Hole Hearted

Instead of another dream he awoke in a strange green fluid. He gasped and found that somehow he was breathing inside the liquid. He blinked to awareness. He was in a cocoon. He looked outside the translucent bubble a dark form was hunched over the sphere. It too blinked awake with green eyes. Its eyes were alike those of Queen Chrysalis. Den squirmed violently. The creature jumped back from the cocoon. In gush of green liquid Den broke free of the cocoon.

Den coughed the green fluid out of his lungs unto the wooden floor. He looked then at the black insect creature before him. It was a monster from the nightmare. Rage and hate still filled his mind of the burning village and dead villagers.

Den looked a means to defend himself. He snapped a leg from a nearby table. “Die demon!” said Den charge with the splinter of wood. He impaled the creature and watched it squirm in agony as it was pinned against the wall.

A familiar voice called out to him. “Well, I thought you wanted to get to know me first before you stabbed me with your wood.” coughed the creature as it chuckled.

“Echo?” questioned Den his anger relaxing.

“Yup.” hacked the creature spitting out blood.

“Oh Celestia and Luna, what have I done?!” said Den. He pulled the length of wood from the changeling. Blood began spurting out.

“It is fitting, I am the last.” said Echo closing her eyes.

“No, I'll make this right!” cried Den.

Den looked around the small home. It was a small abode. A kitchen and living area connected a bathroom and a bedroom. He needed bandages. He flung open cupboards and drawers. In one cupboard he saw a dozen cocoons with small animals slumbering inside. He ignored that for now. He finally found medical supplies in one of cupboards. He popped open the med kit and its contents fell onto the ground.

“Stay with me.” Den applied gauze and bound the bandage around her. Gently lifting her each time He did the wrap around. Her skin was sort of soft and leathery and not the hard armor it appeared to be. When done, he carried her to the small bedroom of the home. He sat by her side staring at the strange creature as its chest lifted slightly with every strained breath.

Den noticed a slight pain as he arched his neck. He felt for it and found a hairline scar. She had saved his life. He remembered his last waking memory to be a dagger plunging into his neck. Memories not his own also flooded his mind’s eye. The last dreams, they had blinded him with rage. He realized on some part the anger and rage was not his but hers.

Her home was sparsely furnished and very neat. There was however a bookcase in her room that was filled to the brim. He recognized many of the titles to be classical works… mostly tragedies. He smiled slightly when he saw a Daring Do novel with a bookmark wedged inside of it. It was one the bedside table. It was still the darkest chapter of the series but it was comforting to know she read some modern junk. He opened the book, the bookmark inlaid on the chapter where Daring had leave Saddle Arabia and her coltfriend for a greater mission. Carefully Den set the book back onto the bedside table.

He looked outside her window. Somehow it was night again. A calendar upon the bedside table was dutifully maintained. He had spent a day dreaming. Again it was night, and the pale moon lit up the room through the curtains. He examined the strange creature, thoroughly. Holes seem to perforate hers hooves. Dragonfly like wings sprouted from her back. Den fell asleep with his head leaning on her bed. He hoped she would wake in morning.

Echo grumbled at the morning sun. It still stung her eyes; darkness was her home however part of her infiltration involved learning the habits of the enemy. She stumbled sleepily out of her bed, not noticing Den.

Echo telekinetically opened a cupboard. She took out a small cocoon with a bunny inside it. The rabbit was slumbering in the green fluid pouch.

Echo smacked her lips. “Huh, I'm not hungry.” She didn't feel a ravenous hunger that normally persisted. Somehow she was full. “A light breakfast then.” said Echo sleepily as her green magic sapped small spark of energy from the rabbit. She set the sleeping bunny back into her cupboard.

Den stumbled groggily out of her bedroom.

“Epp!” cried Echo.

“Echo you're awake, and healed!” said Den happily hugging her.

“Den, you're in my home? It wasn't a dream!” said Echo stammering.

“Wait, if you the dream walker is questioning reality where does that leave me?” asked Den.

“A dream within a dream.” smiled Echo pointing hoof at his chest. She noticed the holes. She was not disguised. “Look away! I have to change!” cried Echo pushing Den back.

“What?!” said Den. “I've already seen your true form. I had to touch you to fix your bandages.” smiled Den.

Echo face flushed red. She felt her chest where she had been wrapped in bandages. “Scoundrel!” Echo shouted. She immediately flashed to her pony form.

“You can blush?” asked Den arching his head towards her face. “Show me your true form. Please, I don't mind.” said Den.

“You won't stab me again will you?” asked Echo softly.

Den scratched his head. “I'm really sorry about that… You saved my life. You can't be bad as they say.”

Echo flashed back to her changeling form. She was like a miniature version of Chrysalis with the same demonic eyes. Holes covered her limbs. Her hair and mane were like thin ghostly sheets. Her torso or thorax was a dark blue. Insect dragonfly wings sprouted from her back. In whole she appeared the like the nefarious depictions that appeared in stained glass windows of the palace.

