Stories in Stone
Lost Empire
By TDR
Sound of Silence
[Three days after the defeat of Tirek]
Luna landed lightly, folding her wings along her back as she slowly approached the figure crouched on the edge of a small pond. The clear blue water practically shimmered around the shore though it went darker the deeper the water went until it was a impenetrable blue in the middle. The gray and orange creature didn't seem to notice her, but she saw an ear twitch as it shivered.
“Jer'rahd?” Luna asks hesitantly.
“It still terrifies me.....” The figure states. “I'm not sure why it wouldn't, but deep water still bothers me. I'm not even in my body any more and I'm still scared of the damn water.”
“That means your mind is unchanged at least.” Luna states approaching closer with a sigh. “ I was starting to think you were never going to stop.”
“I look like a bucking symmetrical Discord.” Jer'rahd growls.
“You're not that bad, you look more like a taller Sombra with a dragon's tail.” Luna placates.
“Fitting, I suppose given you look rather like Chrysalis.” Jer'rahd lifts his head turning it back a bit to look at her with his green eye.
Luna frowns looking away from the dejected unicorn, her hoof scuffing the sand of the shore.
“You..... you don't think I'm ugly now do you?”Luna mutters.
Jer'rahd snorts, a bit of flame flashing in front of him seeming to startle him as much as it did Luna. l
“You wouldn't be ugly even if you were the one who looked like Discord.” Jer'rahd points out. “Still I could ask you the same thing about me.”
“You are different, but you are still you, and different isn't bad either.” Luna sighs in relief, moving to settle down next to him. She raises one wing and gingerly lays it over his back. The former unicorn flinches, though he doesn't pull away. There was a small taste of love mixed in with his emotions, but it was little more than a brief taste before a rolling sea of anger and depression buried it again. Had Luna not been focused on trying to block it out she would have been overwhelmed by the raw emotions Jer'rahd had. Was it something of a side effect from the beast? Or was it her connection to him powerful enough that his feelings were so clear to her and the emotions this strong?
“Since when did you even care about your appearance?” Luna asks.
“I don't, but it's something trivial I can focus on. Something stupid to keep me distracted from the real problems. I woke from a nightmare to find it a reality.” Jer'rahd sighs. “I would love to be distracted from that.”
“Where's Troph?”
Jer'rahd lifts an oddly shaped fore hoof up and taps a necklace on his chest that she hadn't noticed before in his slightly shaggier gray coat.
“In here. Seems he brought the Element of Loyalty with him, no idea how he got it from Rainbow Dash. When I … when I changed I forced him out, all the way out, this was the only place for him to go.”
The pair were silent a moment.
“How's Applebloom?”
“She's fine, no lasting damage was done it seems, though she hasn't stopped for the last few days, much like you.” Luna placates.
“I almost made things worse..... if I hadn't stopped.......”
“But you did.... and also you thinned out quite a few monsters in this part of the forest. A tank, six hydra's, an untold number of Trolls and Cockatrice nests, three Rocs, a rogue dragon, four bandersnatch, two jub jub birds and a Jaberwocky. That last one was a bit of a fight.”
“Jaberwocky tastes horrid. I can't recommend it.” Jer'rahd grumbles sticking out his tongue, Luna took note that it wasn't forked like a dragons.
“In any event I am amazed you are still awake after three straight days as the monster.”Luna adds.
“I'm tired, but that's it. Well that and I'm having a bit of issue moving.”Jer'rahd grumbles. “The edge of a pond was not my choice for where to stop.”
“It's alright.” Luna herself tenses as Jer'rahd turns laying his head on her shoulders above the wing.
“It's not......” Jer'rahd mutters. “You are bigger.”
“So are you.....”
Jer'rahd sighs. “Doesn't matter how you look Luna, you know I love you.
“And I you.”
“I think we should be a little more worried about what our foals think of us.”
“Well Pip's seen me..... though he didn't say much..... oh dear.... Orange, Berry, and Brush..... given what the Changelings did to them......”
“I think they will be fine, they are all old enough to realize you are not the one who killed their parents..... I was more concerned with Dawn... Will she even recognize us? She only knew me for a few days at best.....” Jer'rahd muses.
There was more silence before Luna spoke again her ears flattening.
“Jer'rahd about Rhede and Velkorn... it wasn't your fault.....”
“Don't... just don't ….. I let my ego get the better of me thinking I could handle anything and I let the bastard take me by surprise..... It's more my fault than any one elses....”
Luna flinches, she could feel hot droplets of liquid striking her back and she lowers her wing more wrapping him in it as best she could.
“Applebloom won't live forever. When she finally passes I am going to rip that bastard into bits.”Jer'rahd growls.
Luna frowns though she closes her eyes having something to distract him this time.
“I think there are others who have a greater claim on destroying Tirek.”Luna corrects.
“What? Who?”
“Just listen Jer'rahd. There are quite a few things you evidently don't know about what's been going on.” Luna mentions softly looking up at the sky and letting the sun start to set a the end of another day. She turns back to Jer'rahd who had yet to move and informs him of all that he had missed since he departed to take out the Red Hooves.
