Inevitable Fate

The Everfree Forest, a place where hidden dangers lay waiting for the unsuspecting traveler. By royal decree it was declared forbidden to all, hoping to prevent any injury or death. Timberwolves, ursas, manticores, cockatrices, among several other deadly creatures call the forest their home. Among the thickly grown forest also rested the ruined Castle of the Two Sisters. It's once marvelous splendor, now in ruins from a thousand years of decay.

After Luna's banishment, Celestia abandoned the castle, all its contents, and the painful memories it held; to a silent dirge within the Everfree Forest. On rare occasions, Twilight and her friends would visit the castle. They would usually peruse over the numerous rarities, ranging from royal banners, books, and anything else that caught their eye. However, those days have grown fewer as time marched on until they stopped altogether.

Several years past since the six ponies last visited the castle. However on this night an unusual pony approached the dilapidated castle. Loud hoof clops could be heard against a stone pathway. The mysterious pony stopped only when she reached the surprisingly intact door. With a grunt, the door to the castle flew from its hinges. The shadowy pony lowered its front hooves back onto the ground.

Landing on the ground with a loud thud, the strange pony continued into the castle. Trotting down the long hallway toward the old throne on the other side of the castle. The pony's path was clear of debris, despite the crumpling ceiling above. Small beams of moonlight shone through the ceiling, illuminating the floor in varying shape and sizes. The focus of the mysterious pony was transfixed on the ruined throne.

With each loud stomp the pony took, its disdain seemed to echo off the walls. The throne was nothing more then a mere phantom of its once elegance and prestige. Now at the foot of the crumbling throne, the pony stopped and glared. An eerily deep green glow began to emanate from the horn atop its head. In one swift movement, its head bowed low, horn crackling with stored power

An emerald stream jetted out, destroying the throne and a good portion of the wall behind it. Dust spewed into the air as debris crumbled down. Still seething with anger, the pony's wings rose high and stretched out as far as they could. With a mighty flap of her wings, waves of dust bellowed outward. The moonlight, no longer obstructed, poured into the opening. The enraged pony, now bathed in moonlight, was revealed to be the malevolent changeling queen known as Chrysalis.

Returning her insect-like wings to their resting position, under her hard shell. She trotted right out of the hole and into the silence of night. The moonlight shone brightly, illuminating her black insectoid like skin. Her mane and tail, which wafted in the gentle breeze, was a dark shade of Cyan. Upon her back adorn a hard, two toned, shell which started above her shoulder blades as a dark cyan color. As the shell ran the length of her back, its color began to lighten.

Until the end of the shell that rested above her flanks became a lime green shade. Attached to the mid-section of her shell was a partial exoskeleton. This sectional portion wrapped around her ribs, providing extra protection. A black metallic crown rested upon her head, six black metal spires rose out of the black circlet. These spires, although only three inches in height, rose in a circular-blossoming type of design. Six deep emerald globes embellished the tops of each spire.

Below her crown, a long, coal black, and gnarled horn protruded out of her forehead. Chrysalis' eyes shown a dark turquoise color. However more then her eye color was displayed tonight, green wisps of magic poured out from them. She roared her frustrations to the heavens, her latest failure flashed into her mind. Despite all her calculations and anticipations, those wretched ponies always seemed to defeat her.

As her anguish scream dissipated into the night, she lowered her head and continued into the Everfree Forest. Her form slowly disappeared into its inky darkness. The sun rose high over the town of Ponyville, signaling the start of a new day. Soon ponies began to leave their homes, ready to go about their daily lives. Shops opening their doors, welcoming potential costumers to enter and browse around.

Within a few hours, Ponyville was bustling with ponies. Although a small town, it seemed to contain the hustle of a big city. Food vendors lined the streets as they cited their sales pitch for all to hear. Clothing shops hurried to change their displays to the latest trend. Confectioners were busy lining shelves with freshly prepared sweets of all variations. Delicious smells bellowed out of the chimney as the bakers concocted their baked treats.

