A thousand words

by Sarcastic Brony

Rating: teen
Tags: Main 6, Anon, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Human, Original Character, Queen Chrysalis, Random, Shining Armor
Length: 5344

They say "a picture is worth a thousand words". Well, that sounds like a great idea to me!

This is a challenge to myself. To take a single image and write a short thousand word story. I have no idea what to expect from this but it seemed like a fun idea in my head, so let's see where it takes us.

Think you have a MLP image with a story to be told? Post it in the comments and perhaps I'll choose your image next! No Anthro, Humanized or EQG images. Keep it SFW, please.

(Thanks to PeerImagination for editing!)

Published 2018-08-08 19:30:02 UTC
Last updated 2018-08-22 20:01:35 UTC

It begins

Stoic Glow has been working as a royal guard for over ten years now. She’s witnessed so many things since joining this field, things that would keep regular ponies up at night. She likes to believe that her mental fortitude is second to none, but lately, she’s been pushed to an edge she can’t negotiate herself from. Even as she walks the empty halls of Canterlot castle, she rhythmically looks over her withers, as if something is hunting her.

In many ways, she’s accurate in her mindset. Something has been hunting her for well over a month now. A beast that knows no restraint and does whatever it pleases with the ponies that come close enough for it to grab hold of. However, she appears to be its primary target as of late. Thinking about it always makes her nervous, as she believes thoughts are enough to bring it to existence.

Even now, where she already was worried, beads of sweat start rolling down her forehead as she whips around looking in every direction imaginable for whatever movement she can catch.

“Stoic Glow,” a voice calls out.

Jumping slightly, Stoic turns around to face the captain of the solar guard.

“Yes, Captain?!” Stoic salutes.

“At ease,” Shining speaks as Stoic falls back into her wary posture. “You’ve been stressed out lately. Are you alright?”

“Yes, of course!” Stoic looks around shifty-eyed. “Why wouldn’t I be alright?”

“Well, a lot of the other guards have reported how strangely you’ve been behaving. Mainly when it comes to Anonymous.”

Stoic breaks form and caps her captain's mouth with a hoof.

“Shh! If you say his name, he will come,” she whispers, looking around.

Shining looks confused as he removes her hoof. “Yes, that’s what intelligent creatures do when you call for them.”

“We mustn't speak his name,” Stoic warns.

A long and tired sigh leaves Shining. “Is it the cuddling?”

As soon as the word ‘cuddle’ left his mouth, Stoic looks off into the distance with a haunting thousand yard stare.

“The horror,” she whispers to herself. “The horror.”

Even with all his years of training, Shining can’t help himself as he facehoofs. Slowly dragging it over his muzzle, a grunt of frustration escapes past his lips.

“Stoic, I’ll level with you. It’s weird. We all think it’s weird. But I believe you’re letting it get to you. He’s cuddled me more than a dozen times, and honestly, after a while, I began to enjoy it.”

“Enjoy it!” Stoic takes a few steps away from her captain. “Are you brainwashed like all the others?!”

“What? No! It’s just not as bad as you think.” Shining attempts to explain, losing himself in thought. “The way his hands dig into my chest fluff and scratch my ears. I feel more relaxed than I ever thought imaginable. Heck, it’s better than any spa I’ve been forced to visit with my wife!”

“You have been brainwashed!” Stoic sprints away, shouting, “You’re all freaks, you hear me?! Freaks!”

Shining can only stand there watching his second in command running away from him. Before he can call out to her, he notices something wrap around his hips from behind. Oh boy, he knows this feeling all too well.

“Hey, Anon.” Shining looks over his withers to see the tall human standing behind him.

“Hey, Shiny.” Anon picks up Shining to his chest and cradles him like a baby. “How’s your day been?”

Shining shivers as he feels Anon’s finger scratch under his chin. “Oh, you know... Cadance took me shopping today with Twilight.”

“Oh no! Tell me all about it.”

“Alright,” Shining answers with a content sigh as he leans his head against Anon's chest.

Stoic is out of breath as she leans against a wall. Everypony is crazy! At first, they were like her: thinking what Anon did was weird and strange, but after a while, they changed. They started liking it and even called her crazy for not enjoying it as much as them. She doesn’t know how, but it must be some kind of magic Anon has to control them!

It’s why she’s been keeping her distance, but it’s pushed her to such extreme exhaustion that she can hardly manage to stay on her hooves, let alone do her job! She feels so alone in the world. Not even the princesses could escape Anon’s clutches! In fact, it was the two sisters that fell first, then came the elements and everypony after that.