“I'm disgusting, aren't I? Demonic?” She nervously backed away as Den inspected her closer.

Den jumped forward and hugged her again. “I could get used to it.” said Den.

Echo’s eyes were wide in shock. “What’s wrong with you?” Echo looked to Den’s eyes in confusion.

“I sort of like mares, with a mean misunderstood streak.” said Den.

“This whole thing started with you trying to hug me.” said Echo in Den's arms.

“I'm sorry for entering your memories. You've had a rough life, haven't you?” said Den.

“Yours doesn't seem to be any more pleasant, your happiest memory was when you were a kid. That's sad.” said Echo.

“Let's drown in each others' misery.” said Den.

Echo said nervously. “Wait, I'll shift forms-”

“No, I want you.” Den kissed passionately.

Den and Echo looked into each other's eyes.

Den and Echo slept on the small bed. Echo was wrapped around by Den's right wing. Their combined warmth filled the little room. There was a large pillow and they lay facing one another as their heads rested.

“That's the second time you stabbed me.” Echo cooed affectionately.

“You're not going to let the first time go huh?” Den chuckled.

“Your love healed me. It's already forgiven you saved my life first remember.” said Echo. “Then you took that dagger for me.”

“Well me stabbing you sort of makes us even for the dagger.” said Den.

“Let's not count favors. Also you were my first in another more important way.” said Echo blushing.

“Huh? First, I don't believe it. You're too good.” said Den.

“No, I meant in this form.” said Echo gesturing to her black carapace.

“Echo, what's your real name?” asked Den.

Echo grimaced and turned her head away from Den. “It's Larvi, but I prefer Echo it's my favorite alias.” said Echo.

“In your memories I look a lot like your coltfriend Constance. I'm not just a replacement goldfish am I?” asked Den.

“It is scary, but I've forgotten what he looks like. The image could have been a projection. Please don't read into it.” said Echo turning to Den.

“This Constance, you were really ready to run away with him?” asked Den.

Echo looked away into the far off again. “Yes, I was... deny my duty even… but that was so long ago… He was my first… I am not the person I was before… I've become colder…”

“I just realized we've known each other only for four days.” said Den looking up at the calendar at Echo's bedside.

“Seems much longer huh?” said Echo at the ceiling.

“Yeah, how do I know you haven't … you know magicked me into this?” said Den thoughtfully.

“Brainwashy?” Echo smiled. “It's high level magic, takes incredible focus and power. I tried at the café but the waiter distracted my attention.” said Echo.

“Hold on, you tried?” said Den alarmed.

“Yeah, sorry you made me angry by indirectly calling me a monster.” said Echo.

“You are one in bed.” smiled Den.

“Shush, I'm not done with you yet.” chirped Echo happily.

Den awoke again, the clock by Echo's bedside read two.

“I have to get to work.” said Den sitting up on the bed.

“Huh?” said Echo. “Take a day off.” Echo murmured.

“My schedule's flexible but not that flexible. I have to make a report to my Captain.” said Den.

“On what?” asked Echo.

Den gritted his teeth. “The changeling threat…” said Den.

“Oh. There isn't any.” said Echo.

“Huh?” asked Den.

“I'm the last one.” said Echo her voice mixed with sadness and relief.

“How can you be sure?” asked Den.

“I was sort of important… they'd have contacted me by now.” said Echo.

“Important how?” asked Den.

Echo cringed. “…I planned the attack.”

Den jumped out of the bed. “You what?!”

Echo sighed. “I'm sorry.” Echo pleaded.

“How?” demanded Den.

“City layout structural plans… guard shifts.” said Echo.

“That's how they knew exactly where to hit us. You planned the most devastating attack on Canterlot since Nightmare Moon?!” cried Den.

“I'm sorry Den.” said Echo sniffling. “I felt so guilty afterwards. If it's any consolation I made that anonymous threat that put the guard on alert…”

Den lifted a hoof to hit her.

“I'm sorry! I'm sorry. I deserve death.” said Echo closing her eyes.

Den relaxed his hoof. “It would have been a total loss if we weren't the least bit aware…” said Den thoughtfully. Den sighed. “You just might have saved Equestria.”

“I put it in danger in the first place. Your father committed suicide because of me…” sobbed Echo.

Den held her close. “No, some other would have done your job. My dad died when mom did. Anyway, you were a soldier. The war is over.”

“Now presenting, Vice Captain Dented Armor.”

Den walked into the small throne room and bowed. Princess Cadence smiled softly and motioned that he stand. Shining Armor was less welcoming.

“Den, Quill Heart tells me you've been practically living in the archives for nearly a month. I'm interested in what you have to report.” said Shining Armor.

“Our soldiers scouring the lands have found small disorganized pockets of them. The last cell discovered was months ago. They shouldn't pose a viable threat any longer. In my research, I have discovered little.” said Den handing Shining Armor a long scroll.

“Hmmm, we still should be wary. Chrysalis is still at large. We should have more screenings.” said Shining.

“Dear, wasn't she destroyed in the blast?” asked Cadence.

