Yet Another Horrible Decision - Chapter 2

                                        Yet Another Horrible Decision

 

 

                                                  Chapter 2

 

 

>The caverns echo with the sounds of skittering chitinous hooves.

>Aqua eyes flare occasionally in dark corners.

>Yes, her subjects have been very busy.

>This plan is the best hope Chrysalis has for deliverance.

>Deliverance from the awful fate that vile tyrant had inflicted upon them.

>It’s been nearly a year since Discord had made contact with her.

>A new chamber had been built in the bottom of the hive, near the spawning pools.

>Her children had to grow, had to evolve. It was the only way she could ensure their survival.

>But how to do it? She found out when the nutrient-rich birthing fluid had been put in place.

>A small ripple, and a voice. A familiar male voice.

>Discord.

>She held no love for the Chaos god, but he had offered her a deal she simply could not refuse.

>Finally, a chance to remove that foul dictator and give her children the salvation they deserved.

>Oh yes, she liked this plan. So very, very much.

>And its most important agent? Ambitious and driven, and so very, very cruel...

>She couldn't deny her attraction. Nor, could she tell, could he.

>Discord had made a very good choice. Despite his... unpredictability... she couldn't deny that.

>She was nearly there, little time remained before he would wake.

>Magic may not work on him yet. But her natural charm would serve quite well.

>Oh yes, he was the one. Now that everything was here, Discord could be forgotten.

>After all, why allow her new kingdom to crumble before it had a chance to thrive?

>The yellowed artificial lights grow stronger ahead. She was nearly there.

 

 

>The early rays of the morning sun peeped over P0nyvilles’ horizon. Day had brought her blessings to Equestria.

>This was an especially early start, but they would need all the time they could have.

>Still the creature hadn't arrived, and the Princess was growing concerned.

>Twilight herself couldn't deny that she,too, is growing worried.

>Why would it arrive in such a place? If it intended to meet the princess, why not make haste for Canterlot?

>And why would it insist on such secrecy?

>Not long until the rest of her friends arrive. Time to start packing.

 

 

>Uh, why did Twilight insist on getting them all together so early?

>She knew Rainbow wasn't exactly a morning p0ny.

>And all to search for some ridiculous creature?

>Oh well. Her bags were packed and she was on her way to the library.

>Applejack and Fluttershy were ambling along on the road below. They might know more about what's going on.

>"Well lookee here! If it isn't Rainbow Dash up with the sun! I never thought I'd see the day!" Applejack exclaims,

>"Yeah, yeah." As she stifled a yawn. "Oh, good morning Fluttershy." Rainbow yawns,

>"Good morning Dashie!" Fluttershy chirps,

>"You look pretty tired yourself AJ? What's the matter? Crusaders give you a hard time last night?" Rainbow asks,

>"Naw. Didn't get too much sleep, Big Mac and I had to sleep in shifts."

>"What? Why?"

>"I don't trust this thing. Anything that prods pokers up poopchutes is somethin' to be wary of."

>"Oh, right. The grand stories of drunk old uncle Fuji, right? I can't believe you believe that."

>"My uncle's still an Apple. I'm not about to dismiss 'im just because he likes his sweet apple mash."

>"Pffft. Whatever. So you both saw it though? What was it like?"

>"It was big an' tall, an' awful loud! Long, noodly arms with five blunt claws...I ain't never seen a critter like that 'afore. Don't care to see it again."

>"Oh Applejack, he wasn't that bad. I thought he was nice!" Fluttershy pipes in,

>"Sugarcube, you think everythin's nice."

>"Oh, but he was especially nice! And sooo well spoken!"

>"Wait, it talked to you? And you understood it?" Rainbow queries,

>"A course it did! That's the best way to take a pony off guard, right? Playin' nice an' all."

>"Mm hm! You're so funny Applejack!"

>"So what did it say?" Rainbow asks,

>"Um... something about getting lost? Oh! It asked us to keep its existence a secret too."

