Chapters The return of the bug queen
The food, The Monster, And The Merchant
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.
The return of the bug queen
Alone in a frozen garden was a lone statue with 3 figures on it, some of the stone was slowly cracking away revealing small amounts of black skin, the stone coming off their green rage filled eyes, falling off her sharp white fangs, after so many years, so long, The queen of the changelings was finally returning. "I’m free… I’m free at last..." Chrysalis triumphantly yelled out.
Those STUPID Ponies thought they could keep her in that statue forever, maybe those other two she had to work with but Her? However Chrysalis felt a sudden urge to feed. She had starved for so long and now that she was finally free, she felt the need to feed and regain energy. She needed to feed on somepony but there were no ponies here, "I... I need food... I need it..." Chrysalis felt an intense hunger as she looked around wildly for somepony to feed on. Just a quick bite, just a little bit of love would be enough to sustain her for a while... She soon, however, kicked something... the corpse of a pony.
Chrysalis looked down to see the corpse of a pony. She looked at it for a moment "This will do... It won't be as nourishing as live love but... it's SOMETHING at least..." Chrysalis quickly dove at the corpse and started to feed on the body, quickly taking it all until there was nothing left. Finally, the feeling of nourishment came. Not quite the same as live love but still enough to keep her from starving to death. She wiped her mouth as she stood up again, feeling a little better now that her hunger had been satisfied "That... That's better... That should at least keep me going for a little while..."
Chrysalis looked around at her surroundings again. She needed to think about where to go next now that she was free. She needed to attack Celestia, to get payback, but all she found was nothing but a blizzard and snow... Chrysalis looked around, confused. She was just surrounded by snow. How on Equestria had she ended up in a blizzard? She shook her head and started walking forward, determined to find somepony or something
After some time she soon found some shelter and quickly went into the shelter, glad to finally have a place that wasn’t windy and cold. She immediately sat down to rest and looked around in the hopes of finding something useful to her but soon, she found out this was that cursed Celestia's Castle. Chrysalis couldn’t believe her luck. After being trapped for so long, she had found herself in the middle of her enemy’s castle. This was the perfect place to feed. And to get back at that insufferable sun horse, she quickly got up again and started walking through the castle, searching for anything that could be of use, or anypony. Her time to finally fight Celestia and regain her strength was drawing near, but as she walked, Chrysalis noticed how empty the castle seemed to be. There were no guards patrolling, no servants, not even a single guard. The entire castle seemed deserted...
"What is going on here...? Why is the castle completely empty?" Chrysalis walked down a corridor, growing more and more confused. Not a pony in sight... Chrysalis came to a door at the end of the corridor and put her hoof on the handle. She slowly pushed it open and carefully looked inside. It was Celestia's throne room, dimly lit.
Chrysalis slowly stepped into the throne room, looking around. This was Celestia’s throne room, no doubt about it. However it was strangely empty and dark. Where was Celestia herself? Chrysalis lit her horn, casting a soft light around the throne room to see better. She looked at the throne and then at her surroundings again, and that's when she saw her, the decayed corps of Celestia attached to the wall.
Chrysalis couldn’t believe her eyes. There was Celestia, her body decaying and attached to the wall. It was almost too good to be true but there she was. Chrysalis walked closer to examine the body more closely; her skin was mostly decayed, but her stomach had a hole in it like something came out from inside it. Chrysalis could barely contain her excitement as she looked at Celestia’s decayed body. It was actually true, Celestia was dead! Chrysalis had her revenge! “Hah, I guess it serves you right, you sun horse…”
Chrysalis reached over and gently pushed Celestia with her hoof, her body swaying a little from being nudged. “To think this is how you end up... Just an empty corpse stuck to the wall, How ironic that your death was so undignified… After you always tried to look so noble and proper. Always pretending to be the best… And now here you are. Dead. Rotting. Stuck to the wall in your own throne room, how pathetic you look in the end… A corpse in your throne room while your precious ponies are who knows where...”
blood drops onto Chrysalis from above Chrysalis looked up, confused by the blood suddenly falling down on her. Where was it coming from? Chrysalis looked up, confused by the blood suddenly falling down on her. Where was it coming from? there were body's hanging from above, some decaying and rotting, others inside cocoons like those her and her changing's made. Chrysalis stared at the bodies hanging from above, all decaying and rotting or locked inside cocoons. What on Equestria was going on here? Did another being come in here and capture all of Celestia's subjects?
Chrysalis couldn’t take her eyes off the hanging bodies and cocoons, but she also didn’t want to stay in this dark, ominous room any longer. She started to walk slowly towards the exit, feeling a sense of unease, as she made her way out of the throne room, Chrysalis couldn't help but glance back at Celestia's decaying body, hanging from the wall like a trophy. How could such a mighty being like the Sun Princess end up like this?
Chrysalis continued walking through the castle, trying to shake off the eerie feeling the throne room had given her. She needed to focus on her next course of action. She was free of her imprisonment, Celestia was dead, and the castle was completely empty. There had to be some ponies around somewhere, as she continued walking, Chrysalis realized just how eerily quiet the castle was. There was no sign of any ponies or guards. It was as if the castle had been evacuated... or abandoned... Chrysalis continued walking through the halls, growing more and more frustrated. Where were all the ponies? Was the castle truly completely deserted? She felt a sense of isolation in the empty halls, as if she was the only living being left in the entire castle... She couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety as she walked through the quiet castle. The silence was almost deafening, and it felt like the walls were closing in on her. She quickened her pace, feeling a sudden urge to get out of the castle and find somepony, anyone to interact with, while she walked, Chrysalis suddenly heard a slight shuffling noise from a nearby room. She froze, listening intently, her ears perked up. Was she finally not alone in the castle? Was there a pony nearby?
Chrysalis slowly crept towards the room where the shuffling sound had come from. She peeked into the room, trying to see what was in there and who was making the noise, Chrysalis gasped as she saw the pair of eyes looking back at her in the dark. She felt a sudden pang of anxiety as she stared at those eyes, unable to make out what creature they belonged to, for awhile she kept staring, her heart beating fast as she tried to get a better look at whatever was watching her from the darkness. She took a tentative step forward, her magic at the ready just in case... then suddenly, it leaped at her with sharp teeth.
Chrysalis shrieked as the creature suddenly leaped at her with sharp teeth. She quickly dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding being bitten, She stumbled backwards, her heart beating fast as she faced the creature in front of her. Despite the dark room, she was finally able to get a look at it... And what she saw made her blood run cold... She could barely believe her eyes. The creature in front of her was a monstrous-looking version of Celestia. It was almost like a changeling, but twisted and off... And it had just tried to bite her. She instinctively took a step back, her eyes wide with fear as she stared at the monstrous Celestia lookalike. Chrysalis watched in horror as the monstrous Celestia lookalike stepped closer, its mouth dripping with saliva. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she backed away, her instincts telling her to run, Chrysalis continued backing away, her eyes fixed on the monstrous Celestia lookalike as it came closer and closer. She could see the hunger in its eyes, and she knew there was no way she could fight something like this. All she could do was try to escape.
She turned and ran, her heart racing as she fled from the monstrous Celestia lookalike. She could hear it following her, its footsteps echoing through the quiet halls as it chased her down, running for what felt like an eternity, her heart pounding in her ears. The monstrous Celestia lookalike was hot on her tail, chasing her down and closing the distance between them It reached for her, before Chrysalis burst outside into the blizzard.
she stumbled away from the castle. She didn't know where she was, but anywhere was better than inside the castle with that thing chasing her, She looked back at the castle as she ran away, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she tried to run through the snow. The blizzard was strong, but she had to keep going. She had no idea what that monstrous Celestia lookalike was, but she couldn't let it catch her.
Chrysalis finally stopped running when she was sure that the monstrous Celestia lookalike had given up chasing her. She stood in the middle of the blizzard, her body shaking with exhaustion and adrenaline. She looked around, trying to get her bearings and figure out where she was. She looked around for any signs of civilization or shelter, but all she could see was a sea of white. The freezing cold started to seep into her bones, and she realized that she couldn't stay out here for much longer.
Just then, she saw a fire in the distance, a small beacon of warmth and light in the snowy wasteland. Without a moment's hesitation, she started walking towards it, her body desperate for warmth and shelter from the blizzard and With each step, she got closer and closer to the fire, her heart filling with hope. As she came closer, she could see 2 small figures sitting by the fire, their backs were turned to her. Chrysalis approached cautiously, not wanting to startle whoever was sitting by the fire. She got close enough to see that the 2 figures were in fact ponies, both of them young fillies, it seemed.
She took a deep breath and stepped closer, making her presence known. The 2 fillies sitting by the fire heard her and turned around, their eyes widening as they saw Chrysalis. Scared, they stepped back.
"P-p-please, d-d-don't hurt us, w-w-will do anything." One of the fillies said
Chrysalis paused as the young fillies spoke, hearing the fear in their voices. She held up a hoof, trying to show she meant no harm, "No, no, don't be scared. I don't want to hurt you. I just want some warmth and shelter from the storm..."
"Y-y-you promise?" said the other filly, scared.
Chrysalis nodded, "I promise. I'm not here to hurt you. I just need a place to rest and warm up. I've been through a lot today..."
"O-o-o-ok... y-y-you can sit d-d-down" the filly responded.
Chrysalis weakly smiled at the fillies, grateful for their trust. She walked over and sat down next to the fire, feeling the warmth flood into her cold and aching body. "Thank you. You have no idea how badly I needed this..."
As the 3 of them sat in silence around the fire, Chrysalis couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and comfort. The warmth from the fire was slowly thawing her frozen body, and the company of the 2 young fillies was oddly comforting. She wanted to ask them who they were and why they were in the middle of the wilderness, but didn't want to scare them. soon night fell, and the 2 fillies sat up, and entered a tent. Chrysalis looked up at the night sky outside the tent, feeling exhausted but also a bit anxious. Although the fire was warm and cozy, she didn't have a safe place to sleep. She didn't want to sleep out in the cold under the stars, especially after being chased by that monstrous look-a-like of Celestia...
"Hay umm... would y-y-you like to sleep with us tonight?" the first filly offered.
Chrysalis looked at the fillies, surprised by their kind offer. She hadn't expected them to invite her to share their shelter for the night, but she wasn't about to turn down the offer. "Thank you...I'd very much like to sleep inside the tent with you both. You've both been so kind to me tonight."
Chrysalis entered the tent, and was given a large sleeping bag, the fillies entered a sleeping bag of their own and went to sleep. Chrysalis settled into her sleeping bag, grateful for the comfortable spot to rest. But even as her body relaxed, her mind was still racing. She still had so many unanswered questions, and the events of the day kept replaying in her mind. She looked over at the young fillies, who were now asleep in their own sleeping bags. They seemed so young and innocent, and yet they were out here in the middle of nowhere without any adult supervision. As she lay in her sleeping bag, Chrysalis couldn't help but wonder about the fillies. Who were they? Were they separated from their family, or was this their home? And why weren't there any adults around to look after them? These questions swirled around her mind as she slowly drifted off to sleep…
The return of the bug queen
Chrysalis continued to sleep undisturbed while the night passed. her body and mind finally getting the rest they needed. She didn't stir until the morning sun shined in her face through the tent, slowly she opened her eyes, wincing slightly at the bright sunlight coming through the tent. She stretched her limbs, feeling a bit sore after sleeping on the ground but overall well-rested. She sat up in her sleeping bag, looking around the tent to see if the fillies were awake yet. noticing that one of the fillies was missing. She felt a pang of concern, wondering where the filly had gone. She got up from her sleeping bag and stepped outside the tent and spotted the filly throwing wood into the fire to keep it a blaze, the blizzard still going.
Chrysalis approached the filly "Good morning. You're up early..."
"for you maybe, but for me this is normal..." replied the filly as she threw more wood into the fire.
Chrysalis chuckled at the filly's response. "I see. I suppose it's all relative, isn't it? Morning for me might be night for you." She looked out at the blizzard, the storm still as fierce as ever. "It doesn't seem like the storm is going to calm down anytime soon..."
"Since when is it not like this?" replied the filly, throwing more wood into the fire.
Chrysalis raised an eyebrow at the filly's response. "Wait, you mean this storm has gone on for a while? Since when?"
"I... don't know, this blizzards been around before I was born." Replied the filly once more.
Chrysalis’s eyes widen hearing that, "That's... well, that's not normal. No storm should last this long. What do you do when the storm gets this bad? Do you just stay in here?"
"We do move the camp around sometimes looking for shelter, take the fire with us, then use it to start a new one" The filly explained.
Chrysalis was impressed by the filly, "That's impressive. You and the other filly seem to handle yourselves quite well out here. But I have to ask... why are you out here all alone? Where are your families?"
The filly stayed quiet…
Chrysalis furrowed her brow in concern. It was clear that the question had touched upon a sensitive subject. She softened her tone and spoke gently, "I apologize if that question was too personal. You don't have to answer if you don't want to. But I can't help but wonder... Why are you and the other filly out here alone? Don't you have any family or adults looking after you?"
The filly snapped at her, "BECUSE OUR PARENTS ARE GONE!"
Chrysalis flinched, She knew she had touched upon a sensitive topic, but she hadn't expected such a strong reaction. She took a moment to compose herself, "I'm... I'm sorry to hear that. I didn't mean to upset you. I didn't know your parents were gone..." -She paused herself for a bit, thinking on what to say next- "If you don't mind me asking... what happened to your parents?"
The filly teared up, "my mother was used as an incubator for one of those monsters in the caves, while my dad was killed by some subjugated frozen Timberwolves"
Chrysalis's heart sank as she listened to the filly's story, "Oh... Oh my god. I'm so, so sorry to hear that. That's... that's awful. I can't imagine losing both your parents like that..." She paused for a moment, not sure what to say. "You said your mother was used as an incubator for one of those 'monsters'? What do you mean by that?”
The filly attempted to recall what the monsters looked like, "Black bug like monsters with wings and horns, twisted, sharp fangs and green eyes."
At this point Chrysalis felt a little offended, after all with the exception of the twisted part she was practically describing Changelings, "I... I see. And these monsters... They're living in caves, you said?"
"Not just in the caves, according to my dad, they live anywhere outside of the blizzard" explained the filly.
She felt a shiver run down her spine before turning to the filly. "And you and the other filly... You've been staying in this blizzard all this time to avoid these monsters... Haven't you?"
The filly pulled out an old map, "just anywhere out of the blizzard without those monsters..."
"Is that a map? Can I see?" Chrysalis reached out and took the map to look at it more closely. Most places were crossed out, especially 4 parts of the map that looked like they were scribbled out, however there was once place that Might be safe, one that doesn't appear on any map, but she does know the way to, her old hive she used to rule over. A sudden wave of nostalgia washed over her as she stared at the unmarked spot on the map. Was it possible that her old hive was still standing? That it hadn't been destroyed or taken over by the monsters...
"Umm... can I have my map back... please?" asked the filly.
Chrysalis snapped out of her thoughts and looked up at the filly, holding the map carefully in her hoofs. She felt a pang of guilt at holding onto something so important to the filly. "Oh... I'm sorry. Here you go." She handed the map back to the filly, feeling a bit conflicted. She knew the location of the old hive, but should she really lead the fillies there?
Chrysalis was torn at the decision, but her own survival instincts told her that going to the old hive might provide safety and shelter for them all. She sighed and spoke to the filly again, "Listen, I might know a place that could be safe... Somewhere the monsters might not be."
The Filly’s eyes lit up "Really?!"
Chrysalis nodded, feeling both hopeful, and yet hesitant at the same time. "Yes, I think I know a place where we could be safe... But it will be a long journey, and we'll need to be careful on the way there. Are you and your friend up for it?"
"She will be, once she wakes up..." the filly exclaimed.
Chrysalis chuckled softly, "Ah, right. Shall we wake her up then? The sooner we get going, the better."
"o-ok" the filly says before running into the tent to wake them up, and after a few moments, the other filly emerged from the tent, rubbing her eyes tiredly, almost immediately, they started to pack their camp up, putting the wood not used into the tent
"Alright, I think we're ready to set off," -Chrysalis turned her head to the fillies- "Are you both feeling up for the journey?"
"YesYesYes!!!" the first filly quickly replied.
"the sooner we get there, the sooner we sleep..." replied the second.
Chrysalis chuckled at the filly’s responses, "Hehe, well alright then. Let's get moving." She gestured for the fillies to follow her as she started to lead the way.
A figure wearing a suit walked through a blizzard, unphased by how cold it was. When they got to the castle in Cantalot they placed their hoof on the door and knocked three times…
After awhile the door opened, but the figure didn’t walk inside, instead simply knocking on the other door until 2 green eyes peered from the darkness before the twisted version of Celestia leaped out, teeth trying to bite down on the pony’s hoof… nothing happened. The twisted Celestia stopped and backed off, still keeping eye contact.
In a low, raspy voice. “What…you…want?”
The pony cupped their head in their hoof and shook their hand. “How many times do I have to tell you? Is ‘What DO you want’ and I’ve been sent back here to see how your food supply is going”
the twisted Celestia growled a little. “Much food, very much”
The pony sighed, “its ‘a lot of food’ clearly you didn’t copy enough brain cells from your host, anyway’s we may need to take a body or two to feed those in rainbow falls.”
The twisted version of Celestia growled before backing off in the dark, the sound of chains being ripped echo throughout the Castle, as 2 bodies are dragged to the pony.
