Equestria knows not the Harmony of it's last several centuries; not anymore, following the tragedy that has occurred on Equestrian soil. What was once beautiful, carefully managed skies and fields of flowing grass has been sullied by the presence of an unprecedented darkness.

The view of the sky from Canterlot is split by a cruel, twisted Spire that stretches upwards from an intimidating Fortress forged of dark brick and cold metal, far in the distance, close to Ponyville. Jutting upwards and emerging from the swirling, thick fog that had settled over the conquered once-Equestrian lands, it's terrible visage marks the presence and border of the Twin Queens. Eternal dusk, long shadows and the chill of perpetual evening were a constant in their realm, wrenched from Equestria's grasp, and kept secured with their cruel magics. A thick smoke swirls around the border, seeping through the trees of the Everfree that surrounds it. Guarding their own soldiers from the Everfree's dangers, this unnatural phenomenon makes ground traversal nigh impossible, and it's breadth contains the captured ponies who would still swear fealty to the Princesses, had they not been plunged into the lands of their new rulers.

Thestrals and Changelings alike crawl through the roiling mists to prey on whatever wanders through and those who had been trapped within, both beholden to a cruel, tantalizing taste for the innocent pony. The Changelings, to feast upon ones love and drain the emotions of their victim. The Thestrals, twisted by Nightmare Moons presence, find their fangs emboldened with a new taste for the crimson blood and supple flesh.

But it's not within this newly endangered Everfree, but deep in the stoney bowels of the rebuilt Castle of the Two Sisters that it surrounds, now redubbed the Castle of the Twin Queens, that a most profane and abhorrent ritual was underway.

"Right ahead, your Majesty. Her Cruelness awaits you." A Thestral, clad in spiked, vampiristic armor bows to the passing Nightmarish presence. Their fangs are overtly pronounced, eyes formed in a permanent slitted split as they look to the floor in resolute respect. While the Changelings may serve as a infiltrators and masters of subterfuge, it was the Thestrals who held the backbone of the guard-force, combining their blood-thirsty drive with durable armor and a fierce loyalty.

The armored hoof-steps of Nightmare Moon carry through the dimly lit, dire halls, a pair of mixed posted every few meters. With a deep-blue coat and a mane like midnight, she bore menacing armaments of cold, cobalt-blue steel that announced her stature long before her thundering voice could, perpetuating her form with impressive armor. She was an otherworldly, commanding presence before her rule, and an outright terrifying visage now. The very vision of sheer authority, as a harrowing gaze crests the long hall with a boredom.

Even with the recent refitting of their castle to properly befit their splendor, this deep underground, the once-forgotten tunnels ran thick with wear and tear, of missed over brick and cracked stone that had hardly seen a soul for centuries, until these recent weeks.

Latent memories of her other slowly float in the back of Nightmare Moon's mind, of a life a thousand years prior, before she became the one she was now. Of the white-furred sister, their bearded tutor.

Each following guard, posted in opposing pairs ever short distance down the tunnel, ate quick to snap to attention. Bowing in the darkness as their Queen passes, their eyes unneeded of any forms of artifical light, for darkness was a Thestral's natural element.

A dismissive huff escapes the Eminence of Nightmares, as the path finally opens into the large, cave-like bowel that their ritual resides within.

These lingering thoughts are little more than a distraction, now, for she has split from her host. Nightmare Moon found the strength to forge herself her own body, her own vessel, free of the Princess of the Night. She had stolen a very shard of her soul, bearing more similarities to the Princess of the Moon than she appreciated. But this was an unfortunate necessity to grant herself an unprecedented freedom beyond the cold confines of the lone rock in the sky.

Despite leaving her host behind, Nightmare is not alone, just as the Thestrals do not occupy these lands by their lonesome.

Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings, mutters strange and arcane whispers in a misbegotten tongue within the large breach that the tunnel emerges into. Of gnarled black chitin and pulsing green insectoid flesh, her eyes glow a dim green underneath her sea-green mane, enraptured in a fully solid light, her damaged horn wisping streaks of glowing magic into the air in a swirl. Chrysalis was the opposite to Nightmare Moon's authoritative confrontational rule, a creature of skulking, manipulation and shadows. Their kind has a surprising tendency to compliment the other, forming a nigh-perfect rule.

In front of her, a circle carved into the stone in a language that bore a distant similarity to Equestrian. Stolen relics of power, pilfered from the Equestrian vaults, lined points of this desecration in each cardinal earthly direction. Every artefact was slowly smoking off their own stored magics, withering from accrued damaged as this continues, serving only as sacrifices for the penultimate point of this effort; the focus on the center of the circle.

Nightmare Moon quietly joins Chrysalis' side, softly nuzzling her neck with a rare expression of something unforseen from what was to be expected of one pertaining to such a cruel caliber. Affection.

