Ponyville was an unusual city. To the ponies that lived there, nothing was out of the ordinary, and that included the weekly panic that was always lurking at their doors. However, to ponies who were just visiting, it was like they had transported back to a simpler time.
Everypony knew each other on a first name basis, a far cry from not knowing one pony from the next like it was in Canterlot, Manehattan, or Baltimare. The spa was known all across the land, drawing the attention of tourists and foreign dignitaries alike as they stopped in for Aloe and Lotus’ top class service at a price that just couldn't be beaten.
Yet, in the middle of town, the main attraction stood. The Castle of Friendship had become a town landmark, a testament to the six hard-working mares who had been chosen by Harmony herself to keep Equestria safe. The newly expanded and renovated Friendship Academy had garnered international attention as well, with rumors swirling that they were soon going to start accepting Trotsylvanian batponies, including a mysterious teacher named Coltula who was starting up a night school program in “Batting 101: A Guide to the Night.”
Even with all the excitement buzzing in the air, there was one pony in town who was feeling down. Princess Cadance, who had just recently risen from a sleepless slumber, gazed out over the town from her guest room of the castle. The crystal decor did wonders in helping her feel at home, but seeing endless fields of green instead of pure, white snow made her realize that she was not home anymore. The Crystal Empire was far away, a home that she had betrayed with her foolish grudge against Chrysalis.
“I don't know why I am still alive,” Cadance said, speaking into the silence of the room as she watched the Ponyville residents begin their day. She had sent Shining back to the Empire to retrieve some shower supplies, but being alone brought her painful memories back to the surface. Seeing the ponies below so happy and carefree only worsened her mood, for she knew she didn't deserve it. “I should’ve died, alone among the fractured remains of my biggest failure… yet here I am.”
“You really need to quit being so hard on yourself Cady,” Shining said, causing his wife to jump since she had not heard him teleport into the room. “Sorry it took so long and smelling like I do, but I got tangled in a pony ball with our sister and daughters as I was coming out the bathroom. Considering their activities last night, the rest is self-explanatory.”
“Y-yeah,” Cadance blushed, images running wild in her imagination at what possible things those three mares had done the night before. Even standing a few feet away from Shining, she could still smell the scent on him, and being the Princess of Love meant she knew just how potent such a scent could be. In her opinion, Flurry definitely had a keeper. “Been a long time since I had smelled you in the state you are. Come, my love, lets share a bath, I would enjoy the company.”
“Still thinking about what happened huh?” Shining said, giving his wife a knowing look as he levitated the bath products to the edge of the tub and began working on getting the temperature just right. “I know that it will take time Cady, but you will get over this. I am here for you every step of the way.”
“I know that Shiny,” Cadance said, sliding into the tub after Shining got the temperature right. The water felt like dipping into a mineral spring, each tense muscle releasing their grip on her aching bones as she started to relax. “But, at the same time, you know that things will never be like they were. Flurry is a mature and married mare, but her taking over the throne at such a young age has me a bit worried.”
“We already had this discussion love. If what Chrysalis explained to me was any indication of our daughter's abilities, she will do just fine,” Shining said, using his forehooves to begin working at his wife's knotted muscles. “If anything, she is actually a better line of defense that we were due to her magic now being half alicorn and half changeling. Her and Chrysalis deeply love each other Cady, and the more love they have, the stronger they and the Heart are.”
“I suppose you do have a point there,” Cadance said, leaning back into Shining’s administrations. “It just feels so weird, you know? It seems like yesterday that I had given birth to Flurry, and now she is ruling the Empire. Seeing my little foal all grown up has me feeling old dear, it really does.”
“You are still in the prime of your youth,” Shining chuckled, taking the opportunity to make Cadance mew by nipping the base of her wings. “And you still will be for centuries to come. The only one feeling old is me, but you don't see me complaining, now do you? I knew what I was getting into by marrying you, so I already made peace with a topic I feel should not be discussed right now, and you know what it is.”
“The fact I am going to outlive you?” Cadance felt Shining flinch, and it was indeed a sore issue for her, but she thought it was best to continue. “I know what you are trying to do dear, and trust me when I say I appreciate it; however, considering I allowed myself to fall into ruin, I think we should discuss this matter to get it out the way. I love you Shining Armor. You are the shield to my sword, my equal and protector, but I know I can't have you forever as I would like. That being said, I am going to enjoy every moment I have with you.”
“And I as well, Mi Amore,” Shining said, using the Prench context of Cadance's first and middle name. “It brings me joy knowing I will get to grow old with a mare as wonderful as yourself, and I know that when I get into the dusk of my years, you will do whatever it takes to keep me comfortable. When that time comes, I only ask that I get to spend as much time with my family as possible. I only have one request for my funeral. I don't want it to be a time of mourning, I want it to be a time of celebration, reflection on all that I accomplished. I have a princess for a wife, sister, daughter, and two as aunts by being married to you. My feats will never match yours, but I still want them to be remembered.”
“Consider it done Shiny,” Cadance said, flexing a wing back to caress the unicorn's cheek. “Hopefully that isn't for a long time yet, but I will do whatever it takes to ensure your vision is carried out. Although, that does bring up the other side of the coin, that being me.
Unlike the popular misconception Equestrians believe in, I am not immortal, and neither are the other three alicorns. You saw it, the Crystal Ponies felt it. I actually died Shiny, but I want that part of what happened to stay as quiet as possible. After all, the story I wove was I needed some time off to rest and recover, but what would happen if some crazy pony realized the truth? They would realize that Celestia, Luna, and Twilight are not immortal either, and if they got an issue could try and kill them. That makes Flurry and Chrysalis targets as well, because all it would take is isolating one from the other to cut their power flow off. Shining, as the former Captain of the Guard, what protocol is there in the event that situation takes place?”
“There isn’t one,” Shining said, his voice falling to a mere whisper. “Basically, the guard relies on Celestia using the power of the sun if things get really bad. I mean, who is crazy enough to laugh in the face of the pony who can liquefy them into plasma?”
