Like Moths to a Wall of Flame
It was their last try, and they had failed. They were at their full strength at the start of the attack. Now there numbers dwindled. Their loss here would surely seal their doom. A tall figure stood alone in the middle of a barren valley. She had retreated to a safe distance from the oppressive heat surging through the air from her enemy. Many of her kin were not so lucky.
Piles of charred chitin littered the area. The wall appeared to taunt her. It was always the same. That twisted red fire curling and twisting in on itself as it moved slowly after her. It gave her an ominous feeling, like she was being watched. Like whatever cruelty fell upon her would be the vindictive laughter of the spells caster. She had not made a dent. The flames would consume them.
Queen Chrysalis heard a buzzing behind her and turned to see a small scout changeling. He was gasping for breath and there were burn marks all over his body. Exhausted from flying, the small changeling dropped to the ground leaving him with only enough strength to mutter, “My Queen... The spearhead attack failed…” She knew he would not last much longer. “We used all the reserves of our love. We have failed you…”
Even in death he took serving her as top priority. It was a property shared by all her drones, from the soldier class dying on the battlefield, to the worker class, tending to her nest at the cost of their own health. This one did not have any information for her she did not already possess. She could afford to dismiss him.
“You have served your queen well,” she said. She gave what could be considered a smile and his body relaxed and slumped to the earth. She would leave him there. There was no value to be had in the dead. She would have to shake off her looming dread to salvage the remains of her army before it was all gone.
A breeze kicked up which produced small whirlwinds of dust and char. It also renewed the scent of smouldering flesh. The Queen thought she would have had gotten used to it by now. After weeks of losing countless lives to its heat, she turned towards the breeze and was faced with her nemesis.
Their first loss came at the loss of their old hive site. They had occupied it for nearly one hundred years. It was an ideal spot, surrounded by prey. They had never faced such a threat before. They had no evacuation plan. They moved what they could, but still the flames came at them. They filled the tunnels, vaporising the bio-matter they used to coat its walls. The nursery was still half full. She didn’t like to think about what must have happened to the larva.
The fire was not yet content. Flying away served only to delay the inevitable. They had tried to fly over it. It resulted only in a squadron of drones steamed on the inside. They had tried to douse it with lake water from large containers made by her workers from spit and clay. The fire could evaporate any water effortlessly. When it reached the lake itself, it simply burned straight over the top. Some of the water evaporated away, but it was mostly unaffected. Today, they had fought it.
Love was a powerful magic. It was one she had once thought of as nothing but food, but later learned that it had more uses. The wall was a spell. With enough magic of their own, they could surely break through. Chrysalis had trained all the remaining soldiers for the final attack. Their execution was flawless, but their power was overwhelmed by an order of magnitudes. They could no more fight the fire than an ant could stand up to her.
A strange whistling now emanated from the piles of bodies. It was the wind passing through the holes in the changeling's bodies. It produced a tune that Chrysalis found nostalgic. It reminded her of her time as a larva. She had lived under her mother, the ancient queen of a hive even larger than her own. Court musicians would play music for her by using their own bodies as instruments. The sounds worked to sooth her. She had never understood why, as the music served no purpose, but she would not fight against it. The sounds not were not the product of dedicated musicians, but the unruly cacophony of nature on her dead children.
I could return to Mother... Warn her about what has happened. No! I can't go running back to her. Not when I set out on my own, but... maybe she can help? Chrysalis was conflicted. It would be shameful to return. She would have to submit herself to another’s will once more. That was a thing for children. Her mother was not cruel though. If she asked for help, she would at least be considered.
I could ask my sisters. I heard they all have successful hives. But what if my turning to them only leads the enemy to their hive? She stamped her hoof in frustration. Was there nothing she could do? She sighed and relived some of the memories of her sisters. Atropa, the youngest, loved to play with her food before brutally draining it of all life and emotions. Maybe I could go to her. Her brute strength could certainly help me. Chrysalis processed the thought before realising her mistake, I already tried brute strength, and it served nothing but to weaken myself further.
There was Carabi. She was the most gifted of the changeling princesses. Chemical adaptations in her body allowed her to spit a burning acid from her mouth. But another memory caused her to dismiss the idea. Carabi's acid actually caused a violent explosion. If nothing else, the acid would just cause the Wall to become even more destructive.
Maybe her oldest sister, Dynasta could help? She was the oldest and strongest of the changeling princesses. Her thick carapace allowed her to lead an invasion on a trading center in Saddle Arabia. Arrows, rocks, swords, spears, and even magic merely glanced off of her thick armored skin. Weak prey didn't even see it coming. Reminds me of the time I almost conquered Canterlot... But her inability to capture Canterlot made her realize that even if you could survive the fire, you still had to put it out. And only Dynasta's tribe would be left standing. Chrysalis frowned. We certainly can't have that.
