Hundreds of miles south of the Equestrian Borders, a solitary, timeworn, dilapidated castle that lies upon a barren, craggy precipice is bustling with activity. The grey concrete blocks that once held strong as a bastion for its old occupants has instead been left to ruin. Pieces of the castle’s battlements lie cracked and crumbling; they reveal the mere shell of the once glorious shelter. Spires that once reached the sky now litter the ground with their dislocated sections, the unlucky pieces that fell and rolled were cast into the abyss below, to be swept away by the roaring current that lie nearly a thousand feet below.

To say that the castle was left to rot and fade from history would be a lie, for a certain species of creature has seen fit to occupy its walls. Changelings, a huge swarm of them, fly around the ramparts, using their magic to fix whatever they can. Sections of the castle have been “saved” by the green gunky residue left behind from their attempts. The ratio of old grey castle walls to the green glue like substance holding it together will soon turn towards the latter.

While the drones see to their work, soldiers move about the castle, crushing, burning, and maiming any small creature they can’t harvest for love. Giant spiders near your height of various colors and types flee in droves from the establishment, fearing for their lives.

“How much longer must I wait until my castle is rid of its pests Commander?” The double flanged voice of an irritated female Changeling resounds throughout the spacious room. She’s a rather tall and lanky thing that even rivals Celestia in height. This particular insect takes on an appearance that strongly contrasted her brethren. Unlike them, her hardened carapace was much more defined; her hole-filled hooves had sharper curves that would inspire fear into those unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of her physical blows.

Her long, seaweed green mane and tail sport a rather obvious holes like her hooves, but she pays them no mind. It doesn’t matter to her; the race she rules over see her as nothing less than perfection in their eyes, and she herself believes it to be true. It doesn’t matter if her fangs drool with anticipation that she hisses when she speaks, or that certain spots of her hardened shell are stricken with grey dots: she’s the epitome of beauty among her kind. Her sickly green slits scan over the soldier right before her, awaiting his answer. Her piercing, malevolent gaze does nothing more than make the Changeling quake in his hoplite armor.

“I grow tired of waiting. The changeling reaches out and trails a hoof along the Commander’s chin, causing his shaking to intensify. “If you cannot complete such a simple task within the hour,” she trails off when one of her jagged half-cut holes runs across his chin, “I’ll find a replacement. Do I make myself clear?” The Commander nods furiously.

“Y-yes your m-majesty,” he sputters, sweating profusely. Finally, a smile graces her features, showing off her rather sharp, protruding teeth.

“Good. Now go.” Chrysalis points a hoof towards the exit archway. The Commander salutes her before zipping away, leaving a cloud of smoke in his wake. “Ah, it pays well to have such hardworking subjects. Now, if only little Duplicate would report to me, today would be absolutely perfe—“ She doesn’t get to finish her statement before two ragged, out of breath changelings come running into her room. Her scowl returns almost immediately. “What is the meaning of this?!” One of the two manages to speak up after a bit of breathing.

“Queen Chrysalis, we’ve got a bit of a problem!” she manages to say before having to take another lungful of air. “We have found Duplicate.” Chrysalis’s eyes widen at the rather great sounding news, but judging by how her soldiers are acting, she’s hesitant to show any sign of joy or relief.

“But—” the Queen starts, waiting on her minion to finish.

“There isn’t much left of her,” the other changeling informs before looking out into the hallway. “Ditto, bring her in.” A third changeling, adjourned in the same hoplite armor as the Commander, comes in dragging a light green burlap sack. The Queen’s mood worsens when she sees the dark stain sitting at the bottom of the bag.

“Th-There was a complication in her mission. When we got there, we found her tracks, the human’s, and a pack of timber wolves’. After we searched the area, we discovered, well, this.” Ditto explains, motioning to the sack. He finds it hard to make eye contact with his Queen and he should. Her eyes seem to be glowing with a sickly green flame.

“So,” she hisses, being sure to draw out her words, “tell me, how did my number one end up in such a state?”

“W-we believe the human orchestrated a trap. Th-the tracks show him being led out of the Everfree by the wolf pack. And some of her parts were seen around where those same animals laid down to rest after their meal…”

“Are you telling me a blind human managed to convince timber wolves to eat her in the middle of that untamable forest, all by himself? And how did she manage to capture him when he was in Manehattan with Masquerade?” Chrysalis asks, rising to her hooves. The three changelings before her begin to huddle together.

“We don’t know what happened your majesty, but if there’s anything we do know, is that somehow, Duplicate managed to capture Anonymous, only to be eaten. Though, there’s one thing that seems peculiar to us. B-but I have to take it out of the bag to show you.” Ditto explains. Chrysalis raises her hoof as if to block the bag from sight before grimacing.