“Discord, for starters,” Cadance said, softly humming as she closed her eyes in thought. “Remember dear, there was an era in which he was in control. Another that comes to mind is our daughter-in-law. I mean, she defeated all of us by using your love of me as a weapon, and brainwashed you into believing she was me. On that note, I am curious, what sort of things did you two do in bed while she was disguised?”
“Buck you Marephy…” Shining grumbled, realizing that was universal karma for the jab he made at Chrysalis while retrieving the bathroom supplies. “Lets just say that the things she did made me more open-minded about being on the bottom.”
“Oh, is that so?” Cadance purred, and Shining felt like he was in an ice bath as his wife turned to face him. “I will admit, me and Auntie Lulu have often discussed in my more personal dreams what it would be like to see you carrying an heir… or heirs.”
“N-now Cady, lets be reasonable,” Shining squeaked, watching Cadance's horn lightly glow and a small heat start to build in his nethers and under his tail. “I have no problem with you two owning me, you know that, but don’t you think that it should be my choice if I decided to do that?”
“I suppose you are right,” Cadance said, and much to Shining's relief she powered down her spell. “I’m sorry, guess with everything finally sorting itself out, empty nest syndrome is rearing its ugly head.”
“I figured it would happen eventually,” Shining said, nuzzling Cadance's cheek as he used his magic to start applying coat conditioner. “Although, I think right now we should be discussing that problem you just addressed. Considering all that has happened to us in the past, that threat is a very real one, even if it hasn't made itself known on the surface yet.”
“Precisely my point Shiny,” Cadance said, dipping her head as Shining started scrubbing behind her ears. “Who knows what could happen? Hay, the Windegos could return with a vengeance or something, or some distant tyrant attack by air. Even if this is just speculation, there must be something we can do in order to try and prevent roadapples from slicing through a fan.”
“Wonder if there is something in the library, ” Shining said, looking at his floofed-up wife. The sight of her like she was made him inwardly chuckle, but the guard voice in his head told him to leave that for later. “Twily keeps all kinds of books, maybe there is a thing or two about military strategy from the Tribal Wars. It will be outdated, but we have to start somewhere.”
“Agreed,” Cadance said, her magic flaring to life as she quickly washed and dried both Shining and herself. “Lets go.”
“I don't get it Cady!” Shining said, hours of fruitless research clearly wearing on his patience. Following their bath, the couple had made their way down to the library, where Twilight's impromptu bookkeeper Shooting Star was busy taking catalog of the books that were overdue. After a brief explanation of what they were looking for, he had led them to the section dedicated to the great Commander Hurricane, which included all her notes for training her loyal troops. However, the age was showing, for nothing had changed over the millennia that had followed. “This is Guard 102, and all cadets know this stuff by the end of the third week. I can't believe that the military has been this incompetent for so long.”
ⁿKeep in mind, there hasn't been any major conflict since the Unification,” Cadance said, closing her book on The Last Battle of Saddleback Ridge. “Griffin Conflict? Couple dozen skirmishes, but Equestria won all but two before Celestia stepped in. Discord? Elements of Harmony. Nightmare Moon? Elements, twice. Chrysalis? Weaponized love blast. All the other time between has been peaceful, so that status quo is a false sense of security.”
“I suppose you are right dear,” Shining said, leaning back in his seat. “i would hate to see what would happen if the princesses were taken out the picture, I imagine society would collapse in a panic free for all. Perhaps we could have Twilight set up a meeting to have some changes made. You can't do it because you aren't a serving princess right now, and with Celestia and Luna out of the country on diplomatic business, she will have to do it.”
“I know,” Cadance said, sighing as she rested her head on the table. “I just wish there was some sort of lead to this problem.”
“That is not your concern, now is it?” Shining said, moving around the table to kiss his wife on the cheek. “But please dear, you need to cheer up.”
“Oh, such a lovely concept!” A female voice said, causing both Cadance and Shining to jump in place. “Yes, yes, cheering up is the best thing to do!”
“Pinkie, this better not be a prank,” Shining said, readying his magic due to seeing nobody else in the room. “Come out, or face the consequences.”
“I am not the Element of Laughter,” The female said again. “But I do know a thing or two about cheering someone up.”
“I’m warn-” Shining didn't finish his remark, for a familiar sensation started to flow through him. Everypony knew when somepony was about to pour their heart into a song, for the ambient environmental magic that was normally inert always flexed, allowing ponies nearby to feel what was to come. That feeling had made itself known, which made Shining power down his horn as the female began to sing.
”Cheer up, cheer up,
Banish that bitter lump.
Sing here, sing there;
Live through life without a care!
The battle's, now won,
But the war has just begun.
Can’t smile on the outside
When you’re sad on the inside
So come on dear and cheer up!
Cheer up, cheer up,
There's no need for you to slump.
Please don't lose hope,
You have ponies to help you cope.
Look for tomorrow,
Not be lost in sorrow
Can't smile on the outside
When you're sad on the inside
So come on dear and cheer up!
Who knows what the enemy’s planning,
But you can't be left without a standing.
There's a lot, you don't know,
Including things out your control!
But cheer up, cheer up,
Don't stop for every bump.
Look at the night sky,
And follow the fireflies.
They'll show, the way,
And light the path to stay.
Can't smile on the outside
When you frown on the inside
So come on dear and cheer up!
So cheer up, cheer up,
Banish that bitter lump.
Sing here, sing there;
Live through life without a care!
The battle's, now won,
But the war has just begun.
Can’t smile on the outside
When you’re sad on the inside
So come on dear and cheer up!”
It was then something caught the two ponies’ attention. Focusing their eyes, Cadance and Shining both saw a grey wolf spider climbing down in front of them, suspended by a single thread of silk.
“Hi there!” The spider said, waving her right two forelegs. “My name is Riley, and I'm sorry for startling you both, but I figured a song would help improve your mood. Did it work?”
“A small bit,” Cadance said, tilting her head in curiosity. “So, Riley, how are you able to talk?”
