Love is Un-Usedby Total HoundChaptersTen Years AgoShut. Up.Tensions FlareTen Years AgoA sad song filled the inner sanctum of the hive, as the body of Queen Catalyst was carried to her final resting place. How had she died? While the changeling Queen doesn’t just, die. There were some, outside influences. There were many a sad face in the sanctum, but none more so than Chrysalis. Standing by a stone platform in the center of the room. Trying her hardest to hold back the tears that threatened to come forth. Catylist’s crumbling were now placed upon the altar, the music had ended, and all held their heads down in a moment of silence. After the silence, Chrysalis turned to face the changelings of the hive, and began to speak. “My dear Changelings we have gathered in the sacred chambers for one of the saddest moments of our lives. The crown shall miss her dearly, but she would wish for us to on without her. Now as always, the sacred burning.” She then turned to her Mother, dead on the altar. “Chaum Rayum Vitas Lous.” Catylist’s body burst into golden flames. “We wish you great happiness in the herd. May the spirit of our first Queen watch over us all in these dark, and let us hope for a savoir.” All watched in sadness as the body of their former Queen was reduced to golden ashes, which blew away on a wind that nopony could feel. “Let us all try to get over this tradgedy. Let us celebrate the new Queen.” She turns to the Queens advisor, “Who is she Shell?” Shell gulped, but stepped forward towards the crowd and cleared his throat. “The changeling council has come to an agreement on the next ruler,” He held up a scroll, “This scroll has the decision that we’ve made.” He unwrapped the scroll, “The next Ruler, is Chrysalis Carapace.” “What!?” She screamed. Shell backed up a bit, “W-Well, you see. Normally your older brother would take the throne. But he re-fused.” “How can you re-fuse the Crown!?” She yelled, not very happy about this at all. “Well…he became king. Then he used his power as king to resign.” Shell gulped, “P-Please don’t be mad at me your Majesty.” Chrysalis sighed, “I’m not mad at you Shell. I’m mad at my brother. I will accept the responsibilities of the Crown, unlike him.” “O-Of course your Majesty. What is your first command?” Shell asked. “For my first act as Queen. I would like to extend a gift to all my new subjects. You will find them in your nests when they’re ready, sometime tomorrow morning. Everypony will also get the following three days off.” She stated. A changeling from the back piped up, “ALL HAIL THE NEW QUEEN!” Soon the whole hive was saying it. Chrysalis held up a hoof, everypony grew silent. “Thank you all for your enthusiasm. Now please, go home, and enjoy your days off. Spend time with your families. Royal court will begin tomorrow afternoon.” She said, before stepping off the altar and walking to her room. Shell trailing her every move. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Soon they were at Chrysalis’ room. Shell spoke up, “Where are you going your majesty?” “To my room?” Chrysalis answered, a bit confused. “I hardly think so your Majesty.” She points a hoof farther down the hall, “Your room is that way.” Chrysalis shook her head, “No, that’s where Mother used to sleep.” “Your Mother slept in the Queens quarters.” “Oh. Right.” Chrysalis forgot, she didn’t want to make too big a deal about it. But all these reminders were starting to get to her. “Lead the way Shell.” “Of course, your Majesty. This way please.” She led Chrysalis further into the hive, until they stopped in front of two massive doors. “Here is your room, your Majesty.” “Thank you Shell, you may leave.” Shell bowed and walked to her nest. Chrysalis thought for a moment before sighing, “Shell, come back!” Shell, who was almost rounding the corner, bolted back to the Queen’s side, “Y-Yes your Majesty.” “Shell, nopony is here you can drop the formalities.” Chrysalis opened the door to her new bedchambers. “Come, I need your help with something.” Shell gulped before nodding, “Yes, Chrysalis.” Before walking into the room with her. The promptly shut once she was inside, “Shell, I understand this may be a little uncomfortable for you to be in the Queens private chambers.” “Oh you have no idea your maje- I mean, Chrysalis.” Shell looked very tense. Chrysalis sighed, “Shell, I know the implications of being in this room after visiting hours. And I assure you I would never ask you to do such a thing. I will find my special somepony like everypony else.” Shell let out a sigh, while she’s sure a night with the new Queen would be unforgettable, she really doesn’t want to. Though she wouldn’t object if asked. “I need your help with the gifts.” “Of course. What do you need me to do?” Chrysalis looked her in the eye, “I need you to form my love into spheres, and turn them to crystal.” “Umm. Why?” Chrysalis chuckled, “Because, it’s the gift.” Shell’s jaw hit the floor, “A-Are you sure you have enough energy for the whole hive?” “That’s why I want you to form them for me. Can I have our last census?” “O-Of course Chrysalis.” She reached into her saddlebags, “Here you go.” Chrysalis took it from her and began to read it, “Oh boy.” She set the scroll back down, “Well let’s get started shall we?” “But Chrysalis, what if I run out of energy?” Shell asked, concerned for her and the Queen’s safety. “I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen.” Chrysalis assured her as her horn started to glow. And the first of many bubbles of love materialized. “Of course, how foalish of me.” Shell said as her horn started to glow, morphing the bubbles into solid, glowing, pink crystal spheres. The first of many hundred... ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ It was around midnight, and the two changelings were completely exhausted. “Just one more.” Chrysalis strained, struggling to form the last of the three hundred, Basketball sized bubbles of love that she tasked herself to make. All the while supplying Shell with enough magic to crystalize them. “Chrysalis, do not stop feeding me.” Shell said in an even more strained voice than Chrysalis, as she would’ve died long ago, if not for the fact that she was feeding off of Chrysalis’ life force now. Almost done, and there. The final crystal was done. Chrysalis’ magic was petering out. With the last of her magic, the crystal slowly fell to the ground. Right when the crystal touched the ground, both mares collapsed, Chrysalis first, then Shell right on top of her. “Chrysalis?” Shell asked after a few minutes. “Yes?” “Can I stay here tonight? I don’t think I would be safe without you nearby at the moment.” “Sure, I guess.” Chrysalis looks to the bed, it only fits one. There’s an animal bed right beside, it looks like it could fit a phoenix if you were lucky. “The bed’s too small for both of us, could you take the dog bed?” Shell lifted her head off of Chrysalis’ chest and looked at the basket. “It’s more than I thought I would get, thank you.” She warily got up and plopped herself down onto the miniature bed. “Goodnight, Chrysalis.” A light snoring was heard shortly after. Chrysalis chuckled, before getting into her own bed. Settling under the covers, she felt something brushing against her back hoof. She twitched. It must be Shell. She thought, before scooting over as much as she could to make room for her, because in the state she was in, it would be easier than arguing. The brushing was felt again, this time on her stomach. She was sure it was Shell, so she just ignored it. Once again, she felt it, only this time it was a tug on her front left foreleg. She stiffened immediately, because it happened again, this time, it felt like something had wrapped around her forehoof. Feeling somewhat brave, she peeked under the covers, and saw one of the strangest creatures she had ever seen in her life, reaching out for her mane. The light was bad, but from what she could see, it looked like a tiny, hairless ape. Maybe three feet tall. It was kind of cute…Okay, it was really cute. Chrysalis thought of pushing it out of bed, but before she even got the chance, it buried its face into her mane and hugged her neck, before falling back asleep. Cuteness overload, she felt a warm surge of love flowing through her, so much it was intoxicating. Maybe that’s why she let it stay, maybe that’s why she draped a translucent wing over it and curled around it like it was a foal, maybe that’s why she kissed it on the forehead before going to sleep herself. A big smile on her face. Shut. Up.Chrysalis awoke to the sound of screaming. What a great way to start your day off with. "Silence! Please, I have a headache." She said, and then proceeded to bury herself even further under the covers. She feels something land on the bed and quickly hide beside her under the covers. Not mere seconds after this thing hides behind her another thing lands on top of her. "Where is that annoying pest!?" Shell's frazzled voice rings clear through the thin bed sheets. Realizing who this "pest" is, Chrysalis pokes her head out of the covers, making sure to keep the hairless ape out of sight. "Is there a problem Shell?" Shell seemed to snap out of his fit when he heard the queen address him. "Oh. G-Good morning your Majesty." Shell bowed , forgetting that he essentially straddling the queen. "How was your night?" Chrysalis blushed as she realized the position shell was in over her. "I'd be happy to tell you once you get off me." Shell's eyes widened as he looked down, and realized what position he had taken over his queen. Quickly scrambling to the ground, he composed himself before repeating his question again, "how was you night your Majesty?" Chrysalis merely giggled as her blush finally left her face, "Quite well Shell. And you don’t have to call me that when we're alone." "Of course your-...Chrysalis." "Shell, I had a wonderful thing happen to me last night. And I assure you it's fine. But you mustn't worry about it. Okay?" Shell thought for a moment before responding, "Might you tell me at breakfast Chrysalis? I was chasing a pest this morning, it's still in the room." Chrysalis gave a quick glance downwards as she felt something squishy pressing against her chest. "I think I can manage with a pest in the room." She then proceeded to try to get out of bed to stretch her back, only to slump back down into the bed. "It seems all that work last night tired me more than I thought. It seems I'll be in bed for a while, maybe you could fill in for me for a bit?" She asked him. "Of course Chrysalis. We don't want our new queen to die from exhaustion, you're the last in the royal bloodline." Shell walked to the door, before turning back to Chrysalis with a smile, "Anything else you'd like your majesty?" Chrysalis merely Giggled at the royal terms, "An extra blanket, and a big platter of assorted foods from each food group, including meat if we have it. And Shell, it's your day off, don't let me boss you around, you can bring me the food and go home to your family." "I was born and raised in the palace Chrysalis. I have no family other than you....I'll get the food." Shell said, before backing out of the room and closing the door behind him. She sighed sadly. Poor dear. She thought. Before looking under the covers again, seeing the hairless ape hugging her tightly with a frightened look in its eyes, which only grew more frightened when he saw what exactly he was clinging to, and began to feverishly bury himself deeper under the covers. "Shhhhh, it's okay, it's okay. You're okay." Chrysalis then realized that her voice was starting to get the multiple sounds to it like her mothers did. It must be some kind of gauge. She thought. Right now it sounded as if two of her were talking, and it was so slight, that she doubted anyone would notice it unless they were looking for it. The ape looked to her with a confused look, "How you speak?" Now it was Chrysalis' turn to look confused, "How do you speak? I thought apes were unintelligent?" The ape giggled, "I not ape silly. I human." Chrysalis cocked her head to the side, "What on earth is a "human"?" Chrysalis then realized she sounded like she was interrogating the poor thing, "Oh, where are my manners. I'm-" Chrysalis stopped herself before she could say Queen, this thing did not need to fear her, so she simply said, "I'm Chrissy, what's your name?" She slid her hoof towards it on the covers so as not to frighten it any further, and stopped when it was just in front of it. The little ape looked at her holey foot and wrapped of his front...things, around it, before shaking it gently and letting go again, "I Matthew." It then smiled a cute little smile. One which Chrysalis gladly returned. This thing did not fear her, and it was a joyful thing, being in the royal family meant that most ponies were kind to her