'I will never trust a toaster again... And I think that thing has been stealing my Mountain Dew.' Those were my final thoughts before i faded into unconsciousness. I should have know something was up when my television randomly turned on to that weird pony show on the Hub.
Oh, I've heard of the fandom, but I never really cared one way or the other. Hell, I hadn't even watched a single episode.
Now then, let me explain how I'm laying on the kitchen floor dieing from being electrocuted.
Five minutes earlier.
My little pony, my little pony...
"The hell?" Did I sit on the remote again? I feel under the couch cushions, but theirs nothing there.
Hehehe... soon...
The fu-
*Gurgle*
Oh, hello stomach, come to demand another peace offering, I presume?
*Gurgle*
Toast it is...
My little pony, I used to what friend ship could be. Okay, seriously, now the volume has turned itself up obnoxiously loud?
*Sniff* Whats burning... Crap! My toast!
What I did next, I would regret dearly.
I used a knife to try and pry the toast loose, WITHOUT unplugging the toaster.
It is ready.
Considering I could clearly make out the voice this time, I understandably freaked out.
Sending the knife into the still electrified elements.
Next thing I know I'm on the floor, smoking, with what can only be described as the taste of a 12-gauge platypus hummer in my mouth.
Right before I blacked out, my body felt like it was being pulled in a direction I couldn't comprehend.
... ... And then I heard the voice.
You shall make an excellent host, after a few... Adjustments.
Luna sat there, shocked. "B-b-but... Tis impossible! The Nightmare was vanquished!"
Sitting across from her Celestia sadly shook her head. "No. The Elements were not fully in sync yet, and were only able to banish it to the void between worlds, stripped of most of its power."
Luna was trying her hardest to not start running around like a filly with her mane on fire. "That doesn't explain how it was able to take a corporeal form without a host!"
Celestia sighed. "That's the worst part, sister, it dragged some poor soul across the void to transform into a suitable host, and considering that it lacks our levels of power, it has most likely been irreversibly enslaved to the Nightmares will!" Her facade of calmness shattered, leaving a scowl on her face. "Gather the Bearers, we must make sure the Nightmare is truly destroyed this time!"
Luna could only steel her resolve for what was to come.
Everfree Forest, abandoned castle, throne room
Even after the Nightmares banishment, wildlife had avoided these ruins due to the massive amounts of dark energy that even to this day, hung in the air like a miasma. Said miasma had begun gathering, gravitation into a vortex of raw, unadulterated, dark power. With the sound of what could only be described as the fabric of reality being simultaneously pierced and torn, a body fell out of the vortex, a human males body, to be precise.
It didn't remain that way for long...
The miasma slowly began to seep into the body, as it did, his face began to change, to stretch, until it became a muzzle, meanwhile, his ears began shifting upwards reshaping themselves to better pick up sounds. His canines elongated, now resembling fangs, while his neck elongated, becoming swan-like. His limbs began to grow with sicking pops as bones and joints were rearranged, while his fingers and toes receded into large lumps of keriten, or hooves as they were more commonly called. With a loud rip, wings, leathery and bloody, emerged from his back, while new nerves began to form near the end of his spine, before it extended slightly forming the beginning of a tail, as ethereal hairs began sprout from both this and his head, whereas the the hair that began growing over the rest of his body, was colored a black that could only be described as so empty, that the color black should not even exist as a concept. His brain was subtly shifted, rewiring itself to integrate these changes, as well as a few more. With the sound of an over ripened pumpkin being impaled, a horn, long ad spiraled, erupted from his head.
Unseen to outside observers, several other changes began taking place. Such as beneath his eyelids, where his irises began to narrow, becoming long and catlike. Unfortunately for him, there was one more change that took place. This one change would shock her more then all these other changes combined.
Its job done, The remaining miasma began to take on several solid forms before with a clatter, pieces of azure armor dropped to the floor.
The sound however, brought the Nightmare into the waking world. Stretching like a cat to readjust herself to a corporeal form, her eyes roamed the room, searching for something, before homing in on the scatted pieces of armor. With a smirk full of malice, she levitated the armor to her, before donning it and returning to her former glory.
However, the Nightmare still needed to sort through its newly acquired memories, which turned out to be quite informative, then again, when you have magic, you can usually imitate 70% of the stuff you see in video games in some form or another.
It was about this time that Celestia, Luna, and the Elements teleported in.
Luna was the first to speak up. "NIGHTMARE MOON, FOR YOUR CRIMES AGAINST EQUESTRIA, YOU ARE HEREBY SENTENCED TO DEATH!"
The Nightmare only chuckled at that. "Ponies... What is a pony, really, but a miserable little pile of friendship. But enough of that. HAVE AT YE!"
My mindscape.
I ducked another blast from that demonic pegacorn. (unises?)
"I WANT TO LIVE THANK YOU!"
"When I finnally kill you, I will have full control of my corporeal form, and then I shall plunge Equestria into eternal night!"
Like hell I'm letting you do that.
Reality.
"Do you really think you can stop me?" The Nightmare taunted.
Celestia unfortunately took the bait. "I KNOW I can beat you."
Smirking, the Nightmare only egged her on further. "Let us find out then, shall we?" and with that she charged Celestia, hoping to gore her on her horn. Celestia shot off a beam of magic, thinking she would stop to put up a shield, but instead, with a flap of her wings, The nightmare pushed herself out of the beams path, all while maintaining her charge towards Celestia. Upon reaching her, the Nightmare teleported just before impact, leaving a frantic Celestia searching for her.
Behind me? No. Can't come from below, so that only leaves... ABO-
*CRUNCH*
Several cries of "Celestia!" rang out.
The Nightmare had put her entire weight into a single stomp on Celestia's head, K.O.ing her instantly.
Luna, as well as the Bearers, were left slack jawed at the fact that the Nightmare had effortlessly taken out Celestia, and without taking a single hit.
The Nightmare turned towards the bearers, gathering massive amounts of energy into a roiling sphere of power at the tip of her horn, and then she spoke. "Thus the blood moon eclipses the sun, and darkness reigns again." Sensing that this would certainly kill the Bearers, Luna shot of a beam of magic hoping to distract the Nightmare, it worked, too well.
Still maintaining control of the orb of death, the Nightmare turned towards Luna with a snarl on her face. "You shouldn't have done that..." releasing control of the point farthest from her, the Nightmare fired a beam of super-condensed energy at Luna, the backlash tearing up the ground behind her.
Luna didn't even have to to realize just how powerful that beam was, before it plowed into her with the force of a meteor. Her screams, even use the Royal Canterlot Voice, were drowned out by the sheer energy buzzing in the air.
When the last of the ray of death had washed over Luna, what emerged left the Bearers in shock.
Her armor had been vaporized, with every part of her body facing the blast having the fur burned off. With a wheeze, the Princess of the Night toppled over, unconscious.
At this sight, Rainbow charged the Nightmare, snarling like a rabid animal...
Only for the Nightmare to duck under it, and using her wings, propelling herself upwards, while dealing a brutal uppercut to the cyan pegasus sending her flying into the ceiling, where the impact broke one of her wings, before she plummeted down and broke one of her legs.
suddenly, the Nightmare turned, and shot a weak beam of energy at Rarity, catching her completely off guard, before it knocked her into Applejack, stunning both of them.
Hearing the sound of magic charging up, the Nightmare spun, finding Twilight preparing some kind of directed blast spell, with enough energy that if left undirected, would level the entire castle. Much to Twilight's surprise, instead of a counter-spell, the Nightmare battered her aside with condensed pieces of telekinetic energy, before slamming her into a wall, dazed.
The Nightmare smirked, before going over the events in her head. "Now then now that that's out of the wa- Wait, wasn't there six of those annoying foals?" Upon opening her eyes again, she was met with what could only be described as twin orbs of hellfire, attached to a butter yellow pony's face, boring into her mind.
"I know your in their. You must fight it! Do not let her boss you around in your own mind, you're in control there!"
These words triggered something. As the Nightmare dropped to the floor, squirming in pain.
Mindscape
Ohcrapohcrapohcrap, I'm cornered! I don't want to diiiiieeee!
That demonic pegacorn closed in on me, with a grin that would make the Devil himself weep with joy at the misery to come.
"I know your in their. You must fight it! Do not let her boss you around in your own mind, you're in control there!"
Wait, that right, this is my mind! AND YOU CAN'T HAVE IT!
"Ohhhhh laaaadyyyy!"
Oh, she's in for it now...
After all, one does not simply suddenly understand the entirety of the internet at once.
Reality
"Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrg"
I woke up. Body feels weird but don't care must warn those, ponies, I guess, to stop me now, before that demonic thing takes control back. They were floating in the air, surrounded by pure energy, but they were hesitating.
"Whatever you're going to do, do it NOW, before she regains control!"
"Well, at least that demonic pegacorn thingie is gone." Yeah, I'm talking to myself in my own mind. I'm definitely going crazy.
"True, the Nightmare is finally dead, but their are still other problems you will have to deal with, and it's alicorn, not pegacorn."
I spun around so fast I would have given myself whiplash if this wasn't a dream, only to be greeted by another 'alicorn', judging by it's voice, it was female.
It being my mind, a giant red "!" appeared over my head briefly, before I started glaring at this newcomer. "You've got ten seconds to explain this before I drop-kick you're pony ass into Warp 5."
All she did was raise an eyebrow. "Very well, as you might know, after the Nightmare dragged you across dimensions, it altered you're body to be the perfect host for it."
I sighed. "Let me guess, the alterations are permanent?" She nodded. "And what, pray tell, are the extents of these alterations?"
She sighed, slowly shaking her head. "For all intents and purposes, you my dear..." She trailed off. "You know, I never did get you're name."
Now, it was my turn to shake my head. "Is there even any point in telling you, if I am most likely going to have to come up with a new one?"
She nodded. "True, true..." I raise my hand, about to ask her her name when she speaks again. "To answer the question I suspect you're about to ask, my name is Princess Luna." I lower my hand. "But anyways my good sir, to answer your question on the extent of these alterations, you are, for all intents and purposes, an alicorn, like me or Celestia, my sister, with a few modifications."
I blink. "Such as?"
Luna seemed to grimace a bit. "Let's just say it altered you to allow for a more nocturnal lifestyle, and to have a more... varied, diet."
I shrugged. "So? I was never a morning person to begin with, And my species was already capable of eating meat." Luna blanched at that, before she suddenly found the darkness below us, very interesting.
"Well there is one last thing you should be aware of..."
I laughed. "I honestly don't see how my masculinity could be destroyed any further, so come on, lay it on me!"
She winced at that. "About that..."
Oh, you've got to FUCKING KIDDING ME! I face palmed. "Fuck you multiverse. Fuck. You. With. A. Cactus. Full of rusty nails. On fire. Repeatedly." Luna just stared at me, clearly disturbed by such vulgarity.
I sighed. "So how do I wake up? I would rather get this over with sooner then later."
Luna smiled. "Oh but you already are..."
Then everything faded to white.
Reality, Canterlot castle, medical wing.
I opened my eyes, only to be greeted with an absurd amount of light. squinting while hissing in pain, I felt something that I had never felt before. It felt like my irises were contracting horizontally, eyes are not suppose to do that! When they finished though, the light was at a bearable level.
"So." Turning my head towards the voice, I was greeted by a white alicorn, presumably this 'Celestia' Luna mentioned.
First things first. "How long was I out?"
"About a month, miss..." Oh, yeah, I need to think of a name. Of course the first thing that popped into my mind was Blood Moon, but I realized that it didn't quit roll off the tongue right. Calling upon my years of watching subbed anime, I quickly came up with a translation.
"Chitsuki... call me Chitsuki." Celestia tilted her head.
"A rather strange name, yet it sounds so... Ominous." I giggled, of course ponies wouldn't understand Japanese.
"It roughly translates to Blood Moon, a fitting name if I say so myself." Celestia winced upon hearing that.
"Why would anypony name themselves after something so... Foreboding?" I could tell her query was out of morbid curiosity.
At this point someone else walked into my field of view. It was Luna, albeit her coat was rather uneven, as if she had been hit by some kind of energy beam.
Turning back to Celestia, I decided to explain. "Oh, but watching one rise is a most beautiful sight. Watching as it glides into the sky, back-dropped by thousands of stars, before it casts it's eerie glow upon the land, stirring the creatures of the night into action. It simultaneously announces the beauty of the night, while also warning of the savagery of it denizens. It is truly a sight to behold."
Luna promptly burst into a teary applause.
"It's... It's beautiful..." I spun around so fast I rolled out of the bed. Upon regaining my bearings I was greeted to the sight of six ponies standing at the doorway, laughing.
"Owwww... Just give me a second and I'll be right with you." Standing up couldn't be that hard, could it? Unsteadily pulling myself to my hooves, I saw the purple one give me a look of confusion and concern.
"You don't seem so well, are you sure you should be up and about yet?" I can understand her concern, consider she most likely doesn't know that I used to be a human.
I sighed. "Now if I were anyone else, you would be correct, my equine friend. But for me,it's more of an issue that I wasn't even a quadruped before all this, let alone an alicorn." The look on her face suggested that she had just stepped on a landmine.
Quickly trying to backtrack, she introduced herself and her friends. "I'm Twilight Sparkle. My friends over there, going from left to right are: Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and... Where did Fluttershy go?"
It was about this time I noticed a butter yellow pegasus quivering under Celestia. I couldn't help but give a blank stare. "Do I really look that scary?" Luna sadly nodded.
Attempting to walk up to the window wasn't actually that hard, it's like crawling, except you keep your legs straight. Looking at my reflection, I noticed several things; one,my eyes resembled those of a cat, which explains why I felt my eyes moving in weird ways earlier. Two, I had fangs. And three, my wings resembled those of a bat's or dragon's.
Yeah, I can see that setting off all kinds of 'predator' alarm bell in a pony's head. Turning back to face them, I gave a very slight smirk. "Yeah, I understand that I probably frighten you on an instinctual level, but at the very least, the fangs make for a nice built in letter opener." This was the right thing to say, as several ponies chuckled at that, including Fluttershy.
It was about this time Celestia spoke up. "Now that we have introductions out of way. I will need my sister, Twilight, and Chitsuki to stay here for a more private conversation, the rest of you may leave."
And leave they did. After Celestia shut the door with magic, before she turned towards me. "Now then, let us see how well you can utilize your magic."
Huh? Magic?
Celestia swiftly interrupted my musings. "Now then, first of all, you must find your magic. What I need you to do, is focus and feel deep inside yourself for it."
Ah, okay. I just need to relax and feel for something that wasn't there before.
Wait, what?
"Uhhh, Celestia? Am I supposed to be feeling more then one?"
Luna took a turn to explain it. "Yes actually, considering you are an alicorn, you have the abilities of all three types of ponies, which includes access to their unique forms of magic."
That's only marginally helpful. "So I should be felling three? Well I'm not... I felt four."
Luna sharply inhaled. "Explain."
I complied. "Well the first one felt ancient, yet full of life, like the planet itself. The second one I didn't feel, so much as see. It was an eerie greenish blue, yet when I looked at it from the right angle, It turned a dark crimson, almost like dried blood. The third felt like a light breeze, yet it was crackling with energy."
Celestia nodded. "Yes. You did just describe how the magic of and earth pony, a unicorn, and a pegasus feels. And the forth?"
"The forth, it well, felt cold, yet also like an extension of my very being, moving in perfect sync with my thoughts."
Twilight however, wanted to learn more. "Why don't you try and draw it out? I would like to get a reading of it."
Eh, why not? Reaching inside myself again, I let that icy feeling flow through me. before I could do anything with it, I was interrupted by several gasps.
Opening my eyes, I was greeted to a deep blue, borderline black, cloud of... Something, filled with pinpricks of light, flowing out from under me, before gathering about six feet from my head. Twilight promptly stuck her hoof in it out of curiosity. Upon doing that, I felt a shiver course through my body. It felt like someone had literally stuck a hoof inside of me.
"Don't do that! I can literally feel you putting your hoof in me!" Twilight recoiled in shock, staring at it.
"W-w-well you said it felt like an extension of your very being, maybe it actually is?"
That sounds like an idea. Feeling for it again, I felt it probing me, to be precise, it felt like it was probing for a form I would be comfortable with.
Their was only one appropriate response. "What the absolute, Fruitlooping, fuck?"
Luna gave me a concerned look. "What exactly happened?"
"What it did, was scan my mind to find compatible form I was familiar with!" Yeah, I was slightly panicked.
Thankfully Celestia took the opportunity to give me some advice. "Why don't you try experimenting with it?"
Yes, that would be a good idea.
As the orb of power probed my mind, I poked back to get a good feel for it. As I realized what it was trying to do I tried to feel it, to read it so I knew what it could do. It was a jumbled mess and too hard to read. So I tried to focus on one part that felt protective, and decided to bring it forth.
Opening my eyes, I saw the... miasma, for lack of a better word, enshroud me, before condensing into solid forms, while the Princesses and Twilight stared at it, horrified.
As the remaining miasma flowed back into me, leaving me coated in azure armor, I noticed Luna getting ready to blast me.
"WHOA, WHOA, HOLD YOUR FIRE!" Luna at least didn't vaporize me, but she still kept that spell at the ready. "If you're wondering how I made the armor so easily,I simply tried to bring forth the part that felt protective, and this is the result. I wasnt expecting this any more the you!" Both the Princesses stared at me like they didn't know what the hell i was talking about
Twilight however, looked at me suspiciously. "Explain."
Called it. "It felt like a jumble of info, but it was too scrambled for me to understand, so I simply focused on the part that felt like it was meant to protect, not destroy, and pulled it forth." Twilight pouted, like she was hopeing for some kid a fact that would revolutionize magic.
I interrupted her little moment of adorkableness. "We never did get to using unicorn magic, did we?" She stopped pouting.
Looking at the billow on my bed, I decided to wing it. Imagining the pillow floating into the air, I was surprised to find it actually worked, it was floating about a foot from my face, coated in an ghastly greenish blue aura.
Fuck logic, I have magic. Your argument is invalid.
"Well considering I at least have a handle on the telekinetic part of magic, that leaves two questions. What do the two other kinds of magic do, and how do I keeps ponies from freaking out when they see me?"
Celestia spoke up. "Excellent questions, Chitsuki, to answer the first, pegasus magic will allow you to walk on or manipulate clouds as well as give you a major resistance to temperate extremes and lighting. While earth pony magic will basically make you stronger and more durable. As to the other question, I have no idea."
I yawned. "well I'll think of that later, right now I'm going to sleep."
And by the time I finished that sentence, I was already fast asleep.
Upon waking up, I was greeted to an excited Twilight. Yeah, she couldn't wait for me to at least eat before pestering me about my armor...
Still half asleep, I formed another piece of that stuff my armor was made of, and plopped in front of her. "There, go do you 'Science!' now then. Fooooood..."
Two flights of stairs, and one verbal beat down to a guard that would make a drill instructor proud, we reached the kitchen where both the princesses, the other five ponies, who along with Pinkie, I had decided to call their little group the Mane Six.
Still in my hunger and sleep induced daze, I grabbed the nearest piece of food and bit into it, electing several gasps. looking at what I had grabbed, I was surprised to see it was a piece of steak.
"You got a problem with the fact that I eat meat?" several ponies nodded.
Finishing off the steak and grabbing some assorted fruits much to the majority's disgust, I sat between Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, considering they where the only two ponies, minus the Princesses, that weren't grossed out when I ate that steak.
Then this stallion walks in acting like a complete asshat and upon seeing the Mane six, started whining. "Auntie Tiiiiaaaaaa! What are these filthy commoners doing in my kitchen!"
I need coffee before I can deal with this kind of shit...
I had to ask. I leaned over to Dash and whispered. "Hey, who's the smug assclown who acts like he owns the place?" Dash giggled at that.
"That 'assclown is Prince Blueblood."
I nudged her "Watch this."
*SLAM* Bringing my hoof down on the table, I made Blueblood jump in fright, before looking me in the eyes.
"Hey Bluebitch, your mother was a narwhal, and your father was lame, now shut the FUCK up so I can get some coffee... Because when I don't have my coffee, I get grumpy, and when I get grumpy ponies who annoy me tend to get vaporized... or liquified. But YOU. You have pissed me off... you know what that means? by the time im done with you..." I gave him a feral grin, licking my lips. "All that will be left of you is blood stains..." And then I got up, and oh so slowly walked towards him, cackling madly.
Blueblood ran out of theew faster the Sonic the Hedgehog. At about that time me. Dash, and Pinkie, all fell to the floor laughing, while Rarity applauded my acting, Twilight turning green in the facem and Luna smiling like she had seen the most wonderful thing. "Twas wonderful, it was about time somepony put him in his place."
It was about this time Twilight managaed to hold down her food. "So Chitsuki, did you hear that they brought Ponyvilles blacksmith here to try and figure out what your armors made out of?"
"No, but i really want to meet this pony." I promptly go up, and started walking in a random direction.
Finding the blacksmith wasn't that hard, I just hat to follow the sound of clanging metal... Oh who am i kidding, I spent the last 11 hours wandering around before I actually heard the sound. I swear this castle is a fucking Tardis! Upon entering the shop, I saw a tan pegasus banging away at something on her anvil. She appeared to be working diligently on something.
I cleared my throat. "Hey, your that blacksmith I heard they called in to study my armor!"
She turned, and froze, staring at me with wide eyes... Crap! I haven't scared a pony this badly before! "Something wrong?" I tilt my head in confusion.
*Fwoosh* She spontaneously combusted into green flames.
Now I managed to maintain a poker face but, on the inside I was flipping my shit going something along the lines of 'OHMYGODWHATTHEFUCKBARBEQUESAUCE!'
When the flames cleared, in the pegasus's place, was some kind of... bug pony for lack of a better term
"A shape shifter? Fascinating..."
*CLANG* The hammer had dropped out the bug pony's mouth and clattered to the floor, before it flipped the fuck out. "Don't eat me! I don't taste good!" it fucking bolted, only to trip over the hammer it dropped and faceplant.
