The Curse Of Chrysalis

Chapter 12

“You...did...WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!” Chrysalis’s voice rang out so loud it shook the whole hive. She was breathing vehemently as she clutched the armrest of her throne so tight she made it crack as she stared daggers not only at Firefly, but at the six mares that came with her to try and explain the situation.

“Please your majesty, I beg you to calm down. I swear it was an accident!”

“It was our fault!” Twilight said. “We thought they were being held prisoner here and we wanted to help them.”

“And just how did you know they were here in the first place!? In fact, how did you even know the location of my hive at all!?” Chrysalis exclaimed.

“That’s my bad.” Pinkie said raising a hand. “I kind of….stumbled across it?” She suggested nervously.

Chrysalis rested a hand on her head and leaned back with a heavy sigh. “And just as they were about to come back here from your place, they got pulled into some dark shadow with tentacles?”

“Afraid so.” Rarity replied.

“I swear we had nothing to do with that. And...when they told us the real reason you were trying to invade that one time...well…”

Chrysalis sat back up. “What exactly did they tell you? How much did they reveal?” She asked with a stern look.

“Only that your invasion of Canterlot was out of desperation. How your hive was low on love energy and tried to invade for that reason.”

Chrysalis sighed and relaxed again.

“Look, you have to know we ponies aren’t all that bad. If you had asked for help we would have gladly given it.” Twilight stated.

“And what if you had refused?” Chrysalis asked. “Can you honestly say ALL of you ponies would have willingly accepted our kind and given us love freely?”

“Um...well...I…” Twilight stuttered.

“Exactly. And after the recent failed invasion, I doubt anyone would be so inclined to listen now.” Chrysalis stated.

“We listened.” Rainbow said. “And Kris and Cory convinced us that we want to help. Sure you took Cadence and impersonated her and brainwashed Twilight’s big brother, but after those two explained why, I think we can forgive all that.”

“And Celestia’s a kind hearted ruler. She’d gladly want ta help if ya just asked. And all ya gotta do is apologize fer yer invasion attempt.” Applejack stated.

“You expect me to apologize for trying to do something to save my subjects?” Chrysalis asked.

“That’s not what we’re asking at all.” Twilight said. “Look, can’t we work this out later? We both have a mutual concern. The disappearance of Cory and Kris. Can’t we at least work together on finding them, THEN discuss a treaty or something?”

Chrysalis took a breath and calmed down. “Fine. For now we have a truce until Cory and Kris are found and returned safely to my kingdom. Now, tell me again what exactly it was you saw.”

“Ugh...my head. What happened? Ugh...last thing I remember is….tentacles. Oooh.” Kris said with a shudder as he slowly started to come to.

“Tendrils to be exact.” Cory’s voice called as Kris noticed he and, upon spotting him, Cory were chained up against a stone wall. Not stone as in made of stone blocks, but like the room they were in was carved from stone.

“Tentacles, tendrils, same thing.” Kris said before noticing the situation. “Okay, first the tendrils, now bondage? Whoever is behind this is into some VERY odd kinks. Kinks I do NOT want to be a part of thank you very much. We’re going to need a long talk with whoever did this.”

Cory frowned. “Kris, I know it’s a defense mechanism, but right now is NOT the time for jokes.”

“Oh, should I be screaming my head off and panicking instead?” Kris asked. “Okay, *ahem*. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! SOMEONE HELP! GET US OUT OF HERE!” He started yelling and thrashing, the chains rattlings like marracas.

.

Cory’s eye twitched before he managed to kick a rock the size of a fingertip at Kris’ forehead.

“OW!” Kris cried out from the pain. “Okay! Okay! I’m...somewhat calm now. But I am seriously freaking out here. I swear to god this better not be some Saw scenario or I’m REALLY gonna lose it.”

Cory looked about, the chains on his arms lightly rattling. “I’ve been awake for some time now and I’ve been able to learn a few things. And while it’s not exactly a solid theory, it’s the best with what I’ve been able to find.”

“Please tell me this isn’t a horror scenario or something. PLEASE tell me that much at least.” Kris begged.