because of her status, and that was that. "How are you Matthew?" She asked in a soft voice. "I miss mommy." He said, looking a little downcast, "Could you get me back to mommy?" Chrysalis sighed, "I'm afraid not Matthew, I don't even know how you got here. Let alone where you came from. Nopony has ever seen anything like you." "Bu-...No. I want mommy! I want to hug mommy. I want my mommy!" the little thing was starting to cry, so she quickly put up a soundproof spell on the room. Then she hugged it tight. "Shhhhh, calm down, calm down. " Chrysalis suddenly got an idea, albeit a crazy one. "I know I could never replace her, but I will try my best to be your mommy..." She realized what she just said, and wondered what she had just gotten herself into. The thing stopped crying, and looked at her with red eyes, "You would be my mommy?" She simply nodded, biting her lip. Matthew's face lit up with joy when she nodded. And latched onto her with as much force as it could muster, "Oh thank you!" It said, before snuggling up to her with a smile on its face. Now with time to think to herself. Chrysalis thought something was off with the way he talked, the way he left out words, and how easily he stopped fearing her. "Matthew? How old are you?" "I four." Now it made sense, "I see...Are you a stallion or a mare?" It just gave her a confused look, "What?" "A male or a female." Another confused look was her answer. She sighed, "Do you have thingies between your legs?" It nodded, "Yep." Chrysalis decided it was time for an English lesson, "Then you're a Male, or Stallion, Matthew. Do you understand?" "Yes, Chrissy." "Good. Now how about we-" She was cut off as the doors to her bedroom was opened, revealing a Backwards facing Shell, pulling a large platter full of food. "Here's your food your Majesty." He said, before turning her way, Chrysalis quickly covered Matthew with the blanket before he managed to turn all the way around, "I also managed to get my hooves on some various meats. Oh, and by the way, the subjects all loved your gift." Chrysalis smiled warmly at the comment, "I'm glad. I'm sorry to have to ask you this, but could you wait outside the room for a few minutes?" "Of course your Majesty." he said, before walking out of the room and closing the door behind him. Sighing, Chrysalis took the covers off her, "Matthew, could you get out of bed?" "Sure." he said, before doing just that. He turned around to face her, with a smile when Chrysalis noticed a small problem, said problem made her sport a very red blush. Even though Changelings, and Ponies, and any of the other sapient species on Terra walked around naked all the time, seeing another's parts was extremely intimate for all cultures. "Oh my..." She quickly got out of bed, and made her way over to the door, "Stay." She told him, who just nodded. Chrysalis opened the door a crack and sidled her way out, "Shell." "Yes, your Majesty?" he asked. "I might be a little longer than I anticipated, a slight problem has occurred. Could you bring me some scissors a sewing needle, some...I think black fabric will do, and some thread?" He looked confused but still nodded, "Of course your Majesty. I actually have all that in my saddlebags, which are still in your room. Feel free to take what you need." Chrysalis smiled a warm smile, "Thank you Shell, you've been so helpful since I've started." She then leaned in and whispered, "Maybe I WILL invite you into my room after visiting hours." She then slipped back into her room and closed the door, leaving a stunned, stammering, blushing Shell standing outside her door. _____________________________________________________________________________________ After making an outfit for cover Matthew. She then put it on him, and admired her handiwork. The thing itself was two pieces, a top one and a bottom one. The bottom half went to what she assumed was his waist down, to about a half-inch above the floor, the fabric tight on his upper legs, loosening at the knee, and continuing to loosen until it was about a foot wide in diameter at the very bottom. Pants, he had called them. She was trying to make it so he could put them on without squeezing into them, when he suggested something called a belt. It wrapped around his waist over the pants, and was made of the same black fabric, with a few snap buttons with blue pearls on them that she found in Shell's saddle bags to keep it closed. One problem, the pants kept sliding out from under them. Chrysalis came up with the idea to put multiple loops around the top of the pants so the belt would stay there. The top half covered his top half almost completely, why had she made a top half? He asked, he also asked for these things that he put on underneath his pants. Underwear he called it. When she asked why he wore it, he just shrugged. The top half started at his neck, and went down to just below his waist billowing out like the bottom of his pants. It also covered his whole arm, and had the same layout as the pants. Tight until the first joint, before gradually loosening out. "You look very nice in that Matthew." Chrysalis said, still admiring her handiwork. Who could blame her? She just made a very nice ensemble for something that had never been seen before, without any sort of pattern. Matthew blushed at the compliment, "You really think so Chrissy?" Chrysalis nodded, "I do. I think you'll make a great first impression." He smiled, "That's good. Can we go meet the others now Chrissy? I'm stuffed." She was surprised how quickly his speech had improved over the day. He had eaten while Chrysalis had worked, and she was both surprised and thrilled that he was omnivorous. She would have loved to just Lock herself in her room and talk to him for a few more days, but unfortunately she had night court to deal with in a matter of minutes. When Matthew had asked if he could go with her, she gladly said , hoping that some company might help pass the time. She smiled, "Yes Matthew we can go now." She sat down and folded her legs under her, "Climb on my back." He struggled a little, but with a touch of magic he was on. Now one more thing she had to do before leaving, "Matthew, in public, would you please refer to me as either Queen Chrysalis, or Chrysalis?" "Okay..." it took him a second to register the statement fully, and when he did he nearly fell off her again. "You're a Queen!?" Chrysalis wished she didn't have