The Curse Of Chrysalis

Chapter 4

“Dear Twilight Sparkle, this information you’ve shared is rather concerning. Myself and Luna will be coming shortly to speak more on this matter to discuss it in better detail. Since Pinkie is the one that saw these humans, I would ask that you have her over to speak with us about what she saw.”

Your teacher and mentor, princess Celestia.”

“There you have it.” Spike said after reading Celestia’s response to her letter.

“Well then, we better get Pinkie over here for when the princesses show up.” Twilight stated. Just after that, there was a knock at the door. “Now what?” She went downstairs to answer. “Hello?”

“Uh, hey there Twilight.” A bat pony greeted. This pony had a black coat with a green mane and tail and green eyes. He was wearing a simple brown short sleeve shirt and blue jean shorts.

“Oh, Shade. Hello there.” Twilight greeted.

Shade was a bat pony who lived by himself in the forest like Zecora, though he wasn’t much of a socialist. Thanks to Pinkie he did find some joy in having friends. So he would come into town once in a while to speak with or hang out with them. “I uh...thought I should let you know I saw something weird in the forest earlier today.”

Twilight raised a brow. “You did?”

“Yeah, you know those...changeling things that tried to attack Canterlot?”

“You saw some?!” Twilight asked in shock.

“Well, it was just one but...it was with these weird...creatures I’ve never seen before.” Shade stated.

“Wait...weird creatures? What did they look like?”

“There were two of them. They didn’t have much fur on them except for the top of their heads. They were walking on two legs like us and wore clothes. Their faces were kind of flat too. And their skin was practically pink.”

Twilight looked to the side in thought. “Could these be the humans Pinkie said she saw?” Twilight said more to herself. She turned her attention back to Shade. “Shade, would you mind sticking around a bit? Pinkie said she saw something odd in the forest too. The princesses will be coming by to discuss this and your input could be helpful.”

“Well...I guess so.” Shade replied a bit nervously.

“Thanks. I’m going to go get Pinkie, you wait here okay?” Twilight said as she headed out the door.

“Uh, sure, no problem!” Shade called after her. “Oh boy.” He then sighed.

“Not a fan of the princesses?” Spike asked.

“No, I’m just not good around royalty or nobles.” Shade said with a sickly look and a tremble.

It wasn’t too much longer before the royal sisters teleported before Twilight’s library home with Pinkie and Shade already present and waiting. Celestia was wearing an elegant white slim fitting dress with gold trim, gold bracelets, and a gold tiara and necklace with a white gem in both.

Luna was wearing a blue dress with stars decorating it that was wide at the bottom. She had a black tiara with a purple gem in it along with silver bracelets.

Celestia knocked on the door.

Spike opened and greeted the two with a bow. “Greetings your highnesses.” He stepped aside to let them in.

“Hello princess.” Twilight said with a bow.

Celesti smiled and came up to Twilight to give her a hug as she kneeled down. “No need for that, remember?”

Twilight relented and hugged back.

“Hey there princesses!” Pinkie cheered.

“Greetings...your majesties.” Shade said trembling with a bow.

“Hello to you all as well.” Luna greeted.

“Now then, Pinkie, would you mind telling us exactly what it is you saw in the forest today? These beings you called humans?” Celestia asked.

“Well, me and my friends were on our way to visit Zecora. I thought I saw something shiny and skipped off to see out of curiosity. It was just some dew on a plant. Then I saw a pretty butterfly and decided to follow it a bit before it flew up where I couldn’t follow, theeen…”

Twilight placed a hand on Pinkie’s shoulder. “Um, Pinkie, could you just skip to the part where you met these humans?”

“Oh, okay. So anyway, I ran into these two humans. I was so excited I squealed out. One of them seemed super happy to see me too as we both hugged each other cheering.”

Twilight raised a brow at this. “It..hugged you?”

“He, and yes, he did. They said their names were Cory and Kris. And they were with a mare named Browning Fudge.” Pinkie stated.

“What did they look like?” Celestia asked.

“They were pretty much bald ALL over except for some hair on the top of their heads. They were wearing clothes like we were. One of them had a black shirt with a skull on it, it looked kind of cool.”

“A skull?” Twilight questioned before shaking her head. “Never mind.”

“That sounds like the two creatures I saw in the forest today, only they were with a changeling.” Shade spoke up.

“A changeling?” Celestia and Luna asked together.

“That can’t be them. The two I saw were with a pony.” Pinkie stated.