“Well, I don’t THINK so. But I can tell it’s rather cold, not enough to freeze us, but from what wind I’ve heard in the distance, we might be in a cave or something within a tundra. And then there’s the fact that the tendrils looked to be made from darkness and shadows. Then add in the fact that we’re still alive but chained up. We shouldn’t even be known, but with what evidence I’ve gathered, little as it is, we must be near the Crystal Empire, and by process of elimination, the only thing I can guess that took us was the former tyrant of said empire.”

“Excellent deduction.” A smooth, silky, and smoky voice spoke as hoof steps were heard. Coming from the only entrance to their room, was a unicorn all of Equestria would know, but would be a surprise to the two humans. The unicorn was a mare with light black fur, red eyes with purple mist flowing from the corners, a red horn jutting from her head, silk like black mane and tail, wearing silver armor and a royal cape over her back. The two humans might have expected Sombra, what they got was the genderbent version, Umbra.

Kris stared wide eyed for a moment. “Sweet Jesus, we've been abducted by a bondage crazed female Sombra…..and she’s hot. Shwing!” He managed to lift his hips upwards a moment.

Umbra raised a brow at Kris. “My name is Umbra. You would do well to remember it, mortal.”

“Of course. My apologies, I was merely captivated by your beauty.” Kris stated. “That said, mind if I ask why it is you took us like you did?”

“Speaking the truth will get you nowhere. As for why I took you two, it’s because of you two that I am reborn.” Umbra said with a smirk.

Cory narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”

Umbra chuckled. “The amount of power you were giving those emotion leeches caused a swell of magic. And then, when you two unleashed so much magic a mere few days ago, the over abundance of magic being called and used not only sped up my return, but gave me even more power. You two are like bottomless pits of magic, yet you can only tap into a drop of that well of power.” She then shuddered as if she felt a jolt of pleasure. “Such power, such magic. It was nothing like anything I ever felt before. I knew I wanted it. But I couldn’t get at you two, due to Chrysalis being so protective of you. And then you two leave the safety of the hive.”

“Technically, we were taken from the safety of the hive.” Kris corrected.

Cory shook his head. “I think she means when we went out hunting and encountered Twilight and her friends.”

Umbra nodded. “Exactly. I would have gotten you two right there, but then that unicorn and her friends stepped in. That Rainbow went too fast for me to track, but I just followed the slow yellow one. Once you were in the open, taking you two was too easy.”

“So you’re into kidnapping, tentacle porn, and bondage. You got some serious issues missy.” Kris commented.

Cory groaned before Umbra grabbed Kris by his neck and lifted him off the floor. “Insult me again like that and I will feed your tongue to the pigs.”

“Right...no more insults. Got it. Promise.” Kris strained. “Still think your pretty though.” He added with a strained grin.

Umbra dropped Kris. “Better. And don’t think you can escape. These chains were made from my magic and they drain your magic before channeling it into me. Already I feel several times stronger than when I first returned with the Crystal Empire. And I intend on draining you both for everything you have.”

Cory frowned. “You know you won’t win. You’ve already written your own death warrant.”

Umbra laughed. “By that queen of bugs? Please, my presence wasn’t felt even as I took you both. As far as the world cares, I’m still gone.” She then looked Cory and then Kris over. “Although, saying that, I can see why Chrysalis would want to keep you two around and not for the power you give. Despite not being ponies, you both are rather pleasing to the eye. More so than that stallion who thought he could slow me down. What was his name?” She tapped her chin.

“Shining Armor?” Cory offered.

Umbra snapped her fingers. “That’s it. I didn’t think he was much. Truth be told, I thought he was a mare at first.” Cory snorted at this. It was true that Shining Armor DID look a little like a mare. Especially when compared to stallions like Big Mac or Blueblood, despite the later being a pansy.

“Says the tyrant that was beaten by a baby dragon.” Kris commented under his breath.

He would then feel something poking between his legs, REALLY close to Kris junior. “I’m sorry, what was that?” Umbra asked as she raised a black crystal up, right between his legs.