to say this to him, but she had to uphold an image, "Yes Matthew. And since I'm your Mother now. You are a prince." "...Am I a charming prince?" he asked with a grin. Chrysalis couldn’t help but laugh, "Very Charming. Oh and one more thing. My subjects may call you mean things, but please know that they don't mean it. They've just never seen anything like you before, and they tend to overreact a bit." Matthew shifted his position on her back, "I don't like the fact that they'll be mean to me. But you said they didn't mean it, so I guess I can try to ignore it." He smiled, albeit a bit nervously. "Let's go." Tensions FlareOn the way to the throne room, Chrysalis discovered that Matthew had amazing balance on her back, even without his arms holding onto her neck. I'll ask him about it later She thought absentmindedly. But that was a minute ago, now Matthew was sitting beside Chrysalis, waiting patiently for the first of the night court's visitors alongside his adopted Mother. "Chrissy?" She looked to him, "Yes, Matthew?" "Y-You'll keep me safe right?" That was a no-brainer, "Of course Matthew." He smiled. And ran up to her and gave her right foreleg a hug, "Thank you." The door opened, and the first members of the hive started piling into the throne room.....Wait, first of the hive? Is the whole Hive coming?! Hard to tell, most ponies loose track after the first fifty. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Most reactions when a new member to the ever growing audience for nightcourt were the same. They saw what was sitting beside her, stared wide eyed, then shook their head and found a place to sit. Of course there were a few who's reactions were hilarious. The one that stuck out the most in her head was the last changeling to enter. He saw Matthew, screamed, noticed that everypony else was, instead of screaming, was either glaring at him, trying to hold back their laughter, or looking at him like he was insane, Chrysalis merely raised an eyebrow along with Matthew. At that point he promptly fainted. With that out of the way, and every life force in the Hive noticeable in the room. Chrysalis began. "My dear subjects. Judging by the content feeling that you all seem to have, I assume that you appreciated my gift?" Everypony gave some sort of approval in response. A few even vocalized it. It was a beautiful moment for the new Queen. "If some of you haven't noticed yet. There is a creature beside me." She motioned to Matthew, who was trying his best not to hide behind her, instead opting for the next best thing, trying to squeeze the life out of her right foreleg. 'Dawwww. NO! You can 'Daww later. Right now you something important to do! "After some consideration. I have decided to adopt him." A collective gasp was her response. One Changeling in the back spoke up, "Mommy I can't him, lift me up!" The reluctant Mother glared at her daughter, "Hush now Flare!" "But Mommy..." "No but-.." Flare never heard the end of that sentence, as she was already pushing her way through the crowd. Just a little furthe-.... She wasn't able to finish the thought, as she had just slammed face first into something. Upon landing on her flank, she rubbed her nose and looked up, to find a shocked looking Chrysalis staring right back at her. "…..Hello." Chrysalis said. The little Changeling just realizing what she had slammed into, quickly scampered backwards, "I'm sorry!" Chrysalis merely giggled a bit, "No need for apologizing." This caused her to stop, "…...Really?" Chrysalis nodded while smiling, "Really." Realizing she wasn't in trouble, Flare immediately perked up, and gave the Queen a big smile. "What is your name little one?" "My name is Soul Flare." she said nervously, Oh please tell me mom didn't hear that... No such luck, almost a second after she introduced herself, her Mother had managed to push her way through the crowds to her, "She's lying your Majesty. Her name's not Soul Flare. It's Death Flare. Because that's all she is.." She glared at her daughter, who literally, in her first instinctive use of magic, shrunk about an inch. Chrysalis frowned at the mother. "Ms. Graves." Graves face immediately paled, she gulped. "....Y-Yes....your Majesty?" "You are dismissed from court. Please go back to your nest." Graves nodded spastically, and started to walk to the door, dragging her daughter with her by the tail. "Mommy! I don't want to go yet! I never got to meet him!" Flare whined. Graves, tired of her daughter's behaviour, decided it was time to shut her up. So she bucked her in the face. "Shut Up! You ungrateful brat!" The whole room was dead silent..... A small thud broke the silence, the thud, was Flare's body landing on the floor. Chrysalis was in shock, never once has she seen such violence on a young one.....well, only one thing to do now Chrysalis, "GUARDS!" As quickly as she said it, ten guards went flying into Graves, knocking her unconscious and binding her legs together. One guard approached the Queen, "What shall we do with here Your Highness? And what of the child?" "I want Mrs. Graves locked up until I see fit." She stated, "I will see to the child personally." The guard nodded and turned towards his companions, "To the dungeons boys!" And with that, the guards made their way down to the dungeons. Chrysalis stood up and walked over to Flare, Matthew in front of her. Once she was close enough to get a better view of the damage that buck did to Flare, it appalled her. Due to the fact that young changelings had no fur, and their skin more like a shell, Flare's lower jaw had a giant crack in it, she was also missing a bit of her horn as well. Blood was pouring slowly out of both. Thank the stars she's unconscious. She thought grimly. She began to pour some of her love into Flare, hoping that the damage to her horn wasn’t so bad that it inhibited her ability to absorb love. Thankfully it wasn’t, because five minutes later, her jaw and horn had stopped bleeding, and were both healed. Chrysalis let out a small sigh, as did everypony else in the courtroom, when Flare started to stir. "Ugh....What happened?" She said groggily. "…..Your mother....bucked you in the face..." Flare's eyes widened for a second before going back to normal size, "So THAT'S why my jaw hurts..." Matthew decided to speak up at that point, "….Are you okay?" She nodded, "Yeah, a little sore but..." She got up and stretched out a bit, her body cracking several times, "...I'll be fine."