“Pinkie, did you forget changelings can change their form and look like any pony they want?” Twilight stated. “That mare you saw must have been a changeling in disguise.”

“Oh.” Pinkie replied in an almost defeated tone. “But, they were really nice though.”

“They could have been pretending so as not to draw attention.” Luna said. “We know nothing of these humans. They could be trouble. Why would they be with the changelings in the first place?”

“Well...maybe they’re being forced to.” Pinkie said trying to defend the humans.

“Then why didn’t they leave with you if it was just the two of them and that one changeing?” Twilight asked.

The more it went on, the more saddened Pinkie seemed to get. “But….they promised they would visit Ponyville so I could throw them a party.”

“I’m sorry Pinkie, they most likely lied to you.” Celestia said. “I’m afraid if these humans are with the changelings, we may have to consider them the enemy. This could also mean Chrysalis is getting ready to do something big. We must rally our forces. Twilight, you’ll need the elements of harmony ready at a moment's notice.”

Twilight gave a salute. “You can count on me princess.”

“Me too.” Pinkie said a bit sadly as her mane looked partially deflated.

“I’m sorry Pinkie, I know you were looking forward to making new friends, but this is a serious matter. We don’t know anything about humans. No such creature has ever existed in Equestria before. We have no idea what they're capable of or what they’re like.” Twilight said.

“I know.” Pinkie replied, closing her eyes.

“We will return to canterlot and rally the guards.” Luna said. “Watch yourselves and be careful.”

“Thank you, your majesties.” Twilight said with a bow.

The princesses bowed back before leaving the library and teleported away in a flash of magic.

Twilight turned to Shade. “Shade, can I ask you to keep an eye out for any more suspicious activity? And tell Zecora what’s going on and to keep an eye out as well?”

“No problem.” Shade said. “I’ll be sure to look for any trouble.”

“Thank you.” Twilight said with a smile.

“Guess I’ll go back to the bakery then.” Pinkie said sadly before taking her leave. Shortly after she left, Shade did as well.

Twilight frowned to see her friend in such a sad state. But there wasn’t anything she could do. “Come on Spike, we better inform the others what’s going on.”

“Right.” Spike replied with a salute. The two headed out to warn the other girls.

A few days have passed by now. Kris had gotten to work teaching the changeling guards a few moves and fighting techniques while Cory was working on improving the weapons and armor. “CORY! KRIS!” Chrysalis’s voice rang out through the hive.

Cory stopped what he was doing and rushed out to the throne room, Kris joining him on the way. They soon arrived at the throne room and knelt before Chrysalis. “Yes your highness?” They both asked.

Chrysalis sat on her throne, legs crossed and looking impatient. “I need an estimate of how much longer it will take before we’re ready to finally launch an attack.”

Cory was silent for a moment before looking up. “As I don’t know the training of the Equestrian guards, I can not give a good number. However, if your soldiers were able to defeat them before as you said, then we should be ready in a month and half. I can give the soldiers enough training to recruit level in my world, which is still good, and focus on improving the armor. I’m already in the process of strengthening the armor. As for weapons, the best I can do in such a short time is elite combat knives to take advantage of a changeling’s speed.”

“Isn’t Kris supposed to be handling the training of my soldiers?” Chrysalis asked before looking at Kris. “How is that going?”

“They are picking up well what I teach them but it will still take some time for them to really get the hang of the techniques.” Kris replied.

Chrysalis sighed. “Just do what you can then and try to speed things up a bit.”

“Your majesty, this kind of training takes time and…”

“DO NOT TALK BACK TO ME! You were called here to serve me!” Chrysalis roared.

Kris closed his eyes and bowed his head. “Of course your majesty, forgive me.”

Chrysalis closed her eyes leaning back and placed three fingers on her forehead. “Just get back to work and get things done as quick as possible. I want results, not excuses.”

“Your will be done your highness.” Cory said before standing and left with Kris, but not before allowing Chrysalis a chance to feed on their love they offered.

She did need the boost but her mood was still a bit foul. So she begrudgingly took it in. Once the two were gone, one of her guards, a male changeling guard to her right spoke up. “Your majesty, if I may?”

“What?” Chrysalis asked.

“Well, they are working rather hard for us. Don’t you think maybe we should...do something for them? I mean….try to show at least SOME kindness for what they’re doing.” He quickly closed one eye and braced himself for a berating.

Chrysalis thought a moment actually and sighed again. “Very well. Send word to our...chef I suppose, to get a feast ready for tonight’s dinner.”