When the Nightmare was expunged from Princess Luna, it had been given form; but it was weakened, alone, trapped in a hostile realm and in hiding. On the retreat, it found solace in another Queen who held a distaste for the Equestrian Ponies and their Princesses, left reeling from a defeat of their own. Each with their rebuffed, damaged subjects to care for. Each with their own grudge, each surprised to find themselves wanting for allies. The two had grown quite close in the following years, as they drew upon their machinations together. Thestral and Changeling found common cause, and a symbiotic relationship, and the Queens found a trait in each-other even more rare for their breed; trust.

The last of the whispers are uttered by Chrysalis, whose eyes refocus and gain their slitted pupils. She grins, returning the affection with a soft lick to Nightmare Moons snout, her thin tongue tracing her face.

"Is it prepared, Chryssi?" Nightmare Moon asks softly, her azure gaze flitting over the preparations. While Chrysalis' horn no longer glowed, the artifacts they had positioned continued to seep their magic into the air, slowly combining in the air, mixing colors and hues. Medallions, weapons, books of arcane knowledge, trinkets... all to be given up, for the Bones arrayed in the center of the circle, as closely to the diagram as translation could allow. The magic slowly curved downwards from its upward draft, sinking down into the pale, odd bones. It bore no skull or structure either had ever recognized, and a morbid curiosity wondered what the beast would look like, returned to life. It was tall, perhaps even taller than either of the Queens, if Chrysalis' interpretation if it's form was correct. To ensure its Duty, they had procured a most... valuable trinket.

The rich, deep blue magic of Nightmare Moon floats the sparkling gem out of the pouch she'd been carrying, as its embraced by Chrysalis' sickly, radiant green glow, the two colors combining as they softly place it into the ribcage of the remains. Together, they pour a substantial amount of each of their personal magics, mingling and intertwining them in a way only possible to the pair, and the relationship they've formed in these ensuing years.

"Right... where the heart should be."
A wicked, fanged smile takes Chrysalis' face, giving a half-lidded glance to her other.
"Of course, my Deepest Night. All proceeds well -- and utilizing the Element of Loyalty as such will both deny it from the wretched Sisters, and bind the beast to our will, tainted by the magic that summons it." Chrysalis drones, excitement trilling in her throat.

Both share an excited, disturbing laugh, their cackles rising and echoing through the large structure, heads thrown back in glee. This was the culmination of years of deceit, conniving and devious planning. A brutal assault on Canterlot, the greatest theft from the Royal Armory since Equestria's inception, and a crippling blow that left their forces reeling, unable to react in time; namely, the injuring of their 'Rainbow Dash' through an incredibly devious distraction, and the following theft of her Element of Loyalty.

They stand side by side, Nightmare Moons batlike wings draping overtop of Chrysalis back, watching as the magics begin to seep into the blue gem of Loyalty. It's a slow, creeping corruption, the edges of the gem trickling with sludge-black veins that run deeper, piercing the glinting form -- until the gem itself is as black as Chrysalis' Chitin, pulsing with power. Their fanged smiles widen as the magic begins to twirl, violently rising in place as it obscures the circle.

"What else is to be done? We have the artefacts, the remains, the element..." Nightmare Moon asks, excitedly leaning forward. Chrydalis tenderly pushes her back, returning her excitement with a coy smile.

"Nothing more. This creature is one unlike our creation, and requires a large draw of power for this to work." She explains, the two's gaze falling upon the magical culmination.

Each of the artefacts begin to drain in color as the last of their magics are funneled free, pouring into the center. Into the bones, into the twisted gem.

A distant, wretched roar can be heard as the magic grows brighter, and fiercer; Nightmare Moon lifts her other wing to shield them both, the wind whipping past fast enough to kick up rocks and debris. The guards in the room have difficulty standing, falling low to keep their footing or sliding back against their will. Culminating, building, churning, swirling --

Until all the built energy finally swirls inward, and in a brief moment of quiet, the magic bursts outward, casting the entire cavern in a brilliant blue-green light.

The wheat goes on forever, rolling in multitudes of fields that shimmer and wave like an ocean of gold. Harvest was soon, my scarred hand idly brushing the stalks as I trod through their breadth in my sandals.

They say the wheat goes all the way to Mestoda, the Capital. That it hugs the roads, twisting and turning with every bend, reminding every traveler of the nations bounty. Surprisingly enough, it's true. I can still remember gripping the art of the slave wagon as it wheeled along that road, from dirt, to cobble, to brick as we got closer and closer to the heart of the nation.

I watched it, nestled between other bodies who all did the same, each of us expecting it to end. But it only stopped when we finally hit those massive, imposing walls, where I wouldn't see those fields for the next several years.

The sight of crimson-stained sand, the deafening roar of a bloodthirsty crowd. Steel clashing, sweat, sparks -- it at tingles the back of my mind, even amidst the quiet of these hills, where the only sound is the wind rustling the golden crop.

It had been so long since I fought. It feels like a lifetime ago, even if I remember it every night.