=====================================================
[ Everfree Forest. Four days after the defeat of Tirek.]
Applejack blinked looking at the woods around her. Fluttershy had come out here following Angel Bunny. No one but the butter yellow pegasus knew why, but after what Fluttershy and Grace had done in the Crystal Empire, even Princess Celestia would have come at the shy mare's call.
As it stood Fluttershy had a veritable army of Royal Guard and a few score of emergency workers in a caravan heading into the Everfree forest following a old white rabbit. It was to Fluttershy's credit that she managed to get over her shyness long enough to convey the need to hurry. While every pony was confused as to why they were headed into the Everfree, the expressions on some of the ponies faces spoke of being willing to follow the mare into Tartarus if she asked.
Applejack was one of them, though she was doing it more because she felt she owed her mare friend for leaving her alone, rather than being asked. Fluttershy said had forgiven Applejack for running off like that, but Applejack hadn't forgiven herself. It was stupid petty revenge and it could have gotten her killed. Sure there was the fact she could tell instantly if some one was lying, and she had been cheating the system in a way that might make Pinkie Pie jealous. She had told Big Mac to tell her they if they fought Tirek the pair of them would lose,
He did.
And she knew he was lying, even if he didn't.
When Angel Bunny showed up being carried by Philomena and had started doing... well what ever he was doing in front of Fluttershy, the mare had shown a rare moment of determination following her initial joy at seeing her pet and then her panic about what she was told. She had quickly grabbed as many ponies as she could and then commandeered the first train back to carry them.
Applejack had heard that Princess Luna had returned with Jer'rahd a day or so ago, but she hadn't heard anything about her cousin since. She doubted he would be in a good mood after the whole deal with Rhede, but she still wanted to talk to him about it, there were arraignments that needed to be made and the only one closer to them then she and Fluttershy were was Jer'rahd.
Angel Bunny pushed ahead and into an area Applejack knew too well. Thirteen years ago the two of them and three other towns ponies had come out here following a stranger into the woods after a disastrous Summer Sun Celebration. They had saved a Princess and started a chain of events that had been a chaotic whirl wind of ups and downs. New friends, family, and new foes.
Castle Whinnysire.
The rabbit hurried up towards the building, though Applejack paused as did most of the others. She had expected a large number of Fluttershy's animals to be in the area, what she did not expect was the large number of Timber Wolves to be skulking about as well. The plant beasts kept their distance, but their glowing eyes remained fixed on the convoy.
Fluttershy glanced down at Angel then back to the Timber wolves before hesitantly following after the bunny.
“Ah thought all of these buggers were reported tah be over in White Tail now?” Applejack comments.
“Angel bunny says they want to be, but they were told to help here first.” Fluttershy states moving ahead of the caravan as Angel hopped along.
“Told by who?”
“Some one they revere, I don't know the whole translation as it's translated from dog to bunny and then to pony so it's a little hard to say properly.”
“Dog?” Applejack asks her ears perking up as a loud excited barking could be heard and Winona rushes up bouncing around Applejack and jumping up to lick her face excitedly. Applejack laughs though Angel Bunny just rolls his eyes gesturing about something and both he and Winona run past the ruined castle's outer walls.
Sections of the ground had collapsed as the under-croft of the place had been blown up ten years ago, but the old castle remained relatively the same on the surface.
Applejack looked over at her wife following the line of her wing and where the yellow length turned white and became covered in black stripes. Fluttershy hadn't told her fully what happened, but Applejack hadn't needed her too so long as she was alright.
The farm mare pushed forward trotting after the yellow pegasus as she steps through the wide open gate of the castle into the main throne room.
“Oh my.” Fluttershy gasped.
Applejack blinked as her eyes adjusted to the inside of the castle. The room was filled with fillies and colts darting around or cowering in corners and behind various animals that were in the room.. There were a small number of adults too, though most of them seemed out of it, victims of Tirek most likely. Nearly all the ponies in the room were pegasi.
“What in tarnation?”
“The survivor's of Cloudsdale.” Fluttershy gasps.
“MEDICS!” Applejack yells back out the door to the caravan, sending a number of ponies scrambling forward.
========================================================
[Crystal Empire, 4 days after the defeat of Tirek.]
So how is he auntie?” Cadence asks as she walks besides Luna, the larger mare having only gotten back in the early hours of the morning. Though she had missed seeing off the first train back to New Canterlot due to her trying to catch everyone up on what had happened personally , rather than through a Changeling.
“Comatose. He will likely be out for a few days. I cannot say what sort of mood he will be in when he wakes up however. Likely a foul one, but I think he is past the worst of it. Still I have Bleu keeping an eye on him. I want him under watch for a while.” Luna explains. “I take it you know what happened to those who Tirek claimed?”
“I'm told they all remember what happened to them while they were taken. They saw everything Tirek did while he had their power and memories. And many saw it from more than one angle as they were split along with the clones. I'm not sure how that works, but once Twilight recovers I'm sure she would know.” Cadence responds. “I've already issued a call for as many councilors and psychiatrists as I can get a hold of, but it's not going to be enough.”
