The Curse Of Chrysalis

Chapter 14

Word back from Celestia finally came to Twilight. Celestia wanted to meet with Chrysalis herself first before deciding anything. So a meeting was arranged. As for Umbra, seeing as the crimes she recently committed were against Chrysalis and her hive, it was agreed Umbra would be taken into Chrysalis’s custody and imprisoned at her hive for judgement and punishment.

Umbra had been secured in a prison in the hive with anti magic precautions taken to ensure she couldn’t escape. Cory and Kris decided to pay her a visit though and talk with her. Being the soft hearted fellas they are, they couldn’t stand to see a pretty thing in such a state. Kris was more curious as to what Umbra’s motives were and see if maybe she can’t be convinced to change her ways. “So, here we are.” Kris said as he and Cory stood before Umbra in her cell.

Umbra was chained down, on her knees and her arms together with her horn shackled as well. It was clear Chrysalis wasn’t taking any chances with her. Despite her reputation as the mistress of fear, she herself was now showing that very emotion as she looked at the two humans. The fight, if it could be called that, was still fresh in her mind as well as just how close to death she came at the hands of the berserk human.

Kris closed his eyes with a sigh before looking at her. “Umbra, I really only have one question. What exactly was your true goal and why?....okay that’s two questions but it still stands.”

Umbra was silent for a moment, but before long spoke, “My goal was to release my race. The Daemon. As for why, it is my purpose.” She knew she had no way out of this, lying would gain her nothing.

Cory raised a brow. “Daemon?”

Umbra looked at Cory. “Beings of shadow and darkness that were locked away countless centuries ago.”

“Okay, that raises another question from me. What exactly are the daemon?” Kris asked.

Umbra sighed. “They are beings that feed on fear, where my power comes from. They make the Windigos look like harmless infants.”

“Well, you lost the battle. There’s really no reason now for you to try that anymore. And honestly, if you do insist on trying, I’d hate to find out what queen Chrysalis would do to you. Call me dumb if you want for wanting to help an enemy, but that’s just how I role.” Kris stated. “Look, you’re your own mare now. You don’t have to go through with that. So what if that was the task these daemon gave you. That doesn’t mean you HAVE to follow it. They got you on some kind of leash or something?”

Umbra looked up at her own horn. “My horn? Ever wonder why it looks far different from a normal unicorn? That’s why. This horn is directly connected to them.”

“I had wondered about that but just thought it was an interesting part of your charm.” Kris stated. “Something that added to your dark beauty.”

Umbra snorted. “Save your flattery. It won’t matter anyway. That queen will soon have my head and your words will have been wasted.”

Cory frowned. “Umbra, we’re here, now, giving you a chance to-”

“To what?” Umbra cut him off. “To be ‘redeemed’. I don’t think so. The word of two creatures that turn into true demons would have little sway over a queen who has ruled her race for centuries.”

“You might be surprised though.” Kris said. “As it happens, me and my bro here are rather tight with the queen. I’m certain we can convince her not to lop off your head. She trusts us and listens to us. Tell her Cory.” Kris said, looking to Cory.

Cory nodded. “She didn’t come for us just because we were useful. You saw what she was willing to do for us.”

Umbra was silent before looking away. “I still don’t believe you. But I’ll humor you. If you can convince her to spare my life, I’ll not only give up on my plans, I’ll even be your personal servant.” She said with a hint of sarcasm.

“Better offer. We convince her to spare you, you tell us how to get rid of that link you mentioned in your horn.” Kris stated.

Umbra laughed hard at that, as if she was told the best joke. The two humans didn’t know if they should be mad at her laughing at their offer, or if they should be worried she knew something. She calmed down before answering their unasked question. “You don’t seem to understand. I never said I was linked to them against my will. When I said it was my purpose, I was being literal. I was CREATED by the Daemon, to blend in with the crystal ponies so that I would free the Daemon from their prison. My horn is just a product of their power in making me.”

Kris looked to the guard on duty. “Would you mind opening her cell please.”

“But sir...she…” The male guard started but Kris cut him off.

“She’s chained up and has an anti magic ring on her horn. Plus we’re here. She’s not going anywhere.”

The guard relented and opened the cell.

Kris walked in and kneeled down before Umbra and gently placed a hand on hers. “Umbra, you don’t have to work for them. You said yourself you were doing this of your own volition. That they literally created you right? Even so, it does seem you have your own will. Yet I feel you merely FEEL obligated to help the Daemon because of the reason for your creation. I promise you that road will lead to failure. It already has twice. Once you were pretty much blasted to pieces by the crystal heart. The second time….you know. So I ask you this. Do you really want to live as a slave to such a fate, doomed to face failure for as long as you live trying to do something when there are so many things that could stop you from that goal? Or do you want to give up on that and see what it might be like to live a normal life as a mare? I swear I am dead set determined to help you find the happiness all beings deserve.” He said with such sincerity. “Let us help you, please.”