Chrysalis didn't even consider her other sister, Pyrr, the wooly changeling. Born with a strange fur coat, Pyrr was a strange sight around Mother's Hive who often spent her time sleeping or rolling around. She would have disowned such a creature if she were her hive mother. But it was not her place to argue with those more powerful. There would certainly be no help from her now either way.
The decision had been made. She would gather up what she had left and go to her mother’s hive. Any too slow to outrun the flames would be left behind. She would have to be fast, or risk the fire destroying her mother’s hive too. It was something she didn’t even want to admit to herself she was risking, but if her mother found out, she could destroy chrysalis in her fury. She shouted the order to enter into traveling formation with her. When it looked like the trickle of soldiers heading towards her had died out, she took flight at speed. Her destination was a part of Equestria unmapped by ponies, for any trace of resistance would have been long ago wiped out. The changeling fortress: the Hall of Mother.
Author's Note
Just a quick word before you start reading. I know that this text is only like a page long, but this is my way of seeing if anyone likes this idea. I'll make more chapters with more content if I get a positive feedback. If not, I'll either drop the story or give the idea to anyone who's interested. Anyway, please comment and tell me what you think! For people from AHA & SA, you don't have to do a full review of this little snippet. Just general feedback will be fine. Thank you all!
Like Moths to a Wall of Flame
The remains of the hive had spent the past three days flying and were completely exhausted. Chrysalis always woke up tired and hungry as the pursuing wall of flame never let up. There was not enough love to sustain them, and not enough time to sleep.
All changelings had ability to rest parts of their brain at a time to allow them to function over long stretches without breaks. It was a necessity when times were tough, but it was not healthy. About five percent of her hive had died from exhaustion in the preparations for the Canterlot invasion. It appeared to be the best solution to the food crisis at the time, but it was not without its costs. It was certainly not befitting of a queen to have to exhaust herself out of fear.
Flight while sleeping was also very dangerous. The changelings eyes could still function through their clear under eyelids, but their brains could not keep them alert as if they were awake. Their best chances were to focus on the horizon and use the differing colors of sky and ground to keep on track, but at night, there were only the image of stars to separate ground from sky, and if clouds rolled in, they could all crash. Chrysalis had already seen a few of her children flying off course, though they all came back once they woke up. There had not been any more casualties since the fight. They were not yet at the fatal levels of exhaustion.
Her mind wandered in her half-conscious dream state. Things were so simple in her childhood. Her position as a young queen gave her all the power to exploit the drones to her will with none of the responsibilities of keeping the hive running. It was good for a time, but nothing lasts forever. She realised now her mother was right to have her leave the hive. The power of rank in her mother’s hive was nothing compared to the power of conquest. The responsibility she had loathed was the same thing that gave her actions weight and meaning. What made her care now was that she was losing.
That said, she still fought for a way out of admitting to her mother she was right. It was the truth, but just because she had been wrong did not mean she would admit it. I wonder what Mother's hive is like now? Chrysalis pondered. It's been too long. Why have I not at least tried to visit her until now?
Chrysalis felt something brush against her in her sleep and she jerked awake. She had flown in too close to the tree line, and the taller trees were starting to hit her. She increased her altitude, and gazed at the horizon. She could see her destination. There in the midst of trees and with the morning sun shining behind it, Mother's hive stood majestically and prominently in the dense jungle.
Chrysalis remembered there being a waterfall nearby and meandered from her original course. Despite being away for decades, Chrysalis was able to find the waterfall with ease and it looked the same as when she left it. She swooped down and landed close to the edge of the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. She dipped her head down and started drinking the cool, cold water. After drinking her fill, she wiped her mouth and looked around. She ordered her remaining subjects to wait outside the hive. She would surely be welcomed, and was powerful enough to deal with any drone that said otherwise. Her children, on the other hoof, were not, and their presence would likely cause disruption among the hive.
She was surprised to find that she was not alone. Her keen senses of sight and smell revealed three changelings on the other side of the pool before they could detect her. She hid in the nearby jungle foliage and crept closer to the three changelings. They laughed and splashed in the water and from what Chrysalis could tell they were young, maybe newly hatched.
Once Chrysalis was close enough, she realized that they were all young queens. New leaders for changeling kind. But which changeling was able to drain enough love to have the energy to create not one, but three females? Certainly not Mother, she thought. While it is true that she gave birth to five females in her time, she was much too old to have any more. Unintimidated by the younglings, Chrysalis decided to find out the most direct way. She stepped out of the bushes and walked up to them saying, “Children,” she said, alerting them to her presence. “To what queen do you owe your allegiance?” She spoke firmly, but not cruelly. If by some miracle they were mother’s daughters she would not want to offend her.
