//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Walking // Story: Dark as Chitin // by LostBox //------------------------------// Chapter Music Just like that, no duel required. All of the timberwolves submitted to me. I did it, I became their alpha. It really was a moment to behold. When they all bowed, I felt something, but it didn’t feel like my feelings solely: pride, respect, loyalty, it was all present. Chrysalis cackled quietly. “That’s because these feelings are those of the timberwolves, not your own. We, changelings, have the innate ability to interpret and feel the emotions of other creatures. However, some beings have the skill necessary to conceal their emotions. Well done, Chimera.” Chimera, is that my name? How did it not occur to me that didn’t have a name until now? The name seems fitting though. “Chimera... I like it.” “You’d better. It’s not often that I give my children names,” Chrysalis huffed. That sounds terrible. “Yeah, I could imagine,” I hassled. “Is that sarcasm I hear?” “No, of course not.” I’m not sure how, but I got the sudden feeling that she was now eyeing me suspiciously despite the fact that I couldn’t see her. I felt slightly nervous at this. “Fine, I’ll let that slide, for now. We need to discuss the next order of business anyway.” By now, the rest of the timberwolves were now standing up, looking at me expectantly. “There’s only so much that I can teach you. You’ll need to acquire more knowledge elsewhere. That’s why you will be heading into Ponyville next. From what I’ve learned, it’s where that vexatious Twilight Sparkle cultivated her knowledge.” “Twilight Sparkle… the princess of friendship and magic?” I asked inquisitively. “Yes, that Twilight Sparkle. By now, she may very well be the strongest entity in Equestria.” That's nothing to scoff at given how strong some of the entities mother describe seemed. Discord seems like someone I don't want to cross paths with. “How do you know any of this? I thought you’ve been trapped in stone.” “Just because I’ve been trapped in stone doesn’t mean I’ve been inactive. I have my ways. The point being, there’s likely something in Ponyville that could aid you in reaching new heights.” “Like friendship?” “Tartarus, no. Don’t even joke about that. Just head toward Ponyville.” “Okay, but which direction do I go?” “Given your current location, it should be about 2 hours west of where you are on foot. Luckily, you don’t have to travel on foot, so you should arrive far faster.” “Got it, there’s just one problem though,” I said as I looked at the timberwolves around me. “You know, escaping is also a useful skill to have,” Chrysalis said, chuckling. Of course, it is. Hours later... I felt bad doing it, but I finally escaped from the timberwolves. I’m now flying my way over to Ponyville at least 8 meters over the forest. Mother told me not to fly too high, lest I run the risk of encountering pegasi. Interesting creatures, I'll have to obtain a pegasus form sometime. “Listen to me, Chimera. You must not get caught in your changeling form. Its appearance is indicative of my involvement. It may have been a decade since I was sealed, but I don’t think anypony is willing to forget my presence. Do not get caught in this form. There’s no telling what would happen to you. Promise me you won’t,” Chrysalis warned vehemently. That tone again. It was so serious, it put me on edge. “I won’t, I promise.” Chrysalis breathed a sigh of relief. “Good. You’re nearing Ponyville now, so lower yourself into the forest.” I did as I was told. “Aren’t there still changelings? You even said they coexist with the rest of the Equestrian races. Why wouldn’t I be accepted?” “Because you don’t look like other changelings and that’s all I’m going to say about this. You’ll eventually figure the rest out by yourself anyway so forget about it for now. You need to find a way into Ponyville. Oh, and please do choose a more inconspicuous form. It's not exactly normal for a timberwolf to walk into a village.” Inconspicuous… rabbits should be commonplace. I let my magic flow as a familiar green smoke engulfed me. I dubbed this phenomenon the shift phase. After the shift phase finished, my world suddenly seemed so much larger. Though I guess that’s a given seeing as I am smaller. I hopped out of the forest and onto a trail. Strangely enough, there was a peculiar-looking cottage along the trail. I didn’t think anyone would live out here by themselves. Any other time I would have taken a closer look, but duty calls. I continued past the cottage and down the trail to Ponyville. That’s when I suddenly heard a door fly open behind me. A gentle humming caused my ears to twitch toward its direction. I turned my head to look. This was a mistake that would prove to be almost fatal. It was a pony, a mare at that. Her coat was butter yellow and her mane was light pink. Her humming stopped immediately as she noticed me. “Oh my, what are you doing out here all by yourself, little bunny?” Who is this? Before I could do anything, I was swept up in the embrace of this mare. I was certain there were at least a few meters of distance between us and I never blinked. How did she move that fast? If she used magic, I didn't detect it. Looking at her more closely, she had a set of wings on her barrel; a pegasus. I really should be careful what I wish for. Chrysalis gasped. “This is bad. She’s one of the elements of harmony.” “A wielder of those all-powerful magical artifacts that surpass even the strongest of beings?” “Precisely.” Just my luck. I tried to struggle against her grip, but it was a futile effort. My little bunny body couldn’t even muster a fraction of her strength. I'm sure she wasn't even exerting that much force. Ugh, I feel like I’m in that cocoon again, cramped and way too warm. “Don’t you worry, I'll take care of you now,” the mare spoke affectionately. Another sensation began racking my mind, love. And I was filling up dangerously fast. I felt like I was about to burst. It was so warm and sweet, it was too much. “Oh no, I didn’t think this would happen so soon. Chimera, listen to me. If you don’t regulate the influx of love energy manually there will be disastrous consequences.” “Okay, how do I do that?!” My body was beginning to ache. I’m sure it didn’t help that I was currently in such a tiny form. “Focus, you need to feel the flow of love. Once you’ve done that, you need to close yourself off from receiving it by using your magic. Keep the magic inside your body, but push it outward.” I closed my eyes and began focusing on it. Although my eyes were closed, it felt like I could still see. But I wasn’t seeing everything. I could only see the mare currently strangling me, her body was glowing a bright fluorescent pink. Coming out of her was a trail of pink ethereal mist, and it was burrowing its way inside me. I can feel the flow of love. Now I just need to block it. Manipulating the magic inside of my body, I began pushing it outward, but not past my skin. It formed a sort of membrane that kept the love from entering. Instantly, the surge of love stopped and the pain began to subside. Crisis averted. Unfortunately, the whole ordeal left me feeling extremely winded. I began drifting in and out of consciousness as a result. “What’s wrong, little bunny? You don’t look so good. No need to worry, I’ll treat you right away.” The fatigue was becoming too much to fight off. I couldn’t take it anymore. Slowly the world began to go dark. “Rest well, my child. You did well.”