“This will service.” They said using their horn to lift up the bodies and packing them onto their back before turning to leave.
“Don’t go yet” the twisted version of Celestia yelped.
they looked back “hmm? What’s wro-”
The twisted Celestia bit down on their hoof again, they proceeded to nibble on the suit. “Suit so strong. Suit help sharpen teeth.”
The figure stays quiet. Before pulling their hoof back, the twisted Celestia pulling back, before the figure pulls their hoof out, “Why do you always bite MY suit?! Why not the other three?!”
The twisted Celestia drooled “other’s too silky, this one scaly.”
The figure sighed, “Note to self, if we kill a dragon again to turn some scales into a dog toy for Celestia.” they turned around and walked away.
The return of the bug queen
In the blizzard, Chrysalis was leading the two fillies to her old hive and made sure to keep a watchful eye on the fillies to make sure they weren't struggling too much. Despite the harsh conditions the blizzard provided, they continued on their way, pushing through the storm. The fillies seemed determined and resilient, braving the storm with little complaint. Even Chrysalis started to feel a strange sense of responsibility towards them, a protective urge that surprised even her.
Chrysalis shook the thought out of her head and silently scolded herself for getting soft. She was a villain, a creature of darkness and deception. She shouldn't be feeling such a caring and protective feeling towards two stupid little fillies. Yet the feeling refused to go away and kept finding herself keeping a closer eye on the fillies as they continued their journey.
After walking for hours, the fillies were visibly growing tired, the cold and the deep snow were taking a toll on them. Chrysalis herself felt weary but couldn't stop yet. "We're getting close, Just a little longer..."
Chrysalis continued to press on through the storm, leading the fillies further into the swirling blizzard. The wind howled around them was making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead. but finally after what seemed like an eternity, Chrysalis spotted a familiar landmark in the distance: her old hive. It was worn down and dilapidated after years of neglect, but it still stood strong, a testament to its former glory. "There it is, That's the place. We're finally here."
the surrounding mountains that provided a natural barrier for the hive itself. It was a good defensive position, making it difficult for any attackers to easily access the hive. But Chrysalis had also noticed that the area around the hive was bare, with only a few plants here and there. The ground was dusted with snow, and there was no sign of the plants and vegetation that had once covered the area when Thorax had ousted her.
One of the fillies holding the lamp quickly looked around, "Wow, this place is so big!"
The other one on the other hoof yawned, "Finally, I can get some more sleep."
Chrysalis chuckles, “Yep, it's a big place alright.” -Chrysalis turns to the other filly- “And as for you, I'm sure you'll find plenty of places to rest once we get inside.”
When they entered the hive, Chrysalis found herself squinting in the dim lighting. There was little to no light inside, and the few patches of light that did exist came from the sun shining through the holes in the hive's walls and ceiling. "Hmm, it's a little dark in here."
"Yes, the darkness!" One of the filles said preparing to jump into one of the many holes throughout the hive
“Wait don't-” -the other filly’s yells trying to stop them, however their too late as the other filly jumped into the hole- “annnnd she's gone”
Chrysalis blinked in surprise and shook her head. "Well, that's one way to explore." she muttered to herself as she looked at the other filly, "Should... should we go after her?"
The filly sighed, "She'll be back after she's had her sleep"
Chrysalis raised an eyebrow, "You're... not worried about her at all?"
The filly shrugged, "She’s slept in worse places in the past."
Chrysalis chuckled slightly, "Really? Worse places than a random hole in a dark abandoned hive?"
"Yell ya," -The filly raises their hoof to list off some examples- "there was the caves filled with monsters, the forest, the fillytrafficking cannibalistic ponies camp, the camps attacked by monsters, the barn and a few more"
Chrysalis's eyes widened, horrified by what the filly said, "Goodness... How are you two still alive after all that?"
"We'll our parents were quite good at protecting us." The filly softly explained.
Chrysalis felt a pang of sadness, she knew the filly's parents had done their best to protect them, but in the end, they had still met tragic ends. "Your parents must have loved you very much..."
The filly whimpered, "They did..."
Chrysalis could hear the sadness in the filly's voice. Losing her parents had clearly left a deep wound in her heart. But she didn’t know what to say, so she placed a gentle hoof on the filly's back, trying to comfort them.
The filly slightly smiled, before giving Chrysalis a hug. she was surprised at first by the filly's sudden hug, but ended up returning the hug, gently patting the back of the filly. "There, there... it'll be alright..."
While hugging Chrysalis, the filly yawned before falling into a deep sleep within Chrysalis’s arms. Chrysalis chuckled softly and carefully lowered the sleeping filly onto the floor, making sure she was comfortable. "Looks like somepony's tired..."
While glancing down at the sleeping filly, Chrysalis felt a strange mixture of emotions. There was just something about the vulnerable state the filly was in that tugged at her heartstrings. However Chrysalis shook her head trying to push aside the odd feelings. She told herself that she needed to find the other filly who had disappeared into the hole, after all there’s no telling what mischief and trouble she might be getting into down there. "Now where did that little troublemaker go off to..."
Chrysalis began searching for any sign of the other filly as she made her way through the dilapidated rooms, peeking into various holes and tunnels in the walls. "Come on, where are you?" she was starting to feel a sense of frustration growing. How could she have lost a little filly in her own hive? "This is ridiculous... She can't just have vanished into thin air..."
However after looking up, she couldn't help but laugh at the sight she saw. There, at the top of the hive tunnel , was the other filly, fast asleep in a makeshift hammock. "There you are you little troublemaker..." She had to admit there was something endearing about the filly's carefree and mischievous nature.
As Chrysalis looked toward the top of the hive, she couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia as her mind wandered to her old throne room. She knew that the throne room was located near the top of the hive, and she couldn't help but wonder what state it was in now. As such she decided to make her way to the top of the hive to see what had become of the throne room and the surrounding areas.
The temperature dropped as she climbed higher up the hive. The blizzard was getting stronger, and the cold air was seeping into the hive through the many holes and cracks in the walls. But she continued her ascent, her mind still focused on the fate of her former throne room. As she reached the top of the hive, she was greeted by a powerful gust of cold wind and snow. She took a few steps forward, carefully avoiding the slippery ice beneath her hooves. The sight of the frozen landscape around her was both beautiful and eerie at the same time.
Chrysalis took in the sight of the ruined throne room, its former glory now lost to decay and frozen over by the snow and ice. She couldn't help but feel a pang of anger and bitterness. This had been her throne room, her place of power and authority, and now it lay in ruin. The idea that Thorax, of all creatures, had claimed it as his own only served to further fan the flames of her resentment.
Chrysalis's gaze fell upon the silhouette of Thorax's throne, frozen in place within the ruined throne room. The sight of it sent a pang of betrayal through her heart. She clenched her hooves tightly, fighting to keep her anger and frustration in check, the fact that Thorax's throne still stood in what was once her throne room only added insult to injury, a constant reminder of her defeat and the change of power. Yet she still tried to calm her emotions and walked across the icy throne room, her hooves crunching on the frozen ground. As she neared the frozen throne, she couldn't help but glare at it with a mix of anger and resignation.
However, Chrysalis came to an abrupt halt as her eyes fell upon the frozen body of Thorax, chained to his throne. A combination of surprise and satisfaction filled her mind as she registered the sight of Thorax being frozen to his throne... she walked closer to his frozen body, a small smirk playing in the corners of her mouth. Chrysalis circled around the frozen Thorax, her smirk growing. She couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the sight of her former enemy, once so powerful and defiant, now reduced to a statue of ice. "Well, well, well, how the mighty have fallen..."
But over time her smirk faded slightly as she reflected on Thorax's past kindness. Thorax had been a decent and compassionate individual, always striving to do what he thought was right. She couldn't deny that he had treated her with more kindness and respect than she probably deserved. The realization caused a conflicting mix of emotions within her. On one hoof, she loathed Thorax for usurping her throne and ruining her plans. On the other, she... couldn't fully bring herself to hate him... she couldn't avoid the nagging doubts that began to surface in her mind. She had been stuck in that statue for who knows how long, unable to see the outcome of her battle against Celestia and Thorax. The thought of whether she had truly won or not gnawed at her. She had been so confident and sure of her victory, but now she was filled with uncertainty. Was she even responsible for Celestia and Thorax's downfall, or had something else happened while she was trapped in stone?
She wanted to believe that she had won, that her plans had come to fruition. But the uncertainty and the possibility that someone else had taken the credit for her victory, or that there was another explanation for Celestia and Thorax's downfall, was driving her mad. The longer she stood there, staring at Thorax's frozen form, the more her doubts and questions grew. Who defeated Celestia and Thorax? What had happened during her absence... but despite her frustration, she knew that she couldn't just stand there staring at Thorax's frozen form forever. It was time to seek answers, even if they might not be what she wanted to hear as she walked back down to the bottom of the hive...
Chrysalis's thoughts came to a halt as she considered the fillies. She knew that the hive was abandoned, and that there was little food left for them all. She couldn't deny that the thought of starting a brood had crossed her mind, but she also knew that it would be foolish and irresponsible to attempt it without adequate resources. With a deep sigh, she made her choice. "No... I can't leave the fillies alone... I'll have to find food first..."
She knew that finding food was not going to be an easy task. The area around the hive was barren and devoid of any edible plants or animals. She would have to venture out into the blizzard to find something for herself and the fillies to eat. Reluctantly, she steeled herself for the harsh conditions outside, then pushed forward into the snowstorm.
Four ponies in black suits stood around a table displaying the map of the land they owned and the blizzard around them.
The first one with a red visor spoke , “So, why did you call us here today?”
The second one with a horn spoke next, “After all, you don’t usually call a meeting unless it’s something important, or the queen commanded you to and she’s just late”
Then the third one with mechanical wings spoke, “and last time we had a meeting, we all know how that turned out”
“Silance” Said the fourth one looking down at the other three with their wings open and horn vaguely glowing. “I’ve called this meeting today after my visit to Celestia’s Castle”
The second one spoke up, “That old place with the body of Celestia, what about it?”
The first one looked over at the second, “Please don’t interrupt her, The sooner we can finish the meeting, the sooner we can leave, and the sooner I leave, the Sooner I can go on my date!”
The third one giggled, “well in that case we should keep this meeting going so you don’t harass the poor bug.”
The first one snaped. “DON’T YOU DA-”
The fourth one yelled out, “ENOUGH!!!”
The other three fell quiet.
The fourth one continued, “After I retrieved food from her and gave it to Sc0,” -the fourth one looks over at the third one- “Please ration your food more,” -they turn their head back to the rest of them- “One of the statues were… missing something”
The second one tilted their head. “Missing, like what?”
The fourth nodded, “Good question Sw3” they place down an old news article of a statue with three villains on it.
The first one looked at the photos. “This is the problem… a old news article?”
The fourth one looked at the first, “Apl, let me explain before you jump to conclusions,” -they point to the photo of the statue- “I had walked past this statue, and this is what it should look like,” -they slide a photo of the statue covered in snow, only 2 villains there- “and this is what it looks like now. I want you three to keep a lookout”
Sc0 scoffed, “So it’s a statue, Big deal. Why can’t we just hang out.”
The fourth one looked at Sc0, “We have no Idea what those stupid ponies could be trying, for all we know it could be the key to taking the queen down, and we don’t want that.”
Sc0 scoffed more, “Oh come on, we barely get to see each other anymore outside of meetings”
The fourth one’s horn slightly glowed, “We have jobs to do, to rule our kingdoms and obey our queen.”
Sc0 slammed their hoofs against the table, “OH SHUT UP TW-”
The fourth one leaned over the table and grabbed Sc0’s neck with their wing. “DON’T ADRESS ME BY THAT USELESS NAME!”
The other two wanted to speak up but were too afraid as Sc0 started to lose air.
The fourth one growled through their suit, “If you EVER address me by MY DEAD NAME again, it WON’T be the ONLY THING DEAD!! Understand?”
Sc0 was able to get a few words out between their choking, “Y-y-yes Purple.”
Purple dropped Sc0 and looked towards the other two, “Do you two understand?”
Sw3 and Apl nodded their heads, “y-y-yes purple.” They both said walking in different directions.
Purple looked at Sc0, before walking away, until Sc0 was the only one left in the room with their thoughts, before she turned around and walked back to the train she arrived on.
The return of the bug queen
Chrysalis was trudging through the snowstorm, the snow and wind biting at her skin and making it difficult to see more than a few feet in front of her, the cold temperatures were making her feel weak and exhausted, but she could not give up now, she had to find food for the fillies and herself. As the minutes dragged by, Chrysalis continued to search for any signs of food. She stumbled through the snow, her hooves sinking into the white powder with every step. The cold wind blew in her face, making her eyes water and her nose run, but Finally, she spotted something in the distance, a faint silhouette...
it was a small group of trees, their branches heavy with ripe fruit. A small grin spread across Chrysalises face as she approached the trees and began to pick the fruit off of them, gathering as many as she could in her hooves. She could not wait to get back to the fillies and share the good news. With the fruit in hoof, she made her way back towards the hive, hoping that the fillies had stayed safe during her absence...
After a long and treacherous trek back through the blizzard, Chrysalis finally made it back to the hive. She was exhausted but elated, holding the fruits she had found close to her chest. She hoped that the fillies were in good spirits and that they would be happy to see the food she had brought them. Turning the corner Chrysalis couldn't help but smile as she saw the fillies still fast asleep. She was relieved to see that they were unharmed and hadn't gotten into any trouble while she was gone, slowly she placed down the fruit and approached the sleeping fillies.
quietly sitting down next to the fillies, a sense of warmth and affection washing over Chrysalis. They looked so peaceful and innocent in their sleep, completely unaware of the harsh reality of the world around them. She chuckled softly, gently patting the fillies' heads.
As she sat there, watching the fillies sleep, Chrysalis couldn't help but feel a sense of tenderness towards them. They were so small and defenseless, yet they held a certain sweetness and beauty that tugged at her heartstrings. She had never been particularly fond of ponies, but these fillies... they were different... Chrysalis tried to dispel these strange thoughts. She was a queen, a changeling queen. She shouldn't be feeling such affection for ponies, especially not for fillies, but she couldn't deny the feeling of protectiveness that washed over her as she looked at the fillies. She wanted to keep them safe, to make sure that nothing bad happened to them...
Suddenly, Timberwolves howled outside, Chrysalis froze The realization of their presence outside the hive sent shivers down her spine. Timberwolves were dangerous and known for their vicious attacks on smaller creatures, like fillies... She quickly got up from her spot next to the fillies, careful not to wake them, and crept towards the entrance of the hive, Chrysalis watched the Timberwolves through the entrance of the hive, her eyes narrowing. They were unlike any Timberwolves she had ever seen before. Instead of their usual thick coats, they were covered in spikes of ice and frozen wood. They looked... strange, almost unnatural... her mind racing with curiosity and worry. Though Timberwolves were typically weaker than changelings, the spikes on these creatures made them a potential threat. She couldn't risk the fillies getting hurt if the Timberwolves decided to attack...
The Timberwolves continued to scavenge the area, Chrysalis couldn't help but notice that despite their icy appearance, they were still made of wood. This realization caused a small smile to spread across her face as an idea formed in her mind... She knew that changelings had a natural advantage over Timberwolves due to their ability to shape-shift. If she could somehow use this to her advantage, she might be able to deal with the Timberwolves without putting the fillies in danger, her eyes darted to one of the Timberwolf’s moving closer to the entrance of the hive. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for the right moment to act, her heart raced even faster as the Timberwolf pushed its head into the entrance of the hive.
With a burst of speed and agility, Chrysalis leaped towards the Timberwolf, tackling it to the ground and pinning it down. the Timberwolf attempted to bite at her, its sharp teeth just inches from her skin. Her heart pounded in her chest as she heard the noise of the other Timberwolves approaching, alerted by the struggle going on between her and their fellow pack member. She knew she had to act quickly to deal with the one she had tackled. Without wasting another moment, she lunged forwards with her wings extended, catching the pinned Timberwolf’s head in her hoofs. With a quick burst of energy, she snapped its neck and killed it instantly.
Immediately after her eyes turned towards the other two now rushing towards her. As one Timberwolf lunged at her, Chrysalis swiftly dodged to the side and countered with a quick punch to its side, knocking it off balance. In a swift move, she quickly grabbed its head and twisted it until she heard a sickening crunch. The Timberwolf fell lifeless next to its dead companion. Chrysalis then watched as the third and final Timberwolf fled from the hive and back into the blizzard. She took a deep breath, relief washing over her as she realized the immediate threat had been neutralized. The fillies were safe now.
Chrysalis glanced down at the bodies of the Timberwolves she had killed. The thought of using their carcasses as firewood filled her with an odd mix of satisfaction and practicality. Once the ice melted and the wood dried, they would make for good fuel to keep the fillies warm and the hive lit. After a short struggle, Chrysalis dragged the bodies of the Timberwolves out of the hive. She huffed with exertion as she did so, but the feeling of accomplishment outweighed any fatigue she was feeling. Once she had dragged the bodies out, she turned and headed back into the hive, ready to return to the filly’s side.
The frozen Timberwolf ran and ran, until it came to a point where a barrier blocked the snow. entering it, the green grass lined most of the area with apple trees covering the rest, changeling like beings kicked the apple trees and collected the apples that fell off them, the wolf walked past them, until they were at a large barn, the Timberwolf scratched the door… and scratched and scratched until one of the changelings noticed and opened up the door for the Timberwolf.