>"That only worries me more! Why would it want to be kept secret unless it was a ponynapper?" Applejack asks worriedly,

>This is all too weird. Fluttershy didn’t seem scared of it though, and that meant it wasn't too bad. Then again, Fluttershy liked bears, and bears were never good news.

>And as good a friend as Applejack was, she kinda took her crazy uncle a bit too seriously.

>"Oh well. We're here now, let's find out what Twilight wants."

 

 

>All the girls had arrived and the sun was beginning to warm the town.

>Spike is doing his morning chores, Owlicious is settling in to sleep.

>If it wasn't for yesterdays events, it would be a perfectly normal morning.

>"OK girls, the alien still hasn't found his way to Canterlot. He probably got lost again." Twilight lectures,

>"Or he's busy pokin' and proddin' some poor p0ny who didn't make it home last night." Applejack responds,

>Urgh, was she STILL on about that?

>"Oh my! You mean to tell me that this creature is some sort of rapist?! What am I to do? You just KNOW he'll go after me first! Wait! Was it... cute, by chance?" Rarity questions,

>Celestia damn it, Rarity.

>"Rrr. Can we just forget about the whole rapist thing for now? Please?" Twilight grumbles,

>"Ooooh! Hey! Maybe when we find it, we can throw it a party!" Pinkie pipes in,

>"Pinkie Pie, not now. We'll think about that when we find him." Twilight replies,

>"Well I'll be thinking of a way to throw the best 'Welcome to Equestria' party ever!" Pinkie exclaims,

>"Ok Pinkie, you do that. Now, we have to find out where it got off to first. Has anypony seen anything?" Twilight asks,

>"Well Lyra and Bonbon saw it, remember? Didn't they say it was heading towards the Everfree Forest? Pinkie answers,

>"Good one Pinkie! The Everfree Forest, huh?"

>"Oh that poor thing. I hope he hasn't gotten hurt." Fluttershy chimes in,

>"I don't think we have to worry about that, Fluttershy. He seemed pretty capable... mostly." Twilight states,

>"Can we get going now? We've got a rainstorm coming in today, and I kinda have to catch up on work." Rainbow says,

>"Yes, Rainbow. Alright girls, all we all ready? Good. Spiiike!" Twilight calls,

>"Yeah Twilight?" Spike responds, emerging from the other room.

>"Write a letter to Princess Celestia. Tell her we're on our way to the Everfree Forest."

>"Everfree... Forest..."

>"And tell her not to worry. We should be back in no time at all."

>"OK Twilight. I wish I could come with you, I want to see the alien too!"

>"I'm sure you'll get your chance, Spike. Alright girls, let's go!"

 

 

>You shoot awake from your slumber with a yelp.

>Oh god the pain is absolutely unbearable. You've heard about cluster headaches and they don't hold a candle...

>You can only scream in agony as it grows exponentially worse.

>"Quickly! Drink this!"

>That voice... either this is the longest, most detailed dream you’ve ever had, a severe delusion brought on by... something? Or maybe, just maybe... This is all real....

>A cup floats to your lips and tips back, pouring a liquid into your mouth.

>It's incredibly bitter, and it takes all you have not to retch it back up.

>"There you go, darling. Now just sit back, and let momma Chrysalis make it all better."

>She sits next to you on the couch you passed out on last night, and guides your head into her forelegs.

>Her fur is soft and warm, and she begins to stroke your hair and hum an unfamiliar tune.

>It's all very soothing, and despite the pain you drift into a semi-conscious state.

 

 

>When you come to, you feel good.

>Very, very good. A warm, somewhat fuzzy sensation emanates from your intestines.

>This feeling can only mean one thing. Opiates, and plenty of them.

>Your horrid headache is gone, and all you can feel are the soft hooves stroking your head.

>Chrysalis hasn't left your side, and still she hums that sweet melody.

"Chrysalis? How long have you been here? How long have I been out?"