She may very well be the only creature on this planet that Anon hasn’t swayed yet. It’ll be tough, but she needs to rest. Running herself ragged will only lead to disaster as her senses begin to dull. Not only that, but she can’t run forever, she will need to fight back and reclaim everything Anon has stolen from her race! First, sleep, then everything else will come later.

Stoic trots to the only place she feels safe.

Sleep where the enemy least expects you to. That was one of the many things she was taught when she joined the guard. So here Stoic is, sleeping under the beast’s bed. It’s been a haven for her, but one that terrifies her to no end. She couldn’t afford to take off her armor, as it would make too much noise, and she never knows where Anon may be lurking.

Still, she lets her mind calm as her eyes become heavy. Just an hour or two will do her well; then she will return to her lifelong task of taking him down. Just before her eyes completely close, she hears the door to Anon’s room fly open. Her eyes lock to the door, and she spots the two bipedal legs. She brings a hoof to her mouth to silence the panicked breaths.

“Weird, I thought I sensed a sleepy pony in need of some cuddling?” Anon muses as he walks over and takes a seat on his bed.

Stoic holds her breath now as his legs disappear into the bed.

“Is he planning to take a nap now?!”

Feeling the anxiety starting to rise, Stoic decides to try and sneak away once he’s fallen asleep. So, while he’s lying in bed, she quietly turns around to the opposite side of the bed he got on, but her heart chills as she comes face to face with the upside down smile of Anon looking right at her.

“Found you,” he states grabbing her forehooves and dragging her out from under the bed.

“Ah! Help me! Somepony!” Stoic screams.

“Shhhh,” Anon whispers as he brings Stoic’s back to his chest. “It’s ok. No one is going to hurt you.”

All Stoic can do is look off into the distance and think pleasant thoughts as Anon runs his hand over her tummy nubs.

Author's Note

*stare*

Sickness

Anon takes a deep breath with a broad smile on his face. Ponyville, where the air is fresh, and the ponies are tiny. How tiny? Well, most mares only stand as high as his thigh and the tallest pony he’s ever met was Celestia, and she just came up to his chest. Anon never considered himself a tall person, but since randomly coming to this world, he’s a giant amongst little ponies.

Despite being a skyscraper of a creature to them, a lot of these ponies were quick to accept him. Then again, he’s come to their rescue on more than a few occasions. From giving Nightmare Moon a spanking until she reverted back to Luna, to becoming friends with Discord to stop him from causing a ruckus, which, funny enough, is the only creature that can look him in the eye.

Yeah, life's good here in Ponyville. Everypony loves him, he has a place to stay, and the princess pays him to keep things safe.

“Are you done yet?” Rainbow asks, lightly annoyed.

“Just relax, Dashie,” Anon mocks as he looks over the apple orchard. “Enjoy the fresh air.”

“Anon, all I get is air with my job. Let’s head back to your place and chill.”

“Fine, go tell AJ we’re leaving now. I have a few things to get at the market before going back home.”

Rainbow can’t hide her smile. “Alright, I’m on it!”

Anon can only watch as Rainbow bolts toward AJ’s farmhouse. He’s appreciative to have a lot of friends he can rely on, but most of all, he’s happy to have Dash by his side.

“Hey, Anon!” Pinkie shouts, waving to him from behind the counter. “What brings you in today?”

Closing the door behind him and hunching over considerably, Anon makes his way to the counter.

“Just looking for a box of cupcakes.”

“How many?”

“Two dozen, random assortment, please.”

“Okey-dokey!” Pinkie is gone for a fraction of a second before coming back with two boxes on top one another. “Got special plans tonight?”

“Nah, just hanging with Dash. Probably watch a movie or something.”

“That’s great! Maybe we can do the same tomorrow?”

Anon shrugs. “I’ve got no problem with that. You bring the snacks.”

Pinkie’s smile grows astonishingly large. “~I always do!~”

Anon sets the bits onto the counter and takes the boxes.

“See ya, Pinks.”

“Later, monkey-man.”

With a smile, Anon walks out of Sugarcube Corner. Alright, just a few more things and he’ll be set for tonight.

Entering his home, Anon walks past the living room where Rainbow is already lying down on his couch and places everything he’ll need for tonight on the counter in the kitchen.

“What’s all that stuff?” Rainbow asks stepping in from behind.