I gagged upon hearing that. As I stared at her, the only thing going trough my mind was are you fucking kidding me. "Ewww... Why would I eat something capable of rational thought?"
Moving to block the doorway out of concern for it's well being, as I knew a shapeshifter would probably be captured, or god forbid, killed, on sight. It slowly backed away until it bumped against the anvil. It started wailing. "Please don't kill me-he-heee!" I slowly apply hoof to face.
"Wow, just wow. even the foreigners think I'm some kind of monster." I sigh, sit down and motion for it to do the same. "Can we please talk about this like rational beings?"
The bug pony sniffles, tears forming in its eyes. "I-I am, that's why I'm b-begging for my l-life."
*WHAM*
Head, meet floor. Strangely, that didn't hurt."For the love of god. I do not intend to hurt you in any way."
"Y-you're not?"
"Correct"
"But, why?"
"I'm not that so called Nightmare Moon, I may look like her, but that was because she turned me into a 'Perfect host.'"
I swear, from the way its chest was heaving, I thought something was going to burst out of it in a shower of gore, like a chestburster from that one movie i can't remember the name of. "S-so you gave me that metal plate?"
"Yeah that was me. I actually condensed my miasma, for lack of a better term, to form it."
"Miasma?" it tilted it's head in confusion. which by the way looked frigging cute.
"I would show you, but you need to promise me you won't freak out, because even to me it's kinda creepy"
"I've seen a lot of creepy" heh, don't say i didn't warn you...
"very well." Letting a portion of miasma flow from me, I made it coil at the tip of my hoof, before compressing it into a sphere. With a 'shink' the orb broke, leave a ball of azure metal resting in my hoof. I set the orb down on floor gently.
Looking up, I noticed the bug pony trying to hide behind the anvil, looking like it had seen the Grim Reaper itself. upon realizing it was over, it looked at me and said "That was very creepy. Please don't do that again."
I smirked. "I told you you so."
...
...
...
The bug pony spoke up first, breaking the silence like Pinkie apparently breaks logic and physics. "If you're not going to kill me, can you not tell anypony about my? I don't want to start over again."
I nod sympathetically. "Certainly, why would I throw my only friend here out to the hounds?"
I swear a I look of WTF on its face for the briefest of moments before it returned to a neutral-sad look, suddenly finding the floor interesting. "Most ponies think of Changelings as... parasites."
I immediately think of Bluebitch. "Most ponies are raciest bigots. they fear anything different form themselves."
"It's not JUST the ponies. Griffens and dragons try to... to eat us..."
What... The... Fuck! I barely managed to repress my urge to vomit down to a gag. "That's disgusting! Eating a fellow sapient is unforgivable! Why, when find those glorified pigeons, I'm going to make them WISH I'd killed them. and those flying iguanas? When I get my hooves on those asshats, there will be blood, lots of it, all of it theirs... Oh how I wish I could just nuke the bastards..."
"How did you not know any of that? I mean, I know Changelings are a rare myth for ponies but..." the Changeling seemed unwilling to go any further.
Do I tell it, and risk being called insane, or do I bullshit my way out of this and risk betraying its trust?
That's not really much of a choice...
"Tell me, what do you know about the Multiverse theory?"
"Multi-what?" It asked with a look of disbelief on its face.
"There are an infinite number of universe, every one ever so slightly different from the next" I paused, making sure it was listening. "I was from one of those alternate universes until the Nightmare decided to drag me across the space between them, to here, where she warped my body into what you see now."
The Changling fixed me with a look of 'what is this I don't even...' on its face. "... I've heard crackpot theories before, but that's pretty hard to believe." it paused. "It would be easier to say you have amnesia."
I already had counterargument for that. "That wouldn't explain how I can't figure out how to use my wings, I don't believe that’s something you can just forget."
the changeling gave me a smug look. "If you're an alien, and not really an Alicorn, you shouldn’t be able to use magic either right?" Oh God! it's using logic!
"Magic doesn't require extra limbs, and so far I've only been able to use telekinesis. and anyway..." I'm bringing out the trump card. Yes, I tried to explain the internet to a Changeling.
It stared at me like I'm beyond batshit insane. Then before I could mention what the the internet was REALLY used for, it cut me off. "OKAY! You either insane like the Queen or you really are telling the truth. I'll believe you for now."
"Queen?" Why is the first thing that pops into my head an Xenomorph?
"Kind of like Celestia for Changelings. I've, kind ah turned rogue and ran. That's why I don't want to start over."
Does not compute, why would it run away from someone like Celestia, unless... "She's a power hungry maniac bent on world domination isn't she?"
"The Queens before her were better. Much better."
"Sounds about right." Then it hit me, I had never introduced myself to this Changeling. I giggled at my stupidity. "Say, I never did introduce myself, did I? my names Chitsuki."
"Drone scout number 2-27," With a flash The Changeling re-donned its disguise. A pegasus with a tan coat and a now messy two-tone light and dark gray mane and tail. "Also know as Tattered Ribbon."
Before anything else could be said, the sound of hoofsteaps echoed down the halls.
Ribbon turned back to her work. "You should go now, I have work to do."
Stopping at the door, I bid my farewells. "Hope to see you again sometime Ribbon!"
just as I was about to step out, I noticed the sphere I had created earlier, and gave it a subtle kick so that It rolled towards Ribbon.
Stepping out the door, I passed by Celestia and Twilight. Twilight turned to me with a smile. " I see you've met Ponyvilles resident blacksmith, Tattered Ribbon."
I Smiled knowingly. "Yes I did, and she was quite a fascinating mare..."
I woke up still sore from all the searching I had done, before finally finding Ribbons workshop the other night. Frankly, she was quite a nice mare (or Changeling? mare sounds less awkward…) and I wanted to visit her again…
Remembering the path I took to get back to my temporary living quarters, I trotted off backtracking towards the forge…
Did I just think trotted…? I did, didn’t I? Apparently ponies can ruin your vocabulary.
Apparently the guards had caught word of the verbal beat down I gave Ponce Blueballs, and had actually stopped glaring at me. hell I think I saw one salute me!
Reaching the blacksmith’s room. I knocked on the door, only to be greeted by a panicked “don’t come in!”
“Ribbon, calm down, it’s me Chitsuki!”
a brief moment of silence occurred, before I heard her reply. “...Ok, come in quick.”
I walk in, shutting the door behind me, only to be greeted to a sight that left me dumbfounded.
Ribbon, in her Changeling form, Appeared to be trying to cut herself with a knife… the first words out of my mouth where “ The fuck are you doing?!”
She points at the large scratch on her body. “ I need you hit me right here.”
Wat… “Whhhhy?”
“I need you to break my plate so it will grow.”
Oh. OH! apparently Changeling are more insect like then I first thought…
I comply, winding up and giving it solid hit, the plate moving getting jarred loose, and leaving Ribbon wheezing.
“SHIT! That was a bit too hard, wasn’t it?”
She coughs a couple times. “Maybe, not that hard.” She then pulls the plate off and… sets it on fire…
“Why are you doing that?”
“I can’t just leave it here.”
that doesn't explain th- “And don’t worry about the fire.”
“Bu-but you SET. IT. ON. FIRE.”
I throw my forehooves into the air utterly aggravated by the lack of sense this is making.
"Changeling fire only burns us. we use it for transformations, attacks and getting rid of evidence."
"Changeling fire only burns us... Did you mean to say it like that, because it seems to make little sense.”
"No I said that right 'It burns us' but it doesn't hurt us, try doing hoof to hoof with somepony who can set themselves on fire."
Must resist. Urge to. Make. Falcon. Punch. References.
"Okay, now it sounds awesome. but wouldn't that much light make you a sniper magnet?"
"What's a sniper?"
Okay, now I get why that wouldn't get you killed here. "Someone who attacks from extremely long ranges, usually aiming at targets of strategic importance, like commanding officers or enemy snipers"
"Whoever manages to do that must be very lucky or has especially good accuracy with a bow"
I stare at her. Your fucking kidding me, they don't even have muskets?! "A bow... Snipers don't use a bow, they take you out from over a mile away with a sniper rifle!"
"Again what's a Sniper rifle. The most I've ever seen a pony use is a cross-bow and those are illegal."
Joy, more explaining. "Basically they use gunpowder, you know what gunpowder is right?"
“Yea good for making small bombs, not real useful through."
“Basically they use gunpowder to propel small bits of metal at ludicrous speeds, ripping a hole in the other guy, usually through the head."
"That sound... very messy. wouldn't it be easier to teleport a vial of poison into his chest?"
"That sounds pretty energy intensive though, all you need to do is point and pull the trigger and BOOM, other guys dead with his brains all over the place."
"And what if he's wearing a helmet?"
"I don't think that would protect him from a pointy object traveling faster than the speed of sound, and beside, why teleport poison if you can teleport explosives, and turn the guys ribcage into shrapnel, potentially getting multiple enemies. Can you think of the mass amount of panic it would cause in their ranks if their comrades started randomly exploding?”
Ribbon seemed to take a moment to absorb that before replying. "That maybe so, but getting attention is the last thing I want. I have to be careful, low profile, out of the way. I did tell you before we're eaten by some and starved by the rest."
Oh yeah, derp, shapeshifter, more suited to infiltration then direct combat... "Stealth was never my strong point, i always focused on taking the other guy out in fastest most efficient way possible."
I pause mulling over things a bit. "Although psychological warfare, that I had some brilliant ideas about." probably from watching every horror movie I could get my hands on…
Ribbon tilted her head. "I don't know really anything about psychological warfare, I was just a scout, whistle blower and if need be? the one to get caught"
"I'm guessing the queen decides that you've gone rogue if you get caught, giving her plausible deniability?"
"Normally we don't, but Scouts are mostly used a cannon fodder, we die so others don't have too" She stares at the ground, depressed. "I didn't like being hatched as a scout. it pays to be as fast as you can if you're a scout." dammit! its like watching a sad puppy, you have this irresistible urge to go over and hug it.
I gave in to that urge, walked over and hugged her. "Confound you Ribbon, why must you be so adorable!?"
She blushed… Hucking green? How the fuck do you even blush through chitin? "Adorable!? I'm not adorable I'm a love sucker!"
Wait, it just occurred to me, I'm now hugging a naked Changeling… This is totally awkward.
I hear Ribbon snickering. “You, uh, having a little trouble?”
Wuh? “What do you mean?” Ribbon points behind me.
My fucking wings are sticking up like a bo-… well fuck…
“Quite. Now how the nuck fuggets do I get these back down!?!”
She speaks with slight disbelief in her voice. "You never had this happen before? Uh just calm down."
Okay, inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale. I slowly feel it working as my wings slowly return to their original position of their own accord.
“Let us never speak of this again.” releasing her and getting myself back on my hooves, I had the weirdest feeling I was missing some unfortunate implication.
"that would be best. you probably don't want others to know you have jollys for Changelings" wait… did she just imply…
A little voice in my head screamed ‘Ship it, SHIP IT LIKE FEDEX!’ but I nuked it.
Putting on a godlike pokerface i tried not to burst out laughing. “I am neither pleased, nor displeased, by this occurrence.”
we stare at each other, before laughing at the awkwardness of this insanity. after we both recovered from our laughing fit.
“So, what did you come to see me for?”
"I wanted to get to know you better."
She seemed slightly surprised. “what did you want to know?”
“When we first met, why did you flip out like I was Death itself?”
“Stories of Nightmare Moon being a cannibal.”
I nod. “Yeah, that would make a lot of sense. Although, I’m curious, what is it like being a Changeling?”
"Not much different then you really. Hated by all, looks terrifying, except I'm also hunted for meat."
Damn, that killed the mood.
It was about this time that the patriotism in me sparked up.
“So how badly would you want to overthrow this Chrysalis, and bring the empire ‘under new management.’”
"None. Chrysalis still needs to have a princess to pass the crown."
Damn, that puts a dampener on that plan…
It was about this time Ribbon seemed to notice something, and hesitantly asked, “Hey, have uh… you been feeling extra tired lately?”
“Not at all, why?”
“Oh,Uh, no reason.”
No reason my ass, a shapeshifter would only infiltrate a society if they had something that could not be acquired by normal means. Spiking my emotions with a fuckton of suspicion, I watched as Ribbon flinched.
" I thought so... it explains why ponies would fear you, and why you are so skittish all the time... and why you would infiltrate a pony society, they have something that you cannot acquire normally. But it makes no difference to me."
Ribbon seemed to be beginning to panic. "NO, WAIT! Its not like I snuck into your room to feed on you, I don't do that like the others!"
where did she get the idea that i thought that?
"Huh? No! i didn't mean it like that, I'm saying that I don't mind if you feed on my emotions!"
She, tilted her head. Still as fucking cute as ever...
"I know that you don't really want to, but you need to do it to survive, don't you? I can't blame you for that." I was oozing compassion for the poor girl.
Her eyes widened “Y-you don't care that I'm f-feeding off your love?"
“And besides, do you really like ‘feeding’ on ‘love’?” Yes I did that with air quotes. I couldn't resist.
She grins. “It tastes different from pony to pony.”
Oh, yes… “Finally someone who understands my sense of humor!”
"Changelings aren't really hatched with a sense of innocence."
“So anyway, I’m curious, Is that transformation thing a spell, or an inherent ability of your race?”
"I think it's both, since I haven't seen a unicorn do anything close to it. But I can't be sure, I don't have access to the knowledge anymore."
"Can you try to explain to me how, because i REALLY want to see if i can do it."
"Build up some power, the bigger or smaller I need to be the more power I need, picture what I want to look like and release."
So I tried feeling around in my mind for something malleable a- BINGO!
Now I was focusing on turning into Ribbon, picturing her in my mind and releasing the energy. my body seemed to dissolve, before reshaping and solidifying itself into the new form i had chosen.
Transforming feels… like getting a bucket of liquid nitrogen dumped on you while being bathed in lava, its essentially your body screaming ‘WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING’
Opening my eyes I was greeted to everything having moved a foot or so to the ground.
While Ribbon just stands there, wide eyed and unmoving…
“Wha- holy shit my voice is fucked up” My voice was multi toned and seemed to echo off the walls.
It was about that time that my senses told me I was standing on two legs. I immediately look at my ar- What. The. Fuck. “Okay, exactly how badly did I fuck up?”
“A lot?” Could you be any less descriptive..?
I immediately run over to the cooling basin and stare at my reflection, only to be greeted by some Tyranid-Changeling-Zerg monstrosity…
"Holy shit I look badass! I am soooo gonna reuse this at some point."
Then it hits me. "Now how the hell do I undo this?"
Ribbon decides to be helpful now. "Remember what you looked like before"
Reaching into my magic again I was relieved to get the feeling of a tensed rubber band, letting it snap back, I immediately resumed my previous form. "Damn, now I know how a rubber band feels."
"I've never felt like that before just, warm. That also looked a lot different too, doing it my way -which I'm surprised worked- may not be all you have to do."
There was a flash of light, and then, absolutely nothing?
It was about this time something occurred to me. “Ribbon, why are we standing on the ceiling? And why is everything purple?”
It was about this time a guard burst into the room yelling. “Everypony get to safety, Discord has broken loo- Well, buck… I see I was a bit too late…”
I see Ribbon shushing me but i have a plan. I mouth ‘I got this’ before jumping from the ceiling and landing on the floor letting my military training take over.
“Name and rank soldier!”
He salutes. “Captain Shining Armor ma’am!”
I catch a flash of green fire in the corner of my eye, and see that shining has too. Ribbon had apparently re donned her pegasus disguise. I see Shining getting ready to hit her with a spell, bet before he can do that, I stop him. “STAND DOWN SOLDIER, SHE’S A FRIENDLY! NOW GIVE ME A SITREP ON THIS!” ...holy shit thats loud!
He nods his head quickly before dissipating whatever spell he was readying. “Ma’am yes ma’am! Discord has broken free of his imprisonment and is currently terrorizing the any civilian in the gardens!”
A. Fucking. Terrorist…. Must... Dispense... High-yield…. American… Justice! "How fast can you get us there?!"
Shining immediately responds. "I'll teleport us there." his horn glows before my vision is filled with a flash of pink before i felt like i was being shoved through a fold in space.
When my vision cleared, I was greeted to…
Fucking. Chocolate. Rain. Oh and some monstrosity that looks like a mutant platypus drinking a glass of chocolate milk, which then refills from the bottom.
What… Just… Wat… I sigh. “Well this just made number seven on my list of ‘weirdest shit I’ve ever seen.”
"Why did I have to come? I was safe in my room!"
"But wheres the fun in that? All tucked away like a cuddle bug waiting for Moony to come back."
WHATTHEFUCK! I whirle around only to see Discord standing next to Ribbon. Like fuck I’m giving him the chance to do anything. I let a feral growl escape from my throat.
"Leave my friend out of this, your fight is with me..." Oh how i’m going to enjoy listening to him squeal…
Discord makes a sarcastic scream of fright, before laughing. "Little Moony thinks she's all tough now!" He snaps his… talons? and suddenly everything was five feet taller. "No, I think I'll bring her into this all the same, Don't want to leave anypony out now do I?" Before he picked up Ribbon and started laughing even harder.
“Wha-” Oh god i sound like a five year old… He is a troll, must buy time by counter trolling. “Why thank you, now I’m just harder to hit.” I gave him my best troublemaker grin.
Discord just seems to smile. "Finally somepony who understands! Now what to do to your friend?"
Fuck this. Feeling into my magic and snapping my self back to my original form, I glare at him like a rabid dog. "Fucking. Hurt. Her. And. You. DIE."
I begin closing the distance between the two of us.
"My, my, how violent. No I'm not going to hurt her" he snaps his talons, causing Ribbon to revert to her Changeling form. "She looks MUCH better without a mask on, don't you think?" he holds her in front of him, taunting me.
Bro. You just signed your death warrant. I formed my armor around me, miasma leaking from below me as my rage intensifies. “Let her go, NOW!”
He frowns. "Oh fine, Be that way. Ruin all my fun way don't you." He prepares to snap his talons. "But before I go, one last thing." He snaps them. Immediately, I feel a sucking sensation, before I begin to gravitate towards Ribbon. "If you're going to be so violent I can't just let you roam around, so you can stay in her head till I'm done. Tah tah." As I get closer to Ribbon, I feel something in my mind stirring almost as if it trying to take over her… NOPE. NOPENOPENOPE. ALL OF MY NOPE. I try to stop whatever it is before I wind up taking Ribbon over, but I only partially succeeded.
My skin burns. It feels as if an unfathomable amount of power is flowing through my veins. my vision clouds with what could only be described as liquid shadows, before they seem to hesitate, and and become somewhat transparent. it felt like those shadows had formed a second or third skin boiling with power.
‘Ribbon, are you there, Ribbon, please answer me, I d-d-don’t want to be alone agaaain’
‘C-Chi? is that you?’
‘Oh thank God, you’re alright, I thought discord had effectively replaced your mind with mine!’
‘Th-the power… It hurts…’
‘What? I notice what can only be described as a massive amount of my magic being pushed through Ribbons body. I immediately tried to lessen the flow of power until it no longer was meeting resistance. ‘I think our only option is to take down discord, because I have no clue how to undo this, and I don't think your body can take this much energy for very long before side effects begin cropping up.
‘B-b-but how do we fight him like this?
look, it is taking too much of my focus keeping my power down to levels that won't irreversibly damage your body, to control anything. At the most I can give you suggestions on what to do, but you have to carry them out.
’Bu-but I don’t know how to use it!’
‘I don’t know! use it like you would use any other magic!’
I-i can’t!
I can only think of one way then, repeat after me “We are many, but we are One” ‘
‘We are many, but we are One’
‘We are many, but we are One’
‘We are many, but we are One!’
And then, something magical happened...
We opened Our eyes, and saw the chaos Discord had wrought. We could not let it continue. Shifting Our form to that of a sky dwelling pegasus, We took to the air in search of him. We followed the foul stench of his magic, only to be greeted by a sight that horrified Us: Discord had corrupted the Elements, leaving himself unopposed. We would not be able to maintain Our disguise. Direct intervention was necessary.
We touched down, looking him in the eyes, unwavering. We spoke. “You shouldn't have done that…”
He blinked. "Shouldn't have done what my dear?”
"You forced the Blood Moons very being, into the Rogues body, hoping to remove a threat. Instead you created Us, and incited Our wrath." We shed Our disguise, allowing it to burn up in the roiling field of energy surrounding Our being. At the sight of this, Discords eyebrow rose off his face.
“For We are neither Chitsuki, nor are We Tattered Ribbon. We are, Concordia.” Our name seemed to strike something buried deep within Discords mind, as for the most fleeting of moments, true fear appeared on his features. We capitalized on this fact by releasing a surge of undirected power, driving Our point home. “And We will teach you the meaning of FEAR! ”
Discord didn't even take the time to laugh, and instead rushed Us, intent on delivering a flaming uppercut. "Our power... moves worlds..." channeling large amount of miasma and magic, We struck the ground in front of Us, creating a shockwave of dark power, and launching Discord high into the air, shocking him. With a flap of Our wings, We pursued him. Before We could connect, Discord teleported behind Us, and axe kicked Us into the ground. Emerging from the crater coated in dust. "We voiced Our rage. "Our wrath… rends time itself..." Discord gave Us a confused stare. We rushed up to him, focusing every ounce of rage into Our hoof. "Dāku..." Our hoof met his gut. "Shōryū..." We launched our other hoof into his jaw. "KEN!" The impact sent him even higher into the air, before he plummeted back down to earth, while We landed in front of him.
Discord got up, wavering slightly before sighing. “It appears I made a mistake, joining your consciences.” He tightened his paw into a fist. “But that can be easily fixed.” We blinked, and he was right in front of Us. He delivered a punch to Our mid-
* CRUNCH! *
…
…
upon regaining consciousness, I quickly took in my surroundings, anticipating a surprise attack. The first thing I noticed, was the Mane Six, sitting there, staring at something behind m-
Ribbon had been sent flying into a wall by the punch, before being buried in a pile of rubble.
