Sprinting towards school, Tim knew that he would be late for his first period, which meant that he would get after school detention if he wasn't fast enough. Within moments he was just around the corner when he saw the mass of two story buildings that he knew housed many of the higher classed workers working in the offices just a couple blocks away. with a smirk at how much distance he had before getting to his school, he slowed into a jog and with a few soft pants stopped at the street light to wait for the yard lady to walk out in the middle of the street to give him a hint that he would be safe crossing. with a nod, he took a few steps into the street to hear a voice too familiar.
"Hey Bro wait up!" The voice called out behind him with some hints of panting and stomping of some heavy boots coming to a stop.
"Jack I thought you would be at school minutes before I would get there." Tim said turning to see his friend Jack hunched over trying to catch his breath.
"Well thanks to you calling me last night about your nightmares made me lose some well deserved sleep, I overslept with my clock wailing at me." Jack grunted with his gelled hair slowly falling over his face, "And for the record, I don't see you getting up any sooner than I do"
"Screw you man, at least I have some reason to be late" Tim replied glaring at Jack who is now next to him laughing with a little snort in between.
"Oh is that so?" jack said pulling out his comb adjusting his hair with it, "Which excuse is it this time? Having a moment with you remembering how you beat the ever living crap out of that Ryan dude and you ending up punching a wall?"
"Your a cruel man you know that?" Tim glared at him.
"You know it." Jack smirked, "You know if I was in your situation, I would have done the same thing".
"Yeah, I suppose you would and I can see you do that." Tim replied knowing that was the truth. Jack had that kind of passion to be there for every one. even though he was scrawny and didn't look like he was someone who had an aggression problem, he had the heart to take on anyone who provoke him about something, and when that happens, it is not a pleasant sight to see.
Jack adjusting his blue windbreaker jacket under his satchel, took a step forward, giving Tim the hint that they need to start moving fi they don't want to be as late as they might be. Tim caught on and picked up his pace being slightly ahead of Jack making sure he doesn't lag behind of him. They said nothing for a while because they knew if they did they would only slow themselves down to reply. silence was with them till they crossed an alleyway where they heard someone yelling. They both turned their heads at the shouts they couldn't clearly hear what the voice was saying. then there was a commotion of things crashing to the ground, then there was a shout then there was a silence. this was something they knew way too well to question what it was but still gave them something to talk about.
"Was that a mugging or an assault we just heard?" Tim asked Jack.
"I don't think it was something we should get ourselves into or worry about " Jack assured him, "Someone else will call and complain to the police that there is a disturbance nearby and they will take care of it".
"Maybe your right," Tim said feeling a bit skittish, "But what if they are seriously hurt, we c-"
"Don't worry about it!" Jack grunted, "They will be fine, I can assure you. if we went over there to help them out would surely be held responsible for the damages. you know as well as I do this neighborhood isn't as safe as it used to be, thanks to some of the guys across from us".
Tim looked away, seeing that his question was shot down. Wasn't helping others a good thing to do? Tim shook his head following his slender friend with his satchel swaying back and forth as they sped away from the alley. the silence was enough to give Tim a shiver. He was used to the feeling knowing that there was something going on around their neighborhood that had the police running overtime and on a tight schedule. their walk was not much left to get to their school just some more streets and corners to turn and they would be there with a matter of minutes. Looking like Tim didn't want to talk anymore, Jack reached to open his satchel and grabbed his tablet he brought to school since he got it. plugging in his ear buds into the side of the large device, jack went to his music to choose a song he liked and with a tap of a finger on the delicate screen of the behemoth, he placed it back in his bag and rocked his head lightly walking in silence
Tim began to wonder around in his mind of him trying to come up with a way to get a pardon for being late this time. that and still trying to make an explanation to what went on in his head during those dark and dead silent nights. Some of the reasons seemed to have been floating in his mind just disturbed him.
When they reached the corner to the school parking lot that they always took as a shortcut, Tim and Jack heard the first bell of the day at Bankston High School, home the Basilisks. Tim's first thought was that he made it on time without going to the front office to take a yellow slip to Anatomy and then having to sit there knowing he would be late to hang out with his online friends as they destroyed new players on League of Legends.
Tim looked back ushering jack to hurry up, but to his suprise to see jack standing there looking on to the campus. It looked like he was staring into the void with him giving the blankest expression. "Hey Bro, you there?" Tim waved his hand over trying to catch his attention. What scared tim was when Jack suddenly looked at him and he saw his mouth move. Even though he didnt hear anything but he understood it well. Be wary of the Queen.
Tim felt terror grasp his entire body. He had never heard his friend say or do what he was doing right now. Just seemed way to different. First his mother was acting strange, now his friend making some sort of Dark Souls reference. He took a step back away from Jack, not knowing what to do from jack's eyes glaring right into his very being. Minutes passed of silence between them until a loud bell sound going throughout the campus. Jack broke out of his trance and blinked seeing Tim looking kike he could crap himself at any second.
"Why are you looking at me like that? "Jack broke the silence between them, "You look like you seen a ghost".