>"Are you feeling better dear? You haven't been out long. Maybe 45 minutes?"

"Yeah. A lot better. Thank you. What did you give me? And where did you get it?"

>"Hm? Oh, just a nice little mixture of morphine, codeine, caffeine. A small assortment of those medicines you brought along with you. Your human alchemy is wonderful."

"Ah. Thank you again. How did you know what would happen?"

>"Having your mind absorb so much in so short a space is rather dangerous, you see. Honestly dear, many lesser p0nies would have died! Your strength of will is... enticing..."

"Hey Chrysalis? Why do you like me so much? We just met and you-"

>"I know your memory is a bit faulty, darling. But believe me when I say that you are perfect for me. Strong, ambitious, talented. It's almost a shame your world depends so much on birthright."

"Heh, if you believe the rhetoric, birthright doesn't matter worth a damn."

>"So I've been told. But it matters not. You're here now. And I'm here with you."

"Right. Thank you Chrysalis. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help."

>"Shhhh. I am the one who appreciates YOU, dear! Without you, my people and I would be lost!"

"I don't know. I only now know what I said before, and agreed to. I don't know if I can do it..."

>"Nonsense! Discord and I spent a very long while searching before we found you. I believe in you, Anon."

"Well, that makes one of us. So what now?"

>"Now, darling, I take you on the grand tour of your stronghold! Are you ready to get up?"

"I think so. Did I really design this place? It seems so strange, yet so familiar."

>You raise your head from Chrysalis' delicate touch and sit up.

>For someone you've never really met, she really does seem to care for you.

>This thought brightens your mood considerably. You've never been loved before. Not like this.

>"Come now Anonymous. We'll start from the bottom up. I hope you're as impressed as I am."

>Chrysalis rises from the couch gracefully and leads the way toward a downward staircase in the rear.

 

 

>You find yourself in a small basement, surrounded by shelves.

>Canned foods, medicine, ammunition, clothing, books...

>"As you see, dear Anonymous, everything you requested is stored here."

>A few of her subjects are finishing some last minute construction. A question flares.

"Hey Chrysalis? What exactly are you and your people?"

>"We are called Changelings, Anonymous. My people and I can take the shape of any living creature.It’s a necessary skill for us to gain nourishment. You see, we feed on love."

>Yeah, you are definitely questioning the reality of this situation.

"Love? How can you feed on an emotion?"

>"Mm hm hm hm hm! You forget, dear Anon, this is a magical land. All sorts of things can happen here!"

>This is true. The presence of magic will take some time to get used to. If you can.

>"Come now, Anonymous. We haven't much time, and I'm sure you would like to see your genius at work."

 

 

>The tracks of the unfamiliar vehicle were easy to follow.

>Two sets of deep grooves, similar to those left by chariots, are dug into the wet soil.

>It must have some speed to it, as well as endurance. Twilight didn't expect the trip to take so long. They’d been traveling for a good while.

>"Alright, seriously? This is taking WAY too long. How far can it have gone?" Rainbow inquires,

>"I don't know, Rainbow. I figured it was lost, but not THIS lost..." Twilight trails off,

>"Um, girls? If you haven't noticed, it's starting to get... dark..." Fluttershy peeps,

>Fluttershy is correct. The day had completely passed them by on their search.

>"You're right. There's no way we can make it back home tonight. We'll have to make camp here." Twilight asserts,

>"Ooohhh! A campout! I love campouts! They're so much fun! We can make smores and-!" Pinkie says,

>"I really hope you're not suggesting we sleep in this vile forest! Oh, my coat will be RUINED!" Rarity whines,

>"I don't think we have much choice, Rarity. Even Zecoras place is a few hours back." Twilight responds,

>"This's it's plan! I knew it! It makes us sleep in the forest an' then it'll-" Applejack claims,

>"Applejack, ENOUGH! I know we're all scared, but how do you think he feels?" Twilight asks,

>"Stuck in a strange world, lost in a dark forest... Just... like... us..." Fluttershy whimpers,

>"Don't panic, Fluttershy. We'll get a fire started and get some sleep. If we don't find anything by noon tomorrow, we'll go back home and forget about it, alright?" Twilight states,

>"Yay! I knew it! We're having a campout! We're having a campout!" Pinkie Pie shouts.