I felt something stirring in me, instincts that felt almost like that of the Nightmare.
…
They screamed for vengeance, for me to inflict as much pain as inhumanly possible.
...
And I gladly gave into them...
I looked Twilight right in the eyes, pure fear having since broken her free of whatever Discord had done to her mind, and said a single word. “Run…” and run they did. Turning my glare to Discord, I walked up to him, radiating unrestrained bloodlust. Channeling both pegasus and earth pony magic through my entire body, I spoke.
“You hurt my Ribbon. Prepare to die.”
“And what makes you think you can possibly harm m-”
The combination of magic, adrenalin, and unadulterated rage, caused me to perform a double hoofed nutshot, that broke the sound barrier. And that was only the beginning…
At this point, I lost myself in the screams for vengeance, and couldn't remember a thing after. when I finally did regain control, I was standing over a bruised and battered Discord, who was muttering “Not the kittens… not the kittens…” under his breath repeatedly. he deserved it, after what he did to Ribbon-
Wait, RIBBON! Rushing to the pile of rubble, I quickly glanced around, making sure no one would see her, before using telekinesis to throw the debris out of my way. I was horrified to see the state she was in.
Her horn was spiderwebbed with cracks, the chitin around her barrel had shattered, leaving her bleeding flesh exposed, and her breathing was fading fast. at that last revelation, three things happened; I grabbed her in my telekinesis, an image of the hospital room I first woke up in appeared in my mind, and I was urging my magic to get us there NOW. My vision was suddenly flooded with the eerie greenish-blue i usually associated with my magic, before we were deposited in the hospital room…
Question teleporting later, save Ribbon NOW.
I did the only thing I could think of. I flooded my emotions with concern, sorrow, and… love? yet nothing was happening… I poured my soul into it, and felt unconsciousness starting to claim me, before i blacked out, however, I was rewarded with a relieving sight. The bleeding had stopped, and her breathing was stable...
“OH GOD I’M U-” *Whump* “Owwwwch…” I think I just tried to backflip while forgetting to jump.
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME!!!" Wha- oh... SHIIIIIIIIT.... Ribbon had grown rapidly, reaching my height. Her, frill? Had fallen out and been replaced by a mane of purple, almost exactly like mine, her chitin had changed from a matted black to a much darker shade of it, and her eyes, were now double ringed slits. She basicaally looked like a changeling version of me...
"Uhhhhh... Ribbon, I think you evolved..."
"YOU THINK!!"
"Calm down before someone calls a guard!" Ohhhhh this is bad... As if to humiliate me, a doctor walks into the room.
"Do you mind, oth-!" He slowly backed out of the room with a 'what the fuck' look frozen on his face.
Ribbon gave me an embarrassed look. "I should... probably put on a disguise, huh?"
"Well, crap. Might as well brace for the inevitable shitstorm, and yes, yes you should." Heeding my advice, Ribbon resumes her pegasus disguise, and almost immediately after Celestia teleports into the room. I eyed her suspiciously. "Why exactly, did you take the time to visit us personally?"
She looks me in the eyes. "I sensed a new power growing." Her gaze shifts to Ribbon. "And I wanted to see it myself. A being coming to power."
I turn to Ribbon. "Well shit, I guess the jig is up..."
Ribbon begins to look around frantically "what jig? I thought I was recovering from a broken rib?"
"She KNOWS Ribbon... I can tell by how calm she is... shouldn't she be worried about her ponies well being? See where I'm going with this?" I focus my gaze on Celestia. "If you so much as harm her, then by Asura, I will smite you where you stand..."
Ribbon turns to look at me. "I blame you for this..."
Celestia smirks. "Now,now, I don't intend to do anything, I am merely curious as to the power that spiked in my castle."
I pull Ribbon into a hug. "You're just wasting energy cuddle bug, she knows for certain."
Ribbon blushes and stares at me. "...did you just call me cuddle bug?"
I feel my face morph into the shit eating grin infamous on so many forums. "Problem?"
Ribbon continues to blush. "You did that on purpose."
"Your point is?"
Ribbon points to Celestia.
I've had it. "Screw subtly!" I pull Ribbon into a passionate kiss. As I did so, I briefly felt a warmth come from Ribbon. After her moment of shock struggling wore off she started to relax and I broke the kiss to see Ribbon with the biggest green blush on her natural face.
"I umm... ah... wow." Both me and Ribbon turn to face Celestia at the same time. She was standing there, blushing, with a massive wingboner.
"I blame estrust!"
Celestia just snickers. "That won't happen until later in fall."
I glare at her. "not another word. Sunbutt..."
She simply brushes it aside. "Very well. Now about you."
"Yesss? Abou-"
"I'msorryIdidn'tmeantofeedonyourponiesIwasjustsohungryandIcouldnt-" Ribbons freakout was intturupted by Celestia placeing her hoof on Ribbons muzzle.
"I've already said I would not do anything to harm you, so there is no need for fear."
It was around then I cut in. "So what did you really come here to talk about?"
"I had thought Discord was behind this, I see I was wrong. as long as you remain out of sight and don't cause trouble I see little reason to intervene here."
My ears perk up in interest. "Discord? You mean that asshat that I delivered the mother of all nut busters to?"
Celestia nodded. "Yes, I believe so, now if you'll excuse me..." she teleported out.
"Hey Ribbon, I'm bored, what do you want to do?"
"We're not going to talk about what just happened!?"
"Talk about what?"
"About Celestia, she knows and she doesn't care, and she KNOWS. And what was the kiss for?"
I mumble. "I'm in love with you..."
"What was that?"
I mumble louder. "I'm in love with you."
She stares at me, dumbfounded. "I've known you for all of two days."
"And you've been more caring than most people that i've know for the last twelve years..."
"Twelve years? what type of ponies of you been" she paused, realizing her mistake."Nevermind, I wouldn't understand anyway."
"You know what we need? A commemorative item to celebrate this event!"
Ribbon mumbles under her breath, thinking I can't hear her. "You sure move along quickly." Yes I do... I still haven't let this all sink in, if I stop moving forward, it will all come crashing down on me...
"I heard that!"
"So what did you what to celebrate with?"
"A particular weapon I've been hoping to make. Did you know it's possible for an iron blade to cut a steel one?"
"Steel? that's some pretty hard to get stuff, the minotures that make it refuse to let the secret of how they make it get out. And of course it's possible for iron to cut steel but That's a also a pretty expensive enchantment."
"Lucky for you, I know how to make steel, and a way to cut it with an UNENCHANTED iron blade..."
Ribbon appears to have ignored that nugget of info. "And that's not even counting the new stuff that you make. I've yet to fully test it's abilities or have the enchantments tested."
"Good point... TO THE FORGE!!!" I grab Ribbon, and feel the heat of her transformation, before galloping off in the direction of the blacksmiths workplace.
"Hey hey hey, I can walk you know!"
Derp! Setting Ribbon down I proceed to chastise myself. "Bad Chitsuki, you're not a five year old in a candy store!"
Then from nowhere, Pinkie! "Did somepony mention candy!?"
"AHHH! Pinkie, don't do that!
"Oh sweet jesus, a pony Deadpool." Suddenly, I have an insane idea... "Hey Pinkie, DON'T go prank Celestia, okay?" She immediately stops whispering to Ribbon and puts a hoof to her chin in thought.
"I have the strangest urge to prank Celestia... Gotta go bye!" Annnd she's gone.
"You're going to get Pinkie in a lot of trouble, aren't you?"
"Celestia will know it was my revenge for making that incredibly awkward moment."
"That was you, not Celestia."
I laugh maniacally. "And thus the shitstorm begins..."
"I'm going to be dragged into this aren't I?"
"Along with everyone else in the castle..." We reach the forge. "Now, we make art... sweet, deadly, art..."
"So what did you want me to make again?"
"A katana... in essence the blade is two pieces of metal, one hard, composing the cutting edge, and one soft composing the rest of the blade, folded together, creating an absurdly sharp blade."
"Ok, I think I can do that. any specific design style?"
"Simple, no fancy adornments and as a matter of fact, I can supply the 'hard' metal." Focusing I shaped my miasma into a large block of metal, before dropping it in front of her. "Well then, let's begin."
*FIVE HOURS LATER*
With a satisfying hiss of steam, the blade reached room temperature for the last time. "Finally, she is complete! All that is left now is a name..."
"It looks like its made of shadows..." it truly does. With a crimson handle, a deep purple blade with a midnight blue edge, and a sheath to match the deep blue, she truly looked like the shadow of a Nightmare...
"That's it! I shall dub thee Kage no Akumu, Shadow of the Nightmare!"
"Now, what else shall we make?" I was getting pretty excited. I finally get to make some cool toys.
"I don't have any of my stuff, so I'm a little limited."
"You know what you need? Claws..." Yes... a shapeshifting, pony, Wolverine...
"Claws?"
"Yeah ya know spring loaded so they pop out and let you slash stuff."
"Like the ones used by the Night guard?" Wait, they have a night guard? I'll need to see if I can meet one of them.
"Yeah, except longer and sharper."
"They have a twin claw attached to their shoes, I'm not so sure I can make it spring loaded though" Ribbon shifts from hoof to hoof. "And I have a bigger problem I didn't have before. I have two different hoof sizes now."
"So why don't you make them out of something stretchy?" Like latex...
"They'd be a tight fit fit for sure."
"Better then nothing." Brain, why are putting images of Ribbon in latex stockings in my head? Brain, stahp.
"Alright, I'll ask for a pair from the barracks and have a look at them."
"Now then, I've got an uber-cool blade, but from what I've heard from Pinkies tales, hydras are real here, and bladed weapons do not mix with hydras..." well unless you get it to grow so many heads that it's heart can't meet the blood demand...
"No, no they do not. It'll work on everything else though."
"True, true." I slowly nod my head... "still, the last few days have been insane, haven't they?"
"Yea, I'ed sure like to relax. Maybe I'll go shopping."
"meh, why the hell not?" No seriously, I don't see any problem with shopping. My manliness had left me about the time I made out with Ribbon in front of Celestia...
"I'm only going to go buy some new tools."
"You can do that, I'll go troll bluebutt..."
Ribbon chuckles at that. "Have fun!"
I couldn't help it. "Oh, I will..." I put my forehooves together, and chuckled like a Bond villain.
At this, Ribbon was inching towards the door, more than likely not wanting to get dragged into a prank war. "Sure, uh. I heard from Rarity he has a thing about being covered in cake."
"Like maybe, Celestias cake?" Everyone knows Celestia loves her damned cake… The guards won't shut up about it!
Ribbon simply decided to go, before this got any weirder in her tastes.
*sigh* I miss my video games, I never did manage to beat Masked Dedede and his giant electrified hammer...
Ideaaaaaa!
But first, how would I enchante it?
TO THE LIBRARY!
Which of course... is at the other side of the castle... along with my 'temporary' room.
Another idea! Maybe if I can recreate the feeling of urgency, I can teleport...
Picturing my new room and he feeling of 'get me there now!' My vision was flooded with that spectral greenish-blue hue of my magic.
And promptly teleported three feet over the floor of my room and upside down...
"Aww cra-" *Wham* "Owwwwch."
"Hello, wha- Oh hi Chi, what happened?"Heh, just the nerd I was hoping to find.
Can't talk, just realized can teleport. "I just figured out how to teleport, on purpose this time..."
Twilight stared at me. "This time..?"
"Remember that mare Discord punched into a wall? After I gave into my body's instincts and beat the everloving shit out of him, I kinda dug her out of the rubble, and seeing the state she was in, wanted to get the two of use to a hospital room right that instant…”
“Yeah, that sounds like basic teleportation, most ponies just picture themselves being moved to the desired locat- ohhh, what's that, I’ve never seen a sword like that before…”
Adorkable. Levels. Rising… “Well my dear Twilight, first of all, it’s not a sword, its a katana, and second of all, it was a collaborative effort between me and Ribbon, and no I’m not going to tell you how it was made, for the time being I’m considering it a trade secret.” Oh god she’s pouting… Must divert her interest. “But anyway, I was wondering, is it possible to enchant something to deliver a high-voltage electrical charge upon impact with something?”
“Uh, yeah, all it would take is a high quality thunderstone and a magical circuit. Why did you want to know?”
“Sometimes, you just need to bring the hammer down…” I said cryptically. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go troll Blueblood.”
“Oh… Joy…” Yeah, Twilight doesn't want to get involved in this either.
no, you know what, i'm going to wait until Pinkie shows up, and then we will double team him… Ohhh that will be fun. but anyway,I got what I came for, now back to the forge!
“Oh… it’s you…” or not… Fucking bluebutt.
I whirl around. “You got a problem with that?” My sudden motion made him jump. “Because if you do…” wait for it… “I would prefer that we settle it like civilized ponies.”
His eye twitches. “Very well. What I want to address, is that awful fiasco at breakfast.”
“Dude, I was sleepy, and I hadn't had my coffee. I tend to get a little insane when I’m like that.” No, I meant every last word…
“Oh, wow, that makes you worse than Luna in the morning, or Celestia for that matter… I still remember that one time she spiked my cake with liquid rainbow.” wait, Celestia’s a prankster?
“Liquid… Rainbow? Sounds fruity.” How the fuck does that even work?!? wouldn't the colors just mix?
“You would think that, wouldn't you. It is actually the spiciest thing know to pony kind." Oh. Wow! I may just have to start calling Sunbutt Trollestia.
"Owch..." I winced in sympathy.
"Owch indeed." He nodded.
"Well see you!" And my vision flashed with the now familiar color of my magic.
Ohshi- *Whump* only to teleport a few feet above Ribbon and crash into her...
"Well at least I wasn't upside down this time..."
"Yes that's great and all but, uh. One question. Why are you mounting me?" Wait what?!
*flump!* "oh, crap!" I immediately disentangle myself from her. "Why must these things keep happening to me?!"
"Happening to you? seems to be happening to me just as much." She says as she picks up the tools she dropped.
"True, true... But anyway, I know what I'm going to make next, a giant, electrified, hammer!"
Ribbon sighs. "Which means more work for me. Do you want it made of the same stuff?"
"Okay, but I want to help, I don't feel like being useless."
"But you're not trained, you are useless. Unless don't want it made quickly, you just want it made?" We have a winner.
"Exactly. I want to learn your trade." Gonna need to know this if I'm gonna make guns after all...
"Well, it'll take more than one build you know."
"I know. But I actually want to be a productive member of society."
"And you can't do that now? You already generate alloy's from your body" Wow, you fail economics forever.
"Supply and demand, make too much and it becomes worthless."
"Then only make so much. you can start by asking for compensation for the stuff you've given to the Princess."
"Now why didn't I think of that..."
Ribbon give me one of her 'i am now being sarcastic' smiles. "As I said, You're useless."
I did my best impression of a sad puppy. "But then I get to spend more time with you..."
She couldn't resist and had to look away. "You said you wanted an electrified hammer?"
"Yes..."
"This means I have to break off more plates, huh?"
I smirk. "Why, do you need a hand with that?"
"Unlike you, my chitin plates are limited so I can't just keep breaking them off. I need them." You don't say?!
I roll my eyes "I know, that doesn't mean we can't make the other parts though."
"Wait, you meant 'hoof' right?" Why must she look so cute when she tilts her head?!?
"Derp, that's what I meant to say."
"Okay. We'll make the fill for the hammers core, it's soft, rectangular and doesn't need to be perfect, a good place to get used to a weighted hammer. Though I'd rather start you on something else." She paused for a moment. "And you're not using my new one."
"Well, what are we waiting for! Let do this!" And so we began.
*One montage and two days later...*
"Now all that's left is waiting for you to shed..."
"Could be awhile, it's not like I need to do it every week, month, or year. Only when I'm hurt and need a new one or if I grow."
Hopefully before she has to return to Ponyvi- annnnnd sadface. "Poo, and you're probably going to have to return to Ponyville soon..."
"And the princess wouldn't just let you out either, the public would freak."
That's only if they see the real me... wait... I Slowly apply hoof to face. "DERP! Forgot I could shapeshift as well..."
"Do you really think the Princess would just let somepony as powerful as you go unchecked?... then again the elements live in Ponyville so you wouldn't be completely unchecked. Talk to her."
"Shouldn't we come up with a disguise for me first?"
"Shouldn't we know you can leave before we commit?"
"Hey, even if I can't, it would be useful so I didn't have to sneak around the castle."
"Alright Well, we know you can only turn into a dark or twisted version of whatever it is sooo, don't change anything." Wat...
"I mean stay as you are and just shrink down and loss the wings, or the horn." Oh...
Focusing on a smaller form without a horn, I feel my miasma swirling around me, and my body shrinking...
When I emerge, I am slightly smaller than Ribbons pegasus disguise, and... have Pinkies mane!? Well except a dark purple. Because fuck logic, I'm a pony.
Doing my best Spy imitation. "Gentlemares." What... I couldn't help it.
Ribbon chuckles before copying my accent. "You look good madam, just like a thestral."
"Now then, to Sunbutts lair!... which way is that again?" No seriously, this castle is a freaking maze.
"I dunno, I think it's the tower." Okay then...
"To the tower!"
"You go to the tower. I'm not going near her." Wuss...
"Please, if you get to nervous, we can always make out in front of her again..." I give her a sly grin and a wink.
She blushes the deepest shade of green I've seen yet. "... I think I'll stay here..."
Suddenly my ears pick up the sound of hoofsteps. Ribbon promptly transforms into her pegasus disguise, just before Celestia and Luna walk into the room.
Ribbon adiably gulps. "Hello princess Celestia, Luna..." oh shit, don't have a panic attack Ribbon.
Luna looks at me in curiosity. "And who, pray tell, is this?"
"This is, uh. she's..." Dammit Ribbon...
"Its me, Chitsuki how do you not recognize me? Or do me and Ribbon have to embarrass you again Celestia?"
I hear Ribbon whisper "Please don't."
Celestia goes wide eyed at my remark. "So it is you, well that simplifies things greatly."
Luna continues. "We were planning on relocating you to Ponyville, where the Elements could keep an eye on you, but we couldn't figure out how to get you there unseen."
SUPERHAPPYBOUNCYTIME! "yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes! I get to stay with Ribby!"
"What!?" Well, at least Ribbon isn't panicking about the princesses.
Celestia giggled. "Well it was either her, Derpy Whooves, or Pinkie Pie."
"What about Twilight?" Uh, no!
"Do you WANT me to be turned into a science experiment!?!" I wouldn't put it past her to do that, although introducing her to drunk science would be fun.
"It's better than Ponyville being turned into a battle field if you move in with Pinkie."
"As opposed to me getting Twilight drunk, and causing her to somehow make the magical equivalent of a thermonuclear warhead and completely level it?"
"I don't think I know what that is so, no?" She gives a confused and embarrassed look. "Fine, you can stay with me."
Cannot. Resist. Urge. To. Glomp! "Yaaaay!" Annd impact.
Ribbon yelps, before blushing intensely.
*pomph=3* "Sister, I didn't know you were into that kind of thing?!?" Yes, Luna said that with a shit eating grin...
Celestia would have none of it. She levitated a pair of tickets and drops them at our whooves, before speaking in an incredibly flustered voice. "Tickets. Train. Ponyville. Five o'clock. Goodbye." She then teleported out, presumably to do something about her wingboner.
Luna gave me a grin. "You should probably get going, it's already four o clock." She then teleports, more then likely to go annoy her sister.
"Uhh..." my thoughts exactly, Ribbon.
I haul myself off of Ribbon. "Well, let's go, we don't want to miss the train now do we?"
After a good walk, we arrive at the train station only to be greeted by Twilight. She takes one look at me and hesitantly speaks. "Please tell me I'm not seeing a Thestral version of Pinkie..." oh god. This is the perfect setup.
Channeling my inner 5 year old, I announce myself. "Yupperoonie! names Night Sight!" I can literally see Twilight having a breakdown.
"Oh sweet celestia there's two of them, Equestria is bucked, in's the apocalypse, WE'RE ALL GONN-" Ribbon cuts her off by jamming her hoof in her mouth.
"Twilight calm down! She's not like Pinkie, trust me I know. She's not innocent enough to be Pinkie." Must continue the joke.
"What is this 'innocence' you speak of?" Oh the look on twilights face...
"See?" Now to finish it.
"Because I'm the goddamn Batmare!" And presto! Twilight has suffered a logic error and must now reboot! Upon completing said reboot, Twilight curled into a ball muttering repeated "nope!"s.
I turn to Ribbon. "I think I broke her..."
"Get on the train, I'll deal with her, and act normal from now on please." Awww...
"Fine..." but only because you asked.
Upon boarding, I was greeted by Pinkie Pie. "Wowzers, even I've never been that random before!"
"That my dear Pinkie, was the internet in a shellnut. And that isn't even the craziest thing I've done! Did I ever tell you about the time I sacked Discord so hard I broke the sound barrier?" I swear I just felt every stallion within 20 miles cringe in pain... and a few mares...
Pinkie then pulls a cupcake out of her mane. It was rainbow colored and dripping red. I grabbed it and took a bite out of it... DAMN THAT IS SPICEY! It felt like a nuke just went off in my mouth... Me gusta. "You like it? I call it the Cupcano!" I promptly scarf down the rest of it, before smiling stupidly. I was greeted to gasp of shock from the other four ponies in the car.
"Oh... My..."
"Tarnations, and I thought Rainbow lacked common sense..." A.J looked at Rarity with a look of 'please god no.'
"Buddy, you must have a cast-iron stomach to do that and not flinch..."
"How unladylike!" And dramatic marshmallow...
"Best. Cupcake. EVER!" Pinkie smiles at that.
"You're going to regret that VERY soon. give it 10 ta 15 seconds..." oh, Ribbons here.
*gurgle!* oh boy, here comes a big one... "BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAP" Wat. I belched RAINBOW FIRE. And it felt good. Fuck logic. I turn to Pinkie. "You wouldn't happen to have another one, would you?" I see everyone's jaws drop. Hell, Rainbow drops out of the air because she had forgotten to keep flapping!
