“Excuse me my queen, but everyling is ready,” said Odonate, standing back in the tunnel with the remainder of the hive’s population behind him.
“Very well,” Chrysalis said, turning away from the scene outside and looking over the gathered changelings. “Have the larva been fully accounted for and carefully secured?”
“Yes my queen,” both Lacewing and Katydid called out in unison.
Together the caretakers flew forward, buzzing their translucent wings. The sisters each held a woven basket, ellipsoid in shape, against their bellies and set both down before Chrysalis. The changeling queen’s horn glowed softly, her magic manipulating a latch on the side of each container and causing both to pop open in a way reminiscent of a clam’s shell. A multitude of hissing larva squirmed inside, crawling over a lining of thick green moss that had been adhered to the top and bottom halves of the baskets.
“Excellent,” said the queen, carefully securing the lids once she was sure the young where away from the edges. “Have Vespa or Scarab returned?”
“Not yet my queen,” answered Odonate, the corners of his mouth creased down in a frown.
“I can understand Vespa still being away but Scarab should have returned by now…” Chrysalis muttered, looking back over her withers at the caverns exit where the light of the sun was beginning to wane. “I guess it can’t be helped, I’ll just have to leave a mark so they’ll know where to go.”
Moving over to the caverns entrance, Chrysalis began to run her side against the stone leaving a trail of pheromones behind. Weak at the start and strong at the end, the mark was a directional guide for the missing changeling’s to travel.
“That’s it then,” the queen said and lifted Pupa up with her front legs, safely holding the nymph to her chest. “Everyling, scatter out and then make your way to the chosen location. If you even have the slightest inkling of anything suspicious, take extra care to not reveal our destination.”
“Yes my queen!” said every changeling as one.
Lowering her head and resting the side of her horn against her daughter’s, Chrysalis channeled her magic to assist the nymph in her transformation. Then the hives entrance lit up a bright green from the combined magic of all within as they morphed into their disguises. Alone, in pairs or in small groups of three to five, the changelings began to fly off in different directions until only a few were left.
“My queen?” Phasmid asked, the guard now in the shape of a dull blue pegasus and looking uneasy about something.
“Is something wrong Phasmid?” Chrysalis inquired of the young guard.
“Is… Is what you said about the other changelings true?” Phasmid timidly asked and his voice came off sounding slightly dry.
A tired sigh passed Chrysalis’s lips and she held Pupa slightly tighter for a moment before setting the nymph back down onto her hooves. Interested in the exchange, a few of the stragglers moved in closer with their ears perked.
“It is true,” the queen admitted, “there have been ‘reformed’ changelings in the past and they have all succumbed to an illness.”
There was only the sound of the wind blowing past the caverns entrance now. Some of the changelings looked to one another questioningly while others just shook their heads and flew off into the evening sky.
“Why didn’t you ever tell anyling?” the young guard asked, unable to look up at the queen. “Warn us about it?”
“Because it’s much less likely to happen when it’s not common knowledge,” Chrysalis said. “It becomes an extremely rare anomaly and it keeps the rest of changeling kind from perishing. In the past there have been changelings who reformed for varying reasons. Some were tempted to reform so they wouldn’t have to devour love to survive. Others triggered their transformation accidentally by becoming too attached to their prey. One even did it thinking it might bring her more power; but no matter the intentions it always ended the same for them.”
“So you just give up on them?” Phasmid rasped, now trembling.
“I have to,” Chrysalis growled, “There is no cure for them, no way to reverse the change and dwelling on their fate is only a distraction from keeping the rest of the hive healthy. Knowing that, yes, I do just give up on them.”
“I-I’m sorry my queen,” the clearly distressed guard whispered, bowing his head. “I just…”
“Keep thinking about your family,” Chrysalis finished for him.
Phasmid exhaled shakily and nodded.
“It’s best to forget them,” the queen said, lifting Pupa up again and turning away from the grieving changeling. “Now we need to get going…”
Taking the hint, the remainder of the changelings trotted past the queen and began taking wing off into the moonlight. Phasmid did his best to pull himself together and walked toward the cavern exit but the queen stopped him with a raised a hoof that crossed firmly over his chest.
For a very brief moment the guard thought it was doomed.
“Phasmid,” she began in a stern tone, looking out into the night’s sky. “I mean it, it’s best to move on; and you’re of age now, you could start a new family of your own. However, if a lack of closure is going to be too much of a distraction for you, I’ll look the other way if you get lost and arrive at the new hive a little later than everyling else.”