It was a beautiful day full of birds chirping and flowers parading their bright colors. Meanwhile deep in the Everfree Forest, Chrysalis slowly opened her eyes. Sleepily, she rose and began to stretch her legs and rubbed her eyes. Hoping from the branch that had served as her roost, she landed on the ground, leaving hoof imprints in the process.

A chorus of growls echoed from the shadows. A trio of timber wolves leaped out to surround her. They must have been waiting all night for a chance to ambush her. A sinister smile crept across her face, revealing a pair of sharp fangs among her teeth. Chrysalis snarked, "Instead of growling, you should be grovelling for mercy!"

She dashed toward the center wolf, the others tried to intercept with a pincer attack. In one swift motion, the center wolf received a quick horn to the heart. In a blur of speed, she spun to face the wolf on her right. The opposite wolf, which was now behind Chrysalis, got a hoof to the throat with enough force to drop him cold.

Watching his fellow wolves get dispatched with such ease, gave the remaining wolf a slight pause. Returning her rear hoof to the ground, she stared daggers at the last timber wolf, who quickly leaped at her. Unfazed, she gave a sigh, disappointed at the beast's single mindedness. Without indication, Chrysalis gave a backhoof to the wolf's face.

Its body began to lose its structural integrity at the sheer force of the blow. Pieces of wood soared through the air, passing by her harmlessly. "You either have no intelligence or lack the mentality to use it," chided Chrysalis before strolling away.

After several minutes of trotting, Chrysalis came to the edge of the forest. Outstretched before her was a green field as far as she could see. A long dirt road was the only variation from the green grass. The road traveled beyond the horizons, to where she didn't care. Chrysalis narrowed her eyes with interest when she spotted an earthpony pulling a wagon.

Mmm, what a delightful snack she thought, as she morphed into a rabbit and hopped toward the pony. As she drew closer to her target, she could make out the pony's features. This mare had a blue coat, a dark magenta mane and tail, her cutie mark appeared to be a bow with several arrows laying across it.

The strange pony, spotting the rabbit, stopped to admire the woodland creature. Chrysalis bounced ever closer to her observer, savoring the meal yet to come. Now only several feet separated them, the strange pony sat on her haunches and gently cooed at the bunny. Now within a hooves reach, the rabbit leaped up at the mare.

The mare's once happy smile suddenly turned to fright as the airborne bunny morphed into a hissing Chrysalis. The stranger couldn't even scream, fangs crushing her throat, she could feel the warmth of her body draining away. Chrysalis savored every drop of love her magic extracted, it felt like a warm blanket.

Several moments passed before Chrysalis released its throat, completely drained, the limp mare plopped to the ground. Licking her lips, her hunger partially satisfied, she thought of what to do with the expired pony. Inspiration struck, wrapping the mare's tail with her magic. Those brainless wolves will serve nicely, she thought, dragging the body toward the forest.

A couple of feet in, she flung the body further in before leaving. Her ears perked up, when she heard several howls. The wolves had already detected the offering and quickened their pace. Returning to the wagon, Chrysalis once again morphed but this time she took on the appearance of the mare she just fed upon.

After a quick glance she decided that her disguise was acceptable except for a few changes. As quick as a thought, a blue horn appeared from the center of her brow. The next adjustment was her cutie mark, a bow and arrow was far beneath a queen. She thought a little while for a cutie mark that would be more suitable for royalty.

Thinking for a while, she decided, the bow and arrows disappeared and a Bass Clef appeared instead. There she thought with a satisfied huff, next was to see what the wagon held. Several minutes later, a disgruntled Chrysalis poked her head back out through the doorway.

"Why was this pony carrying such useless junk," Chrysalis growled to herself. The only half decent thing was a bed but even that was to small to be comfortable. After deciding which way she would travel, Chrysalis begrudgingly hitched up to the wagon and set off down the road.

Usually she wouldn't lower herself to such a demeaning task. However even a queen must get her hooves dirty on occasion. Besides the wagon would offer a place to rest, plot, and would solidify her cover as a traveling pony. Long hours of trotting down the road, nothing to do but think and the occasional rest. Chrysalis used this time to come up with a name and cover story. Several more hours of endless trotting until she finally climbed a hill to peer out over a small town in the distance.

