The return of the bug queen

Chrysalis and Dozy Daze sit near the fire, after some time Mellow Dream returns, holding some fruit Chrysalis had brought to the hive earlier that day, they looked delicious, ripe and juicy, and the thought of eating them made Chrysalis's own hunger pang. She tried to ignore the growl of her stomach and focused on the fillies, she watched curiously as Mellow began to chop the fruit with an axe, carefully slicing off pieces and placing them into the pot. She was impressed by the fillies' ability to prepare food, even in this primitive setting. She noticed that the core of the fruit was being left out and couldn't help but ask. "What about the cores?"

"Mellow likes to keep the cores to bury them" explained Dozy, focused on the pot.

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow, intrigued. She turned her gaze to Mellow, curious about the significance of the fruit cores. "Burying the cores, huh? Any particular reason why?"

Dozy continued to answer her question. "She hopes that the seeds in the core will grow into a tree"

Chrysalis nodded, understanding Mellow's reasoning. She appreciated the fillies' connection to nature and their desire to nurture growth. "That's quite nice, Planting seeds and hoping for new life to grow from them. It's a beautiful sentiment."

Chrysalis watched as Mellow stirred the fruit within the pot, the contents swirling and bubbling as they mixed together. The aroma of the cooked fruit began to waft through the air, making her mouth water and her stomach grumble. She could practically taste the fruity, sugary sweetness of the dish. She was about to ask how much longer the food would take when she suddenly perked up, sensing something in the distance. Her senses sharpened, and something was setting her on edge. She strained her ears to listen, trying to figure out what was approaching.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she listened intently, her body tense and alert. The noise got closer and closer, and her instincts screamed at her to get ready for whatever was coming. She glanced at the fillies, who were blissfully unaware of the potential danger lurking in the distance.

"Fillies, wait here," she said firmly, her tone urgent. "I need to check something. Stay by the fire."

Without waiting for a response, Chrysalis stood up and quickly walked away from the fire, heading towards the source of the noise. She moved stealthily and quietly; her mind focused on whatever was approaching. The thought of it being another threat filled her with both fear and determination.

As she got closer to the noise, she could start to make out the sounds of footsteps. Heavy, deliberate footsteps, growing louder and closer by the second. Her heart beat faster in her chest, adrenaline pumping through her veins.

But then... it just stopped.

Chrysalis slowed her pace, confusion and wariness taking over. The footsteps had abruptly stopped, leaving the air eerily silent. She crept forward cautiously, her senses on high alert for any sign of danger. What was happening? Why had the footsteps suddenly stopped?

Unfortunately, her question was answered when she heard one of the fillies scream.

Chrysalis's heart dropped as she heard the scream, a surge of fear and panic filling her. She immediately turned and sprinted back towards the fire, her mind racing. Something had happened, and the fillies were in danger. When she arrived, she saw it, her eyes widened in horror and disbelief as she took in the scene before her. A changeling-like creature had grabbed hold of Mellow, holding her by the hair. And Dozy, poor Dozy, was on the ground, looking absolutely terrified.

She felt a surge of anger and protectiveness, and before she even knew what she was doing, she lunged forward towards the changeling creature, her hoofs extended, and eyes narrowed.

The changeling-like creature throws Mellow to the side, before biting down on one of Chrysalis's fount hoofs.

Chrysalis cried out in pain; its sharp teeth dug into her skin. She tried to pull her hoof free, but the creature wouldn't let go. The pain intensified as the changeling-like creature pulled harder, attempting to rip off her hoof. Chrysalis growled in agony, tears welling up in her eyes. She frantically tried to tug her hoof loose, but the creature's grip was too strong.

Then suddenly, It screams out in pain as Mellow Swings an axe into its side. The grip on Chrysalises hoof loosened just enough for her to yank it free, and she stumbled backwards, panting heavily and clutching her injured hoof.

Chrysalis watched in horror as the changeling-like creature turned its attention to Mellow, hissing and preparing to attack. Without wasting a second, she charged forward, pushing past the pain in her hoof and tackling the creature just as it lunged towards Mellow, the impact was solid, knocking the creature to the ground. Chrysalis wasted no time in pinning it down, her eyes narrowed and her breathing heavy. She was determined to protect the fillies, no matter the cost, as she raised her two front hoofs.

The creature struggled and writhed beneath her, its eyes full of hate and anger. But Chrysalis didn't falter, her grip firm and her expression fierce. She brought her hoofs down hard, striking the creature repeatedly, each blow landing with a sickening thud...

