6 Years Later....
It was a brisk Sunday evening in the land of Equestria. Luna's moon hung high in the sky, the stars twinkling like diamonds complementing the glowing orb. With the sun gone and the night taking over, all of the denizens across the land from Manehatten to Canterlot are readying for bed. Well, almost everypony, down deep below the ground another society was still up and about. An underground sprawling city of changelings still had not let sleep take them. The city was alive in the night time, changelings skittering about their night in an energetic fashion, a stark contrast to the land above.
Time worked differently in this city, and 'night' was not scheduled to pass until in at least four hours giving the denizens plenty of time to complete their duties. And so the city of thousands bustled around the city made of stone and crystal like a well oiled machine. Street vendors selling various goods ranging from priceless gems to fine baked goods. Even a few ponies moved among the changelings, something you would never have thought seeing, especially in a changeling city. But things have changed since the time of peace granted in Canterlot all those years ago.
Nowadays it wasn't strange to see ponies mingle and live among the many hive's below ground and vice versa to see changelings above ground, undisguised too! Times have changed in this bustling world, but not everyling was up and about. Deep inside the brooding castle at the center of the city a tired queen recounted tales of her past to her hyper daughter. All in the hopes that she could lull her to sleep for bedtime. And she wasn't having much luck.
“And that is how the alliance began and how I became reunited with your father”, I said as I finally finished my tale. The little changeling before me oo'd and awed, clapping her hooves together happily. I chuckled at my daughter's antics as my little bundle of joy bounded around her bed. Such a lively little thing she is, reminds me of myself when I was her age. But I suppose that is where the similarities start branching out, she is a mixed bag of both father and mother after all. Luscious emerald eyes gazed up at me as her messy blue mane lay bedraggled across her face.
And her coat made her look just like me, a striking night sky black complementing those eyes and mane of her's. She had a something from both of us, and she looked just precious. As well as having features from both Page and I, she is a hybrid as expected. But unlike Squelch's child she has little wings just like mine and a crooked horn of her own. The doctor's told me it had something to do with my blood, royalty and all that. The only difference is that she doesn't have a hard shell just like momma, she is so soft and squishy just like her father!
“Wooow! That all really happened? What happened at college though? Did ya pass?”, my daughter chirped up at me. I smiled, she wants another story? And I just told her a new one as well!
“My aren't we being a greedy little minx tonight? Now Pupa, I just told you a new one and your bedtime had been about an hour ag-”
“Aww, just one more story! Please momma?”, Pupa begged as she hopped up and down on her bed. All the while giving me big puppy dog eyes that she used whenever she wanted her way. Damn my weakness for the old puppy dog eyes trick!
“Okay, okay my little princess one more story. But after this one do you promise to go to bed, Pupa?”, I said sternly as I picked up my daughter and wrapped her under the covers. Pupa protested but I had ways of dealing with a rambunctious hatchling. Like a lightning strike I attacked, tickling my daughter with no mercy and dealing raspberries on her little tummy.
“Haaahahaha! Oookayay Momma I promaahamise!”, I just chuckled and let her go as she slumped back onto the pillows breathlessly. I placed a kiss on her little head and she returned with a small peck on my cheek. “Can you tell me about how you became Queen again?”
“That one again? What about the story where I saved your father from dragons? Or the time Discord and I pranked Celestia on her birthday?”, to each suggestion Pupa just shook her head 'no' every time. Hmm, wonder why she wants to hear that one so badly? “Since when has my little hatchling liked serious stories? I thought those particular ones bored you to death? When did you get all serious on me?”
Pupa just pouted and crossed her little hooves across her chest in mock anger.
“Your queen story is my favorite though! I like hearing about it, you look so happy when you tell it”, aww what a little suck up. But she is my little suck up and I love her for it. Anything for my little girl, especially if it will put her to sleep faster.
“Fine, I suppose I can tell it again but only because you're my wittle princess!”, I cooed as I nuzzled her cheek. Pupa waited patiently for my story to begin, her cute emerald eyes shining up at me expectantly, a giddy smile on her lips. Little fangs poked out from under her lips, ah her first fangs had just come in recently. Soon she will be the very image of a little changeling dictator with those chompers of hers. She is growing up little by little, so proud of her.