Umbra was silent. She wanted to shake his hand off hers, but as she was chained and shackled down, she really couldn’t. She thought on his words and as much as she hated to admit it, especially since it came from the very being that all but crushed her, she had to admit that there was a certain appeal in his offer. But she knew of a few snags. “Even if Chrysalis spares me, I will still be hunted by all others.”

“Then I’ll defend you with my life.” Kris stated without hesitation, placing a hand over his chest.

Cory sighed. “I honestly can’t say that I wouldn’t help, so you have my protection as well.”

Umbra looked at them both for a few moments before lowering her head. “Just do what you want.”

Kris smiled. “You won’t regret this.” He removed his hand and stood before exiting the cell. He paused at the door and looked back over his shoulder. “By this time tomorrow, you’ll be a free mare.” He stepped out and the guard locked the cell behind him. “Next stop, the queen!”

Cory chuckled before the two began heading for the throne room, hoping to find her there. “Really, I’m not surprised you made such a promise.”

“I meant what I said. She may not have been one officially, but she pretty much was a slave to those daemon that made her. It’s not right for one to make a living being to just do what they want.” Kris stated.

“And just how do you expect to convince Chrysalis to let her live? You know exactly how she is and I doubt letting the tyrant that nearly killed the two men who managed to slip into her heart go without a lot of pain is in her mind.” Cory countered.

“I’ll figure out something. I have to. Umbra deserves a chance. Isn’t this what Twilight and her friends would do?” Kris stated.

“Attempt to save a tyrant that nearly crippled her brother magically and nearly drove her sister in law into a coma from how magically drained she became?” Cory raised a brow with a smirk.

“Okay….maybe not. It’s what I want to do then. Come on! She’s a mare in need of help! She did some bad stuff, sure, but I’m willing to overlook that and give her a chance. No one else did. But then I guess there wasn’t an opportunity to. There is now and I’m making use of it. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Cory chuckled again. “I’m not going against you, never said I did. Just letting you know that it won’t be easy. But I’ll back you up.”

Kris smiled. “Thanks man, I knew you would.”

Cory snorted. “Someone has to, and I’m the only one willing to put up with your insanity.” He joked.

“Careful, don’t want to make me mad again do you? Or I might go full raging demon again on your ass.” Kris joked back with a grin.

Cory rubbed his chin. “That’s something I’ve been curious about. You were willing to kill Umbra back then, despite you wanting to never kill. If you were like that, what exactly would I look like under a similar rage?”

“Let’s pray we never have to find out. And I guess….that’s part of the reason why I want to help Umbra so bad. When I lost myself to my rage and turned into that...I wasn’t myself. I lost complete control of me. I tried to kill her. And that goes against everything I believe in. That’s partly why I’m so dead set on helping Umbra. I want to make it up to her.” Kris stated seriously.

Cory frowned as he patted Kris on the shoulder before smirking. “That, and you more than likely want to bone her like the pervert you are.”

“Not gonna lie, she is boneable one hundred percent.” Kris replied.

Cory laughed before they came to the throne room. He calmed down as they entered.

The two bowed as they approached the throne where Chrysalis sat. “My queen.” They both said.

Chrysalis quickly got out of her throne and buzzed down, embracing the two in a hug with each arm. “You two had me….so worried.”

Cory hugged back, not really surprised by her action. “We do apologize and we would change things if we could.”

“It’s not like we PLANNED on getting taken by shadowy tendrils and held in a prison by a psycho unicorn tyrant.” Kris replied jokingly.

She then broke the hug but kept a hand on their shoulders as she looked at them both. “Do I need to start placing tracking spells on you or something? Because if this is going to be a regular thing…” Chrysalis stated trailing off.

“That honestly isn’t a bad idea. As we both discovered, we can be overwhelmed so if something happens, best to have a quick response.” Cory stated. “Plus it’ll no doubt put your worries at ease at being able to find us.”

“I suppose you’re right. Very well, I will instruct my more magically intelligent subjects to cast such a spell on you two later. In the meantime, did you have something to discuss with me?”

“About Umbra.” Kris stated.

Chrysalis narrowed her eyes. “Let me guess. You want me to spare her don’t you?”

“How’d you guess?” Kris asked with a grin.

“I know you.” Chrysalis replied.

Cory smiled tiredly. “Well, you guessed right. Honestly, I would say just off her or lock her up, but Kris has his reasons.”

Chrysalis removed her hands and sighed. “Fine, I will spare her.”

“Now just hear me out before you...wait….really? Just like that?” Kris asked in surprise, Cory just as surprised.

“I know you. And I’m certain this is something you’re not going to give up on. So, I will spare Umbra’s life and have her put under your custody. You will be in charge of her from now on then.”

“Wow...um...thank you my queen.” Kris said bowing.

“Just don’t make me regret this decision.” Chrysalis stated turning and hovered back to her throne.

“Of course.” Kris said bowing. “We’ll go inform Umbra of your decision then.”