After repeated attacks, Chrysalis panted heavily as she stood over the now motionless creature. Its body was a brutalized mess, a far cry from the menacing figure it had been just moments before. She felt a mix of relief and disgust, her body trembling from adrenaline and exhaustion.

She turned to look at Mellow and Dozy, her heart clenching in her chest. The fillies were obviously frightened and shaken, their eyes wide and their bodies tense. But they were unhurt, and that's what mattered most to Chrysalis. She staggered over to them, wincing as she put weight on her injured hoof. She knelt down in front of the fillies, her face etched with concern and worry.

they suddenly, tightly wrap their hoofs around Chrysalis. Chrysalis froze as the fillies suddenly wrapped their hoofs around her, the unexpectedness of the action taking her completely by surprise. But she quickly recovered, her body relaxing as she felt the warmth and comfort of their embrace. She gently returned the hug, feeling an unexpected wave of tenderness and protectiveness wash over her.

While in the hug, Dozy smelt something. "Dose anypony else smell smoke?"

Chrysalis's ears perked up at Dozy's question, her nostrils flaring as she took a deep breath. Indeed, now that she focused, there was definitely a hint of smoke in the air. The smell hung heavy in the air, a potential danger that she couldn't ignore. "I smell it too," she said, her voice laced with concern.

Mellow panicked, "Oh no, THE DINNER'S BURNING!" quickly, she unwrapped her hoofs and returned to the pot.

Chrysalis couldn't help but chuckle at Mellow's exclamation, relief washing over her that the source of the smoke was something as harmless as a cooking meal. She watched as Mellow hurried back to the pot, tending to the cooking like some sort of young chef, she then turned her attention to her injured hoof, grimacing as she examined the damage. The bite marks were deep and painful, and there was a slight trickle of blood oozing from the wound. She sighed, knowing that she would need to tend to the injury once the fillies were taken care of.

Dozy looks over to Chrysalis hoof, she unwraps her hoofs from chrysalis and runs into the tent, when she comes out, she gives a cloth to Chrysalis. "I know it's not much, but this should stop the blood from flowing out."

Chrysalis smiled at Dozy, touched by her thoughtfulness. She gratefully accepted the cloth, using it to gently press against the wound to stem the flow of blood. "Thank you, Dozy. That was very kind of you."

Mellow calls out, "Dinners ready... if not a bit burned."

Chrysalis chuckled, from the sound of it, the food was less than perfect, but she didn't care. The fillies had done their best, and that was what mattered. "Sounds delicious."

Mellow poured the soup into 3 wood bowls, giving one to Dozy and Chrysalis.

Chrysalis took the bowl, inhaling the smell of the soup, her stomach growled. Despite the burnt smell, her mouth watered, and her stomach rumbled, eager for the warm nourishment. She glanced over at the fillies, who were already digging into their own bowls of soup. She took a small, tentative sip of the soup, her taste buds immediately lit up. Despite its slightly burnt taste, there was a rich, earthy flavor to the broth that gave it a unique depth. The fruits within the soup had become soft and mushy, almost like a sweet, jam-like consistency. She hummed approvingly, appreciating the simplicity and warmth of the meal, taking another sip, she found that the soup was surprisingly filling, almost acting like a meal in of itself. The sweetness of the fruits provided a nice balance to the slight bitterness of the broth, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and warmth spreading through her body as she continued to eat.

Soon Chrysalis placed her empty bowl down, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her. The warmth and fullness in her stomach was pleasant, and the simple act of sharing a meal with the fillies had stirred up some unfamiliar emotions within her. It felt nice, she couldn't deny that. Chrysalis watched as the fillies finished their own bowls, their faces stained with the remnants of the soup. She felt a wave of protectiveness and affection for them, a feeling that was almost foreign to her. It was an emotion she wasn't entirely familiar with, and yet it felt so natural in their presence.

She reached out and ruffled both of the fillies' manes affectionately, a small but genuine smile appearing on her face. These tiny creatures had managed to worm their way into her heart, melting the icy exterior she had built for herself.

She saw as the fillies' yawns, chuckling softly at their tired state. It was getting late, the sun having set long ago, casting long shadows over the hive. "Looks like you two are getting sleepy."

Mellow tried to keep her eyes open, denying being tiered. "N-Nope... I’m.... n...ot....sleeeepy...."

Dozy on the other hoof, was planning on taking another nap. "Ya, I need.... a... small... nap"

"Nice try, Mellow. But it's obvious that you're getting sleepy," Chrysalis said, a warm smile on her face.

Mellow yawns "But I'm not tiered...."

Dozy fell into a deep sleep, snoring away until the sun rises.