“Now this story takes place not long after the alliance began. It was a lazy Monday morning and I was enjoying a cup of tea with your grandma in her chambers....”
6 Years Earlier....
“Things have been going smoothly although there have been a few kinks here and there. But many ponies have been accepting of our caravans since Celestia spoke out”, I said as I sipped my tea. Ah chamomile, you are simply the best kind of tea.
“Hmm, that is to be expected. A little resistance to changeling trading wasn't going to be loved by everypony. Anything else to report?”, mother asked as she refilled her empty cup to the brim. What have I not mentioned? Well there is THAT, but would it be wise to ruin mother's mood? Eh, its a monday.
“I received a....letter from Bravehills, mother”, I said, carefully placing my cup of tea gently on the table. Mother just kept sipping on her tea, raising an eyebrow as she did.
“Oh? And what did it say?”, mother asked as she too put down her cup and put her full attention towards me. Oh boy here we go, the big news. But just as I was about to speak, the doors to mother's room blasted open and there stood a singed Gynaephora and Beacon in the doorway. They were both panting, but Beacon looked the worse of the two, and he was carrying several bags on his back, poor Beacon.
“Sorry I'm late! Got held up, phew, in traffic!”, Gynaephora wheezed as she took a seat next to me. Shakily grasping a tea cup in her hooves and sipped daintily.
“What in Equestria happened to you? You look exhausted and is that....smoke coming out of your mane?”, jeez her hair looked like a smoke stack, and it didn't help that she was covered in ashes.
“Gynny tried to teleport us here and well, it didn't end well!”, Beacon grumbled, dropping the bags he was carrying with a heavy thud as he joined us at the table. What in the world has Gynaephora been making Beacon carry? Probably all of her clothes and then some. Poor Beacon, Gynaephora made him the mule for the day.
“Oh hush you, Beacon! We arrived in one piece didn't we?”, my sister scowled at her coltfriend and he scowled right back.
“What exactly happened? Don't tell me you tried to teleport without that focusing crystal I gave you?”, Gynaephora's only response was to smile guiltily at her. I facehooved, let me explain why I did. Gynaephora sucks at teleportation spells, and as embarrassing as it sounds mother gave her a crystal and helps with such spells. A sort of magical crutch if you will. “For the love of....Gynaephora I gave you that blasted thing for a reason!”
Gynaephora scoffed at mother and took another sip of her tea.
“It wasn't that bad, we are here aren't we?”, Gynaephora mumbled.
“Yeah barely! You teleported us into a dragon's den! I nearly got cooked, hell look at my damn tail!”, Beacon explained, pointing to his now much shorter scorched tail. Well that explains the smoke and ash at least.
“Shut up you fool!”, Gynaephora yelled, slamming her tea down and staring down her lover.
“Make me, Bitch!”, Beacon took a defensive step forward as he spoke.
“Cunt!”, my sister took a step forward, matching Beacon's own steps.
“Whore!”, the two idiots were muzzle to muzzle now. Their eyes burning fiercely into the others. Well aren't these two a loving couple. And then bam! The two were making out right then and there, well that turned out differently then I expected.
“Ew gross!”, Pupa made a gagging noise as she exaggerated a choking motion. I rolled my eyes at my daughter, she heard this part so many times yet she reacts the same every time. Well I don't blame her, it was pretty gross.
“Ahem, may I continue?”, Pupa smiled sheepishly and sunk back into bed.
“Very well, now after my sister's fiasco....”
“Well its good to see that they are still in love at least”, mother whispered as she pointing a hoof at the two lip locked buffoons. True, I am proud she managed to stay loyal to a single male after all of this time. It couldn't have been easy to drop her old mating habits.
“Indeed, I am still surprised Gynny has stayed with Beacon for this long!”, I chuckled. Gynaephora noticed our hushed whispering and pulled away from Beacon's lips with an audible pop.
“You are just jealous, dear sister. Jealous that your little Page isn't as publicly intimate as Beacon over here. It must be so grating to never be as open as we are!”, my sister cackled as she kissed Beacon once more. Nope, not letting her get under my skin this time, my turn.