A hand softly grips mine, pulling my attention away. I turn to look, but... I don't recognize the person. I can't see their face. There's no detail. It's hazy, as I stare at them, trying to remember.

"Who are you?" I ask, looking at the hand that holds mine. It's smooth, frail. Even my own voice is a surprise.

Their other hand reaches out, and presses against my chest, fingers splaying out underneath the wrappings of my cloth tunic. Their hands are cold, bereft of warmth, of feeling.

They say something, but I can't hear it. Like I'm underwater, and someone on the surface is speaking to me. It's muddled, murky, and I can't understand.

Then they push me. There's no strength in my legs to resist as they let me go -- my hands can't muster the grip to hold onto them. I fall back, expecting to hit the ground, but I just keep going. I plummet into the depths between the stalks of wheat, watching as they become further and further distant, far above me as darkness surrounds me. Flames embroil where I had been standing, surging and sweeping across the figure.

And then I hit water.

Where the circle was once carved, where the artefacts had once lay, there was a scar of abhorrent magic seared on the stone, flickering deep-green sparks that twisted into nothingness. Lays the creature, flat on it's back. It matched the depictions in the tomes, but... it seemed a bit short, to what the books claimed. Hardly the described titan to bring about ruin.

Cautiously, the Twin Queens slowly circle the result of their grand endeavor, taking in the lackluster sight. The guards collect themselves, quickly returning to their posts as they watch with curiosity.

He looked to be a full head taller than either of the Queens, if it stood fully; and completely naked.

"What an odd appendage. Not even a sheath?" Chrysalis idly comments, sneering at his form as she leans down to sniff at his still form.
"What a crude creature."

"Chrysalis. Behave." Nightmare scolds, tsk'ing at her other, who only smiles back with an expression of guilty amusement. Chrysalis was the more... carnal of the pair.

The creatures and what parts it beheld, wasn't odd for most Ponies or Changelings, but... it felt weird, looking at this creature completely bare, to Nightmare. At least, to her expectations. In all the depictions, they were adorned in armor; vambraces, greaves, a helmet at least, in a variety of styles. Some showed skin, but nothing at all? Not even weapons. This one? Nothing. The only thing of note was the slightest hint of a dull glow in its chest, likely where the Gem of Loyalty resided.

"To think so much magic would need to be expelled just to rouse it's fleshed form." Nightmare comments, looming over it to it's side.
"No matter; we will have it fitted and armed in due time. This wasn't just another of your little... playful experiments, was it, Chryssi?"

Chrysalis only smiles, before resuming her inspection.

His full, sculpted chest was on display, a wide array of scars, marks and burns settled across it. His legs, toned, with hair that matched the spurt of it that was on its head on each limb, and its chest. Evidently, the ritual had not born it anew, but... returned it to a prior state. It looks like it might stand akin to a minotaur, but lacked hooves at the end of any of it's limbs.

"Chryssi. What are these?" Nightmare asks, nudging the lower end of his leg.

Chrysalis makes a noise almost like an insectid purr, her throat chittering as she teeters towards her other, joining Nightmare's side.

"...Feet, according to the texts. And those are hands. They hold no magic at all, reliant entirely on physical manipulation." Chrysalis explains, nudging Nightmare's side.

It's hands seemed more... dexterous. Perhaps best equipped with a weapon. Its flesh looked... squishy, as Nightmare prods it's bare stomach with a hoof, watching the flesh indent. Hardly protective.

"And this is a Human, correct? Why has it not awoken?" Nightmare presses, frowning at the creature and it's lack of activity.
"And where is it's fur?" She adds quietly.

"Resurrection is hardly a studied school of magic, and I imagine being pulled from Centuries of death is... traumatic to the body, to say the least. We need only his mind to be functional enough to understand orders, anyway." Chrysalis chuffs.
"As for fur... well, I'm certain you'll manage. You've done so with me." Chrysalis leers, getting a scoff from Nightmare.

"We shall manage?" She scoffs as she, Nightmare Moon stands proud, head raised and tilted to look down her snout at it, judgement on full display. Chrysalis, tail flicking to tap Moons side, begins to slowly circle around it, eyes darting over its form as she stalks it, like a hunter to prey, cautiously creeping around the still-burning magic sear on the ground.

"But it's loyalty is assured?" Nightmare questions, tracing over the creatures chest, now. The veins that erupt from the center of it's torso, ebbing outward into the rest of it, proof of the twisted Elememt of Loyalty. Part of her wonders if it's inclusion damaged the creature in some form.

"Undoubtedly, my Monstrous Mistress. The Element should have merged with it's heart, tinted by our magics. We are intertwined with this creature, now, so to speak, having given up a fraction of our strength for the benefit of it's loyal whole." Chrysalis continues, raising her head and nodding for the closest guards to approach.

"Focus on our realm, Moonie. I will tend to the creature, and prepare it for awakening." Chrysalis says, as several Thestral and Changeling guard alike quickly form a circular rank.
"Take this one to the spare bedrooms in the tower, and send for the nurse drones. We expect he will awaken shortly." She instructs, as several of them nod.