“No it's not, we need to keep them occupied and busy. So long as they are distracted they shouldn't have time to dwell on their memories. Talk to Sweetiebelle, Bleu, Discord and Pinkie Pie, I am sure they will be willing to put on a show or at the very least have some ideas. The bearers of Laughter were always good at keeping ponies distracted.”
Luna glances to the side as Starfall glides up to her on the other side, landing lightly and walking along with the Princesses, the pair of larger ponies slowing their pace for the smaller mare.
“What have you got for me Starfall?” Luna asks dreading the answer.
“The city is clear and recovery is underway. All the clones were confirmed destroyed approximately the time Tirek fell, though they had all been forced to the train gate well before then. The Parasprite problem is also one hundred percent eradicated. The Crystal Dragonflies didn't leave a single one any where. I need like three of those things to hang around me all the time.” Starfall mutters the last. “The medics are on full shifts tending the injured. Fluttershy and Applejack are leading the first expedition back to New Canterlot to survey the damage, though Fluttershy said they have some where else to stop first and she gathered a sizable number of Guard and emergency workers to take with her. Most of the Dragons that came with Spike and Bleu have all left, though we have a bit more damage from their presence as more than a few couldn't help take a bite or two out of some of the buildings. On the plus side the ones that stuck around have been helpful in clearing out a few of the destroyed buildings. We may have also opened up a whole new trade with them after they found out that the Crystal Ponies grow their homes.”
Excellent.” Luna states rounding a corner headed for a particular set of quarters. Luna extends a wing to the smaller pegasus offering a bit of jewelry with a lightning bolt on it. “See to it this is returned to the vault with the others........ and make sure you place it right next to the Element of Kindness.”
Starfall nods taking the Element of Loyalty from Luna. “ Anything else princess?”
“Not at the moment Starfall, thank you. Though if you wouldn't mind checking in with Bleu. She's watching Jer'rahd sleep now, but I want him under full watch for a while.” Luna states.
“I understand. “ Starfall nods. “It's gonna be a nightmare for the next few months with all this information coming in and the rebuilding.”
“You don't know the half of it Starfall. And it's probably going to be worse before it gets better.” Luna's ears flatten and for a moment she looks ready to fall over the moment her eyes close, though she snaps back to attention rather quickly.
“Auntie... you should rest...” Cadence looks at her with concern from one side while Starfall stares at her from the other.
“I will, but I have things that I need to do first that I simply cannot delegate to others that easily.” She slows a bit more looking up at the crowd at the end of the hall. Leader of the remaining Griffons Dusty, the Sparkles, Shining Armor, Brier Rose, Hospice Moskau, Big Mac, Rainbow Dash, and a Half Dragon stallion whose name eluded her. “Starfall if you would stick around a bit. This is likely going to be harder with you being my Element of Honesty, but Applejack is indisposed at the moment.”
“I still have no idea what you are doing auntie.” Cadence sighs.
“You will find out soon.” Luna looks to the others. “Thank you all for coming, I know you all have other things to do, but I am sure you have seen or at least heard of how my my sister has been for the last few days.” Luna calls to the others.
“My husbands still in the damn woods working on that stupid boat. I need to go get him before he works himself to death.” Dusty snorts. “ Or something eats him.”
“I can happily say there is nothing within Leagues of that place that is a threat to a pony for a while. It has been a rather graphic three days.” Luna shakes her head moving towards the door as the group parts letting her pass.
“Now for the fun part.” Changeling Queen snarks.
Pushing open the door it was quite clear that some one in the room was angry. Everything in the room was black, burned to a crisp with the only exception being a bed in the corner that had a purple unicorn laying curled up in it. A small purple dragon sat on the bed with her stroking her mane. Spike looked up as Luna enters, his gaze darting over to the other figure in the room.
A white earth pony mare sat on the floor, her back against one wall, the very air around her shimmering with heat. Her pink mane and tail whipped and flared from the heat, sparks of flame danced over her fur. The very temperature in the room was close to that of an oven, though Luna expected the bed was much cooler.
The earth pony looked up as Luna entered the flames growing even hotter. Luna needed neither the power to see day dreams nor the ability to feel emotion to know the white pony wanted to destroy her immediately simply due to her being a Changeling. Still after the moment of rage the flames flickered and died a little as the recognition hit.
“Luna?!”
“I certainly hope you plan to pay for the damages here from your royal allowance and not the budget. I think we have that spent for the next few years as it is.“ Luna sighs.
“What happened to you … why are you?”
“A Changeling? Because they were created by Starswirl to fight Tirek the first time he appeared. It seemed like a logical step as we needed something that he couldn't absorb and with the power I hold, he didn't need to get that. We needed their power, and with Chrysalis dead the only way that was going to happen was if some one became their Queen”
Luna glances back noting every one else was crowded outside the door to escape the heat of the room though they were clearly still listening.
“But … why you...?”
“Because there was no one else. And before you ask, no. There is no way for me to change back. I was aware this was a one way path the moment I undertook the process.”Luna explains like she was reading from a list.” On the plus side, I doubt I will need to steal your cakes any more.”