"Pinkie, don't give her any more." Ribbon turns whisper to me."Trust me."
Pinkie shrugs. "It was the only one I brought..."
"Pinkie, you never just bring one. You bring twelve." Really, where!
Pinkie looks around nervously. "I may have left the other eleven with Celestia's cakes."
I smiled at that. "I approve."
"I'm sure you do." Snarcastic Ribbon is best Ribbon!
Twilight facehooves and groans loudly. "Why Faust. Whyyyyyyy?"
"Twilight let it go." Ribbon tries to comfort Twilight. It didn't help.
She throws her forehooves in the air, before loudly announcing "BUCK THIS!" Grabbing a bottle of cider from somewhere, chugging it down, and then going and curling up in a corner, before falling asleep.
"Fluttershy stop hiding, and help Twilight." Wait, when was Fluttershy here? Oh she was hiding under A.J.
"Am I really that ugly?"
Rarity is still sitting there, with her jaw on the floor. She shakes her head. "Ugly? Heavens forbid no, but I will admit you look quite... wild." At this point Twilights snoring echoes throughout the car.
I turn to Pinkie. "You wouldn't happen to have a can of whipped cream and a feather on you, would you?" Rainbow snickers. I guess she knows this prank...
Pinkie pulls said objects from her mane, before giving them to me. "Do it..."
Applying whipped cream to Twilights hoof, I tickle her nose with the feather...
*Splat!* Twilight is now glaring at me, whipped cream all over her face. So I do the most random thing I can think of. I lick it...
Cue Twilight and Rarity 'ewww'ing, Fluttershy going 'meep!' And Ribbon telling me I have no shame, while everyone else laughs.
"Tastes like the worlds worst romance novel..."
"Everypony this is Night Sight, she'll be moving in with me." Wow, took long enough Ribbon...
Rainbow flies over to me. "Me, you, and Pinkie really need to get together sometime, so we can prank ponyville like never before..."
Pinkie gives me a knowing look. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" I think I am...
"That depends, where would we get enough glow in the dark paint to coat the entire town, and a container big enough to launch it from?"
Cue an "oh Faust why?" From Twilight. And a "Let the battle field be made." From Ribbon.
I turn to her "just for that, your place is ground zero."
Ribbon sighs. "Wonderfull..."
"Be thankful I'm not useing drunk science. I once turned my car into a radioactive wreak with that, beer, and duct tape. And no, I just don't know what went wrong either."
*Wham* the fuq, a blond wall-eyed peguses just flew into the side of the train car. "That's my line!"
Ribbon groans and sinks into her seat. I look at the mare plastered on the window. "Do you know her?"
"That's my friend Ditzy. Everypony calls her Derpy." Oh, damn, she does look like that derp face meme. Poor girl.
"Should I let her in?" Ribbon shakes her head.
"Probably not," she look at the mare currently doing an impression of a fly meeting a windshield. "Go home Derpy! I'll talk to you later!"
"I'm gonna take a guess that Ponyville is a magnet for all kinds of weird shit?" Please say yes...
"Very, and you'll love it all the same." Yay! "Not a week goes by without something happening, and you get to be the new pony." Double yay!
"Sounds like like my collage, not a day goes by without someone doing stupid shit while drunk..." I still remember how Jeff made impact fused potatoes, the shot them out of Larrys potato cannon.
"Lets hope you're still not like that..." Good thing I got decent self control.
"I only got drunk the one time. After that I never went past tipsy out fear of a repeat." Its true. "Are we there yet." Boredom, boredom everywhere.
"Look out the window." Oh, well damn, we're just pulling into the station.
"Oh good, we're here." Taking my first steps into Ponyville I was surprised by how qui-
"CUTIE MARK CRUSADER TOUR GUI- AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Oh great, children... to be precise what look like a miniature Rarity, a yellow pony with a bow on her head, and orange one with a purple mane.
"Owch... my ears. Which one of you just wailed like a banshee?"
"Coooool..." "IT WAS SWEETIE BELLE!"Was the orange and yellow ones responses.
"Impressive..." No seriously, who knew a pony could make such loud noises? I have no idea how to handle this... I give Ribbon a pleading look.
"Good luck with the foals I'm going home with my new toy's." Well shit. Only one thing to do...
"HEY LOOK, A DISTRACTION!" When they look away, I bolt after Ribbon before latching onto her.
"WHOA! you are very attached, aren't you?" She exclaims in surprise.
"Yeah well there's a banshee marshmallow after my soul!" Go home brain, you're drunk.
She looks at me like I just described the inside of a black hole in perfect detail. "Marshmallows are trying to eat you?"
"Did you hear how loud that thing screamed!" Seriously, that thing puts even Beiber to shame.
"Which thing there was three of them... Right the marshmallow one, stupid question. You'll be safe at the house at least." Good point, getting off of her I looked around.
"So where is your place anyway?" Do not want to get lost and ambushed by the marshmellow...
"Near the Library. Guess what I do for a living." Umm bagels?
"Blacksmithing obviously." Why else would she have been summoned to Canterlot in the first place?
"Correct, now guess how big my house is." Ummmm...
"House sized?" I grin like an idiot.
"Clever... we're here. I'll go shopping for food later while you hide from the 'marshmallow'." Oh woooow that's a big house.
Walking inside, I immediately go looking for food. That was, until I realized I still didn't know how to fly. Of course I had a crazy idea...
Feeling inside of myself, I looked for repressed Instincts, I found some that weren't mine or the remnants of the Nightmare. Bringing them out, I eventually realized I wasn't on the ground anymore, and could hear a steady flapping sound immediately behind me. Opening my eyes, I was greeted to the sight of the ground a few feet further than it was before. Tilting my wings forward, SLIGHTLY, I wasn't that stupid, I slowly moved forward. Now come turning... tilting to left, I began my turn. "Oh my god, I'm actually doing this. I'm actually doing this, I'm actul- OHSHI-"
*bump* Thank god I was going slow enough to not damage anything. Now how the hell do I land? Floating over to the couch, I slowl-CRAP! *whump* and there was the reason I tried landing over the couch. I sit there, a dopey grin on my face, before I realize Ribbon was standing at the doorway.
"No flying inside. You lucky I don't own anything breakable... Faust knows I learned that lesson from Derpy and Rainbow."
I start bouncing like a five year old on a sugar and caffeine high. "But I flew Ribby, I FLEW! It was the greatest feeling, know you can just go 'screw gravity!' And take to the air!"
She grins at me. "Well you do have wings 'Nighty'." I couldn't help it, I was so excited I reverted to my normal alicorn form, before grabbing Ribbon and pulling her into a big, sloppy kiss, the shock causing her to revert to her changeling form.
"Ewwwww-oh, buck..." my head whips around so fast I swear I felt my brain spin. There in the doorway, was the orange pegasus from earlier today.
"Well... Shit..."
The filly dashed right under my legs and dove behind the couch. "DONT EAT ME!"
"Wow, deja vu much?" I whisper to Ribbon.
"She's not scared, if she was she wouldn't run into the house." Ribbon closes the door to make sure none else see us.
"Or she has experienced this before... running towards an obvious threat will usually surprise them, giving you time to make a break in the other direction."
"Huh, I never thought of that. Then again she was in the doorway to the public and now she's behind the couch. I can also smell her curiosity."
I slowly approach the couch, only to hear the filly whimpering. "They already got my parents, now they're coming for me. This isn't happening. This isn't happening. THIS ISNT HAPPENING!" Wait. By they she can't mean me and Ribs, so that means it must have been... my rage flashed into a burning star of hate. My cold fury leaked from every pore of my body.
"Chrysalis. You. Motherfucking. BITCH! I'LL RIP YOUR SPINE OUT, I WILL DESTROY YOU SO UTTERLY YOU WILL HAVE NEVER EXISTED!"
"Chi, calm down you're going to make Scootaloo worse." She's right.
"Okay, what the hell do I do, I'm no good with children, but she's obviously irrationally afraid of you."
"she's afraid of me, not Ribbon. Go upstairs, I'll follow, Ribbon can deal with her!" She says this loud enough for Scootaloo to hear. She however has other ideas.
"I know that you're Ribbon!" Well crap...
"Never mind, she's all yours. I'm going to get something to bribe the filly with."
"Try chocolate." What, it works with hormonal women.
"Never underestimate the power of candy and bits." True.
"And stupidity." I couldn't help but add, as she disguises herself before walking out the door.
Now how do I get her to open up to me... well here goes nothing... I managed to shapeshift in a filly sized version of me minus the fangs. Before walking around the couch and laying down in front of her. She stares at me, have seen my miasma at work. "Talk to me, why are you so afraid of me and Ribbon? And what do you mean by 'they already got my parents.'?" I can see the look of weakened apprehension, so I go in for the kill. "I just want to help..." I did it complete with the sad puppy eyes and even a whimper.
She cracks. "You don't understand, those bug monsters killed my parents, they nearly killed me! And they claim it was because the queen needed 'genetic material'..." WHAT! I do my best to remain calm. They.... those monsters!
"No wonder you're scared shitless by them... but I promise you, Ribbon is not like those... vermin. She cut all ties with them, becoming independent, not letting others tell her what to think or how to do things. She... she was the only thing keeping me sane when I finally broke free from the Nightmare. The flames of my wrath are the very same ones that burned in Asura, so many years ago, and as I turned them on the god of chaos himself to protect my one true friend, so would I turn them on any who would wish to harm you. And may God have mercy on their souls, for I fucking won't." At that, Scootaloo burst into tears, before burying her head in my side.
The poor thing, having her parents taken from her, and then their bodies desecrated for some sick science experiment. Realizing the crying had stopped, I noticed that Scootaloo had cried herself to sleep, her head still buried in my side. Realizing that I couldn't get away, I joined her in the dream realm, but not before feeling a sensation that could only be described as her mind brushing against mine...
this, doesn't feel like my mindscape...
I was standing in a large forest, that should be full of life, bet instead felt foreboding.
"Heeeeeelp!" Wait, am I in Scootaloo's dream!?! This must be a nightmare... I wonder, if I focus hard enough, can I influence it... forming an image of something in my... mind? I tried to impose it upon this dreamscape.
*thunk* A sign with a giant 'YES' on it plopped in front of me. Well that Answers that question. Now then, how to 'save' her, without her becoming dependant on me, or it turning it into an even worse nightmare... manifesting a ball of light in front of Scootaloo, I lead her to a mountain of my own creation, where the ball dissipated, before flowing into her.
"Their she is!"
"Get her!"
She smiled as the words came to her like a message from the gods. "In the span of a single night, a star was born and died." More of the creatures emerged from the forest. "From it's ashes, rose a life." They hissed, baring their fangs. "The apex of ages long, long past." They took to the air, mesmerised by her chant. "Crowned by the herald of a nuclear era." They began circling. "Today, the Night has deemed for it to rise." Their buzzing reached a fever pitch. "And protect its charge." The beasts closed in, wishing to further her nightmare. She grinned a manic grin. "Awaken, Godzilla, King of Monsters."
A roar, one filled with the rage of a nuclear fire, tore across the dreamscape. Then, behind her, the mountain shifted, and began to rise. A creature that could only be described as a wingless dragon, revealed itself, as its massive dorsal fins, mistaken for the mountains themselves, sliced through the clouds. Peaking at over 400 meters, it let out a second roar, before opening its mouth, and spewing atomic death upon the changelings, instantly removing them from existence. Turning to Scootaloo, and without giving her time to panic, it nodded, before it dissolved into orange and purple light, before flowing into the filly, with a message echoing in her mind, telling her that if she were ever in such peril again, it would be there, ready to defend her.
"Bravo, Chitsuki, bravo. Your prod, allowed Scootaloo to finally form a defence against these nightmares, ones even I have been unable to stop." I spun around, ready to draw Akumu, only to be Greeted by Luna.
"When did you get here?" I ask, surprised.
"Almost as soon as the nightmare started, but I must ask, how did you get here?"
"No clue. All I know is that Scootaloo cried herself the sleep in my side, shortly before I drifted off as well." Judging from the look of surprise on her face, she now knows.
"Ah, a contact synchronization. When a dreamwalker and another subject in physical contact with them, fall asleep around the same time, the dreamwalker will be deposited in the subjects dream, the moment it starts."
I shrug. "Cool story, but how do I wake up?"
She smiles. "You already are, all you need to do is think of waking up, and you will..." as she finishes, everything fades to white...
"Daaawwww..."
The sound of the door closing and Ribbon receiving concentrated cute woke me. I smell chocolate...
*grumble* And the sound of my stomach grumbling woke Scootaloo. "That was the best dream I've had in a loooong time."
I smile a knowing grin, much to Scootaloos confusion. "Did it involve a colossal lizard, raining down an unholy firestorm upon bug monsters?" Gojira, the King of Monsters, the Kami No Metsu, and now, Scootaloos guardian.
"How did you know?!" Well i'd rather not tell her I was in her dreams but I don't want to lie to her...
I smirk. "I'm just that awesome..." Turning to Ribbon I notice what she's carrying. "I smell... chocolate..."
Upon hearing 'chocolate' Scootaloo immediately perks up. "Chocolate, WHERE!?!" Before appearing to teleport to Ribbon. Damn, she moves fast when motivated.
"Slow down and I'll give you chocolate." Ribbon hands Scootaloo a bar, which vanishes within a tenth of a second. "Here." Yeah. Scoots devoured that before Ribbon could even finish talking.
Now that Scootaloo was off of me I returned to full size, before resuming my thestral identity. "Ribbon, we need to talk, I've stumbled upon some rather disheartening information..."
"Sure, you can help me put this away. Scootaloo I'll give you more chocolate if you don't leave."
Upon hearing the words 'more chocolate' Scootaloo jumps and latches onto Ribbons face. Is she a headcrab? "chocolate? Chocolate. Chooocooolaaaate. CHOCOLATE!" Jesus! A single bar of chocolate sent this filly into a sugar rush!
"AHHH! Get off me, Chi help!" Ribbon starts flailing about.
Thinking quickly, a grab another bar and open it the sound causing Scootaloos head to whip about at what I swear where FTL speeds. "See the chocolate? If you let go of ribbons face, its your-" she's already there sitting in front of me. I drop the bar out of fright, before she grabs it in her mouth, and spitting out the wrapper. She then begins running around in circles at absurd speeds.
I turn to Ribbon. "Just wait a few minutes for her to crash."
Ribbon shakes her head. "I'm never giving that filly chocolate again." Before getting up and heading for the kitchen.
Now I have to wonder. "Now what would happen if I gave Pinkie coffee?..."
Cue a horrified "NO! Not that again, Some of the residents are still sore!" From the kitchen.
Scootaloo actually stops running, and stares at me. "We do not talk about Surprise Pie... EVER!" Before resuming running in circles for another minute, then simply collapses on the floor, asleep.
"Okay Ribbon, it's safe now!"
"She crashed quickly, that good. Now what is it you wanted to talk about?" You're not gonna like this...
"Her parents were killed by changelings, and I quote 'their queen wanted to use them for genetic material'."
"What!?" She walks out of the kitchen "Genetic material would probably mean she's sterile, that's good and bad." Uhhhhh... does she mean Chrysalis was going to put eggs in th- brain, stop. You're scaring me.
"What exactly do you mean by that?" Please don't mean convers-BRAIN, STOP IT! YOU'RE SCARING ME!
"She's using ponies to breed more Changelings, that means she could lose her throne." Wat...
"And how exactly, does that work?" The confusion and disgust were evident in my voice.
"Conversions, it's energy intensive and hard to do." Shit, those poor ponies...
My worry is quite obvious at this point. "Is it reversible? Or can we at least free them from Chrysalis grasp?" This. Is. UNACCEPTABLE!
"I will find them, I will free them, and I shall rain down an ungodly fucking firestorm. I am talking scorched earth. I will massacre her. I will fuck. Her. Up! " of course at this point my anger had dried up, and left me tired as fuck, so I curled up into a ball on the floor and fell asleep...
I had the weirdest dream last night... Scootaloo was Colonel Sanders, and chicken happened...
Yawning, I got up off the kitchen floor, before stretching. Feeling several joints pop, I let out a relieved sigh, before walking back into the living room. Scootaloo was still sleeping off the crash. Now where is Ribbon?
I wander upstairs, only to Find Ribbon staring out a window. "What's so interesting?"
"Why don't you take a look for your self. Twi's gone crazy." Ohhh... mad science...
I walk up ready to see the carnage. "Dis gonna be go- is that a doll? And why is everyone fighting over it?"
"I have no clue, though there are a few who don't seem affected." "Knowing how powerful Twi is, that shouldn't happen... unless they're not actually ponies..."
"Changelings don't normally work this far out, and even then I've tried to scare off other rogues. Unless somethings changed."
I face Ribbon. "Think they're converts?"
She turns to face me. "If Chrysalis was a perfectionist, no, but she's far from that. Makes me wonder how many Changelings I've scared off, and who they really were."
"Think we should round a few up?"
"I'd rather not let them notice me, it was bad enough before. I was just a scout the weakest of the weak, all I really had is speed. Now I'm an actual threat if she found out."
"Dammit, I can't just sit here and do nothing!"
"We might have to, for now anyway. I'll scare them off, make them think a different hive own this place and pray they're not a different hive."
"Let's."
"lets do something or lets scare them?"
"Both."
"I'm going out there with you aren't I?"
"Eeyup."
"If you're going to kill me or off me, just do it." she follows me to the door, after checking on Scoots.
I glare. "Why would you even think that?!"
"Got me out of my disguise in front of Princess Celestia and Scootaloo for a start, in the two years I've been here that three more than I wanted."
"Three?"
"I, uh. Pinkie found out..."
"Figures... But Ribbon, think for a moment. I saved you flank from Discord, and pumped you full of emotional energy to keep you from dieing. If I wanted you dead, then why would I have done that?"
"Yea I know, and I'm thankful. But now I'm a bigger threat than ever if I'm outed and I don't know how to use magic to defend myself if needed.''
"Remember what I said about psychological warfare? We use the rumors about me to our advantage."
"Normally I just leave a letter saying it's another hives territory, and to leave quickly."
"They will be scared enough to believe anything i say, so if I tell them I know how to track them through the hive link, they won't use it... then, we disconnect them."
"But that sounds cruel and Chrysalis may feel it happen. However, if they've already broke free of Chrysalis, then the deed is already done."
I sigh. "You're right, but we need a way to keep track of them until we can confirm their free." Suddenly I have an idea. "Ideaaaa. Why not recruit other rogues, and form a collective of outcasts?"
"how would we contact them?" Oh she likes the idea.
"A newspaper ad, 'a Rogue, with a love of the night, looking for fellow outcasts and exiles, to bring about change.' With emphasis on rouge, love outcasts, exiles, and change."
"Seems kind of open, what if other Changelings notice?" I was getting there.
"That's why I worded it the way I did, someone who hasn't experienced it themselves would not see the deeper meaning."
"Alright can I trust you to do that? I have some thing I need to work on."
"Kay." At that Ribbon nods and heads for the forge.
I sense a shitstorm brewing, and its heading straight for you, Chrysalis.
A day had passed since I put the ad out. I was sitting on the couch, reading the newspaper, and waiting.
They arrived around midday. "Hey Ribbon we got company!"
"Did not expect it to work that fast."
"Scootaloo, you should head upstairs."
"Why?"
"Because chocolate." And with that, she bolted up the stairs. Turning to Ribbon, I noticed her glare. "What? I was only going to give her a piece instead of a bar this time."
Donning my alter ego Night Sight, I opened the door, and was greeted to four ponies, the first of which was a white unicorn with neon blue hair, wearing purple shades over her eyes. The second was also a unicorn, but mint green and was staring at one of her hooves muttering 'hooves, how the buck do they work' before snapping to attention. The third was an earth pony, a deep purplish red, and chugging a bottle of cider. Oddly, I didn't smell any alcohol on her breath. The last one was a white pegasus, who wings were tiny compared to his body, but somehow kept him airborne.
"Greetings, the names Night Sight."
The white unicorn spoke up first. "Names Vinyl Scratch, and this is one awesome pad!"
The green one spoke up next. "Lyra, Lyra Heartstrings, and our drunk friend over there is Berry Punch." She pointed the red mare.
"If we weren't both mares, I would... I would kiss ya!" Wow, easy there casanova.
The last one, and the only stallion in the group, technically, -i'm still male mentally ya know-, announces himself. "The names Snowflake! And don't you forget it!"
After shepherding them in and closing the door, I turned to Ribbon. "Their all yours."
Clearing her throat, she began reading the speech I wrote. "N-now I believe we've all hàd the misfortune of meeting the cheese-legged b-bitch queen know as Chrysalis?" Upon taking in the shocked looks on their faces, she continued. "So you may cut the acts, as I am in the same p-position you are..." shedding her disguise she waited for the shock to wear off. The shock apparently caused the four ponies to drop their disguises.
"No..." Lyra's chitin was the same mint green as her coat was, and her fangs were longer and slimmer, like they were meant to deliver poison.
"Impossible!" Snowflake was a bulky drone somewhere between me and Ribbons pegasus form in size.
"A motherbucking Proto-Queen..." Vinyl kept her neon blue hare and awesome shades, but other then that looked completely mundane.
"Bloody hell!" Berry, she was battle-scarred, and missing an eye, which would explain why she acts drunk, ponies will simply mistake her blindness for inebriation.
Ribbon resumed. "Alone, we may be weak, but if enough of us join forces, we could b-bulldoze Chrysalis into the ground."
At this, Berry brought her hoof down. "And what makes this any different from any other failed attempt?"
Showtime... "That my friends, would be me..."
Berry snorts. "A bucking thes-" returning to my alicorn form, I smiled. Everyone there, minus Ribbon, looked on in horror.
"Mother of Faust..." Vinyl's reaction was the most tame of the groups, her shades dropping down and revealing blood red draconian slits for eyes.
Berry seemed to size me up. "The Mare in the Moon and a Proto-Queen? We might just stand a chance..."
Lyra and Snowflake stand there, slack jawed.