“I come from a land far away,” Riley said, swinging herself over to land on Cadance's muzzle. “A land of talking bipeds, carried here by the winds of fate. My mother was friends with a prize-winning pig, and she could talk herself. I arrived here and took up residence, eating the bookworms that dare try to harm such wonderful works that are stored here.”
“Does Twily know you are here?” Shining asked, looking down at Riley. “I remember as a filly she had a pet Amarezonian Blue, and it crushed her when she returned from book camp to find out it had got out of its enclosure and escaped.”
“Everyone in the castle knows,” Riley said, moving from Cadance's muzzle to Shining's. “Her, Spike, Shooting, and all her friends. Who would've thought that fearless Starlight the Equalist would be afraid of little ol’ me.”
“Now that is funny,” Cadance said, giggling at imagining Starlight hiding behind one of her friends. “Bet she wanted to smash you with a newspaper.”
“As fun as this has been,” Shining said, clearing his throat. “We still came to a dead end on our search. Riley, do you have any suggestions?”
“Seems you two have forgotten about the incident with the Storm King, where your worst-case scenario actually played out. Nonetheless, I have several ideas that come to mind,” Riley said, swinging back into the air. The magic of Equestria had done wonders to Riley's body, allowing her to far surpass the expected lifespan of her species, while also keeping her fit in the prime of her youth. This meant keeping her flexibility and speed, two assets that proved their worth in her continuous battle against bookworms, but also allowed her to be helpful in quickly receiving books for Spike when Twilight and Shooting were busy. “I have just the book in mind, do you know of a Prench leader by the name of Neighpolimare?”
“She was a brilliant leader, and well-liked by her subjects.” Shining said, watching in amazement as Riley used her webbing like a pulley system, lowering a book with Neighpolimare's portrait on the front. “Why do you ask?”
“She was one of, if not the greatest, non-Equestrian general in history.” Riley said, descending towards the couple once more. “At her peak, her allies respected her, but her enemies feared her. Keep in mind, she was just an Earth Pony, so she didn't have unicorn magic or pegasi flight to aid her. She had prowess and skill, and that's what made her an outstanding military figure. There is something else, if you don't want to read the book, that could be of assistance. Shining, what is a common rule when scouting an enemy?”
“There are three,” Shining said, clearing his throat. “Keep a low profile, hide in plain sight, but the most important is never get caught.”
“The second is the key,” Riley said, casually hanging upside down on a strand of silk. “I listened to the two of you fuss the last few hours over a threat that could potentially end badly. Yet, just like the rule, the answer has been in plain sight all along. Who successfully defeated all of you multiple times?”
The grins that came across the pair burned themselves into Riley's skull, making her wonder what horror she had just unleashed upon ponykind.
Changelings were many things. Once feared as monsters, and nearly sent to the brink of extinction, the unique situation allowed numerous genetic capabilities for survival that otherwise would not exist. They could change their whole body's molecular structure, both inside and out, into anything made of matter. Rocks, trees, griffins, dragons, or even water, it was all possible. This allowed changelings to be the ultimate masters of disguise, but it came at a heavy cost.
Unlike ponies, who's magic came naturally and was in tune with the environment, changeling magic was fueled by their food source. Different emotions caused different abilities to be amplified or dampened, but love had the best results due to tripling a changeling's mana pool, increasing their magic in proportion to how much they had honed their skills. Younger and less experienced drones often had less control than a filly unicorn, but a battle-hardened warrior could easily hold themselves in a fight to the death. However, all paled in comparison to the power of a changeling queen, but even the queen was still bound by the amount stored loved they had available.
Every spell, no matter how small, used a bit of their love stores, like slowly sipping on lemonade on a hot summer day; however, being in disguise was like being in a cider drink-off, the cost being higher the longer the disguise was in place. If a disguise, or spell, was used for too long, Magic Depletion Syndrome often took effect with a variety of consequences, with the worst being temporary loss of access to the hivemind.
The hivemind, perhaps the greatest evolutionary trait to have made itself known, served a variety of purposes. In addition to communication with their queen, it also allowed drones within twenty kilometers to communicate with each other, making it a highly effective tool in salvaging and attacking. When access was lost, it often left a drone in a dangerous situation, leaving them to try and return to the time with no sense of direction, often resulting in them never being seen again.
A queen’s connection to the hivemind, on the other hand, was much stronger. Not only did it allow her to know where every drone was at any given time, but it also gave occasional bioreadings as a precaution to alert if there was a drone that needed medical assistance.
However, the system wasn't flawless, and little did Flurry and Chrysalis know that their greatest threat lurked in the depths of their hivemind, slowly gaining her strength.
Author's Note
Can you get the song reference? Comment below!
Want to join my Patreon? For as little as a $1/month you can join the crew! You can see what I have to offer here.
Thanks as always go to my editors and Patreons for all their hard work. This chapter would have been longer, but since me and my mother got into a car wreck (we both are ok) I am taking it easy.
Flurry Heart woke from her pleasant dreamscape feeling like her head was being split apart with a battle axe. Every beat of her heart pulsed and coursed through her skull, acting like tsunamis of pain that only made the headache worse.
It had been a wild night, with Twilight eventually abandoning her notes and making things more fun by suggesting new things to try. In hindsight, Flurry was glad she took the suggestions. Each new 'experiment' made love pour like Neighagra Falls between herself and Chrysalis, Twilight reaping the flavorful reward as a result.
“Isn't that adorable,” Flurry giggled, amazed at how fast Twilight has been willing to join in, much to Chrysalis’ disdain, and was able to fulfill a few fantasies before passing out for the night. Reaching over and nipping them on the ear, her two bed mates slowly woke up.”Good morning you two, sleep well?”
“Can I sleep for a bit longer?” Chrysalis grumbled, blinking away the sand from her eyes. Shifting in place, she was surprised to find Twilight snuggled up under her wing, but after a night of exertion she couldn't blame her former enemy a bit. “Or can Luna put the moon back in the sky at least?”