“I do not expect that will be well received.”Celestia snorts.
“Judging by your flaring anger, no it has not been. To tell the truth there are perhaps a hoof full of ponies whose opinions on what I have done I give a buck about. So far out of them all you have been the only one who has had a major issue with it.” Luna states flatly.
“I have not even said anything.” Celestia snorts.
“You do not need to. I can feel your emotions, you have little control or filter of them at the moment, anger, betrayal, sadness. Of course looking at your room, anyone can see that. This of course brings me to why I am here.”
“You need a reason to see me now?”
“In the current state of things I need reasons to do anything. In this case particularly. “ Luna glances back at the group at the door, this was gonna cause some issues. Or at least a ruckus. “In regards to your god hood and the control of the sun. I am not giving those back to you.”
The sudden blast of anger caused Celestia to ignite before her, Luna quickly tossed a shield up between the white pony and those at the door. The roar of flame washing over her was annoying, but without her godhood to back the power up Luna could pretty much ignore the fire, though she did shift into a less flammable version of herself. It was of interest however that while Spike had grown larger and shielded Twilight, the flames came no where near the bed. Luna smiled at that.
“You are proving my reason why now you know. “ Luna states noting the fire start to die down. She drops the shield before the door hearing the muttering of those outside at her statement.
“You are currently not in your right state of mind,you have not really been since Avianna returned. You have been moody, angry and to be honest a proper pain in the ass to tell the truth. All that could be ignored, save for at the moment, you also lack control.”
“Sounds like you are describing Kaisur.” Celestia growls.
“Hmm I suppose I am. Right now he has anger and moodiness in spades, but unlike you he has more control of his emotions, so much so that when he finally lost control and simply went off, no one was expecting it. He forcibly evicted Troph from his body, transformed back into the first incarnation of the Beast, ignored the orders of Nightmare Moon completely and was in the process of peeling the tree containing Tirek apart like a banana.” Luna explains.
“Why even stop him at that point, every one was already freed. That thing is better off dead.” Celestia grumbles.
“The same reason I am nipping your attempt on him until after we get you some therapy. That you are this angry at him for what he did to Twilight and all the little ponies you couldn't protect is admirable, but stopping one god from destroying that tree is far more than enough for me this century. “ Luna sighs.” Besides the tree is connected to Applebloom, if it's hurt so is she, if the tree and Tirek are destroyed she will die. Do you really wish to have the entire Apple family mad at you so soon after they lost many of their number as well? Particularly Since Jer'rahd, Bleu, and by marriage myself are also members of the Apple family?”
A loud crack made Celestia and Luna look over to the gathered ponies just outside. Big Mac was standing in the doorway with one hoof on the frame, a doorway that was now crumbling to the ground as Mac's hoof pulled away from the shattered frame. His eyes shifted between Luna and Celestia, he clearly wanted an answer as to what was going on with his little sister, but the hint of what he might do if she was harmed wasn't going to be ignored, particularly since it became common knowledge of what he and Applejack had done.
“I annulled that marriage.” Celestia mutters changing the subject.
“It's still going to happen.” Luna snorts looking over at the curled up Twilight. She was awake, Luna could tell that and she had been listening, but she was too much in a depression to say anything. Still Luna felt the flash of anger every time Tirek's name was mentioned. In truth the flare of the purple mares anger dwarfed anything she had felt from anyone but Jer'rahd. This conversation was hopefully going to be good for both Celestia and Twilight.
At least Luna hoped so. If Twilight decided to do something to that tree Luna was not a hundred percent sure she could stop her in time.
“In any case you two will be staying here until New Canterlot Castle can be recovered... or most likely rebuilt...... again..” Luna grumbles. “ Now then, Cadence would you come here for a moment please?”
The pink pegicorn blinked in surprise, moving forward with a hesitant look at Celestia then over at Twilight, clearly worried about both.
“What is it auntie?”
“I need your help with something Cadence. There is an issue that has come up that is not just a political one, but also a physical one. It's one reason everyone is here. I needed witnesses to this.” Luna sighs.” Will you accept the powers Celestia had until such time as she is recovered enough to wield them once again?”
“What?” Cadence stammers her question echoed by a number of others.
“If I hold onto them everyone will fear another Nightmare Moon situation and we don't need conflict for something stupid after all that has happened.“ Luna explains. “There is also the fact that the power I hold far exceeds anything one pony should have. I fought Tirek. I have been awake chasing a monster through the forest for three days . Then i teleported myself, Jer'rahd, and two blades that disrupt magic from White Tail Woods all the way to the Crystal Empire with such pin point accuracy that I managed to lay Jer'rahd down on my bed and under the blankets. After all that and moving both celestial bodies I barely felt any drain at all on the power. With as much feeding into me I might burn up if I continue to hold both, I'm not really sure, magic was always a secondary thing for me. But it was starting to hurt before I became a changeling. I'm not sure of my new limits, but I don't want to overestimate them. I will warn you, the Starswirl in the sun is an ass.”
