//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 // Story: Ebony and Ivory: Mother's love. // by SGZone //------------------------------// Queen Chrysalis awoke from a surprisingly decent night's sleep. It felt like ages she had had a decent one and centuries since she had a good one. She stretched her arms and legs making various joints pop and crack. With a large yawn she fell out of her warm and comfy bed and over to the window. Throwing open the wooden shutters she gazed down upon her metropolis as her subjects got to work. She could feel the hive mind buzz to life. She couldn’t tell exactly what they were saying but one word kept coming up, humans. ‘Hmm, evidently word has gotten out about Ebony and Ivory. It was only a matter of time. Curious on what exactly is being whispered.’ She thought as she looked down. Her quiet view was then ruined by knock at her door. “Chrysalis it’s time to wake up.” Arthemis called from the other side. “I’m already up.” Chrysalis responded. Closing the window and walking over to her wardrobe. “Wow up before I had to get you. I guess there is a first time for everything.” Arthemis said in mock surprise “Ha, ha, ha very funny.” Chrysalis feigning laughter picked out a green high slit dress with a hi neck and sleeves. Slipping it on she opened the door for her sister. “Ah deciding to wear something, any occasion?” Arthemis asked deciding to go al natural today. “Yes well I couldn’t help but feel the 100 pigeons were a bit too rambunctious yesterday. Sometimes you need to remind them who the Queen is.” She replied with a bit of a cheeky grin. Arthemis was taken back by Chrysalis’s surprising confidence. “Chrysalis. I want to apologize.” Arthemis said as they walked down the hall. “You know I never understood why people say that. If you're going to apologize do it, why ask?” Chrysalis philosophized. Arthemis rolled her eyes in annoyance of her sister’s interruption. “It’s a matter of courtesy, Chrysalis.” Arthemis replied a tad annoyed. Chrysalis rolled her eyes with a shrug but said nothing. “As I was saying I’m sorry for how I acted last night. It was rude and uncalled for. I was just shocked that you would spend so much thought on them. I know that they are just babies and not all humans are evil, but I forget sometimes you know. Whenever I hear that word all I can think about are those monsters.” Arthemis confessed with a solemn look. Chrysalis noticed this and wrapped her arm around her and gave her cheek a comforting lick. “I understand sister, I’m sure the humans have said the same thing about us.” Chrysalis said. Arthemis didn’t respond but mumbled something under her breath. “Speaking of which I should check on them.” She said. “First though will be breakfast.” After meeting with her family and getting her fill of love Chrysalis had just enough time to visit the twins. She tip-toed into the infirmary. Surprised to find all three of them awake with a silent Dr. Hale watching the two. A blue striped ball fixated Ebony as he spun and twisted above him. Ivory, was clacking together two wooden blocks above his head cooing every time they made a noise. “They seem to be feeling better.” Chrysalis commented walking over to Dr. Hale. “Indeed, it’s quite shocking I thought they wouldn’t be able to move about like this for another day but here we are.” Hale responded stroking his chin between his fingers. “They’re probably “earth” equestrians with this kind of strength.” “Are they ready to move onto bland food?” She asked. “Perhaps, they are getting their strength back but they’re stomachs are still tiny. I suppose we could try some later today.” He responded mulling over the possible risks. Leaving the doctor to his thoughts Chrysalis walked over between them. As she came into view the twins changed attention from their toys to Chrysalis. “You two are full of surprises aren’t you?” She said as the two continued to stare. Ivory then dropped his blocks and held out his arms clasping at the air. Chrysalis was a tad surprised but bent down to see what he wanted. When her face was low enough he started inquisitively poking and prodding her dark face. While Ivory "investigated" Chrysalis could feel something touching her long hair. It was Ebony desperate to grab onto one of the elusive emerald locks. Chrysalis chuckled. Deciding to play along she helped him and handed over a tuft of hair while Ivory poked her turned cheek. Once seized Ebony pulled on it. Thanks to its length it didn’t hurt too much but tugged her back a bit . Now in his grasp Ebony did the first thing that comes to babies’ minds upon receiving a new item. Put it in his mouth. He began chewing on the strand with his gums at the same time Ivory took notice of Chrysalis’s nose and squeezed it. Chrysalis began to chuckle before breaking into rich laughter. Dr. Hale stared at the scene with a sweet smile as Chrysalis laughed. This continued for a couple more minutes as the two explored the queen. Switching positions as Ebony explored her face with a particular interest in her horn. While Ivory took strands of hair and waved them around like rattles. Chrysalis didn’t complain. She even enjoyed the two’s antics laughing and giggling which made the two boys laugh and giggle. Unfortunately a queen has important duties to attend to and upon looking at the clock Chrysalis frowned as it was time to do just that. Relieving her hair from Ebony’s mouth she stood up as the two flapped their arms trying to get her to come back down. “I’m sorry but I have to go but I’ll come back later, okay?” Chrysalis apologized and turning away. This deal, however, did