“If you must.” The queen immediately regrets those words as Ditto opens the top, and allows the chewed up bits of changeling hooves, wings, and the back of Duplicate to grace the still dirtied floor. Ditto, not even batting an eye, maneuvers Duplicate’s back so the queen can get a good look.

“If you look past the missing wings, you’ll see a rather prominent foot print on her back.” Despite her body’s protests, she leans in and looks to where Ditto is pointing. Sure enough, she finds the distinct pattern of your shoe, along with the bite marks from various timber wolves. “We’ve yet to see any species on this planet to have a matching print. So we assume it must be the human’s. We believe Duplicate may have been transporting Anon using magic, only to tire herself out. When she stopped to take a break, the wolves probably came for them. At that point Anonymous was capable of injuring Duplicate while she was distracted, insuring his survival, and her demise. Then there’s a good chance they led Anonymous out of the forest and to pony civilization. His tracks ended at a cottage on the edge of the woods.”

When he finishes, silence permeates the room for a few moments. Chrysalis takes this time to mull over the details; to put together the pieces in her own way. When she realizes that Ditto’s explanation was the most probable, it takes everything she has to keep from bursting into a fit of rage right then and there. Though, she can’t stop the shaking that came with it.

“I don’t believe this!” Chrysalis shouts before stamping her hoof down upon the grey bricks making up the floor. Bits of concrete chip away and the other changelings in the room back towards the door, away from their snarling Queen. “How can something so ridiculous be allowed to happen?! How lucky is this hairless ape?!” She grits her teeth before looking towards the group.

“I-I don’t know y-your majesty,” one of the changelings manages to stutter. With an angry hiss Chrysalis turns her back to them, and then she makes her way to an open window overlooking the barren wasteland around her home. For several moments she gazes upon the sterile dirt, trying her hardest to come up with a solution to her problem.

Her master scheme involves you, so despite her nigh incomprehensible anger, she can’t cut you out of the picture, you are much too useful; but that didn’t mean she wasn’t going to rough you up. In a way she believes you to be quite fortunate yet again, any other creature would have been made a stain on the floor by her own hooves. When she looks down at her own appendages, is when she realizes what she can do.

It’s an ancient spell, one that’s forbidden for those outside of royalty to use. But, it can be harnessed in case of an emergency such as this one. Duplicate was the only changeling in her cluster capable of taking the throne when Chrysalis decided to retire, and there wouldn’t be another applicant like her for a long, long time. She could say that the little bug is just as lucky as you in that particular aspect. So, with a heavy sigh, Chrysalis turns back to her minions.

“Ditto,” the armored changeling immediately stands up straight and salutes, “has the Laz’uh’roos Cluster been delivered to the underground vault?” When he nods, she smiles. “Good, bring one of the eggs to me immediately, I do not care which one you choose. The rest of you, find a supply room, grab some chalk, and come back here. We’ve got a long night ahead of us.”

~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~*~~~~*~~~~

Celestia’s little tour of her old wing of the castle came to a rather quick close, considering the fact that Eris hurried her along. She wanted to spend some alone time with you and she made it blatantly obvious. So much that Celestia was forced to stifle a giggle more than once as Eris dragged the sun princess along to view each room.

When her tour came to an end, she was sure to disenchant your bed. Celestia was also kind enough to remove Duplicate’s head and the bag from your home. When she departed for Ponyville, and after you watched as the dark expanse of your hallway become a solid white wall, Eris grabbed you by your wrist and pulled you into your room. That’s where you’ve been for the last ten minutes.

In all honesty, the last few days had kept you on edge, and you really needed to get some proper rest. The hours spent unconscious at the Guard Station in Manehattan, and the unknown amount of sleep you got at Fluttershy’s, did not do your body any good. Everything about you was in a state of pure exhaustion.

Your limbs became heavy, as did your eyes. Your yawning, as well as your need for sleep, became quite persistent. This nap you were hoping to get probably wouldn’t make things too much better, but you were determined to get at least some recuperation in; especially with the knowledge that Changelings far and wide will be looking for you.

Eris thought that you had a wonderful idea, and opted to join you, by force. That leaves you where you are now, in bed, staring at the ceiling, with a Draconequus snuggling into your side and your mind still racing despite your body’s fatigue. Thankfully, she had the decency to adjust her body’s size to better accommodate the bed, even though spacing held little meaning as soon as she decided to cuddle.

Admittedly, this wasn’t the worst position you’ve ever been in. She even retracted her horns so she wouldn’t gore you. But you couldn’t get over the inconsistency of her body. You figured that the last time this happened without you having any issues would have been due to the fact that you consumed quite a bit of alcohol that night. It didn’t help that you were out quite late pranking ponies.