“Just a little something for tonight.” Anon starts setting everything out onto the table one by one. “Cupcakes from Sugarcube corner, popcorn from AJ, butter from Bessy, and of course, the one thing to tie it all together.” Rainbow has stars in her eyes just listening to Anon. “Beer.”

“Awesome!” Where she was excitement one moment, she breaks out into a coughing fit the next.

Anon turns around concerned. “You alright, Dash? That cough doesn’t sound too good.”

“I’m fine. Just had to deal with a lot of weird rain clouds coming from the Everfree.”

Looking down at his tiny companion, Anon now notices the flush look and small sweat beads beginning to form. Not convinced, and worried about the welfare of his friend, he walks over and places a hand on each cheek.

“What are you doing?” She asks.

“Just stay still.

Leaning in close, Anon lays his lips onto Rainbow’s forehead. Her face, while already flush now deepens to a dark crimson.

“Wh-What are you doing?” She shouts pulling away.

“Dammit, Dash...” Anon looks upset. “You’re running a fever.”

“So what? It’s not that bad.”

“Not bad now, but it will be if you don’t get some rest.”

“Rest?! We have plans!”

“Not anymore,” Anon states, putting everything he bought into the fridge. “We need to get you to bed first.”

“No!” Rainbow stomps her hoof in defiance. “I wanna spend time with you!”

Anon looks over his shoulder and regrets the quivering lip she’s giving him. He walks over to her and feels the rest of her body with the back of his hand. Ponies tend to always run hotter than humans, but she feels somewhat cooler than usual.

“You’re freezing.” He levels his gaze to her.

She turns with a harumph. “Then hurry up to the couch and let’s relax. Whether I rest in bed or while watching a movie shouldn't matter.”

Anon knows he’s not going to win any arguments with this headstrong mare. The best he can hope for is to mitigate whatever damage she’s done.

“Alright, get a movie started and I’ll be there in a moment.”

Rainbow trots happily to the living room as Anon readjusts his plans.

Walking into the living room, Anon sets down two large cups full of water and a bowl of soup. It’s a simple vegetable broth, nothing fancy.

“What's that?” Rainbow asks.

“Your drink and meal,” he states.

“What about the–”

“No.”

“But–”

“I said no.”

Rainbow crosses her hooves in a pout, but this does little to sway Anon from the path he's chosen. Anon picks up the bowl and turns to face Rainbow as she looks at him with a raised brow.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m going to feed you.”

“N-No way!”

“You want to act like a baby, Dash? Then I’m going to treat you like one, now open wide!” Rainbow is shaking in embarrassment but opens her mouth as Anon feeds her. “What a good little wainbow!” He baby talks.

“Alright! That’s enough!” Rainbow slaps the spoon away.

He shrugs. “Alright.” Setting the bowl down he finally looks over to what's playing on the TV. “You really like The Terminator.”

“Of course I do, it’s awesom-” she starts coughing again.

When Anon looks over at her, he all but confirms that she’s sick. She’s trembling as if cold and sweating from a heat that doesn’t exist. Even at her lowest, she never wants to be treated as if she’s weak.

“Rainbow, come here.”

She looks at him warily. “Why? You going to treat me like a baby again?”

“Just come here.”

Rainbow scoots closer to Anon and in one swift motion Anon lifts the bottom of his shirt, pulls it over Dash, and lifts her up into his lap just as her head pops through the neck-hole beside his. She looks startled, but Anon holds her close, warming her with his body.

“T-This isn’t necessary!” Rainbow tries to struggle, but Anon pets her gently.

“Relax, Dashie. It’s alright to be sick; I’m here for you.”

With a face now burning from embarrassment and not the sickness, Rainbow rests her head against Anon’s chest as his warmth starts to drive away the cold she felt moments ago. Even though every fiber of her being wants to protest, the powerful rhythmic beat of Anon’s heart is enough to lull her to sleep.

Author's Note

Image submitted by PeerImagination

Princess for sale

Here you are, savoring another beautiful day! Why is it a beautiful day today? Because you just got a bonus from your boss this check and you plan to dump it all on something stupid! It’s the least you deserve after all the work you put in last week. It was insane; a massive influx of orders came in when most of the staff was ill, but you busted your ass to make sure everything went out on time.

So now you stand with an extra thousand in pocket, walking around the city, trying to figure out what you want to blow your money on. As you pass others on the street, you notice numerous people are carrying little ponies. Either in a shirt pocket, on their shoulder or even the top of their head. It’s like a strange accessory nowadays. You’ve not bothered looking into the craze, but it’s somewhat famous.