“No dear, today is a special day, our first day as the official leaders of the Crystal Empire.” Flurry's tone was heavy, like one knowing they were about to go into an unwinnable battle. “Trust me, I don't feel like getting out of bed either, but we got no choice in the matter.”
“Still feels like a dream love,” Chrysalis said, gently nuzzling into the crease of Flurry’s neck. The small trickle of love slowly eased away both their hangovers, her grumpy mood from earlier completely gone. “So much has happened so quick, and now I'm your consort and going to help lead the very place I tried so hard to take over. It just feels weird to me you know?”
“About as weird as a rabbit and duck being friends,” Flurry said, getting out of bed with a smile on her face. “Now come on love, it’s time to get up.”
“Time to get up…” Flurry repeated the words, them tasting like a fine chocolate wine on the tip of her tongue as she went into the hallway, singing a tune based off her mood.
”Time to get up, it’s time to sing
Time to get up… let your voices ring!
Time to get up, have you heard the news?
It is saying… “Good morning to you!”
Good morning, good morning!
It's a brand new day.
Good morning, good morning!
May sunshine come your way!
Oh yes…
Good morning, good morning!
Good times are here to stay.
Good morning good morning!
May good vibes come today!
On the hilltops the snowbirds sing...
Good morning, good morning!
While in town shop bells ding.
Good morning, good morning!
Each smile is not for show…
Good morning, good morning!
It is how all friendships grow!
Good morning, good morning!
It's a brand new day.
morning, good morning!
May sunshine come your way!
Good morning, good morning!
Good times are here to stay.
Good morning, good morning!
May good vibes come today!
Good morning, good morning
How do you do?
Good morning, good morning
I'm fine, how about you?
Good morning, good morning
Oh, I'm just swell!
Good morning, good morning
Have a good day as well!
Good morning, good morning!
It's a brand new day.
Good morning, good morning!
May sunshine come your way.
Good morning, good morning!
Good times are here to stay.
Good morning, good morning!
May good vibes come today!
*ahem*
The polite cough caught Flurry’s attention. Turning towards it, she realized that she had the full Spire staff, as well as Twilight and Chrysalis, behind her and that she had caused each of them to join in on her song. A wave of embarrassment swept over her like a wildfire, a blush forming as a maid stepped forward.
“Good morning indeed, Your Highness,” The maid, a crystal unicorn by the name of Minute Maid, said as she stepped forward and bowed. “But due to that little routine, we are now behind schedule in getting the Spire ready for the celebration.”
“I am sorry, didn't realize that I would have that much effect with my singing.” Flurry’s apology was well recepted, the staff returning to their duties save for Minute Maid. “I will do my best to keep it to a minimum, or if I am alone. So what celebration is there? I thought we had that yesterday.”
“No, Your Highness, that was for Princess Cadance,” Minute Maid said, rising out her bow. “It is also Crystal Empire tradition for a celebration to occur on the first full day of new leadership, something that has been done since it was founded.”
“Oh,” Flurry said, a more confused look crossing her face. “I wish I had been told about that, when is it going to take place?”
“You mean to tell me that you grew up here, and never paid attention to any customs?” A snobby Crystal Elite, appropriately named Smoky Quartz for the ominous feeling of dread he gave to those around him, scoffed. “Some fine Princess you are, and I can see that your rule is already off to a rocky start. Princess Cadance’ should have known better than to let her greenhorn daughter take over.”
“It is by that same custom that you are trying to criticize Flurry on that shows why she is on the throne,” Chrysalis said, her tone turning sour and causing the workers to gulp as she stared down Smoky. “Yes, she has a lot of things that need improvement, no ruler including myself is perfect after all, but she will learn in time. She has shown that she can fully led a hive by herself, so no doubt Flurry will come to be seen as a capable ruler.”
“Besides,” Flurry’s tone didn't mask her aggravation, which she felt more of than anything. “I didn't want to be mommy's little princess or daddy's little warrior, I wanted a life for myself. Destiny led me to this, and Destiny is what will carry me forward. I was deemed Imperial Princess shortly after mine and my mother's mock battle, so my hive is still under Geneighva protection. In time, after me and Chrysalis adjust, we will start building a new hive, but until then they are to be treated fairly as POWs. So forgive me for not knowing, or paying attention, but know that I know I will bump up my morning schedule to accommodate.”
“Not only that Flurry,” Twilight said, awake enough from the little sing along that she was able to focus. “You did say there was to be a full meet and greet later today as well, so the staff most likely will have to pull double duty.”
“Then I should be getting ready myself, in the meantime I'm organizing some drones to help get everything in place to take the load off.” Flurry said, looking at her’s and Twilight's mangled coats and Chrysalis streaked chitin then back to the maid. “Just one more question, why is your name Minute Maid?”
“Because I complete my tasks in a minute or less, it is a nickname but I like it better than my birth one.” Minute Maid’s shiver made it clear that she wasn't going to talk about it, even if pressed. “I am also known to make the best lemonade on staff, if you want some, just let me know.”
“I will,” Flurry said, patting Minute’s head before lowering her hoof back to the floor. “You're dismissed and can return to your duties.”
Minute gave another quick bow then left, leaving the three leaders to themselves in the middle of the hallway, an awkward silence falling between them at last night’s activities being displayed on each of their bodies and the fact the whole staff saw it. Twilight was the first to move, taking off down the hall towards the bathroom with Flurry and Chrysalis hot on her flank, each reacting on pure instinct that they forgot they could teleport.
“Age before beauty you two,” Twilight said, glancing over her shoulder as she neared her destination. “I have been a ruler of Equestria longer than you both have.”
“You just called yourself ugly auntie!” Flurry giggled, her horn flaring to life as she caused Twilight to trip. “Besides, I'm stronger than you are so I go first. I'm the prettiest mare here and the alpha mare as was agreed on last night.”
“That may be so love,” Chrysalis said, brushing a wing down Flurry's back, the AliQueen losing her balance from the sudden pleasure. “But I am the oldest, and unlike you two I don't have fur so my shower will be the shortest, especially since I no longer have any holes anywhere on my body.”