"Mellow, sweetie, you're yawning as much as Dozy, and she's already asleep," said Chrysalis, her voice, a mix of both amusement and affection.

Mellow struggled to keep her eyes open. "F-f-fine. maybe I'm a little tiered. can...we go inside again?"

With a nod and a gentle smile on her face. Chrysalis picked up Dozy, being careful not to disturb the sleeping filly. "Of course, sweetie. Let's get you both back in the hive where it's comfortable and safe."

Chrysalis lead them inside. Once inside, Mellow hugged Chrysalis "Good night mum." Mellow said, being too tired to process what she said. Soon she flops to the ground, her eyes closing as she falls asleep.

Chrysalis was taken aback by Mellow's sleepy yet heartfelt remark, she froze, her heart skipping a beat before she looked down at the sleeping filly in her arms, a strange mixture of surprise and tenderness washing over her. The title, so innocent and yet so profound in its implications, echoed in her mind, stirring up emotions she hadn't anticipated. It was... unusual, but not entirely unpleasant.

Chrysalis let out a soft sigh, a warm smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She carefully laid Dozy down next to Mellow, making sure they were both comfortable. As she looked down at the two sleeping fillies, a pang of protectiveness and affection welled up in her heart. "Good night, my little ones," she whispered, the words slipping out as if on their own accord.

Chrysalis looked out into the darkness; her thoughts were interrupted by the task at hoof. The body of the changeling-like creature was still lying in the clearing, a grim reminder of the night's events. She frowned, considering her options. She didn't want the fillies to see it in the morning, but what to do with it?

She pondered for a moment, her eyes scanning the surroundings. She needed a discreet and swift way to dispose of the body, a method that would leave no trace behind. Her mind conjured up potential solutions, each one as problematic as the last. And even then, she had a problem even thinking due to the interruption of a cart... wait a second. Her thoughts were cut off as she heard a sound in the distance. The dull clopping of hoofs and the creaking of wheels. She tensed up, her instincts immediately on alert. A cart, approaching from the shadows.

A Very soft blue pony in woolly clothing and a wagon pulls up and stands in the blizzard, completely unfazed.

The stallion spoke up. "You there! having trouble disposing of that creature's body?"

Chrysalis's eyes widened in surprise at the stranger's bluntness. "I... Yes," she admitted, her voice low and guarded. "Why do you ask?"

The stallion explained, "I could take that body off your hoofs. worth a good price in some places."

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow, her mind working quickly. The offer was tempting, and the fact that the stranger was unbothered by the idea of selling body parts was a bit disconcerting, but it was a solution, nevertheless. "And what would you do with it, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I would probably trade it with somepony who brags and brags about killing one of these creatures, but too afraid to actually fight one so they buy a body as a fake trophy and say they killed it."

Chrysalis's eyes narrowed at the stranger's explanation, a mixture of distaste and understanding in her gaze. She had encountered a fair share of ponies like that during her life, those who bragged about their exploits without having the skill or bravery to back it up. It was annoying, but also all too common among the arrogant and vainglorious. "A fair use for an otherwise useless body, I suppose,"

She paused for a moment, her gaze flickering to the creature's body, then back to the stranger. "And I would be correct in assuming you're offering to dispose of this body... for a price, of course?"

"Na, that body is worth the price" the stallion said as they unattached themselves from the wagon and walked over to the body, using magic to pick up the body and its broken head.

"And what's to say I can trust you?" she questioned, her eyes never leaving the stranger as they hoisted the body into the wagon.

"Nothing, but that's ironic of you to say, coming from the original Changeling queen."

Chrysalis's eyes widened; her wings twitched instinctively as if ready to take off at a moment's notice. "You... you know who I am. How?" she spoke in a demanding voice, her tone cold and accusatory.

The stallion mocked. "I know a lot about you, from how you ruled the changelings in the past, to how you almost took over Equestria, to how you were sealed away, all tales from my parents."

Chrysalis's surprise gave way to a sense of irritation. She didn't like the fact that a total stranger knew so much about her past, and how her plans had so spectacularly failed. "Your parents, hm? And I suppose you're here to gloat, then? Laughing at the failure of the once great Changeling Queen?" she sneered.

The stallion scoffed, "What would be the point of that, ponies have long forgotten your name by now, the only ones that haven't forgotten about you don't see you as a problem."

Chrysalis's irritation grew with the stranger's dismissive tone. The fact that ponies had forgotten her, that they no longer saw her as a threat... It stung. But she tried to keep the bitterness from her voice as she spoke. "Forgettable, eh? And what if I were to change that? Make ponies remember my name, fear my name once again?"