The Timberwolf entered the barn and walked closer to the center. In the center was a red-maned mare, sitting across from them was a changeling, her unlucky date, they were tied to the table, only their hoofs and head being able to move, they had a ring on their head to prevent the use of magic, and in front of them was a bowl of spaghetti, and an apple pie with a secret ‘Ingredient’
“What’s wrong? You’ve barely eaten your food.” The red hair mare said.
“P-p-please just let me go!” said the changeling struggling to get out.
The red-maned mare closed her eyes and giggled, “no silly, were on our privet date,” -she opened her eyes half way and put her 2 frount hoofs on the table- “and you look so very delicious”
She slowly closed the distance. Then the Timberwolf barked knocking her off balance and causing her to collapse to the floor.
“OUCH!!!” -she gets up and looks at the Timberwolf- “WHAT THE BUCK ARE YOU DOING, CAN’T YOU SEE I’M ON MY DATE?!”
The Timberwolf barked in response.
“This better be important OR ELSE ILL TURN YOU INTO PLANT FERTALIZER!!!!” threatened the mare grabbing the Timberwolf.
The Timberwolf barked multiple times.
She released the Timberwolf, “What? WHAT DO YOU MEAN SOMEPONY KILLED TWO TIMBERWOLVES?!” Yelled the red-maned mare, her voice being heard to even the ones outside.
The Timberwolf barked more.
The mare sighed, “Just when I finally get to go on the date I’ve been planning since last week, of course something like this happens.” she turned her head to the changeling like being and untied them.
“T-thanks Miss Apl!” The changeling like being yelled running out of the barn.
Apl turned her head back to the Timberwolf, “TELL ME WHERE THE BUCK THIS SURVIVOR IS RIGHT NOW!!!”
The Timberwolf barked, then suddenly Apl Slammed her hoof into the side of their face knocking them back.
One of the changeling-like beings opened the door. “Miss Apl, are you alright?”
Apl turned to them, “Yes I’m alright,” -they turned to the Timberwolf- “Give this Timberwolf two porkchops this time, call it an apology”
The changeling nodded, helping the Timberwolf up and walking them out.
Apl grabbed paper, a feather and ink, then started to write a letter to purple.
The return of the bug queen
After what happened earlier, Chrysalis returns to the fillies, still sleeping, blissfully unaware of what had transpierced. Chrysalis chuckled to herself but also couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that they had not woken up and gotten caught in the middle of the fight with the Timberwolves, she pondered the thought of how cold the fillies must have been before she found them in the tent. They had only a fire and a tent to keep them warm, and in a place as cold as the blizzard-ridden area they were in... it must have been an unbearable cold. It was a miracle they hadn't frozen to death...
Chrysalis mentally noted how much weaker her body felt. Spending years trapped in stone had taken a toll, leaving her body feeling drained and fatigued. She could feel the weakness in her limbs as she moved, and the exhaustion that threatened to consume her at any moment. She sat back down next to the fillies, sighing softly. She knew she couldn't afford to rest just yet. There was still much work to be done, and the fillies needed her to protect them, but her eyelids felt heavy, like weights pulling them down. She tried to fight the urge to close her eyes and rest, but the exhaustion was getting harder to ignore. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts and stay alert, but the fatigue was overwhelming and as much as she wanted to stay awake and keep watch over the fillies, her body had other plans. She could feel her eyes drooping, her head slowly falling forward. She tried to shake herself awake, but it was a futile effort. Her body had had enough, and it was demanding rest. She let out a soft sigh as her eyes fluttered closed, her mind slowly drifting into unconsciousness...
A little while later, one of the fillies, the cerulean one, wakes up, noticing Chrysalis was sleeping right next to them, the filly slowly stepped out, her tummy rumbling, she saw some of the fruit and picked it up before biting deep into it. However she made sure not to eat too deep as to eat the seeds, slowly eating around the core. After she was done, she took the core out with her and froze as she saw the bodies of two Timberwolves, she almost screamed, but held it in not to wake anypony, however she decided to use their bodies once they dry, but for now she starts to set up the tent outside and pile wood up near the mountains, digging a small hole and buried the fruit in it.
Then the other, orange filly woke up, seeing the food she walked over to it and started eating, the cerulean filly heard the sound of fruit being chomped and quickly rushed over to stop the orange filly from eating all the fruit, snatching the core of the fruit away from the orange filly.
“Hay, give that back!” she loudly whispered.
“No, way, I know you’re hungry, but you can’t just eat all the food!” whispered the cerulean one, “you’re eating way too much, save some for when we need it!”
“But I need it NOW!” quietly growled the orange one.
“You can have some for dinner tonight!” angerly replied the cerulean one.
“pffff, fine” the orange one annoyingly grumbled rolling her eyes.
“now come on, help me set up the pot!” the cerulean one grabbed out an empty pot and a stand.
Whilst the orange one sets up the fire by piling up wood, the cerulean one starts loading snow into the pot. After a while, the orange filly grabs the lantern and hesitantly opens it before throwing the continents of the lantern onto the pile of wood, causing it to catch ablaze.
“Wow, you did a good job!” complemented the cerulean filly as she put the stand above the fire, “now in a minute or two we will have some water to drink and water plants with.”
The orange filly sighed and laid down near the fire, watching the blizzard blow over the mountains, and partially through the opening. Her eyes slowly started to fall, before she thought she saw something move, well of course the snow was moving, but she swore she saw something move in the blizzard. “Hey Mellow Dream?”
The cerulean filly continued to watch the pot, “ya?”
The orange filly turned to the cerulean filly and pointed into the blizzard, “What’s that?”
The cerulean filly looked where the orange filly was pointing but found nothing. “snow… a lot of snow”
The orange filly turned back to the blizzard, whatever was there was gone now. “but, but, but… sigh… never mind.”
The cerulean filly took the pot off the fire and poured some of it onto the plants, and the rest of it into bottles, giving one to the orange filly, who immediately drank half the bottle.
“ahh, that hit the spot.” The orange filly said, whipping the droplets of water off her mouth.
“Sigh, time to fill another pot.” The cerulean filly says dragging the empty pot back to the snow, shoveling it into the pot with her hoof.
Chrysalis slowly opened her eyes, blinking groggily as she woke up. She felt disoriented at first, but as she began to take in her surroundings, she remembered where she was. She was still in the hive, next to the fillies she had rescued, that were no longer there…
Her eyes widened, Fear and panic immediately set in, her heart racing as she frantically looked around the hive for any sign of where they had gone, "Fillies?" she called out, her voice echoing through the empty hive, but there was no response, "Fillies, where are you..." she said, her voice trembling with worry and fear. searching the hive for any sign of the fillies. How could they have disappeared so suddenly? Where had they gone?
Finally, passing one of the holes, she looks back to see the fillies outside sitting around a fire with a pot above it. Relief washed over her at the sight of them safe and unhurt, but confusion and surprise quickly followed, she slowly walked outside, approaching the fillies sitting around the fire. They looked up at her as she came closer, their eyes wide with innocence and curiosity.
“So, how was you’re nap?” the cerulean filly asked.
Chrysalis couldn't help but chuckle at the question. The fillies were so nonchalant and oblivious to the panic she had just experienced. "I'm doing alright, What are you all doing out here?"
"Just, enjoying the warmth of the fire." Replied the filly.
Chrysalis nodded, understanding their desire for warmth. The fire crackled cheerfully, providing a source of both light and heat on the cold, snowy day. "That does look quite cozy, but what's in the pot?"
"Snow, a lot of snow" the orange filly answered before the cerulean one could respond.
Chrysalis raised an eyebrow, a bit puzzled. "Why are you cooking snow, of all things?"
"To melt it into water." Replied the cerulean filly, taking a sip from her bottle.
Chrysalis's confusion quickly turned into understanding, "Ah, I see, so you're trying to melt snow to make water. That's resourceful."
"Thank you" the filly replied.
The orange filly smiled "Would you like to sit with us? Mellow should be making dinner soon," -the orange filly looked over at the cerulean filly- "Very soon."
Chrysalis smiled at the invitation and nodded, grateful for the company. She sat down near the fire, close enough to feel the warmth radiate onto her skin. She glanced over at the orange filly and the cerulean filly, curiosity piqued. "Who is this 'Mellow' you're referring to?"
The orange filly fell onto their back, the cerulean filly took a while to think, before giggling, "I guess we never really introduced ourselves"
"No, I suppose you haven't," -Chrysalis smiled- "Please, do introduce yourselves. I would love to learn your names."
"My name is Mellow Dream, and my sister over there is Dozy Daze" Mellow explained, introducing herself and Dozy.
"Pleased to meet you both," -Chrysalis said warmly while nodding- "I'm Chrysalis."
"well, it was nice to meet you, thank you." Mellow replied.
Chrysalis smiled at the fillies' politeness, appreciating their manners. She couldn't help but feel a strange sense of fondness towards these innocent creatures. Perhaps it was the contrast of her own dark and dangerous nature against their pure innocence that made them so endearing to her.
"Aww come on, I'm starting to get hungrier" Dozy yelled, her stomach growling.
Mellow sighed to herself "Fine, I'll go get the fruit" she stood up and walked back into the hive to get the fruit.
"Seems like somepony is getting hangry," teased Chrysalis, a wry smile appearing on her lips.
Purple bowed to a picture, green candles beside it. “I will not let you down my majesty, I will obey you’re every order, every last one…” she stood up and slowly walked away from the painting, walking through the library halls, she had all the books, all of them belong to her now, she always had a fascination of reading, from ‘The Art of the To-Do List, to the ‘Bridle Buck's Boat Chants’, to even the ‘History of the Wonderbolts’ and ‘Predictions and Prophecies’, not to mention the book she made the ‘Journal of Friendsh-‘ she cut her train of thought off.
she opened up the doors to a street with a few ‘changelings’ here and there doing their job, one however flew straight into her, knocking her down.
“I-I-I-I’m sorry miss Purple!” the ‘changeling’ tried to apologize. “p-p-please forgive me I wasn’t flying straight I’m so sor-”
Purple snapped, “I KNOW YOU WEREN’T FLYING STRAIGHT; YOUR HOST WAS DERPY MUFFIN HOOVES FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!!” she sighed it off, “just give me my mail.”
They give Purple her mail and fly off, Purple opened up her mail and after reading it, squeaked, “A date, Tonight, 8:50pm Sharp?!” she pranced back inside as quickly as she could down to pick a dress for herself, “Ohhh, Flash, Flash, Flash, Flash! You know me too well! What should I wear, what should I bring, what should I… who am I kidding, I’ll just go like normal! Just have to sign a few arguments and I’ll be done for the day” she pranced once more, ignoring everything as she went to a room filled with completed paperwork not only organized by date, but also alphabetically as she sat down to sign a few files.
After a few seconds she was on the last one, the same complaint from a ‘changeling’ about Apl harassing them, she sighed and started to write a reply, reading the words out loud to herself “Dear worker drone, I am unable to file a restraining order as I am not the one in charge of your sector, now I would suggest to contact you’re sector leader, however since you’re troubles are with her we both know she will decline that with some lipstick on the side, so my suggestion to you is to request to change sectors, kind regards, purple”
Purple sat down the quill and rolled up the scroll, sending it to the Apple anchors. She sat up once more and walked out of the room, while she slowly walked through the corridor she looked to the side, the banners hung on the wall, all of them slowly swinging from the small amount of wind coming from the air vents, all fiv-… no, four of them showing one of the four leaders who rule under the queen. Purple being one of them. She walked back to the door, it was 7:35pm at this point, so she might as well get there a little early.
The return of the bug queen
Finding a Filly in the snow.
Chrysalis opened her eyes slowly, feeling a mix of confusion and irritation as she realized she was back in her hive. So she had passed out, probably from exhaustion given her current condition. She groaned and sat up, leaning against the wall with a huff. How long had she been out?
Chrysalis grumbled at the realization. The fillies were already up, which meant she must have been out for a while. She slowly heaved herself off the ground, her bones creaking and groaning with the movement. Oh, how the mighty had fallen... She stood up straight, trying to ignore the aches and pains that spread through her body. She looked around at her hive, her eyes taking in the familiar surroundings and the fillies that were already moving about. It was a far cry from the grand kingdom she had once ruled, but it was home now. She shook her head, trying to shake off the exhaustion and irritability that lingered from her unexpected nap.
Chrysalis took a few steps forward, her wings fluttering a bit anxiously. She had to get a grip, she couldn't let these feelings consume her. She took a deep breath, forcing the negative thoughts and exhaustion to the back of her mind. There were still preparations to be made, still a plan to come up with. She couldn't just sit around and wallow in self-pity, walking further into the hive, her gaze shifting to watch the fillies as they went about their morning routines. They were so young and carefree, blissfully unaware of the dangers that the outside world held. Chrysalis couldn't help but feel a pang of envy at their innocence. She had once been carefree as well, back when she was the undisputed queen of the changelings. But that time was long gone, and she was left with only the memories and the shattered fragments of her once-powerful kingdom.
As Chrysalis walked, her thoughts lingered on the stranger's words from the previous night. They had planted a seed of anger and determination within her, a desire to prove herself to this random individual who had so carelessly written her off as a failure. How dare they underestimate her? How dare they consider her such a non-threat that she would go up against a powerful enemy and just...fail?
She clenched her hooves, her thoughts growing more and more agitated as she walked. She was not a failure; she was not a has-been. She was Chrysalis, the deposed queen of the changelings. And she would show these ponies, show the world just how powerful she could be, even in her current... state. As she continued brooding, a thought occurred to her: the map that the stranger had given her. She hadn't had a chance to examine it properly before she passed out. Maybe it held some clues, some valuable information on where the Queen's army was situated and how to approach them, then with renewed determination, Chrysalis quickly made her way back to where she had passed out on the ground.
She searched the area, her eyes scanning the ground for any sign of the map, hoping that it was still there, hopefully, it hadn't been swept away or blown away by the wind, After a few moments of searching, Chrysalis caught a glimpse of something lying on the ground a few feet away. Her heart leapt with hope, and she hurried over to take a closer look. Sure enough, there was the map, still rolled up and seemingly unharmed.
Chrysalis knelt down and picked up the map, unrolling it to take a closer look. Her eyes scanned over the map, taking in the areas marked with symbols. "Caves, a cottage, Cantalot Castle, the Crystal Empire... And what could these three other areas be?" she thought to herself as she studied the map more closely.
Suddenly, Chrysalis's concentration was broken by the tug on her hair, and she looked down to see Dozy looking up at her with a concerned expression. She let out a sigh and put the map down for a moment. "What is it, Dozy? I'm a little busy here."
"Mellow went out into the blizzard to look for food but hasn't returned yet!" Dozy Stated as her voice shook in a mix of fear and worry.
Chrysalis's expression darkened as concern washed over her, "How long has she been gone? When did she leave?"
"A-a-about half an hour ago" Dozy Blurted out.
Chrysalis stood up, her wings fluttering anxiously. "Stay here, Dozy. I'm going to go look for her." With that, Chrysalis picked up the map and hurried towards the entrance of the hive and the area around it. As she went, she felt her anxiety rise. The thought of Mellow lost and alone in a blizzard was enough to make her chest ache. She just hoped that she would be able to find her in time, she stepped out of the hive and the area around it, into the raging blizzard outside. The cold wind stung her face, the snowflakes fell heavy and thick around her, in fact, She could feel the bitter cold seeping into her bones, but she ignored it. She had a little filly to find. "Mellow! Can you hear me? Where are you, sweetie?" Chrysalis called out into the storm, her voice barely carrying over the sound of the howling wind.
However, there was no response, only the sound of the wind howling through the icy surroundings. Chrysalis anxiety increased with each step she took. Where could Mellow be? She asked herself; the storm made it nearly impossible to navigate. And with each passing minute, the risk of her getting hypothermia increased, but Chrysalis pushed on, using all her senses to try and find any trace of the young filly. She called out again and again, but there was still no response. The longer she searched, the more desperate she became. She couldn't let anything happen to Mellow, she just couldn't.
Then, Chrysalis saw something, her heart froze at the sight of two frozen Timberwolves sniffing at something just a few feet ahead. She couldn't make out what it was, the blizzard was too strong. But she had a terrible feeling stirring in her chest and carefully moved closer, her hooves crunching against the ice-covered ground, drawing closer, her fears were confirmed. It was Mellow, lying unconscious and frozen on the ground.
Chrysalis felt her emotions rise, she was angry, she wanted to protect Mellow, She couldn't let them hurt her, she had to get them away, Chrysalis lets out a sharp, commanding yell, "Hey! Get away from her!"
The Timberwolves, caught off guard, flinch for a few seconds, before looking up at Chrysalis, hunger in their eyes.
"Get. Away. From. Her." Chrysalis repeated in a low, cold voice as she stood her ground, staring down at the Timberwolves with a fierce glare.
The Timberwolves growl at her, they were not intimidated by her, and they clearly had no intention of leaving Mellow alone.