"In but a moment, Chrysalis. If it is truly intertwined with us, then even as it lay still, it should hear us. Creature." Nightmare Moon announces with a spit, her full threatening voice on display as the guards quickly find a way to hoist the yet-to-awaken creature. Her voice booms through the caverns, getting a raised eyebrow from Chrysalis. She liked when her other was commanding. Which was often. As were her speeches. "We are Queen Nightmare Moon. You serve us, as you will serve Queen Chrysalis in equal capacity. In place of your heart, we have placed..."

The water is cold. Frigid, as it bites at my skin with the prick of a thousand needles. There's a ripple of scattered light across the surface, but it's so far above, so far out of reach. So far away. And I continue to sink, deeper, my limbs heavy.

My thoughts, my questions as to what just happened are already drifting away from me, as my lungs burn.

Below, in the vast spread of deep blue, it only gets darker as I sink lower and lower. My feelings are dulling, my senses fading, until the only sensation that remains is this... pain in my chest. A dull, pulsing pain that aches through my entire torso.

My ears tingle. As if someone is speaking to me, but I hear no words. I... feel them, like they aren't being spoken to me, but into me. There's nothing to be understood, but I understand.

I continue to sink deeper, until there is only darkness surrounding me. I can only wonder when I'll run out of breath.

"...and thou will serve us, the Twin Queens, until Equestria itself crumbles! Understand, beast?!" She huffs valiantly, stomping her foot, having worked herself up over the course of her speech. Chrysalis gives a little trill of approval, as she finishes her stalking, rounding the creature and rejoining Nightmare Moon, now stood on her other side.

The Human has been carried through the tunnels, up the steps and deposited in one of the spires spare rooms, fairly close to the Queen's personal chambers. They stand alone, mind for a trip of nurse-drones that quickly applaud with their hooves as Nightmare finishes. Laid across the bed, the human has yet to stir.

"Well spoken, my Night Sky. Take to the night, and I will maintain this one, and rouse it from it's slumber." Chrysalis says as her soft gaze towards Nightmare Moon.

"You shall send for us when it rises?" Nightmare presses, as Chrysalis presses her cold, chitinous cheek to the deep, near-black fur of Nightmare.

"Of course. This wouldn't be nearly as exciting without you." Chrysalis hums, slowly pulling away.

Nightmare Moon departs, to rule over their shared dominion, as the pair had been absent for long enough to partake in their ritual, and plans were to be made following their successful attack on the Equestrian vaults.

In the meantime, flanked by her attendant drones, Chrysalis looms over the bed that the Human lays in, unconscious.
"Now... let us see why you don't stir, hmm? It would be rather disappointing if my gift to my Moonie would refuse to rouse, and properly serve." Chrysalis hisses, leaning closer as her fangs protrude.

I'm not sure how long, or how far, I sink into these waters.

My thoughts are empty and void, and I remember nothing. Not even how I came to end up in these depths.

Until I feel something begin to coil around me, and the burning sensation in my chest returns. Like I'm being wrapped up by a snake, caught in some kind of trap. What little breath still in my lungs is squeezed out, the last bubbles of air escape my mouth.

And I'm pulled upward, where the water begins to shine with the refraction of the light far, far above.

Her metal-trodden armored hoofsteps echo through the halls as Nightmare quickly returns to the surface, easily spiraling up the stairs with her unfolded, leathery wings. She's flanked by guards that dutifully escort her, rushing ahead to hold doors open for her as she presses through.

They had been planning this venture, this ritual for some time, now placed into action. Their capture and reconditioning of the Princess' old castle, ensuring their permanent safety with a shroud of dusk and swirling fog, and now, their final stage of plan.

According to Chrysalis, and the ancient scriptures she found buried away, Humans were an ancient species that rivaled the population of Pony well over a thousand years ago, if not further. A species of bipedal predators, versed in combat and science, rather than magic.

Yet Nightmare felt uneasy about the entire thing. The creature hardly measured to the texts, which now seemed a touch lofty in expectations, either from whence they were recorded, or by Chrysalis' translation. If anything, it seemed little more than a carnal toy that Chrysalis concocted.

But Chrsyalis had assured her it was anything but. Then why did this feeling continue to bother her? They had paid a hefty price, launching a diversionary invasion of Canterlot to buy the Changelings time to raid the royal vaults for the artefacts they would need, and to recoup the forgotten bones that had been tucked away. They had each devoted a section of their magics into this creature, to ensure it's loyalty, that they would hold dominion over it.

Nightmare sighs, shaking her head as she enters the throne room, where a line of eager attendants quickly look up at her. As she had done before, she would maintain her trust with her other. That was the only way their plans would succeed.

But she just couldn't get rid of this odd tingle in her stomach, like something wasn't quite right.

Chrysalis leans over the side of the bed, eyes slowly trailing the form of the half-coveted, sleeping human. Her head tilts, watching the quiet, slowly paced rise of his chest as he breaths. He was alive, and for now, that was enough.