“Yes your majesty.” The guard said with a bow before buzzing off.

Shortly after Kris and Cory were done for the day with their duties, a guard informed them they were to join Chrysalis for dinner. “Dinner? I thought changelings only fed on love energy?” Kris questioned upon getting the invitation.

“We are capable of eating fruits and vegetables. It just doesn’t do much for us as far as energy.” The guard delivering the invitation stated.

Cory nodded. “Ah, kind of like how water only staves off hunger for other creatures, but doesn’t solve it. Makes sense if you think about it.”

“Dinner will be served promptly at six this evening. Someone will be by to retrieve you then.” The guard stated before taking his leave.

“Wow, dinner with the queen. Looks like we made it.” Kris sang a bit there.

“Don’t start. If you start singing, I will shove my steel toe right up to your lungs. And I wouldn’t hold my breath just yet. We don’t know why Chrysalis is inviting us to dinner now. Granted, I hope it’s for what you think, but we can’t get our hopes up too high.” Cory said with a stretch.

“Fair enough.” Kris replied. “Better get ourselves...um...never mind, I was going to say cleaned up but I forgot...no shower.”

“Well, thankfully, there is water for us to at least wipe down. Not much, but it’ll be enough to wipe off any surface dirt until we can get a hold of running water.”

So the two cleaned themselves up as best they could with what they had at their disposal. Not long after, a guard showed up to escort them to the dining room. There, Chrysalis was sitting at the head of the table. “Greetings. Come, sit.” She gestured to seats on either side of her.

“Thank you, your majesty.” The two said with a bow before Kris took a seat to Chrysalis’s left, Cory at her right.

A large spread of different fruits and vegetables were spread out as well as, surprisingly enough, some cooked meat for the two humans, more than likely from what Cory gave to keep fresh and for when they needed the meat along with other meats. There was what looked like a large roast pig at the center of the table. “Wow, what a spread.” Kris commented.

“I sent a few of my guards out to hunt for something for you two. I know you like your meat and need it so here you go.” Chrysalis stated.

“Your kindness knows no bounds.” Cory bowed his head.

“If I may, your majesty. What’s the occasion?” Kris asked.

“Well, I realize I may have been really pushing you two and you’ve been working so hard for me that...I thought I should show my thanks for all your hard work.” Chrysalis said almost in a cooing tone.

“We are honored, your highness. While we are fine with how it is, the fact you care to thank us like this is truly wonderful.” Cory said as he made his love build to the surface for feeding.

“Thank you, your majesty.” Kris said bowing as he too let his love build up and let it out for Chrysalis.

Chrysalis took it in but closed her eyes with a straight face. “Yes well, I can’t let the work you do go unappreciated. Now, dig in.” She started to daintily eat the fruits and veggies on her plate with a fork and knife.

Kris used his utensils to take a few slabs of meat and some carrots and celery onto his place while Cory used his to cut into the roast pig and a few slabs of meat as well, along with corn, carrots, and a few oranges.

As the meal went on, Cory paused in his meal and looked up. “Your majesty, if I may?”

“Yes? What is it?” Chrysalis replied looking to Cory.

“You have asked us to help your soldiers, in terms of arms and training, but what of yourself? Is there anything we can do for you in addition to providing you love? I can imagine you wouldn’t sit back should the enemy leader appear on the field. Is there anything we can do for you to tip the scales further in your favor?”

“A queen is only as strong as her subjects. As long as my soldiers are strong enough and skilled enough, I will not have to. If it should come to that, as long as they survive, nothing else matters.” Chrysalis stated.

“Understood, one’s people comes before oneself, the way a true ruler should think. Though I doubt they would wish for you to perish if it can be helped. I myself would not want to see you harmed or worse, and I can say the same for Kris as well. A queen is only as strong as her subjects, and a people is only as determined as their leader. Something I learned the hard way in my own time in war.”

“As I said, as long as my subjects live, it doesn’t matter what happens to me.” Chrysalis said a bit forceful nearly clenching her teeth. “Now there is no need to bring that up again. Understood?”

Kris bowed his head. “Yes, your majesty.”

Cory bowed his head. “My apologies, your highness.” He said before he went back to eating, but in his mind, he already was coming to morbid answers he didn’t want to know.

Dinner ended not long after and the two bid good night to Chrysalis. Once back in their rooms, Kris spoke up. “Okay, I’m actually a little concerned with that discussion earlier and I know you are too.”