"You want a fight? Fine. I'll give you a fight." Chrysalis said, lunging forward with her wings spread wide and teeth bared, slamming into the two Timberwolves, her wings and claws slashing at them with a vengeance. The cold of their bodies didn't deter her, her anger and determination fueling her every movement. She was going to protect Mellow; she was going to make sure they didn't get a single claw on her and fought ferociously, her movements quick and precise. Any other time, she would have worried about the power imbalance between her and the Timberwolves, but right now all that mattered was protecting the filly that lay motionless behind her. With each blow, she could feel the anger and adrenaline pumping through her veins, spurring her on to fight even harder until they were nothing but sticks and twigs.
Chrysalis panted heavily, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She was exhausted, her muscles screaming in protest, but she didn't care. The Timberwolves were gone, and Mellow was safe. That was all that mattered, she turned around to look at Mellow. She was still lying motionless on the ground, her small form looking so small and fragile in the freezing snow. Chrysalis felt a pang of worry and protectiveness wash over her. She had to get her back to the hive; she had to warm her up and get her out of this blizzard.
Carefully, Chrysalis picked up the unconscious filly, cradling her gently in her arms. Mellow was cold, her little body feeling like ice in Chrysalis's hoofs. But she was alive, and that's what mattered to her.
Chrysalis began to carry Mellow back to the hive with great care. The journey was slow, hindered by the raging storm and the slippery ice. Every step felt like an eternity, finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Chrysalis could just make out the shape of the mountains around the hive in the distance. Hope surged in her chest, and she quickened her pace, her eyes fixed on the shelter ahead.
Determined, Chrysalis pressed on, her body growing more and more tired with each stumbling step. But she couldn't give up now, she was almost there. She had to get Mellow home, had to get her somewhere warm and safe, Chrysalis was so close now, she could see where the snow stopped and the dirt around the hive started, her legs trembled with exhaustion, but she pushed on, her heart pounding in her chest. She was so close; she could almost feel the warmth and safety of the hive calling to her. With a final burst of energy, she stumbled through the last few feet of snow and onto the dirt surrounding the hive, she took a few more steps, her breath coming in labored gasps, before she collapsed to her knees, clutching Mellow tightly to her chest. She had made it, she had gotten the young filly home, safe and sound. The adrenaline that had fueled her throughout the journey was now starting to wear off, and her body was crying out in exhaustion and pain.
Chrysalis looked up to see the fire burning bright and warm. A small wave of relief washed over her. Dozy must have known that she was coming back with Mellow and had prepared the fire in anticipation of their arrival. She carefully laid the unconscious filly down next to the fire, her heart aching with worry. She looked so small and fragile in her unconscious state, the cold still clinging to her little body, Chrysalis knelt down beside her, gently stroking her hair and trying to bring warmth back into her icy skin. She whispered softly to her, her words a mix of comfort and concern. "You're safe now, sweetheart. I've got you, you're going to be alright."
Soon enough, The heat from the fire slowly seemed to begin thawing out Mellow's frozen body, and color slowly started to return to her cheeks. Chrysalis felt a weight lift from her chest at the sight, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips, as she continued, her eyes never left Mellow’s small form. She watched the steady rise and fall of her chest, a sign that she was still breathing, still alive. As the adrenaline slowly faded and the exhaustion took over, her eyelids started to feel heavy, Chrysalis let out a yawn, fighting the urge to fall asleep herself, she tried to stay awake, to keep watch over Mellow and make sure she was okay. But the combination of the adrenaline crash and the exhaustion from the fight and the journey home was too much to resist. Before she knew it, her eyes were fluttering closed, and she was drifting off into a light sleep.
She dozed lightly, her head resting on her hooves. Her sleep was restless and uneasy, her dreams filled with images of the blizzard and the Timberwolves attacking Mellow. She would wake up every few minutes, her eyes darting towards the young filly, checking to make sure that she was still alive and well.
“Guess I’ll have to make dinner for myself” Dozy said, picking up a few fruits and walking to the pot as the darkness takes hold.
As the darkness surrounds the farm, Apl rounds up some of the changeling like creatures, circling around them. “Now, one of your kind hasn’t returned from their investigation of the old changeling hive, I believe someponies are hiding there, and I want, all of youse” -She locks eyes with one of them, sending a shiver down its spine, she puts her hoof on its chest- “with the exception of you, to investigate the hive, and kill anypony you see.” They start to fly off, and once the others leave, she looks over at the one remaining changeling like creature “And as for you~” -Apl grabs the creature’s horn, smiling sinisterly- “you’re coming with me~” -the drone attempted to pull away, but Apl’s grip was a bit too strong- “oh no, no, no, you’re not going out to battle, your so brave, and I want to reward you~” and like that, Apl dragged the drone to the barn.
Sc0 lays inside their home, looking out the window, at the rainbows that flow, drones scattered around doing a few small jobs here and there, they sighed, thinking back to the past, to their friends, to Apl and Sw3, they stand up, and start writing to Sw3
"Hay Sw3, would It be ok if I visit Manehatten next week? I just want to spend a bit of time with you, old friend. Kind regards -Sc0"
Afterwards she put it in an envelope and stated to walk to the post office.
The return of the bug queen
Keeping the fillies safe.
The snow was a shade of orange when Chrysalis awakens, was the sun rising or was it setting? who knows. Her vision a bit blurry from sleep. For a moment, she was disoriented, her mind still half-asleep. Her eyes darted over to where Mellow was lying, and she was relieved to see that the young filly was still alive and breathing steadily, she sat up slowly, wincing as a wave of pain and stiffness washed over her body. Every muscle in her ached and protested from the earlier fight and the journey home in the blizzard. But ignored the pain, her focus was on the sleeping filly next to her.
Mellow was sound asleep, the shards of ice have, by now, melted away, the filly was still unconscious, but at least she seemed to be doing better.
Chrysalis's stomach grumbled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten anything since the previous day. She let out a small sigh, her eyes shifting to the pot over the fire. She wondered what it could be, and her mouth watered at the thought of warm food, slowly getting up from her resting spot, she walked over to the pot, her curiosity and hunger driving her. She lifted the lid on the pot, the warm steam rising up and filling her nostrils with a delicious aroma, with a smile, she ladled out a bowl of the warm and hearty stew, filled with chunks of fruit and sat next to the fire.
She took a spoonful of the stew, blowing on it gently before bringing it to her mouth. The moment the warm, flavorful liquid hit her tongue, she let out a small sigh of pleasure. It was alright, a bit too sweet, but still edible, once she finished the bowl, she sat it aside and looked over at Mellow, still sleeping soundly, she knew that Mellow was safe for now, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was still wrong. Perhaps it was her instincts, or maybe just her own anxieties, but something just didn't feel right.
Chrysalis thought to herself for a moment, pondering the idea. Perhaps it would be best to put Mellow back to bed with Dozy. The young fillies would likely be happy to have each other's company, and it would give Mellow the chance to recover in the safety of the hive.
Standing up from her spot by the fire, Chrysalises eyes once again settling on the small, sleeping filly. She carefully picked her up, trying not to startle her, wake her up or accidentally sink her teeth into her skin. With the filly being held by Chrysalis's jaw, she began walking towards the part of the hive Mellow and Dozy last slept, and as she walked through the dark, quiet corridors of the hive, Chrysalis's mind was filled with thoughts and worries about Mellow. Would she recover quickly? Would she be okay after the near-freezing experience? She couldn't shake the feeling that something was still wrong, but she tried to push the thoughts aside. She had to stay focused on getting Mellow back to bed and making sure she was comfortable and warm.
Finally, she reached the part of the hive where Mellow and Dozy had last slept. She entered quietly, being careful not to wake Dozy if she was already asleep. She slowly laid Mellow down next to her sister, making sure that she was comfortable and warm, they looked so peaceful and innocent in their sleep, their breathing steady and their bodies relaxed. A wave of love and protectiveness washed over her, and she silently vowed to keep them safe, no matter what and with a final glance at the two fillies, Chrysalis turned and left the area. She had done everything she could for now, and the fillies were safe and sound. It was time for her to rest and recover from the day's events, and to deal with the worries and fears that still linger in her heart.
She made her way back to the fire, her mind still plagued by thoughts and worries. She settled down next to the fire, the warmth and light bathing her weary and tired body and soul, she tried to relax, to let the warmth and comfort of the fire soothe her, but her mind would not quiet. Her thoughts kept returning to the fillies and the fight with the Timberwolves. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was still wrong, that there was something she had missed or forgotten.
Chrysalis's ears perk up, her senses alert and her instincts kicking in. She quickly turns towards the source of the sound, her keen hearing picking out the sound of multiple hooves stepping through the snow. She immediately knew what it was - other creatures, likely hunting in the snow storm, she stands up, her body and muscles tense and coiling, ready for a fight when necessary, she knows the danger of the outdoors in a storm like this, and she is not going to let any creature threaten her hive, especially after what happened with Mellow.
She steps away from the warmth of the fire, her eyes scanning the surrounding area, searching for the source of the hoofsteps.
Suddenly, one of the Changeling-like creatures attacked, leaping out from its hiding spot.
Chrysalis's eyes widen as the Changeling-like creature leaps out from its hiding spot, its claws outstretched and its eyes glowing with hunger. She reacts instantly, her body moving on pure instinct. She ducks under the creature's swipe and without hesitation lashes out, aiming for the creature's throat.
Her hoofs find their mark, tearing into the creature's flesh and drawing a gush of dark, viscous blood. The creature shrieks in pain and surprise, stumbling back. But Chrysalis doesn't give it a chance to recover. She presses her advantage, stomping and biting with a ferocity born of desperation and a need to protect her hive.
The creature fights back, its own teeth flashing in the dim light. But Chrysalis is stronger, faster, and more experienced. She can feel the creature's life force ebbing away with each blow, and she knows she has it cornered.
With a final, mighty blow, she tears the creature's head from its shoulders, sending it flying through the air. The body crumples to the ground, twitching and spasming before finally going still. Chrysalis stands over it, panting, she felt no remorse, no pity, she dealt with one, yet she could still hear more.
Chrysalis snarls as more of the creatures spring up from the snow, attempting to surround her. She can see the hunger in their eyes, the desperation. They're starving, just like she was when she first broke free from her statue. But she won't let them take her hive, not after everything she's been through to get here.
She lashes out with her hooves, kicking and stomping, her teeth bared in a feral grin. She can feel the adrenaline pumping through her veins, the primal urge to fight and survive taking over. She's faster and stronger than these creatures, and she knows it.
One of them lunges at her, its claws raking across her flank. She feels the pain, but it only fuels her rage. She spins around, slamming her hoof into the creature's face and sending it flying. Another one tries to grab her from behind, but she whirls around, her horn glowing with a sudden burst of magic. She sends a blast of energy straight into the creature's chest, lifting it off its hooves and sending it crashing into the wall of the hive.
She can feel the others closing in, their breath hot on her neck. But she won't give up, she won't let them win. She's fought too hard, come too far, to let a bunch of starving creatures take everything away from her. She'll fight to her last breath if she has to, but she'll protect her hive, and she'll protect Mellow and Dozy. They're her responsibility now, and she won't let them down.
Chrysalis's horn flares with a blinding light as she unleashes a barrage of magic, sending the creatures flying in all directions.
Chrysalis watches the creatures struggle to their hooves, some of them clearly injured and disoriented from her assault. She can see the fear in their eyes now, the realization that they've underestimated her. Good, let them be afraid. Let them know that this is her territory, and she won't tolerate any threats to her hive or her fillies.
She takes a step forward, her horn still glowing with residual magic. She can feel the power coursing through her veins, the strength of a queen who has reclaimed her throne. She's not the same weak, starving creature she was when she first broke free from her statue. She's stronger now, more ruthless, more determined to survive at any cost.
"You dare to attack me in my own hive?" she growls, her voice low and menacing. "You dare to threaten my fillies?" She takes another step forward, her eyes narrowing as she looks at each of the creatures in turn.
"I should kill you all for your insolence," she hisses, her teeth bared in a vicious snarl. "But I'm feeling generous today. So here's what's going to happen. You're going to turn around and leave, right now. And if I ever see any of you near my hive again, I'll rip out your hearts and feed them to the Timberwolves."
She watches as the creatures hesitate, clearly torn between their hunger and their fear. But she can see the moment when they make their decision, when they realize that the risk is too great. One by one, they turn and slink away into the snow, their tails tucked between their legs.
Chrysalis watches them go, her eyes narrowed, her muscles still tense. She knows they'll be back, sooner or later. But she'll be ready for them next time. She'll always be ready.
With a final, dismissive snort, she turns her back on the retreating creatures and strides back into her hive, ready to check on Mellow and Dozy and make sure they're safe.
Suddenly, Chrysalis's ears perk up at the sound of a scream followed by a thud from deeper within the hive. Her heart races as she breaks into a gallop, her hooves pounding against the stone floor as she rushes towards the source of the noise. She can feel the adrenaline surging through her veins, the primal instinct to protect her fillies overriding all other thoughts.
Chrysalis bursts into the chamber, her eyes widening as she takes in the scene before her. One of the creatures that had attacked her outside was on its feet, its eyes glowing with a hungry light as it stalks towards Mellow and Dozy. Mellow, still weak from her near-death experience, was struggling to stand, her eyes wide with fear. Dozy was cowering behind her, her whole-body trembling.
Chrysalis's rage boils over at the sight. How dare these creatures invade her hive, how dare they threaten her fillies? She'll tear them apart with her bare hooves if she has to.
"Get away from them!" she roars, her voice echoing through the chamber. The creature turns to face her, its claws flexing and its teeth bared in a snarl. But Chrysalis is already moving, her hooves lashing out with speed and precision born of years of fighting.
She slams into the creature with all her might, sending it flying across the room. It crashes into the wall with a sickening thud, its body crumpling to the ground. But Chrysalis isn't done yet. She stomps on its head, again and again, until she feels the skull crack beneath her hooves.
She turns to Mellow and Dozy, her eyes softening with concern. "Are you alright?" she asks, her voice gentler now. "Did it hurt you?"
But instead of answering, Mellow and Dozy said nothing, simply giving Chrysalis a hug. Chrysalis hesitated for a moment, unused to such affection, but found herself wrapping her wings around them in return. She could feel their small bodies shaking against her and hear the muffled sobs of relief and fear.
Holding them close, she stroke their manes with a gentle hoof. She knows she should be pushing them away, reminding them of her true nature, but in this moment, she can't bring herself to do it. They look up at her with such trust, such gratitude, and she feels a strange tightness in her chest that she doesn't quite understand.
"Shh, it's alright," she murmurs, her voice low and soothing. "I won't let anything happen to you, I promise. You're safe now."
She glances over at the creature's lifeless body, a flicker of satisfaction crossing her face. She'll have to dispose of it later, but for now, her fillies need her. She turns her attention back to them, her eyes searching their faces for any sign of injury.
"Let me see you," she says, gently pulling back to look them over. "Are you hurt anywhere? Did it touch you?"
She knows she should be feeling cold and empty. but instead, she felt something more, some deeper emotion.
Dozy shook her head, "N-no, If Mellow hadn't woken up I think it would be a different story"
Mellow on the other hoof, stayed silent, simply tightening their grip on Chrysalis, a few drops of water coming from her eyes. her heart clenched at the sight of Mellow's silent tears, at the tremble in Dozy's voice. She could see the fear and relief in their eyes, the way they clung to her as if she's their only safety in a world gone mad.
she pulls them closer, wrapping her wings around them in a tight embrace. She can feel their small bodies shaking against her, can hear the muffled sobs of relief and fear.
"Shh, it's alright," she murmurs, her voice low and soothing. "I won't let anything happen to you, I promise. You're safe now."
She holds them like that for a long moment, stroking their manes with a gentle hoof. She can feel the tension slowly draining from their bodies, can hear their breathing evening out as they relax into her embrace.
Chrysalis felt Mellow's body go limp in her embrace, the little filly's soft snores quietly echoed. She glances down at her, a flicker of concern in her eyes, but then sees that Mellow is simply exhausted from her ordeal. She looks over at Dozy, still clinging to chrysalis tightly, tears streaking down her cheeks. "It's alright, little one," -Chrysalis murmurs softly, gently stroking Dozy's mane with a hoof.- "Your sister is just sleeping. She's safe now, and so are you. I won't let anything bad happen to either of you two." She held them close, her wings wrapped protectively around them.
Chrysalis felt Dozy's small body relax further as the little filly's rumbling tummy interrupts the tense silence. She couldn't help but let out a soft, amused snort at the sound. Even in a moment like this, the simple needs of a growing pony can't be ignored.
Gently, she eases Mellow down to rest, making sure the sleeping filly is comfortable, before turning her attention back to Dozy, a wry smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “It seems our little one is feeling better," -she teases softly, gently booping Dozy on the snout with her hoof- "Somewhere in that tiny tummy of yours is a hungry little pony, I think!"
Chrysalis gently disentangles herself from Dozy's embrace, giving the little filly a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Stay here and keep an eye on your sister," she instructs softly. "I'll be right back with some food for you both."
With that, she strides out of the hive, her hooves clopping against the dirt. She finds the pot of stew where it was most of the time, the sweet aroma still wafting from it. She wrinkles her nose slightly at the cloying scent, but pours some of the thick, syrupy liquid into a couple of wooden bowls.
Returning to the hive, she finds Dozy sitting vigilantly by Mellow's side, just as she was told. She handed the orange filly a bowl of stew. "Here you go, little one, this should tide you over until we can find something more to your liking. Your sister needs to eat too when she wakes up." she sat down beside the two fillies, keeping watch of them as they ate.