Resurrection magic was about as dark and taboo as one could hope to reach, even further than time or reality magics. To usurp the natural order, especially to a creature from a time so long ago. And yet, she had done it. Her, Queen of the Changelings, had brought back a creature that once struck fear into the hearts of the Pony, and had battled them on equal footing for Equus. A wicked, triumphant sneer crawls across her lips, as Chrysalis floats in her personal gloating.

Though it wasn't her victory alone. Without her Moonie, none of this would have been possible. Not their kingdom, not their machinations. Chrysalis sighs softly, the harsh memories of surviving this cruel world alone a nigh-forgotten past.

Even now, she can still feel her Nightmare. With both of their magics intertwined, and placed into the creature that Chrysalis watches slumber, she feels closer to her Nightmarish counterpart than ever before, even as she's across the castle.

With every breath that this creature takes, it's as if Chrysalis can feel it; as if she can feel her Moonie's breath. This... ritual, this level of involvement they've chosen...

Chrysalis realizes she's been staring at the creature for a long time, trailing the details of his body. Furless, it's soft skin and musculature are on clear display, only hidden by the blanket her nurse drones draped across it. Even now, they gather a small supply of medical aide on the bedside table, observing his rest, same as Chrysalis.

It feels... strange, staring at this creature. His face, oddly peaceful in it's rest, despite the numerous long-healed injuries that carry across it's body. By all accounts, to her plans, her approach to the ritual, this should be their weapon against the Princess. To ensure their victory over Equestria. Yet when she stares at it, she gets the same feeling as when she looks upon her other.

Her most diabolical dearest, who shares in her magical merging, that slowly ebbs within this creatures chest.

Chrysalis hardly realizes how closely she's moved to sit beside it, leaning mere inches from it's face, her seafoam-colored mane splaying across the pillow it's head rests on while it slumbers.

There's a deep, almost unnoticed pulse of thought in the back of her head as to just how... carnal this creature, is to her mind. Before she even notices, Chrysalis finds her lips pressed against the Human's, surprised by their softness, tongue tracing across his, her eyes shutting.

It's like the world unfurls itself before my eyes for the first time, another breath I never expected to take filling my lungs, no water to clog my throat. It's bright, like I haven't seen proper light in so long.

Only, something else is in my mouth -- I sputter and cough, as a long, prehensile tongue removes itself from mine. There's a cough, and a sudden movement as whatever was -- kissing me? -- quickly moves back.

Something had been speaking to me in my dreams. Loudly. And something inside me had compelled me to listen, the way the hairs on my neck tingled.

Slowly sitting up and rubbing his eyes, they adjust to... torches, held in sconces. It's not that bright in here at all, the room low-light and highlighting it's occupants more than properly illuminating them, as I look to the closest... what is that?

The one that pulls back from my mouth is some kind of insect-horse mix, standing tall over me, as I lay in... some kind of bed? A sultry, bluish-green mane... chitin that glinted softly off the lightest of reflections. It was broken up by fleshier, almost gel-like parts that gave visage to her insides, her wings more comparable to that of a... beetle, or a dragonfly. Her fangs were shaped like a snakes fangs, almost like daggers, making me wonder if she might maintain some kind of poison. And just how close those things were to my own teeth. That thin tongueflickers, and traces overtop of them as she clears her throat.

There was... confusion, primarily. By all means, I should be startled and confused, not only by the oddity in front of me and this situation, but what it had been up to in my mouth but a moment prior.

But I couldn't look away from it's eyes, with their slitted pupils surrounded by a pool of the most brilliant green I've ever seen. It stares back at me, it's vision partially obstructed by the wisp of mane that drapes over it's face.

Yet, there's a strange familiarity that washes over me as I take it in. Like I know this creature. Like I trust it. Like it trusts me.

"...Well." It clears it's throat, looking down to... smaller versions of itself? Though they lacked the hair and the horn size, there looks to be about three of them. The biggest one sounds surprisingly feminine, despite the buglike noises that are paired with every odd pronunciation.
"This is a troubling development. Fetch Moonie, would you? She'll want to see this."

One of the three smaller bug-things race off, and through the doors past the end of... my bed? It's a quaint room, and I barely fit on the breadth of this mattress, that seems to be made of... a mixture of carved stone, and something squishy.

I go to open my mouth, to ask this creature what it is, where am I, what it was doing... but the look it gives me. The slow blink, as it shakes it's head.
"Cease, until your other Queen returns." It commands, almost with a coy, playful tone, leaning close. One of it's hooves rests against my bare chest, supporting itself as it looks my face over.

Her eyes, they meet mine. And as she speaks, they... seem to glow. And I feel it in my chest. A dull pulse that floats through my torso, and I find my mouth closing shut, only to nod.

"So you do understand our tongue. That will make things much easier. So long as you continue to behave." She sneers, slowly pulling away.