“It is true that Page isn't reckless as Beacon but he makes up for it with his sweet nothings, cuddling and lets not forget his wonderful skills under the covers. I doubt Beacon is as sweet as my coltfriend, but don't worry. It is okay to have a coltfriend that is half of the stallion Page is”, I said with a sarcastic yawn. I did my best to be as nonchalant as possible, and judging by Gynaephora's twitching eyes its safe to say that I won. Sure Gynaephora has changed but she is still easy to instigate.
“Oh really? Well Beacon doe-”
“Can you two just shut up and enjoy our family time together? My gods you are giving me a migraine again with your combined rambling!”, Gynaephora and I just bowed our heads and muttered our apologies. It was quiet after that, save for the slurping sound of tea being drank every couple of minutes. That is until mother prodded me about the letter.
“Oh, I almost forgot! What was this about a letter from college?”, mother's question caught the attention of both my sister and Beacon. No pressure, just your family watching your every move, judging you. No pressure at all, Buck.
“Y-Yes I received a letter from Bravehills about my progress. To shorten this out lets just say that 'Flare' has been absent for a long time due to my incarceration. And since I haven't attended college for many months....I've been kicked out. Mother I....I failed my mission after all”, I muttered in a ghost of a whisper. I couldn't bare to look my mother in the eyes, keeping my gaze focused on my empty tea cup. Gynaephora muttered something to Beacon and mother but I could not hear her utterance nor did I care.
“But it doesn't matter, I don't need to be queen. I have all that I need right now, I just want to say that I am sorry for disappointing you....”, I was true to my words on my desire to be queen. I truly did not need it anymore but I couldn't help but let a few tears escape me. Being denied the role of queen didn't hurt, it was the new notch of failure on my list that haunted me. Now comes the belittlement from mother....
The room was silent, not a single word spoken, not a scream nor a yell from mother. What she waiting for? Dramatic pause before the she reprimands the hell out of me? Just then I felt a hoof tilt my face up and I found myself looking at my mother's face. But instead of anger and disappointment I found....happiness? She was smiling, not a sign of a frown at all, what?
“Now why would you think I would be disappointed in you? Chrysalis, I am far from disappointed, frankly I am proud of you”, mother's words utterly shocked me. I tried to find any hint of her lying to me but her face was the visage of sincerity, she was telling the truth.
“What?”, was all I could muster in response. She was proud of me?
“It is true that you have failed your test. But did you really think a bunch of letters printed on a report card would be a blemish on all that you have accomplished? Honestly a few F's is hardly anything compared to all you have done and learned. Turning a new leaf, finding love, throwing away past prejudices and most of all assisting in ending a feud between species. In the beginning I had sent you to study, but in reality I cast you out to find yourself, a sort of spiritual mission I guess.”
I was speechless, my mother had ulterior motives for sending me away after all? A ruse to grant me insight, to change me for the better....very clever.
“True I sent you and your sister for the same reason, to see that there is more to life besides competing in a, excuse my language, dick measuring contest. Is that the right term? Anyways, what I am trying to say is that both you and your sister have accomplished the task. Albeit each in your own ways of course. Gynny found acceptance in somepony that sees her for what she is and you my daughter, you have learned to rid yourself of your selfishness and hate. Actually, on second thought I think you are still pretty selfish, but that is a charm of yours no?”
We all laughed at that, its true that I am still the same in that department. Page, Squelch and Medley can answer to that. But hey, you can't change everything can you?
“And so with that thought, I am happy to announce that you and your sister have completed the final trial. You and Gynaephora have earned the right to rule once more. To be brutally honest Chrysalis, you were an adequate ruler before, but now I believe you are more suited to have power again”, well that is a hit to the old ego, thanks mom.
“So with that said, do you accept the title of queen?”, mother asked, turning her attention to my sister. Whom shook her head 'no' with a honest smile on her face.
“With respect, I don't think I ever was cut out to for leadership. I get kinda crazy when I have too much power anyways. And besides, I found somepony who accepts me for who I am and that is enough for me. Somepony to see that I exist, sorry mother”, my sister spoke her refusal as she embraced her tether and her love in this world. Mother nodded knowling and turned back to me with a piercing gaze that must have stared right into my soul, gulp.