As she trotted closer, Chrysalis recognized the town as Ponyville. "How fortuitous, this town would make for an excellent meal,"she chuckled as she continued onward. The sun was high in the sky when she reached the outskirts.

Thoughts of Celestia's prized student and her band of dopes, helpless and drained danced in her mind. leaving her wagon on the outskirts, Chrysalis trotted into town. Her scouting instincts immediately engaged, searching for anything that could give her an advantage.

Several ponies greeted her with a smile as they passed her on the street. These fools have no idea what's in store fo... her thoughts were interrupted by a soothing, melodic sound. Searching for the hypnotic sound, Chrysalis saw that she was standing in front of the local theater. Drawn inside, like a moth to the flame, she found herself staring down at a solitary pony on stage.

Numerous benches stretched out in a descending semi-circle toward the center where the stage was located. On that stage was a lone pony holding a large instrument in their hooves. Before she could proceed down the stairs, a strange hoof tapped her shoulder.

Muscles jerking tight as a startled Chrysalis withheld the urge to pulverize whoever touched her. Instead she slowly turned her head to stare at an off white unicorn mare. This unicorn had a very pale yellow coat, a pair of black framed shades with dark violet lens. Her cutie mark were two connected eighth notes but her mane and tail was quite unusual.

A blue-light blue striped ensemble, the unicorn introduced herself as Vinyl Scratch. "Sonorous," Chrysalis stated, pushing Vinyl's hoof off her shoulder. Returning her gaze to the pony on the stage, Vinyl felt slightly dejected at her cold attitude.

Taking a deep breath, she recomposed herself, and attempted to make conversation. "Do you like classical music, it's ok but not my favorite," Vinyl spoke halfheartedly. There was no response from Sonorous but her ear turned to listen, so Vinyl decided to continue talking. "It's sorta memorizing though, if the musician knows how to play the instrument," Vinyl stuttered as she felt her cheeks take on a slight blush.

Sonorous turned to glare at Vinyl, who bent her head down to hide her embarrassment, softly pawing at the floor. "Do you know that pony?" Sonorous asked inquisitively. Vinyl's pawing increased, a smile formed on Sonorous mouth at the silent answer.

Sonorous' horn began to glow a deep emerald green. Don't worry It'll only be a taste, she thought to herself. Sonorous could smell love in the air and it seemed to be emanating from Vinyl. Sonorous, careful not to absorb to much, extracted a small amount of love, wanting to sample its vintage.

Vinyl seemed unaffected from being fed upon, "Who's the pony on stage," Sonorous inquired. As if snapping out of a dream, Vinyl raised her head to look at her. "I'm guessing that you must be new to town Sonorous," Vinyl spoke, ignoring the question.

Sonorous' ears flicked wildly, the music had begun to fade away. The once plesant music had ceased, silence now filled the theater. The pony on stage had stopped and began packing their instrument. Sonorous started to leave but was blocked by Vinyl. Annoyance clearly written on Vinyl's face as she spoke. "I've tried to be patient but I've had it with your attitude," Vinyl growled, turning on a hoof, smacking Sonorous in the face with her tail in the process.

Fighting the urge of ripping Vinyl's tail off, Sonorous thought quickly. She needed to remain inconspicuous, as appalling as it was, she would have to make amends. Thinking quickly, she remembered that griffons were blunt and not much on pleasantries.

"My apologies Vinyl," Sonorous feinted sincerity, "I just left from Griffonstone and haven't reacquainted myself with proper mannerisms." Vinyl spun around in the doorway and stared at Sonorous. Tension filled the air, Vinyl appeared as if trying to decide if she should believe her or not.

Finally Vinyl broke the silence, "Why would you go to Griffonstone?""I'm just a traveling minstrel, exploring all of Equestria," Sonorous replied. Vinyl bobbed her head, as if in thought about what to say next. After a few moments she gave a quick wave of her hoof motioning Sonorous to follow her.

Vinyl departed the theater with a reluctant Sonorous trotting behind. "Where are we going," Sonorous asked as she caught up with Vinyl. Glancing back but saying nothing, continued to trot on to their mysterious destination.
Sonorous was starting to get very agitated now. Playing the nice mare was barely tolerable but now she was reduced to following a commoner.