We sit there quietly for some time. She asks me no questions, but offers me no chance to ask any of my own. She simply... watches me, looking me over, poking at me with her hoof. She seems more restrained now, and her tongue seems to keep its in her own mouth for the moment.

The two remaining, smaller bug-horse things seem equally interested, but remain at a distance, sat attentively. Some kind of hierarchy that they obey? They seem curious, wanting to inch closer, but they repeatedly glance at...

Queen Chrysalis. Why do I know her name?

"And the rest of the prisoners?" Nightmare asks, her deep-blue magic holding several scrolls and parchments aloft. Information of their casualties, what they had taken, both in gold and in flesh, and the status of their dorest-nestled, fog-guarded kingdom.

"Contained, your grace. They're held in the dungeons below, and our ranks are slowly preparing them for harvest." The head guard dutifully reports, bowing.

Surrounded by an entourage of guards and warriors, Nightmare Moon is immersed in ensuring the aftermath plays out smoothly. Not only had they helped themselves go the Equestrian vaults, but to the unique food-source that the Thestrals and Changelings find themselves sharing.

Changelings require love, drained from a host. Thestrals desire blood, and flesh. Thus, prisoners were a uniquely valuable resource for their kingdom, and one they had come unto plenty of. The raid had proved an outright success, perfectly diverting the already distracted Princesses.

"Delightful. See to it the most boisterous of the raid, and the injured, are amply rewarded for their efforts. We --" Nightmare begins to explain, as the door to the throne room suddenly slams open, drawing the attention of the gathered.

"Who dares -- Oh." Nightmare goes to snarl, but her face softens as the diminutive, short stature of one of Chrysalis' prized Nurse Drones scuttles into the room. Unlike the other drones, they bear no wings, racing around the castle at her whim. Shorter than most other Changelings, they were valued for their... regenerative bile. Not Nightmare's preferred form of medical care, but undoubtedly useful.

It comes skidding to a halt, staring up at her with its big, bugged eyes.

Chrysalis had asked for the utmost patience towards them, and out of respect, Nightmare tries to comply. Even if they are... aloof.

"Yes?" Nightmare asks bluntly, holding a bored stare at it.

It points back, towards the door it just burst through. They're not particularly vocal.

"What are you... oh. Oh! The Human!" She quickly alerts, rising to her hooves.
"Carry on without us, a matter of utmost importance has risen." She commands, furling the scrolls closed and floating them back to their associated guards. Said guards quickly bow, backing away as Nightmare follows the Nurse Drone.

That wasn't as long as she expected. Still, she couldn't get that odd sensation in her stomach. Like something was... off. By the time Nightmare Moon reaches the spire, soaring up the open steps on her leather wings, bursting through the door, the creature is already standing, turning to face her with surprise, as does Chrysalis.

Another one has entered the room, flanked by one of the little bugs. It steps forward, gazing down it's snout at me. Judging me, it feels like.

Compared to Queen Chrysalis, this one was far more horse-like than her counterpart, despite numerous bat-like differences. With a deep, rich coat like the warmest midnight and a flickering mane that reminded me of the prettiest skies on the darkest nights. A large, spiraling horn, unlike the jagged form of Chrysalis' emerged from her head, with massive, leathery wings jutting out from her back. I don't know how long I stare at her until I realize just how... brilliant, her eyes are. A glowing near-emerald, with ears, pointed tufts on the ends, twitching.

Chrysalis steps over towards Nightmare Moon, nuzzling her -- Nightmare frowns as her authoritative, powerful entrance is soiled with cuddly affection, but she makes no move to turn it away, instead returning the touch with her muzzle.

I don't know why their eyes are so bewitching. Like I could just stare into them. Both their pupils are slits, the colors near each-other, but there's this alluring sparkle to them.

"So? How fares it?" Nightmare asks expectantly.

Chrysalis bites her lip, glancing away.

Nightmare Moon flicks a concerned gaze to Chrysalis.
"Chryssi--you assured us that the creature would be controlled. Contained. Why do you falter?"

The moment she speaks, I understand her tone. She was the one whose voice I heard, not with my ears, but with my... I'm not sure what. Her words, that I felt in my chest.

Nightmare Moon. I'm not sure why their names come to me so easily, why either of their names do, but I feel something when I look at them. Either of them, it made something in chest... warm. Tingly. Something I didn't feel when I looked at the little bugs, or the... weird, bat-like guards that peek into the room behind them.

Chrysalis tilts her head, looking me over again.

Chrysalis is an Emotivore; while her kind fed primarily on Love, they were faintly aware of other emotions, typically to help them navigate their prey to the perfect point of attack. But it also served as a radar for feelings, to help them realize when their target might be wary, angry, scared, happy, and so forth.

"Worry not, Moonie. Control will not be an issue." Chrysalis assures Moon, giving her a sly smile. She was feeling... emotions from this creature that she had not been expecting. The way it stared at her, how it listened. And how it looked at her Moonie, when she walked into the room. This could be an interesting development. The result of offering a part of their magic into it's revival, into corrupting the Element of Loyalty. They bound it to them, they set it's intentions to match their own.