>Twilight couldn't get as excited as Pinkie, but she had to admit. This was a little fun.

>But also a little scary. And she couldn't quite shake the feeling that they were being watched...

 

 

>Holy shit.

>Holee shit.

>You absolutely cannot believe your eyes.

>The rest of your 'stronghold', while impressive, is a mere nothing in comparison.

>The industrial elevator screeches to a halt, the accordion-doors sweep open.

>What’s this newest of discoveries? An airplane hangar wiith a full length runway carved out of the the cliffside. Flattened, polished stone extends several hundred feet across the mountain.

>And inside the hangar? Your absolute favorite plane of all time.

>The plane that enabled the early success of the Nazi blitzkrieg.

>A JU-87 Stuka. Freshly painted, brand fucking new. Factory fresh.

>Holy Godswearing Shit.

>"Like what you see, darling?"

"I... I..."

>"Exactly what you requested. Are you not pleased? The greatest of my changelings have been working very hard on this, the lynchpin of our scheme."

>So this is how it was to be done. You would join the 'Wonderbolts' and dive-bomb the Royal family.

>You had be the one who came up with this idea.

>In your grief several months past, you could only think of vengeance.

>Vengeance on an uncaring world... any uncaring world. You felt pain and that pain needed to spread like a plague, all others would be cursed as you have.

>It even had the name ‘Vergeltungswaffe’ painted on its nose. Vengeance Weapon.

"Is this..."

>"A dream? Mm hm hm hm hmm! No, darling, I assure you it is not. Why don't you and I get in and give it a whirl? You know you want to, mm hm hm hm hm!”

>A pressure in your head, a flash of grey and you understand.

>Its controls, its details, its aeronautical demands. Sure, you’re no ace, but you know the basics.

>And how could you refuse Chrysalis' request? A chance to fly a Stuka?

>The cockpit was already open, waiting for you to jump in.

"Oh yeah, oh FUCK yeah! Chrysalis. Get in back. I, uh, don't know how you'll sit, but just get in."

>"My pleasure, dear. I've been waiting for this nearly as long as you have."

>She somehow managed to fit into the rear gunners seat, as you take your place at the controls."

"Ready, Chrys? Because here... we... go!"

 

 

>A light smile settles on Twilight’s face.

>Her insistence on preparedness has paid off.

>Everyp0ny has brought enough food for herself as well as a sleeping bag.

>Pinkie Pie settles in and starts reciting old scary stories as the sun began to fall.

>Perhaps a night in the Everfree Forest wouldn’t be so bad.

>"And then? Just when she got in the chariot, she heard: 'Where's my hoof? Where's my hoof'?" Pinkie continues,

>"Oh my goodness!" Fluttershy naturally can’t begin to bear it.

>"'Where's my hoof'? She heard. And then, she reached under the seat..."

>"C'mon? What could she possibly find there? A zombie or something?" Rainbow asks,

>"Quiet, Rainbow. I'm tryin' ta listen." AJ states,

>"That's when she pulled out an old, rotten hoof. 'YOU HAVE IT!' And the ghost ate her up!"

>Screams and, from Fluttershy, squeaks, sound out around the campsite.

>Laughter quickly begins rolling from the group.

>"Okie dokie, it's your turn Applejack!" Pinkie exclaims,

>Oh Celestia. This can only end badly.

>"Ok, ok. Now, since we're searchin' for this critter, how 'bout I remind ya'll about ol' uncle Fuji?" Applejack asks,

>"Oh please no. No more, I can't take it." Fluttershy whimpers,

>"Ah, s'OK Fluttershy! If'n he cain't see us, he cain't get us."

