Chrysalis dipped into the jar of food once more and fed Ivory another big helping of carrots. The baby had become a bit more open to different foods since Chrysalis adopted them a little over a year ago. It was hard to believe that so much time had passed since then and how little has changed. While she was still Queen despite a vote in the council to remove her, a symbolic statement nothing more as it would have taken the entire council to vote to remove a queen, and was virtually impossible. Surprisingly Mirage was not one of the participants in the voting. While she did not vote to remove Chrysalis. She did not keep her disapproval quiet after the announcement. Calling Chrysalis a traitor several times among other things. The sentiment of the Hive had not changed much as well. The old guard still insulted her and called for her removal. She could feel their angry voices ring in her head through the Hive Mind. What was surprising was the low number of heavy dissenters and the high number of supporters. While her supporters did not match the dissenters by a long shot. The numbers were far off from Chrysalis’s prediction.
“Okay Ebony here comes the peas.” Chrysalis sung moving the spoon to Ebony. The baby opened his mouth but before the delicious mush could land, he closed it. Chrysalis moved her hand back, puzzled. Despite his size he was bottomless pit and rarely turned down food. He couldn't be full she had just started feeding. “Ebony are you okay? are you sick?” Chrysalis asked touching his forehead with the back of her hand. Ebony looked up at his mother his face scrunched up in thought.
Without warning Ebony disappeared with a pop and in flash of crimson light. Chrysalis stared at the spot where her child just vanished her hand still resting at the now empty space. She looked to her sisters who were just as shocked as her. They looked at each other, then at the chair, then to each other and back at the chair. Papillia was the first to break the stunned silence.
“What just happened!?” She shouted. Chrysalis sprung up and began looking through the high chair like he had slipped out, but the baby was nowhere in the room.
“Where is my baby!” Chrysalis cried quickly panicking. “It looked like he teleported but how… he’s just a baby. It looked to be crimson but…” Chrysalis shot up and her eyes darted across the table to Alexandrae. “Alex did you…” Chrysalis began fear filling her heart.
“Whoa I know it was crimson but it wasn’t me. My horn would have been glowing Chrysalis.” Alex said raising her hands in defense.
“But then how did… your the only one with crimson aura magic.” Chrysalis started clenching her fists. She didn’t want to believe it but if Alex had done anything to Ebony. Sisterhood be damned nothing would save her. She stared daggers at Alexandrae. Though Alexandrae was not the kind of Changeling to back down. She stood up and glaring at Chrysalis.
"I did not take your stupid gross little Equestrian, Chrysalis." She seethed. The two titans stared each other down ready to put the other through the wall if it came to it.
“Chryssie it wasn’t her! I was staring at Alex before it happened her horn never lit up.” Papilia intervened rising from her chair, but Chrysalis wasn't listening. Something had taken her child from her and Alex was the prime suspect. Priamus sunk back into her chair to get as far from the clash as possible. Arthemis on the other hand was silently staring a whole through Chrysalis. It was a concoction of anger, disappointment, and sorrow but it stronger than the most acidic acid. It was even able to burn through Chrysalis's steely resolve.
“But if not Alex then who… why?” As Chrysalis racked her brain around the mystery faint sharp cries could be heard. “Ebony!” Chrysalis cried taking flight and storming out the doors.
“Chrysalis wait!” She could hear Alexandrae yell from behind her but she didn’t have time to wait. Her baby was in danger, crying out for her. She had to find him along whoever teleported him. They will know the unbridled wrath of the Changeling Queen.
“For the love of the gods. Arthemis stay here with the babies.” Alexandrae ordered following after Chrysalis "Such a stupid woman it could be a trap for all she knows but no..." She continued to curse Chrysalis as she chased after her with Priamus and Papilla following.
As she left the meeting room the crying became clearer and was coming from upstairs. ‘Could it be my room?’ She thought. She flew up the stairs and towards her tower; as her sisters ran to catch up with her. As Chrysalis scaled the large tower her child’s cries became clearer and clearer. ‘What fool would take my child to my own room? Doesn’t matter I don’t mind painting my walls with their blood.’ Chrysalis growled. She skidded to a halt landing in front of her door. Ebony’s howls were definitely right behind it. Horn glowing a violent dark viridian she threw the door open ready for battle. However as Chrysalis charged through she was met with no one, except for Ebony crying in his crib. No kidnappers with him at knife point, no revolutionaries or Changelings from another Hive. Just Ebony’s head gently poking out from behind the crib’s railings. Chrysalis scanned the room. Her breathing heavy from the flying and rage but the room was truly empty. She lightly, cautiously tiptoed over to Ebony. As if one wrong move would blow the place sky high. She peeked over the railings. His face was red from the cries but unharmed. Upon seeing his mother again he stretched his arms out for her to take him into her security.