The most you remember is that a mysterious portal opened up and dropped a bunch of super tiny ponies off in our world years ago. They’re supposed to be sapient, but due to their size, the government decided that selling them was not only profitable, but would help with their safety, as they would be akin to animals for someone to take care of. You don’t recall hearing of any war going on, so you guess the ponies accepted this fate if they genuinely are sapient.

Now that you think about it, isn’t there a store close by? You move away from the street and more toward the stores, passing each store until you come to the one with ponies at the glass. It’s odd seeing them. They can fit in the palm of your hand with ease. All of them are looking up at you. Some are dancing, others performing tricks, but one, in particular, is just looking at the floor sadly.

This pony is somewhat larger than the others. You assume that most people go for the smallest ponies first and probably ignore the big ones. Which would make sense, as the same happens with dogs. Cute puppies go fast, but rarely does anyone want the old doggo. You then catch her price. A hundred dollars? Ouch.

“Interested in one?” a voice asks.

You turn around to see a young woman in her twenties. “Excuse me?”

She waves to the ponies. “Are you interested in buying a pony?”

“I was just looking,” you say, but then nod over to the big one. “Why is that one wearing a bowtie?”

“Oh, her... She’s not having any luck getting adopted. Ponies tend to try and doll themselves up as time goes by to increase their odds of adoption.”

“But, a bowtie?” You look confused. “Never mind, why’s she so expensive?”

“She has some telekinetic abilities.”

“Wait, she can move things?” That’s shocking to hear.

The girl nervously waves her hands. “It’s nothing dangerous if you’re thinking that. She can levitate small things for a short amount of time. While she may not be able to clean the dishes, she could most likely help bring utensils to the sink.” The girl sighs sadly. “I feel sorry for her. She’s been here since the first arrival.”

“Whoa...” You know that portals open from time to time, dropping off ponies and the first was years ago. “That long?”

“Yeah, she’s slowly been giving up hope.” The girl shakes herself from her stupor. “S-Sorry to drop that on you.”

“No problem.” You look back to the big one. “Mind if I talk to her?”

“Of course!” The girl excitedly shows you in. “Take as long as you’d like!”

You’re standing in front of the pony’s pen, and she hasn’t noticed you yet.

“Hey,” you call out.

She flinches heavily and quickly looks your way. As if coming out of a trance, she hops to her hooves and starts doing a little dance. This is rather sad; she’s trying to impress you. Is she that desperate?

“You don’t need to try so hard,” you say. She's confused as she stops, looking up at you. “Do you have a name?”

“P-Princess Celestia. I used to rule over the kingdom of Equestria, before coming to this world.”

“That must’ve been hard... Losing everything.”

She looks on the verge of tears. “I-I know we’ll return one day. I’m also thankful to your kind for taking in my people in our time of need, but it’s tough being here.”

“Do they mistreat you?”

“No! I just... I’m lonely. I see so many of my subjects happily with their human companions, not a single care of returning home. I wonder what that feeling must be like too.”

Well, now you know these ponies are on the same level as humans. It’s refreshing for you to talk to her, as you tend to lock yourself in your room when you’re not at work. You get what it’s like to feel lonely, but Celestia here can’t just leave without a human because of her size. As soon as you stepped inside, you knew what you were going to do.

“Would you like to come with me?”

She looks up at you, surprised. “Truly?”

“I’m a shut-in, but maybe you can help me with that?”

She chuckles. “As it so happens, I have some experience with that.”

Reaching into her pen, you remove her bowtie. "I like you better without it."

Her eyes are wide as you offer her your palm. She smiles sweetly, jumping into it as you bring her up to your shoulder and giving her a moment to settle in. When you turn around, you see the young clerk there, tears brimming in her eyes.

You can only smile nervously as you say. “I’ll take her.”

Author's Note

Image submitted by Guner

Road trip

“Why are we going there?” I ask, unsure what to expect.

“As I said, there’s a possibility that we’ll find a portal back to Equestria there,” Twilight says, never looking away from the book in her hooves.

“Right... It doesn’t have anything to do with the fact it’s a remote location where all of you can run around and play in?”

“Well, that’s unquestionably a factor worth mentioning.” Twilight now hides behind her book to cover the blush.

“I gotta fly!” Rainbow cries. “I can’t stand being in that apartment any longer!”

“I could certainly stretch my legs too,” Applejack adds.

“A little fresh air never harmed anypony,” Rarity states.

“Girls, I’ve told you this time and time again. No one can know about you. I want to ensure that you are able to go home safely before anything bad happens.”