>Awesome, Applejack. You chose the exact wrong time to tell this story.

>"There he was, out in Appleloosa. Night had embraced the town in it's embrace..."

>"...an' that's when 'e saw it. A saucer in the sky!"

>"Oh puhleeeze. A saucer, Applejack? Really? You might as well have said-" Rarity states before being cut off,

>"You just wait now Rarity. An' this saucer, as soon as he seen it, began speedin' 'is way!"

>"Ohmigosh! What happened next!?" Fluttershy inquires,

>"Well then, a bright light enveloped ol' uncle Fuji. An' he woke up on a table or somethin'."

>Twilight had to stop this nonsense before it got out of hand. Wait, what was that sound?

>"Um, does anyp0ny else hear that?" Twilight questions,

>"Oh, NOW you get scared of my story!"

>"Seriously, Applejack! Listen!"

>A faint buzzing can be heard from above.

>"Eeep!" Fluttershy quickly buries herself in her sleeping bag.

>"Applejack, you were right! That horrid, uncouth creature is coming for us! Hide me! He'll come for me first!" Rarity stammers,

>"Pfft. All of you scaredy-pants are taking this too seriously. Let Rainbow Dash show you how it's done!"

>"Rainbow, no!"

>Twilight can't stop her. Rainbow takes off like a shot through the forest canopy.

 

 

>Chrysalis can't believe her luck. Nor can she deny her excitement.

>This was easily the fastest flight she'd ever been witness to, much less participated in.

>Her heart beat a mile a minute, her senses were razor sharp.

>Oh, but she was pleased with this one.

"Ready to see how it handles in a dive, Chrys?"

>She can't even respond. If it can go this fast in standard flight, a dive would be...

>The craft flipped upside-down midair, and began to fall forward.

>A loud screeching could be heard from below. It is utterly terrifying...

>The speed increases incredibly fast. If anything went wrong, there was no escape.

"Here we goooooo!"

>The ground rushed towards them. Grey began to cloud her vision.

>Perhaps she was wrong. Perhaps this ride was a horrible decision.

>Just about treetop level, the plane begins to pull up abruptly.

>She’s seeing stars now. Blindness begins to tug at her consciousness.

>Stupid, stupid, stupid! How could she have put herself in this situation!?

 

 

>Stars and darkness were all you could see.

>You’re in a greyout from high g forces.

>Your vision begins to clear. Only a few seconds had passed.

>The Stuka begins its automatic ascent from the dive.

>God bless these old planes.

"Hey Chrysalis! You alright back there?"

>"Ahn! Mmmhmmn! I'm *puff* fine... That was intense."

"Ha ha! Wasn't it though? This is great!"

>"Anonymous!"

"What's up back there!?"

>"We're being followed! Quickly! Back to the hangar! And try to lose it!"

 

 

>Rainbow couldn't believe her eyes.

>The biggest bird she has ever seen is streaking through the sky, its wings perfectly still.

>No way. This was no bird. Could it really be? An alien craft?

>She has to catch up with it. If AJ is right, then some poor p0ny could be...

>There are a few thermal updrafts left at the end of the day. She begins her flight.

>The thing is fast, but not as half as fast as the best young flier in all of Equestria!

>Cutting through the clouds, Rainbow catches up quickly.

>If it had noticed her, it made no indication. Wait...

>The craft begins diving toward the forest, a terrible scream sounding from it.

>Oh no oh no ohno! Her friends were right below it! Applejack was right!

 

 

>The buzzing sound only gets louder.

>"Rainbow! Wait!" Twilight shouts,

>Twilight is scared now. Definitely scared. Maybe she misjudged Applejack, maybe..."

>What’s this? A new sound? Pinkie Pie screams.

>"It's gonna get us, it's gonna get us itsgonnagetus!" Pinkie yells,

>A loud screeching sounds above them.

>Never before in her life was Twilight so sorry.