“Nothing! Absolutely nothing!” Kris said quickly in a near panic. “I said nothing! Just ignore me!”

The crystal retracted to the ground. “Good.” She nodded. “Now, I will be tending to a few things before coming back to see you two. Don’t go away now.” She laughed as she left the two alone.

Cory sighed before deadpanning at Kris. “Must you open your mouth in ways that can get you killed?”

“Well EXCUUUUUSE me! How was I supposed to know she’d be so sensitive? Jeeze. Some females just can’t take a joke.” Kris replied.

Cory shook his head before pulling on his chains. While there was slack, it wasn’t enough to give them much freedom. “These don’t feel metal. I think that they might be the same as those black crystals.”

“Yeah. They do seem like it.” Kris replied. “She said these are supposed to drain our magic as we let it out. Do you think we can let it out faster than they can drain to the point of breaking them?”

“She said they were meant to drain us, period. Whether we let it out or not. But you might be onto something. That one anime you showed me, what was it? My Hero Academia? That guy All Might going against that one monster. I think the same applies here. These chains absorb, not nullify. That means there’s a limit to how much they can take.” Cory said before frowning. “Problem is, we have no idea what will happen. They could simply shatter, or even explode.”

“Well then, guess I’ll be the guinea pig. I’ll try first. If I die, it’ll be up to you to do what needs to be done.” Kris stated. “Between the two of us, you stand a better chance of taking care of things. I’m too much of a joker.” Kris stated seriously with a small smile and his head down.

Cory’s eyes widened. “Kris, don’t you DARE!! You are literally the only reason I didn’t get locked up in a mental hospital after I was discharged! I WILL NOT lose you too!!”

“Come on Cory. Over the time we’ve spent together, I’ve seen you get better. You’ll do fine. Besides, you can just turn to Chrysalis over me. It may not be ideal, but I’m not the best strategist among us. That’s all you. And that’s what’s going to be needed to deal with that Sombra mare.” He said, giving a smile.

Cory stared hard at Kris, his hands clenched so hard, blood was drawn. “Don’t you DARE die. Or I will rip you from the grave just to beat you senseless.”

“It’s like you said, we don’t know what will happen.” He looked down at his lap. “The chains could just shatter and I’ll be fine. In which case that would make my little speech pointless. That said...if I do die...you’ve been the best brother a guy could ask for, the bro I never had.” With that, he closed his eyes and began to focus his magic.

The magic began flowing into the chains at a steady pace, not much different than when Kris used an easy spell. Kris then began pumping more magic, increasing it by the second. The chains seemed to be holding, but before long, they began to glow from the sheer amount of magic they were holding. He kept pouring more magic into it, giving all he could squeeze out. Umbra said they were bottomless, they just could only use a tiny amount of it at a time.

Cracks began forming on the chains and the cuffs. Kris then pushed whatever he had left with a yell and then a bright flash of light erupted with a loud *BANG*, like a grenade going off. The light blinded Cory as he cried out. “CHARLES!!!”

Chrysalis froze mid speech and looked around. “That magic...I know that.” She said as she slowly stood up.

“I felt that too.” Twilight said. “Could it be...is it them?” Twilight asked.

“It came from the north GUARDS! ASSEMBLE!” Chrysalis roared out. In no time, all her forces gathered. “Everyone! I believe we have located our lost friends Kris and Cory! We are going to the north to find them! I want whoever took them captured alive so I can punish them myself! They will pay for taking what is mine! Is that understood!”

“YES MY QUEEN!” THe guards all saluted.

“These six will be accompanying us!” Chrysalis gestured to the mares. “Now let’s go!” With that, a few of the guards picked up the non flying ponies and took off for the north.

“Cory, Kris, don’t you dare be dead on me.” Chrysalis said to herself as she led her army in full armor.

They soon came to the frozen north with snow everywhere. Before long, they came upon a mountain…..or rather, the remains of one. It looked like something exploded from the inside, causing it to collapse.