"So, how about you tell us about yourselves?" Now we begin the introductions...
Lyra was the first to speak up. "I am experimental hunter-gatherer drone number three, currently known as Lyra. Now posing as a scientist. Unfortunately, I was deemed a failure because I thought of ponies as more than just food." Damn! She got it rough. Ribbon appears to show sympathy for her as well.
Berry began her tale. "Now, most of you wee lasses probably thought I was a mare, well you're WRONG. Now tell me, have any of you heard of Tavish Degroot?" Well shit, the she was a he! He shared his name, voice, and mannerisms with TF2's Demoman! Sweet!
Vinyl gasps. "You mean YOU'RE the stallion that is wanted after accidentally blowing up the Manehatten distillery and losing an eye?"
He nods. "That's me! Tavish Degroot! Second to none in terms of explosives, and rivaled only by the Apple family in terms of alcohol!" SWEET, BEER AND EXPLOSIVES, BEST COMBO EVER!
Vinyl began her history. "Vinyl Scratch, convert, and DJ of the Wub Shack, as well as a part time detective." Cool...
And finally, Snowflake. "Snowflake, also a convert, and former fighter. Currently the Wub Shack's bouncer."
I clear my throat, and everyone turns to look at me. "My name, is Chitsuki, -which translates to Blood Moon-, and I was the former host of the Nightmare, before it was evicted... permanently." That seems to catch Tavish's attention.
"Oi! I'm guessing you didn't always look like that she-devil?" I nod.
"As a matter of fact, Tavish, I wasn't even a mare before." Or a pony... at that, both Tavish and Snowflake winced.
Vinyl decided to pitch in. "We need a name for our group, do we not?"
Lyra is struck by inspiration. "The Legion Of Exiles."
Niiice... "All in favor?"
Everyone raises their hooves.
Suddenly I hear knocking. Immediately I resume a cover as Night Sight, while everyone else resume their disguises.
Opening the door, I am greeted to... an actual thestral? That was carrying a sword on his back, and had the image of a crescent moon on a shield for his mark.
"Hello, and who might you be?" I ask, hesitantly. He seems to tap his forehooves in some kind of pattern... is he mute? "Uhh, do any of you know sign language?" I let him in, where he stands waiting.
Lyra perks up at this. "Yes, actually. And they said I was learning useless things..."
"Can you translate for him?"
"Certainly." The thestral walk over to her, sits down, and begins tapping again. "He says his name is Silent Courage..." more tapping. "He says he is a wandering swordspony..." tapping intensifies... and Lyra's eyes widen. "And he says he wants to join us changelings in overthrowing Chrysalis..."
Ribbon freaks. "Was he listening to us from outside?!"
He taps with a smile on his face. Lyra face hoofs. "We just told him.." cue cries of 'what...' even more tapping. "He says he wants to see what we REALLY look like."
Vinyl sighed. "Might as well, he already knows we are changelings..." cue disguises going up in flames, Courage takes in their appearances without even flinching. Me and Ribbon, however, chose to remain disguised, me because I was still kinda wary of how he would react to seeing the flapjacking Mare in the Moon, and Ribbon was more than likely having a panic attack.
I turn to Ribbon. "Think I should show him?"
Her face and voice show her panic. "You can. I'm not." Thought so.
Allowing my form to snap back to its default shape, I watched as Courage's eyebrows rose.
He taps some more as Lyra translates. "He says that this is new..." more tapping, Lyra does a double take. "You're right I didn't even see the sword until you pointed it out, and I have to agree, it the perfect place, under her wing, where her mane hides the hilt, but she can still grab and draw it quickly." Cue the others doing a double take as well. Damn, and I was wondering why most ponies didn't notice Akumu... now I'm curious.
"Do any of you changelings have weapons?"
Tavish raised his hoof. "Aye, I still got me old battle axe laying around in me basement." No one else raises their hoof.
"Uhhhhh... please let this be a nightmare and not changelings invading Ponyville..."
Everyones heads whip to the staircase, where Scootaloo stood, wide eyed...
Aww crap, time for plan B. I give her the most deadpan look I can. "Scootaloo, everyone here has the same goal; wipe Queen Bitchalis off the face of the planet." Ribbon chuckles nervously at my new nickname for the hag.
Tavish begins laughing. "That we do lass, that we do... and might I mention that that was single most bloody hilarious name somepony has called that hag in the five years I've been here?"
Vinyl and Snowflake turn to him. "Really? Five years? We only got here a year and a half ago and Lyra maybe only five months! How did you avoid the purge four years ago?"
What? "Purge..?"
Tavish take a large swig of... whatever that drink is... before beginning his tale. "Yes... the Great Equestrian Purge, we call it. It began after guards found a hive in the caverns under Canterlot, and discover several ponies of important political position, cocooned there, including Prince Blueblood." Well that would explain why he acts like an asshat... he's afraid to let anyone near him out of fear of a repeat performance. "After the guards freed the ponies, they confronted the imposters... it did not end well for the changelings. After the Princess discovered what was going on, she had a large amount of hoof picked guards begin looking into to history of nearly every pony in Equestria. I was actually found out by a guard, Shining something or other, but as luck would have it, one of Chrysalis's lackeys didn't want to go down without a fight, and nearly killed the poor fellow. Knowing I had a chance, I took the roach down a well placed horn through the eye..."
"Let me guess, your actions caused him to give you the benefit of the doubt, and let you explain yourself, and after a long talk and a promise of free drinks, he 'conveniently' forgot about you, and simply passed you over as the town drunk?"
Tavish chuckles. "You be surprised how fast ponies become friendly if you offer them free booze... funny story actually. Ponyvilles mailmare, Ditzy, actually becomes less clumsy the more drunk she is... amd between all of us, she actually out drank both me and Big Mac back to back, before, as I later heard, 'she began acting like a proper gentlemare'... unfortunately, nopony would dare to let that happen again, after she invited Pinkie over for cakes and coffee..."
I gigged at that. "Ditzy, Master of the Drunken Derp..." my explanation for her skill is... Shark Week... yeah I dunno why I thought that either.
It was about this time Scootaloos brain got past 'changelings, changelings everywhere.' And realized who they looked like. "Lyra is a changeling? That explains soooo much..."
Yawning, I looked out the window. "Damn... it's getting late, you guys should probably head home..."
After the changeling had disguised and left along with Courage, I curled up on the couch, and and drifted of to sleep...
What? My eyes snap open and I realize I had somehow gotten into Ribbons bed, and was now snuggling her like a plushie... she's soooo... "fluffyyyy..."
Ribbon seems to jolt, before she inhales sharply. "AHHHHH! What are you doing in my bedroom?!" And leaps out of the bed.
I look around, still half asleep, and holding my hooves in front me for emphasis, give her the only explanation I can think of. "Shark week." The deuce did I just say!? I shake my head back and forth, before giving an actual answer. "Did I sleepwalk again?"
"Apparently. Now get out! Getoutgetoutgetout!" She frantically points at the door.
"I'm going, I'm goin- oh hey Scoots." Walking out the door I saw a snickering Scootaloo. She goes and peeks in Ribbons room and begins snickering even louder.
Screw this, I want my coffee. Going down the stairs, I head for the kitchen, thinking about how hectic my first week in Ponyville had been.
It has been a nice week though, especially when Luna came to town. I mean, she broke down laughing when the one pony not afraid of her screamed like a bitch at the sight of Sweetie Belle (if I had known her name sooner, I would have tried to convince Rarity to make her a taco costume, get it, Taco Belle?), as I would later find out, before hiding behind the Princess and begging for her to 'save me from the demonic banshee marshmallow!'
... yeah, that was me. On the bright side nobody could remain scared of Luna after that, not even Fluttershy.
That sisterhooves social was fun as well, I broke down laughing when Sweetie found out it was RARITY who crawled out of the mudhole, it must have taken a tactical guiness to pul- nope, dead joke is dead, not pulling it.
Now when Applebloom got 'Cutie Pox' I was just plain futhermucking confused. Thank god Zecora knew how to cure it.
Oh yes, and there was that time I was invited to Rarity's, because she wanted to do something to make up for scaring me so badly, so she made toast... in a cup. Still better then what happened to me that one time, because she was impressed when I told her how 'I somehow created a self aware peanut butter sandwich, that rambled on about the secrets of life, and exploded, INTO NUTELLA, right before it could tell me the REAL meaning of life, the universe, and everything...'
...
Don't ask... it happened during a monday.
*poke* I felt a hoof prodding me.
"Huh?" Scootaloo had interrupted my reflections on the last week..
"Rainbow Dash is organizing some kind of race to find a good pet for her!"
"God... Dammit... Rainbow..." donning my Night Sight identity, I head out to find her, and tell Scootaloo to stay with Ribbon, knowing this will likely end in stupid.
Walking to the town square, I over hear Rainbow talking to Twilight. "... and that is why you could never be my pet."
"Kinky..." and of course they both squeak and blush. "You know you want to..." and yes, I said that in as husky a voice as I could.
Twilight facehoofs. "Why Faust? Whyyy is this myyyyy liiiiiife?!?"
Rainbow promptly flies off, starting the race, as she more than likely doesn't want any further embarrassment.
I turn to the others. "I'm gonna follow her and make sure she doesn't do something stupid. Okay?" The five of them nod. As well as several other of the gathered ponies. With that I take off,still a bit unsteady in flight.
Following the rainbow trail, I was flying over the Everfree before I lost sight of it.
*Thwack!* the sound of flesh impacting wood at a high velocity, followed by a roar. Fuck, she probably pissed something off.
Heading in the direction of the noise, I find a manticore attacking something. Dive bombing it, I discovered that it was not attacking rainbow, but a bunch of wooden wolves, and had just finished the last one off.
*sniff* shit, its got my scent, and it looks HUNGRY. Can't leave, it would just follow me. Guess I have to fight it.
Landing, and drawing Akumu, I stare it in the ey-
*THUNK* WOAH! Note to self: tail is fast! That was too close for comfort, that things got way too much mass to parry when I'm this sma- Derp.
Returning to my alicorn form, I shifted Akumu from my mouth to my telekinesis.
It pulls its tail from the ground, and tries again.
*CLANG!* soooo glad I took up sparring with Courage. What? No I'm not going to kill it, that would make Fluttershy cry, and for some reason even thinking about that make me feel like a heartless bastard. "You're one ugly mother fucker..." OHSHI-
It swings its paw at me, knocking me into a tree... Fucker just pissed me off... Oh... I just had a brilliant idea.
Focus on a sound instead of a shape, I felt a tingle in my throat, before coughing up a bit of miasma. Well I think it worked...
The manticore chose to roar in my face... I roared back, doing a perfect imitation of the T-Rex in Jurassic Park. The manticore's mood went from angry to scared in a tenth of a second, before bolting like the pussy it was. God that hurts my throat, i'm gonna need to work on that. Now that it had fled, I resumed my disguise and resheathed Akumu.
*wimper...* eh? Watching as the body of one of the wooden wolves shifted, something crawled out from under it...
Incredibly. Conflicted. So. Cute. Yet. So. Badass. Wait, does this make me a treehugger?
A puppy version of one of those wooden wolves, this one looking like it was made of oak, MOTHERFUCKING OAK, looked me in the eyes, before hesitantly walking up to me and sniffing at my hoof.
"Yip! Yip!" It started wagging it's tail. I think it likes me... picking up the poor guy, I put him on my back, before trotting back towards Ponyville.
Nothing of significance happened on the walk back, other then seeing Rainbow being carried by a tortoise... wait, what?
Emerging from the forest, i notice Ribbon and Scootaloo had joined the crowd, I attempt to catch everyones attention. "I'm baaaaack!" Everyone stared at the pup on my back. Ribbon pointed at it.
"Uhhh Night, what's that?"
"Oh, you mean Gary?"
Rarity blinked. "It's name is 'Gary'?"
I snicker. "I was gonna call him Woody but that would have been too obvious."
Derpy pipes up. "I get it!"
Applejack shook her head. "And why is that varmin ridin' on your back?"
I give her a deadpan stare. "Do you even sympathy A.J? Por guys entire pack was wiped out by a manticore!"
Shy seems to perk up. "But their so violent, and wild." Isn't that every COD player in a nutshell?
At least someone gets it. "Kinda like me, no?"
"How are you going to feed him? he's a carnivore." Derp...
"You're friends with a BEAR Fluttershy, of course you would know where to find food." Not only is she friends with it, SHE WRESTLED IT.
"B-but Mr. Bear gets his own food." Piss, what do I do now? Its not like there's a griifon here I can moo-
I turn to Twilight. "You wouldn't happen to know if there is a restaurant that caters to griffins here would you?" Please know a place...
"I don't but Rainbow might." Oh right, Rainbow was friends with one. Albit from what I've heard, Gilda was an asshole of the highest magnitude.
Rainbow nods. "There was the one that Gilda went to, it might." Score!
"Lead on, I'll see if I can't buy the parts they don't use off them cheap." Seriosy, restraunt will gladly give you the parts they don't use for dirt cheap.
Following Rainbow, Gary still happily riding on my back, we eventually reach an out of the way place called the Buckbeak Diner. "Yeah, this is the place."
Walking in, I was stared at by a few griffins, mumbling things like 'A thestral with a pet timberwolf, now I've seen everything.' Or 'What is tiny pony bat doing here?' Wait, that sounded quite Russian, does that mean they have vodka? I will have to come back here and see if they serve vodka. Because vodka is second only to bacon...
I walk up to the counter, and the waiter stares at me. "Pardon me ma'am, but you do realize we only serve meat here, correct?" Wow, French accents to? They must have both ends of the scale here, cheap vodka, and fine wine. I'm really starting to like these guys...
"Yeah, I know, I was looking for some to feed my buddy Gary here." I motion to Gary. "And was wondering if I could buy the parts you don't use in meals off you talons?" Judging by the impressed look in his eyes, I used the correct terminology.
He goes around back to get something and brings a sack of- no way, is that pig belly?! "Pony, you're saving me money just by taking this stuff of my talons, nogriffin wants this stuff, too much fat. Take it." Mah god, I can make bacon... he notices how I stare at it hungrily.
"Ah, you more than likely didn't know, but thestrals are fully capable of eating meat, they just don't NEED to eat it, and so avoid it out of peer pressure." I give him a fanged grin, and nod. "Your kindness shall not be forgotten, comrade." Before grabbing the sack, and leaving him twenty bits anyway.
I walk out of the diner with a massive grin on my face. Dash seems a bit apprehensive about it. "Okay... you should not be that happy from getting meat..."
Quick, think up some bullshit. "Because these griffins actually have some culture unlike that asshat Gilda you mentioned." Rainbow seems to buy it. "Well, see yah." Taking to the air, I flew to Ribbon's, Gary sticking his head over my shoulder and letting his tongue flap in the wind.
Landing, I pushed the door open with my head, before letting Gary hop off. Grabbing yesterdays newspaper, I set it on the floor before dropping a piece of pork on it, Gary ripping into it.
Now, bacon.
Heading to the kitchen, i began. Grabbing a large piece, I cut it into strips, smothering them in salt, before plopping them in a frying pan, my anticipation rising as they sizzled.
I hear the door opening, followed by sniffing and a soft moan. "Mmmm, What is that? Chi, is that you cooking?!"
"Yes, its me, and you are smelling the ultimate American meal... bacon!"
"Bacon?"
"Yeah bacon! Can you believe the griffons don't know about this!?"
Ribbon walks in, and spots the meat bag. "You're going to eat that too?"
HERSAY! THE HERETIC MUST BE PURGED! My voice goes flat. "One does not simply question bacon."
She stares. "... You're creepy when your happy. C-could I have some of t-that?"
I grab a few strips and drop them on a plate, before handing t to her. "Here, go ahead."
"O-ok." I see a brief flash of green flames in her mouth, revealing her fangs. She takes a bite out of a strip and shudders in ecstasy. "It's good..."
Did I mention that bacon is to me, as ramen is to Naruto? Yeah, I basically worship bacon. More Bacon for the Bacon God!
"So, when do you think we should schedule the next meeting?"
"In a few days from now, I'll be finishing my order for the month, unless another one comes in. I swear, Derpy is the one reason I stay in business."
"I feel sorry for Ponyville if CMC Mailmares happens." No seriously, the level of destruction that could cause is scary.
"I'd probably be the only happy pony in Ponyville." No shit. to mention rich.
"Would there even be a Ponyville after that?" I have absolutely no idea.
"I'm not sure if there would be an Equestria after that." She begins laughing.
Something occurs to me, and I begin laughing. "oh god, CMC draconess slayers, just picture it!" I doubt even /b/ could be that chaotic.
"That would be funny, and I'm sure Discord would have a blast. Hey, what happened to him anyways?" All I know is that he now is terrified by kittens.
"You mean before or after I bucked him in the nads hard enough to cause a sonic boom?"
I heard Gary whimper. Ribbon winces. Yeah, I think that has become one of those things that will ALWAYS get a reaction.
"Uh, after."
"Last I heard,you can still hear the whimpers of pain coming from his statue."
"Whoo-hoo!" Suddenly Gary comes running through the kitchen, with Scootaloo riding on his back, before vaulting over the table, between me and Ribbon, and running back out. Oh how I miss being young...
Ribbon appears to be trying to decide on something. Upon finally working up the courage, she asks, "I've been wondering, why is your train of thought sometimes incredibly violent like a minotors instead of a ponies? It can actually be a b-bit unnerving..." she seems to flinch, as if expecting to be hit. That wounds me Ribbon, that really wounds me that you would think such a thing.
*sigh* how do I explain this? "War..." this can only end badly.
"B-but the last war hasn't been for hundreds of years!?" Equestria, I envy you.
"Where I'm from, it hard to tell where one war ends, and the next begins... War, war has given birth to monstrosities, weapons of immense power..." the scientists who created these monstrosities also were shocked by their power.
Ribbon seemed skeptical. "I doubt any weapon could cause more damage than a rampaging dragon, or even take one out for the matter..."
"Conventional weapons, you'd be right. Nuclear however..." this is what makes me be ashamed to be American.
"W-w-what's a nuclear weapon?" She just had to ask.
"A monument to humanity's sins, something that would vaporize Canterlot entirely, reducing the surrounding area to rubble, as well as rendering most of Equestria uninhabitable from radiation... We bastardized the force of the very thing that gives us life, and turned it into an instrument of death..." I refuse to go into further detail, and MAYBE Celestia would know what I'm talking about, as she apparently moves the giant nuclear furnace known as the sun around.
Ribbon was in absolute terror. "W-w-why would p-p-ponies m-m-make something like t-t-that!?!" She was staring at me in fear.
"'Peace through superior firepower,' and eventually mutually assured destruction on a planetary scale, irradiating the entire planet and throwing into an everlasting winter..." and this isn't even touching bioweapons...
"Wh-wh-why would ponies want something like that? Why can't they try peace?" I wish we could, Ribs, I really wish we could.
"Unlike ponies, humanity is an omnivorous, leaning towards carnivorous, species, meaning violence come instinctually to us. All we really are are monsters that have deluded ourselves into thinking we are civilized. I still feel ashamed to have been a part of that cycle of bloodshed..." I can't help but rest my head on the table and sigh, trying to force back down a certain memory of my time in the military that I never want to see the light of day again...
I'm sorry Maria, I just wasn't fast enough... I refuse to let the same fate befall Ribbon. I would rather face Death then let it happen again...
"Chi? Are you okay? You suddenly seem really depressed..." I look up to her, and see a extremely concerned look on her face.
"Just memories of events better left forgotten..." she doesn't need to know yet. Getting up, I wander towards the couch, my energy having left me. "I'm going to sleep..."
Plopping myself on the couch, I curled up into a ball, letting sleep claim me...
"let her go you basterds!"
"Just go! Go without me!"
"No! I refuse to leav-"
CRASH
"We've breeched thedoor, I re-"
BANG!
"MARIA!"
"No..." it's been a very long time since I've had that nightmare...
Hearing the sound of Ribbon coming down the stairs, I curled up even tighter, not wanting to show weakness...
"Chi? Are you okay? I heard crying..." she was concerned for me, like Maria was...
"J-j-just go a-a-away!" My sorrow was evident, as I was on the verge of a complete breakdown, my body was trembling uncontrollably as I was wracked with grief. Ribbon had walked over to me. "Why Maria, why couldn't it have been me instea-a-ad!" At this point, I had broken down into a sobbing wreck.
*SMACK* pain shot through my cheek. "Get ahold of yourself, Chi!" Ribbon grabbed and held my face inches from hers. "This couldn't possibly be what she wanted! Live your life, Faustdammit! You don't net to forget, but you do need to accept that what's happened has happened!" She was panting rather loudly, while I was staring in shock at how aggressive she had suddenly become. She seemed to have realized this as well as she suddenly panicked. "O-oh Faust, i-i-i didn't m-mean f-for it to co-" her frantic apology was interrupted by me pulling her onto the couch and into a hug.
"N-no you're right. She wouldn't want me to keep mourning her years after it had happened, she would want me to find resolve, a purpose, in it, to drive me forward with conviction." After a couple minutes of silence, I heard a light snoring coming from Ribbon. Finding solace in the steady rising and falling of her breath, I joined her.
I was in some kind of cave network, the walls coated in some kind of green film.
"Now then 2-27, I've finally found you..." a voice, multi toned and rather displeased, echoed through the tunnels. Wait... 2-27? Isn't that Ribbons designation?
"AHHHHHHHHHHH!" Holy fuck, Ribbon! Bolting in the direction I heard the sound from, I could hear the voice monologuing about something.
"Now you're going to tell me where your little pony friends are, and then maybe, I'll grant you a swift death..." more screams of pain rung out. My rage was boiling over...
yes... kill them...
Upon reaching the source, I saw an alicorn sized changeling, i'm assuming it's Chrysalis, standing over Ribbon, who had been adhered to a rock by more of the slime.
KILL THEM ALL!
Spikes of black crystal erupted from around me, impaling several changelings.
bathe in their blood...