 

 

>The strange craft quickly reverses its dive and begins to ascend in the blink of an eye.

>Rainbow can't believe it. Only the Wonderbolts have such aerial control.

>Only the Wonderbolts and herself, that is.

>If Applejack IS right, then maybe one of her friends had been captured somehow.

>And it won't be long before terrible things were done.

>RD:"Don't worry guys! Rainbow Dash is here for ya!"

>What the craft has in speed it lacks in maneuverability.

>Rainbow can cut through its turn radius and catch up to it. She hopes.

>Come on, Rainbow, come on! You can do it!

>100 hooves. 80 hooves. 65 hooves and closing.

>The top of the craft is transparent. And inside she can see...

 

 

>The p0ny on your tail is quickly catching up.

>The runway isn't far at all now.

>Time to dive.

"Chrysalis, get ready!"

>All you can hear was a faint 'meow'.

"Chrysalis?"

>A black cat leaps over the rear gunners seat and onto your lap.

>A voice coalesces within your mind:

>"No time to explain, Anonymous! The runway should be right ahead, land NOW!"

>Chrysalis claimed she could shapechange, but you can hardly believe THIS.

>The cliffside runway begins to take shape further below.

>Hopefully your pursuer will break off before she can follow you.

>You force the airframe down at the sharpest possible angle of descent that would allow a landing.

>Please oh please, Discord, please have given me the skills of an ace.

>The tarmac rises to meet your vision.

>This is it.

 

 

>Rainbow can't keep up.

>Well, she CAN, but she figures at this point it may be more important to check in on her friends.

>Inside the transparent canopy she only saw the head and shoulders of one strange creature.

>No p0nies visible inside, though. This is good news.

>She bolts back toward the camp, crashing through the tops of the trees to a (somewhat) graceful landing.

>Everypony is here. Bundled up in a giant fear-ball, but all here.

>"You guys! Oh I'm so happy you're safe!" Rainbow exclaims,

>"Rainbow! You're OK!" Twilight shouts with relief,

>The pony fear-ball makes its way over and envelopes Rainbow in a vicious hug.

>"Pfft! Of course I'm ok, duh! I'm the one and only Rainbow Dash! Greatest flyer in all of Equestria!" Rainbow boasts,

>"You had us so worried!" Twilight chokes out,

>Rarity hits her gently with a forehoof.

>"Rainbow Dash don't ever do that to us agaahiihiiin!" She is, as expected, sobbing profusely.

>Oh Celestia, what a drama queen.

 

 

>"So what exactly did you see, Rainbow?" Twilight asks,

>Twilight has to find out whatever she can. This creature really can fly.

>"Well, it was kinda like a really big bird, ya know? Only, it never flapped its wings..." Rainbow explains,

>"I've... never heard of *shiver* a bird that can't - eep! Sorry! Ahem. Can't flap its' wings before." Fluttershy stammers,

>"That settles it! I've heard enough! This sounds just like what my uncle Fuji-" Applejack tries to say,

>Twilight simply couldn't stand it anymore.

>"Celestia damn it Applejack! Will you drop it already!? All you're doing is scaring everyone!" Twilight shouts,

>"But I-"

>"No! No more! None of us have been kidnapped, no pony has been stolen away and probed! NO! MORE!"

>Applejack recoils at her anger.

>"Whatever you say, sugarcube. I'll keep what I know to myself."

>"Fine! Good!" Deep breaths, Twilight...

>"Phew. OK. Now Rainbow. Did you see anything else?"

>"Yeah! You know how you guys described the alien? I'm almost positive it was inside that thing!" Rainbow excitedly replies,

>Now THAT makes some sense.

>"Ok, did you see where it was going?"

>"Kind of. Looked like it was headed for a cliffside. Maybe a few miles ahead?"

>"Then if I'm thinking correctly, we don't have far to go at all!"

>"Alright girls. Let's get some sleep, ok? No more scary stories. Especially nothing about alien probes!"