Eris’s variety was too much for you to get used to: A combination of the softest coat, rustled feathers, toughened talons, a coarse paw, and a pair of red eyes that watch your chest with perverse curiosity as it rises and falls with each breath you take. All of that made for a rather uncomfortable time. You weren’t even going to get in to the odd sensation of her snake tail that was wrapped around your leg.

Despite all of that, the scent of lavender coming from her hair and the delicate way she traced her claw along your exposed chest, the warmth her body provided from under the covers did wonders when it came to soothing you. You wished Eris would have let you keep a few articles of clothing on other than your boxers: you felt a little exposed to say the least.

“This isn’t so bad now is it?” Eris asks, suddenly breaking the silence around you. Glancing down, you find her smirking up at you. You sigh before looking back to your ceiling and shaking your head.

“It could be worse.” That response earns you a light punch to your side.

“You’re supposed to say you like it, idiot,” she says playfully before nuzzling the side of your neck. Her snout sends shivers along your body as you try your hardest not to laugh. You didn’t think that part of your body would be sensitive. Then again you’ve never had that sort of sensation before.

“What was that?” Her smirk turns into a grin when you look away nervously.

“Nothing at all.” You try to keep your voice as even as possible, but she doesn’t buy it. When Eris nuzzles you again, and as soon as she achieves the same results, she giggles madly. The airy way her laughter carried causes your cheeks to burn up with embarrassment.

“I’m gonna enjoy abusing this.” You shoot her an irritated glare, unfortunately it doesn’t help. Her smile only widens at your misfortune. “Oh come on, lighten up. It’s like you’re saying that having me for a girlfriend isn’t the best thing ever.” Your expression doesn’t change in the slightest.

“It’s really not, especially since you can screw with my head with a quick snap of your talons. I wonder what you’re going to do when these three days are up?” Her smirk drops from her face rather quickly.

“Do you really think I’d do something like that?” You nod.

“Yeah, because you’ve done that. Did you think I’d forget the karaoke bar?” In all honesty, you were still against the ropes on that. The icy chill you experienced that night isn’t something alcohol could make you forget. But you still don’t know if it really was from Eris, or if that sensation was self-inflicted. You can’t be so quick to jud—

“Crap, I didn’t think you’d find out.” And there it is.

“I didn’t, you just told me,” you grumble, narrowing your eyes as you do so. Her eyes widen and she looks away sheepishly, a slight hint of red lining her now embarrassed features.

“L-Let me explain, I—“ When she turns to face you again, you interrupt her.

“Wanted me to have a good time?” She shuts her mouth and nods. “I figured. I’m not angry about it. It’s not like you were trying to hurt me. But the fact that you did it without showing any restraint is what worries me. So, if anything, I’m right to be suspicious.” Eris tries to speak, but cuts herself off before a word can be uttered. She looks up to your ceiling, planning on what to say.

“I...” She pauses. “I’m not gonna do that to you again.” Despite not believing her for a second, you allow her to continue, “I’ve got more respect for you than that. If I didn’t, I’d be ripping off your boxers, and binding you to your bed. But instead, I’m giving you some time. One of the worst things I can do to you right now is fuck your brains out after you were raped last night. I’m not even gonna get started on how messed up it’d be if I used magic on your mind.”

“Huh, didn’t think you could show restraint.” You smirk when her gaze travels south.

“Trust me; it’s pretty hard to do,” she sighs before adding, “after all, the only thing separating you from me is just a thin pair of underwear hanging, right, there.” You swear you can hear her growl under her breath. “But, like I said, I’m gonna be a good girl, and keep my claws to myself.”

“That’s great.” You wrap your arm around her. “I’m proud of you.” When you snicker, she grumbles under her breath.

“Yeah yeah, I get it.” She brings her paw to her mouth to stifle a yawn. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna get some sleep.” And with that Eris shuts her eyes and tightens her grip on you, leaving you with no room to move your arm. Because of that, you now know you’ll have to deal with a numb limb whenever you wake up.

“Well, goodnight to you too,” you mumble before finally closing your eyes to welcome the darkness back to your senses. Before sleep finally overtakes you, you find it great to know that when you come back from the land of dreams, you’ll actually be able to see something.

~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~*~~~~*~~~~

“Greetings Anonymous.” You gasp and jerk to attention when an eerie, disembodied voice calls from within the blackness of your sub consciousness. Though it mattered little as to where the source was coming from. You couldn’t even see the nose on your face, let alone what was around you.

That is until you’re assaulted with the bright beam of white light coming from what you believe to be the “ceiling” of this endless expanse. It spreads out into a cone shape the closer it comes to you until you’re able to see Luna sitting at a brown oak table a few yards away. She motions for you to approach and you do so, albeit hesitantly.

“Hey, uh, where am I?” you ask, drawing closer to the table. She smiles before answering.