Chrysalis lifted and cradled him tightly into the comfort of her bosom. “Ebony how did you get here?” She asked looking down at Ebony who had stopped crying. He didn’t say anything instead holding up his stuffed owl. Which was generously given to him by his cousin Proteus on their birthday. As Chrysalis looked down at the stuffed owl things began to click but they made even less sense. “Ebony did you… teleport?” She asked. She had heard that Equestrian babies had naturally stronger magics than changelings, though, it took them much longer to control it. But for a baby just the age of two or so to teleport, that can’t be normal. Just as Chrysalis was about to head back down stairs. Ebony teleported once more from her arms in a flash of crimson.
“Oh gods not again.” Chrysalis muttered barging out the door and slamming into Alexandrae. Knocking them both down.
“Chrysalis slow down was Ebony in there we heard him stop crying.” Alexandrae asked getting up.
“No time Ebony’s teleporting we have to find him.” Chrysalis shot up and ran back down the stairs.
“Wait Chrysalis!” Alexandrae shouted but Chrysalis had disappeared down the staircase. “Stubborn bitch.” Alexandrae growled charging after her.
“Did she say Ebony was teleporting?” Papilia asked following Alexandrae.
“I really don’t want to run anymore.” Priamus muttered reluctantly following them
Dr. Hale was currently at his desk quietly reading over human anatomy book. Since Chrysalis had adopted the two humans he had taken it upon himself to study up on human biology and their growth process. It was a surprisingly spell-binding read. Humans were incredibly fascinating to the doctor. Apart of him wanted to leave the hive and disguise as a human doctor to learn more, but he knew his Queen needed him here. Then a flash of red light interrupted his concentration. Looking up he was stunned to see Prince Ebony sitting at the same bed they put him in when they arrived. They engaged in a tense staring contest with neither breaking eye contact.
“Ummm hi?” Dr. Hale said gently waving at the baby. Ebony continued to stare at him before teleporting in another pop of crimson light. Dr. Hale stared at the empty bed in utter confusion. “Huh.” He muttered getting up from his chair and over to his book shelf. “I believe I read something about this.” He murmured scanning the shelves. Eventually finding the required reading entitled: Burst Magic and Your Baby.
Chrysalis sped through the corridors of the castle looking for Ebony. “Okay if he is teleporting he can only be in places he’s been to in the castle.” She said heading to the nursery. Her mind was still racing that Ebony could teleport. It was a mix of pride and fear. On one hand the poor child could hurt himself teleporting everywhere; but at the same time she couldn’t help but be a little proud that he could pull off something like teleport at a young age. ‘It must mean he’s gifted at magic. Maybe he’s some kind of prodigy’ She giggled fantasizing about the possibilities.
Opening the door she was relieved to find her hunch was correct, and the young prince was sitting in the middle of the room. Pretending his owl was flying and crashing into a stuffed dragon. He giggled as he saw his mother holding up his toys for her to play with him.
“Sorry Ebony maybe later but you still need to eat.” Chrysalis said as her horn lit up to ensnare him in her magic, preventing any more teleportation. Ebony on the other hand was having too much fun and teleported once more with a giggle, just before she snatched him
“Okay now I’m getting tired of this.” Chrysalis sighed as her arms dropped to her sides in defeat. She left the room to find him once more in the sprawling castle.
“Ebony!” She hollered speed-walking through the halls. While he could only teleport to known places it didn’t completely narrow down her search. As all he needed was a single image to teleport regardless of how familiar he was with it. Thankfully Chrysalis had yet shown him everything in his new home. For once her procrastination played into her advantage. She was heading back to the dining room hoping he had teleported back when she saw Dr. Hale just ahead of her at the atrium.
“Dr. Hale? Do you need something?” Chrysalis called flagging him down.
“Ah Queen Chrysalis. Looking for Prince Ebony?” He asked already knowing the answer.
“Yes how did you know?” Chrysalis responded raising her eyebrow.
“He popped up in my office not too long ago and I believe I know why if you’re curious.” He asked holding out the book he was holding.
“Maybe later I still need to find him” Chrysalis responded. Just as she said that the main doors were burst open with a Changeling guard running through.
“Queen Chrysalis! Prince Ebony is on the Royal Balcony!” He shouted kneeling before her. Chrysalis felt her heart stop and drop into her stomach. Faster than lightning she took off through the doors leaving the two in her dust. With her wings beating with the force of a typhoon she rounded the bend of the castle to the balcony. True to the guard’s word her precious prince was perched on the balcony still playing with his owl.
“Ebony stay right there, sweetie!” Chrysalis shouted flying up to him. Upon seeing his mother he was too excited to contain himself on the balcony. He scurried over to where his mother was flying from. His tiny body fitting perfectly through the bars of the balcony. His tiny hand fell down on open air and the poor prince dropped like a rock. Chrysalis’s heart froze over and plummet like her child from the balcony. Chrysalis’s horn lit up and grabbed the tumbling prince in her magic. Delicately she levitated the baby to her arms. Completely oblivious to his almost tragic accident and his mother’s heart attack. Ebony began to giggle as if it was a game of tag. Cradled in her arms but not out of her magic Chrysalis’s heart resumed its regular paces. Ebony’s body lit up in a crimson aura for another teleport.