But that's why this was so curious. What she found, was... desire. There was no illusion taking its eyes, no stagger to its stance, as the Human silently watched them both, looking between them with the same familiarity that she might look upon her Nightmare. With that same fondness, that same trust. What a strange thing, to feel so connected to a stranger.

A quick glance to its loins settled that it wasn't lust, which was confusing to her. Such direct desire towards a creature usually, if not always, was from lust. And this seemed like a creature built for... a degree of carnal interest. Was this from their meddling with the Element of Loyalty? Had it impeded its senses? Introducing magic to a creature that held none?

Chrysalis questions something about herself now, quietly. How in a spare few moments, she took it upon herself to meet the creatures lips, to seek it's tongue with her own.

Chrysalis made a soft hum. She'd have to experiment with that, later, and find answers. Translated texts could only speak on so much, after all. For now... she had an idea for a little test.

Nightmare Moon still stared at her expectantly, drawing Chrysalis from her thoughts.
"Oh, hush Moonie. I simply find that it's... different, then I had expected. And more naked, though I suppose that's on us for assuming it would resurrect armed and ready for battle, but we've discussed that already." Chrysalis continues, nudging Moon with her hip. Nightmare Moon rolls her eyes.

I continue to stare, looking between them both. I can hardly even notice my surroundings, now that both of them are here. Like they enrapture all of my focus, like nothing else in the room is deserving of my attention.

Nightmare Moon tilts her head back expectantly, offering a lofty glare back.
"Human. Approach." She commands firmly, harshly, watching me with expectation.

I continue to stare at her, as a mounting thrum of heat begins to grow in my chest.

Chrysalis hums softly.
"Oh... hm." She muses quietly, looking me over. The moment that Nightmare spoke, Chrysalis raised a brow, looking over my form again with a... restrained curiosity, before quietly smiling to herself. This doesn't go unnoticed by Nightmare, who side-eyes the other Queen.

"You know that we do not appreciate when you connive quietly, Chryssi. Include us?" Moon snorts, turning to huff air in her face.

"You'll see." Is all Chrysalis returns with, the smile growing wider.

"What do you mean, we'll--" Moon starts, stopping as both she, and I, realize I've taken a step forward. Nightmare visibly relaxes, reassuring herself.

"You can stop there, creature." Moon commands firmly as I near with my second step. I find my legs move on their own, as I continue to walk. I felt urged to move forward when she beckoned so, but... as she tells me to halt, I feel no inclination. That instead, I should continue to approach. I'm not sure why, or if I'm even in control of my own limbs, but I find myself acting nonetheless.

Nightmare Moon glances to Chrysalis, but that same smug smile sits on the bug-queens face. Nightmare tries to maintain her composure, even as her lip curls, wondering just what game Chrysalis was up to, offering only grins and no words.

"Creature. Halt. We are commanding you--" Nightmare Moon goes to raise her voice, glancing to the side as her posture falters, ready to start backing up. But right as she makes to force distance, she realizes that Chrysalis has shifted backwards to block her from retreating with her own body.

"Chryssi?! What in Tartarus are you-?!" Nightmare Moon hisses, fully looking back. Her only answer that same smug smile, before her gaze quickly flicks back to me.

I find my feet stop directly in front of Nightmare Moon, forcing her to look up at me as I encroach her space. I can tell by the expression of upset that twists unto her face, and an odd feeling in my chest, now that I stand so close to her. Almost like I can feel how she feels at the moment. That she finds having to look up at me, as I stand near a foot taller than her, is demeaning. That I should kneel and submit; part of me wonders if she's used to being challenged like this, even if I didn't intend for offence, only following the forceful obligations upon my body.

But Chrysalis seems to be enjoying this immensely, watching from behind Nightmare, ensuring she can't move with by blocking her path backwards.

This close, it feels almost like my chest beats at the same pace as hers. That I can understand how she feels through feeling alone; that I should be knelt before her, not looming over here challenging her. How much she despises being rooted in place, blocked from moving, how she wondered what Chrysalis was up to with this game, this betrayal.

But I think I know why Queen Chrysalis does this. There's something below it all, what seems to be the source of why I act on decisions that are not mine.

Before she can stew any further -- one of my hands softly cups her cheek. Her eyes widen with our new proximity. She tries to refocus, to regain her demeanor -- right as I tilt her head upwards, and lean down to meet it. Our lips meet, quietly pressing together with a surprising tenderness for one of her presentation. Nightmare Moons wings shoot out in surprise, a deep blue blush taking her face as her eyes widen, darting back and forth.

Chrysalis lets out a slow chuckle, watching Nightmare Moons face with bemusement.

Chrysalis felt not a lick of hostility from the human, and was curious to see how his connection to them would play out in Nightmare's case. Plus, she enjoys putting her dearest Moonie on the backfoot. She made the cutest faces when flustered.