“Then what did Flurry thrust into last night Chrysalis?” Twilight smirked, gliding back to the front as they banked around a corner. “Illusion spell?”
Chrysalis didn't respond.
“Aunt Twilight…” Flurry's tone was as cold as the snow outside the Empire, causing the Princess of Friendship to gulp. “That was a bit too low of a cheap shot, even by your standards.”
“At least it is not as low as you're-” Twilight's sentence was cut short, followed shortly by rolling in a tangled ball of limbs and wings before finally coming to a stop. A groan from the bottom of the pile alerted the others as to who they had run into, and to their surprise it was Shining Armor.
“Umm… hi Dad,” Flurry said, a quick tug painfully revealing that they were, in fact, stuck like a cat in a yarn ball. “What are you doing here?”
“Your mom forgot some of her mane and coat supplies, and I came to get them.” Shining said, his attempt to work free earning a yelp from Twilight, who was stuck between his stomach and Chrysalis’ neck. “Although, I must ask… Who or what is poking my leg at the moment?”
It was hard to see due to how they were tangled, but Chrysalis could make out a piece of pink flesh laying flat against Shining’s leg. Taking into account each of their respective coat colors, and the fact Flurry had not remembered to remove the spell she had put in place the previous night, Chrysalis saw it as a chance to get even for making Twilight watch their little love making session.
“Looks like it is something pink, that's all I can make out,” Chrysalis grinned, a snicker forming in her throat. “So it is definitely one of Flurry's body parts.”
“Flurry of my Heart, think you can wiggle it so it isn't so flushed against me?” Shining asked, clearly uncomfortable as Chrysalis’ snicker built up. “Your leg is so close I can feel your heartbeat through it and my coat.”
“Wait…” Flurry's eyes slowly widened in horror, realizing that due to the way they were positioned, there was no physical way that it could have been her leg. “Oh buck!”
Deactivating the spell was like releasing a spring, the now-vacant space giving and allowing each of them to free themselves with the extra room that was available. Once free, Flurry teleported away and the sound of a pony being soaked in an ice bath echoed through the halls shortly after.
“Well that settles who showers first…” Chrysalis mused, turning to look at her confused father-in-law. “Do I really need to explain, or do you have a pretty good idea as to what was poking your leg?”
“Now I do,” Shining chuckled, causing Twilight and Chrysalis to raise their eyebrows. “Trust me, Cady is into some really kinky stuff, stuff that would even make you burn in embarrassment Chryssy. When you get the chance, ask Luna about her 'Gleaming pet'. Considering what you three did last night, I got to ask, who stuffed you better?”
The amount of mirth, in addition to the sly grin, coming from Shining was something that Chrysalis had not expected. She had always imagined him as a stoic stallion who was just a geek at heart, nothing more. Even during her impersonation of Cadance he had not been so blunt and straightforward, and although she would never admit it she was severely creeped out.
“Is that really something you wish to discuss in public, with your daughter-in-law, and in front your sister?” Chrysalis was cornered in a no-win situation. She knew it, Shining knew it, Twilight knew it, and it angered her that they both knew that she knew. “That was the past Shining Armor, lets all move on from that point in our lives and move forward as a family. Has Cady realized she is now a grandmother to roughly 1500 drones?”
“Not yet,” Shining's answer was a whisper, as if he was just realizing that himself. “But I'm sure that once she does then she will do her best to spoil them.”
“You need to shower Shiny,” Twilight said, wrinkling her nose. “How do you think Cadance will react to you heading back to Ponyville smelling like you made a side stop in the Ruby District?”
“I will explain what happened Twily, a key part to a successful relationship is keeping no secrets.” Shining said, gathering the things that had spread out all over the hallway. “But there is one question I want to be answered, why didn't any of us think to undo ourselves with our magic?”
“I tried, but it didn't work,” Twilight said, lowering her head in shame. “I think the mix of us panicking and our horns being in close proximity acted like a neutralizing field, that or Discord is hiding somewhere and was playing a joke.”
“A rather cruel one,” The bite on Shining's tone alerted Twilight to just how angry he was, an anger that tasted like charcoal to Chrysalis. All further conversation on the topic was dropped when Flurry returned and Shining teleported back to Ponyville.
“I needed that cold shower,” Flurry shuddered, her mane and tail shimmering like silk and her coat glistening like crystal. “I really hope that this is not an indicator of how today is going to go. Shower is available, so how about you two take one together to save time? It isn't like the two of you haven't seen each other's parts before.”
“If we do things might get lewd…” Twilight blush deepened on every word, her brain losing an argument with her mouth as she continued. “Last night was the first time I felt… loved, if you catch my drift.”
“Twily, you mean to tell me that, because of me, Chryssy took your virginity?” When Twilight nodded, Flurry's mood plummeted, now regretting dragging her into Chrysalis’ punishment. “Oh dear…”
“No wonder you were so tight…” Chrysalis muttered, a pinwheel of emotions running through her head. “I'm sorry, but you know I'm Flurry's mare, and what happened can be written off as a one time thing.”
Heartbreak and Jealousy.
The tsunami coming from Twilight was strong, having enough force that both Chrysalis and Flurry nearly recoiled. A true loving couple didn't need words to have a conversation, sometimes just a look and body language was all that was needed. What Twilight was stuffing them with was a potent mixture to a changeling, manageable in small doses but potentially lethal in high doses or prolonged exposure.
Chrysalis, however, got the double whammy. Not only did she have to deal with Twilight's emotional cocktail, but also her wife's, and she could see the guilt written all over the halfling’s muzzle as the purple princess sulked off with her tail off to the side.
“Twilight wait!” Chrysalis' sudden outburst knocked both Flurry and Twilight back to reality, and caused the Princess of Friendship to drop into a bow out of instinct. “You came to us yesterday asking for trade relations with your kingdom correct?”
“Yeah…” Twilight’s heart skipped a beat, a warm feeling deep in her stomach building at what she hoped Chrysalis was getting at. “Why?”