Tim was about to say something until another bell echoed just like the first. But it ringing so sudden made their blood run cold, then the announcements came on."ATTENTION TEACHERS AND STUDENTS, WE ARE ON LOCKDOWN! POLICE HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED!"
"Well so much for a break," Jack tightened his satchel, "alright what now man?
"You thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Heading to your house to hang out?" Jack suggested shrugging a little.
"You betcha Jack, "Tim smirked, "Shall we take the shortcut back or the long way?"
"Does t matter to me, "Jack turned and gestured to go in front of him to Tim, "Lead the way Captain."
Tim rolled his eyes. Seeing how jack was back to his normal, carefree self made him feel a bit disturbed at the events that just unfolded. It made no sense whatsoever to him. Tim didn't care right now he just wanted to go home and hang out with Jack. Tim gave a nod and they went on their way back to his house.
***
The Queen grew tired of being in that silent bedroom that she now grew accustomed to even though she did take it from another being. That wasn't the first time she took over someone's bedroom and their household altogether. she decided to put her head down out of boredom and look back to her memories. How she was able to sneak in to Canterlot as one of their own Princesses. How she was able to take control of the leader of their guards. How she effortlessly overpowered the very Princess that banished her to that hell of the Badlands. Chuckling at the thoughts of her success, she closed her eyes to get some rest from the events taking her here.
She felt herself go up a flight of cobblestone stairs cut with the most excellent angles and fit perfectly against the others. A fixture of stained glass tinted the walls with multi colored images of the past. curious she glanced over to the stained windows. One had a red maned alicorn looking at two other little alicorns who were playing around her. Another shown a battle against an ivory coated alicorn who was shown defeating the midnight blue alicorn with azure armor on. Another was the same alicorn raising the sun, but the last one was a mess. pieces of stained glass flew over and connected themselves together in a puzzle piece manner shown bits of pieces of a charcoal queen looking over a dozen other ponies bowing to her. she let out a well deserved laugh at her own accomplishment. I did it. I won. The Queen never felt this much joy in her life as a queen. My ancestors would be proud of me. she reached the top of the stairs to enter her new Throne room.
It was a sight only a changeling would take a gander on. All of the banners was of changeling wings coming out of a hollow black husk with a staggering design of a horn on the top. the windows had green tints to them making the scene feel more eerie as it was at her little cave she made for her children many years ago. The only thing not different was the throne. The silver and gold throne stood there in all its glory. She looked at the throne for a few seconds then saw a bright light coming from her left side and looked straight into it. without knowing it she was walking out into this beckoning light. she found herself on a balcony looking out at the kingdom below. ponies of different colors were walking around doing their own business. then she saw her children taking a dirt covered stallion with a fearful expression into a house. she watched this kingdom in awe and pride filling her very being. nothing could take this from her. nothing. But she felt like she was watched, She looked behind her to see her visitor. A bright pink maned changeling not larger than her was standing right before her.
"My Queen," The changeling bowed, "I apologize for barging in, but I have news from the scouts in Griffin Dore".
the Queen looked at the changeling seeing that she looked familiar, maybe a bit too familiar. "Celestia?" The Queen recognizing her tone and composure.
"Yes, that was my name before I became your advisor." Celestia simply replied getting back to her hooves.
"Alright, tell me what is very important to interrupt me at this time." The Queen said anxiously.
"As you have already heard, My sister has taken over the Griffon capital with her squad and is waiting further instructions."
The Queen stood there baffled at this Celestia bowing before her, and Luna taking over the empire that has haunted her children for as long as they discovered them. She had taken over her enemies and has to set the fate of her once godlike rivals.
This is her moment.
She has to give the Order.
"Send her a letter to ma-" A loud bang was heard and she startled and waking up suddenly from the unfamiliar noise. Then she heard something open, then was slammed shut, she heard someone talking but she couldn't quite understand it. here was a silence that made even the fierce Queen of all changelings gave a shiver down her spine.
She got up and off the bed and she felt she needed to investigate what happened outside. her horn lit up and the emerald flames engulfed her and when the fire subsided a few seconds later, her disguise of Tim's mother had been remade. standing on her two feet she stumbled only to catch herself with the bed frame. She gave a sigh of relief when no one heard her little surprised squeak she made. she then heard a rustling sound and a sound of things falling and crashing to the floor. Now she needed to investigate, she had her two legs carry her to the door and stopped. She reached out to twist the knob, but hesitated when she had a grasp of it. Thoughts were running through her mind at the speed of lightning. Did they find out about me? That same thought kept running through her mind. Shaking away her worries and thrust herself out to meet the unknown danger that awaited her.
She stood out in the hallway seeing from a distance what looked of a crime scene. someone was laying down and she could see some blood soaked towels strewn about the main living area. Worry began to come back again. She took no time getting to the injured creature. getting there she saw the bloodied mess of the being. The being was on his back, blood seeping out of a cloth that she recognized as a black top tied around his left shoulder. Rushing to the him, she knelt down grabbing the two ends and tightened the cloth thus making the half awake grunt from the pain intensifying, her mouth was tasting sour from his angst and despair. she wanted to spit out but she had to get him to feel relaxed.