It seemed loyalty wouldn't be an issue, if it was outright obsessed with them. Proximity played a part in this, evidently, as there was this new feeling in her chest. Something she only felt when Nightmare was close seemed almost exhilarated when the three of them were this close. That this creature wasn't just tied into their magics, but their very beings. Their feelings and desires.

Chrysalis could work with that... and could make sure Moonie would open up to the idea. A loyal beast was one thing... but a loyal consort, equally as capable, unshakeable in loyalty and dedication? For now, Chrysalis continues to watch. A Changling rarely turns down a source of Love, especially one so readily willing to please, but it seemed Nightmare had some interests unbeknownst to herself.

The human's hand softly runs along Nightmare's face, fingers caressing her neck as they start to part through her near ethereal mane. The other hand carefully grabs her chin, and surprisingly forcefully, parts their lips and pulls away. A string of saliva drapes between the two, Nightmare Moon practically panting from a mixture of fluster, shock and surprise.

"...I am yours, my Queen, in body and soul. I am Anontios. Wield me how you see fit." He whispers, holding her gaze.

This was the last thing Nightmare Moon had expected, and the furthest thing from what the tomes predicted. She blinks several times, entirely at a loss for words. Rather, it's Chrysalis who breaks the silence and finally stops blocking Nightmare, slowly stepping around to join her others side.

"Anontios? What an odd name." Chrysalis snidely comments, drawing Nightmares yet-flustered attention.
"You would not ignore one of your Queens, now, would you, Anontios?" Chrysalis purrs, stepping back around Nightmare Moon to her side again. He was quite gentle with Moonie... but as his attention shifts to the Changeling Queen, she could feel the feelings of desire that radiated in his change begin to twist as they began to match herself, instead of Nightmare Moon.

Her ensuing question of just how in tune was he with them was answered shortly, as Chrysalis feels one of his hands suddenly, and firmly, grab the base of her twisted horn.

"Oh--" Chrysalis makes a small noise, surprised -- before she's pulled towards him, her barrel pressing against his bare stomach, head tilted upwards as their lips meet with a forceful push. With her, he's far rougher; his tongue slides over her fangs, pushing into her mouth, unlike what she found herself doing to him moments prior. Unlike Nightmare Moon, she doesn't stay shocked, meeting his tongue with her own, and pushing against him in equal measure. Normally, she would feed off of Nightmare Moon... but this creature was handing it to her in heapfuls, and she couldn't help but accept. There was an exotic taste to it, the love of a creature centuries past.

Nightmare Moon watches with a slack jaw, as the two practically slobber over each other, Chrysalis all for it with how she returned its affections.
"Chryssi. What in Tartarus have you done?" She mutters.

Chrysalis taps her hoof against Anontios' chest, and he releases her instantly.

Hrm. Good. She liked that. Forceful, but obedient; and didn't waste his words, simply staring into her eyes when he interacted with her. Her tongue rolls over her lips, before turning and pressing her nose against Moons.
"Truthfully? Nothing. This creature -- our now dear Anontios, as he has titled himself, desires us deeply with the same fervor he desires to serve. With the same desire that we hold for each-other, seemingly matching our own paces, too. I think... this will prove a much more bountiful boon than either of us expected." She whispers, kissing the still-flustered Nightmare Moon. This was a much more familiar act, but Moon was still severely on the back-foot from being so heavily ambushed.

"Think of it as my gift to you. Everything we had discussed... and more." Chrysalis purrs as she pulls away, before fixing her posture. "He is remarkably in tune with our magical states, and seems to be able to shift appropriately to what we each want. Sometimes I forget how gentle you prefer it." Chrysalis teases the still silent Nightmare Moon, who suffers from an abhorrent blush and a loss for words.

"I'll give you some time to... recover, my Regent of Darkness. Let me handle getting him settled." Chrysalis assures, before nodding for Anontios to follow, the sly grin ever present on her face. "Come along, Champion. We will get you armed, and will see if you're worthy of the efforts it took to revive you. But if you prove able... perhaps we can find suitable... rewards, for your continued service."

Within a moment, Anontios is already matching her pace, walking by her side as Chrysalis leads him towards the exit of the caverns. The Guards, still recovering from both the magical burst of the creatures arrival, and the unusually public display of relations, struggle to properly salute as they make way.

Nightmare Moon stands alone, deep below their castle, heart pounding in her chest.

That, was a lot. And it left a lot of roiling feelings in her chest.

And she didn't exactly hate it -- but she hated being messed with, and hated the fact that she didn't hate it. She felt demeaned. Her and Chrysalis had always been... playful, but this was a new step, even if unintended. If she intends to bring in a toy, fine. But it would fall into line, and their plans would continue. She would not let Chrysalis get... distracted, with this new oddity.

Her usual scowl quickly finds its way back to her face, stamping the stone floor, sending the guards scrambling into proper positions.

Author's Note