Excerpt from 'Cloud Zapper and the Gifted Crown'

*

There were dead things here.

Old things.

Dead, old things that were dark.

The darkness permeated the very air and the spirit. And even without a heart, Chrysalis could almost feel it’s absent beat grow louder.

There were not many things that left a queen such as her in fear. There were not many things more powerful, or as old. There were not many things that were truly a threat.

This was one such thing among that very short list.

WHO ARE YOU?

The voice wasn’t a voice. It was a permutation of the air. A vibration among the rocks. A silence that spoke words. And though not a syllable was truly uttered, the question was absolute, unmistakable, and demanded an answer.

“I am Queen Chrysalis.”

WE DO NOT RECOGNISE YOUR CROWN HERE.

Chrysalis felt a threat within those unspoken words. As though to defend her title would mean death.

“I am here to trade.”

AND WHAT COULD A BUG OFFER US?

She knew this was no racial slur. They did not speak of her species, but her stature. An immortal and powerful being, that with enough love could match the power of Princess Celestia herself, was being considered nothing more than a bug to such beings. Chrysalis swallowed and looked into that encompassing black.

“I offer you a mote of freedom. I offer a break in their chain. She is weakened. You must feel it. Now is the time.”

THE KEEPER OF THE NIGHT IS NOT THAT WEAK.

“We don’t need to focus on her. She is strong enough to oppose you directly, yes. But she cannot protect anyone else at this point. I have seen to that.”

YOU OFFER ANOTHER LINK IN THE CHAIN?

A low smirk spread across the changeling queen’s features. “I offer you Twilight Sparkle.”

*