Within a few minutes, Dozy had finished the meal. "Sheesh, I really did put too much sweet fruit in."
Chrysalis chuckles softly at Dozy's comment, shaking her head. "Indeed, you have a sweet tooth, don't you little one? perhaps next time, we can try to find a balance between sweet and savory. A growing pony needs a varied diet to stay healthy." Glancing over at Mellow, Chrysalis spoke softly, "Let her rest for now. She needs to regain her strength." -Chrysalis sat her empty bowl aside- "Rest is the best medicine for a pony in her condition. She'll need all her strength to recover fully."
Chrysalis ponders the situation. She knew that to truly protect her fillies, she would need to eliminate the threat at its source. Those creatures are a plague, a blight on the land, and as long as they exist, Mellow and Dozy will never be truly safe.
But the thought of leaving them alone, even for a short time, fills her with a deep unease. They are her responsibility now, her duty. She made a promise to protect them, and she intends to keep it, no matter the cost. She turned to look at their peaceful faces, so vulnerable in sleep. They trust her implicitly, and she cannot betray that trust. No, she will find another way. There must be a solution that doesn't require her to abandon her post.
She would protect her fillies, come hell or high water. If she can't leave, then she'll find a way to keep them safe here. a plan began to form. It won't be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is. She'll fortify the hive, build walls to keep the blizzard out, and keep a constant watch. And if any creature dares to threaten her fillies, they'll face the full force of her wrath. Chrysalis looked back to Mellow and Dozy, "Don't worry, my darlings, I won't let anything happen to you. I promise you that."
The Changeling-like creatures return to the Farm, weak and famished, slowly limping their way to the barn, there were less then when they left, and even some of the ones who survived the first trip didn’t survive the trip back, when she spotted them, Apl walked out from the barn to confront them.
“So, did yah exterminate the weed?” Apl asked as she sinisterly watched the few surviving creatures.
The creatures went silent, if it wasn’t for the fact their bodies where too weak to shake, they would be shivering more then a party pony who had 5 cups of coffee.
A few of them stepped back, leaving one in front who, alarmed, looked to both sides hoping one of the others also didn’t step back.
“So…” Apl repeated, “did yah exterminate the weed?”
“N-n-no mam” the creature in the front stuttered, “S-s-s-she kicked us out, only a few of us made it back alive.”
“So, you just left?” Apl asked with a false smile on her face.
The creature tried to come up with an excuse, “W-w-well it was more like a tactical retreat.”
“So you LEFT, WITHOUT KILLING HER!” Apl Slowly approached.
The creatures took a step back, the one up front still talking, “I-i-i-I’m sorry, please don’t be mad”
Apl stopped right Infront of the creature’s face with a fake smile still painted across her face “Mad? I’m not mad…” She leaned in till she whispered into the creature’s ear, just loud enough for the others to hear. “I just see now that I’ve been too lenient…”
Suddenly, the creature feels something go through its chest, their blood dropped to the floor, most of it being blocked by Apl’s Hoof, she takes it out, letting the blood pour out of the creature till it collapsed dead on the grass.
Entering her barn, she made her way down a trapdoor, into a hidden basement, inside the basement was some mostly useless equipment such as crayons, candles, a few pumpkin spice Mooncakes (with the recipe nearby), a few ingredients here and there and instructions to summon somepony, one that Apl wanted to summon.
She started to draw a circle on the floor surrounded by 8 other circles with different amounts of shading before placing 8 candles within the outer circles. Once she had lit them all she placed a pumpkin spice Mooncake in the middle and waited.
Soon, fog started to enter the basement, a sweet yet fake innocent voice echoed, “My, my, what do we have here, one of the queen’s bishops summons me, what for?”
Apl’s spine shivered, “P-please don’t use THAT voice, we both know what they did.”
“Fine, a’h change it for yah” The voice changed, now gaining a western accent.
“N-no, p-please not that voice either.” Apl said still shivering, yet this time she was less shivering in fear and more on the verge of breaking down.
“Oh fine, your no fun,” The voice said, changing its voice to a royal, elegant, calming yet mocking voice. “But I suppose you’re the boss.” They walk out of the smoke, picking the moon cake up and eating it. “So, who do you want me to give insomnia to this time?”
“That insect Chrysalis,” Apl commanded, “That giant bug somehow freed herself, and now is hiding out in that little hive with two little fillies.”
“Oh my, Chrysalis” they said, putting a hoof to their chin, “I haven’t seen her since Discord, my sister and I turned them so stone,” -they extent their hoof- “But tell me, how did you get this information?”
Apl grunted “I sent a few frozen timber wolves to scout the land, some killed a few survivors, some were slain by a merchant, and some did nothing, but a few went to that old hive we raided years ago, that bug queen was there with two fillies.”
“Talking to the dogs like you still I see?” the voice mocked attempting to pat Apl on the head, before being met with a growl.
“Don’t call me a dog!” Apl retaliated.
“Pfff, all right, I’ll stop,” the voice went back to its monotone tone “And I’ll give those in the hive so much insomnia that by time she faces me, a hole swam of us will rain on that hive and kill all who stand.”
“Great.” Apl turned away, grabbing a Mooncake and throwing it into the open mouth of the one they summoned.
Once fed, they left, ready to spread restless nights on the one they were sent to weaken.
The return of the bug queen
Author's Note
For those who don't know what Selenophobia is:
Selenophobia is the Fear of the Moon
Selenophobia - Part 1
As the rest of the day started to pass, Chrysalis did a few tasks such as: moving the creature that attacked the hives dead body out of the hive, going out into the blizzard and breaking a few dead trees down, dragging them back to the hive, gathering some fruit and cutting the dead trees into long strips of wood to cover up the holes on the upper floors, by the end of the day her horn was getting a bit worn out from just how much magic she used..
The hive was now fortified, the holes and cracks of the first 7 floors sealed, The dead creature's body was long gone, and Her fillies would be safe now, at least for a time. She could feel the weariness in her bones, the ache in her horn from the extensive use of magic. But it was a good kind of tiredness, the kind that came from a job well done.
Chrysalis turned to head back inside the hive, eager to check on Mellow and Dozy. As she stepped inside, she was greeted by the comforting sight of the two fillies curled up together, fast asleep. Her heart swelled with a fierce protectiveness at the sight. They were her everything now, her reason for being. She would die before she let any harm befall them.
Softly, so as not to wake them, Chrysalis settled down nearby, keeping a watchful eye. Her horn throbbed with exhaustion, but her vigilance never wavered. She knew the dangers of this world all too well, but with her fillies by her side, she felt ready to face anything.
Chrysalis sat by the flickering firelight, her eyes weary and bloodshot from countless nights of interrupted sleep. The past few days had been a blur of Mellow's anguished screams piercing the night, each one a dagger to Chrysalis's heart. She had held the trembling filly through each nightmare, cooing words of comfort and reassurance, but the terror in Mellow's eyes haunted her. Even little Dozy, usually so brave and resilient, had begun to show signs of the sleepless nights and fear. Chrysalis had heard her whimpering softly in her sleep, seeing her flinching at sudden noises. It hurt Chrysalis to see the fillies so affected, but she was at a loss for how to help.
She sighed heavily, rubbing her weary horn. Using magic to keep them safe during the day was one thing, but she had no power over the demons that plagued Mellow's mind. Chrysalis felt a surge of anger at the creature that had attacked them, for unleashing such terror in her beloved fillies. Chrysalis knew she couldn't go on like this indefinitely. They all needed proper rest to stay healthy and strong. She had to find a way to help Mellow overcome her nightmares, to give them all peace again.
One night, even Dozy started to scream, Chrysalis jolted upright at the sound of Dozy's scream, her heart leaping into her throat. She whirled around to see the little filly thrashing on her sleeping bag, her eyes wide with the same terror she had seen in Mellow's. Chrysalis rushed to her side, gently shaking her shoulder.
"Wake up, Dozy! You're dreaming, little one," Chrysalis said urgently, trying to keep the fear out of her voice. But inside, her heart raced with worry. If both fillies were being haunted by nightmares now...
She glanced over at Mellow, who had quieted for the moment but was still curled up tightly, shivering. Chrysalis felt helpless and frustrated. She was supposed to protect them, to keep them safe and happy. But she was failing, and the thought made her feel sick to her stomach.
Chrysalis wrapped a wing around Dozy, pulling her close and rubbing her back soothingly. "Shh, it's alright, sweetie. I'm here. You're safe now," she murmured, trying to calm the trembling filly. "Tell me what you dreamed, honey. Sometimes talking about it can make the scary thoughts go away."
Dozy stuttered "S-s-she keeps appearing, a-a-a monster"
Chrysalis felt a chill run down her spine at Dozy's words, a sense of dread washing over her. She pulled the little filly closer, her wing wrapping around her protectively. "Who keeps appearing, sweetie? Can you tell me more about the monster in your dream?" she asked softly, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice.
Inside, Chrysalis's mind raced. A monster that haunted both fillies? It couldn't be a coincidence. She thought of the creature that had attacked them in the hive, the one she had killed. Could it be... coming back to torment them in their dreams?
The idea filled Chrysalis with a deep, primal fear. She had faced many dangers in her life, but the thought of an enemy that could invade the minds of her beloved fillies, that could fill their innocent dreams with terror... it was a new kind of horror.
Chrysalis held Dozy tighter, her eyes flicking to Mellow's sleeping form. She had to protect them, had to find a way to keep this monster at bay, even if it meant facing her own deepest fears. "Don't worry, little one," she said, her voice steadier now with newfound determination. "I won't let anything hurt you or your sister. I promise."
Dozy silently hugged Chrysalis, before returning to a peaceful slumber
Chrysalis held Dozy close as the little filly drifted back to sleep, her breathing evening out and her small body relaxing against Chrysalis's side. She felt a wave of protectiveness wash over her, a fierce determination to keep these innocent creatures safe from the horrors that plagued their minds.
She glanced over at Mellow, noting that the other filly had also settled down, her nightmares apparently over for the moment. Chrysalis knew she needed to be strong for both of them, to find a way to banish these monsters from their dreams once and for all.
Chrysalis settled back against the wall, keeping both fillies close in the circle of her wings. She knew sleep would be elusive for her tonight, not with the fear and anger churning in her gut. But she was determined to stay awake, to watch over them and keep them safe.
She thought back to the creature that had attacked them, the one she had killed with her own hooves. She had thought ending its life would be enough, that it would be the end of the threat. But if it could still haunt them like this...
Chrysalis's eyes narrowed, a plan beginning to form. She would find a way to put an end to this once and for all, even if it meant confronting her own deepest fears. For Mellow and Dozy, she would be brave. She would be their protector, their guardian, their mother.
With a soft sigh, Chrysalis closed her eyes, letting her mind work through the possibilities. She knew the coming days would be difficult, but she was ready to face them head-on. For her fillies, she would do whatever it took.
Chrysalis tensed, her ears perking up as an unseen presence seemed to fill the room. The hairs on her mane stood on end, a sense of unease settling over her like a shroud. She couldn't see anything out of the ordinary, but she could feel it - a malevolent energy that made her skin crawl.
She glanced down at the fillies huddled beneath her wings, their peaceful slumber a stark contrast to the growing dread that gripped Chrysalis's heart. She knew they were safe, knew she would protect them with her life if necessary. But this feeling... it was different. It was a threat she couldn't see or understand.
Chrysalis stood slowly, careful not to disturb the fillies as she crept towards the edge of the room. She peered into the darkness, her eyes straining to make out any shape or form that might be lurking there. But there was nothing. And yet...
She shook her head, trying to dismiss the feeling as nothing more than a product of her own exhaustion and fear. But as she turned to return to the fillies, a cold breath brushed the back of her neck, she looked behind her, but nopony was there…
Chrysalis froze, her heart pounding in her ears as the unnatural silence pressed down around her. The constant howling of the blizzard had been a constant presence since she had emerged from her statue, but now... nothing. Just a heavy, oppressive quiet that made the hairs on her mane stand on end.
She scanned the room again, her eyes darting from shadow to shadow. The fillies were still sleeping, blissfully unaware of the strange atmosphere. Chrysalis felt a sudden urge to wake them, to grab them, and flee... but flee where? There was nowhere safe in this frozen wasteland.
A soft scratching sound echoed from the wall, making Chrysalis whirl around. It sounded like claws on stone, slow and deliberate. Chrysalis's blood ran cold as she stared at the wall, her heart hammering against her ribs.
She took a step closer, her hooves making no sound on the dirt floor. The scratch stopped, and for a moment, Chrysalis thought her imagination had gotten the better of her. But then, a dark shape detached from the shadows, taking on a vaguely equine form. Chrysalis's breath caught in her throat as she realized it was the creature from Mellow's nightmare, the monster that had been haunting their dreams. It was real, and it was here.
The voice echoed as they went around them, "Well, well, well, look who finally passed out."
Chrysalis stared at the shadowy figure, her heart pounding in her chest as it circled her like a predator stalking its prey. She could feel the malevolence radiating off of it, the sheer wrongness of its presence in her hive. This was no ordinary creature, no mere changeling or beast. This was something else entirely.
She took a step back, trying to put herself between the figure and the sleeping fillies. They couldn't see this, couldn't know the terror that gripped her heart. She had to protect them, no matter what.
"What do you want?" Chrysalis growled, her voice low and dangerous. She kept her eyes locked on the figure, watching for any sudden movements. "Why are you here?"
Inside, Chrysalis's mind raced. She had faced many enemies in her long life, but none like this. This was a creature that could invade the minds of the innocent, that could fill their dreams with fear and horror. She didn't know how to fight something like this, but she knew she had to try.
Chrysalis took a deep breath, trying to calm the fear that threatened to overwhelm her. She had to be strong, had to be brave. For Mellow and Dozy, she would face any monster, any nightmare. No matter what it took, she would not let this thing harm them.
"Oh that? One of the Queens Bishops sent me here to give you insomnia, and when you finally pass out, they would send drones to raid your hive" The voice told, echoing throughout the hive.
Chrysalis's eyes widened in shock and fury at the creature's words. Insomnia, followed by a raid? A red haze of rage descended over Chrysalis's vision. How dare they threaten her fillies, her family? She would not allow it. She would never allow it.
With a snarl, Chrysalis lunged at the creature, her hooves lashing out with all her strength. She couldn't let it escape, couldn't let it warn the others. She had to end this now, before they could put their plan into motion.
But the creature was quick, darting out of the way of her attacks with inhuman speed and agility. It circled her, always staying just out of reach, its laughter echoing mockingly through the chamber. "Oh no, no, no, this is my domain now, so we play MY WAY!" The hive shook as it started swirling, changing to a dark sinister throne room with moons everywhere, "While you’re asleep, you're in MY domain"
Panic clawed at Chrysalis's heart as she realized the truth of the creature's words. While she slept, she had been dragged into this nightmarish realm, a place where the rules of the waking world held no sway. Here, the creature held power, could twist and bend reality to its whims.
Chrysalis backed away, her hooves clattering against the obsidian floor. She had to find a way out, had to wake up before it was too late. But how? The hive, her sanctuary, had become a prison, a trap.
The creature loomed before her, its form shifting and changing, growing larger and more terrifying with each passing second. Chrysalis could feel the weight of its malevolence pressing down on her, threatening to crush the very life from her body.
She had to think, had to find a way to break free. She couldn't let this monster win, couldn't let it claim victory. She had to protect Mellow and Dozy, no matter what it took. They needed her. And Chrysalis would not, could not, fail them.
"Tell me Chrysalis, before I toy with your mind, do you remember who I am?" the voice asked with malice. “from before you and those other two were turned to stone? what where their names, treck and cozy”
Chrysalis gasped, her eyes widening in shocked recognition as the memories came flooding back. Tirek, Cozy... yes, she remembered them now. They had teamed up and almost took over Equestria, that was until Twilight and literally EVERYPONY THOSE PONIES HAD MADE FRIENDS WITH TEAMED UP AND USED THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP TO DEFEAT THEM
Chrysalis shuddered as she remembered being turned into a statue by Celestia, Luna and Discord. But something she knew was that one of those three could enter dreams, well one of them not counting Discord, Chrysalis's eyes widened in horrified realization as the pieces fell into place. Luna. Of course. The alicorn princess of the moon, with her power to enter and manipulate dreams. She must be the abomination, tormenting her and the fillies. A surge of rage coursed through Chrysalis's veins "LUNA!"
"Finally, I was starting to think you would never get it" Luna said, slowly stepped out of the darkness, she looked like a mix of her normal self and those changeling-like creatures.
Chrysalis recoiled in disgust and revulsion as the figure of Princess Luna emerged from the shadows. The once proud and noble princess of the moon was now a twisted, grotesque mockery of herself, her regal features marred by the grotesque, beetle-like exoskeleton of the changeling-like creatures.
Bile rose in Chrysalis's throat as she stared at the abomination that had once been a princess. She had hated Luna not as much as Celestia, but still hated her. But now... she was corrupted by the changeling-like creatures.
Chrysalis snarled, baring her teeth at the creature that dared to call itself Luna. "You betrayed us them," she spat venomously. "You betrayed your friends, your subjects, your very purpose. And for what? Power? Revenge? You're nothing more than a monster now."
She took a step forward, her hooves clicking ominously on the obsidian floor. "I don't know how you got like this, but I know one thing for certain. I won't let you hurt my fillies. I won't let you hurt anypony else. This ends now, Luna. One way or another, this ends now."