“I do hope you don't refuse as well, Chrysalis. I mean what would the other kings and queens think if my daughters don't spread out the family territory? My reputation would be ruined! Please, please, please consider it! I beg of you my daughter!”, mother begged sarcastically as she fake cried and slumped herself all over me. Sobbing crocodile tears as she performed her little act. What a drama queen, really, the begging is unnecessary. You'd think she was the B movie actress with how she was acting.
“There is no need to worry, mother. I am honored that you think of me to be fit to rule once more. I accept, and I promise not to let you down ever again”, I said as I bowed before her. Mother instantly perked up at my answer and hugged me with her signature bone crushing Artiidaes patented mother hugs.
Very good! And see that another wedding catastrophe does not happen again. I had to endure being known as the mother who had a daughter defeated with the power of love, bleh!”, mother made a gagging motion and laughed.
“You are never going to let me live that day down are you?”, I grumbled with a roll of my eyes.
“Nope”, mother's simple answer just elicited another roll of my eyes. If I keep rolling my eyes this commonly I am going to get cross eyed like that mail mare Twilight told me about.
“Fantastic, no really I want to be constantly reminded about how I bucked up, really”, I sighed.
“Aw lighten up, we are all family here aren't we? Whats a little chiding between mother and daughter hmm? Anyways on to more important things, I have to prepare the coronation ceremony, the banquet plans and lets not forget we must announce Page as your fiance soon.”
Oh right, that thing. Page isn't going to like this, with me being queen again he is going to be confirmed as my future king. And he still hasn't gotten over my little joke from last week.
“Very well, I shall warn Page to get presentable when the coronation begins. Gynaephora, Beacon, mother good day”, I nodded to each of them and left mother's chambers behind. As soon as I made it inside the halls I looked around to make sure I was alone. With no sight of either guard or maid I let out the most high pitched fangirl shriek I have ever mustered. I was so bucking happy that I bounced all the way to my bedroom chamber's like Pinkie Pie after a raving party. Once I made it inside my room I found Page scribbling away on a map of sorts as he lay on our bed.
“Page, I have something to tell you~”, I sang as I jumped onto the bed next to him. He just tilted his head and smiled at me.
“Oh? And what has you all in a good mood today?”, he questioned, still smiling. Oh boy that smile is going to disappear instantly when he hears what I have to say. A few moments later a cry could be heard from all over the Citadel.
“WHAT?!?!”
“You're so silly momma! I think you should be silly all of the time!”, Pupa giggled with a little snort. I just smiled at her and booped her on the nose.
“Not as silly as you my little love bug! And I can't be silly all of the time, who would be queen if I was?”, teased my little girl with another boop. But Pupa dodged my booping and bit down on my hoof all the while laughing evilly.
“I would! I will take over and rule the changelings with an iron hoof! I will be the best queen ever!”, I watched as Pupa cackled an evil cackle with all of her might. Her little hooves smashing against the sheets as she swatted away invisible foes. The imagination of a child is a wonder itself isn't it?
“One day I am sure you will be the most evil queen ever. But right now you are my wittle princess of evil. Now is my princess sleepy yet?”, as expected Pupa shook her head, albeit in a drowsy fashion. I sighed, it usually takes more than one story to knock her out, oh well.
“Now then something I haven't told you in a while, next would be the coronation, how about that part?”, Pupa shook her head no again.
“No! That part is boring”, Pupa huffed as she crossed her hooves over her chest.
“Even the celebration part?”, Pupa instantly brightened up with a fanged smirk.
“That was the night I got conceived right?”, I nearly fell out of my chair at Pupa's statement. Where in the world did she learn that word?
“Who taught you that word?”, I asked sternly but I still kept my cool. But on the inside I was beyond pissed. Who corrupted my daughter's thoughts? I'll throttle em! Pupa just smiled innocently and spoke.
“One time I was playing with cousin Minuet at grandma's castle and I heard uncle Squelch and auntie Medley talk about how they conceived a new baby. I dunno what it means but does that mean I'm gunna have a new cousin?”, I let out a sigh of relief. But I am going to have a long talk with her uncle. Bucking Squelch.