Careful not to burst into a torrent of rage, Sonorous forced herself to be calm. Deciding to humor the mare and if it turned out to be a waste of time, she'd regret it. "We're here," Vinyl chirped as she pointed a hoof to Sugarcube Corner.
Sonorous slightly twisting her head sideways in confusion.

Noticing this, Vinyl trotted up the stairs and opened the door for her. At least she knew how to be proper, when she wanted to, Sonorous thought. Once inside, a pink mare with three balloons for a cutie mark, bounced up to them. "Hi Pinkie Pie," Vinyl greeted as she started toward the corner booth, followed by Sonorous, Pinkie Pie bringing up the rear.

Her cutie mark had two balloons that was blue with a yellow string attached. The center balloon was yellow with a blue string attached. Her mane and tail was untamed, riddled with wild curls and puffiness that would make a stylist fume in frustration. Images of her hooves around the pink pony's neck danced wildly in Sonorous' mind. However Pinkie Pie's high pitched voice shattered her daydream when they reached the corner booth.

They looked through the menus that were at the table, while Pinkie waited on their dinner order. After a while Vinyl sat down the menu and looked at Pinkie. "I'll have a couple of dandelion haywiches and some cider," Vinyl politely stated. Pinkie Pie nodded before turning to Sonorous, waiting patiently for her request.

"I'll just have some cider," Sonorous replied offhandedly as she placed the menu down.
"Okie dokie lokie," Pinkie Pie replied in a sing song as she bounced away, her mane and tail flaring into the air with each bounce. Once Pinkie Pie was out of ear shot, Sonorous let out an exasperating sigh. Surprised by this reaction, Vinyl inquired as to what was the matter.

Some days you're just not in a happy-go-lucky mood, was the only answer Vinyl got. Vinyl was about to reply when the bell above the door jingled. Vinyl waved a hoof in the air, Sonorous turned in her seat to see what had caught Vinyl's attention. There stood a gray mare, with adark gray mane, a white collar with a pink bow rested around her neck.

The mare looked around Sugarcube Corner, after spotting them, she trotted toward the corner booth. As she approached the table, her tail was discovered to be dark gray as well. Her cutie mark was a pink Treble Clef, this gray/gray variant pony looked quiet boring, with only a few dashes of color to offset it all.

The mare sat down next to Vinyl and was about to speak but paused when she noticed Sonorous. "Oh, forgive my rudeness but I don't think I've had the pleasure," The mare apologized in a dignified voice. Hmm, Sonorous thought, two mares in the same day that can be proper.

Sonorous spoke in the most cheerful voice she could muster, remembering how offended Vinyl became when she acted cold."My name is Sonorous, nice to meet you.." Sonorous trailed off. "Octavia Melody," the mare finished with a slight bow.

An awkward silence began to settle, making Octavia fidget with discomfort. She quickly stated that she hadn't seen Sonorous around before. Just arrived, was the only response she received. Octavia leaned close to Vinyl and started talking quietly. Sonorous, bored, started to hum the melody she had heard in the theater. Recognizing the tune, Octavia asked where she'd had heard it from.

Before she could reply, Pinkie Pie returned with their order balanced on her head. By some miracle, the refreshments remained upright on the platter, despite her bouncing. Sliding the platter off her fluffy head and onto the table, she started to sort out who had what food.

Before trotting off, she glanced at Octavia, waiting to see if she wanted to order something as well. Octavia requested a cider, to which Pinkie nodded in acknowledgment before bounding off. Octavia returned her gaze back to Sonorous, again waiting for her reply.

Sonorous spoke of how she heard the music from the theater. Octavia noticed that Vinyl was staring out the window and being unusually quiet. Which was quite odd for the outspoken mare. Shaking it off, she returned her full attention back to Sonorous.

Realizing that even if she had to wait to assume that pony's identity and progress her plans. She could at least learn more about her target. "I don't really know much more about that pony except it seemed like they was holding a large instrument," Sonorous explained. A blush formed on Octavia's cheeks, realizing it was her performance that had caught Sonorous' attention.