“Do you, Princess Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship,” Chrysalis began, a smile forming on her muzzle as she spoke. “Agree to enter trade relations with the Crystal Empire in order to receive changeling resin in exchange for swearing yourself over to me?”
“Chryssy dear, that isn't how things wor-”
“Deal!” Happiness and unfiltered joy banished the dark tide, giving Twilight a slight glow from a changeling’s perspective. “I, Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship, agree to the terms of the trade. To everypony else, and my allies, I will be their princess and protector, but to you I am your property to do as you wish.”
“In case you both forgot, I'm the alpha,” Flurry's point significantly dampered Twilight's bountiful joy, and earned Chrysalis a sideways glance. “To matters of the hive my word is law, to the Empire I am a fair ruler. Chryssy is my wife, and my Royal Consort. By swearing yourself to her, you also swear your life to me, for life. Only way out will be by either your death, or mine and Chryssy’s, so think wisely before making your choice.”
“I swear myself to you mistress,” Twilight softly replied, kissing Flurry's hooves. “My life is now yours and my owner's.”
“I have one last stipulation,” Flurry didn't break eye contact with Twilight, mainly due to her forcing her aunt to look her in the face by using her magic. “Should you find somepony you want to settle down with, go and be with them. Me and Chryssy will even help play matchmaker for you.”
“Thank you mistress,” Twilight said, the words rolling naturally off her tongue. “May my owner and I shower together?”
“Go on,” Flurry said, releasing her magic as Twilight got off the floor. “I will be waiting for you two in the library. I'm hoping to find something for you to read to us before things get too busy, and I will have breakfast waiting by the time you get there.”
The trio parted, with Flurry making due on her promise by making a side stop in the kitchen to have the staff make a light breakfast to be sent to the library. The library was large, by the Empire’s standards anyway, and held everything from a copy of Cadance's wedding speech to the few remaining tomes from the original days of the Crystal Empire. After sending off last minute invitations to the other Queen's, each including a personal apology as for why it was so sudden, she picked a random tome off the shelf and examined it.
“I think one of these will do nicely,” Flurry said, gently holding the fragile text in her magic and setting it on the table. The cover was worn featureless, and with how delicate the pages looked she knew that Twilight's expert touch would be better than hers when it came to reading it. She had no idea what was marked in the tome, and couldn't wait to find out as the breakfast cart was wheeled in with Chrysalis and Twilight in tow.
“Perfect timing,” Flurry said, the other two mares taking their seats as the plates were served. “I know your thirst for ancient history auntie, this should help sate it. I have no clue what is in this tome, so it will be a learning experience for all of us.”
Twilight’s eyes practically lit up like 1000w light bulbs, the chance of learning new knowledge attracting her full attention. She had the nickname “book horse" for a very good reason, a reason even the purple alicorn acknowledged if the subject got brought up.
“This is an unusual tome,” Twilight said, gently flipping the pages while using a translation spell to convert the text to modern Ponish. “Most of this stuff is dealing with alchemy, an art that has been forbidden for millennia.”
“Why would an alchemy book be archived?” Flurry and Chrysalis both had the same question, but it was the older changeling who spoke first. “You would think Cadance, or somepony for that matter, would catch something this dangerous by now.”
“Archived texts are to be handled only by curators, a princess, or an expert mage.” Twilight said, her frown and amount of worry deepening with every page she flipped. “I am or have been all three of those things, and no offense to mistress, but where she has me beat in raw power I have her beat in control and technique. You ponynapping Cadance, dealing with two invasions, Sombra, the Storm King debaticle, and rebuilding in between she probably had no time.”
“I do see your point however,” Twilight continued. “These are very dangerous spells, ones that I wouldn't dare trusting Starlight with. Girls… these spells can revive the dead.”
“Then burn that book!” Chrysalis exclaimed, earning a deadly growl from Twilight as the alicorn clutched the book close to her chest. “I know how you feel about that, but do you really want that to fall into the wrong hooves?”
“Do you want to risk freeing a magic which we have no idea how to contain?” Twilight's counter argument was a good one, one that Chrysalis could not refute. “Such books often have wards to prevent such accidents from occuring, and it will take me time to pick them apart. Once I do, then the book can be disposed of, but I will not be the one to do it.”
“Yes you will be the one Twilight,” Flurry said, staring down the alicorn. “Otherwise, you would be disobeying both your owner and mistress, and believe me when I say you won't enjoy the punishment.”
Flurry Heart hid a smile at feeling Twilight's conflict, she knew that her aunt had acted rashly in her choice, and was going to make sure she learned her lesson. “So pet, what are you going to do?”
“I-I'll burn the book,” Twilight's tone, and posture, both took on a defeated front. “But only after I finish this cover to cover, deal?”
“Deal pet,” Flurry's tone was silk to Twilight's ears, her whole body feeling as if she was taking a lava bath in the magma chamber of an erupting volcano. Flurry noticed, a small smirk forming at seeing how far she could push her aunt. She had no intentions of keeping her, but knew she couldn't speak on Chrysalis’ behalf despite being the alpha, she had standards after all. “Although, I think that Twilight is a name for a pony, not a pet, don't you agree?”
Flurry's question stopped Chrysalis from sipping her tea and Twilight from reading, the alicorn's ears standing straight up. “I suppose so mistress, however, each of my friends have given their pets regular names… Rainbow naming her's Tank for example.”
“True, true,” Flurry said, getting up and moving behind Twilight, nipping the tuft of the princess's neck. “But since you are a bookhorse, I suppose a different kind of name is due. So tell me pet, how many different genres of books are there here on Eques?”
“There are exactly 413 main genres, and a couple thousand more subgenres and crossgenre references,” Twilight beamed, taking great pride in her knowledge. “Why do you ask?”
“Then from this point forward that is your name to me,” Flurry scratched her fangs along the crease in Twilight's neck, the alicorn practically squirming for pleasure release. “You are not Princess Twilight Sparkle, you are 413, loyal pet to Queen Flurry Heart and will address me as so or as 'my Queen’. You have no control or say so in my actions regarding you, and refusal will be met with swift punishment.”
