Second Chances
As I ran through the jungle towards the changeling hive, I took time to reflect on what had brought me to this point. In this world where lycans were supposedly extinct, they had existed in hiding for at least a thousand years. Up until this point, they have been living in secrecy, and taking great care to avoid the public eye. So then, why now? What was the reason behind the attack? It broke all conventions of modus operandi. A group, living in secrecy for several generations, hunting while hidden, suddenly making themselves known by a bold, and very sloppy attack. What could they hope to gain by putting themselves in the spotlight? It made no logical sense.
'.... that's it. They're NOT making sense because I'm thinking they have any to begin with. The way they tore into town, they way they ate, the scent of lust in the cave. They're acting like animals. Hunt, eat, mate to celebrate, sleep, then move on. But, that still doesn't tell me why now? They lived in secrecy before, what changed? What caused careful, methodical beings to suddenly become feral? Unless.....'
There could only be two reasons for their actions, both of which terrified me. The first, is that they are increasing their numbers. Why else leave Cloud Kicker alive? There was a chance she had in fact been bitten by one of those wolves, who left her in the cave expecting her to crawl her way out of it and meet moon light, then later join their pack. I bit her so to be sure she really was bitten, but there was a chance they had done it themselves. If they were multiplying, raising their numbers, that would explain their sudden bravery. The new pups wouldn't be as careful as the old dogs, and feeling invincible with their new strength, enter the false belief that nothing could harm them. It certainly fit the bill.
The other possibility is that they were trying to send a message. Ruin a house or two, kidnap ponies and brutally murder them, leaving a single survivor to relay the horror of what occurred. It was plausible, considering the overnight change between hiding in the shadows and open hunting. But, who were they sending the message to, and why now?....
Me. Since I appeared on Nightmare Night, spent time in the castle, and started making a name for myself in the world, more and more found out about the princess's pet. It's not likely, but it is possible they're trying to make me come after them. For what reason, I cannot say. Both these mean the same thing however. Raising their numbers means they're trying to become more powerful, sending the message means a threat...
'They're declaring war... If they're increasing their numbers, their hunting needs will grow as well, more death, and the princesses will be force to put them down, if that's not what's already happening. If us finding out was an accident, we can push them and force them to be on the defensive, before they can prepare. If they were sending a message of hostilities however, it could spill into open conflict, and that would be on their terms, which would be bad... I hate politics. Luna was right, the future hangs by a thread, and we must take great care with our every action.'
In that fetid jungle, swarming with giant flies and mosquitoes, I found my way to a rather large rock that did not smell of earth and stone, but a smell so sweet it was almost sickening, though not enough to stop me from taking deep breaths of it and licking my lips. I ran my claw along the edge of the stone until it sank in, the spot feeling soft and fleshy. Hearing a soft buzzing, a hole opened in the stone, showing it's green interior which went deep underground. If I had not known it was here, and did not have the senses I do, I never would have found it. A changeling greeted me on the other side, with a clicking and buzzing sound, it turned to allow me entry, where I made my way to the queen's chambers.
"Hmm... well well, Wolfe, you've returned." The queen smiled, flicking her tail back and forth in what I suppose is a seductive gesture. "I suppose you're here to take me up on my offer?" She put a hoof under my chin and placed her face dangerously close to mine, letting her eyes go half lidded. I let out a low growl. She backed off. "Hmph, all business, as always. You're no fun. I guess there's no choice but to wait for you to change back."
So, we waited another ten minutes. I winced and grimaced as my form shifted back to that of a human, took some time to compose myself, and donned the clothes I kept in my travel bag before I was ready to speak with Chrysalis.
"About time. I'm very busy, what with trying to feed a starving hive. Now that you're not so grumpy, lets talk. Are you here to accept my offer?"
"Actually," I replied. "I'm here to make one of my own." I took a card from my pocket, one with all the information of the league, and with a bow, passed it into her magical aura where it began to float on it's own. "As a member of the League of Dapper Gentlecolts, officially the most high class and sophisticated club in Canterlot, unofficially, a den of monsters dedicated to the betterment of society, I extend to you a welcome, in hopes you will come to visit, and, perhaps join the league yourself. It is a place where we can be what we are, without fear of prying eyes."
"And you are giving me this because?"
"You once offered me the opportunity to join your hive, so that I could be myself, free of judgement, and have all my 'needs' taken care of. I'm offering to let you join my 'hive'."
"I also gave you that offer based on your ability, in that with your strength you would be of service to us and strengthen the whole," Her eyes narrowed. "What is it you want from me?"
'Damn, she caught on. She's good at this game. Well, she won, might as well tell her.'
"Lycans such as myself, though, different in nature, and pony in breed. Thought long extinct, have come out of hiding with a violent attack. Numerous kidnappings over that past couple decades, thought previously to have been the work of diamond dogs under Rothak, capturing slaves to work in the mines, have by my investigation been linked to a roving pack of wolves. They're killing them. Eating them. Turning them to increase their own number. I can track them, but I am only one man. You have eyes everywhere."
"Reconnaissance then?"
"Your changelings can make themselves appear to be whatever they wish, all I am asking is to keep an eye out for them, and let me know if you find them. Anything from spotting tracks on a road to infiltrating one of their dens disguised as one of them. I'll leave that up to you. In exchange, I put in a good word for you with equestrian royalty, and see if I can get your people back in the country, perhaps even welcomed, considering you're helping to catch murderers."
"Hmm... it would solve the hunger issue, and being welcomed instead of having to disguise ourselves would be a welcome change. It would certainly make things easier, but the danger, and the effort required..." She pondered for a moment, putting her hoof to her chin in thought. "This is a big decision. I'll have to think on it..." She turned to walk away from me, then looked back over her shoulder and flicked her tail back and forth. "Though I'm sure there's something you could do to help me make the decision." She gave a light smile.
"For goodness sake Chrysalis I'm in courtship with Princess Luna!" So, her answer to that was to take the form of the moon princess and shake her rear at me. "The answer is still no. I swear you have a one track mind. Do you do this with every visitor?"
"Only if they're cute." She changed back to normal. "Otherwise I just take what I want. Oh well." Then, she brought a stone cup filled with sweet smelling yellowish goop. "Have a glass and regain your strength, then be on your way. When I've made my decision, I'll send an emissary to the league."
I hastily drank the 'love honey' which I still don't know how they make, and felt warmth and strength flowing through me, the kind that burns away the ache off tired bones, gave a short bow with a word of thanks, then left the hive, headed home.