The children reacted pathetically to her intimidation. If she were a real foe they would likely have not survived the encounter. They were just like her in her youth.
The three princesses reacted each in their own way. There was a large one with a spiked carapace who stood in front of the other two as if to guard them from danger. The smallest one hid behind the larger one and something that looked like a mask slid over her face. The other one hiccupped and somehow caught her mane on fire, which she quickly doused with water. Noticing their reactions, Chrysalis explained, “Do not be afraid young ones. I am not here to hurt you.”
The largest one gave her a look of defiance and boasted, “Hurt us?” She thumped her chest with pride, “I am Cassidi, the daughter of Queen Dynasta! My shell is nigh impenetrable! It would be impossible for a weakling like you to even scratch me! Go ahead and try!”
Chrysalis’ expression turned to annoyance as she muttered, “Don’t tempt me.” The actual confrontation almost made her laugh. Such a young changeling would be no match for her. She was surprised that this changeling claimed to be Dynasta’s daughter, but after some scrutiny she decided there was no other changeling she knew of who had a carapace like that. She quickly hid her annoyance and sought to use this Changeling’s pride to her advantage, “Of course! My sister must have trained you very well. You look much stronger than your other –” she paused for a moment to look over them “– sisters...” Chrysalis struggled with the last few words. The fact that Dynasta would have three daughters meant that she had conquered an area almost as great as Mother’s.
“Sisters?” Cassidi looked confused, “No, these are my cousins. The fire-breathing one here is Lumina, and the small one is Sinea...” The one she called Sinea whispered into her ear, and Cassidi’s expression became more and more hostile. “And If I’m right, you must be Chrysalis?” The young queen almost snarled.
Chrysalis was shocked by the ferocity in the young queen’s eyes. It reminded her of the fiery stalker that had reduced her to crawling back here. Chrysalis hesitated, thinking of her options before answering. She knew that if Cassidi wanted to fight, that she would easily be outnumbered by Chrysalis followers. But she didn’t want it to come to that. If the situation did turn to violence and if Cassidi was anything like her mother, then Chrysalis would lose many drones in the process. In the end, she stood as tall and as proud as she could and firmly declared, “Yes, I am Queen Chrysalis.”
Cassidi lunged at her, but Chrysalis easily took to the skies. She was relieved that none of the younger queens had wings. “Get down here!” The young queen yelled. Cassidi desperately tried to jump in the air and catch Chrysalis, but her heavy carapace weighed her down.
“You’re lucky that you’re my sister’s offspring.” Chrysalis boasted, “You should learn to choose your battles.” Despite her bravado, she knew the young queen came dangerously close to doing some real damage.
Cassidi stomped the ground with her hoof and circled, “You know what you did to Dynasta and Mother! Did you think we’d have all forgotten?!” The words hit Chrysalis hard. Maybe it was time to just leave. She was getting nowhere with these queens and they only brought up bad memories. Chrysalis sighed and started flying off towards Mother’s hive. As she flew off, the hotheaded queen yelled at her, “Don’t bother running off to Mother! She doesn’t want to see you! You’re dead to her!”
Dead to her? Chrysalis started to worry as those words echoed in her mind. I know what I did was bad, but I didn’t think my family would hold a grudge against me for so long. My sisters even have their children hating me! Chrysalis started to have doubts about asking Mother for help, but she had come all this way and there was no turning back. Mustering up all the confidence she had, Chrysalis headed to Mother’s hive.
Chrysalis’ drones were staying in a loose group and meandering about the entrance of Mother’s hive: a huge opening in the largest tree in the jungle. Much to Chrysalis’ relief, Mother’s drones kept a close eye on the newcomers, but had not openly engaged them. However as Chrysalis approached, the sentries gathered in front of the door to bar her entrance. Chrysalis could have easily flown over them, but she knew a diplomatic approach was better suited here.
“Halt!” One of the sentries commanded as she got close. “You are not allowed entrance! Under orders of our queen, you have been banned from this place!”
Chrysalis spoke humbly, “I understand that, but I have come to ask an urgent request! An uncontrollable force is headed this way, and if Mother does not help me stop it; it will destroy all of the Changelings!” Chrysalis knew that she had not exactly told the truth, but if they knew that the flame was only after her, they might just leave her to die. Diplomacy would work far better than intimidation here.
The sentry that addressed her narrowed his eyes and said, “Very well. I will alert Mother to your presence and to your predicament.” The sentry left while the others continued to bar her way. Chrysalis turned back to face her subjects. Many of them stared at her. Chrysalis somehow understood their plight. I am there only hope. She thought as she looked into every face. Without me, they would have no chance of surviving. She turned and stared up at the top of Mother’s Hive. Just like how I have no chance without Mother.