“You don't have to worry about that word until you are older, maybe in thirty years. But yes, I think you are going to have a new playmate soon. Anyways lets continue with the story hmm? I believe the next part was about your father and I traveling to the remains of my old hive”, I mused, tapping a hoof against my chin thoughtfully.
“Yeah that one, I....like that....one”, Pupa mumbled in between yawns, rubbing her eyes sleepily. I got her on the ropes, another story or two and she will be out like a light.
“Okay Pupa, now we arrived at my old hive after two days of traveling the deep dark tunnels from the Citadel. It was a few months after my coronation....”
4 Months Later....
Th sound of wheels grinding against stone echoed down the tunnels alongside the clip clop of changeling hooves. There I was sitting in my personal chariot with Page by my side as we got pulled along by my royal guard. From what I could see the tunnels ahead were barely lit up with glowing light crystals. Years without maintenance has turned these once majestic passageways into decrepit tunnels. But soon things will change, that's why I came here after all. To fix and repair what I had lost all those years ago.
And to help me with the restoration I brought every single changeling that remained under my flag, the survivors of the loss of my hive. They were all cooped up in the Citadel and it was time to return home, I looked back to see the couple hundred of my loyal followers keeping pace behind us. A bunch of caravans of them all traveling together, all eagerly wanting to see their old home.
“How much longer, Chryssy? According to this map we should have been there ten minutes ago?”, I looked over to my fiance who had his face buried in a dusty old map. He was right, we should have been there quite a while ago. But we had taken detours of the main route, we ran into a few cave ins and dead ends a few times. Years without scouts maintaining these passageways have really done a number down here. I glanced back at the caravans behind us, they looked tired but they kept a steady pace and held their heads up high.
They had resolve among them, I am sure they will last a little while longer.
“That map is old and tartarus and we have encountered a few bucking blocks along the way. But we should be there soon, I just wish we didn't have such a gods be damned dated map!”, I grumbled lowly. I know this area hasn't been lived in but mother couldn't spend a few of her scouts to at least watch this area and keep it up to snuff? This was simply infuriating, gods be damned! Before I could stew in my hatred any more I felt the calming touch of Page on my side.
“Chryssy, remember what the doctor said, no more outbursts and stressful moments! You may upset our little package”, Page cooed in a soothing voice, his free hoof rubbing the the noticeable bump on my belly. I rested my hoof atop his and pecked his lips lovingly.
“Sorry, you right I should be calm....for our little girl”, I am going to be a mother, can you believe it? The mere thought strikes both fear and happiness in me. Would I be a terrible mother? When I asked Page that very moment he told me I was worrying over nothing, that I would be a wonderful mother. But I still couldn't shake the thought that my child would loath me somehow.
“But I would never hate you! I love you momma!”, Pupa interrupted me as she jumped out of bed and hugged me with all of her might. Her little antic just put the biggest smile on my face, she knows just how to make me smile. I hugged my daughter, cradling her close to my chest, kissing her little nose and nuzzling her all the while.
“D'aaaw!”, I opened my eyes to see Page standing in the doorway carrying satchels on his sides.
“Poppa!”, Pupa squealed as she beckoned Page to come over waving her hooves wildly at him. Page just chuckled, dropping his bags and coming over to our group hug and embrace Pupa and I.
“Welcome home, darling. How has the mapping been going? Have you finally scouted out that pesky sector you've been talking about?”, I asked as I kissed my husband. To which he returned the kiss and nodded.
“Yeah, finally got that entire area on the map! And guess what I found down in the uncharted caves? I had a feeling that there was more to the cave so I ordered some of the guards to blow a hole in a wall that just rubbed me the wrong way. And bam, an entire cavern full of crystals as far as the eye can see! I sent the guards to ready up a procurement order, oh I can see the bits flowing in now! And its all thanks to my superior cartography!”, I chuckled at my husband's child like glee.
He sure does love to embellish himself whenever he gets the chance.
“More like superior guess work, but it still counts I suppose”, I teased Page with a flick on his muzzle. He just shrugged and kept his smirk.
“Meh, anyways so why is my little girl still up? Not sleepy yet?”, Pupa shook her head but she couldn't hide the yawn that escaped her.
“Nooooo not tiiiired....one more story!”, Page just raised an eyebrow at me and I just rolled my eyes.