Ten Years AgoA sad song filled the inner sanctum of the hive, as the body of Queen Catalyst was carried to her final resting place. How had she died? While the changeling Queen doesn’t just, die. There were some, outside influences. There were many a sad face in the sanctum, but none more so than Chrysalis. Standing by a stone platform in the center of the room. Trying her hardest to hold back the tears that threatened to come forth. Catylist’s crumbling were now placed upon the altar, the music had ended, and all held their heads down in a moment of silence. After the silence, Chrysalis turned to face the changelings of the hive, and began to speak. “My dear Changelings we have gathered in the sacred chambers for one of the saddest moments of our lives. The crown shall miss her dearly, but she would wish for us to on without her. Now as always, the sacred burning.” She then turned to her Mother, dead on the altar. “Chaum Rayum Vitas Lous.” Catylist’s body burst into golden flames. “We wish you great happiness in the herd. May the spirit of our first Queen watch over us all in these dark, and let us hope for a savoir.” All watched in sadness as the body of their former Queen was reduced to golden ashes, which blew away on a wind that nopony could feel. “Let us all try to get over this tradgedy. Let us celebrate the new Queen.” She turns to the Queens advisor, “Who is she Shell?” Shell gulped, but stepped forward towards the crowd and cleared his throat. “The changeling council has come to an agreement on the next ruler,” He held up a scroll, “This scroll has the decision that we’ve made.” He unwrapped the scroll, “The next Ruler, is Chrysalis Carapace.” “What!?” She screamed. Shell backed up a bit, “W-Well, you see. Normally your older brother would take the throne. But he re-fused.” “How can you re-fuse the Crown!?” She yelled, not very happy about this at all. “Well…he became king. Then he used his power as king to resign.” Shell gulped, “P-Please don’t be mad at me your Majesty.” Chrysalis sighed, “I’m not mad at you Shell. I’m mad at my brother. I will accept the responsibilities of the Crown, unlike him.” “O-Of course your Majesty. What is your first command?” Shell asked. “For my first act as Queen. I would like to extend a gift to all my new subjects. You will find them in your nests when they’re ready, sometime tomorrow morning. Everypony will also get the following three days off.” She stated. A changeling from the back piped up, “ALL HAIL THE NEW QUEEN!” Soon the whole hive was saying it. Chrysalis held up a hoof, everypony grew silent. “Thank you all for your enthusiasm. Now please, go home, and enjoy your days off. Spend time with your families. Royal court will begin tomorrow afternoon.” She said, before stepping off the altar and walking to her room. Shell trailing her every move. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Soon they were at Chrysalis’ room. Shell spoke up, “Where are you going your majesty?” “To my room?” Chrysalis answered, a bit confused. “I hardly think so your Majesty.” She points a hoof farther down the hall, “Your room is that way.” Chrysalis shook her head, “No, that’s where Mother used to sleep.” “Your Mother slept in the Queens quarters.” “Oh. Right.” Chrysalis forgot, she didn’t want to make too big a deal about it. But all these reminders were starting to get to her. “Lead the way Shell.” “Of course, your Majesty. This way please.” She led Chrysalis further into the hive, until they stopped in front of two massive doors. “Here is your room, your Majesty.” “Thank you Shell, you may leave.” Shell bowed and walked to her nest. Chrysalis thought for a moment before sighing, “Shell, come back!” Shell, who was almost rounding the corner, bolted back to the Queen’s side, “Y-Yes your Majesty.” “Shell, nopony is here you can drop the formalities.” Chrysalis opened the door to her new bedchambers. “Come, I need your help with something.” Shell gulped before nodding, “Yes, Chrysalis.” Before walking into the room with her. The promptly shut once she was inside, “Shell, I understand this may be a little uncomfortable for you to be in the Queens private chambers.” “Oh you have no idea your maje- I mean, Chrysalis.” Shell looked very tense. Chrysalis sighed, “Shell, I know the implications of being in this room after visiting hours. And I assure you I would never ask you to do such a thing. I will find my special somepony like everypony else.” Shell let out a sigh, while she’s sure a night with the new Queen would be unforgettable, she really doesn’t want to. Though she wouldn’t object if asked. “I need your help with the gifts.” “Of course. What do you need me to do?” Chrysalis looked her in the eye, “I need you to form my love into spheres, and turn them to crystal.” “Umm. Why?” Chrysalis chuckled, “Because, it’s the gift.” Shell’s jaw hit the floor, “A-Are you sure you have enough energy for the whole hive?” “That’s why I want you to form them for me. Can I have our last census?” “O-Of course Chrysalis.” She reached into her saddlebags, “Here you go.” Chrysalis took it from her and began to read it, “Oh boy.” She set the scroll back down, “Well let’s get started shall we?” “But Chrysalis, what if I run out of energy?” Shell asked, concerned for her and the Queen’s safety. “I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen.” Chrysalis assured her as her horn started to glow. And the first of many bubbles of love materialized. “Of course, how foalish of me.” Shell said as her horn started to glow, morphing the bubbles into solid, glowing, pink crystal spheres. The first of many hundred... ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ It was around midnight, and the two changelings were completely exhausted. “Just one more.” Chrysalis strained, struggling to form the last of the three hundred, Basketball sized bubbles of love that she tasked herself to make. All the while supplying Shell with enough magic to crystalize them. “Chrysalis, do not stop feeding me.” Shell said in an even more strained voice than Chrysalis, as she would’ve died long ago, if not for the fact that she was feeding off of Chrysalis’ life force now. Almost done, and there. The final crystal was done. Chrysalis’ magic was petering out. With the last of her magic, the crystal slowly fell to the ground. Right when the crystal touched the ground, both mares collapsed, Chrysalis first, then Shell right on top of her. “Chrysalis?” Shell asked after a few minutes. “Yes?” “Can I stay here tonight? I don’t think I would be safe without you nearby at the moment.” “Sure, I guess.” Chrysalis looks to the bed, it only fits one. There’s an animal bed right beside, it looks like it could fit a phoenix if you were lucky. “The bed’s too small for both of us, could you take the dog bed?” Shell lifted her head off of Chrysalis’ chest and looked at the basket. “It’s more than I thought I would get, thank you.” She warily got up and plopped herself down onto the miniature bed. “Goodnight, Chrysalis.” A light snoring was heard shortly after. Chrysalis chuckled, before getting into her own bed. Settling under the covers, she felt something brushing against her back hoof. She twitched. It must be Shell. She thought, before scooting over as much as she could to make room for her, because in the state she was in, it would be easier than arguing. The brushing was felt again, this time on her stomach. She was sure it was Shell, so she just ignored it. Once again, she felt it, only this time it was a tug on her front left foreleg. She stiffened immediately, because it happened again, this time, it felt like something had wrapped around her forehoof. Feeling somewhat brave, she peeked under the covers, and saw one of the strangest creatures she had ever seen in her life, reaching out for her mane. The light was bad, but from what she could see, it looked like a tiny, hairless ape. Maybe three feet tall. It was kind of cute…Okay, it was really cute. Chrysalis thought of pushing it out of bed, but before she even got the chance, it buried its face into her mane and hugged her neck, before falling back asleep. Cuteness overload, she felt a warm surge of love flowing through her, so much it was intoxicating. Maybe that’s why she let it stay, maybe that’s why she draped a translucent wing over it and curled around it like it was a foal, maybe that’s why she kissed it on the forehead before going to sleep herself. A big smile on her face.
Shut. Up.Chrysalis awoke to the sound of screaming. What a great way to start your day off with. "Silence! Please, I have a headache." She said, and then proceeded to bury herself even further under the covers. She feels something land on the bed and quickly hide beside her under the covers. Not mere seconds after this thing hides behind her another thing lands on top of her. "Where is that annoying pest!?" Shell's frazzled voice rings clear through the thin bed sheets. Realizing who this "pest" is, Chrysalis pokes her head out of the covers, making sure to keep the hairless ape out of sight. "Is there a problem Shell?" Shell seemed to snap out of his fit when he heard the queen address him. "Oh. G-Good morning your Majesty." Shell bowed , forgetting that he essentially straddling the queen. "How was your night?" Chrysalis blushed as she realized the position shell was in over her. "I'd be happy to tell you once you get off me." Shell's eyes widened as he looked down, and realized what position he had taken over his queen. Quickly scrambling to the ground, he composed himself before repeating his question again, "how was you night your Majesty?" Chrysalis merely giggled as her blush finally left her face, "Quite well Shell. And you don’t have to call me that when we're alone." "Of course your-...Chrysalis." "Shell, I had a wonderful thing happen to me last night. And I assure you it's fine. But you mustn't worry about it. Okay?" Shell thought for a moment before responding, "Might you tell me at breakfast Chrysalis? I was chasing a pest this morning, it's still in the room." Chrysalis gave a quick glance downwards as she felt something squishy pressing against her chest. "I think I can manage with a pest in the room." She then proceeded to try to get out of bed to stretch her back, only to slump back down into the bed. "It seems all that work last night tired me more than I thought. It seems I'll be in bed for a while, maybe you could fill in for me for a bit?" She asked him. "Of course Chrysalis. We don't want our new queen to die from exhaustion, you're the last in the royal bloodline." Shell walked to the door, before turning back to Chrysalis with a smile, "Anything else you'd like your majesty?" Chrysalis merely Giggled at the royal terms, "An extra blanket, and a big platter of assorted foods from each food group, including meat if we have it. And Shell, it's your day off, don't let me boss you around, you can bring me the food and go home to your family." "I was born and raised in the palace Chrysalis. I have no family other than you....I'll get the food." Shell said, before backing out of the room and closing the door behind him. She sighed sadly. Poor dear. She thought. Before looking under the covers again, seeing the hairless ape hugging her tightly with a frightened look in its eyes, which only grew more frightened when he saw what exactly he was clinging to, and began to feverishly bury himself deeper under the covers. "Shhhhh, it's okay, it's okay. You're okay." Chrysalis then realized that her voice was starting to get the multiple sounds to it like her mothers did. It must be some kind of gauge. She thought. Right now it sounded as if two of her were talking, and it was so slight, that she doubted anyone would notice it unless they were looking for it. The ape looked to her with a confused look, "How you speak?" Now it was Chrysalis' turn to look confused, "How do you speak? I thought apes were unintelligent?" The ape giggled, "I not ape silly. I human." Chrysalis cocked her head to the side, "What on earth is a "human"?" Chrysalis then realized she sounded like she was interrogating the poor thing, "Oh, where are my manners. I'm-" Chrysalis stopped herself before she could say Queen, this thing did not need to fear her, so she simply said, "I'm Chrissy, what's your name?" She slid her hoof towards it on the covers so as not to frighten it any further, and stopped when it was just in front of it. The little ape looked at her holey foot and wrapped of his front...things, around it, before shaking it gently and letting go again, "I Matthew." It then smiled a cute little smile. One which Chrysalis gladly returned. This thing did not fear her, and it was a joyful thing, being in the royal family meant that most ponies were kind to her because of her status, and that was