>The Elements of Harmony all climb in their sleeping bags, some munching on trail mix.

>Twilight can't help but smile. Tomorrow this mystery may finally be solved.

 

 

>You can't believe you made it.

>You had to commend Discord. He didn’t lie when he offered you basic flight skills.

>Chrysalis is still in the form of a black, green-eyed cat on your lap.

>You throw the canopy open, climb out on the wing and jump onto to the polished stone.

>As soon as she hits the ground Chrysalis is enveloped in a flash of green and returns to her normal form.

>"Anonymous! I can't believe your skill! Such speed and power..."

"To be honest Chrysalis, I can't believe it either. You alright?"

>"Alright!? Why, dear Anonymous! I've never before felt so alive!"

>She charges towards you, throwing her forehooves over your shoulders and embraces you in a passionate kiss.

>Her tongue, incredibly long and articulate, wraps around your own.

>You stifle a shudder and return her bestial affections.

>Can't deny the adrenaline rush your test flight gave you. Nor can she.

>A moment passes, lips locked upon lips, as the sky begins its fade to night.

>Two tongues, your own and one much longer and thinner, wrestle for dominance in the arena of two mouths.

>A moment passes, lust drawing strength from lust, tastebuds nearly bursting at the new sensations.

>The flavor is reminiscent of sweet anise and honey. The two wormlike warriors disengage from their grapple.

>An unspoken understanding separates you. For a moment that seems forever you gaze into each others eyes.

>"Mm hm hm! Oh Anonymous! You are so very... proficient..."

"I can say the same about you, Chrysalis. I can definitely say the same."

>"Well darling, after such an... exhilarating journey... what say you and I head to the parlor for a drink?"

>You can't refuse such an offer.

"Lead the way, Chrysalis, lead the way."

>She walks ahead of you toward the elevator.

>Your eyes can't help themselves, they're drawn toward her slick black behind.

>A thin rivulet of liquid drips from her nethers, proof of her excitement and attraction.

>She's not even bothering to hide it, either. If anything, her movements are calculated to draw your attention.

>The accordion doors remain open, yawning wide to accept passengers.

>A quick press of a button and you’re on your way down.

 

 

>A soft 'ding' announces your arrival at the second floor.

>The home of your palatial bedroom and bathroom, as well as the centerpiece.

>A large parlor, complete with bar staffed by horned changelings.

"Anything in particular you want, Chrysalis?"

>"Mmm... Something unique, from your world. But nothing that will rid me of your... delectable taste..."

>You ask the changeling bartender what's available. He points toward a menu posted on the wall.

>Gin & Tonic,  Gibsons, Jagermeister. Everything you like... hell, even most things you don't, are available.

>You settle on two G&Ts. It's been awhile, and the tonic might help clear your thoughts.

>You head for the plush leather couch on the rearmost wall. Chrysalis doesn't bother sitting elsewhere.

>She seems to have gotten quite fond of you now, and sits right next to you.

>Close enough to rest her head on your shoulder, which she does after a sip on her drink.

>"Mm! Such a strange taste! And its strength... must be double that of Equestrian liquor..."

>"Are you sure you want me drinking this, dear Anon? I -might- just be tempted to stay..."

"And I might just WANT you to stay."

>"Oh do you? Well, darling, don't think I'll make it too easy for you! After all, a girl must have her..."

"Her what?"

>"Her secrets, of course. And, don't forget, I AM royalty! I must maintain... a certain sense of...

>Again she leans in to kiss you. This time there's no time for tongue tasseling though. She quickly pulls away.

>"Decorum? Mm hm hm hm hm! Oh Anonymous! How glad I am that you are finally here!"

>A comfortable silence descends as you both finish your first drinks. A question does niggle at you though.

"Hey Chrysalis?"

>"Hm? Yes, darling?"

"That shapechanging you can do... can you choose any shape?"