”413… A special name for a good pet!” A majority of Twilight's brain did the waltz in glee, the tiny piece that didn't slowly losing its hold on her thoughts. “I will do my best to obey you mistress, but I ask for time and patience for me to dispose of this item, as I said don't want to risk any incidents.”
“I'm going to let that slide this time,” Flurry said, channeling power into her horn. “Although, I think I should at least give you a small taste of what will happen if you do not obey on the spot.”
Flurry let loose her spell, her magic coursing through Twilight's body and targeting the alicorn's most sensitive muscles and nerves. Twilight moaned, but when she went to move her forehooves to get the edge off, she was shocked to find that she couldn't.
“This will be your obedience training 413,” Flurry said, powering down her magic and allowing the flustered ball of purple fluff to sump against the table heavily panting. “Duration will be determined based on severity of the discipline needed.”
“U-understood mistress,” Twilight droned, slowly coming off her hormones high. “I will obey you, like a good pet should.”
“Flurry my dear, I just thought of something else about 413,” Chrysalis’ acknowledgment caused Twilight to pivot her head, looking from her mistress to her owner as Flurry raised an eyebrow. “Pets are walked, do you have any ideas as to how we are to walk our pet in public should we chose to?”
“Hmm…” Flurry mused the question, choosing to go with something that would seem scandalous as she grinned. “I suppose a crystal collar, carved with my cutie mark on the front with 413 in the middle. The band satin black, with emeralds, rose quartz, and amethysts embedded in it with runes that would prevent her from using magic or flight. The leash matching the collar of course, and would only allow her to get five feet from us in any direction.”
“Then, there is what she will be wearing if she misbehaves,” Flurry's tone was a purr to Twilight, the alicorn imagining herself being walked by her niece like the piece of property she was as her mistress continued. “A solid gold bridle and tack, complete with muzzle, bit, blinders, and reins. Each with the same runed gemstones, her wings binded to her sides, and her tail having a docklink that would keep her tail flagged at all times, and acting as a vibrator.”
Lust.
Lust poured off of Twilight like a tsunami, threatening to engulf the two emotion- sensitive beings in the room, and only got worse as Flurry continued to describe just how low she would be treated. The married couple glanced at each other, and with a silent nod both shot a spell into Twilight's brain.
“Ow!” Twilight flinched, but pain was soon replaced by confusion. Everything, every thought was crystal clear to her, and she felt no lust or heat coming from her core. “Hey, what kind of spell was that?”
“A different take on my mind control magic, but in reverse,” Chrysalis explained, refilling her cup as she did so. “Instead of forcing someone to think a certain way, like I did to your brother, it is made to clear one's thoughts by increasing their focus with a mental calm.”
“You were giving off a lot of lust with my collar and bridle descriptions Auntie,” Flurry said, nuzing the smaller mare. “Now that you can clearly think, are you sure that you want to be our pet, with me as your mistress?”
“I need it Flurry, more than you or anypony knows,” Twilight sighed, her ears flattening while drooping her wings to her sides. “Before you were born, and I was the Princess of Friendship, I was an introvert that only wanted one thing… to be fully engrossed in my studies for Celestia.”
“I was a young unicorn then, with no friends and had the same daily cycle. I would see about Spike, then spend the rest of the day and most of the night studying, nothing in between. Everything changed that fateful day when Celestia sent me to Ponyville, and as they say the rest is recorded history.”
“The Friendship Journal,” Flurry said, earning a nod from Twilight at the answer. “So what does that have to do with wanting to be our pet?”
“Everything Flurry,” Twilight said, her tone withered by the battles of life hard fought. “Since the Elements of Harmony choose me and my friends, we have battled foes year after year, season after season, week after week, and sometimes on a daily basis. It is tiring, it is exhausting, and it will continue to be so until the end of our days. A part of me, that introvert who wanted to be left alone, never died but due to my new duties I had to bury it in my brain.”
“So… is this some sort of fetish?” Chrysalis asked, looking to the pony that had been her enemy for so long with a neutral mask. “You had no valid reason to agree to the trade, especially with the terms I set and considering our own past encounters.”
“That is where you are wrong Chrysalis,” Twilight said, catching the changeling with her guard down. “You did something only a very few individuals had ever managed to do, you proved me wrong. When Cadance first told me of the two of you being together, I had my doubts, and wanted to come and take Flurry back. However, I was talked out of it in a closed door meeting with Luna, and seeing as how things now are she was right in holding me back.”
“Discord proved me wrong by redeeming himself, now him and Fluttershy are happily married. You proved me wrong by showing you can be kind and caring. There is one case, a little filly from the first Friendship School class, that proved me wrong in a bad way. Then there is Starlight, who not only redeemed herself, but also surpassed my standards and is now the head of the Crystal Heart Foundation.”
“The Crystal Heart Foundation?” Flurry asked, tilting her head slightly. “What is that?”
“A group of high level unicorn mages who, when united, hold enough skill to be a backup to any loss of love to the Crystal Heart.” Twilight said, her tone softening with a sigh. “Unfortunately, the fact the Heart shattered rendered them useless when Cadance's nearly died.”
“That's horrible,” Chrysalis, too stunned to drink, said as she sat down her teacup. “I would have thought some backup power supply would be in place, but what is the point if the Heart is gone? I think we are straying from the topic at hoof though, why do you need us in control of you?”
“Take that up with the Foundation, as ruler I'm sure you'll have an audience with them,” Twilight said, her stance once again going soft. “As for me, how can I help everypony if I can't help myself? I have tried numerous things to take that edge off, but you two do it perfectly. I feel the best I've had in years, and you two are my nieces so I know you'll properly pamper and treat me well.”
“That makes a lot of sense when put in that perspective,” Flurry said her eyes glancing between the clock and the book. “So, how about you get to reading like we originally planned 413?”
The switch in Twilight's brain was instant, flipping through without a word looking for something not dangerous to read outloud. At first, it seemed pointless, the pages being filled with nothing but diagrams and spells that were increasingly dangerous. However, just before the book was done, Twilight found what looked like an angrily written log note.