She looked around to see if anyone will notice, she didn't know the reaction of this being lying before her. she had no choice in the matter, she didn't know if with the disguise had the properties of a unicorn. she closed her eyes as emerald flames engulfed her disguise, disintegrating it to regain her former self. she looked back down at the half awake human on the ground who is now looking up at her groggily. She charged her horn and the human closed his eyes and left to a state of unconsciousness. she sat there for a few seconds then she felt something was behind her, she jeered around to see a Frightened Tim, who then dropped the med kit he was looking for. Tim took a step back before he faintly asked " What are you?"
She stood up, almost a head shorter than him without her horn. she stared at him with her soul piercing emerald eyes before responding. "My name is Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings."
Tim's pupils went beady. She stared at Tim tasting his fear soaking every nerve in his body. she sighed, " I'm not going to kill you, though I wish I could do so." She felt the fear slowly dissipating from his body but curiosity was seeping in.
"What did you do to Jack!' Tim shouted shocked by the unconscious Jack beside the Queen. The Queen turned her head to find out that the human she just knocked out was this Jack fellow.
"He is unconscious but he has lost a vast amount of blood so I'm not sure if he will survive without help." The Queen replied calmly taking a few steps towards Tim, "But he is of no use for me".
The Queen stood a few feet away from Tim before breaking the silence. "The reason why I'm here Tim is I am in dire need of help."
"Help? Why did you come for me for help?" Tim looked at The Queen then to jack who coughed up some blood now running down his lips.
"Because you might be the one to help my children."
"You want me to help you?"
"Yes, allow me to explain," The Queen in a passive tone, "You see, my and my subjects have been tormented by our enemies and our land keeps growing smaller and smaller by each of their conquests. We became so desperate that I had to get help from someone from another world. That someone is you Tim. I feel that you are the one who may be our great savior to keep my race alive." That was a poor on my part, The Queen felt herself jamming a hoof to her face mentally,Lets hope he buys what I have told him.
Tim stared at her in thought of his choices. he looked over to jack seeing his own shirt he used now a maroon red. He gave a sigh. "Fine I'll help you and your Shape shifters"
"Changelings." The Queen corrected him.
"Whatever," Tim said rolling his eyes, "On one condition".
"A condition?" The Queen raised an eyebrow, "What is your condition?"
Tim raised his head keeping eye contact with Chrysalis and showed her some of the pride he had left, "Jack will come with us and is given medical attention."
She took a glance at jack lying on the floor pitying his situation. "If that will bring you to your sense of comfort then I will accept your terms."
Tim felt relieved, taking a step towards his wounded fellow, only to have The Queen step in front of him backing him back into the corner. "I have my terms you will have to follow if you want your comrade alive." The Queen said anticipating her prize to submit.
" Ok what is your condition" Tim said trying not to lose his composure again.
"you will see," the Queen stated, " I will also warn you that whatever you had here and anyone you have held dear to your very heart will be lost to you, so there will be no coming back to this world. Now raise your arm towards me and do cooperate, it will hurt less if you follow my instruction."
Tim lifted his left arm to where Chrysalis's instructed, but felt unsure about what the Queen had in mind. but somewhere in the back of his mind felt that this is the right path. she looked at his arm, now almost close to her chin she spoke to him keeping her muzzle at her target. "I might want to warn you as to others that have agreed to this. this process will hit every nerve in your body and will be excruciating." Tim gave her a nod as she made some final adjustments, feeling for the artery she was looking for. finding her target she guided her fangs into the destined area and sank them into Tim's forearm. she heard him grunt and winced as the toxin in her hollow fangs taking effect almost immediately. She retracted her fangs and retreated from Tim to watch him undergo the process. She saw the toxin's green array through Tim's veins. the pain was too great for Tim and fell to the floor writhing gave out a shrewd scream. within a few moments he fell silent but still breathing softly. She knew the first part was complete and quickly saw that the next part was in progress seeing Tim's skin darken.
She looked away from Tim now undergoing the horrid part of the process as she heard bones breaking and reforming. She went over to Jack now wheezing slightly form his anemic state. Charging her horn, she untied the maroon shirt seeing something glistening out of the corner of her eye. She took a closer look to see the thing lodged inside the wound was carefully removed from the wound to be examined. the thing now floating in front of her was what looked like a brass clump covered in blood. Frowning she tossed clump aside to take a closer look at the gaping hole in Jack's shoulder before she let her fangs show again letting them drip with the same toxin.
He said to save him, but he didn't say how. She lowered her fangs over the hole, dripping the toxin right into his system. She then charged her jagged horn, knitting the flesh and tissues back into place, then levitated him towards Tim, still in the second stage. using the energy she had stored from Tim's mother, The Queen charged her horn once more and summoned forth a portal ringed with the same emerald flames used for her disguises. then with what she had left she levitated the bodies into the flames, now setting the carpet around it to catch ablaze. She realized she wouldn't have much time to keep it up any longer, she sent out a message to her children that followed her to this world. Stay and keep me on tabs of the leader of this world. She felt the others accept their duties and became silent once more. With a smirk knowing of her accomplishment, she trotted though the portal whistling a familiar tune.