not sit well with them as they began babble as tiny tears welled up before bursting into shrill but weak cries. They tried to flail their limbs in duress but could barely wave them. Dr. Hale and Queen Chrysalis winced not only to the awful sound but the frailty in it. He looked at her with pleading to stay and calm them but Chrysalis could only give an apologetic shrug. Her mother always taught her that it was unbecoming of a Queen to be late no matter the reason and she was already cutting it close. “Help me.” He muttered his eyes wide with fear. “Sorry.” She whispered and disappearing behind the door frame leaving the good doctor with the howling babes. Chrysalis felt the sting of regret in her stomach as she walked away. Not only for leaving the doctor to his ill fate but for leaving the two babies more so. Chrysalis sped to the council chambers her long dress complicating her flight. “Of course I decide to wear one of these stupid things and it’s a hindrance.” she muttered a slight hitch in her breath. Finally reaching the doors she stopped to catch her breath and compose herself. Brushing her hair out of her face and straightening it out, ensuring not a piece was out of order. Also wiping any sweat with a handkerchief stored in her dress. They all had one. Upon opening the door Chrysalis noticed how eerie and quiet the chamber was. Something was wrong. As soon as she sat down a soldier approached her carrying a sack with a faint green stain on the bottom. Chrysalis felt her stomach churn suspecting what was inside. Taking the sack from the two all it took was a quick look for her stomach to flip in disgust. The bag contained about three Changeling heads if Chrysalis's counting was accurate. She spun her head away wrinkling her nose at the revolting smell. It had been a while since they had died. The soldiers took the bag back. Chrysalis turned her head back to them a fire in her eyes. “Where did this come from?” She growled. “We spotted a Hippograft returning to the hive with this attached to its side.” The soldier responded. “Do we know who these Changelings were?” “We don’t have names yet but we surmised them to be harvesters returning from Prance. By the contents of the bag that was on the Hippograft.” “Was my sister notified?” “Of course my queen she is waiting for your orders.” “Could it have been bandits?” A councilman inquired. “If it was bandits then they were stupid ones. If there were items still on the Hippograft then it wasn’t theft or random.” Mirage responded standing up. “I think it’s pretty clear that another hive did this.” She continued. Chrysalis nodded in agreement. She hated to admit it but it made sense this was not a random act of violence this was an act of aggression. While they had been successful in eradicating most of the hives there were many scattered across the globe. “Go tell General Alexandria to gather a search party. Find out who did this and once they do bring them to me.” She ordered her voice colder than ice. The soldier bowed before saluting by slamming his fist into his chest and exiting. “I need to alert our nearest sub-hives of this a moment before we continue.” Chrysalis announced to the hall. Closing her eyes she placed two fingers to her temple. A soft silver aura enveloped her horn as Chrysalis drifted into sleep like state. Waking up Chrysalis found herself standing in a white empty void. A static noise hummed in the air around her but if one payed attention you could distinguish voices. Concentrating Chrysalis focused on 12 of the hundreds of thousands. As she did their voices came in clearer as the static dissipated. “What are your orders, Queen Chrysalis?” The void asked in 12 distinct voices. “A group of harvesters were slain returning to the central hive. I want you to keep returning harvesters away until we figure out what happened. We believe it was another hive.” Chrysalis responded but her mouth did not move. “Yes your majesty. I will alert the entire hive at once.” With a nod Chrysalis stopped concentrating and the white noise returned once again. Chrysalis awoke to the council chambers once again. “On that bombshell is there anything else?” The meeting ran shorter to about 2 hours. Most of them were too focused on a potential attack to worry about anything else. Just as Chrysalis was rising from her chair Mirage surprised her. “Greetings my Queen.” She said with too sweet smile. “Mirage, why the pleasantries?” She asked raising an eyebrow. “Just because we don’t usually agree doesn’t mean we can’t be nice.” She responded. “It appears though that we agree this was most likely another hive.” She continued. “Agreed, someone did this with malice, now what else is this about?” She responded wishing to cut this as short as possible. “I heard that you named the hive’s newest guests. Ebony and Ivory, right” She said her sweet smile transforming into a snide grin. Chrysalis felt her stomach twist in a mix of emotions. From anger to discomfort to fear. ‘How the hell did she find out their names?” Trying her best to conceal her surprise. Sadly it was not lost on Mirage. Who’s smile grew even wickeder. “As for how I got that information that’s my secret.” She haughtily said. “What is this about?” Chrysalis hissed. “Only pointing things out and maybe a warning. I simply find it peculiar that after years of no trouble someone attacks and after you took in two humans.” She explained. “I am pointing out that this may not be coincidence.” She insinuated. “Quit beating around the bush and say what you want to say, Mirage.” Chrysalis growled. “Alright if you want to be blunt about it. I’m worried that the other Hive’s that hear about this will take it as a sign of weakness. Also that you might have a spy in your castle so be careful. ” She with a surprising amount of sincerity in her voice. Whether it was genuine not even Chrysalis could tell. “Thank you Mirage. I'll keep that in mind as I hunt for two spies.” Pushing her way past Mirage and out of the chamber. Chrysalis sped down the halls heading for the infirmary. A creeping fear rising in her stomach. ‘Damnit! how the hell did she find out about their names?’ Digging into every servant or guard she passed . ‘Any of them could be working for Mirage.’ She discerned afraid of what else Mirage had found out. Finally she reached the infirmary where the boys were now asleep in their beds with their IVs removed. She didn’t know why but seeing them sleeping brought a wave of relief over her. A rather vexed doctor ruined that relief, however. He was sitting in his chair arms and legs crossed and a scowl. “I told you I’m not a babysitter.” He deadpanned. “Yes well my apologies but a queen has her duties.” Chrysalis retorted. “True but did you have to leave them while they were screaming? Gods I don’t know why anyone has these things.” He groaned. “Well some of us with their hearts not yet yanked find them cute and worth fits.” Chrysalis said rather conceited. Dr. Hale rolled his eyes but didn’t say anything. Chrysalis strolled over to her usual spot between them and began running her fingers in their tuffs of hair. She felt oddly calm and content being with them. “Dr. Hale, did you tell anyone about their names?” She asked her gaze focused on sleeping Ivory. “No, why?” He asked perplexed. “Even if it was in passing. I’m not angry just tell me the truth.” She asked a slight edge in her voice looking up at him. Dr. Hale was a tad shaken by her stern tone and accusations but did not let it show. “I did not tell anyone about Ebony and Ivory. What is this about Chryssie?” He asked resolute in his answer but then caring in his question. It was rare for him to call her by her nickname. Chrysalis scanned him for any hints of lie. A shift, a jerk, his eyes moving even a centimeter, something, but there was nothing. He was as firm as stone. “Mirage somehow knows their names.” She said her voice becoming grim. This time Dr. Hale could not hold back his surprise. He opened his mouth to speak but as the door creaked open. It was Papilia. “Um am I interrupting something?” She whispered. “No, Papilia. What are you doing here?” Chrysalis asked. “Oh well I got done with some letters to Equestria and wanted to see the humans. I wanted to come yesterday but I didn’t have time.” She said striding over to where Chrysalis was. “So this is what a human baby looks like.” She breathed looking over Ebony. “It’s so tiny.” She whispered leaning for a closer look. Pushing his naked belly with her finger. Causing the baby to flinch but not wake up. “Are they everything you thought they were?” Chrysalis laughed. “Considering how large humans grow, especially males, I thought they would be bigger. I would wager Proteus is bigger than both of them.” She commented. “Well they were without food for a couple of days so they are a tad small. Speaking of which I think it’s about time they tried to eat some real human food.” Dr. Hale said rising from his chair and walking over to them with a bottle filled with a tannish gray liquid. Almost on cue the two stirred awake. Papilia was the first thing Ebony saw as he awoke confusing him. He raised a puzzled eyebrow at the youngest sister but upon seeing Chrysalis that confusion turned to joy. “Wow they’re quite taken with you Chryssie.” Papilia commented noticing Ebony’s quick change of mood as he giggled. “Well, they clearly know how to respect royalty.” Chrysalis said with her nose in the air. Papilia remained silent with a sarcastic look. “If that’s the case then I would say it’s only fitting that you be the first to feed them.” Dr. Hale smiled handing her the bottle and a tiny spoon. “Alright then.” Chrysalis decided to start on Ivory first and sat him up on his bed. Dipping the spoon into the bottle she held it in front of the baby as she had seen Arthemis do with her larvae. Ivory took a hesitant bite of the gray mush before spitting it out at Chrysalis’s face. Ivory grimaced at the taste sticking out his tongue. Papilia and Dr. Hale tried their best not to laugh as she wiped the gray mush from her face. “Oh come now it can’t be that bad.” Chrysalis chided and taking a small spoonful and eating as she had seen Arthemis do at times with liquid love. She immediately regretted the decision as the "food" tasted blander than prison gruel. She wanted to spit out as Ivory had just moments before but remained resilient and kept the disgusting gruel in her mouth. “See, amazing.” She said tucking it in her cheek and giving a shaky thumbs up. Ivory didn’t look convinced but took another spoonful and this time he managed to keep it down. She fed a few more helpings before he couldn’t keep it down anyone and began spitting it up. Chrysalis looked to Hale if that was all he needed to which he nodded. Chrysalis took a moment to spit out the small bit that was still in her mouth and turned to Ebony and Papilia. Giving her an idea. “Papilia? Do you want to try feeding him?” Chrysalis asked. Papilia nodded and took the bottle and spoon from Chrysalis. Unlike Ivory, Ebony had no complaints and ate up the porridge with no complications. Seeing at how eager Papilia was to tend to the baby gave Chrysalis an idea. “Papilia, how busy will you be for the next week or so?”