At first confused, Phasmid just stared up at Chrysalis. Then the guard’s heart began to race as he realized the veiled consent hidden away in her words.
“T-thank you, my queen,” Phasmid stammered, completely unable to help but crack a small smile.
“Just don’t give me cause to regret this Phasmid,” Chrysalis replied. “You could have a long life ahead of you at the hive. Don’t give in to the temptation you’re about to face.”
Without another word the disguised changeling queen unfurled her feathery wings and glided off into the twilight, leaving the young guard alone to ruminate on his next course of action.
With the Foal Mountain range so far off in the distance, Chrysalis decided to use the moment to arrange her thoughts.
She looked down at the small disguised foal she held in her hooves, fast asleep after the days hectic events. How she had truly hoped that the first few years of the nymph’s life would be stable, with both time to play and daily studies to help her future as a queen. Now she just wished for a break in the chaos.
The harsh life lessons the nymph had to learn so early also pained the queen. The loss of her siblings was a horrendous experience to suffer and without changelings her own age to interact with, Pupa had been forced to use a pony as a substitute. That also made for another unfortunate learning experience, one that she herself had to nudge along. Of course she didn’t enjoy having her daughters feelings hurt, but getting attached to ponies would only cause her more problems later in her life.
Luckily the nymph handled the revelation in a mature manner, if one didn’t count the little poisoning incident; and other than the ‘Twilight bite’, Pupa really hasn’t acted out negatively. Sure she had been a little pushy here and there but she never threw a loud squealing tantrum to get what she wanted or outright refused to listen to instructions. The nymph actuality did quite the opposite and immersed herself in learning.
It had only been a week since Pupa left her cocoon and she could already talk, levitate small objects, pick locks and hopefully, soon, be able to protect herself with a shield. Chrysalis swelled with pride that her daughter was such a prodigy.
A smile grew over the queen’s lips as she thought over the possibilities. With the nymphs help, creating a new throne with anti-magical properties could be done in a greatly reduced rate of time.
The amount of magic required was immense however, and it wouldn’t be healthy for Pupa to assist in something like that until after her third molt; or maybe her second one if she continued to develop at her current rate. That was something best to think about later, after all her first molt wouldn’t be due for a year from now.
Pupa did have her issues too through. That strange nightmares that caused her to fall into a state of misery really troubled the changeling queen. Bad dreams happen, but how greatly it affected her was disturbing for Chrysalis.
“Hopefully it won’t trouble you again,” Chrysalis whispered to her daughter.
As the Foal Mountains slowly began to grow larger, the changeling queen let her thoughts drift away from her daughter and onto the tasks ahead she and her changelings would need to focus on.
Finding a safe location to keep the larva while searching out a place to excavate a new hive was the number one priority. After that, they would need to gather the energy to undertake the task.
Hollow shades would be the closest place to gather love, but it was mainly home to bat ponies, and they tended to have better natural resistances to changeling magic.
“It would have to be Fillydelphia then,” grumbled Chrysalis to herself.
Chrysalis detested cities. The more populated the city the more the emotions seemed to blend together. To her the love tasted diluted. It wasn’t as rich in flavor and the energy didn’t go as far. But there are changelings that thrive better in that kind of environment, like Cicada.
“It might be best to have her relocate from Las Pegasus,” Chrysalis thought aloud.
Well shit
Update! Let the discussion begin! Thanks for making our day more interessting
So here we go again chryssalis only use her daughter for her own benefit
Ooooh, things may be coming to a head soon!
Can't wait to find out.
Thanks for the update!
9677666
Good chapter and Well shit all right, with this tip about reformed changelings illness I can empathize with Chrisi.
From her POV Starlight look like a mass-murderer who succesfully poisoned most members of the hive and now trying to do same to her under pretense of doing good deed.
Yeeep, cultural misanderstanding much.
So... speculation:
is it possible to accidentally become a reformed Changeling by caring about another changeling? Is oupa at risk from her love for her mother? If pupa reforms, what will chrysalis do?
So Chryssie might finally learn that Cicade is no longer following her
Ok, I really want to like this but between the weird pacing and the fact that I feel like I got duped by the "Human" tag, I'm quickly losing interest. I know I'm essentially asking for spoilers here but does Pupa's "Human-ness" come up beyond making them advance quicker than average or is it always just going to be a plot motivation?