"Oh just TRY" Luna mocked.
Chrysalis launched herself at the abomination that called itself Luna, a scream of rage tearing from her throat. She couldn't let this creature, this twisted mockery of her former friend, threaten her beloved fillies any longer. They needed her protection, her strength, her love.
She slammed into Luna with the force of a runaway wagon, her hooves lashing out with all her might. But Luna just took it.
"Don't you see how hopeless you are, you would need to be DREAMING if you wanted to hurt me" Luna taunted, a drum set playing three notes in the background.
Chrysalis faltered, stumbling back as the horrible realization crashed over her like a bucket of ice water. Of course. In this nightmarish realm, the creature held all the power. Every blow she landed felt like hitting a stone wall, every attack bounced off harmlessly. In this domain of twisted dreams, Chrysalis was the one who was hopelessly outmatched.
Panic clawed at Chrysalis's heart as the truth sank in. She was trapped, a prisoner in this hellish world of Luna's creation. No matter how hard she fought, no matter how desperately she struggled, she couldn't hurt the abomination. She couldn't protect her fillies if she couldn't even touch their tormentor.
Chrysalis backed away slowly, her eyes darting frantically around the chamber, searching for any means of escape. But there was none. Only the eerie moons and the looming shadow of Luna's twisted form.
Panic turned to despair as Chrysalis realized the true extent of her predicament. She was trapped, helpless, unable to save the ones she loved most. Tears of frustration and fear stung at her eyes as she stared at the creature that had once been a kind princess she hated a bit less then now.
"Oh, by now, those fillies have been torn limb from limb, oh how I would have loved to see the bloodshed!" Luna gloated with a mocking laugh.
Chrysalis's heart shattered into a million pieces at Luna's cruel words. A wail of pure anguish tore from her throat as the horrifying image of Mellow and Dozy being torn apart flashed through her mind. Her fillies, her precious, innocent fillies... gone. Murdered by this monster's hand.
Blinding, all-consuming rage exploded within Chrysalis. With a scream of utter fury, she lunged at Luna, not caring anymore if she could hurt her or not. She had to try, had to do something, anything to make this nightmare end!
Her hooves pounded against Luna's chest, but the abomination didn't even flinch. Instead, she threw her head back and laughed, a harsh, grating sound that echoed through the chamber like shattering glass.
"Oh try, try all you like, as long as you’re asleep YOU WILL NEVER-" -Luna, however, was cut off as the room shock like an earthquake was happening- "Wait, no, NOPONY SHOULD BE ABLE TO WAKE YOU UP!!! THEY SHOULD BE ASLEEP!" Luna panicked.
Chrysalis froze, her ears perked up at the sudden tremor that shook the chamber. She stared at Luna in shock as the princess's composure cracked, her voice rising in panic. Nopony should be able to wake her up? They should be asleep?
A glimmer of hope sparked in Chrysalis's chest as she realized the implications. If Luna couldn't control this situation, if something was happening outside of her power... then maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance.
Chrysalis took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to calm the racing of her heart. She had to think, had to focus. If she could just hold on, just stay awake a little longer...
She glared at Luna, her eyes flashing with newfound determination. "What's the matter, Luna?" she taunted, her voice low and steady. "Losing control? Can't handle the fact that your little nightmare might not go the way you planned?"
Chrysalis took a step forward, her hooves planted firmly on the shaking ground. "I don't know what's happening out there, but I know one thing for certain. I won't let you win. I won't let you hurt my fillies. I'll stay awake for as long as it takes, no matter what you throw at me."
She pointed a hoof at the panicking princess, her expression grim. "So do your worst, you monster. I'm ready for you."
Luna, in a moment of rage, leaped at Chrysalis, her mouth opened wide, wanting to hurt Chrysalis before she woke up, but in that, she left an opening.
Chrysalis acted on instinct, ducking to the side just as Luna lunged at her. The princess's jaws snapped shut mere inches from Chrysalis's face, her razor-sharp teeth glinting in the eerie moonlight.
Seizing the opportunity, Chrysalis lashed out with her magic, pouring every ounce of her power into a single, desperate blast. A searing bolt of energy erupted from her horn, slamming into Luna's chest with a blinding flash.
"GHA!!!" Luna fell to the ground with a roll, the place around them slowly became whiter as Chrysalis woke up more, Luna struggled to get up.
Chrysalis stood tall, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear, anger, and desperate hope. The chamber around them was fading, the dark stone walls melting away into a bright, hazy white. She could feel the grip of the nightmare loosening, the hold Luna had on her mind weakening with each passing second.
She glared down at the struggling princess, her hooves planted firmly on the ground as it shifted and changed around them. "Get up," Chrysalis growled, her voice trembling slightly but filled with newfound determination. "Get up and face me like a true princess, Luna. Face me when I'm awake, where your tricks and illusions hold no power over me."
Luna looked up at Chrysalis with tears in her Teal eyes, she looked full of regret "I'm sorry" but that changed as her eye became a dark green and her tone became one of wrath "Sorry you won't die in your sleep!" and like that, they faded away to fight another night.
Chrysalis jolted awake with a gasp, her heart racing and her body drenched in a cold sweat. She looked around wildly, taking in the familiar sight of her hive, also spotting that blue Stallion that had taken the body first changeling-like creature she killed, gave her a map and slightly taunted her days ago
"Looks like Your finally up." He said before standing up and started walking away.
Dozy and Mellow, who had been awake for quite some time while Chrysalis slept approached and hugged her, Chrysalis pulled the fillies into a tight embrace, holding them close as if her life depended on it. Tears of relief and lingering fear streamed down her face as she buried her muzzle in their soft fur. "Shh, it's alright," she whispered, her voice hoarse with emotion. "I'm here now. I won't let anything hurt you."
She looked up as the stallion walked away, her eyes narrowing slightly. Something about him struck her as odd, but she couldn't quite put her hoof on it. Not with the relief of waking and the lingering horror of her nightmare still fresh in her mind.
Chrysalis turned her attention back to the fillies, her expression softening as she brushed her wings over their backs gently. "Tell me, my darlings, are you both alright? Did Luna... did she..." She trailed off, unable to bring herself to speak the words aloud, to voice the nightmare that still haunted her.
The stallion cut into the conversation "Oh, don't worry, I protected those two for ya, might not want them to go outside for a bit."
Chrysalis's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude at the stallion's words. She pulled the fillies even closer, a fierce surge of protectiveness welling up inside her. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "I can never repay you for keeping them safe."
She glanced down at Mellow and Dozy, her expression tender. "You two stay here, stay close to me," she instructed gently but firmly. "I won't let anyone hurt you, but it's best if we all stay inside for now, just to be safe."
Chrysalis looked back up at the stallion, her brow furrowing slightly as she studied him. "Tell me, sir, what brings you to my hive at this hour? And how did you know about Luna's attack?" She had a sinking suspicion that his presence here was no coincidence, but she needed to be sure before she acted on it.
The stallion took a deep breath to start explaining "Well for one, a few days ago I had a goodnights sleep, something I hadn't had in years, as for why, I was dropping by to see if you had any more bodies when I saw a large number of creatures about to attack."
Chrysalis tensed, a chill running down her spine at the stallion's words. A large number of creatures, attacking her hive? It could only mean one thing - Luna was not working alone. She had allies, minions, just like Chrysalis herself once had.
She tightened her grip on the fillies, her expression hardening with determination. "I see," she said slowly, her voice low and dangerous. "And I suppose you saved my fillies out of the goodness of your heart, is that it?" She eyed him warily, suspicion and distrust written across her features.
“Nah,” The Stallion answered, “I couldn't pass on the opportunity to slay a large amount of those creatures without consequence, plus making her even more mad was good payback for all the years of nightmares.”
Chrysalis stared at the stallion, her eyes narrowing as the pieces fell into place. He had saved Mellow and Dozy, yes, but not out of any sense of altruism. No, he had done it for his own gain, to strike a blow against Luna and make her angry.
A slow, cold smile spread across Chrysalis's face as a plan began to take shape in her mind. She had an enemy in Luna, and it seemed this stallion had a score to settle with her as well. Two enemies, both seeking to strike at the moon princess...
Chrysalis looked up at him, her expression calculating. "I see," she said slowly. "You want to make Luna pay for the years of torment she's inflicted on ponies. I can understand that, more than you know." She paused, considering her next words carefully. "Perhaps... we could help each other. I have my own grievances with Luna, and I'm not afraid to face her, awake or asleep. What do you say, stallion? Will you stand with me against this common foe?"
The stallion turns away "Naa, knowing her, the moment she knows I'm here, she'll avoid this place till I leave."
Chrysalis watched as the stallion turned away, a mix of frustration and newfound determination stirring within her. He was right, of course. Luna would avoid the hive as long as he was here, would find a way to strike at them from afar. She was a coward like that.
She hugged Mellow and Dozy closer, her mind racing with thoughts of what to do next. She couldn't let Luna's attacks continue, couldn't allow her to terrorize innocent ponies any longer. But she needed allies, needed someone to stand with her against the moon princess's dark magic.
Chrysalis looked down at the fillies, her expression softening. "Stay here, my darlings," she instructed gently. "I have something I need to take care of." She nuzzled them affectionately before turning to follow the stallion to the exit.
Chrysalis stepped out into the crisp night air, her breath misting in the chill. She approached the stallion cautiously, her eyes widening as she took in the gruesome sight of the bagged remains of the creatures he had slain.
She swallowed back the bile that rose in her throat, reminding herself that these were not innocent ponies, but monsters in disguise. Still, the sheer number of them was staggering... and concerning.
Chrysalis cleared her throat, drawing the stallion's attention. "I see you've been busy," she commented, her voice tight. "Tell me, what do you intend to do with... them?" She nodded towards the bags, not quite able to bring herself to say 'bodies' aloud.
The Stallion continued filling bags as he spoke, "Like I told you when we first met, trade them off to anypony who wants them, mostly ponies who brag a lot."
Chrysalis raised an eyebrow at the stallion's words, a mix of surprise and grudging respect flashing across her face. She had to admit, it was a clever way to make a profit off of their mutual enemy's demise. And if it meant striking a blow against Luna's forces... well, she could hardly object.
She crossed her hooves, considering the stallion with a critical eye. "Clever," she acknowledged, a hint of approval in her voice. "I suppose everypony has their own way of dealing with the aftermath of battle. But tell me, stallion... what's your name? I can hardly keep calling you 'stallion' forever."
The stallion sighs to themselves, "Glimmering star moon. that's my name, or just Star Moon for short"
Chrysalis felt a flicker of unease at the mention of Star Moon's name, though she couldn't quite place why. There was something about it, something that seemed almost... familiar. But she shook it off, attributing it to the stress and exhaustion of the past few days.
She nodded curtly, her expression tightening. "Star Moon," she repeated, testing the name on her tongue.
She paused, considering her next words carefully. "I must admit, I'm not used to working with others, to trusting anyone outside of my own kind," she said softly, her gaze drifting to the distant horizon. "But these are desperate times, and I find myself in need of an ally. Someone to stand with me against the moon princess's tyranny."
Chrysalis turned back to Star Moon, her eyes hardening with determination. "So I'll ask you again, Star Moon. Will you stand with me against Luna? Together, we may stand a chance against her."
"Trust me, you don't need my help, you only faced her in her domain, outside of it she's as weak as you remember." Star Moon started loading the bags into their wagon, it was closer than the last time she saw it and could see the details better, it had purple walls and a yellow frame, 3 windows, a blue roof, lots of marks with paint scratched off and Pieces of purple paper on some parts of the wagon.
a flicker of recognition sparking in Chrysalises mind. it was almost like a distant memory, something from long ago.
She shook her head, dismissing the thought. It was likely nothing, a trick of her tired mind. She turned her attention back to Star Moon, her expression thoughtful. "You may be right," she conceded, a hint of reluctance in her voice. "Luna is not as formidable outside of her domain... but she is still dangerous. And she has allies, as we've both seen."
Star moon slightly chuckled, "There less allies and more drones led by someone else borrowed by Luna." they attach the wagon to themselves, as they prepare to leave.
Chrysalis's eyes narrowed at Star Moon's revelation, a chill running down her spine. Drones, led by someone else... it sounded all too familiar. Like the changelings she once commanded, the ones Thorax had stolen from her.
She watched as Star Moon hitched the wagon to himself, her gaze lingering on the faded purple paint and the tattered pieces of paper. Something about it tugged at her memory, but she couldn't quite grasp it.
Chrysalis took a step closer, her voice low and intense. "Let me guess, given by Apl, Sc0, Sw3 or Purple?" She paused, considering the implications. "And if Luna can borrow them from one of her higher ups, what's to stop her from borrowing more? From growing stronger, until she out matches us?"
"Simple. she promised that those drones would kill you and your fillies, and they failed, she probably lost some trust from it." He turned away and started walking.
a mix of emotions swirling within her. Relief, that Luna's power may be limited for now. Fear, at the thought of the drones that had nearly taken Mellow and Dozy from her. And beneath it all, a lingering unease at the sight of that wagon, the faded purple paint and tattered paper stirring something deep within her memories.
She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She had to focus on the present, on keeping her fillies safe. And if Star Moon was right, if Luna's power was truly weakened... then perhaps there was still hope.
Chrysalis turned back to the hive, her expression hardening with newfound resolve. "I see," she said softly, more to herself than to the retreating stallion. "Then I have no choice. I must act now, before Luna regains her strength. Before she finds a way to circumvent her higher ups' restrictions."
Luna slowly steps into the throne room of the crystal empire, her head down and breathing heavy, she looked up into the darkness, two eyes staring from within.
“Luna,” the voice called out, “I heard you were sent by Apl to deal with that bug and those two fillies, am I right?”
Luna nodded, “yes your majesty.”
The voice asked another question, “Then you borrowed some of Sw3’s army, correct?”
Luna nodded once more, “y-yes majesty.”
The voice tone lowered, “And yet, none of them returned… You failed to kill your targets… and do you know how MAD you’ve made me?”
Luna collapsed onto her knees, “your majesty, please forgive me, spare me!”
The voice laughed, “Oh your lucky, normally I wouldn’t, but today we got some prisoners…”
Purple entered, pulling five ponies by a rope, “Here your majesty, the resistance members we captured.”
“Good…” The voice announced, “Put the four most left ones in the dungeon, as for the fifth one, hand them to me.”
Two Changeling-like creatures undid the ropes of the fifth one and led them to the darkness.
“Good…” The voice said as the pony shook in fear.
Suddenly, from the darkness, a tail emerged and stabbed into the Ponies side, and before the other fours eyes, they started to melt, screaming in pain, until all that was left was the clothing they wore to keep warm.
Purple escorted the other four out of the room leaving the Voice, there guards and Luna alone in the room.
The voice warned Luna, “Fail me one more time, and I’ll send you to the Moon with Cosmos, Got it?”
Luna stood up in fear, nodding one last time, “Yes m-my-m-my queen.” And in a cloud of smoke, she faded away to plot her next attack.
The return of the bug queen
Chrysalis stood at the entrance of her hive, staring out at the eerie, orange-tinted landscape. The blizzard raged on, the wind howling like a pack of frozen starving Timberwolves. She could barely see more than a few feet in front of her, the world beyond shrouded in a thick, swirling haze of snow and ice.
She shivered, pulling her wings tighter around herself. The cold bit at her fur, chilling her to the bone. But it wasn't just the physical cold that made her shudder. It was the knowledge of what lay out there, the danger that threatened her and her fillies.
Chrysalis turned back to the hive, her expression grim. She had to protect them, no matter the cost. And if Star Moon was right, if Luna's power was truly weakened... then she had to act now, before the princess regained her strength.
She marched inside, her hooves clicking authoritatively on the hive floor. She had a plan, a way to strike at Luna and end this nightmare once and for all. It was a risk, but one she had to take. sure, It wouldn't be too big a step in defeating the 'Queen' of those changeling-like creatures, but it would help protect her fillies.
Chrysalis paused by the entrance to the chamber where Mellow and Dozy slept, listening to their soft, even breaths. She felt a surge of love, protectiveness and a fierce determination to keep them safe, she paced the length of the hive, her mind racing with thoughts of the impending battle. She knew Luna would come tonight, seeking to finish what she started. But how to stop her from fleeing, from escaping before Chrysalis could land a decisive blow?
She cast her gaze around the hive, searching for anything that could aid her in this endeavor. But alas, the hive was bare, with only a little more than the basic necessities.
Chrysalis hesitated, her heart clenching at the thought of leaving Mellow and Dozy alone. Every instinct screamed at her to stay, to protect them, to never let them out of her sight again. But she knew that if she wanted to stop Luna, to truly end this nightmare, she would need to take this chance.
She took a deep, shuddering breath, steeling herself for what she had to do. She would leave them a note, telling them where she was going and why. And she would be back before the sun set, before the night fell and Luna came to attack again.
With a heavy heart, Chrysalis scribbled out a quick note, her hooves trembling slightly as she wrote. She left it on the pillow of their shared bed, where they couldn't miss it.
"My darlings," she wrote, her voice thick with emotion, "I have to go away for a little while, to face something that threatens all of us. I promise I'll be back before nightfall, before the monsters come out. Stay here, stay safe, and know that I love you more than anything in this world. Your mother, Chrysalis." And with that, she trudged through the deep snow, her hooves sinking with each step. The blizzard raged around her, the wind whipping her fur and stinging her eyes. She squinted against the icy onslaught, searching for any dead or fallen trees that she could use to barricade the entrance of her hive.