Suddenly she felt a tug on her tail. She twisted around and noticed a small soldier. She somehow remembered him. He was the last changeling to be hatched before their hive was destroyed. He was incredibly small and looked very pathetic as he looked up at Chrysalis with his large pleading eyes. “My queen? Is– Is Mother going to help us?”
She gave the soldier a reassuring smile, “Of course she will. You don’t have to worry at all. Now, go and join the others.” The soldier smiled back and trotted off to mingle with the other soldiers. Chrysalis knew she could not promise anything, but she felt it better to give them false hope.
Soon, the guard came back with a message, “Queen Chrysalis. Mother has allowed you an audience with her, but your subjects must stay outside. Now, if you will follow me.” The guard turned and disappeared into the passage beyond the door. Chrysalis gave a quick word to her subjects and hurried to catch up to the guard. The interior of the hive was much the same as it was when Chrysalis left that fateful day; much to her dismay. There were still signs of the struggle that had led to her banishment. Large claw marks on the floors, broken walls, and scorch marks had remained over time, and renewed Chrysalis’ feelings of doubt.
Chrysalis knew her way around, but decided to follow the guard who took her the most direct route to the throne room. It didn’t take them long to reach the large wooden doors that led to the throne room. The doors were etched with images of Mother and her daughters, except Chrysalis who was messily crossed out in each spot she was represented. The guard opened one of the doors which creaked horribly, “Mother is inside.” Chrysalis thanked the guard and slipped inside. The door creaked again and shut behind her.
The room was darker than Chrysalis had remembered it, and she had trouble making out anything in the room. “Well, well, well” said a voice that emanated from the middle of the room, “The traitor returns. Crawling back to the ones that she had so easily forsaken.” The guilt dragged her back into the past, and she found herself babbling like a child when she should have been radiating confidence.
“M-m-mother?” Chrysalis called out, “I have not come to fight. I came seeking help”
“Silence!” The voice hissed, “You have no right to call me by that name! You will call me, Spectra! As all non-Changelings do.”
Chrysalis did her best to keep her voice from shaking, “Y-yes, Spectra.” Chrysalis still could not find her mother even after adjusting to the dim light. She looked around and finally spotted her hanging upside down from the ceiling. Spectra quickly descended on a silken strand and touched down gracefully to the ground with each of her viciously sharp, eight legs in series. It had been a very long time since she had seen her mother, and though the signs of age were showing clearly on her figure, she retained the cruel powerful stance of dominance she had always had.
“So...” Spectra hissed in her shrill voice, echoing through the cave, “What has brought you back here? Other than to disgrace my home.” Mother looked down condescendingly on her daughter. Her gaze icy cold.
“I’m here to ask for help,” Chrysalis replied without meeting her gaze, “There is something out there hunting changelings. As we speak, it is headed here to destroy us.”
Spectra laughed, “Why should I trust you? I would hope that you are not foolish enough to try to deceive me for a second time. I have already grown tired of your lies and tricks.”
“I’m telling the truth!” Chrysalis pleaded, “A giant wall of flame, taller than any tree and hotter than even the sun, is on its way right now! We must figure out a way to stop it, before it kills us all!”
Spectra’s laughter stopped, and she looked serious for a moment. It appeared Chrysalis had caught her attention, “A wall of flame...” Mother looked into Chrysalis’ eyes trying to detect a lie. It was impressive how she could appear so infallibly confident while still debating the issue in her mind. “You, child, will describe everything to me, and I will decide what is the truth.”
So Chrysalis told her everything. The sightings of the wall by her scouts, the
destruction of her hive, and the loss of countless Changelings. As Chrysalis was explaining, Spectra’s features softened as she began to believe her daughter. As Chrysalis ended her story, Spectra closed her eyes. She started humming, and Chrysalis knew she only did this when she was thinking on something. “Alright.” She finally whispered, “I will help you. For the good of our race.”
“T-thank you, Mother.” Chrysalis could feel tears form in her eyes. Her heart had already been prepared for rejection. If this worked, she could regain her family’s approval. If they believe her warning had saved them, she would surely be taken back. Sure, it would all be based on a lie, but they were changelings. Everything they did was based on some lie.
“However...” Spectra added, making Chrysalis jump a little. “I’m going to gather your sisters. This threat must be handled with the most extreme display of force. None shall say the changelings are weak. Stay here while I summon my drones to fetch them.” She left the room and left Chrysalis there, alone. Her mother leaving the room felt like a cool breeze washing over her after being trapped in a furnace. That was one obstacle down, but the biggest challenge was still ahead. She glanced out of the window and at the horizon. She couldn’t see the wall, but she knew it was there; and it was on its way with a burning fury.