“We are in a dream. Yours to be exact.” You look around from side to side, trying to process the information given.

“So, I’m dreaming right now?” She nods. “Then how do I know you’re real and not just some figment of my imagination?” Luna sighs, slightly irritated. When her horn lights up, and when you feel something pinch your bicep, your first response is to gasp.

“Do you still think I’m an illusion?” You shake your head while rubbing your now sore arm.

“Nope, dreams aren’t supposed to hurt. You’re the real deal.” When you finish your statement you take a seat, and that’s when you notice that while you’re stuck in a wooden chair, Luna is getting to sit on a large blue bean bag chair. She notices you looking.

“Is something the matter?”

“Why do you get the comfy seat while I’m stuck with this chair?” Any sign of a smile immediately leaves the moon princess’ face.

“You can’t possibly be serious. Do you even feel as though you’re sitting upon wood?” The immature part of your mind wants you to snicker at her question, but you definitely know better than to do that. Instead, you test your seat, and, sure enough, it’s like sitting on nothing at all.

“N-no?” you chuckle nervously, averting your gaze as you do so.

“I figured, now that we’ve gotten that bit out of the way. I’d like to get to the reason why I’m here. Celestia sent me to inform you that within the last few hours, Ponyville had an increase in guard count. The populace believes the Everfree’s inhabitants are to blame, and we are in no hurry to dispel that rumor.”

It puts you at ease to hear how quick Celestia was to act. While you’d like to have them know the truth, it’s much too risky. The last thing you needed to hear is that the ponies started trying to alienate themselves from each other out of fear. Even the mere thought of knowing those bugs are in their midst would have them panic. It’d be all too easy for the changelings to do damage after that.

“Better to have them think its wild animals, than to have them know about those bugs. At least that’s my take on it. Having ponies suspect one another wouldn’t help you guys, or the guards. Speaking of which, do the guards know, or are they in the dark too?”

“Yes, they know and they’ve been sworn to secrecy. Celestia gave the ones who transferred the information needed to discern between themselves and the changelings. After testing the ones that guard Ponyville, they’ll give them the information necessary in order to assist in our endeavors.”

“That’s great to hear Princess, is there anything else you need to tell me?” you ask with a smile. She shakes her head.

“Not at this moment no, but Celestia or I will be sure to let you know if anything new occurs.” And just like that, the conversation comes to an end, or so you thought. If she had nothing else to tell you, then wouldn’t your dream be at its end? Is that how it works?

Suffice to say, you’re quite new to this experience, so you have no idea how to go about ending it. It appears as though Luna would have to be the one to do that by leaving. Yet, there she remains. A heavy, awkward silence fills the endless void of your subconscious. That is until you decide to break it.

“Are you sure there’s nothing else?” Luna fiddles with her hooves nervously, her eyes shifting from side to side as she does so.

“Well, I have heard the embellished tale that involved you and Discord parting ways. As farfetched as it was, it made me realize that I know very little about you. In fact, aside from the bits you told my sister, I have to say I know nothing at all. It’s a little embarrassing.” You raise a brow in question before leaning in.

“So what you’re saying is, you want to get to know me?” You ask, surprised, “I assumed that I wasn’t on your mind at all, what with you and your sister being busy running a nation and all. And why do you feel embarrassed? I’m no one special.” Now it’s her turn to look at you with disbelief.

“I’m inclined to disagree. You’re the only one of your kind here. You know not the curiosity that has been brewing since my time on the moon. And I have to say, I’m quite eager to learn. I do know about Twilight’s research, but I’d prefer to speak with you face to face while you’re awake. Unfortunately you’re asleep, so what I’m doing here will have to do.”

Well, this comes as a rather nice surprise. In all honestly, you believed that after your citizenship neither she nor Luna needed anything else from you. But, as you can see, you’ve been proven wrong in that assumption. And, Luna isn’t like the average pony; you can’t just ignore her questions. Even if you feel like a broken record, you can’t brush her off.

Besides, you’re staying at her and Celestia’s castle. It’d be rude to not be willing to share at least a little bit of information. So, instead of grimacing and turning away, you give her a genuine smile.

“What would you like to know Princess?” For a few moments, the Princess puts a hoof to her chin in thought before merely shrugging.

“Just tell me about the first thing that comes to mind.” If that’s what Luna insists upon, that’s exactly what you’ll give her. But in return you’re sure to tell her that you want to know a bit about her as well, you really want to know how she’s able to appear in a dream. You start with your arrival to their colorful world…

Author's Note

Here's part one of the two parter chapter signaling my return to fanfic writing. I've kept you guys waiting long enough.
When part two is ready to be posted, it'll be separate from this part. But, when I combine both into one I'll be sure to alert you all so you won't wonder what happened to part two. I hope you guys enjoyed.