“What?” Cadence asks again.
“Let me ask it this way? Will you accept this Cadence? I would like to take a nap at some point and I have my own things I want to do. Things that I cannot do if I have to watch the day and night.” Luna corrects.”Celestia can walk you through moving the sun if you are worried about that. Can't you Tia?”
“Yes.... I can......” Celestia mutters.
“Well then Cadence?” Luna asks smiling a little as Cadence nods.
==================================
[Crystal Empire 5 days after the defeat of Tirek. Morning]
Chrysalis knocked on the door, hearing little but a muffled groan from the other side and the clack of claws on the floor. The door opens and a rather annoyed looking Spike greets the former Changeling queen.
“Oh it's you. What do you want, Chrysalis, or Locust or what ever.” Spike yawns.
“I need to speak with Twilight Sparkle.”
“She's not exactly up for dealing with visitors. Come back later. “ Spike grumbles trying to shut the door only to have the Changeling stick out her foot and stop it from closing.
“I am not likely to have a later. Celestia is out with Cadence trying to raise the sun and Luna is asleep and or trying not to laugh at Cadence's attempts, either way she is distracted enough that she won't be paying attention to what I have to say and given how confusing this is going to be any way I don't need her input.”
“......... fine. But don't try anything funny.”
“Like funny ha ha or funny ho ho?” Chrysalis asks dead pan.
“Ahh gods, it's too damn early for jokes.” Spike growls opening the door for her to enter. “ Twilight you have a visitor.
There was no response though Chrysalis could see Twilight sitting up on the bed, her half lidded gaze barely turning to look at her.
“Depression, anger, and a touch of shock. “ Chrysalis licks her lips. “ Not the best flavor, but then again I didn't come here to eat.”
The Changeling moves over to Twilight dropping the pony disguise and reverting to how Locust normally looked. Twilight barely batted an eye, that Locust was a Changeling was barely even a badly kept secret anymore. Though it was when the small unicorn changeling turned into a very big alicorn like Changeling that Twilight instantly recognized, that there was a reaction.
Chrysalis yelps dropping to the floor as a blast of arcane energy rips through the space she had been standing, blowing a hole in the chard wall on the other side of the room.
“SPIKE A LITTLE HELP!?” Chrysalis cries out.
The dragon seems to hesitate as Twilight surged out of the bed tackling the former Changeling Queen trying to throttle her.
A large dragon claw lifted Twilight off the gasping Changeling as Spike shifted size enough to take up more of the already trashed room. “Calm down Twilight, she's not the enemy.... probably.”
“Why do they always go for the throat!” Chrysalis coughs rubbing her neck with a hoof. “ I came here to freaking talk not get strangled again.”
“Spike let me go I have to stop her before she does something....”Twilight growls.
“She's not going to do anything, she's likely one of the reasons we won.”Spike explains struggling to keep a grip on the now thrashing mare.
“And why Tirek was sealed in the first place... don't forget that....... bah holding this form now is taking too much power....” Chrysalis grumbles letting herself shift back to a smaller Changeling adopting Locust's form once more. “ Better?”
“Why the heck are you in the Crystal Empire?!?” Twilight demands still squirming in Spike's hands. Spike simply seemed happy that she was active again, even if it was just to be angry.
“Well if you stopped trying to kill me I'd tell you. I live here … I have for the last ten years in fact.” Chrysalis grumbled rubbing her throat.
“Right like Princess Cadence and my brother would allow that!”
“They practically have my child hostage. It's a safe bet they didn't think I would do anything that would threaten Metamorpo.”
“Shintsha.” Spike corrects.
“Yes, yes, Shin....” Chrysalis mutters.
“Also Shining was clueless.” Spike adds as the Changeling flinches.
“I am trying not to antagonize the walking assault magic battery you are currently holding and I didn't want her to think I was insulting her brother by pointing out how stupid he is, but thanks for doing that for me Spike.” Chrysalis grumbles.
“No problem, it sounds more plausible now any way.” Spike chuckles. ”My older brothers a lot of things but observant isn't one of them.”
“What do you want?” Twilight growls finally.
“Just to say thank you. “ Chrysalis smirks at Twilight's clueless expression.
“Thank me .. for what?”
“Nothing you've done.........yet.” Chrysalis smiles a little wider as now even Spike looked confused.
“Umm.” Twilight stammers.
“Never mind, just keep in mind the next time you meet me that you need to tell me to give my powers to Celestia when everything goes wrong after i've been betrayed.” Chrysalis gestures with a hoof.
“And when will that be?”
“Oh it's already happened a long time ago for me, but it hasn't happened for you yet. Not entirely sure when that will be.”
“Care to explain that? Spike asks.
“Nope, can't, it's all wibbly wobbly timey whimy..... stuff.... though you were and will be right Sparkle, this IS fun.”
What?!” Twilight stammers.
“Sorry can't talk, burning daylight... or is it still night? Seriously if she's going to be doing this for a while at very least she could try to get it right.” Chrysalis sighs turning and heading for the door. “Catch you in the next life Sparkle... or maybe just my last one, who knows.”