She couldn't afford to let Luna slip away again. Not this time. She had to find a way to trap her, to confront her and end this once and for all.
Chrysalis paused, her ears perked up as she caught sight of the strange structure in the distance. A building, standing alone in the middle of this desolate, frozen wasteland. She couldn't recall seeing it before, but then again, it had been years since she last set hoof in these parts. Years spent trapped in stone, years of change she had missed. She approached cautiously, her eyes narrowing as she took in the details. It was old, that much was clear. The wood was weathered, the paint long since faded and chipped away. But it was solid, sturdy. And it could be useful.
Chrysalis circled the building, searching for any signs of life. Finding none, she tried the door. Locked. She smirked, focusing her magic on the lock. A soft click, and the door swung open with a creak, Inside, she found a small, dusty room. A fireplace dominated one wall, a thick layer of dust and cobwebs covering the hearth. A few pieces of old, rotted furniture were scattered about. But most importantly, a pile of old, dry wood was stacked neatly in the corner, a pile that looked like the logs were placed there recently and just had dust thrown atop it.
Chrysalis approached the woodpile, her brow furrowing as she noticed the discrepancy. Some logs were indeed dustier than others, as if they had been sitting there for a long time, while others had a thin layer of dust that looked more recent. She reached out with a hoof, brushing away the dust from a particularly clean log. As she did, she noticed a small, strange mark etched into the wood. A mark that looked almost like... a hoofprint. But not quite.
A chill ran down Chrysalis's spine as realization dawned on her. This building, this wood... it couldn't be a coincidence. Not here, not now. Someone, or something, had been here recently.
Chrysalis's eyes narrowed as she took in the subtle clues scattered around the room. The doorknob with less dust, the book slightly askew on the shelf, the faint hoofprints in the dust on the floor. Someone, or something, had been here very recently. And if her suspicions were correct...
She approached the book, her heart pounding in her chest. With a trembling hoof, she pulled it from the shelf. Tucked Behind the book, was a small, green key with a heart shaped head, she stared at the key in her hoof for a while, a sense of dread washing over her. This key, this place, it couldn't be a coincidence. But who would leave a key like this here, and why?
Chrysalis's blood ran cold as she examined the key more closely. The complete lack of dust, the shiny, recently polished surface... somepony had used this key very recently. Just before she had entered this strange building.
She clutched the key tightly in her hoof, a sense of unease settling over her like a shroud. If someone had been here, and so recently... could it be Luna? Had she set a trap, a way to lure Chrysalis out of her hive and away from her fillies?
Chrysalis's mind raced with possibilities, each one more disturbing than the last. She had to get back, had to make sure Mellow and Dozy were safe. But she also had to know the truth, had to uncover the secret of this place and the one who had left the key behind.
With a deep breath, Chrysalis made her decision. She would search the building, top to bottom, until she found out who, or what, had been here. And then, she would be ready for Luna's attack. No matter what it took, she would not let her guard down again.
Chrysalis followed the faint hoofprints, her heart pounding in her chest as they led her to the door with the less dusty knob. She reached out with a trembling hoof, grasping the knob tightly. With a deep breath, she turned it slowly, however the door was locked.
Chrysalis glanced down at the key in her hoof, a flicker of hope sparking in her eyes. She brought it to the lock, her heart racing as she fitted it in. The key turned smoothly, the lock clicking open with a soft, inviting sound.
Chrysalis pushed the door open slowly, peeking inside with caution. The hallway was brightly lit, the hallway was much cleaner than the room it was attached to. She stepped inside, her hooves sinking into the carpeted floor.
The hallway stretched out before her, lined with doors on either side. Chrysalis crept forward, her ears perked and eyes alert for any sign of movement. The silence was deafening, broken only by the soft padding of her hooves on the carpet.
She paused before the first door, listening intently. Nothing. She tried the knob, but it was locked tight. Moving on, she checked the next door, and the next, finding them all secured just the same.
As she neared the end of the hallway, Chrysalis noticed something odd. The last door on the left stood slightly ajar, a thin sliver of light spilling out from the crack. Her heart raced as she approached it, a sense of dread and anticipation warring within her.
With a deep breath, Chrysalis nudged the door open slowly, peeking inside, she stared in horror at the macabre scene before her. The table, the mannequins posed to resemble corpses, the grim details... it was like something out of her darkest nightmares. But this was no nightmare. This was real.
A chill ran down Chrysalis's spine as a terrible realization dawned on her. This was no coincidence, no random act of cruelty. This was a bait, a lure. But not for her, but for less intelligent creatures that find their way in here, they would eat the meat off the bodies and leave, baiting them away from something else in the room, like the door missing its nob unable to close.
Chrysalis's gaze darted to the door across from the grisly display, the one with the missing knob. A sense of unease crept over her as she noticed the door was slightly ajar, a sliver of darkness spilling out from the crack.
She crept closer, her heart pounding in her ears. With a trembling hoof, she pushed the door open slowly, peeking inside. The room was dark, the air thick with an unfamiliar, unsettling scent. Chrysalis's eyes strained to make out shapes in the gloom.
Chrysalis stepped cautiously into the room, her hooves sinking into the plush carpet. She kept her eyes fixed on the metal door across the way, a sense of dread growing stronger with each step. The air was thick with a strange, metallic scent that made her nose wrinkle.
Chrysalis paused, her heart pounding. She knew she should be afraid, she knew she should turn back now. But she couldn't. She had to know the truth, had to uncover the secret of this place and the one who had left the key behind.
With a deep breath, Chrysalis reached out with a trembling hoof, grasping the wheel of the metal door. It was cold, almost icy to the touch. She took another breath, steeling herself.
Suddenly, Chrysalis yelped in surprise and pain as a changeling-like creature slammed into her, sending her crashing to the carpeted floor. She struggled to right herself, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.
This changeling-like creature was different from the ones she had faced before; this one held a spear and wore a tinfoil hat.
Chrysalis scrambled backwards, her hooves scrabbling against the carpet as she put distance between herself and the enraged creature. Its eyes blazed with a fury she had never seen before, a rage that seemed to consume it entirely.
She rose to her hooves, her wings flaring out behind her as she prepared to defend herself. But as she did, she caught sight of something that made her blood run cold.
Chrysalis acted on instinct, ducking to the side just as the creature lunged at her with the spear. The blade whistled past her ear, close enough that she could feel the breeze it created.
She lashed out with her own magic, pouring every ounce of her power into a single, desperate blast. A searing bolt of energy erupted from her horn, slamming into the creature's chest with a blinding flash.
The creature screamed, a sound of pain and rage, as it was thrown backwards by the force of the blast. It crashed to the ground, the spear clattering from its grasp.
Chrysalis stood tall, her heart pounding as she glared down at the writhing creature. She had to end this, had to stop it before it could attack again. But as she took a step forward, she noticed something that made her pause.
Scattered around the room, hidden in the shadows, were the bodies of other changeling-like creatures. Most of them had been speared through the head, their lifeless eyes staring sightlessly at the ceiling. It was a grim sight, but not an uncommon one... except for one detail.
These creatures, these monsters... they had been killing each other. And that was something Chrysalis had never seen before.
Chrysalis's eyes narrowed as she watched the creature slowly pick itself up off the floor, its movements jerky and unnatural. It snatched up the spear, gripping it tightly as it positioned itself in front of the metal door, blocking her path.
She could see the rage burning in its eyes, the fury that seemed to consume it entirely. But there was something else there too, something that made her pause. A glimmer of... intelligence? No, not quite. More like a twisted, perverse imitation of it.
Chrysalis took a step forward, her voice low and dangerous. "Move aside," she commanded, her tone leaving no room for disobedience. "I need to get through that door. Now."
It growled at Chrysalis, still standing Infront of the door, before speaking "NO!"
Chrysalis's eyes flashed with anger at the creature's defiance. She took another step forward, her voice dropping to a menacing hiss. "I said, move. Now." She flexed her fangs, a clear warning of the consequences if it disobeyed.
The creature growled, rising its head and the spear before yelling "I. WONT. LET. YOU. HURT. MY. FAMILY!!!" they attacked once more, even using their own magic to throw the spear around.
Chrysalis gasped in shock at the creature's words, a chill running down her spine. Family? These monsters had a family? The notion was so foreign, so utterly alien to her that she could hardly comprehend it.
But she didn't have time to ponder the implications. The creature was attacking again, hurling the spear with unnatural speed and precision. It spun and twirled through the air, a glinting arc of metal and magic.
Chrysalis acted on instinct, throwing up a shield just in time. The spear clanged against the shimmering barrier, the impact sending a jolt of pain through her horn. She gritted her teeth, pouring more power into the shield as the spear bounced off and clattered to the floor.
She had to end this, had to stop this creature before it could hurt her or her fillies. But she also had to know the truth, had to understand what was happening here. With a deep breath, Chrysalis lowered her shield, her voice ringing out clear and strong.
"Your family?" she asked, a note of disbelief coloring her tone. "You're a monster, a creature of lies and deceit. You don't know the meaning of family."
Chrysalis blinked in surprise at the creature's question, taken aback by the note of confusion and uncertainty in its voice. She studied it closely, taking in the way it stood there, spear lowered slightly, its eyes searching hers.
She shook her head slowly, her expression softening slightly. "No," she said softly, "I'm not one of them. I'm not a drone, or a puppet for the 'queen' to control." She paused, considering her next words carefully. "Tell me, creature... what is your name? And who are you protecting in there?"
They stop, sitting down Infront of the door, taking a breather before speaking "My family, my wife and kids, all that's important to me."
Chrysalis stared at the creature, a mix of shock and disbelief warring within her. A family? A wife and kids? It was almost too much to comprehend. These monsters, these abominations... feeling love? Attachment? It went against everything she knew, everything she had been taught.
She took a tentative step closer, her voice softening slightly. "I... I didn't know your kind could feel such things," she admitted, a hint of wonder in her tone. "I thought you were all just mindless drones, slaves to your queen's whims."
The creature silently laughed to itself, "I get why, the only time you would even see us like this is when were in one of the main territories, and even then, were blood thirsty if the leaders or the queen command."
Chrysalis nodded slowly, a flicker of understanding dawning in her eyes. She had only ever encountered these things outside their territories, and always under the iron control of their queen or her chosen leaders. She had never seen them like this, never imagined they could possess the capacity for true emotion, for love.
She took another step closer, her voice softening further. "I see," she murmured, "So you're not just a mindless drone, not just a puppet for your queen's schemes." She paused, considering the implications. "And if you're protecting your family in there... then I may have misjudged you."
They nodded, "And I have misjudged you, I though you where another drone, or someone higher up sent by the queen."
Chrysalis blinked in surprise at the creature's words, a flicker of offense sparking in her eyes. Misjudged her? She was the Queen of the Changelings, the most powerful and cunning of her kind. No one misjudged her and lived.
She straightened up, her expression hardening as she met the creature's gaze. "I am no one's pawn, no one's drone," she declared, her voice ringing with authority. "I am Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings. I do not serve the 'Queen' or any other leader. I serve only myself and my own agenda."
"Former Queen on the changelings you mean.” They corrected Chrysalis, “Before you where overthrown. Sure, I wasn't around at that time, but there were a few books about you."
Chrysalis's eyes flashed with anger at the creature's words, a surge of bitter memories rising up to choke her. Former Queen? Overthrown? The very thought was like a dagger to her heart.
She took a step forward, her voice dropping to a low, dangerous growl. "I was the greatest of my kind," she hissed, "The most powerful, the most cunning. I ruled with an iron hoof, and all of Equestria trembled before me." She paused, her expression twisting with bitterness. "Until Thorax turned my original hive agents me when I had captured almost everypony and he became the king. then when I was close to winning for a third time I was forced to rot in stone for years."
Chrysalis's eyes flashed with anger and pain at the cruel twist of fate that had stripped her of her hard-won power and left her to wither away in stone for years. She had been on the precipice of ultimate victory, of claiming all of Equestria as her own, when Thorax and his traitorous hive agents betrayed her. And then, to add insult to injury, the very creature she had once called a friend and ally had taken the throne for himself, crowning himself as king while she was helpless to stop him.
The memory of those long, agonizing years trapped in stone, unable to move, unable to think, unable to do anything but fester in her own rage and despair, made Chrysalis's blood boil. She had been the greatest of her kind, the Queen of the Changelings, and she had been brought low by the very ones she had trusted most.
Chrysalis shook her head, trying to banish the bitter thoughts. She couldn't change the past, but she could shape the future. one better for the fillies she was looking after now and would be for a long time.
"So, how much do you know you've missed?" The creature asked.
Chrysalis paused, considering the creature's question. How much had she missed in her long imprisonment? Too much, surely. The world had moved on without her, and she was left to catch up on centuries of change.
She sighed, a sound of weariness and regret. "Too much," she admitted softly, "I was trapped in stone for years, cut off from the world. I missed... so very much." She paused, a flicker of pain in her eyes. "I missed the fall of Celestia and the rise of a new queen, the fall of Thorax and my old hive. I missed when the endless Blizzard started, when anything happened." She clenched her fists, a gesture of frustration and anger. "And now, I find myself in a world that has moved on without me, a world frozen over, where ponies probably haven't seen the sun, the moon, the stars, haven't seen a normal changeling in years."
"What brought you to this mansion in the first place?" the creature questioned.
Chrysalis glanced around the opulent room, taking in the grandeur and opulence. It was a far cry from the cold, barren wasteland outside. She turned back to the creature, her expression hardening.
"I came seeking supplies," she stated bluntly. "Weapons, food, anything to prepare for the coming battle against Luna." She gestured to the window, where the Blizzard raged on unabated. "My new companions, the fillies Mellow Dream and Dozy Daze, are not equipped to survive this frozen hell. I intend to change that."
"Ahh, luna, I remember her, one of the two original rulers of Equestria, fell shortly after her sister was killed." The creature reflected.
Chrysalis's eyes narrowed as she studied the creature more closely. She sensed a flicker of something in its voice - a hint of knowledge, of history. It was unusual for a creature of its kind to possess such awareness.
"You speak of history as if you have witnessed it firsthand," she remarked, her tone sharp and probing. "Tell me, creature, how is it that you remember Luna, when even I, one of the greatest threats to Equestria, have been cast into oblivion by the passage of time?"
"Thats because I was there,” the creature reviled, “sure I was born weeks after Ponyville had fallen, but I was also born before a lot of other major events happened"
Chrysalis's eyes widened slightly in surprise at the creature's revelation. She had not expected such an ancient being to be lurking in this forsaken mansion.
Born before Celestia and Luna's fall? The notion was astonishing. Chrysalis had been exiled, trapped in stone, for centuries. If this creature spoke true, it would make it older than even she was.
She studied the changeling-like being with newfound intensity, trying to discern the secrets etched into its grotesque features.
Born before Celestia and Luna's fall, and now a guardian of a family in this frozen wasteland... There was a story here, a tale of survival and adaptation that spanned generations.
Chrysalis leaned in closer, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "You have lived through the rise and fall of empires, creature. Tell me, what was Equestria like in the time of the two sisters? And how did a creature like you come to be, in a world where changelings were all but forgotten?"
The creature took a deep breath as they looked back on the past, "Well, for the first few mounts after I matured, we simply killed, slowly picking off ponies one by one, even ten by tens time to time, sometimes ripping them apart, sometimes making them hosts, or even sometimes turning them into one of us, nopony stood a chance."
Chrysalis listened intently, a chill running down her spine that had nothing to do with the frigid temperature. The creature's words painted a grim picture of unchecked destruction and horror, a dark mirror to her own people's past. She leaned back, considering the implications. If this was true, then the changelings had once been a scourge upon Equestria, as much a threat as she had ever been. But something had changed. Something had forced them to adapt, to evolve beyond mere destruction.
Chrysalis's gaze sharpened as she studied the creature, seeing the love and protectiveness in its eyes as it spoke of its family. A stark contrast to the monster it described from its youth.
She voiced her thoughts aloud, her tone thoughtful. "You speak of a time when your kind knew no bounds, no mercy. When you were a plague upon the land, as I once was." She paused, then added softly, "What changed, creature? What made you turn from the path of destruction to become... this?" She gestured to the door behind them, to the family the creature had sworn to protect.
The creature took a deeper breath then before, "Well, it happened after two events, when I found out about tinfoil, and after I met my wife."
Chrysalis arched an eyebrow, intrigued by the creature's response. Two events, it claimed, had led to this transformation. She leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees, her chin propped up by her interlaced fingers.
"Tinfoil and a wife," she repeated, a hint of scepticism in her tone. "Those are two very different things, creature. One is a material, the other a bond." She tilted her head, studying the changeling-like being with a critical eye. "Tell me, which came first? And more importantly, how did they change the very nature of a creature like you?"
"I remember the events like yesterday,” -the creature looked up- “For the tinfoil one, me and a few others had just broken into a bakery that a family had been living in, but when we did, we found out the husband had already poisoned his family and later on, himself, we did turn him into a host but, while a few held him down and made him a host, I creeped around the place, before some tinfoil fell on my head, but like that, I felt different."
Chrysalis listened intently, her brow furrowing as she processed the creature's words. The image of the tragic scene in the bakery was a grim one, a stark reminder of the depths of despair that could drive even the most loving of hearts to darkness.
