter 6 After the royal sisters left, Twilight and her friends made excuses to leave. I looked at, Bug Dude the guy looked tired, but he wore a friendly smile. Once I was alone with him I raised my chin in the universal what’s up gesture. “Hey, what’s up bro?” “Hello.” He says nodding to me. “You should probably take a bath, before that stuff hardens.” He says walking towards the door. “I will have somepony help you scrub it off.” “Thanks?” I say looking down at my body. I was covered in the green syrup. Last time I hatched Mother held me down in a stream to clean it off, however it looks like I am on my own this time. “No problem, I hope to see you at the feelings forum later, Princess.” He says pausing in the doorway. “You might, if I am still here.” I say knowing that my Mother would want me to leave, as soon as I could get a chance. “Well if you do decide to stay, we could show you how to use magic.” He smiles in a friendly way as several smaller ‘Bugs’ come into the room. “I have questions. Who are you, and what are you?” Those were the two most pressing questions, I had at the moment. “My name is Thorax I am the new leader of this hive. And we are changelings.” “Reformed changelings.” A supposed changeling adds. “You’re kidding, right?” I ask chuckling. “No.” he says looking slightly confused at my laughter. “You actually look, like what I expected of changelings. I say noticing that they look more like fairies, than a changeling. “Expected?” he asks looking even more confused. “There are things about me, that would be best not to question.” I say controlling my laughter. Thorax nods and walks off, leavening me with three ‘changelings’. They lead me to a bathtub the size of a pool, and poured in bubble bath. “You think that’s enough?” I ask, as the reformed changelings dump a couple five-gallon size buckets of soap into the pool. They look at me then continue poring. I climb into the pool to find the water, warm and bubbly. The reformed changelings levitate bath brushes, and descend on me. I didn’t stand a chance against them, and their brushes. The scrubbed me till I didn’t have a speck of dirt on me. Then they rinsed me and dried me off with warm towels. I felt clean! Sure, I had a bath in the wilderness, but dang does soap make a difference. When I was dry the reformed changelings took me to a bedroom. It was a very nice room with a bed an actual bed. I hadn’t slept in a bed since the day I died. I made a bee line for the bed and collapsed on it. Believe it or not hatching can be tiering, especially when you are burning calories super-fast, as the growth is accelerated. Not to mention the stressful and exhausting prosses of entering the hive mind. With all of that it only took a few moments for me to fall asleep. I dreamed that I was back in my parent’s house. My old room specifically, odd because It had been years since I last visited. I got out of the bed, and walked out of the open door. I looked into the living room to see the floating mane of, Princess Moony siting on the couch. “What are you doing here?” I ask as I sit down next to her. I was in my ‘Titania’ body. That is probably for the best. I think not wanting to give Moony any information that she didn’t already know. “Well for one thing, I wanted to apologize for interrogating you.” She sighs. I am surprised but I nod in acceptation of her apology. “Why are you here, I find it hard to believe that you would enter my dreams just to apologize?” “You are right.” She sighs “Your name appeared as a topic in my night court.” “So?” “It was brought up by a changeling Queen, from the north. We didn’t even know there was any other hives. We thought that Chrysalis was the only Queen.” “What did she want?” “She wants you to return to her hive with her. She claims that there hasn’t been a changeling princess in over a thousand years, she wishes to show you how to be a queen.” Luna explains. “Well you can tell her to forget about that, I will learn from my Mother. And there is no way that I am leaving her.” I say firmly. “Look I don’t care what you do, just talk to her you will find that she is far kinder than Chrysalis. Besides chrysalis is proven to be evil, whereas this queen seems to be less evil.” Luna says as she gets up and walks to the door. “I just thought you should know your options.” “I will talk to her on one condition. I when I wake up I want to spend the day with my Mother.” I say fallowing Moony. “That does not seem like a reasonable deal, nevertheless I shall see to it, Princess Titania that both meetings are arranged.” Luna opens the door with magic, and steeps through. The door closes behind her leaving me alone in my old home. Suddenly the door opens again, and my parents step through. They are holding groceries in paper bags. “I know, Hunter but we need