Spike watches the Changeling close the door behind her before setting down Twilight.
“What do you think that was about?” Spike asks as Twilight stares at the door.
“I have no idea....”
===========================================
Chrysalis steps out the door closing it behind her with a sigh. That went better than expected and was actualy rather fun, though she had at least one other pony to talk to before she went back to the nursery.
“Hold it.” a voice barks.
And there he was.
Chrysalis looks up to the angry face of Briar Rose and a number of Guards surrounding her and blocking off the hall.
“Wow, you lot are slow, Twilight tried to kill me five minutes ago and you are just now getting here?”
“Stuff it mare. What are you doing here?” Rose snorts
“I went to speak with Twilight while Celestia was off some where, and now I have a meeting with Cadence to get to, so if you'll excuse me....... “ Chrysalis turns walking between a pair of the Guards before Brair Rose was in her face again.
“You're not going any where until I find out what the buck is going on here. Cadence might have let you off easy but I know damn well who you are and you'll talk unless you want me to let that out....” Rose growls.
Chrysalis closed her eyes and gritted her teeth as the white crystal pony shouted in her face. A flash of green filled the hall as her eyes snapped open and she grabbed Rose in her magic slamming him against the wall opposite Twilight's room , her form shifting to the large alicorn form as she slammed her hooves into his chest holding him against the wall as she snarled in his face.
“Listen here colt, I am well beyond the point of caring about who knows who I am now, because in about a day I wont be anything. And do you seriously think I give two shits about what the pony who bucking ruined everything for every one thinks? Savior of the Empire? Don't make me laugh you're the damn reason the Crystal Empire was lost for so long in the first place! If you had just followed the damn plan and taken your little rag tag band of rebels into the palace like you planed you would have recovered the curiously unguarded Crystal Heart like your super secret, and totally not Sombra feeding you information, ally inside the palace told you! The Empire would have been liberated in the same day. But no, you had to go to the pony sisters. You didn't even ask for their help you demanded them to come and take out Sombra.“ Chrysalis snarks. “Because you decided that Sombra needed to be humiliated before he was destroyed, you chose the plan with the least chance of succeeding. And even after they came in and saved you, you do nothing but treat them like shit, you never thanked either of them for what they did.”
“I lost my family because of those two....” Rose gasps.
“Oh shut up with the pity me shit. Compared to what others lost you didn't lose shit, and all your family lost was a lousy father. You sent your family away to protect them, sent them into the frozen north along with a few other refugees while you decided to play hero. Sombra was the one who helped them too, he knew about the escape and let them go, you think a raging storm that had been going on for decades would suddenly have one day off just so you could send ponies away and attack a tower with the Princesses?” Chrysalis snaps.” Lets not forget you weren't even awake a year before you started dating that zebra Guard Captain. Real period of mourning there colt, I've know foals who pined for their dropped ice cream longer. My love crawled back from Tartarus itself, enslaved a entire Empire just so that they could over throw him and power a stone that would then save the life of his wife. You bitch at Celestia and Luna about not being fast enough when they risked their lives rushing into a situation that they were woefully unprepared for just to save your whiny ass. Because they showed up when the heart wasn't prepared, he sealed everything away because I wasn't free yet. It was Pinkie Pie and Cadence who saved the empire, they succeeded where you failed. Because I wasn't there when the heart activated I was still only driven by revenge. Every death, every problem caused by my husband can all be blamed on you and Aviana.”
Chrysalis pulls back flinging the Crystal pony away towards the Guards who were still wondering what the buck was happening.
“I should kill you colt. For all the suffering you caused, you were third on my list after Avianna and Tirek. I've no reason to hold back because it's pointless if I burn out now, I'm going to die anyway. But I'm not going to, because I'm going to let you live with the knowledge of your colossal failure.”
Chrysalis reverts back to Locust with a shudder leaving the shell shocked Rose staring after her as she walks off heading to the nursery.
“Oh one last thing, even if you get these Guards not to talk, because I know all that, so does Luna.” Chrysalis snaps. “When I die, I will be with my love again, when you die, you'll have a lot of explaining to do. Goodbye Brier Rose.”
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[Crystal Empire 5 days after the defeat of Tirek, Evening. ]
“So you're finally awake.” Jer'rahd asks looking down at Luna on the bed.
“I could ask the same of you. Last time you changed you were out for a few days not just one.” Luna yawns rolling over onto her stomach with a slight groan. “ How long have you been up?”
“A bit or so, enough time to cheer myself up a little, get depressed again, and take a bath.”
“No food?”
“Not hungry, the Jaberwocky's still sticking with me.”
“Cute...” Luna sits up with another yawn. “I take the sun is up?”
“Looks it. I suppose you are back to normal now? Your mane's back to it's usual coloration.”Jer'rahd asks sitting down next to the bed.
“Cadence has the sun for a while. So if you are going to torment my sister best do it now while she's mostly powerless.”
“Pass. I don't want to deal with her at all, not in the mood. Also I think we need to get new sheets for Cadence and Shining's guest room. Seems I breath fire now.....”