"Good luck with that, a few ponies have tried to take the throne or a small piece of land, all killed within seconds."

Chrysalis's eyes narrowed, her irritation giving way to anger. The stranger's casual dismissal of her potential to become a threat once more infuriated her. She took a step forward, her wings twitching and fluttering agitatedly. "You underestimate me, darling. I'm not some petty wannabe despot. I've ruled before, and I can do so again. Just because I've been forgotten doesn't mean I can't make a comeback."

The stallion hushed for a bit, "Well good luck with that, not even the elements of Harmoney could stop them, now like everything, there forgotten to time."

Chrysalis huffed in irritation at the stranger's words. The idea that even the Elements of Harmony were powerless against this unknown force angered her. She wasn't used to being on the losing side, and this conversation was a bitter reminder of her current predicament. The Elements were practically legends, and to be told that even they were brushed off like yesterday's news was a blow to her ego. "And just who are they?"

"The Queen of the crystal empire, her 4 followers, and the army of drones she has."

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow, the mention of the crystal empire piquing her interest. She had heard of the crystal ponies, and their magical abilities. But a queen with an army of drones and four followers? It sounded almost too fantastical to be true. "A queen of the crystal empire, Hm? And these four followers, what do you know of them?"

"Those four rule different areas, all under the queens command, commanding the monsters like the one you killed."

Chrysalis's irritation turned to fascination now. "And these four followers... what are they like? You mentioned that they rule different areas. Do they have names?"

"Aye, they did once, but now they go by a new name: Apl, Sc0, Sw3 and Purple."

Chrysalis rolled each name over in her mind, committing them to memory. The lack of conventional names was odd, to say the least, but there was something unnerving about it as well. "Apl, Sc0, Sw3, and Purple... These names... They're cold and mechanical. Almost as if they're not even ponies anymore."

She paused, her gaze flickering to the stranger, her expression calculating. Maybe there was something to be gained from this, after all. "You seem to know a lot about these... creatures. You've seen them in action, I presume?"

"Aye, they attack anypony they see, turning them into nothing but a corps"

Chrysalis's disgust towards these creatures increased with the stranger's words. The thought of them attacking innocent ponies, turning them into corpses... It was a sickening concept. Her wings fluttered irritably, her hands clenching into fists. "They kill indiscriminately, then? No rhyme or reason, just mindless slaughter?"

“Aye” The stallion simply said with a nod.

Chrysalis's frown deepened, her anger and disgust mixing into a potent concoction. This queen, whoever she was, was a force to be reckoned with if she could control such ruthless creatures. It made her own power seem insignificant in comparison. "And what of the Queen herself? What is she like?"

The stallion shook his head, "Nopony knows, they all died"

That statement caused a flicker of irritation to pass through Chrysalis, and she scowled at the stranger. "So what you're telling me is that no one knows who this Queen is, or what her goals are. They only know that she has a powerful army, she kills ponies on sight, and no one can even catch a glimpse of her and live to tell the tale? That's not exactly helpful information, darling."

"I'm Not here to give useful information, I was just here to pick up some loot and go."

Chrysalis's irritation increased. They were simply here to loot and move on, without any interest in the bigger picture. How could they be so flippant about something so potentially dangerous? "And you're absolutely certain that you can't give me any more useful information? Any small detail could be a clue as to how to take down this Queen and her army."

They grab a map and throw it at Chrysalis. "Of you want to attempt to whittle down their army, be my guess, but be warned, the later and closer to the Crystal empire you go, the stronger they get."

Chrysalis caught the map in mid-air, her eyes darting over the details of the terrain. "And you expect me to try to single-hoofedly stop this army? What makes you think I'd be any more successful than anypony else, hm?"

"I don't, I'll just be around to calm ya body, or what's left of it, if you die."

Chrysalis felt a pang of offense at the stranger's casual response. They seemed to think so little of her chances, that she would fail so easily... "Ha! I wouldn't count me out so quickly. I'm more than just a deposed queen, you know. I've got skills, I've got experience. I may not be as strong as I was back in my heyday, but I'm not so ready to just roll over and die."

"Well then, who knows, maybe you'll prove me wrong." He said as he reattaches the cart back onto himself.

But Chrysalis wasn't one to take insults lying down, especially not from a stranger. If they thought she was such a failure, well, she'd show them. "I will prove you wrong. Just you wait and see."

"Maybe you will, maybe you won't" he says as they start to walk off, taking his wagon with them.