But it was the mention of the tinfoil that gave her pause. She had heard whispers of the material's properties, its ability to disrupt and disrupt the very magic that sustained her kind. But to hear of a creature of its kind being affected by it in such a profound way...
She leaned back, her eyes narrowing as she studied the changeling-like being with newfound intensity. "Tinfoil affected you in a way your kind had never experienced before," she mused, her tone thoughtful. "It changed something fundamental within you, did it not? Made you... different." She paused, then added softly, "Is that when you first began to question the path your kind had long followed? When you first glimpsed a world beyond the hunger for love and the thirst for power?"
They nodded "well, ya, wearing tinfoil on my head tuned something out, what It was I had no idea, but where before if the queen ordered anyone, they would do it, but while I wore tinfoil it was like I had a choice, I still did it because you do not want to be on the wrong side of her, especially if you're in range, but I was able to think more."
Chrysalis nodded slowly, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. The creature's words painted a picture of a pivotal moment, a crossroads where the very fabric of its being had been altered by the simplest of materials.
Tinfoil, a mundane object, had granted it a modicum of free will. A choice. It was a concept foreign to Chrysalis and her kind, who were bound by the whims and decrees of their queen. The notion that a creature could think, could question, could choose... it was almost unthinkable.
She leaned forward, her voice low and intense. "You were given a taste of something precious, creature. The ability to think for yourself, to make your own choices. It must have been... terrifying. Intoxicating." She paused, then added softly, "And it was in that moment, I suspect, that you began to see your place in the world in a new light. You began to question the path your kind had long followed, to wonder if there could be another way."
Chrysalis's gaze turned speculative. "Tell me, creature, what happened next? How did this newfound awareness shape your actions, your choices? And how did it lead you to the love of your wife, the bond that you claim changed you so profoundly?"
The creature lowered its head, "The day I met her was a special one, the entire army was sent to attack the changeling hive, and to add salt to wounds we chained Thorax to his throne, making him watch as we killed the changelings one by one."
Chrysalis listened intently, her expression darkening as the creature spoke of that fateful day. The image of Thorax, the one who usurped her, chained and forced to watch as his subjects were slaughtered one by one was a painful one. She could only imagine the anguish he must have felt, the despair of knowing that all his efforts to bring changelings into the light had been for naught.
As the creature spoke, Chrysalis felt a surge of anger and disgust. The wanton destruction of her kin, the cruelty inflicted upon them, it went against everything she had fought for during her reign. She had sought to bring changelings into the light, to show them a better way. But this? This was nothing more than senseless slaughter.
She clenched her fists, her voice dripping with disdain. "You stand there, speaking of love and family, yet you took part in such wanton destruction? You call that progress? That enlightenment?" She shook her head in revulsion. "No, creature, that was nothing more than the same old ignorance and hatred, wearing a different face. You were no better than the ponies you claimed to despise."
She leaned in closer, her eyes flashing with anger. "Tell me, how did you meet your beloved wife in the midst of such carnage? Did you fall in love over the screams of dying changelings? Did you first lay eyes upon her as you stood amidst the ruins of your own people's home?"
"Yes,” -They nodded once more, looking a bit regretful- “I had killed many, but a few of my comrades had missed one she had hid, she had seen my comrades tare her family limb from limb, and yet, I myself couldn't bring myself to do it, I don't know what I felt that day, Pity? love? guilt? but I spared her, I shoved her in a bag we were going to use to collect body parts, and snuck away with her, I soon found this mansion which was once used for trading, and locked her here to keep her safe."
Chrysalis listened intently, her expression softening slightly as the creature recounted the pivotal moment that had led to his meeting with his future wife. The image of the terrified mare, hiding from the wanton destruction of her family, only to be spared by the creature's sudden pang of pity or guilt, was a poignant one.
She leaned back, considering the implications of his actions. In sparing the mare, the creature had not only defied the orders of its queen and comrades but had also shown a glimmer of mercy and compassion, traits that were foreign to his kind.
Chrysalis's studied the changeling-like being, seeing the conflict and turmoil in its eyes. She voiced her musings aloud, her tone almost gentle in comparison to before. "You felt something that day, creature, something you had never experienced before. A flicker of empathy, perhaps. A moment of doubt in the face of senseless violence." She paused, then added softly, "And in that moment, you made a choice. A choice to spare an innocent life, to show mercy where none was shown to your own kind."
She tilted her head, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "Tell me, what happened next? How did a chance encounter and a moment of pity blossom into the love and devotion you claim to feel for this mare? And how did you reconcile your actions with the path of destruction you had once walked?"
"Well,” -they sighed to themselves- “I kept her locked in here, I couldn't risk the others seeing her, over time I brought food over, it took her awhile to eat anything, especially meat, but she soon ate it, then a few years after the blizzard started, during a terrible storm, she huddled up to me, wrapped her hoofs around me and didn't let go for the rest of the day, even into the night."
Chrysalis listened intently, her expression softening as the creature spoke of the slow blossoming of his bond with the mare. The image of her huddling against him, seeking warmth and comfort in the midst of the raging blizzard, was a touching one. It spoke of a deepening trust and affection, forged in the isolation of their shared sanctuary.
She leaned forward, her voice low and thoughtful. "You became her protector, her provider, her shelter in a world turned hostile and cruel. Day by day, you tended to her needs, offered her solace, and in doing so, cultivated a bond that transcended the circumstances of your first meeting." She paused, then added softly, "And in that moment of shared vulnerability, as the storm raged outside and she clung to you for dear life, you both found something precious. A connection. A love."
Chrysalis's gaze turned speculative as she studied the changeling-like being, seeing the warmth and tenderness in his eyes as he spoke of his beloved mare. It was a stark contrast to the cold, calculating creature she had first encountered.
She voiced her thoughts aloud, her tone almost wistful. "Tell me, creature, when did you first realize that your feelings for her had grown beyond mere pity or guilt? When did you know, with certainty, that you had fallen in love with her?"
They smiled, closing their eyes, "Who knows, but one thing for sure, I have never forgotten anything about her or the kin we've raised, all two hundred eighty-one of them."
Chrysalis blinked in surprise at the creature's revelation, her eyes widening slightly. She had been so engrossed in the tale of his love story that the sheer number he had just mentioned had caught her off guard.
Two hundred eighty-one offspring? The notion was staggering. For a creature who had once known only destruction and death, the idea of creating and nurturing new life, let alone on such a vast scale, was almost unfathomable, she was not going to even ask.
Chrysalis glanced out the window, her heart sinking as she saw the sun beginning to set, casting long shadows across the frozen landscape.
With a sudden surge of urgency, she turned back to the creature, her voice laced with a newfound sense of purpose. "I wish I could stay more, but I must go back to the hive, now. Before Luna attacks and hurts my fillies." She stood abruptly, her wings flaring out behind her.
"Before you go," -the creature pulls out a tinfoil hat- "I always keep a spare, possibly use this on luna" They throw the hat at Chrysalis who swiftly catches it.
Chrysalis caught the tinfoil hat with a deft motion, her eyes widening in surprise at the creature's sudden gesture. She looked down at the hat, then back up at the creature, a flicker of understanding passing between them.
She clutched the hat tightly, a glimmer of hope sparking in her eyes. If tinfoil could affect this creature in such a profound way, perhaps it could also weaken Luna, could give Chrysalis the edge she needed to stop her from running away, with a nod of gratitude, Chrysalis tucked the hat into her saddlebag, her expression hardening with determination. "You may be right"
She turned to leave, then paused, looking back at the creature with a newfound respect. "Thank you," she said simply, before going down the hallway, exiting the building and dragging the dead trees she had cut earlier through the blizzard.
The Changeling like creature stood up and brought the key they had taken from Chrysalis while she wasn’t looking back into its hiding spot once more.
Sc0 stepped of the train, having arrived in Manehattan, waiting at the station for her was Sw3.
“Welcome to my turf darling.” Sw3 walked up to Sc0, a few drones even arriving “Would you like me to take your bags?”
“That’s really sweet of you Sw3.” Sc0 replied, putting her hoof to the back of her head “But I kinda didn’t bring anything.”
Sw3, took a while to process the fact Sc0 hadn’t brought anything, no bags, no trinkets, no companions, nothing, well nothing beside her suit and wings. “T-that’s alright” she looked over at the drones, before shooing them off and looking back at Sc0, “come, let me show you around.”
Before Sc0 could say anything, Sw3 had already grabbed her hoof and started to run off with her.
She first brought her to the park, where drones commonly changing into things like rabbits and frozen Timberwolves as they trained to catch their prey off guard, then she brought her to the ice-ring where the drones got use to how slippery ice was, then she brought Sc0 to the Rock pouch store, or what use to be the Rock pouch store, now converted into a place where rocks where thrown at high speeds to simulate attacks from earth ponies, then Sc0 was brought to the Bridleway, surprisingly they still used the theatre to watch movies, somewhere even made by the drones, but as night started to fall, Sw3 brought Sc0 to the Diner.
It took a while but after some time Sc0 ordered a deluxe salad with a hay burger, “Hey Sw3, aren’t you going to order anything?”
Sw3 shook her head, “Naa, I plan on eating something else later tonight.”
Once Sc0 had finished, Sw3 brought Sc0 to her own place, what use to be Manefair Hotel, and from the look of it, there was a party going on in there.
What Sc0 could see and hear were purple and pink lights, music and the sound of cheering, but before she could get a look inside Sw3 blocked her, “Sorry, but I have the feeling you may be a bit too innocent to see in there~ don’t worry, we can always take the back door in.”
Once more, Sw3 grabs Sc0’s hoof, dragging them to the back door.
The return of the bug queen
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. The return of the bug queen
The moon bug and the frying pan
Author's Note
This may be more of a filler chapter, but it's nice to take a brake time to time.
The moon bug and the frying pan
The next day, the first thing she heard that woke her up, was a metallic thud, followed by Luna screaming in pain, followed by Mellow and Dozy screaming in fear, jolting awake, Chrysalis leapt to her hooves, wings flaring out behind her as she raced towards the source of the commotion.
"Those two decided it would be a good idea to try and kill me with a frying pan!" Luna looked over at Mellow, still holding the Pan.
Chrysalis turned to face the two fillies, her voice low. "I said, put the pan down. NOW." She took a step towards them, leaning down. "I understand you were scared, but please come get me instead of trying to take it into your own hoofs, now please put down the pan, ok?"
"o-o-o-ok...." Mellow said, slowly put the pan down.
"Like I've been hit by a frying pan!" Luna annoyingly yelled. "Surprisingly not the worst thing that's been bashed into my head."
Chrysalis approached Luna cautiously, her hooves gentle as she examined the princess's wound. The gash was red but not deep. She pressed her hoof gently to Luna's injury to block the bleeding.
She fixed Luna with a stern look, her voice low and serious. "You must understand their fear, Luna, There- "
"Afraid, scared, terrified, I know, they've only seen the creatures, the ones who kill ruthlessly, the queen fused one of them with me, turning me into one of them." Luna sighed.
Chrysalis offered a small, encouraging smile. "You must be patient with them, Luna. It will take time for them to accept this change in you. But I believe they can learn to trust you."
“I hope so…” Luna whimpered.
Chrysalis nodded, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "They will come around in time. Just give them space and show them the new you."
Luna fell silent, slightly lowering her head as Chrysalis placed a comforting hoof on Luna's shoulder. "You need rest, Luna. Let me tend to your wound properly."
"No need," Luna insisted “it'll heal up on its own, trust me, I've had much worse”
"Wait... Luna, how long have you been... like this?" Chrysalis asked, curiosity taking over.
Luna looked back down, frowning. "at least ten years, ten long years, possibly more, it all blurs together to a point."
Chrysalis's eyes widened in shock, a hint of sympathy passing over her features. "I see. That must have been... difficult."
"Indeed, it was," -Luna looked up to the roof of the current floor of the hive- "I possibly would rather continue being stuck on the moon then knowing the monster I've been turned into..."
Chrysalis's heart ached with a sudden surge of empathy. She reluctantly placed a gentle hoof on Luna's shoulder. "You are not a monster, Luna. You were a victim, just as much as those you hurt. But it's never too late to change, to be your old self, to be princess luna."
Luna slightly smiled, "you know, you were the last pony I thought would say that..."
Chrysalis smiled softly without a hint of any ulterior motive or villainy, a rare sight. "I know. But I've changed too, Luna." -Chrysalis turned her head to where she expected the fillies to be, but by now they were probably outside eating soup, but she didn't mind- "I've found a new purpose, a new reason to live. And I believe you can too."
Luna smiled somewhat more "Wow, you might have really changed." However, Lunas smile turned into a smirk "well, I guess you are called changelings for a reason." luna said, trying to hold back a laugh from that terrible pun, even causing Chrysalis to chuckle softly at Luna's attempt at humor
"Touché, Luna.” Chrysalis said shaking her head “I suppose we both have our... changing ways."
Luna giggled a bit more "oh that's, that's a good one."
Chrysalis smiled warmly at Luna's laughter, a genuine smile that didn't hide any ulterior motives or villainy. She placed a comforting hoof on Luna's shoulder. "I'm glad you think so, Luna. It's been a long time since I've heard laughter like that, normally I would hate it, but considering that Equestria has become, it’s nice to hear somepony laugh again."
"I know, it's been too long since I've laughed in a non-menacing way." luna fell mostly silent. "so long since I've helped ponies dream at night, so long since I've even heard a bird chirp, so long since I've even seen the sun and moon... ever since this blizzard started, ever since the queen took the throne"
Chrysalis listened intently to Luna's words, her expression softening with empathy. She squeezed the princess's shoulder gently. "I know the weight of the years has been heavy on you, Luna. But it's not too late to bring laughter and light back to Equestria. Together, we can make things right again."
Luna hesitated but eventually nodded with a smile "I may not be able to help much, but I'll try to help protect the hive."
Chrysalis smiled warmly at Luna's offer. "I appreciate your help, Luna. With you by our side, I have no doubt that we can keep the hive safe and prosperous." She paused, considering Luna's words carefully. "And who knows? Perhaps in time, you'll find your way back to being the princess that Equestria needs."
"Y-y-yes, I too hope that someday, maybe-" But before Luna could finish, the howl of Timberwolves pierced their ears.
Chrysalis body became tense, she turned to Luna. "I'll send the fillies inside and deal with this threat, you stay here and look after the two."
"yep, understood..."
Chrysalis nodded thankfully, before striding out of the chamber with purposeful steps. She found Mellow and Dozy huddled by the entrance, their eyes wide with fear at the ominous howls. Chrysalis placed herself at the entrance of the mountain range around the hive and turned to the fillies "Mellow, Dozy, get inside. Now."
Chrysalis watched as the fillies reluctantly retreated inside the hive, their hesitation clear. She turned back to the Blizzard, her wings unfurling as the howls grew louder. She could see the shadows of the Timberwolves approaching through the snow, their silhouettes growing larger as they drew nearer. Chrysalis took a deep breath, a fierce determination settling over her features. As the first Timberwolf came into view, Chrysalis charged forward with a fierce battle cry, her hooves tearing it apart within seconds, before doing the same to the second and third one.
Chrysalis stood tall and proud amidst the fallen Timberwolf carcasses, her chest heaving with exertion. She watched as the remaining wolves scattered, their cowardly howls fading into the blizzard. Turning back to the hive, Chrysalis dragged the wooden bodies into the pile, shaking the snow from her wings. She found Luna and the fillies huddled in the main chamber, the fillies keeping an eye on Luna, while Luna was looking.
Chrysalis smiled grimly at them. "The immediate threat is over. But we must remain vigilant. These creatures will not stop until they have destroyed everything in their path."
Luna however had a question, "May I ask, how did they act?"
Chrysalis paused, considering Luna's question. She spoke grimly. "They were easy to turn into firewood, and after I slayed a few, the rest ran off."
Luna murdered to herself, Chrysalis, having disguised herself in the past she did overhear it "those things are probably going back to the farm to report how the attack went."
Chrysalis's eyes narrowed at Luna's words. but for now, she would keep it to herself "anyways, I think I'm going to go spend some time with my fillies for a bit." she said before walking over to Mellow and Dozy to spend some time with the two.
“Sheesh, she really had changed” Luna stated, watching Chrysalis, she was almost unrecognizable from the once hard changeling queen, but now, she’s possibly redeeming herself, one thing was for sure, she changed for the better.
The wind blew through a silent Rainbow Falls, all the drones that where there where inside their houses, all but one unlucky one that was forced to turn on the training test over and over again, it being finished in seconds as Sc0 ruthlessly cut the wood cutouts into tiny pieces.
“AGAIN!” she commanded the drone, who was in panic.
“B-b-but miss Sc0, y-y-you destroyed all the cutouts, w-w-we’ll need to repair them before-” but before the drone could finish, Sc0 grabbed them by the neck, dragging them to the armory and throwing them in.
When they emerged, the drone was decked out in armor with a shield and sphere, not wanting to get too close to Sc0, and as Sc0 charged, the drone threw up the shield and thrusted the spear forward, but it was all in vain as Sc0 cut through the shield and sliced the drone in two, letting it fall limp on the dirt before yelling a triumphant, rage-filled yell.
Sc0 breathed in and out, slowing her heart rate till it was a steady pace, once she was done the drones slowly started to exit the buildings one by one until they were all doing the jobs they were assigned to earlier that day.