The city of Cystalia…
The heart and soul of the vast Crystal Empire, full of good vibes and cheer thanks to Princess Amore and the Crystal Heart, where love is plentiful…
NO! IT'S ALL LIES!
That backstabbing, two-timing whorse, chose that commoner Sombra over me! I've known her all my life, yet she chose him when we both confessed our feelings. He has nothing-not even the barest hints of a reputation and his influence extends to what he expels at an outhouse! I could have made her life easier! Nopony would have been able to stop us with the research in this journal, research I have gathered since graduation. She says it is unsafe, that it is immoral, that is downright black magic to be able to command the dead on a whim. SHE. IS. WRONG!
Oh the possibilities such magic can cause, it can be a glorious revolution to benefit the Empire. All would have been respectful, all will have been fearful, but she chose to those that aside for a stallion she claimed 'saw her ideals’.
I got a glorious revenge scheme in mind, and the first wheels have already been put in motion. Already, several of my own creation, a being I have named the Windego, are feeding on the ponies at the outer settlements of the Crystal Empire. Several have fallen, buried beneath a blanket of snow and ice… and it is only a matter of time before it reaches Crystalia…
All three mares looked at each other, frozen in horror. No where in recorded history had an actual account of how the Windegos came to be had been found, but it now sat right in front of them. With great reluctantance, Twilight turned the next page, finding a second entry.
That didn't go according to plan…
The Windegos are far greater than I could have ever imagined, that I am grateful to Celestia that actually worked. The entire Empire, minus Crystalia, is now buried in an eternal winter, many have died but their deaths will only but justified by the death of Amore!
She got damn lucky, the first few waves of Windegos were able to weaken her forces, but not destroy the Heart, and that is where things went south for me. Using a spell, and the power of love in a way I never thought possible, Amore and Sombra amplified the love flowing through the Heart and repelled my creations. That saved the city, but didn't reverse the winter, so now a shield has been put in place to keep the cold out and allow daily life to continue… with mourning for the lives lost.
I must go now, there is a bounty out on the head of the culprit, and although I have managed to keep a low profile I'm afraid that my time is short. Already I'm being followed, every movement sca-
THEY'RE HERE!
The bloody joke called the Crystal Guard is here at my doorstep, so I must go. I'm going to hide this in the last place they'll think to look, and hopefully I'll get off with a slap on the fetlock. Then again, I can feel Sombra slowly changing… darkness closing in…
Twilight slammed the book shut, not being able to read anymore. Her nerves were shot, her mind and heartbeat racing like a Derby, and a cold shot of fear settled into the room like a concrete blanket.
“I-I say we go get ready…” Chrysalis gulped, trying to calm her nerves. “Put the book back until tonight, then we will go to Ponyville and have a meeting with Cadance, Shining, the Element Bearers, Celestia, and Luna… You know, just in case.”
Twilight and Flurry couldn't agree more, stashing the book away then bolting out the door as if they had got struck by the Rainbow Special, an ominous feeling weighing on their minds as they headed for the throne room.
Far away, at the edge between the Badlands and the Crystal Empire, a lone changeling was digging in a cave. The drone, nicknamed by the hive as “Grumpy”, loved to do nothing but complain about everything. That included not only the source of love that was helping to fuel his tunneling spell, but also about the current leaders.
“Stupid, stupid pony,” Grumpy muttered, tossing aside yet another boulder that meat seconds ago had been an obstacle. “Why couldn't things remain as they were? Yes, I was starving, but at least Chrysalis wasn't soft as she is now. Why couldn't they just go back to being enemies?!”
It was at that moment Grumpy misjudged the timing of his swing, the pickax being held in his magic violently hitting the side of the wall instead of in front of him. A deep vibration began in the walls, resulting in Grumpy having to run to escape the falling debris. The dust settled, and much to his surprise a corridor had been exposed.
“And buck this job to Tartarus with a hand basket!” Grumpy fumed, eventually using his horn as a light as he headed down the mysterious passageway. The further he got, the colder and heavier the air felt, clinging to his chitin like morning dew on the grass. The tunnel eventually smoothed back level, opening to a vast chamber with what could only be described as a fossilized metallic ice cream canister in the middle surrounded by luminescent purple and black vines.
“You there,” A kind, gentle voice, a mare's called out from in the room. It was weak, but still was understandable. “Can you please get me out of this container? I was experimenting one of my dad's inventions and got stuck in here. Could you be a dear and open the door? It can't open from the inside I'm afraid, and I'll be running out of air soon.”
-Run, tell the queens!-
Every part of his mind told him to bolt out of there, his fin and wings both standing on end and ridged as a razor blade. This gave him something else to complain about, and despite his internal screaming he made his way over to the container, putting his hoof on the front of it.
“Thank you,” The voice said, giggling as soon as the hoof touched the smooth, runed metal. “That's all that I need to get out, and thank you for your foolish sacrifice.”
“What do y-”
Grumpy's question was cut short, a violent flame pouring into his mind and threatening to short-circuit his brain. The fire left his connection to the hivemind alone, which set off no warning to any other drone or the queens, so he was quite literally bucked as his body began to change.
The chitin remained mostly the same, but with deep violet rune lines spread along it, stretching his body into a more slimmer shape. A deadening crunch as heard, and felt, as his gender forcibly flipped, and his wings becoming more delicate and becoming a pure black shadow.
“Finally,” The now-free mare said, and after a short feel of how to work changeling magic was back looking like Grumpy. “I'm free! Amore and Sombra we're fools thinking they could kill a wise,I masterful necromancer like me, and as soon as I get my book this age is doomed. Soon, nopony will be able to stop me, and I will be able to claim my rightful place as Imperial Queen!”
Author's Note
The sequel is finally here!
Thanks goes to my editors CrystalMysteria (who did the cover art) and Penalt. Minute Maid is an unintentional call back to Penalt's own "Long Live the Queen", which is the brainchild of this universe.
CrystalMysteria's DA can be found here.