More spike of crystal erupted, skewering Chrysalis through the legs, before I walked up to her, and looked her in the eyes, my voice utterly monotone. "You hurt Ribbon, your life is forfeit." Before a single crystal pierced Chrysalis's head, killing her instantly.
Using my magic to remove the blobs of slime from Ribbon, I noticed something weird with it, it was now a deep crimson, borderline black, with blobs of an unhealthy shade of yellow or green flowing through it. Looking at my reflection in one of the crystals, I was alarmed to find my eyes a solid black, the iris, the pupil, EVERYTHING was black, and they were leaking tears of blood... as I stared, my magic and eyes slowly resumed their natural color. I slowly turned to Ribbon mouthing 'what the fuck just happened?'
"Nope, that did not just happen, nope, nada, negatory, didn't happen..." shiiiiiiit... looking around, it was about this time I noticed an ethereal... node? Floating in the middle of the room, and I had the most bizarre urge to poke it, and poke it I did...
The moment I touched it, I felt electricity shoot through me, and moments before I wa ejected from the dream, it almost felt like me and Ribbons minds were brushing against each other...
"OHGODWHATTHEFUCK!" I literally spasmed off the couch before landing on the floor wondering what the bloody hell just happened.
'What in Celestias name?' Great, now I've gone crazy...
"Who said that!?" Ribbon whirled around, looking for an unseen intruder.
-It appears I'm not the only one going postal.-
Ribbon turns to face me, a panicked look in her eyes.
-Stop staring at me, stop staring at me, stop staring at me...-
"Chi? Am I hearing your thoughts?"
"I think so... and I think I heard yours..." -wanna go mess -
"With Twilight? No, but I really, REALLY, thin- what, did that really happen?" I get the feeling she is referring to the whole 'crystals and evil eyes' thing in the dream.
I nod my head. "If you're talking about what i think you're talking about, then yes, yes it did..."
Ribbon stared me in the eyes. "You, Twilights, now!" It's only 6 in the morning, but screw it, this is important.
Focusing on the area in front of the library, I let my disguise drop momentarily is I use my magic to teleport, before redisguising... and I stick the landing this time!
"Ommph!" Except I accidentally teleported Ribbon as well. "What th- did you just teleport me?" I nod, shrugging my shoulders in a 'I have no idea how either' gesture.
Walking up to the door, I start banging my hoof against is. "Hey Twilight! This is kinda important!" The moment i finish that sentence, the door opens. She must have been pulling an all nighter.
She couldn't help but to inquire our situation as she waved us in. "What could be so important to teleport here at 6 in the morning? And yes Chi, Celestia sent a letter explaining your situation and alias as 'Night Sight' and yes, I'm still annoyed with you for makeing me think there was a second Pinkie..." after she shut the door, I let my disguise drop, relieved that I didn't have to explain that.
"Twilight, I think I accidently dark magic..." and possibly Dark Energon, but that's not certain.
"YOU WHAT! I'm getting Celestia AND Luna here, right now... SPIIIKE! We've got a situation C-19!" Wait, she was actually prepared for this? Twilight is apparently Batman levels of prepared.
Within five minutes, there was two flashes of magic, and then Celestia and Luna arrived, looking extremely concerned and worried. "Explain, now." Celestia was curently in no nonsense mode, and so was I.
"After irrelevant drama involving my past, me and Ribbon had fallen asleep together, causing another one of those contact synchronizations, I think Luna called them, and I was deposited in Ribbon's nightmare, where after events I am not at liberty to discuss, I became enraged enough to attack the cause of Ribbons nightmare, when suddenly black crystals began erupting from all over the place, among other things..."
Luna glared at me. "That is indeed dark magic, how did it not corrupt you?" Corrupt?
"If by corrupt you mean make you magic look... wrong, and your face look like something from the pits of hell, I got better..." both Celestia and Luna looked at me like I had grown a second head.
Luna put a hoof to her chin in thought. "It makes sense, in a twisted way. Nightmare Moon was a manifestation of my inner darkness, meaning she was already dark and corrupt, and considering you inherited her body, as well as your... different, mindset, would more than likely keep you from becoming permanently corrupt unless you used a large amount of dark magic in a short period of time. You've essentially found a shortcut to acquiring the resistance me and Celestia achieved through pure willpower." She turns to Celestia. "Sister, do we require a demonstration from our friend here?" Celestia nods.
"I'm warning you in advance, this is creepy as hell..." focusing on the ground in front of me, i try to pull up that same feeling from before.
... come on...
...getting impatient...
...WORK DAMMIT! With that internal exclamation of rage, the floorboards broke, and a large black crystal, with the occasional segment of what could only be described as a dark unhealthy green or nearly black infected yellow, about the size of Celestia, burst from the ground. Letting the urge to smash stuff pass, I looked back up a Twilight and the princesses, only to hear them gasp. "I'm guessing its the eyes?" They nod. I slowly back up, before bumping into Ribbon, who make a sound similar to a rubber duck. I honestly could not take this much attention, and wanted to sink into the floor.
Ribbon gasped, and why did everything get so tall?
"Uhhh Celestia? Where did Chi go?"
I try to tell them i'm right in front of them, but they don't here me.
"Uhhhh, I Think Chi just sunk into my shadow..."
-really?!-
'Yeah really, its freaky, stop it!'
-we've really got to figure out why we can suddenly talk telepathically- maybe if I climb out? Reaching up, i hear more gasps. After I get myself about ha- WOAH, I'm still halfway inside Ribbons shadow, and i can't see that half! "Dude, this is freaky..." pulling myself out, I look at the crystal. "How do I get rid of that anyway?" Celestia blasts it with a beam of light, disintegrating it into dust. "Or you could do that..." Note to self, do NOT piss Celestia off…
Celestia slowly shakes her head. “To discover THAT magic, of all things…” She pauses, noticing me stretching in a cat like manner.
“What? I havent had my coffee this morning, quit staring at me!” Stop it! I dont want your attention! “And seriously, how do I get rid of those crystals when you aren't around?”
Celestia seems stumped by that. “What we do need, however, is for you to get a better grasp on your magic, before you have another outburst.” Outburst? Oh riiight, in the dream… Yeah, I can see why I would need to get better knowledge of magic, because if that had happened in reality, there would be a lot of damage.
“I’m guessing I’m going to be taking lessons from the Sparkle then?” both Twilight and the princesses nod. -Poo, I don't get to spend time with Ribby…- I hear Ribbon squeak quietly.
Celestia looks to Luna, who nods, before with a flash of light, they are gone, having presumably teleported back to Canterlot.
I turn to Ribbon. “You should probably head back and make sure Gary is fed, as well as keep Scoots out of trouble.”
Ribbon blinks. “You’re probably right.” Before walking out the door back to her house.
I turn back to Twilight. “So whats first?” Twilight seems to ponder herself for a moment.
“Tell me what you can do with magic currently.” Good a starting point as any.
“let’s see, I’ve got the telekinesis down, teleporting is still a bit buggy-I can get the location right, its just the orientation that i keep getting wrong. and then theres that dark magic i just discovered, but I think we’re going to avoid that for now, aren't we? And yes, I know thats all of three things, but the whole shape shifting thing I’m attributing to the miasma, as well as the shadow thing I did.”
Twilight starts mulls that information over, before sighing. “Knowing you, you’re going to need more than telekinesis and a blade to defend yourself…” So what do I get to learn?
“You’d be surprised what can be done with only telekinesis, for example, a brick thrown at a quarter the speed of sound is going to inflict some major blunt force trauma…” Not even going to TRY telefragging, I want to live, thank you.
“Well, the first thing we should do is get your teleporting problem under control, have you even bothered specifying the orientation?” Wait, I’m supposed to do that?”
“Well no wonder I kept crashing…” taking Twilights advice, i try teleporting two feet to the left, and actually land correctly this time. “Really brain? it was that simple!” Derp derp is derp.
“Now, about your shapeshifting… how did you figure that out anyway?” Oh bollocks, need to think of something quick.
“Discord happened, do I really need to say more?” please buy it…
“Okaaaay, moving on, can you show me how good you are with it?” Cannot. Resist. Opportunity. to. Troll. Letting my form dissolve into miasma, I reformed myself into a familiar shape, hoping it didn't turn out like the first time I tried, before channeling my inner five year old.
“This is fun!” yeah, Pinkie Pie.
“Oh Faust why…” Priceless… Turning back to normal, I decide to show Twilight my other little trick with shapeshifting, luckily this time I didn’t cough up any miasma doing it.
“Oh Faust why...” I say in a perfect imitation of her voice. Oh god, her reaction, it's a perfect imitation of the Surprised Patrick meme. I wish Ribbon could see this, its hilarious. Clearing my throat, and letting my voice return to normal, I try to stop her from having a BSOD. “So, you were saying something about need more than just telekinetics and a katana?” This does the trick, as Twilight shakes herself out of her stupor.
“Yes actually, you should at least know the three basic combat spells.” Lemme guess, an attack spell, a shield spell, and a healing spell of some sort? “We should start you on simple kinetic burst spells, before moving on to barriers, and eventually, healing spells. There is also one other I think you should know, considering you can apparently dreamwalk.” Ohhhh, a sleep spell? Yes please.
“So when do I get to start blasting stuff?” this gonna be good...
“Just a moment, SPIKE, DID YOU SET UP THE TARGETS!?” ohhhh, target practice.
A sigh echos from upstairs, before spike walks down carrying a bunch of bullseyes and a few skeet thingys. “Follow me, I know a place where we can do this without any collateral damage.” My FUN sense is tingling…
After redisguiseing as Night, the three of us trekked up this mountain, that apparently used to be a dragons nest, before FLUTTERSHY of all ponies, scared it out. Twilight teleported a few targets to random distances, before firing a beam at one of them to demonstrate the spell to me. “The basic kinetic burst spell, which is essentially focusing energy to your horn and releasing it, can be used in one of two ways; charge a single powerful blast of energy, or fire several weaker beams to maximize the chance of hitting something.” okay so it can do either a wave motion gun or moar dakka, good to know. “Now you try.”
“Here goes nothing…” I began focusing energy into my horn, watching as a sphere of energy forms at the tip… And then beams begin spewing from my horn like a fucking gatling gun!
…
Wow, I missed every single one of the targets… Maeby if i try it the other way?
Gathering more energy in my horn, this time not firing it, and instead let it build. And build… When I felt a migraine coming on, I released the pent up power, and my vision went white.
…
…
*IIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNnnnnnnngggg….* Oh, my hearings back. As my vision cleared, I was greeted to a large trench cutting through the landscape, going all the way to the Everfree.
…
I did that… And then the fagite hit me. I fell to the ground, breathless, and suffering the mother of all migraines.
Twilight walked over to me. “Are you oka-” I don’t know what came over me, but I hissed like a cat, before diving into Twilight's shadow, trying to get away from the light. “No more demonstrations, you’re sticking to books from now on.” What she didn't know, was that I had fallen asleep in her shadow.
After brainstorming with Ribbon, we had deduced that somehow, after I was in her dream, I was connected to the Hive Mind. It was fun seeing her try to comprehend the internet, and yes, I kept her away from the darker side of it.
I had gotten the hang of my magic, and was now capable of using the spells Twilight had taught me with little to no setup. Me and Ribbon had also gotten the members of the Legion of Exiles, hooked up with some goods. Me and Tavish managed to build a makeshift rocket launcher. (Nitroglycerin with a gunpowder propellant). Tavish had also gotten his battleaxe improved, making it lighter and sharper. Snowflake was the kinda pony who would just beat you dead with his own whooves. Vinyl got a large claymore, which she claimed was 'gnarly'. Lyra, she had only ever used a small dagger, and seemed to CQC on the same level as Solid Snake. Ribbon, she finally got the gauntlets done, and now had a weapon at the literal tip of her hoof. She had also made herself a crossbow. Unfortunately, my hammer was still unfinished, as Ribbon had yet to shed again.
Grabbing a cup of coffee, I went over this last months insanity in my head.
The Mare Do Well incident was entertaining, especially when I got to watch Rainbows ego shatter.
Now, when Twilight and co. went to Canterlot to meet with Rarity, I later found out that Pinkie finally got to host a kegger… Yes, I explained what a kegger was to her, as well as raves and frat parties…
You know whats funny? I scared a dragon… even if it was a greed fueled Spike and I hadn't had my coffee yet. of course, when he finally shrunk, I went back to sleep, having been exhausted from so much raging.
Still, when Granny Smith went loco making Zap Apple jam, I couldn't help but pull a Soldier and start screaming at jars like they were new recruits… What? I can be crazy when I want to.
When Pinkie had to babysit the Cake twins, the only bit of advice I had was to get them hyped up on sugar, and wait for them to crash… It backfired, horribly.
So when the Hearths Warming Eve came around, I actually slept through the whole thing.
Applejack went to the Equestrian Rodeo in Canterlot, but not before Derpy happened. another one I slept through.
Then these two con artists named Flim and Flam showed up on some bizarre machine that was essentially a car... that made cider. Logic. It is dead. Anyway, they were dumb enough to turn off the quality control, and the result tasted like piss.
I know Rainbow is accident prone, but she managed to land herself in the hospital, where she was bored out of her mind. Apparently they had pony version of Indiana Jones, and Rainbow got hooked on it... I had camped out by the window, knowing she was going to call herself an egghead, and when she did, I shouted 'NEEEERD!' For the lolz.
When the Crusaders managed to make a goddamn love potion, and hook up Big Mac and Cherilee using it, direct intervention was necessary. After I put both of them to sleep with the spell I got fruom Twilight, she beat me to giving them major chewing out.
I didnt ever bother trying to understand what happened between Pinkie and this donkey named Cranky Doodle, and just went back to sleep. Ribbon seemed to eat up her story, though she may have been actually eating seeing as Pinkie left QUIETLY. .
When Fluttershy went Alpha Bitch, well that got reaaaal weird... She kept hitting on me... DO NOT WANT. Lets just say afterwards I went Drill Sergeant Nasty on that minotores ass.
Now when I walked in on two Twilights, strangely, the first thing that came to my mind wasn't 'changelings' it was 'stable time loop' THAT took a bit of explaining, but I think I saved Twilight a whole lot of trouble.
The dragon migration was a shitstorm... Spike ran away to discover his true self, and I had to try and keep Twilight from ripping the place apart trying to find him. Ranting, so much ranting. At least Spike got a pet phoenix.
I heard from Twilight that I slept though the part where Pegasuses created a tornado. Yes, I can sleep that deeply at times.
Now when I heard from Scoots that her and the Crusaders were part of their school newspaper. The first two things I suggested was to look at things from the most absurd view possible, and the other was recounting their Crusading adventures. They did the first one, and in a typical Crusader fashion, failed so epicly it became a win. I'm serious, the first thing they did was meta their own column.
And just a few days ago, Pinkie made a bigass cake, and somehow shanghied Big Mac into helping her get it onto a train. Considering Pinkie was involved, I promptly fell asleep to preserve my sanity.
We had another LoE meeting today, and Tavish seemed happy, and I don't mean the 'I'm so drunk everything is funny' happy, holding a piece of mail as if it was the most wonderful thing.
"Get a load of this yah wee lads, ol' Shiny finally got himself hooked up, and the weddings happening... TOMORROW!?" What.
"Why such short notice?"
Lyra grabbed the message. "Says here the lack of forward was for security reasons, as several threatening letters have been found all over the castle." I turn to Ribbon, alarmed.
"Shit, Ribbon, you think it's her?" Ribbon nods, slowly.
"P-possible, Chrysalis is lazy in her planning and likes to be the f-first, so she could be there without her army or have it just o-outside. Plus she's a massive show off and this is a big s-stage."
Vinyl raises her hoof. "We're gonna have to look after the Bearers, aren't we?" Everyone there nods in agreement. After about an hour of debate, we reached a decision.
"Alright, here's the plan, me and Ribbon are going to keep an eye on Twilight, as shes more than likely going to be their first target. Snowflake, you're with Rainbow, she isn't going to stay put for long, so don't lose sight of her. Lyra, you're with Pinkie, I doubt anyone else could put up with her chattering. Tavish, you're with Applejack, try not to get too drunk. And Courage, you're with Fluttershy and Gary, the three of you will more then likely go unnoticed, and I believe you can handle the ones that do notice you. And Vinyl, that leaves you keeping an eye on the Crusaders, Chrysalis will more than likely try to get at Rarity and Applejack through them. Remember who you're watching, and be at the station first thing in the morning, okay?" They all nod. "Well then, see you tomorrow. " they redisguise, and funnel out the door.
"You do realize Chrysalis will see right through your disguise right?" I nod.
"That's why I'm gonna do the shadow thing, and hide in your shadow. I'm physically impossible to notice unless you actually see me enter the shadow." I decide to see if there is something on Ribbon's mind. "I can tell you want to ask me something..."
"Why you?" She seems to shake her head in frustration. "I mean, why would the Nightmare use you as a host, when it could have chose somepony with goals similar to its own? It makes no sense whatsoever!"
"That... Is actually something I have no clue about either, perhaps the Nightmare was merely a cog in an even more powerful beings plans?" Can't brain, think tired. Snuggling up against Ribbon, I drift off to into a dreamless sleep...
My eyes shoot open at the first rays of dawn. It begins... heading for the kitchen, I grab a piece of pig belly to feed tuo Gary, who gleefully rips into it. After cooking and eating some bacon, I return to rouse Ribbon, Scootaloo having gotten up at the crack of dawn as well, to remind her that we have a train to catch. So I poke her on the nose. "Boop!" And smile at the adorable glare she gives me. "No time Ribs, we have a train to catch, remember?" Her eyes widen in realization, before she hops out of the bed, and follows me, Scoots, and Gary out the door.
Reaching the station, I was relieved to see we made it in time, and also noticed the Bearers chatting with our fellow Exiles. Not wanting to be in the middle of such a large group, I sunk into Ribbons shadow, hoping to remain unseen.
"And then I said 'oatmeal? Are you crazy!?'... Oh hi Ribbon! Hi Scootaloo!" Pinkie didn't notice me, good.
Of course, the first Thing Gary does is run over to Fluttershy, and began rubbing up against her like a flipping cat, much to Rarity's amusement.
Twilight waves. "hey you two, isn't Night coming along?"
Rarity seems somewhat upset. "Oh I was so hoping to see her, it's almost as if she avoids me."
Ribbon nods. "She's here, she simply said she'd be watching from the shadows, as she really doesn't like large groups." As she says this, she gives a subtle nod to her shadow, at which Twilight 'ooohhh's alongwith the other members of the Legion.
Of course I finally noticed Pinkie was looking AT me, before she winked. Of flipping course...
Scootaloo had walked over to join the rest of the Crusaders, plus Vinyl. "How do you even FIND, let alone get covered in tree sap, diving? On second thought, I don't want to know..."
"C'mon now, show me your warface!" Damn, Dash would make a good drill sergeant...
"YEAAAH!!!" This isnt CSI Miami Snowflake....
Rarity had begun chatting with Lyra and Pinkie. And Gary had taken to following Rarity around... Derp, I had completely forgotten about her the other night, this solves that conundrum.
Fluttershy was fussing over Courages lack of vocalization, much to his annoyance.
-hey Ribbon, wake me up when we're almost there.-
'Okay' and with that, I took a nap.
' Chi, Chi wake up, we're nearly there.'
-I'm up, I'm u- Bloody hell, thats one big shield...- Canterlot was surrounded by a giant pink bubble. As it washed over us, I noticed every changeling in the car cringed in pain ever so slightly.
-fuck it, wake me up when shit goes down... And your shadow is actually quite comfortable.- Ribbon squeaked at that, blushing. Now then, more napping.
' CHI? I BELIEVE THIS MEETS YOUR DEFINTION OF SHIT HAS GONE DOWN.' the fuck?
...
Oh, Twilight figured out the bride was Chrysalis. Not big surprise. When the Bitch Queen trapped the three of us in a dome of green fire, and made us sink into the ground, THEN I was surprised. It deposited us in cavern made of crystals, where Twilight and Ribbon woke up, have passed out in fright thinking they were being buried alive.
"Hello? Is anypony there?" Twilight wa scared as all hell. Especially when this freaky laugh echoed through the cavern, upon hearing it, Ribbon literally dived under Twilight, shivering uncontrollably. Everything was suddenly barked in a green light, and Chrysalis, still disguised as the bride, appeared in every reflective surface, and began gloating. I ignored her ego stroking. Twilight eventually began blasting shit, until one of the walls she blasted revealed the real bride, looking rather beat up. Of course Twilight thought she was Chrysalis, until...
"Sunshine sunshine..." upon hearing that Twilight perked up, and, walking over to her, began clapping hooves with her...
' Are they? '
"Ladybugs await."
-They are...-
"Clap your hooves..."
"Oh Faust no..."
"And do a little shake!" And then they bumped butts...
-Who is she anyway?- I slept through the introductions after all.
"Cadence! It is you!" Ah, never mind then, unknown to Ribbon, I had changed my shape, preparing to give Chrysalis a nasty fright when we got to her.
"This day was goi-"
"Is this REALLY the time for a musical number?" Cadance blinked, and picked up speed.
Then, a fracking minecart. Is it bad that I'm thinking of Donkey Kong Country right now? OHSHITRAMP!
After landing, we eventually reached the exit, where Twilight teleported us to the entrance of the throne room.
I had zoned out, But when the fake Cadence erupted into a pillar of emerald flames, I started paying attention. The moment Chrysalis began her evil monolog, Ribbon threw a knife at her, hoping to get her in the eye. Chrysalis ducked it, and before she could retaliate, Celestia FINALLY decided to do something. Only for Chrysalis to win the beam-o-war, and knock her out.
"We need to get to the Elements! Its our only hope!" Clever girl...
-Ribs, repeat after me.-
"Exiles, transform, and ROLL OUT!" Much to twilights horror, three of her new compatriots, as Vinyl was watching the CMC, and Courage was just a thestral, went up in flames.