that. "How are you Matthew?" She asked in a soft voice. "I miss mommy." He said, looking a little downcast, "Could you get me back to mommy?" Chrysalis sighed, "I'm afraid not Matthew, I don't even know how you got here. Let alone where you came from. Nopony has ever seen anything like you." "Bu-...No. I want mommy! I want to hug mommy. I want my mommy!" the little thing was starting to cry, so she quickly put up a soundproof spell on the room. Then she hugged it tight. "Shhhhh, calm down, calm down. " Chrysalis suddenly got an idea, albeit a crazy one. "I know I could never replace her, but I will try my best to be your mommy..." She realized what she just said, and wondered what she had just gotten herself into. The thing stopped crying, and looked at her with red eyes, "You would be my mommy?" She simply nodded, biting her lip. Matthew's face lit up with joy when she nodded. And latched onto her with as much force as it could muster, "Oh thank you!" It said, before snuggling up to her with a smile on its face. Now with time to think to herself. Chrysalis thought something was off with the way he talked, the way he left out words, and how easily he stopped fearing her. "Matthew? How old are you?" "I four." Now it made sense, "I see...Are you a stallion or a mare?" It just gave her a confused look, "What?" "A male or a female." Another confused look was her answer. She sighed, "Do you have thingies between your legs?" It nodded, "Yep." Chrysalis decided it was time for an English lesson, "Then you're a Male, or Stallion, Matthew. Do you understand?" "Yes, Chrissy." "Good. Now how about we-" She was cut off as the doors to her bedroom was opened, revealing a Backwards facing Shell, pulling a large platter full of food. "Here's your food your Majesty." He said, before turning her way, Chrysalis quickly covered Matthew with the blanket before he managed to turn all the way around, "I also managed to get my hooves on some various meats. Oh, and by the way, the subjects all loved your gift." Chrysalis smiled warmly at the comment, "I'm glad. I'm sorry to have to ask you this, but could you wait outside the room for a few minutes?" "Of course your Majesty." he said, before walking out of the room and closing the door behind him. Sighing, Chrysalis took the covers off her, "Matthew, could you get out of bed?" "Sure." he said, before doing just that. He turned around to face her, with a smile when Chrysalis noticed a small problem, said problem made her sport a very red blush. Even though Changelings, and Ponies, and any of the other sapient species on Terra walked around naked all the time, seeing another's parts was extremely intimate for all cultures. "Oh my..." She quickly got out of bed, and made her way over to the door, "Stay." She told him, who just nodded. Chrysalis opened the door a crack and sidled her way out, "Shell." "Yes, your Majesty?" he asked. "I might be a little longer than I anticipated, a slight problem has occurred. Could you bring me some scissors a sewing needle, some...I think black fabric will do, and some thread?" He looked confused but still nodded, "Of course your Majesty. I actually have all that in my saddlebags, which are still in your room. Feel free to take what you need." Chrysalis smiled a warm smile, "Thank you Shell, you've been so helpful since I've started." She then leaned in and whispered, "Maybe I WILL invite you into my room after visiting hours." She then slipped back into her room and closed the door, leaving a stunned, stammering, blushing Shell standing outside her door. _____________________________________________________________________________________ After making an outfit for cover Matthew. She then put it on him, and admired her handiwork. The thing itself was two pieces, a top one and a bottom one. The bottom half went to what she assumed was his waist down, to about a half-inch above the floor, the fabric tight on his upper legs, loosening at the knee, and continuing to loosen until it was about a foot wide in diameter at the very bottom. Pants, he had called them. She was trying to make it so he could put them on without squeezing into them, when he suggested something called a belt. It wrapped around his waist over the pants, and was made of the same black fabric, with a few snap buttons with blue pearls on them that she found in Shell's saddle bags to keep it closed. One problem, the pants kept sliding out from under them. Chrysalis came up with the idea to put multiple loops around the top of the pants so the belt would stay there. The top half covered his top half almost completely, why had she made a top half? He asked, he also asked for these things that he put on underneath his pants. Underwear he called it. When she asked why he wore it, he just shrugged. The top half started at his neck, and went down to just below his waist billowing out like the bottom of his pants. It also covered his whole arm, and had the same layout as the pants. Tight until the first joint, before gradually loosening out. "You look very nice in that Matthew." Chrysalis said, still admiring her handiwork. Who could blame her? She just made a very nice ensemble for something that had never been seen before, without any sort of pattern. Matthew blushed at the compliment, "You really think so Chrissy?" Chrysalis nodded, "I do. I think you'll make a great first impression." He smiled, "That's good. Can we go meet the others now Chrissy? I'm stuffed." She was surprised how quickly his speech had improved over the day. He had eaten while Chrysalis had worked, and she was both surprised and thrilled that he was omnivorous. She would have loved to just Lock herself in her room and talk to him for a few more days, but unfortunately she had night court to deal with in a matter of minutes. When Matthew had asked if he could go with her, she gladly said , hoping that some company might help pass the time. She smiled, "Yes Matthew we can go now." She sat down and folded her legs under her, "Climb on my back." He struggled a little, but with a touch of magic he was on. Now one more thing she had to do before leaving, "Matthew, in public, would you please refer to me as either Queen Chrysalis, or Chrysalis?" "Okay..." it took him a second to register the statement fully, and when he did he nearly fell off her again. "You're a Queen!?" Chrysalis wished she didn't have to say this to him, but she had to uphold an image, "Yes Matthew. And since I'm your Mother now. You are a prince." "...Am I a charming prince?" he asked with a grin. Chrysalis couldn’t help but laugh, "Very Charming. Oh and one more thing. My subjects may call you mean things, but please know that they don't mean it. They've just never seen anything like you before, and they tend to overreact a bit." Matthew shifted his position on her back, "I don't like the fact that they'll be mean to me. But you said they didn't mean it, so I guess I can try to ignore it." He smiled, albeit a bit nervously. "Let's go."