“One thing. You both owe me big time for all that’s happened.” Chrysalis stated as she sat in her throne now with her legs crossed and her head resting on her hand with a smile.

Cory smiled back. “Just let us know and we’ll do what we can.”

“For starters…” Chrysalis started with a pause. Then continued. “I think you both can guess one thing you can do. Something we haven’t done in a while that is only done at night...alone in my bedroom.”

The two humans looked at each other before grinning at Chrysalis. “We can do that.”

“Then tonight, my room. After sun down. Don’t be late.” Chrysalis stated.

“As you wish my queen.” Kris said with both men bowing. They took their leave and went back to Umbra’s cell to tell her of Chrysalis’s decision.

Kris and Cory stood before the cell holding the dark mare with Kris having a smile. “Good news my lovely.” Kris said.

Umbra looked up. “What?”

“As of today, you are under our custody. You get to live to see another day.” Kris stated.

Umbra rolled her eyes. “So I have traded wardens.”

“Well, yes. But look at it this way. With us as your wardens, you won’t be put to death and we’ll see about giving you some freedom back. For starters we’ll get you out of those shackles. Except for the one on your horn. Still not sure we can trust you completely but I am determined to get us to that point.” Kris informed.

“Just try to make an effort and you’ll be completely free before you know it.” Cory added.

Umbra looked at them both. “Why? Why do all this?”

Kris’s smile softened. “For one, I want to make it up to you for trying to kill you and for how I scared you so bad. I lost myself in my rage when I thought Cory was dead. Killing isn’t in my nature, yet I was trying to end your life.”

Umbra frowned before sighing. “Fine, I…...give this a try.”

Kris smiled. He then looked to the guard. “Guard, would you remove her shackles please?”

The guard bowed his head and entered the cell, before removing the chains on her legs and arms. He then exited the cell and locked it.

“On top of this, we’ll see about getting you better food than what a prisoner gets.” Kris added.

Umbra rubbed her wrists and legs. “As long as it isn’t gruel, I’ll eat anything.”

“Well that’s no attitude to have towards food.” Kris stated almost as if he were scolding a child who did something wrong. “There are so many wonderful and delicious foods out there to try and enjoy. You shouldn’t be just okay to settle with whatever. You need to experience food, to try many kinds of delectable delicacies and grow a fondness for the many flavors out there.” Kris said like he was giving a dramatic speech.

Umbra gave a flat stare at Kris. “I said I would give all this a try, I didn’t say I would just do a coin toss change.”

Cory looked at Kris. “You have to give her that much. I don’t think you would all of a sudden change your preference from meat to veggie only right off the bat.”

Kris sighed with a shrug closing his eyes. “I suppose you’re right. Guess for now I”ll be the only true food appreciator.” He then gave a wink to Umbra. “But trust me, when we’re through with you, you’re going to have a greater appreciation for grub.”

Umbra reeled back looking disgusted. “Why would I feast on insect young?”

“It’s an expression. Grub being another word for food.” Kris explained.

Umbra calmed down. “You humans are beyond bizarre.”

Cory shrugged. “Can’t really deny that.”

Kris began to chuckle a bit. “I’m just joking around trying to lighten the mood. You are one step closer to being a free mare.”

Umbra sighed before sitting down and against the wall of her cell. “Well, until I am able to walk without an armed escort, I’ll withhold my opinion.”

“Fair enough.” Kris replied. “Well, we got stuff to do so we’ll leave you for now. We’ll be sure to check in on you every day. Take care until then.” Kris stated.

Umbra waved them off before the two took their leave.

Cory looked at Kris. “So, when do you think that meeting for the possible treaty is?”

“I think I overheard Chrysalis saying it was going to be tomorrow.” Kris replied.

“Well, then I guess we have some time to kill before tonight then.” Cory said with a smile.

“Any idea what we should do?” Kris asked.

“Hmm, wanna try making cards for UNO?” Cory offered.

“Oooh, fun. I can only imagine how those who have never played it before will react to such a crazy game.”

Cory chuckled. “Then let’s get to our room and get to work.” The two headed back to their room.

It was a few minutes before sunset and Cory and Kris had just arrived at Chrysalis’s room. Cory knocked on the door to ask for entry.

“Enter.” Chrysalis’s voice called out. Entering, they would see Chrysalis wearing a light green nightgown as she was sitting on the edge of her bed, legs together and slightly slanted to the right. Her arms at her sides and a smile on her face with her mane loose and a small clump came down between her eyes before rejoining the rest of her mane. “I’ve been expecting you.”

Cory stared, his pants feeling rather tight. “We….can see that. Damn, you are just beautiful and sexy.”

“If this were an anime, I would have gotten a nose bleed so bad it would have launched me into the atmosphere.” Kris stated.

Chrysalis giggled. “I’m sure that’s some reference from your world, I’m guessing it was a compliment?”

“Very much so.” Kris stated. He was pitching a rather fierce tent of his own looking over Chrysalis.

“Well then, come on over boys and drop the pants.” Chrysalis stated.