"OI! Quit gawking and move it! Or would you rather your brother get turned into an incubator!" THAT snapped Twilight out her shock, as well as the rest of the bearers, and, understanding the implications of that, bolted out, being followed by Lyra, Snowflake, Tavish, and Courage, the four of them ready to fight.
Chrysalis began laughing. "This weding shall become my coronation as the ruler of Equestria!"
Then to my surprise, Ribbon transformed, revealing her true self, gauntlets at the ready to begin slashing. With me coaching her, Ribbon managed to keep any trace of fear out of her voice. "Coronation Chrysalis? This is bad comedy..." Chrysalis looked at her in shock.
"I thought I got rid of all of you to secure my position... But no matter! With this much love, I have become more powerful than Celestia herself! Not even you, my fledgling Queen, could prove any threat to me!" Oh, did you not know I've been WILLINGLY giving her love for over a month? Ribbon simply threw another knife, and unlike Celestia, dodged the retaliatory beam, before closing the distance and reared back a hoof...
*snkt!* the claws extended from her gauntlet, before she swung at Chrysalis, who barely dodged, getting a portion of her mane lopped off. "You impudent whelp! DIE!" Chrysalis fired a extremely large burst, knocking Ribbon halfway across the room, and in front of a cluster of bystanders, before she charged up a massive beam of energy, forcing Ribbon to retaliate with her own or let the civilians get hit. Holding it off long enough for them to get out of the way, she cut the power to it, and jumped the beam.
-she just made me VERY mad Ribbon.- I reached into my magic, and felt for a part that was VERY far away, and forced it to move, while watching as it turned red. To everyones surprise, day became night, and a blood moon rose. Coaching Ribbon, I prepped her on what I was about to do.
Ribbon began laughing. "You woke HER up, Chrysalis..." Channeling dark magic, I caused crystals to erupt from the walls around us.
"Who!?" I could see Chrysalis getting nervous.
"My dark side, the Bloody Nightmare..."
"Chrysalis..." My voice currently sounded exactly like a Reapers, useing the RCV to match the volume. Letting my bone white and hole filled hoof rise from Ribbons shadow, I watched as both her and Chrysalis, as well as any ponies watching, recoiled in fright. Slowly pulled myself out, I let Chrysalis stare into the bleeding voids of my eyes. To her shock, an albino changeling had risen from Ribbons shadow, looking almost zombified, and ws now staring her in the eyes."You REALLY, shouldn't have done that..." I licked my lips, drawing Akumu slowly, and seemed to shudder, appearing to savor the violence to come.
"Faust save us all..." well Celestia had woken up, and was literally shivering in fear... She GRABBED Twilight, and pulled her into a death grip.
And then, I lunged, catching Chrysalis off guard, and taking one of her wings clean off with Akumu. My voice went from a booming echo, to a sultry hiss as I licked the blood from the blade. "Let me bathe in you blood, Chrysssalisss..." even Ribbon was trembling in fear, and I had told her what I was going to do.
"Wh-what are you?!" Chrysalis when clutching the bleeding stump that was once her wing. Oh, I had her now...
"I am, a monument to all your sssinsss..." I began cackling madly, slowly approaching her "I am, Fear Incarnate..." I grabbed her, and held her face up to mine. "Now, go, TO, SLEEP!" with a sleeping spell, Chrysalis eyes rolled into the back of her head, and I pursued her into the depths of her mind, intent on thoroughly breaking her.
Upon rejoining the waking world, I was greeted to Chrysalis, curled up into a ball, muttering 'no eyes, but always watching...' repeatedly. The sun had returned to the sky, and Luna, Celestia, Cadence, Shining, the mane six, and the Exiles were all staring at me. Looking around I noticed with Chrys out of the picture, the few high ranking Lings are now fighting each other for dominance, since they believe the Proto-queens are dead. But Ribbon became one, didn't she?
Oh, oh god. Ribbon doubled over in pain, clutching her head, struggling against an invisible foe, until she couldn't take it and screams, both in her head and out loud, for them to "SHUT UP!" Every single changeling freezes, before slowly turning and facing her.
I pick up a few whispers and snippets like 'how did she survive?' Or 'Is she taking over?' While Ribbon lays on the floor, whimpering. Unable to stand her looking like that, I drop my disguise, and ignoring the gasps of everyone, walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. Slowly patting her on the back. Rainbow approches to say something, but I give her a glare that could melt fire, the dried blood on my face adding to the effect. I feel Ribbon go limp in my grasp, having fallen unconscious.
"I knew there was something up with her!" Fuuuuuuu... "to think the Ponyville blacksmith was a changeling..." Twilight pointed an accusing hoof, but I cut her off.
"If you so much as THINK of hurting her, I will kill you where you stand... I don't care that you're the student of Celestia herself! LAY A HOOF ON RIBBON AND I WILL END YOU!" Every single pony in the room, princesses included, recoiled from the venom in my voice. Tears began flowing freely from my eyes. "She was the only one who understood me, consequences be damned. I. LOVE. HER." Jaw drops, jaw drops everywhere, from ponie and changeling alike. Twilight slowly backs down, utterly shocked, while I see every single changeling nod, before a few burst into tears of joy and hug who ever was beside them. Celestias face when one hugged her was WTF incarnate.
I felt Ribbon shift. "I, uh. Love you too... And that really hurt." Yoda green, her face is.
Suddenly, one of the changeling shouted. "The tyrant has fallen! Long live the Queen!" It was met with a resounding chorus of agreement, and at least one 'you had to ruin the moment, didn't you...' this seemed to snap Celestia out of her gawking, and she shook the changeling hugging her off, much to his disappointment.
I turn to Celestia and give her a questioning look. "Can we try peace now?" My body is filled with dread at what is about to transpire, for it is the one thing more complicated than rocket science.
She nods. "Very well, we will discuss this in my personal chambers."
"Go ahead you two, make yourselves comfortable, as this may take a while." My brain is already trying to asplode... Luna enters the room, and takes a seat on a cushion... damn those things are comfy...
"Now that we're all here, we may begin." Oh joy...
"Sooo, how do we do this?" It appears Ribbon knows less about politics than me, and I know somewhere between jack and shit on the subject.
"We'll start by setting some laws and guidelines for both Changelings and Ponies, starting with-" ah, I know this shtick.
"The more important issue." Oh god, my braiiiiin, it burns...
"Yes, like keeping track of my little Ponies, and your... food supply." Luna nods in agreement.
"Agreed, we must insure our Ponies safety" Are you fucking kidding me... Ribbon seems to share my anger, as she gives her a stare of equivalently 0.9 Fluttershys.
"If those are your most important items then let me share mine. I want you ban the hunting of Changelings in Equestrian borders and to officially recognize Changelings as sapient creatures." This shuts up both Celestia and Luna.
Sunbutt speaks first, rather shocked. "Who would hunt changelings, and why?"
Knowing this was something Ribbon REALLY didn't want to talk about, I spoke up. "She told me that dragons and griffons hunt changelings, for FOOD." Celestia looks about ready to blow chunks, and Luna's jaw dropped. -anymore information would be much appreciated, Ribbon.-
'diamond dogs value us quite highly as slaves, until we stave.'
"And diamond dogs, don't even get me started on those mutts. They use changelings as slave labor, until they starve to death!" Ummm, is Celestia supposed to be smoking? Judging from Luna's reaction, I think not.
"Unacceptable..." ohhh... She's PISSED... "I will not allow such practices to occur within Equestria's borders!" Luna looks at Celestia with hesitation.
"Are you suggesting a raid, sister?" I like where this is going...
I nod in agreement. "I'm in, this could help build relations between ponies and changelings, as well as provide a chance to compare military stratagems. If we're going to be working together, we need to know this kind of thing, to allow for maximum efficiency with groups of mixed units." Politically retarded i may be, but not militarily.
Luna shakes her head. "And give the griffons a reason to declare war? I think not..." well then that leaves only one option...
"Covert operations..." seeing the confused looks on everyone else's faces, I begin an explanation. "What I'm proposing, is to train a small mixed unit of about half a dozen ponies and changelings in various forms of warfare, so that they can get in, get the job done, and leave without anyone being the wiser... all of this will be 'off the records' of course. You with me so far?" Ribbon and celestia nod, while Luna makes a 'go on...' gesture with her hoof. "We need to take the best of the best, and make them better, we need to make our foes afraid of incurring apparently divine retribution. Divin... Thats it! We need to form a Tenchu squad." Its takes a few moments to sink in.
Celestia nods, before turning to face Ribbon "And you would agree to this, Ribbon?"
'er, whats a tenchu?'
-divine retribution in Japanese.-
'oh.' "Uh, yes, it's a good idea." Ribbon slowly nods her head. "How long would it take to gather the necessary ponies? With the Hive Mind, we should be able to gather the required changelings within a few days... and we also know some changelings who could help train them."eh? Oh...
"Oh, you mean the Exiles, don't you?" Ribbon nods her head. "Yeah, we can get Lyra to teach them close quarters combat, Tavish can show them how to make and defuse explosives as well as show them proper safety procedures, and Courage, he's just a thestral, can show them how to properly use a sword."
Celestia nods. "A week, a week and a half maximum. We have a few 'quirky' ponies who have shown exceptional battlefield capabilities." Sweet, I get to work with the nutjobs.
Ribbon suddenly flinches. "You think you have 'quirky'? We've got a changeling version of Pinkie who turns into a sadistic war machine in combat!" I let out a whistle at that. I must introduce them to each other...
Luna hesitated for a moment, before speaking up. "There is one other thing we need to talk about..." uh-oh... "You were absolutely brutal in your fight with Chrysalis, never in all my years, have I seen anypony fight so ruthlessly. From what heard from Celestia, you had HER afraid that you had become something worse then the Nightmare could ever hope to be..." I saw Luna and Celestia shudder.
"You can just call me a monster and get it over with, I embraced that fact long ago, I CHOSE to become one after the Discord fiasco, and became one with my primal side, so that others would never need to..." The looks on their faces softened. "Because sometimes it takes a monster, to stop a monster." To be precise, it takes a civilized monster from another dimension, that has had it's body reformatted to resemble the local sapient's, to stop a monster. I do believe the invalidity of your arguments invalidity is now invalid.
Meanwhile, Ribbon had begun scratching at herself uncontrollably. "You're getting ready to shed, aren't you..."
"Shed?" Derp, the princesses don't know about that...
"Yeah, pieces of her exoskeleton fall off, allowing her to grow larger."
Ribbon nods. "Indeed, I'm either going to need a good beating or a pod to sleep it off."
-Pod?-
'Makes the chitin soft and puts me to sleep, Chrysalis used them to house ponies but that's not what their made for...'
"Well then, I believe we can adjourn this meeting." Luna, you just saved my sanity, I thank thee.
"To the embassy!" I forget to mention that Celestia let the changelings set up a very small hive structure in the caverns, only big enough for 10-20 changeling, didn't I?
I watched as Ribbon was deposited in a pod, and slowly drifted off to sleep. So I sat down, got comfortable, and watched the process out of morbid fascination.
Not much happened on the first day, other than Ribbons body swelling slightly. It was the second day that the changes took place. Pieces of her chitin slowly peeled off, before drifting to the bottom of the pod, leaving a layer of a deep purple in its place. I watched as her mane slowly turned a midnight blue, I swear she was turning into a Changeling version of me, except slightly shorter and skinnier, which I found incredibly attractive.
When she woke up, I noticed her eyes were now the same color as mine, and looked reptilian to boot. She used her horn to cut her way out, before I hugged her. After a few moments of affection, I realized something. Walking over to the pod, I grabbed the shed chiten in my magic, and smiled. "Hey Ribbon, I do believe we can finish that hammer now..."
"You're right." Her voice hadn't changed, thank god, I liked it the way it was, the sound she makes when she's embarrassed is f-cking adoarable! "How do I look, anyway?"
"Ummmm... like a changeling version of me..." please don't freak, please don't freak.
"If I look like you, I must look pretty good. Right?" What... My train of thought had just turned into a jelly donut.
I stare blankly, blushing slightly. "Did I just get trolled, or are you being serious?" She giggles. "Clever girl..." I pause, seeing all the changelings piling in to get a look at their new Queen, realizing how the changelings looked different from each other. "Say, why do all the changelings look different from each other, I mean, I can see one with CLAWS."
Ribbon chuckles. "Yes, I guess I should explain about the different kinds of changelings... first theres scouts, like I used to be, incredibly fast, but don't have anything else going for them. Then there's diggers, the ones with claws, they expand the hive. Next is the Converts... we aren't going to do that anymore... they tend to be as varied as the ponies they originally were. Continuing, we have warriors, they have harder chiten and more strenght. Hunters are extremely agile and have venom strong enough to knock out several ponies, or kill in large enough amounts. Then there's proto-queens, thats what I was for a while, they require less energy to function and tend to be rather strong magically. What I am now is a full fledged Queen, I require next to no energy, am incredibly strong magically, and also very mobile. And finally there's the Hive Guardian, which protects the hatching chambers, something capable of going head to head with a manticore and winning, it is absurdly strong, and has extremely dense chitin. It runs on base instinct and Hive Mind commands. And dont worry, its not here, and I already told it you're not a threat." Wow, thats a lot to take in...
"Wait for me Gary!" What?! Well damn, Gary and Scootaloo followed my scent. "Whooooooaaaaaaaaaah... Thats a lot of Changelings... Oh, hi Chi!" Its good to see she's not afraid of them anymore. Gary ran up to me and began barking happily.
Ribbon seems to have noticed Scootaloo's lack of recognition. "Hey Scoots, I got upgraded!"
Scootaloo stares at her, before bouncing around excitedly. "Cool! You look like a changeling version of Chi!"
Suddenly, Ribbon clutched her stomach and began groaning, before bolting off, more than likely looking for somewhere to relieve herself.
'ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod ijustlayedanegg... CHIIIIIIII!!!' Oh... Shiiiiit... it appears every single changeling heard that as well, as they parted to give me a clear path.
Bursting into the lavatories, I wa greeting to Ribbon, wide eyed and hyperventilating, holding an egg in her lap. "That sucked!"
Waiiit... "does this make me the crazy aunt?"
Ribbon giggles. "If thats what you want to be. Now I have half a year to think of name." Ideaaaa!
"Shinkirō." Ribbon tilts her head. "It translates to Mirage."
Ribbon nods. "It's perfect. We need to get this to the main hive though."
"Wheres that?" I get to visit the hive, sweet!
"Remember that cave Fluttershy chased a dragon out of, and you fired a massive beam from? We moved it there." Nice, close to Ponyville, means we can visit Twilight and co. whenever we want.
The two of us walking out, Ribbon carrying the egg gently, before i levitated Scootaloo and Gary onto my back. "Road trip!"
The main hive was actually pretty nice for something hewn out of the side of a mountain, while we had been gone, several changelings had moved everything in Ribbons house to her chambers in the hive. Meeting the Hive Guardian was fun, that thing was one and half times the size of Celestia,and had no wings, and after it started growling at Scoots, I hissed at it in a 'touch her and I will fuck you up' fashion, and it wisely backed down, much to the shock of every changeling watching. I must have looked extremely intimidating when I did that.
A week had passed since the four of us (me, Ribbon, Scoots, and Gary) had moved into the hive, we had Gotten my hammer finished, and I decided to name it Kaminari. Suddenly, one of the scouts burst in. "Their here, the group of ponies and changelings are here."
"Hey Ribbon, you coming to?" My FUN sense is tingling.
"I could use the entertainment." With that, I charged up my magic, and telepoted us to the station.
When the light cleared, their was a red headed scout hovering about an inch from my face. "Hi! I'm Wendy! Who are you? You Look like the Queen! *gasp* Are you rel-" thankfully another changeling, this one a drone, shoved his hoof in her mouth.
"Names Larry, sorry for Wendys behaviour, she never shuts up outside of combat, and she tur- EWWWW, SHE'S LICKING MY HOOF!" He yanked his hoof away.
"Awwww, it doesn't taste like cheese..." She pouted.
It was about this time that i noticed I was being hugged by a yellow unicorn with neon green hair. "Who are you, and why are you hugging me?"
"Names Impulse, and why the buck not?" Fair enough.
I noticed a warrior changeling, who was currently burning a piece of wood, he took notice of that, and turned to face me. "Hehe, names Flint, and it is such a pleasure to bur- er, meet you..." oh joy, a pyromaniac.
Turning to see a thestral, we made made eye contact. "Rushdown." Before he went back to using one of his clawed gauntlets to dislodge something from his hoof. Oh god, its the pony equivalent of Emoticus Duckbuttius...
"Oh... my..." until I heard her voice, I didn't even notic- Is that a kirin? It was a pony covered in scales, and had a serpentine tail and batlike wings, as well as a pair of backwards pointing horns.Upon her noticing me, she 'eep's and hides behind Flint. If it weren't for her personality, I would have labeled her a Mary Sue on the spot.
Hear that? That was the sound of my brain imploding from something so awesome and badass acting so cute and adorable. I sit down, hoping to appear less intimidating. She slowly inched out from behind Flint. "I-i-i'm D-d-dovah... S-s-sorry for being s-s-scared of you..." dawwwwww. Oh jeeze...
"Uhhh, Impulse, can you let go now? I'm losing circulation in my leg..." he obliges.
"Oi! Sorry it took us so long to get here, Lyra was busy 'playing' with Bo-"
*Smack!* "You are not dragging my sex life into this, Tavish! Even Courage agrees with that!" I turn to see Courage nodding in agreement. I couldn't help but laugh at that.
"Say, wheres Vinyl and Snowflake?" They were also suppose to be here, weren't they?
"Their busy running the Wub Shack, it full of ponies AND changelings now..." oh boy, I don't think they're going to be joining us...
Suddenly, I am overcome with a feeling of dread. Two loud gasps rang out, which could only meen one thing...
Pinkie had met Wendy...
Larry facehoofed. "Let the stupid commence..."
...
And commence it did.
I was still trying to get the caramel out of my mane... as well as the ash... Damit Tavish, you just had to give Flint fireworks, didn't you... Lyra and Rushdown got into a fight, that only ended when they were both about to literally rip each others throats out. Larry got along well with Twilight, saying that they were the only sane pony/changeling in town. When Dovah meet Fluttershy, it was hilarious, Fluttershy saw she looked like like a dragon, and started screaming, which frightened Dovah, and made her start screaming, which made Fluttershy scream louder, and so on and so forth, until they both passed out from fright. Impulse, Wendy, Pinkie, and Rainbow, or the Chaos Quartet, as we now call them, went on a pranking spree that would have made the devil weep with envy, it got worse though, CMC pranksters happened... I take full responsibility for giving them that idea... When we got back to the hive, Impulse managed to piss off the Hive Guardian, who knocked him into a wall, before Dovah went Hulk on it, and literally plowed it into a wall. Watching someone with Fluttershys personality body check something nearly thrice her size and pin it to a wall, before roaring in its face and spraying embers everywhere, was a sight to behold. After she snapped out of her frenzy, she ran over to Impulse and checked him for injuries, before shaking him awake. Boy did he get chewed out for that, yet he claimed it was 'totally worth it.' If he's this stupid sober, remind me to never get him drunk, he might just forget physics apply to him and start flying with the power of ignorance. I managed convince Dovah to take Kaminari, after seeing how brutal she can be, by telling her at the very least it would make a great defibrillator.
I swear, Tavish knew this was going to happen, as he gave me a bottle of the strongest stuff he had when the Chaos Quartet started throwing caramel everywhere. Unfortunately, it appears alicorns have über-livers, as I barely felt a buzz from chugging the whole thing. When I asked around for something that could get me drunk, I kept getting told 'we don't need a repeat of the Molestia incident'. Damn, Sunbutt's decency goes down the drain when she gets drunk.
So, Shining Armor had come to help train the troops, but I told him to let me show him how to do it, American style. Putting on a snarl, I began pacing in front of the newbies to my training course from hell.
"'If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight! Even if your ruler forbids it.' Sun Tzu said that, and I'd say he knows a little more than you do pals, because he wrote the book on it! And then perfected so that nothing could beat him on the field of battle! When I'm through with you sorry sacks of scum, you will become an instrument of divine retribution, and rain down judgment upon our enemies!" Shining had pulled out a notepad and was writing down my speech.
Wendy raises a hoof. "Whats a zoo got to do with this?"
I give her a flat glare. "What you just said, is the most insanely idiotic thing I have ever heard. Everyone here is dumber for having listened to it. May Celestia have mercy on your soul." She visibly deflated. "Now the first thing on our agenda is psychological warfare, do any of you maggots know what that is?" Silence. "You scumbags are more hopeless than I thought! Sometimes, your greatest weapon, is your foes own imagination. The phrase nothing is scarier, is more literal than you think! By remaining unseen, you can neutralize targets, and leave your does scrambling to figure out what the fuck just happened! And then you can isolate them, and use their worst fears against them, to obtain whatever info you need, as well as leave a quivering husk of their former selves for their allies to find!" Surrounding myself with miasma, I took the form of what I had beaten Chrysalis with. "Let their nightmaresss come to life, and watch assss they sssscream in absssolute fear..." before turning back, and savoring the looks of absolute terror on their faces... Before Wendy began laughing, her mane having visibly deflated, and her eyes narrowed psychotically.
"Hehehe... oh, we are are going to have so much FUN together... ravaging both their bodies and their minds until they WISH we had killed them... It fills my heart with joy..." I heard a faint 'buck she went Wendygo again' but couldn't figure out who said it.
Turning to Lyra I smirked. "Their all yours..."
She smirked back knowing where this was going. "With pleasure... So which one of you punks is gonna fight me first?" Impulse, predictably, was the first to step up... and got wrecked within twenty seconds.
Wendy, or i guess Wendygo right now, leapt at Lyra, and dodged the first few blows, before falling for a feint, and getting destroyed within a minute.
Flint lit himself on fire and bum rushed her, hoping to catch her off guard, only to be knocked out by a buck to the face.
Larry shook his head, and attempted to attack from the air, but was grabbed and plowed into the ground.