“Yes, and now I’m all but certain I know the reason for her rush. She’s dying.” Cory said with a grim look.

“I know we could get in trouble if we’re caught for doing this, but I gotta know. We can use an invisibility spell and sneak into her bedroom to see if we can find something out.” Kris suggested.

Cory smirked at Kris. “And people say we can’t ever think along the same lines. I had the same thought as well.”

Kris gave a light chuckle. “Alright, I say a bit after everyone has gone to sleep, we make our move.”

Cory frowned and shook his head. “You should let me do this. Not only is this something I’ve been trained in, I’ve done this many times where making a single sound could have meant my death. Besides, your damn foot always makes that loud pop when you try to slowly move and put weight on it, like a piece of wood hitting tile.”

“That’s only when I’m NOT trying to be stealthy. Remember? I’ve been trained in many forms of combat and martial arts. The way of the ninja is one of them. I can be quieter than a mouse. You wouldn’t even know I’m there. I want to know what’s up just as badly as you do.”

Cory sighed before giving Kris a hard look. “Fine, but you listen to me and follow my orders to the letter. If I tell you to freeze, you better make a statue jealous. If I tell you to hold your breath, you better make a fish think you grew gills. We risk more than Chrysalis getting mad at us and work us harder. She could take our heads.”

“Heh, like those analogies. No sweat.” Kris replied. “I promise to do all you said.”

Cory nodded and sat on the bed, pulling out a pair of plums and giving one to Kris. “Eat it, we’ll need the energy to keep awake.”

“Of course.” Kris replied before taking his first bite.

Night fell over the land. Chrysalis had just gotten ready for bed wearing a light sea green nightgown with her mane hanging loose. “Why...why do they haunt me so?” Chrysalis said as thoughts of the two humans pervaded her mind. “The love they give off for me is so...pure. Almost...real. GAH! I can’t let myself be taken in. Nothing can be done. I have to focus on the future of my children. I don’t have time to waste on something that can’t be had.” She said before going to her bed and climbed under the sheets. “I must focus on the future of the hive. Nothing more.” With that, she closed her eyes.

The rest of the hive was fast asleep except for a few changelings on night guard duty and two humans sneaking about invisible to the eye with a spell making them completely unseen.

They each had their own invisibility spell going so they didn’t have to burn through either one’s magic covering for two, and also to allow them to spread out if needed. Cory led the way, a white ethereal line only he could see guiding him. He was so glad he had the thought to secretly place part of his own soul in his love. Since Chrysalis took in his love, he could now track her no matter where she was.

After nearly thirty minutes of dodging the few guards and making sure no sound was made, they finally reached the bedroom of the queen. There were two guards present but both were asleep standing up snoring away. Cory smirked at this. He placed a hand on Kris’ shoulder and they were both covered in a sound canceling bubble that silenced all sound for about two minutes. More than enough for them.

They went over to the door and opened it. Normally it would have squeaked loudly, but thanks to the bubble, no sound was made. The two entered and shut the door and were now inside of Chrysalis’ bedroom, seeing the changeling queen in question in her bed. Cory spoke as the bubble was now a soundproof bubble. “I know it doesn’t have to be said, but even asleep she’s hot.”

“Amen brother.” Kris replied. Looking around the room though, it didn’t seem like royalty lived in it. The room was a bit of a mess. Some of the furniture was torn up or broken. A dresser was standing at a slant. The vanity at the back of the room was just as bad. The mirror was shattered to pieces. Yet one thing in the whole room stood out. On the vanity was a crystal with nineteen nubs, one point that was faded and had a single crack. “What is that?” Kris whispered stepping towards the item. It seemed to be the only thing out of place out of the entire hive.

Cory stopped Kris. “Hold it, remember Chrysalis’s story on that mural? The beauty and the beast trope? I bet both my lungs that is her version of Beast’s rose. And if what I’m seeing of that thing is right, time is running out. And fast.”

“When the last petal falls, the beast will die.” Kris said with a somber look on his face gazing at the gem. “Chrysalis’s life is tied to the gem. Once that last piece crumbles…” He trailed off knowing what it meant.

Cory looked toward Chrysalis. “Who knows how long it’s been. She must have given up on finding love, believing it to be fake.” He went silent for a moment. “We have to show her we love her, truly love her.”

“That goes without saying. But with how stubborn she may be, it could take time for her to realize we mean it. Even so, we have to try. We can’t let her die like this. Not like this.” Kris said sadly.