Chrys is soon going to catch on to who really orchestrated the attack on her hive it seems. I'm hoping for a smack down, but if Cicada is already a queen this could get worse before it gets better. Nice chapter!
She didn’t give up because there was no cure. She gave up after decades of trying her best to save them. Seeing Thorax reminded Chrysalis of the permanent scar and trauma of what will happen to her changelings. I wonder if who said ‘Being reform will cleanse you’?
9677669
Sadly this chapter does not give us much material to work with, which will give us a lot to talk about and discuss is the chapter in which Twilight wakes up with its poisonous hangover and I spoke with Celestia to explain how was the negotiation with Chrysalis, and then Tell Thorax what Chrysalis let go and that all reformed changelings may be dying.
I really hope Chrysalis is wrong in thinking that a cure for the illness is impossible. I also hope the cure doesn't result in reverse metamorphosis.
I'm pretty sure this fic should be labeled AU and rated something other than E particularly if there is no cure for the illness.
9677671
Even so, that does not make Chrysalis automatically a bad mother since it was already clear that she loves Pupa and is much more than a simple tool for her, and according to the manipulation which father does not have plans for her children? It is not uncommon for parents to push their children to be athletes, artists, doctors, lawyers, etc., etc. both for their own benefit and for the benefit of their children.
After all we all want our children to be successful and share that success with their parents.
9677808
Why, I love the Changelings previous form. It makes them not look like pony version bugs.
9677808
I doubt very much that the illness of the reformed changelings was incurable, it is clear that Chrysalis did not try to find a cure because she admitted that she gave up on them. The question is how expensive, difficult or time-consuming will it be to find the cure?
9677809
Yeah but is more using your own daughter for the benefit of your mother and i know pupa could be a queen that strong and wise but that doesn't mean have to war again pony and steal love that make more sense
9677809
If Chrysalis loves her daughter I wonder if sharing that love would cause her to metamorphose. That would be really interesting and it might motivate her to help find a cure for the transformation illness.
9677816
I know there are still people who prefer the Changelings' pre-metamorphosis forms, but I'm not one of them. My primary reason is that the metamorphosis made the Changelings look less like carbon copies of each other and more like individuals. I also have a theory that their metamorphosed forms, far from changing who they are, actually show who they are inside, their true colors if you will.
day's?
though?
Wonder if Phasmid will stay strong.
Me, I feel that Chryssi tried to "cure" reformation by undoing it, and never once thought of the possibility that said form just needs something that isn't instinctual to gather, and is otherwise more powerful. Probably love, the fact they don't feel starved all the time might be giving a false positive of fullness until too late.
9677828
On the other hand you have people like me who almost didn't read it because of the human tag, but I'm very happy I did. Most HIE fics are so.... Blatent and Painful to read, I'm a huge fan of how the half-forgotten pre-reincarnation memories are helping her develop faster.
Another good HIE like this is Starscribes excellent "Message in a Bottle"
9677828
//smiles
Well, some of us would be glad should it happen. Likely has something to do with a fact that your personal opinion, that's being voiced so often in the comments, feels more obnoxious and entitled lately. Or it's just me, might also be true. Besides, based on personal experience, I wouldn't recommend staying unless the reading is still enjoyable.
GLHF anyways.
9677968
Yeah, I had a similar idea. I thought what if the transformation illness is a result of the metamorphosed forms not being complete yet and they have to do something to complete their forms. The solution wouldn't involve reverse metamorphosis but further, if more subtle, metamorphosis. Although I can see the next step being more difficult to attain.
We wonder if Cicada anticipated this and is lying in wait to spring a trap?
Keep going! ;)
9678146
Then we feel the same way about each other's opinions, but maybe the problem is within me.
Y'Know, the 'reformed' changelings feeding on each other is basically cannibalism. Cannibalism isn't wrong just because of morals and ethics, but because it actually has a negative impact on the mental and physical health of the one doing it. For example human flesh has pathogens in it that'll wreak havoc upon any human that consumes it. Who's to say it's not the same for changelings?
9677730
In the show it seem to be sharing extreamly big love supplys from yourself to trigger it... But only our story Author can answer that
9677731
Unless Cicada can find a plausibel reason to convince Chrysalis to let her stay her cover is blown up... BUT if nobody can find her? Maybe she is presumed killed by the Villain 'Leech' and that can buy her time to build her own hive. Cicade will need two years after all for simply having nymphs ( 3 month eggtime, 6 month larve time, 1 year for the first molt to enable transformation for the nymphs ) .