Seeing the mountain remains, Chrysalis stopped making her soldiers stop in mid air. “What did this?” She asked. Just outside of said ruined mountain she saw a unicorn mare with what looked like several golems of stone and crystal. A very familiar unicorn mare. She narrowed her eyes and growled. “You.”

“No….it...it can’t be.” Twilight said in shock.

“No way, she’s supposed to be gone. I know we blasted her.” Rainbow stated.

“It’s...it’s….” Fluttershy started.

“UMBRA!” Chrysalis roared out.

Umbra turned from the rubble with a frown. “Well, the queen of the insects has arrived. I’m not surprised given that raw amount of magic. I didn’t think they would be so suicidal as to take the whole mountain.”

Chrysalis pointed a sword at Umbra. “Where is Cory and Kris!? The two humans you stole from me!? I know you have them!” She exclaimed with a hard glare.

Umbra looked back to the former mountain. “In there. Or whatever’s left of them. One or both of those humans caused that powerful explosion of magic.”

“What?!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Oh no.” Fluttershy gasped.

“It can’t be.” Rarity said.

“No...not them.” Pinkie said as her mane deflated.

“You’re lying. YOU’RE LYING!” Chrysalis roared as a tear fell from her left eye. “DO NOT LIE TO ME YOU PATHETIC CREATURE OF SHADOW! WHERE ARE THEY!?”

Umbra snarled. “I have no need to lie. I was using that mountain to build my forces and took them both to drain them of their magic. It was working too, but then, not even minutes after I left them alone, they caused this.”

Tears started to stream down Chrysalis’s face as she lowered her head and clutched her chest. “No….it can’t be. It can’t….” She looked back to Umbra, one eye shadowed by her mane. “You will pay for this...you hear me! YOU WILL PAY!” With that, she started building magic in her horn and fired the most powerful shot she could muster right at Umbra. Umbra turned and countered by firing her own powerful blast, the two cancelling out.

Umbra smirked. “You’re a little late. I’ve already drained more than enough to easily eclipse my glory days by several fold. I wanted to take ALL their magic, but this is more than enough. Now, I believe I should-” She was cut off as a cold, dark, and heavy chill ran down everyone’s spine, as if something just walked over their graves. Umbra shivered in unknowing fear, as she had no idea what was causing this.

The mares felt it too and were left to wonder what was going on. It was enough to stop Chrysalis from crying and looked to try and find what the source of this dread could be.

The sound of rocks hitting one another was heard and drawn the eyes of all present. The rubble of the mountain began to shift. Something was alive, and from the feel of this pressure, it was not pleased. Not. One. Bit.

Umbra could actually see her own golems taking steps back, shocking her and filling her with more fear. Her golems were made to be nothing but her tools, no souls, no emotions, literally dolls that only moved due to her will. If anything, they should be moving to get between her and whatever was about to come out.

The changelings all landed and looked on with Chrysalis, thinking, hoping, praying it was who she thought it was that was coming.

The rocks and boulders were then flung off with a massive burst of magic. The dust and snow were kicked up and blocked all sight, but they were barely able to see a glow through the cover. As it faded, they all saw…..something human-like but most certainly NOT human.

The torso was colored grey and very well muscled as were the arms, but the hands were covered in black and white flaming claws while the elbows seemed to not be there and instead jets of fire were in their places, same with the shoulders on the back. The legs were more akin to a ponies, but made of the same white and black flames and ending with claws. A tail of the same flames waved and whipped about.

However, aside from all this, what truly held their attention was the head. It didn’t look human other than shape. It was more akin to a glowing skull of the same colors as the flames with white hot fire in the eye sockets, a pair of flaming horns curving to the back and fangs of silver fire.

The changelings and Chrysalis stared in shock and fear. Though in her heart, Chrysalis could feel that this was someone she knew. “No….what...what’s happened to you?” She said more to herself as tears started streaming again.

The creature looked at Chrysalis for a moment before looking at Umbra. Then, the feeling of dread turned to that of death as the sheer anger of it could be felt.

“UUUUUUUUUMBRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!”