“I was about to get to the part where we rebuild the hive and all that. This little bugger just refuses to go to bed!”, I said with a yawn. Uh oh, looks like I'm getting tired as well here.
“Well go on! Pupa won't sleep until you do~”, I sighed, he was right. May as well wrap this up, its starting to get late.
We finally arrived to the hive and its giant barrier doors that kept intruders out. I ordered my guards to open it and slowly but surely the immense doors gave in and opened. Piles of dust fell from its hinges leaving behind a musky old smell as we passed through the arch way. Once inside I saw a sight that made my heart sink. There in all of its 'glory' stood the stone city with my castle resting in the middle. It was a large city to be sure, but it was just a far cry when compared to the Citadel.
All of the once lively buildings were either cracked, scarred or just straight up destroyed from disrepair. The streets were covered in rocks and overturned carts that looked ancient. This was a ghost town, and it felt so empty and forlorn. Without a word all of changelings following us had scattered about the city and began the slow process of cleaning up the area. Everyling had a sad look on their faces as they rummaged through their old home. It broke my heart but this was just the beginning, the worse was yet to come.
And so Page and I continued with our guard and approached the steep incline to my castle. As soon as we overcame the hill I met with the visage of the most depressing sight I had ever seen. There was my castle, barely standing in one piece. The once glorious front gates had been blasted open from scavengers, old scorch marks and scratches tainted the ground around the entrance. But the castle, oh but the castle, it was in a much worse state than the city. It was simply falling apart, the columns holding up the various upper levels of the castle had been blown apart.
My once proud castle now looked like a broke jigsaw puzzle missing all of the important pieces to it. Some parts of the upper floors looked to be intact but some just weren't there, and the main door itself was just gone. Windows were either cracked or destroyed and the very tip top of the castle was nothing empty space. It looked like someling took the flag that once stood there as trophy, damn scavengers. You'd think that that was the worse of it, but it just kept getting worse. With the help of Page I carefully got out of my chariot and entered the remains of my castle.
If the outside was a disaster then the inside would be called a catastrophe. The entrance hall was a complete and utter mess, from the torn green tinted carpets to the many holes and cracks in the very foundation. Looks like nothing was spared when the scavengers came, mother had told me of thieves ransacking in my absence but I never expected damage of this kind. With Page by my side I strolled down the halls of my once beautiful castle. A few of my royal guard stayed outside but the few that opted to follow walked around us in a tight knit circle. If there were any dangers, my guards would handle it.
After checking a few rooms I found a similar pattern in each one. Shit was gone, and checking every room to find nothing but dust and scraps of old objects was getting old. Was there nothing left sacred? Nothing left untouched or unnoticed? Eventually we arrived to my throne room, we didn't have to worry about the doors that led inside. They weren't even there, just rusty hinges were they used to be. Damn scavengers just stole anything that looked like it could sell a bit.
“And here we are, my throne room....whats left of it anyway”, my voice echoed in the large room. It felt so empty and hollow, but at least my actual throne was intact. Taking a look up I also found the stained glass ceiling was untouched as well as the murals on the walls. I ran a hoof over my throne, trailing up years of dust as I went along. “Years of building up this city, wasted.”
“Its not entirely wasted, Chrysalis. We will rebuild it, make it better and stronger than before. It will take some time but it will happen, I promise”, Page said as he gazed up at the murals. I joined him at his side and examined the stained glass pictures. “Whats the story here?”
“Its just a story about our gods and the rise of the first changeling queen. Over here, this mural depicts my entire family history. Here is my mother, Gynaephora and....father”, my voice trailed off as I gazed at my father's image. A strong looking changeling king with a flowing white mane was frozen in a still image. His white eyes seemed to glow and stare back at me, taunting me.
“What was he like? Was he as crazy as your mother?”, Page's comment made me chuckle a bit. The very thought of that serious stallion acting like mother was a hilarious image.
“No he wasn't, he was quite a serious changeling king. He was always business this and business that. But when he was alone with us, his family, he was such a warm being. He always knew just what to say to make us all laugh, that stoic posture of his hid the loving father beneath. Did I ever tell you how he took on an entire army from the southern kingdom?”
Page shook his head, right I never did tell him anything beside him just being my father haven't I?