Chrysalis watched as the stranger started to walk away, irritation and determination mingling in her gaze. She could feel her resolve strengthening, her determination to prove her worth igniting a fire within her chest. The Queen and her army would rue the day they underestimated Chrysalis, and she vowed that she would be the one to bring them down. She watched as the stranger continued to walk away, her hoof clenching around the map in her grasp.

With a final glance at the stranger, Chrysalis let out a huffy sigh and turned her attention back to the map. She'd need to plan her attack carefully, making use of her knowledge of the terrain and the stranger's intel about the soldiers. She smirked a bit, her wings fluttering with anticipation and a renewed sense of purpose. "Well, looks like I've got some preparations to make. I'll show them, I'll show all of them. I'll be back on top once more."

Apl walks left and right, pondering. “What should’ah do? Should I send a full out raid or... WHAT DO I DO?!”

A Vivid orange pegasus with 2 mechanical wings Busted into the barn. “I got your message!”

Apl looked at Sc0, confused. “YOU WERNT SUPPOST TO RESIVE THAT! WHERES PUR-”

Sc0 covered her ears with her wings “purple forward it to m-m-me, she’s t-t-t too busy on her d-d-date.”

Apl’s eye twitched, “oh of course…” -the put her hoofs under a table, before flipping it over with such force, everything on the table and the table itself broke- “OF COURCE SHE CAN GO ON A DATE, BUT I, ME, IM NOT ALLOWED TO SPEND TIME WITH MY BOYFRIEND?! IM SICK OF IT! AND EVEN WHEN I ASK FOR PURPLES HELP, SHE SENDS IN SOMEOTHER PONY TO ‘tRy To HeLp!’ WHEN THERE USELESS!!!!!”

Sc0 cowered behind a pillar, her breathing heavy and tears streaming down her face.

Apl takes a deep breath. “I apologies for my sudden outburst, I’ve just had my date ruined…”

Sc0 stepped out from behind the pillar. “Like all you’re dates do?” She mocked.

Apl looked at Sc0 and yelled, “Shut your beak or I’LL REMOVE THOSE WINGS AND TURN YOU INTO A ROTISSERIE CHICKEN!!!”

Sc0’s eye twitched, if there was one thing she hated, it was being called a chicken, “You did not just call me a chicken!”

Apl decided to mock her, “Bawk, Bawk!”

Sc0 leaped at Apl, pushing them to the ground before punching them with her hooves, “THIS! IS! FOR! CALLING! ME! A! CHICKEN!!!”

Apl pushed her friend off, almost into the ceiling of the barn. “Get OFF ME!”

Sc0 opens her mechanical wings and slowly glides down to the ground. “You started it!”

Apl Scoffs to herself. “I didn’t start all thus. It’s all HER fault”

Sc0 looked behind her, to the outside, to the skeleton hanging on the cross. “Can you be more specific? We have a few hers that are at fault.”

Apl huffed “Its all Tw… Purples Fault. She betrayed Equestria, everypony we knew,” -They looked up at Sc0- “But not as much as Rainbow Dash betrayed the other four.”

Sc0 Snapped, “SHE DID NOTHING WRONG!”

Apl shook her head, “Are still trying to defend her, IF SHE NEVER TOLD PURPLE THEIR PLAN, THEY WOULD HAVE NEVER DIED, THEY WOULD HAVE SAVED EQUESTRIA, now thanks to her their all dead, all five of them…”

Sc0 knew the truth… but Apl was just too dense on what she believed. “…I’m sorry”

Apl shook her head. “Just get out… I’ll wait for purple…”

Sc0 walked out of the barn, While Apl locked the door. Going upstairs to her old room she buries her face in her pillow, and sobs uncontrollably.

Sc0 was about to take flight back to Rainbow Falls, when one of the drones walked up to her.

He handed her a request. “H-h-hay, could you sign this for me and send it to purple.”

Sc0 looked at it, “Oh you want to move. Well it was rather to Rainbow Falls or the Crystal empire considering what Sw3 loves to do in Manehattan. Fine, you have 10 weeks to change your mind. But I doubt you want to cancel this at all.”

The drone gulped, “Can’t you make it about 10 days?”

Sc0 shook her head, “Nope, I need to do A LOT of work before you move to Rainbow Falls. Oh and by the way, do you have any children. I’m guessing no.”

The drone was confused. “No… why is that a question?”

“Because if you end up having a child, you’re not allowed to move.”

The drone flinched, “Wait what?”

“Bye” Sc0 said before flying off into the blizzard, disappearing from view.

The drone shook. “I h-have to be here for TEN MORE WEEKS!!! That’s SEVENTY DAYS!!!” The drone quickly looked around, before running home and locking their door.