“What’s the worse that can happen?” Pinkie pops up into the front seat.

“Backseat, Pinkie!” I turn around to look at the girls. “What did I say about seatbelts!”

“We’re fine!” Rainbow claims. “Those things are super itchy anyway.”

I return my gaze onto the road. “I’ve explained to you why you need them on. If an accident happens, you’ll fly out that front window and end up as nothing more than a smear on the pavement. At that point, I don’t have to worry about what people think because you’ll be dead.”

They all recoil.

“Geez, alright, no need to get morbid, ” Rainbow replies as they all put on their dog harness’ and clip their seatbelts on.

“Thank you. We’re almost there. Five minutes, tops.”

The girls fall silent, and I take this opportunity to turn on the radio. Why was I the one to have a herd of little ponies appear in my apartment? I sigh. Doesn’t matter. I have to keep them hidden until Twilight figures out a way to get back to their planet.

Well, I have to give Twilight props for finding such a beautiful remote location with google maps. There’s a dense ring of trees around us, a sizable pond in the center, and more than enough grass around it for them to stretch their legs. As soon as their hooves hit the dirt three of them were already running. With Rarity, Twilight and Fluttershy slowly making their way.

“Alright, Girls. You have two hours to get all that energy out. I’ll be here if you need me, and make sure you’re in shouting distance in case something happens.”

“It feels so great to stretch my wings!” Rainbow's flying as if she’s floating on her back, which is strange to witness. “Think I should do a Sonic Rainboom?”

“I think not,” I say. “That would undoubtedly draw attention.”

She lets out a huff and is about to say something snarky, but a small wave splashes over her, causing her to yelp in surprise.

“Hey, Dash, come on in! The water's great!” Applejack shouts.

“You’ve done it now, Aj!” Rainbow dives into the water as the two of them start splashing one another.

“Cannonball!” Pinkie shouts, pulling the string on a cannon I’ve never seen before that launches her out and into the water.

The craziest thing is that despite how much force it took to throw her that distance, not a single sound was made. That mare, she’s always doing stuff that hurts my brain. I shake my head as I lay out the large blanket I brought, as well as the basket with food and drink. I knew something like this would happen, so I’m glad that I brought towels too.

Fluttershy comes over and sits next to me, watching the girls like I am.

“Not going to join them?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “No, I’m fine with enjoying nature.” She turns to look at me. “Thank you for taking care of us. I know it must be troublesome keeping us safe, especially with how Rainbow and AJ can get.”

“It’s no problem, Fluttershy. Thank you for cleaning up my place.” I chuckle. “I never even knew it could be so clean.”

“It’s the least I can do.”

I find my gaze drifting over to Twilight as she casts a spell, looks upset and tries a second time.

“Do you think you’ll ever return home?” I ask.

“One day... Will you miss us when that happens?” Fluttershy asks.

“Of course I will.”

“Me too,” Fluttershy says under her breath. “I’m going to explore a little if, you don’t mind.”

“That’s fine. Again, stay within shouting distance.”

“Ok.”

With that said, all the girls are off doing their own thing. I can feel myself smile as I watch them play, but soon Pinkie turns to me and waves.

“Come on in! Show us what you're made of!”

I get up with a smirk. “Think you can beat the cannonball king?”

Now Rainbow, Applejack, and Pinkie all grin.

“Is that a challenge?” Rainbow asks.

“You bet it is.”

“You’re on!”

It’s been a great day. The girls had a blast, and even I enjoyed myself. As paranoid as I was, I can’t deny that being out there with them put me at ease. Twilight tried her best, but didn’t succeed in finding a way to return to their world. So, now we’re in the car and heading back to my apartment. Thankfully, the sun is starting to set, and once we’re there, then it’s unlikely anyone will be around to see them.

As I’m driving, I briefly glance through the rearview mirror and see all the girls cuddled up against each other as they rest peacefully. I hope that when the day comes, and they find a way home, they’ll come by and visit every once in a while. Because while they can be a chore, they’re still my little ponies.

Author's Note

Image submitted by Freglz

Queen

How did it come to all of this? Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings, or former Queen, since she was blasted from Canterlot after her failed take over attempt, is all alone. No subjects to rule over and no love to feed off of. Not that she was starving, as the love she took on that fateful day was enough to keep her fed for the many months she’s been wandering.

However, those reserves are coming to an end. Soon, that love will fade, and with that, she will have lost everything. Sure, she could return to her hive, perhaps start over, but what’s the point? To try and fail another day? To live day by day wondering where the next meal will come from? It’s not a life worth living. She’s tired and wants nothing more than to rest.