9677749
To soon! Pupas human mind is bearly 9 month and 1 week old in this body. She already matured with extrem speed... DONT- RUSH - PERFECTION ... please
9677756
I guess Cicada will be presumed to be MIA or KIA if she didnt have a damn good point to get Chrysalis letting her stay and there for even showing up for a meeting .
9677783
I hope for the best and expect the worst to happen. Anyway it will be one hell of a chapter in the future
9677808
Reverse was already stated to be a no go... But since it been centuries since the last time it happen maybe compremise or particular relive can be archived
9677809
Exactly. But often people ignore the obvious things
9677816
Also symbiotic or predatory - They have the same right to life as others and work hard for it to be a spotless co-existance. Before the invasions 1 and nation wide foalnapping of royalty etc. EVERYTHING was pretty mutch peaceful
9677816
Nice contrast to the colorfull ponys
9677821
Probably to cost ineffectiv... They had always foodproblems anyway! No spare stuff on mass for a few lost individuals
9677836
War was never a thing. The invasion alone was a act of pure Desperation...
9677843
Its like' get Cancer' it help you focus on finding a cure wile saving her entire race on very limited time... 20 year to do so? If she is lucky! Dont think so...
9677851
I think that only a tv cost effectivness thing in the Show . Also maybe its only hard to tell em apart if your not used to it? My grandmother had 6 cats and 3 where black . This 3 where hardly to hold apart for me before i spend 2 vacation weeks with em and could already hold em apart by body Language and suttle body differences
9677968
Sounds plausibel. Maybe they have to return to there love 'harvesting' to stay healthy. With there colorful new shiny carapaces they might have it easier gaining it more openly
9678640
Total lack of personal and ressources suggest no...
Even if she could. She done enougth damage to gain a clear headstart: Perfect hive hideout, No personal law entries again her or her hive (yet), and probably a lot more love reserves atm
9678883
Damn fine point! After all its magic in the feeling that get consumed as well. Like using up vitamins in a water and having in the end only destiled water without norisment giving you the feeling you drink enougth but slowly starving you
9680933
The same thing happened with a friend of my grandmother who had 7 cats, six of them were almost identical pairs, but she never confused them (even from far away) and after spending a season with them for the constant visits to her house to the talks of my grandmother can also distinguish them, and it's really not that difficult the way they move, they lie down and even how they look at you tells you who is who.
9680899
I must say, unless Cicada is the most fortunate creature of Equis, your plan has all the odds against it I honestly act too hastily doubt your plan is well planned, have thought about the consequences of your actions or have an idea of what to do in case of any contingency. (She thinks she is very strong but she is in a very delicate and vulnerable position)
There are several ways in which Chrysalis can end their plans with minimal effort, we are talking about when Cicada will fall if not fall, although I guess for the sake of the plot will be later than early.
(Edit)
After all, a famous artist does not have the option of hiding or remaining anonymous and absent from his show would lose his source of power and the reason why he betrayed Chrysalis. (I also bet my right hind leg that the real estate saleswoman already sold her address to some gossip magazine)
9680914
Technically they have been living in "harmony" since before the reform of Thorax, for a long, long time they were at peace, and all because they did not know their existence (eyes that do not see, heart that does not feel)
9680899
How sure are we that the other thirteen nymphs died?, Sanguijuela could have saved a couple of these to take them with Cicada and speed up the construction of their hive, after all it would be a terrible waste to get rid of all that potential workforce.
9680923
Here yes I have to be against with despair or without it, the invasion to canterlot was deliberately pernicious and malicious, (although I respect the idea of chrysalis not to depend on the goodwill of anyone and not trust anyone unless you have a leg on your neck) a serious thing that when the invasion triumph Chrysalis said; Now that I have won, I have demands for his kingdom.
1 solidarity support for my kingdom.
2 tolerance and respect for my subjects in equestrian lands.
3 political influence in his kingdom on changelings issues.
But that was not the case she wanted slavery and total domination over the ponies, a domain that involved turning sentient beings into cattle.
(Edit)
I never say that Chrysalis is not bad, that what she is doing is right or justifies her actions with a twisted morality. I just pointed out that regardless of what she does, she has her motives and reasons why she acts how she acts (and that should not be overlooked), besides that, like everyone else, the way she thinks, acts and what she is willing to do, (or how far you get) depend a lot on who she is dealing with.