Anima Insecti

After carefully levitating Spike to his bed, Twilight ventured out into the night, the book in her saddlebags and a cloak covering most of her body. As shady as it might have made her look, she'd rather anypony about or looking out see a mysterious figure head to the woods rather than wondering why their princess was skulking that way at such an hour.

She was thankful that it was the Whitetail Woods and not the Everfree Woods; even despite her abilities, the Everfree at night was something she dare not tackle if absolutely necessary. The Whitetail Woods, on the other hoof, was so very tranquil in comparison. While she didn't go there often, she remembered the few years that she'd competed in the Running of the Leaves, the path winding through those woods. She would like to participate again as a competitor, but as an alicorn she had a bit of an unfair advantage, apparently. That, and she was a princess, so she was more of a figurehead and sponsor of the event now. At least she got to hand out the medals, that was nice.

The note hadn't specified a particular part of the woods, but she had a good idea where she could meet Chrysalis. At a turn in the path, there was a rather large and prominent tree, one that stood out from the rest. What better a landmark than that?

It was exactly as she had thought. As she approached that tree, a figure stepped out from behind it. Tall and regal, smooth dark chitin peppered with holes, green eyes and fanged mouth filled with amusement. "Ah, Dusk Shine," she purred, stepping toward Twilight.

Twilight threw the hood of her cloak back, and gave a polite bow. "Madame Butterfly," she said. "I quite like that pseudonym, actually."

"Glad you like it, Twilight. Dusk Shine is not so bad either, simple but effective." The changeling queen moved closer, and the sheer glee on her face increased. "Oh my, look at you! What lovely fangs! And your mane, why, it could almost rival mine! Now I see what has you so spooked." Chrysalis gestured to Twilight's saddlebags. "It's in there, isn't it?"

"Yes." Twilight removed the book, and handed it to Chrysalis. The changeling appraised it with quiet awe, stroking the cover. "Please tell me you know what it is, and why this is happening to me. Please, Chrysalis, you have to know I'm desperate if I'm putting myself entirely in your hooves."

That smug expression returned to Chrysalis' face. "Well, since you're putting yourself into my hooves, I will answer your questions. But first, I want to hear you say it."

"Please?"

"Mmm, yes, but it's missing something. Two delicious little words to follow that."

"...you have got to be kidding me." Twilight groused.

"Oh, I'm quite serious, my little pony. You're a smart girl, you know what I want to hear."

Twilight did know. She gulped softly, then swallowed her pride and bowed low to the ground. "Please help me, my...m-my...my queen."

"There you go, that's a good girl, Twilight. It pleases me to hear you say that. Very well, I shall help you." Chrysalis says, making it sound as if she was being magnanimous rather than mildly manipulative. "So. This book?" She held it up. "This is the Chitinomicon. How did you come by this? This is the one and only copy."

Twilight briefly told the tale of the curious disappearing bookstore, and of the strange mare who ran it, Lost Words. Chrysalis snorted with laughter at the suggestion that she might have been behind it. "I'm flattered, truly. A devious plan indeed. I like it. But I had nothing to do with this, Twilight."

"I believe you." Twilight replied, and she meant it. With that demeaning request out of the way, Chrysalis was speaking plainly and honestly with her. "But tell me, what is this Chitinomicon? I've never heard of it before."

"You wouldn't have, unless you were a changeling. As soon as I saw that ad in the paper, I knew immediately what it was." She paused, and flashed a toothy grin. "Although, you're well on your way to becoming one of us, from the looks of it. And all thanks to the book." Twilight huffed and pawed self-consciously at her fanged muzzle. "The Chitinomicon, it is said, was written by the very first changeling matriarch, Jyvmxeksqrilivysyx, as a way to ensure the changeling race would continue to prosper. The magic woven into it is turning you into a changeling queen like myself. It won't be long until your egg-cravings start and you will want to start your own hive."

"But...no offense, Chry-"

"Ah ah ah, don't forget the proper deference."

"Gah! No offense, my queen, but I'm not particularly in any hurry to join the changeling race. Also, what about this entity that's been hounding me in my sleep? I have no idea what it's saying, but it's...um...I think it's what is moving the transformation along. If this is the work of an ancient changeling matriarch, then I guess it's some sort of changeling tongue it's speaking?"

"Naturally. And I'm pretty sure the 'entity' you speak of is the matriarch herself. It is also said that she put part of herself into the book. She is coaxing you to become a queen. No doubt she's been pleasuring you as well."

"Wait, I...how did you know that?" Twilight squeaked, her face feeling hot with embarrassment.

"Pleasure moves the transformation along. When you give in to it, your body relaxes and the magic works at your body more easily." Chrysalis licked her lips and moved in close, nipping at Twilight's ear and speaking in a soft, husky tone. "I could always help, if you'd like. You're such a pretty thing, Twilight, and you're becoming even more beautiful."

In any other situation, Twilight would have immediately backed away and rejected such an offer. As it was, she found herself locked in place, her pupils dilating with excitement at the idea. "I...that is...um...very kind of you, my queen, b-but...I'm...oh Celestia..." She murmured, shaking her head, trying to cast away the traitorous thoughts. This was Chrysalis, her enemy! The malicious creature that had plotted against Equestria multiple times, and put the lives of Shining Armor and Cadance in jeopardy whilst doing so! And yet. And yet. She looked at the changeling queen as if for the first time, and...she couldn't deny that she was beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous. "Thank you, but I'm trying to st-stop this. How do I stop it?"

Chrysalis sucked in a breath, looking at the book again. "Unfortunately, that...that I can't answer, Twilight. I've told you all that I know about it. Though changelingkind has always been aware of the existence of the Chitinomicon, we've only ever known the basics. The details went to the grave along with Jyvmxeksqrilivysyx."

"You mean there's no way to stop the transformation?" Twilight's eyes glistened with fresh tears, and she slumped back onto her rump.

"I didn't say that." Twilight looked up at Chrysalis hopefully. "There may be a way to fix this." Chrysalis flipped open the book, making Twilight flinch. "Oh don't worry, it won't do anything to a changeling like me. How about this: you leave the book with me, and I will read through it and see if I can unlock its secrets. But!" She could see the joy in Twilight's expression, and went to quickly temper it. "I give no guarantee that I will find a solution. This is powerful, primeval changeling magic, long before my time. I may not be able to unravel it. But I will give it a shot."

"Oh thank you, thank you!" Twilight cried, throwing herself at Chrysalis and hugging her tight. The changeling snickered and softly stroked the alicorn's mane.

"I have two conditions, though."