“Three thousand changeling troops took him on when all of his forces had fallen. And only he came out on top, after that battle noling ever thought of overtaking the Citadel after that. King Monarch, loving father and one of the best kings in changeling history. He would freak out if he ever saw the state of this place. He built this place for me you know, back when I was a hatchling. Preparing the young for the future is what he called it.”
“He sounded like quite the stallion, you must miss him”, I nodded, yes I did. Very much so, he was a great father, a great influence for me to be the best. I just wish he was still here with us. “He would be proud of you, Chrysalis”
I looked over to Page and then back to the image of my father. I smiled, placing a single hoof upon his image and uttered a prayer. Satisfied with my words I stepped away and looked back to my love.
“I know he would be, lets go, we have a lot of work to do”, and with that said we left the throne room. Once outside I called for the changeling builder mother assigned to us and went over the restoration plans. The builder estimated that both the city and castle would be up and running in a few months, maybe a year. But fully restoring the hive will take another year or two. I was expecting to hear him say a decade but these were much better odds, time to get started.
7 Months Later....
Things have finally been looking up, my hive had been rebuilt. Well more specifically the main city has been rebuilt. My castle had repairs done but it still looked like a puzzle missing a few valuable pieces. Estimated time to complete it? One year give or take, I could hardly wait. But right now I wasn't thinking about the restoration project, I was screaming. And not because I was mad or upset, but because I felt like I was bucking dying.
“Holy bucking shiiiit! For the love the gods this huuuuurts!”, I screamed at the top of my lungs. The pressure down below was excrutiating, I felt like I was being split in half! All I could do was lay there in my old room screaming, giving it my all to give birth to my child. The doctor attending me, Bile, used a numbing spell but it didn't do jack shit! My entire body was burning!
“Keep pushing my queen! She iz starting to crown!”, I forced open my eyes to see a grizzled old changeling between my legs as he yelled above my own cries of pain. Page was at my side and I was squeezing the hell out of a hoof he offered me.
“This is all your fault!”, I yelled, squeezing even harder as my body rocked with another contraction. But before Page could speak the doctor betwixt my legs laughed. Why the buck is he laughing at a time like this?!
“Actually et iz his fault! Since zis child is a hybrid et iz cauzing complications! Normally ve vuld deal wit an egg and be done with zet!”, Bile yelled. I looked up to my idiot fiance and smacked him across his face.
“I swear to the gods if I die I will bucking kill you!”, I screamed through another contraction, yelling at the stallion who was the cause of all of this pain.
“Ah! Wunderbar! Keep doing zat! She haz come out a bit from your anger!”, Bile yelled again. I could barely think straight but yelling and being angry was all I could do right now. So I screamed out insults at Page, feeling the contractions grow in intensity until I felt the pressure suddenly lessen. The next thing I heard was crying, it was like music to my ears.
“Ahah! There ve are! She iz out and iz alive! Congratulations!”, finally after hours of screaming the pain in my loins finally eased down into a minor throb. But I didn't care about the pain, I wanted to see my daughter.
“L-Let me....ah buck”, I tried to speak but I could barely muster any words. I was just too exhausted. I watched as Bile trotted up to Page and handed him a crying bundle all wrapped up in a sheet. A huge smile grew on Page's face as he looked down at the foal in his arms.
“H-How is she?”, I managed to say past my panting. Page said nothing and passed me the bundle. I took the little thing in my hooves, treating it like the most precious thing in the world that would break at the slightest touch. And there she was, a little foal crying in my arms. I cried, not tears of pain but tears of joy as I watched my newborn daughter cry and fumble about. “Shh, its okay now, your safe.”
Immediately my daughter calmed down and looked up at me with emerald eyes. With shaky hooves she reached up and took a hold of my muzzle. Feeling my daughter's little hooves grip me, to feel this little life....is something I will remember forever. She giggled as she felt my face, her little eyes gazing up into mine with wonder.
“She has your eyes, Chrysalis. She's beautiful”, Page said quietly as he leaned over my shoulder.
“Hi little thing, I'm your poppa, nice to meet you”, our baby only giggled in response, her little hooves waving up at Page.