the money.” Says mom walking inside and setting the bags on the counter, while dad does the same. I barely have time to dart out of the way. “When we had, Josh we made a vow that as long as our son lives we won’t consider returning to the family trade. And I don’t plan to start now.” Says dad in a firm tone. “Our son isn’t alive anymore, so our vow is now void. We need to get back into the old business. We were the best of the best in our day, we still can be!” Mom says as she starts putting groceries away. “Hello right here! Obviously not dead!” I say waving a hoof in the air. “You are right, Martha.” Dad says as if he didn’t hear me. “However, I want to live peacefully now.” “Hunter, you were the best hitman there was!” Remember that cruise we went on? We could do that again. It wouldn’t be hard to find a job, Benjamin franks said that if we ever decide that we want our old jobs back, he would be more than happy to give them to us.” “My parents were, hitmen? That can’t be true they aren’t violent enough for that line of work. And Benjamin franklin died in the late 1700!” I say loudly, thoroughly confused. “Fine but only till we have enough money to retire peacefully.” Dad sighs in defeat. “What no dad don’t say that!” I yell at him but get no response. I woke screaming. I breathed heavily, I gulped in air slowly calming down. Just a dream I told myself. Thorax darts into the room “Princess, are you alright?” “Yah, why?” I snarl, angry with him just barging in like that. “You were screaming.” He points out. “So, screaming is perfectly normal for me. What’s your point?” I say annoyed. “I just wanted to check up on you. After all you are my sister. Look ever since this hive removed, Chrysalis as our ruler. I have taken over as de facto leader, since I was the one who showed the changelings the magic of friendship. That means as ruler I must protect my subjects. I was just trying to do so by checking on you.” He explains calmly. “You did what!?” No wonder Mother hates your guts. That’s it I am out of here! oh and I am not your sister, or your subject!” I growl and hop off the bed angry at this traitor. “Princess Titania, wait!” he yells at me. A tendril of magic grabs me but quickly let’s go. I turn slowly, my anger feels like lava in my veins. There wasn’t much I could do to Thorax but the one thing I could do I knew would hurt. A lot! I opened the hivemind and linked with Thorax. “Good bye traitor.” I say calmly, before letting loose a high pitched mental scream. Thorax collapsed to the ground unconcise and not moving. Blood ran from his ears, nose, and eyes. I turned and ran out of the room. The walls of the hive shifted and moved constantly. I simply ran in a random direction hoping for an exit. A reformed changeling pops out of nowhere. “Hi are you lost? You look lost.” Asks the reformed changeling. “Yah, where is the exit?” I ask kindly, I also smile for effect. “Oh, the exit is that way.” The changeling points to a doorway. “Better hurry through that door will close soon.” “Thanks!” I call after him as I sprint for the door. The door closes behind me, and the floor despairs. I fall through the floor and out into the wasteland. I look around to see lush foliage growing around the hive. I also see a chariot and a few bat like pegasi pulling it. The chariot lands nearby one and of the pegasi turns to say something. “Are you the, Changeling Princess Titania?” Asks the batpony. “Yes I am.” Honesty is the best policy. “We are here to take you to prison.” He says in a gruff tone. Luckily for me they meant that they were taking me to see my Mother. I climbed into the back of the chariot and they took off. It took less than two hours to get to Canterlot. Which is apparently the capital of Equestria. The night guards were very informative and I had a lot of questions. So Sunbutt, Moony, and Twilight were alicorns an elite race that ruled the country. Personally, I thought that was a bit racist, but hey I was only born a few days ago so what do I know. Also, apparently Sunbutt controls the rising and setting of sun while Moony controls the moon in the same fashion. Surprisingly Moony had a bit of jealousy issues. While Celestia has a bit of a God complex. The fact that Celesta sent her sister to the moon for not lowering her celestial giant, wasn’t surprising in the slightest as Sunbutt always did strike me as a bit tyrannical. As we flew over Canterlot, I noticed we were headed for one of the castle towers. We landed in a courtyard, stone statues accented the topiary bushes and flower beds. One of the guards lead me through the courtyard to the base of a tower. Two white guards stood holding spears blocking the towers doors. Author's Note Sorry about the wait I have been busy lately. Sorry about the length I have been busy lately.