“Oh no you don’t. No more teleporting. After that stunt you're grounded till you’re 20.” Chrysalis growled as the green hue around him brightened in strength. Stopping the baby’s magic discharge dead in it’s tracks. Ebony looked up at his mother’s angry face and his high pitched giggles increased. “Giving me heart attack is not funny you little brat.” She snarled wrinkling her nose in anger. Ebony was laughing so hard at his mother’s funny face he began to snort. “You’re not funny.” Chrysalis mumbled landing on the ground. Then heading back to the castle with her obnoxious teleporter.
As Chrysalis shut the doors behind her returning to Dr. Hale. An out of breath Alexandrae confronted her. “Chrysalis there you are we have a problem.” She huffed catching her breath.
“Don’t worry I got Ebony right here.” She responded holding him up.
“I’m not blind and I’m not talking about him. It’s Ivory.” She shot back. Chrysalis’s heart skipped a beat. ‘Ivory? Please no.’ She thought dread washing over her face.
“What about Ivory?” She asked fearing the answer.
“Come see for yourself.” Alexandrae said leading Chrysalis over to the meeting room and throwing open the door. Chrysalis’s jaw dropped to the floor.
Ivory’s hands were glowing a vibrant green. In the same magical aura was all the food, the silverware, and all the stuffed animals . They were all tumbling through the air around Ivory. Who was giggling at the performance he had orchestrated. On the far side of the room as far away as possible was Arthemis. Clutching her three hatchlings in her arms and cerulean magic.
"Ma!" Ivory squealed spinning around in his seat and waving. Sending the items to hang precariously over Chrysalis, Alexandrae, and Dr. Hale.
“Ivory, put everything down, gently. Remember? Gently.” Chrysalis said like she was a hostage negotiator. Unfortunately with no control over his magic. Ivory’s quiet movements sent the items hurtling all over the room. Coming dangerously close to hitting someone. Before Chrysalis could say another word a gray beam of light shot past her face striking the baby. Ivory closed his eyes and his whole body went limp sending his orchestra to crashing to the ground. Breaking the legs of Ebony’s chair, destroying the food. But leaving the silverware and stuffed animals unharmed.
Chrysalis twisted around to Dr. Hale whose horn was glowing in the same gray aura. Chrysalis was ready to tear the doctor’s head off and mount it to a wall. Her face was a clear indication of her deadly thoughts as Dr. Hale threw his hands up in a hurried defense.
“It was only a sleep spell he’s fine completely fine.” Dr. Hale spouted. Chrysalis stalked over to him like a tiger to it’s prey. With a fiery hiss she got right in Dr. Hale’s face. Her eyes glaring burning hot death into his eyes.
“Why did you think it was necessary to hit my child. My little Ivory with a spell of any kind?” She growled baring her teeth.
“I’m sorry I panicked.” He stated. “Besides the book recommended it in extreme situations.” He continued putting the book he was holding between them as a flimsy barrier.
“What book is this?” Chrysalis growled reading the title. “Burst Magic? Does this book explain what happened? She asked.
“Yes my Queen. these two were going through what is called magical outbursts. They are burst magic users, hence the name. They will have periods of extreme magic fluxes from time to time until they are about five years old. It recommended a spell to use if things ever got dangerous. It’s a completely harmless sleep spell he should wake up in thirty minutes. Here you should read it.” He stated handing Chrysalis the book.
“Really now? Well thank you for this information. But in the future if you ever hit one on my babies with a spell without my permission. I will do things to you can’t possibly imagine. I don’t care if you did help deliver me.” She growled ending her threat with another fiery hiss.
“Does this book say anything else about these magical outbursts? Like any long term effects?” She asked walking over to Ivory holding the book in her magic.
“I could not read the entire thing my Queen. I do recall it mentioning these bursts could be an indicator of their magic potential.” He responded wiping his fear sweat from his brow.
“Really well I’ll be sure to read it later tonight. But for now I’m going to put these two troublemakers to bed.” She said picking up Ivory as Ebony let out a big yawn in her arms. But not before one final word from Arthemis
“Troublemakers? But I thought you said you’re children were going to be perfect little angels.” Arthemis teased recalling their conversation from before she had adopted.
“Shut up Arthemis!” Chrysalis bit back leaving the room in a huff.
As she was walking out she stopped in front of Alexandrae. She was out of breath but her eyes were still smoldering fire from their previous fight.
"Alex, I'm sorry, it was wrong of me to accuse you of kidnapping my child." She said. "You are my sister and despite your feelings about this I should have believed you. I hope you can forgive me." She continued. Alexandrae looked down at her sister mulling over her words and looking at her sorry eyes. Finally she gave a heavy sigh.
"Of course I do and I'm sorry too." She said. "I'm sorry that I made you think I would do something so horrible. While I certainly don't like any of this I said I would try and I clearly haven't been, so I'm sorry. Also for calling them gross, they're... precious." She struggled with the last word gritting her teeth into a forced smile. Chrysalis gave a small smile in return. It may have been horribly ungenuine but at least she was willing to try. She quickly pecked Alex on the lips in thanks before leaving the room with her children already asleep.