>"Well, most any shape. At least, those that I am familiar with. Why? Does my form displease you? If that IS the case... then all you have to do is look into my eyes... and let me in..."

"Let you in? What, you operate on vampire rules or something?"

>"Beg your pardon?"

"Ah, stupid joke. Forget about it. So I just have to look... in... your..."

>Her gaze seems to flare a moment, and you feel a tugging at the corner of your mind.

>It begs for permission, promises you unending pleasure. You crack open your mental door.

>Chrysalis winces, and the light fades from her eyes. She yelps loudly.

>The changelings present all collapse as you stare on uncomprehendingly.

"Chrysalis?! Hey! You alright!?"

>She too had collapsed on the floor. Maybe she sensed the agony you felt this morning?

>You have to assume so. She needs a taste of her own medicine. Fortunately, most was in here.

>You mixed up 60mg of morphine, 2 fiorinal w/codeine, and one xanax in a foul water-based brew.

>You can only hope she can handle the mixture as you pour it into her mouth, as she did you.

 

 

>Chrysalis has never quite experienced anything like this.

>As soon as he had opened the figurative door and let her in...

>...she found herself at the nexus of a million hives of a trillion angry hornets.

>All of them assaulting her as she stirred them up with her hooves.

>Flashes of memory and sensation bombarded her consciousness.

>Tackled by several sabretoothed cats as they begin to rend her flesh,

>A rock in her hand, smashing toward the skull of another apelike creature.

>Arrows piercing her body as she rushes toward a wall.

>A sharp biting into her neck. Once, twice, and the world spins.

>Several loud bangs as her body is perforated with strange metal balls.

>Thrusting a spear into the chest of another human, crushing its' throat with her boot.

>A whistling sound and an explosion. Her body nothing more than a pink mist.

>Collapsing into the mud amongst her fellows, choking out her final lifes breath in a yellow haze.

>Crushed under the treads of a great metal beast, lungs bursting from the pressure.

>It was all too much, all too, too much.

>She didn't even notice the liquid being poured down her throat.

>A rope constricting around her neck, the crack of bone.

>A pressure in her forearm, paralysis, unable to breathe.

>Suffocation suffocation suffocation.

 

 

>Chrysalis' vibrant green eyes roll up to a sickly white.

>God damn it! What the hell did you do to her!?

>Come on Chrysalis, come on!

>Fuck fuck fuck fuck FUCK!

>The one being that actually seems to give half a shit about you, and you kill her.

>No no no no nonononononono. She seems to have stopped breathing.

>CPR, CPR! You throw her to the ground and roll her on her back.

>Pump, pump, pump, breathe. Pump, pump, pump, breathe.

>Come on, God damn it, come on!

>Pump, pump, pump, breathe. Pump, pump, pump, breathe.

>At the last breath her eyes flutter, green irises dull but present.

>A slight rush of vomit enters your mouth before you have the chance to turn her head to the side.

>Hopefully she didn't spit up all of the painkillers. Maybe what remains will soon take effect.

>You can only hope as you cradle her sweating head in your lap and stroke her mane.

 

 

>Some twenty minutes later her breathing returns from its labored state to normal.

>The changelings in the parlor upright themselves.

>You try indicate your need for their assistance, and they rush to help you and their Queen.

>It's only a short walk to your bedroom from here.

>Delicately she is placed on your bed. She seems to be sleeping now, though fitfully.

>You remove your clothes and lie close next to her, clasping her body tightly with your own.

>Stroking her luxurious blue mane, you resume humming the tune you had before.

>It isn't long before you as well fall into the darkness of sleep.

 

 

>Celestia had grown very concerned now.

>Twilight and the rest of the Elements still had not returned from the Everfree.

>The alien creatures location was still unknown.

>One more day would she wait. One more day.

>Then she would set loose the whole of Equestria on search.

>Including the guard. And they would have strict orders.

>Retrieve the elements and apprehend the creature.

>One more day. Only one more day.