Luna turned looking over seeing the pillow and much of the top half of the bed on his side was chard.”
“I don't know if that's better or worse than you snoring. Likely we can blame it on my sister. You should see her room.”
“I don't snore, you do, but it's this odd cute almost chirping sound.”Jer'rahd explains.
“Keep telling yourself that, maybe on day it will be true and I can have a full days sleep.” Luna sighs stretching her wings out as she sits up.” What time is it?”
“About an hour before you need to raise the moon.” Jer'rahd comments his tail swaying behind him , knocking over the small table at the bed side. He looked at it a bit surprised then at his longer tail and sighs. “ Need to get used to that. Was there something that you needed to do tonight?”
“Probably. I expect Shining or Rose want me to address all the petitioners and start planing the recovery efforts. Then there's the matter of the dragons and what I told my sister. I expected them to be knocking down the doors by now............ how long did you say you've been up?”
“Long enough to make some pony piss himself and get you a few more hours of sleep. Not long enough to figure out how to breath fire intentionally.”
“You shouldn't have done that. I need to make ponies not see me as a threat all over again along with an entire race I'm now queen of.”
“Which is why I told them to piss off. I never have and never will have any issue threatening ponies or any one else I don't care about when needed.” Jer'rahd grumbles.”If they are afraid of me it makes things easier. Besides we have more important things to do today than talk to ponies who should be able to figure out how to save their own damn selves from the horrors of recovering after a war. It's not like this is the first time they've done it.”
“ What else do...... ah yes...... we do don't we....... Not sure i want too though...”Luna flops back down on the bed.”I don't think I could deal with it if they are scared of me......”
“I agree. But we'll find out soon. I asked Rose to bring them all around.... he was oddly compliant for some reason, did something happen to him?” Jer'rahd asks trying to control the whipping of his tail as he knocks over a chair with it.
“You could say that. Seems Chrysalis is making her last rounds and she had a rather angry set of words with him. I know what she said, but I have no plans to spread it around.”
“Still can't believe she is still around.” Jer'rahd sighs recalling what he was told in the woods.
“Not for much longer. The grace period I gave her is almost up.”
“Mmm..... In any event get up and get a shower. You still smell of sweat and violence.” Jer'rahd comments rubbing his nose.
“I thought you liked that?” Luna chuckles softly.
“Never said I didn't, but I doubt you want to smell like you just came out of a battle when gathering all out foals.....”
“I can't smell anything past burnt cotton. So it must be you.”
“Lovely, I've got Bleu's nose now too...... That's gonna make training any new rookies a pain in the flank.....”
“Speaking of flanks.... did you..?”
“Notice mines changed again? Yeah, the Knight piece has draconic horns and spines now. Even my cutie mare is mocking me.”
“I was more interested that the shield is now framed in orange scales. Has your magic changed?”
“No, still just shields and manipulating things. Doesn't feel any stronger or weaker either. I'll have to test my limits and the new body later.” Jer'rahd looks up at a knock on the door .
“So much for my shower.”
Jer'rahd smirks as Luna rolls out of bed heading towards the living area of the guest quarters. The mare shifts forms to her usual Princess of the night form. Her ears flatten a little as Jer'rahd lets out a low whistle.
“Seriously?”
“What I can't be appreciative of my wife's flank?”
“ Later maybe. Oh right we still have to do that too. I'm not your wife yet.”
“The wedding? Seriously?”
“Yup. But I have a plan. But later.... for now...” Luna makes it to the door noticing the carpet in front of the door was scorched.” Jer'rahd?”
“The messenger was wearing a lot of cologne... I sneezed.....”
“Right.” Luna sighs pulling open the door to see Pip, and just Pip standing there. His wounds had been treated, including the burns. His sword was missing however as Sweetiebelle's cry had flung it into the crater some where and they hadn't had time to look for it with the injured aboard the ship.
“Hey ma. Everything alright? Uncle Rose said you two wanted tah see me?” Pip asks walking past Luna as she held open the door.
“Where are the others?”
“Berry and Brush 'll be along shortly, Berry's trying tah catch one of the Crystal dragonflies buzzing around and Brush and DT are trying tah keep up with her. Orange went tah go get Dawn. Kinda curious bout her , ah ain't seen her yet either.” Pip comments looking over to Jer'rahd. “ Cripes.... What happened to you Da?”
“Possession by the first dragon screwed me up a little.” Jer'rahd smirks. “ How are you holding up. You've been through quite a bit on your trip.”
“Pfft yea... never doing that again.” Pip rolls his eyes. “ Ma already knows most of it....... I suspect you know a bit as well.”
“Just you siccing the CMC on a clone and the ridiculous stunt you pulled off to grab that pegasus.”
“Err yeah.”
“Rather dumb, but it's not like I've not done worse for some one I was in love with..” Jer'rahd chuckles as Pip groans.
“Jeez do yah gotta say it like that?”
“How should he say it? It's true isn't it?” Luna smiles. “ With the emotion you two were showing when we got you out of that cave should I start demanding grand foals yet? “ Luna quips as Pip turns red.