When did she start lying on the ground? Oh, she must’ve collapsed, the last remaining love now slipping away from her. She should be terrified by the thought of dying, but she’s been alive longer than she can remember. It’s nice to finally enter her long period of rest. Though, she wished it wasn’t in such a dreary place. A dark forest with monsters aplenty. Surely one will come and feast on her corpse in due time.

As her eyes begin to fall heavy, she wonders what she could’ve done differently in her life. A cry echoes deep within the forest. It was faint at first, but slowly built in volume. Groggily, Chrysalis opens her eyes and scans the treeline. Was she hearing things? No, something is crying just up ahead. That isn’t a sound you often hear in a place as dangerous as this.

Curious, she lifts herself back onto her hooves and sluggishly makes her way to the source of the noise. Breaking past a few bushes, she enters a meadow of some kind. Clear of the dense trees, leaving the sky bare and the sun shining down in a perfect spotlight on the center. There, she finds a creature she’s never seen before. Sitting on its rump, a monkey-like beast is crying to itself.

Taking a step forward, she breaks a twig beneath her hoof and draws its attention. It turns around and looks her way, terrified. She assumed that it would run in fear or perhaps cry more, releasing that sickening emotion in her direction, but to her astonishment, the creature gets up and sprints toward her. Chrysalis is overwhelmed with the emotion of relief from the beast as it grasps one of her legs with all its strength.

Such an unusual creature. Why is it not frightened of her? She lifts her hoof and tries to shake it off, but that doesn’t work.

“Release me!” Chrysalis commands.

“I’m scared, Mommy!” the creature shrieks.

Taken aback, Chrysalis is flooded with love from the creature and the aftertaste of fear.

“I’m not your mother.” She tries to shake it off again, but it’s rather strong.

“No!” It shouts. “Don’t leave me, Bug Mommy!”

Chrysalis grits her teeth. “I’m not a bug!” She casts her magic and tears it off, to which it attempts to cling to her again while floating in front of her face. “Where do you come from?”

The weird creature seems to calm in her magic. “I don’t know.”

“What are you?”

“I don’t know.”

Chrysalis grunts. “Do you know anything?”

The creature looks at her and smiles. “I love you!”

Like a blow to the gut, Chrysalis studies the creature, bewildered. In no way was it lying when it said that. She can feel a significant amount of love filling her once empty stomach. Unlike the love she took, this was much sweeter and fulfilling. She looks over the creature in her magic. Even with it this close, she’s positive she’s never seen a creature like it before. Though, she at least can tell it’s male.

“Do you have a name?” She asks, and he shakes his head. “How about Pseudo?”

“Ok, Bug Mommy!” he says with a sweet smile.

She sets him down, and once again he’s clinging to her leg.

“Don’t cling to me.”

“Ok.” He lets go of her.

What is going on in her head? Now she’s given him a name? True, the creature is feeding her, but to ensure that Pseudo is around to feed her, she must take care of him. It’s young, too young to fend for itself. Speaking of which, a growl leaves Pseudo.

“Are you hungry?” she asks, and he nods. “Very well, we must find you sustenance. What is it that your kind eats?”

“Fruits, vegetables, and meats.”

Chrysalis taps a hoof to her chin. “I’m unaware if the berries in this forest are poison. Meat is the best option.”

Pseudo has a massive smile on his face as he opens his mouth and a cooked piece of meat enters for him to eat. Chrysalis looks displeased by this turn of events as she tears fragments off the manticore she crushed and levitates it over the fire she made to cook. It took her less time to kill the monster than it did to figure out how to prepare the meat just right for Pseudo to eat.

“Thirsty!” He giggles as a ball of water floats towards him and into his mouth.

“How can something so little eat so much?” Chrysalis says to herself, floating a few more pieces for Pseudo to eat.

She can’t complain much, as the amount of love radiating from Pseudo could rival the love she felt from Shining Armor. However, it’s genuine; Pseudo feels all this love for her. It’s an odd thing to think that anything could come to love something that looks like her, but in all of her misfortune, she’s found such a being.

She senses something cling to her neck while she was lying down and finds Pseudo there looking up at her with a smile.

“I love you, Bug Mommy.”

She rolls her eyes. “Just ‘Queen’ is fine.”

“I love you Bug Queen Mommy!”

Though she feels a tired sigh escape her, there’s also a slight smile at the edge of her lips.

Author's Note

Image submitted by Rosegfx