Tensions FlareOn the way to the throne room, Chrysalis discovered that Matthew had amazing balance on her back, even without his arms holding onto her neck. I'll ask him about it later She thought absentmindedly. But that was a minute ago, now Matthew was sitting beside Chrysalis, waiting patiently for the first of the night court's visitors alongside his adopted Mother. "Chrissy?" She looked to him, "Yes, Matthew?" "Y-You'll keep me safe right?" That was a no-brainer, "Of course Matthew." He smiled. And ran up to her and gave her right foreleg a hug, "Thank you." The door opened, and the first members of the hive started piling into the throne room.....Wait, first of the hive? Is the whole Hive coming?! Hard to tell, most ponies loose track after the first fifty. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Most reactions when a new member to the ever growing audience for nightcourt were the same. They saw what was sitting beside her, stared wide eyed, then shook their head and found a place to sit. Of course there were a few who's reactions were hilarious. The one that stuck out the most in her head was the last changeling to enter. He saw Matthew, screamed, noticed that everypony else was, instead of screaming, was either glaring at him, trying to hold back their laughter, or looking at him like he was insane, Chrysalis merely raised an eyebrow along with Matthew. At that point he promptly fainted. With that out of the way, and every life force in the Hive noticeable in the room. Chrysalis began. "My dear subjects. Judging by the content feeling that you all seem to have, I assume that you appreciated my gift?" Everypony gave some sort of approval in response. A few even vocalized it. It was a beautiful moment for the new Queen. "If some of you haven't noticed yet. There is a creature beside me." She motioned to Matthew, who was trying his best not to hide behind her, instead opting for the next best thing, trying to squeeze the life out of her right foreleg. 'Dawwww. NO! You can 'Daww later. Right now you something important to do! "After some consideration. I have decided to adopt him." A collective gasp was her response. One Changeling in the back spoke up, "Mommy I can't him, lift me up!" The reluctant Mother glared at her daughter, "Hush now Flare!" "But Mommy..." "No but-.." Flare never heard the end of that sentence, as she was already pushing her way through the crowd. Just a little furthe-.... She wasn't able to finish the thought, as she had just slammed face first into something. Upon landing on her flank, she rubbed her nose and looked up, to find a shocked looking Chrysalis staring right back at her. "…..Hello." Chrysalis said. The little Changeling just realizing what she had slammed into, quickly scampered backwards, "I'm sorry!" Chrysalis merely giggled a bit, "No need for apologizing." This caused her to stop, "…...Really?" Chrysalis nodded while smiling, "Really." Realizing she wasn't in trouble, Flare immediately perked up, and gave the Queen a big smile. "What is your name little one?" "My name is Soul Flare." she said nervously, Oh please tell me mom didn't hear that... No such luck, almost a second after she introduced herself, her Mother had managed to push her way through the crowds to her, "She's lying your Majesty. Her name's not Soul Flare. It's Death Flare. Because that's all she is.." She glared at her daughter, who literally, in her first instinctive use of magic, shrunk about an inch. Chrysalis frowned at the mother. "Ms. Graves." Graves face immediately paled, she gulped. "....Y-Yes....your Majesty?" "You are dismissed from court. Please go back to your nest." Graves nodded spastically, and started to walk to the door, dragging her daughter with her by the tail. "Mommy! I don't want to go yet! I never got to meet him!" Flare whined. Graves, tired of her daughter's behaviour, decided it was time to shut her up. So she bucked her in the face. "Shut Up! You ungrateful brat!" The whole room was dead silent..... A small thud broke the silence, the thud, was Flare's body landing on the floor. Chrysalis was in shock, never once has she seen such violence on a young one.....well, only one thing to do now Chrysalis, "GUARDS!" As quickly as she said it, ten guards went flying into Graves, knocking her unconscious and binding her legs together. One guard approached the Queen, "What shall we do with here Your Highness? And what of the child?" "I want Mrs. Graves locked up until I see fit." She stated, "I will see to the child personally." The guard nodded and turned towards his companions, "To the dungeons boys!" And with that, the guards made their way down to the dungeons. Chrysalis stood up and walked over to Flare, Matthew in front of her. Once she was close enough to get a better view of the damage that buck did to Flare, it appalled her. Due to the fact that young changelings had no fur, and their skin more like a shell, Flare's lower jaw had a giant crack in it, she was also missing a bit of her horn as well. Blood was pouring slowly out of both. Thank the stars she's unconscious. She thought grimly. She began to pour some of her love into Flare, hoping that the damage to her horn wasn’t so bad that it inhibited her ability to absorb love. Thankfully it wasn’t, because five minutes later, her jaw and horn had stopped bleeding, and were both healed. Chrysalis let out a small sigh, as did everypony else in the courtroom, when Flare started to stir. "Ugh....What happened?" She said groggily. "…..Your mother....bucked you in the face..." Flare's eyes widened for a second before going back to normal size, "So THAT'S why my jaw hurts..." Matthew decided to speak up at that point, "….Are you okay?" She nodded, "Yeah, a little sore but..." She got up and stretched out a bit, her body cracking several times, "...I'll be fine."