“Ah geezzz.. Don't even, it was one date …... not a proposal.” Pip moans.
“Yes any way.... I suppose you can guess why we called you here?” Luna changes the subject.
“Given how Da looks and how you are now? Yeah I ken expect so. The Lily's specially might have issue given tha Changelings …..... ah understand why yah did it and tah be honest seeing yah like that freaked me out at first, but yer still tha same, so no ah got no issue....... does Da breath fire now or did yah leave something on tha stove cause tha whole room smells like smoke.”
================================
Orange looked at the pair of them her ears flattening as her gaze shifted between the Changeling Queen and the new half dragon. The three of them stood silently for a moment or two while Dawn slept in the basket nearby with Pip looking her over with some interest.
“What the buck did you two do to yourself this time?” Orange grumbles. “Seriously it's always something with one or both of you......”
“Well at least her opinion hasn't changed.” Jer'rahd sighs as Luna smirks and starts explaining the situation.
Orange listens to the recap pointing out a few things here and there that happened with her. The bit with Blue Blood forced Orange, Pip, and Luna to practically hold Jer'rahd down before he went out to kill the unicorn. Though the fact Orange decked him had him laughing hard enough that he had to sit down.
When Dawn woke from the half dragons laughter Luna moved over to her crib reaching a hoof to brush along the little foals belly. The mini half dragon looked up at her curiously for a moment before glomping onto the hoof and trying to eat it.
Luna chuckled pulling her hoof away before Jer'rahd leaned over the basket. The infants eyes went wide as she looked up at the large orange scaled half dragon before she starts flailing and gasping, struggling to get up, though all she managed was to roll onto her side.
Jer'rahd blinked and lifted her up in his magic bringing her closer to him. The small foal squeed in delight as she's lifted up and grabs at Jer'rahd's mane and horn with her little hooves.
“Seems she still knows us.... “ Luna sighed surprised at the amount of relief that she felt. She was also quite surprised that Jer'rahd anger and depression had dropped drastically the moment the foal had grabbed at him.
“Yeah, but she's clearly gonna be a daddies girl...... Jer'rahd's whupped.” Orange smiles As Jer'rahd struggles to keep the small foal from falling as she tried to pull his mane out.
=================================================
“ You look weird.... and you look weird....”Ice Berry Lily states flatly, her tone shifting a little as she spoke.
Orange had taken Pip off to have a look at his wounds and likely berate him about his actions, and the pair of Lily's had come in not long after.
Luna and Jer'rahd both knew Berry had started talking, but neither of them had been prepared for the amount of talking she was doing. The filly had darted around them simply yammering to herself describing this that and the other, practically explaining every moment of her entire day in one breath. At the very least Jer'rahd had yet to hear her breath in yet.
Paint Brush Lily sat back a bit. He hadn't really said anything , though he had looked them over and simply shook his head as Berry started to describe an interesting rock she found before being completely distracted by Dawn yawning atop of Jer'rahd's back . She then promptly tried to climb up the new half dragon to have a closer look at the foal with middling success.
Luna smiles a little as Jer'rahd shifts trying not to dump Dawn off his back While Berry was doing her best to climb on top of Jer'rahd all while commenting on how his scales and Dawn's matched.
“She hasn't stopped talking, it's like she's trying to make up for the last ten years.” Brush comments. “ It's gotten kind of annoying really.”
“She's definitely gotten more lively.” Luna chuckles.
“You didn't have to chase her across the Crystal Empire as she was chasing Dragonflies.” Brush sighs.
…......She doesn't have a horn through, both of you have horns, though yours is all curved now like your sword, is she gonna grow a horn or do half dragons get horns...........” Berry rambles.
Jer'rahd opened his mouth to answer every so often but Berry wasn't quiet long enough to let him answer anything.
“So you're not scared of us then?” Luna asks.
“A little.” Brush contemplates. “But I saw what you were fighting up close and personal. I think you needed to be scary.”
“I was worried about what you and Berry would think.” Luna sighs.
“We've been around enough Changelings to know they are not all bad. And the ones that are bad you can tell now right?” Brush asks. “ You said you're their Queen now right Mother?”
Luna blinks at that. It was not something she had considered. She knew of every Changeling that had been in the battle of Canterlot, she knew what every one of them had done. Chrysalis's order had been to terrify and or capture all who they could and destroy any who resisted. The drones could be forgiven, because who they were was hidden away and they were little better than mindless bodies. Some of the natural born Changelings had been threatened by Sombra and Chrysalis or had been driven by their Queen's bloodlust though the hive mind. But looking into the memories, she could see a few that went out of their way to be cruel or kill. There were still a few of those around, she would need to do something about them later.
“I am ….. I had not honestly thought of that. I was too wrapped up in trying to fix everything. Thank you for the insight.” Luna reaches out ruffling his mane with a number of protests.
“Alright but once everything's settled you two need to let me paint you..... maybe a few versions of you since you can change forms....” Brush muttered evidently planning his next work as Berry swung on Jer'rahd's tail talking about the Crystal Dragonflies.