“She defeated Princesses Celestia in single combat, I'm not taking any chances.” said Shining.

“That's only because she fed on the love you had for me.” said Cadence smiling.

“You're right…. the Griffin Empire is the greater threat anyhow now. Their new War Balloons place their Hawkers in striking distance of Canterlot. We can't count on the Eastern Sea to protect us.” said Shining rubbing his forehead.

“Griffins?” asked Den.

“Yeah, you missed the briefing yesterday. Your lieutenant Blueberry had to collect notes for you.” said Shining angrily.

“I'm sorry, I was…” said Den.

“No excuses.” said Shining.

“Dear, he looks positively exhausted. He's been working on this report for a while. It's very detailed. He's also lost a father.” said Cadence unfurling Den's scroll.

“I'm sorry, Den. I know it must be rough for you. You father was a good Captain.” said Shining.

“My promotion, I don't deserve it.” said Den lowering his head.

“Hey, you're not just filling your father's shoes! You're a damn fine officer. I wouldn't have promoted you otherwise.” said Shining.

“Yes-sir.” Den saluted.

“You can go get some rest now.” said Cadence kindly.

“Yes, I've also recently discovered that changelings might have been the result of a curse. In the future finding them… It might be more kind to capture them. The curse might be broken.” said Den.

“This beginning portion recommends extermination.” said Shining looking over his wife's shoulders.

“I may have been too harsh. I just lost a father. The changelings aren't mindless monsters. We're just as cruel if we treat them like they are.” said Den.

Cadence raised an eyebrow. “That's very compassionate of you.”

“We will take your new thoughts under advisement but we can't risk our guards trying for live captures if the changelings aren't willing.” said Shining.

Den walked down the white marble palace steps.

“How was it?” asked Echo waiting.

“I recommended live captures if anymore of your people are found.” said Den.

“Den, you didn't have to do that. Not for me.” said Echo.

“No, you just put things in perspective for me.” smiled Den.

“We should get you dinner.” said Echo.

“Whoa, I haven't eaten in a while.” said Den surprised.

“The cocoon I made sustained you. But it'll soon wear off. When it does you'll really feel it if you're on an empty stomach.” said Echo.

Den and Echo found a fancy restaurant open. They sat by the candle lit tables in an open area. Again the moon watched over the proceedings.

“So Echo, what will you do now?” asked Den.

“Huh?” said Echo.

“The war's over. Chrysalis is gone, you can live your life.” said Den.

“What will I do?” Echo pursed her lips. “Hmmm maybe a certain stallion.”

“You're getting two dinners tonight? Won't you get fat?” chuckled Den.

“Never, I'm forever cute.” said Echo.

“Seriously, what do you have planned? No more playing on the edge of cliffs okay?” said Den worriedly.

Echo lowered her head. “Honestly, I don't know… My life has always been missions and orders…” said Echo staring into her wine glass.

“That's it, you're becoming a guard. I'll give you plenty of missions and orders.” said Den.

“No way! That would be too ironic.” said Echo laughing eerily again.

“I need a second helper Blueberry's nice but she's not book smart.” said Den

“Your lieutenant she's a she.” said Echo with a pang of jealousy.

“Um yeah. Hey we're just friends. I wouldn't do the stuff I do to you with her… She'd kill me.” said Den shuddering.

“Maybe I will join the guard… I could show you lance jockeys a thing or two. But what if I'm discovered…” said Echo.

“Umm…” Den looked worriedly. “We'll out you. I'll tell the world.”

“I'm just joking… I can't be a guard. The things I've seen and done…” said Echo.

“Let that go.” said Den.

“You don't  know me as well as you think.” said Echo.

“I've seen your memories.” said Den.

“You've seen some…” said Echo.

“You healed me.” said Den.

“If you hadn't discovered the illusion, how would you know that I wouldn't have kept in you in that cocoon?” asked Echo.

Den looked away from her.

Echo smiled. “The love I've received from you is the most intense I've experienced…. I suppose because it's direct. It's touching… However Den, I don't think I could feel the same way about you… I don't think I can… I'd only hurt you. Even now the temptation to stick you in a cocoon and drink you dry is with me. You're prey in my eyes.” Echo lowered her head.

“Who said anything about love? Maybe I'm just a hunter like you.” Den tried to smirk.

“I can feel these things. You don't have to even say, it's transparent.” said Echo sipping the last of her wine.

“I want to say… Echo or whoever you are, I love you.” said Den.

Echo shook her head. “I need time to think.” she got up from the table.

Den reached out. “Don't shut me out… Let's meet again at the café tomorrow lunch.”

Echo looked back but gave no confirmation.

Echo wrenched open the door to her small home. Her smiled had wilted and she stepped slowly into the small lonely home.

A gray stallion with a fedora sat waiting in the shadows. “In between larva and fly, where do your loyalties lie?”

Echo gasped and instinctively recited the accompanying phrase. “All hail Queen Chrysalis.” she whispered. “Master Amorpheus.”