“She likes you, I love her....what should we name her?”, I mused as I watched my daughter grasp Page's hooves with her small ones.
“Hmm, something cute? Maybe, um Pupa?”, Page mumbled as he played with his daughter. I snickered at the name.
“Heh, Pupa? Really? I was expecting you to give her a name relating to maps”, I giggled and our little girl giggled along with me. Page just blushed and huffed an annoyed sigh.
“Well I think its cute, but how about we-”
“I like it”, Page sputtered a dumb 'what' and cause another giggle to escape our newborn.
“I like it”, I repeated which only confused Page even more as he raised an eyebrow. “Its a cute name, and she is part changeling. And I think it has a nice ring to it, Page, Chrysalis and Pupa. The terrible three!”
Pupa just giggled again and shook around in my arms. “See? She likes her name!”
“So she does, okay Pupa it is. Welcome to the world, Pupa”
Present Time
“And that was the wonderful day that you came into our lives”, with my story finally done I looked over to a very sleepy looking Pupa. She was barely awake, doing her best to fight the heavy lids that struggled to go down over her eyes.
“I'm sorry for....hurting you momma”, Pupa mumbled in between yawns. She is so precious, apologizing for being born, what a card.
“It was worth being hurt to have you with us, you are my precious little princess after all”, I said with warm smile.
“Your mothers right, you are our bundle of joy, Pupa. We love you Pupa.”, I watched as Page leaned down and kissed Pupa right on her little forehead and tucked her in. I followed suit, doing the same and planting a loving peck on her head.
“Good night momma, night papa, I love you....”, it wasn't long until Pupa finally fell asleep. The sound of her little snoring filled the room, the cutest sound you could ever hear. Page and I left the room and gently shut the door behind us. We walked the castle halls whispering to each other with Page leaning into my side and my wing draped over him. After some time walking we made it outside to my favorite part of the castle, the gardens. Various different kinds of flowers and trees were planted about with extra care. I spent hours with Page planting each and every single plant here.
Like Pupa it was our labor of love. Sure it wasn't as beautiful as our daughter but it was a wonderful place to spend the evenings. A shame that there is no moon underground, but the crystal globe at the very top of the cavern ceiling would be enough. I watched as the ethereal energies flowed inside of it, giving off a pale blue light signaling that it was now nigh time in the city. It wasn't the moon, but it was still a close second.
“We've come a long way haven't we?”, I muttered to Page whom closed his eyes and hummed thoughtfully. I love it when he does that, he looks so sophisticated when he makes that face.
“If you told me I would fall in love with a changeling and become king of an entire kingdom I would call you crazy. But I wouldn't see myself doing anything else right now, this feels just right. And I wouldn't take it back for anything in the world, everything is perfect.”, Page looked at me and gave me chaste kiss. “It was worth coming all this way.”
“That is the cheesiest thing I have ever heard, how long have you been working on that one?”, I nearly snorted, that was something you'd hear from a romantic comedy.
“I know, but it worked didn't it?”, I had to agree with him on that one. Sure it was cheesy but I couldn't help but feel my heart race from listening to those cheesy lines.
“Eh, seven out of ten at the most.”, I teased as I brought my stallion into a wing hug. Page eeped but eased into the hug, his hooves snaking around my waist, his muzzle against my neck.
“Chrysalis, I know I say this all the time but I love you so much. You are my tether to this world and you are pretty boss sometimes but I want to let you know that I don't regre-”, I silenced Page with a gentle touch of my lips against his. I couldn't handle any more cheesy dialogue, I love him but he is just to cheesy sometimes.
“Oh just shut up and kiss me before you ruin the mood”, I said in mock anger as I pulled Page's face to mine. Our lips just inches away.
“Well since when you asked so nicely”, Page lurched forward and pressed his lips against mine. Slowly but surely I eased into his kiss and closed my eyes. And so underneath the pale glow of a crystal moon I kissed my husband, my king, my love. Looking back on everything I have done, it took a lot of years but I have gotten everything I ever wanted. A family, my throne, a life in where I would no longer have to fear failure but overcome it with my loved ones. Sometimes I miss being a tyrant, but my new life outshines the old one, my family and friends can attest to that.
But one thing is for sure, I wouldn't have it any other way.