Rushdown charged her, and LET himself be hit, before spinning and delivering a cross counter to Lyra's gut, causing her to double over in pain, and then uppercutting her, only for Lyra to use the momentum to flip, and deliver a double hoofed kick to the chest, knocking the breath out of him, before pinning him, and placing a hoof on his neck, saying "you're dead."
Lyra rushed Dovah, who steeled herself, before launching a crippling counter offensive, striking Lyra in every join she could reach, and leaving her moaning on the ground. She hefted her up gently, before putting her on her back. "It should take about twenty minutes for the pain to subside, you'll be perfectly fine after that." Damn, she's a kirin, and a COMBAT medic! I watched as she gently roused the others who had been knocked out, and applying some kind of salve to their bruises, all while humming a happy little tune that reminded me of rainbows and pop tarts. I couldn't help but 'dawwww' at the sweetness of it. How can she be so cute, yet so badass.
"At least SOMEONE can defend themselves in hoof to hoof, unlike the rest of you nutjobs, and Larry..." Larry raised his hoof to object, but then realized what exactly I had said, and kept quite. "Now then, lets really begin..."
So after a month doing the training from hell, which included waking up at two in the morning, and running through the Everfree...
"ALLRIGHT CHUMPS, GET YOUR SORRY FLANKS UP AND LOAD UP, WE'RE GOING FOR A RUN!!" My declaration was met with multiple groans. "QUIT WHINING AND START RUNNING, OR DO YOU WANT TO RUN A SECOND LAP THROUGH THE EVERFREE?" They shut up after that.
as well as an explanation to Shining...
"Chi, don't you think you're being too cruel?" Shining had become rather concerned over my training method.
"Thats the point, they will put aside their difference and unite over their hatred of me." Shining paused for moment.
"I never thought of like that... it's bloody brilliant!" He began scribbling down more notes, muttering about putting Blueblood though this, which i agree with wholeheartedly.
And that was just me. Lyra's sparring sessions usually ended with dislocated limbs.
God, Lyra can be vicious when she wants to be, so far I've seen her dislocate Impulse's front right hoof, dropped Flint onto her knee hard enough to leave him crying, and she REALLY hates Rushdown, she sacked him AND THEN dislocated his left wing,and twisted it to inflict even more pain. Dovah still won against her half the time, using her anatomical knowledge to her advantage, not to mention she could tell what was dislocated at a glance, and not simply sprained.
The sword training with Courage resulted in a lot of cuts, especially after Wendy stopped using a sword and started using a hatchet, that she dubbed 'Mr. Choppy.'
Wendy was nuts, she had tossed aside her sword, and was laughing. "Ohhh Courage... Mr.Choppy would like to have a word with you..." and then pulled a hatched out of nowhere, and started going at him with exponentially more skill than she did with a sword. They kept going, and going, until they both collapsed, covered in cuts, from exhaustion, much to everyone's shock.
And lets just say that letting Tavish, Impulse, Wendy, and Flint work together resulted in the training field looking like the result of a Michael Bay movie.
"You're saying that you made an incendiary cluster bomb? And set it off in the middle of the goddamn training grounds?!" They all smile innocently.
"Because why the buck not, we did it for SCIENCE!" Oh god why... At this point Larry walked in, and upon seeing the destruction, walked over to wall and began slamming his head into.
"Why *slam* do I *bam* put up *wham* with you *smack* PSYCHOS!!!!" *CRACK* he had headbutted his way through the wall, and was now unconscious.
"Uhhhh, someone should get Dovah..."
This torment had finally gotten our little group up to snuff, and we were preparing for our first raid, on a den disturbingly close to Ponyville. For some reason I swear I heard someone doing a Vader impression.
Larry had become unbelievably snarcastic, and had started using a short sword as well as throwing knives. Dovah had developed a bit of a sadistic streak, as she claimed she made her first aid hurt 'so they would think before doing it again.' Wendy had apparently developed a seventh sense, that seemed to warn her of incoming attacks moments before they happen. (fun fact, changelings can sense emotions.) Rushdown had dedicated himself to close quarters combat which combined with the clawed gauntlets he wears, allows him to fight like goddamn Wolverine, and stealth, as he was now able to sneak up on Wendy and Pinkie without being noticed. Impulse could use nearly anything as a weapon, be it a wooden 2X4, a frying pan, or even a sandwich. (you do NOT want to know...) Flint had apparently managed to start delivering flaming punches shaped like a phoenix, at which I told him was a very good thing, as it meant his masculinity was so awesome it caught fire.
It was around this time that Spike burst in, hyperventilating. An incoherent stream of words flew from his mouth, before I placed my hoof over it. "Now when I remove my hoof, you are going to speak calmly and clearly, okay?" He nodded rapidly, and I removed it.
"Rarity... Gem hunting... Diamond dogs... Captured... Again..." he was still breathless from running all the way here. Well that both simplifies and complicates things.
"Changelings and gentleponies, there has been a change of plans, the diamond dogs have gotten one of the Bearers. We're moving out tonight!"
-Ribbon, things have taken an unexpected turn, the mutts got Rarity. I'm going to have to mobilize Tenchu squad early.-
'Rarity? She was one of my best customers. I haven't heard anything from her since the wedding.'
-More than likely trying to figure out what a changelings idea of fashion is.-
'We don't have one, we can change size, weight, and color. No, I think she is maybe avoiding us.'
-Perhaps after, we can sit down with her and talk about why she's been avoiding you.-
'I know why. I was feeding off her and her sister for... awhile, and she knows it. every Spa visit, every sitting for Sweetie, and every time I gave her an order she liked. '
-Well, shit, that makes it very complicated, at least with me around that isn't a problem for you anymore.-
'I wonder how Ponyville has been since Pinkie's full of energy again.'
-Everything she bakes is somehow imbued with happy. And no, I have no idea how she does it either...-
I get no response. I think Ribbon just BSOD'd.
The moon had begun rising, it was time. "Okay, heres the plan, Dovah, you work on freeing the captives, and providing them medical attention, Flint, I want you to keep the diamond dogs off Dovahs back. Impulse, Rushdown, and Larry, you three make sure that the captives get out safely."
Larry piped up. "What about you and Wendy?"
The two of us smiled wickedly, and shifted my form to bone white changeling that had destroyed Chrysalis, managing to get the black eyes without using dark magic this time. Meanwhile, Wendy had changed into the form I had told her about, she had taken the form of an apparently, petrified pegasus, covering her face with her forhoofs, before with the sound of stone grinding on stone, they fell revealing her face twisted into a demonic snarl. Heh, seventh sense that allows you to tell, among other things, when you're being watched, and the ability to shapeshift, means you can do a spot on impression of a Weeping Angel. "Letssss jussst sssay we're going to sssstir up a ssshitssstorm...."
-hey Ribbon, how do you walk on walls, because I just had a crazy thought. If I transformed into a changeling, would I be able to walk on walls like you do?-
'Uh, if you thought to give yourself that then, I guess so. among other things.'
-Among other things... You have my interest...-
'Well, what do you think your basic drone can do? I can tell you if you're right or missing something.
-What about that gel stuff? It might come in handy.-
'Alright, Changelings, instead of a 'normal' stomach, have sac used for gel. Anything we eat is turned into gel and kept there. If the sac needs emptying, we throw it up.' meh, could be worse, it could come out the other end. Letting my miasma enshroud me, I made the necessary changes, before letting it dissipate.
We made our way to the gem fields, where after me and Wendy out of sight, Dovah slammed the ground with Kaminari, trying to get the dogs attention.
It worked, and a paw rose from the ground to grab Dovah, before Rushdown grabbed it, and yanked the dog out, before slamming it headfirst into the ground, K.O.ing it. Now that we had our entrance, the pony jumped down, while me and the changelings simply walked down the sides of the tunnel. After everyone got out of the way, Wendy plummeted down, before landing on the ground, and kicking up dirt. With the plan already discussed, me and Wendy went on the prowl, Wendy leading while I followed on the ceiling, looking for someone to interrogate.
When Wendy suddenly froze, I pulled myself up against the ceiling, where I was hidden by the shadows. Three sets of footsteps echoed down the corridor. "We got whiny pony again, this time we muzzled it, so no annoying sounds." The voice was coming from the large black one. They must be talking about Rarity.
"Hey Lupin, when we get pony statue?" This one, small and brown, turned to the black one, looking confused. Using telekinesis, I made a rock tumble from the wall behind them, causing them to spin around in fright...
Wendy bolted up to the third one, this one lage and grey, before audibly snapping his neck. The noise caused them to spin around again, just as I positioned my self over head. "Wha- IT KILLED FANG! IT KILLED FANG, GROWL, IT KILLED HIM!" Lupin screamed, causing the one named Growl to begin trembling. Lining it up, I dislodged a small portion of my glands contents, which felt weird as all hell, and hit Growl in the eyes. "ARRRRGH, MY EYES!" Lupin spun to look at try and get it off him, but Wendy was upon him almost instantly, and with a feral snarl on her face, she broke Lupins neck, before Growl managed to pel the gel off. "NOOOO IT GOT LUPIN!! YOU MONSTER!!!" I channeled a small amount of dark magic, not enough to form any crystals, but enough to cause the bleeding eye effect.
*Drip* A droplet of blood landed on Growls snout, and his eyes widened greatly. I motioned to Wendy to leave this one to me.
*drip* Growls head slowly turned up. Upon make eye contact with me, I hissed, and pounced, putting him in a chokehold before he could scream, and waited until he passed out before releasing him. Holding him against the cavern wall, I regurgitated more of the glands contents, shuddering as I did so, and adhered him to the wall. Wendy made sure to stand right over my shoulder, before covering her face, while I slapped him awake.
"Huh, wha-" he froze, noticing me and Wendy, and struggled momentarily before realizing he was stuck to the wall.
I began laughing madly. "Now then..." I gently caressed his face with one of my forehooves. "You are going to tell me where you're keeping the poniessss and changelingssss you've abducted." I began crushing his face against the wall. "And I may jusssst let you live, otherwise..." to prove my point, i caused a spike of crystal to erupt close enought to his face to cut him slightly. I lean in and lick the cut, faking a shudder of arousal. "I going to have sssso much FUN with you..."
"I TALK, I TALK! THE ENTRANCE IS IN IN THE ALPHAS DEN, ITS CONNECTED TO THE CENTRAL CHAMBER!" Having gotten what I wanted, I ripped him loose, and held him up to my face, and roared, before dropping him and watching him flee.
"Run little mutt, run! Tell them that the Blood Moon has risssen, and will rain divine retribution upon you for your crimessss!" I began laughing, and watched as Wendy laughed silently, before reverting to her changeling form, out of breath.
"That took... A lot more... Energy... Than I... Expected... Needed... A lot... Of extra... Mass... For something... My size... Totally... Worth it... Though..." she paused, letting her breathing calm, before resuming. "We know where they are keeping the captives now, we need to tell the rest of Tenchu squad." I nod my agreement, and we walk up to the ceiling, and began trekking back to inform the squad on the captives whereabouts.
Upon getting back, Wendy dropped from the ceiling, and moved down to meet them. "We got the captives location everyone, behind the alphas den, which is connected to the central cavern, lets move it!"
We met no opposition on the way there, because as it turns out, every last diamond dog was there. Our strategy was simple, we would go for shock and awe, hopefully scaring them into surrendering. The plan is simple, once we determined who the alpha was I was going to go old-school on their asses. "Guys, when I transform, I want you to get on my back, and start blasting stuff." They gave me looks of 'what the deuce?' "You might want to back up..." when they saw the amount of miasma I was surrounding myself with, they backpedaled rapidly.
From the cloud erupted a beast the likes Equestria had never seen. When I said old-school, I meant old as in 65 million years old... I was now a motherfucking T-Rex. Seeing what I was going to do, they clambered onto my back, before I began charging.
*THOOM* every single diamond dog turned towards the source of the noise, confused.
*THOOM* when they realized It was getting louder, they began panicking.
I came barrling from the shadows, roaring, Dovah adding her own roar as well. It was abouyt now I realized that I was tiring extremely quickly. Following the sound of screaming ponies and changelings, I plowed through the rather narrow entrance to the alphas den, before bulldozing my way through like a freight train hitting motorcycle, not even slowing before reaching a large cavern full of cages, contain ponies, and changelings alike. Unable to take the strain any longer, I reverted to my normal form, me and Impulse skidding along the ground, while the others simply hoverd. Dovah immediately got to work, and began bringing Kaminari down on the cages locks, breaking them, and setting their occupants free. Larry looked down the tunnel we had emerged from, and froze.
"Oh buck! That has got to be the entire pack!" Crap! And I'm nothing but dead weight right now! I can even lift my head... I could feel darkness encroaching upon my vision, when I heard the sound of crying, children crying... Something in me broke, and an inferno of hellfire flooded my body. I HAD to get these ponies and changelings to safety, even if it kills me... When I opened my eyes, I was viewing myself, yet when I tried to move, nothing happened. I watched as the very shadows of the cave flowed towards my body, before puddling around it, and seemed to disappear. My body rose off the ground, floating.
That was when things went to hell.
My eyes snapped open, bathing everyone in the same bluish-green as my magic, and a wraithlike scream emerged from my throat. Ponies and changelings were enveloped by the glow of my magic, before disappearing. When It was just me and the diamond dogs, my screaming intensified, and my body arced, pain beyond pain shooting through my body, and I released a shockwave of magic, knocking the diamond dogs over, before releasing a second shockwave of dark magic, causing crystal to erupt from every available surface, impaling a large majority of the dogs.
*Rumble* nooooo, not good, not good at all. Suddenly, pieces of the cavern ceiling began tumbling down around me. This is very bad, I don't want to get crushed... I had no magic left in me, and was on the verge of blacking out, when I saw the weirdest thing, my body seemed to dissolve into miasma, and the cloud just hovered there, as I felt rocks and dirt pass through me, scattering me, it did feel weird, but it didn't hurt. I finally passed out after that, the stress and fatigue finally taking its toll.
God... I feel like an overstretched rubber band, really overstretched. I could FEEL multiple forms moving within me, as well as spikes and what felt like a pile of something, suddenly, one of the forms bolted to the pile, and began digging at a frantic pace, before the other forms swiftly joined it. When they didn't find what they were looking for, the first form collapsed to the ground., and appeared to begin crying. Goddamit Chitsuki, pull yourself togeth- suddenly memories of the cave in came rushing back, I had dissolved into a cloud of miasma, and had been more than likely scattered by the falling rocks. I literally needed to pull myself together... focusing on my original form, I felt myself beginning to shrink, and heard a familiar gasp from the sobbing form. It was Ribbon! She must have been looking for me! As I shrunk to my original size, things began becoming clearer, as I began solidifying, upon finishing the process, I was Glomped by Ribbon, and but in an ungodly strong death grip. Can't breath!
"Too tight... Need air..." can't oxygen, need think...
"Don't... Care." She slackened her death grip, and I inhale sharply, before the pain hits.
"Ohhh gooood, my heaaaaaaaad..." I clutch my forehead, right below my horn.
Ribbon gives me a sympathetic look. "Magical exertion will do that. Come on, lets get you out of here."
I awoke to the mother of all headaches, and staring Ribbon in the eyes, she looked rather startled. "What, is there something on my face? Oh god, its a spider, isn't it... GETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETI- Ow!" In my panicked flailing, I had whacked myself in the face.
"I-it's not a spider. Your eyes are red!" Wait, what? Bolting upright, I get out of the bed and slowly walk towards tuo bathroom, before looking in the mirror, and lo and behold, they were indeed red. Freaky...
*Grumble* ohhhhhhhh... shiiiiiiiiit... got up to fast... SHE'S GONNA BLOW!!! I immediately bolt to the toilet.
"HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURGE! Oh go- HUUUUUUUUUURGE! Whyyyy- HUUUUUUUUUUUURGE!" After my stomach had finished with its explosive expulsions, I turned and saw Ribbon standing in the doorway.
"Maybe you should stay in and rest. I'm going to check with Twilight about your eyes." Please do.
I groan, still in pain. "you go do that." I dry heave.
Ribbon grabs a rubber band from somewhere, and uses it to put my mane into a ponytail (puns, it burrrrns) to keep it out out of my face. "If you need anything ask one of the guards."
I nod, before shambling back to the bed, and collapsing on it. I curled up into ball even wrapping my wings around myself, before falling asleep.
"Chi. Chi wake up. I need to do a few tests, OK?" A faint whisper woke me from my slumber.
"Snargesblarfuful... Just five more minutes mom..." I want my sleep dammit.
"Chi, I need to check you magic, to see if its corrupted at all." Someone started nudging me.
"Alright, alright. I'm up, happy mo- oh... Hey Twi..." my eyes flicker open to the sight of Twilight giving me a WTF look, before getting back on track.
"Your eyes are red," She scribbles something down on a notepad. "I need you to sit up please."
"Allright..." I get up slowly, not wanting to start vomiting again. "What's the diagnosis, doc?"
I feel a cold helmet get plopped on my head, with dozens of wires leading to some strange machine. "I'll know in a second."
"Are you sure you're not a mad scientist?" I swear, if she shouts 'I have no idea'...
I was completely ignored. "No, thats not right." She keeps glancing back and forth between me and the data. "Mmmm..." suddenly, everything is purple, even the purple is purpler. The glow fades, and Twilight is staring at me like I'm some kind of freak. "I-i-imposs-s-sable!! H-h-how can you n-n-aturally p-p-prouduce d-dark m-magic!?"
"Maybe because I 'inherited' the Nightmares magic and body? It was the manifestation of Lunas 'dark' side after all." It made a twisted sort of sense, if you thought about it.
"Ok, ok. I have to tell, Princess Celestia about this. SPIKE!!!"
"I'm right here, you didn't need to yell." He steps out from behind the machine, before writing something down, and igniting it.
"On a scale of one to ten, how much of a shitstorm do you think this will cause?" I would like to be prepared for the worst.
Twilight prepares to answer , only for Ribbon to walk in. "I'm guessing by the expression it's not good?"
I pull the helmet off. "Apparently I can produce dark magic naturally."
"So, not good then. I'm guessing more training will be involved?" Twilight nods.
Something hits me. "Wait, does that mean every time I've used my miasma, I've been using dark magic?"
Twilight nods. "Yes, so you should probable stop using it."
Ribbon face hoofs and quietly mutters. "I doubt she will."
"Correction, I should stop using the bastardized version I used to make crystals, wich was normal magic fueled with rage, as I've never shown any signs of corruption from using my miasma." Logic!
Twilight scribbles more down. "That's not the problem. If you keep using dark magic like that, your normal magic will become corrupted, right now the two balance each other, but that'll change if you over do it."
"I have to ask, what would happen if I used normal and dark magic at the same time?"
Twilight gave me worried look. "Nothing good, you could expose your pure magic to the dark magic and corrupt it instantly... or it could do nothing at all."
Ribbon seemed to space out for a moment, but I knew better, and could tell she was communicating with the Hive Mind. "A chairet just showed up, I'll have the Princess escorted here by one of the drones."
"Remember to tell the Hive Guardian their safe, we don't need the princesses reenacting the incident with Impulse and Dovah."
"He's fine" Twilight looks at Ribbon expectantly "No, you can't see him, yes I'll tell you later, and ask Impulse if you want to know what he did."
This its perfect. "To quote Larry, 'stupid commenced.'" The look on Twilight face. Priceless.
"Why do we have to work with the crazys".
I smirk, and prepare a witty response, only for Celestia to walk in. "I came as fast as I could when I got the message." Of course you did... Molly. She saw me looking at her, and gasped upon seeing my changed eyes. "Oh my, I can see why you sent for me."
Twilight gave Celestia a worried look. "Princess, she's naturally generating dark magic..."
Celestia glares at me. "Oh? And why would that be? How many times have you been doing this Chitsuki?"
I glare back. "That depends, do you mean the bastardized version, which is actually normal magic fueled by my rage, or do mean the true version, that i realized I've been doing ever since I woke up in this body?"
Celestia blinks. "Either one is cause concern."
Twilight begins pacing. "Princess, she has two wells of magic, one is corrupted, but the other is not. What should we do?"
Celestia stops to contemplate this for a minute, before Ribbon has an idea. "Teach her..." Everyone stops and stares. "Teach her to use her normal magic and her dark magic separately. Twilight said that her two powers were balancing each other, so if she learns to use the dark magic and her magic separately, shouldn't she be ok?" Ribbon, I think you just out-logic'd a politician... I'm so proud...
"If we're done discussing this, I'm going back to sleep." I curled back up into a ball, and dozing off.
A couple of days later, Celestia returned, and after make her why to me and Ribbons room, began showing slight signs of excitement.
"So this is what you're going to learn, you're going to learn how to use your two magical wells independently of each other." Celestia was pacing in front of me like a drill sergeant, which actually creeped me out.
"So you're basically saying that if I filter out my normal magic from my umm, shadow, magic, I can avoid cross contamination, right?" Celestia nods, albit with a confused look on her face.
"It sounds simple in theory, but it is actually much harder... And 'shadow' magic?"
"Have you noticed how when I use my miasma, the area around me gets colder? That doesn't happen with dark magic, and building on that, when you first had me try to find my magic, and I found four different sources? Twilight said I was producing dark magic, but shes incorrect, as my miasma actually comes from that fourth source, meaning I couldn't be producing dark magic, I'm actually producing shadow magic, which I'm beginning to believe is essentially dark magic without the corruptive side effects, you with me so far?" Frankly, I was surprised that she kept a straight face through that. After a couple moments of silence, she blinked.
"You've put some some thought into this, haven't you?"
I give her a 'no shit' look. "I've spent the last few days either sleeping, or staring at the ceiling. Yes I've put a lot thought into this."
"Oh." Celestia pauses, seemly trying to formulate a response. "So, if you used your 'shadow' magic in place of dark magic, would it effect the spell in any noticeable way?" She was looking at me expectantly, and had levitated a notepad out from somewhere.
I snickered. "I see where Twilight got her study habits from." Celestia nods, proving my suspicion. "I'm guessing you want a demonstration?" Another nod. "Just give me a second..." reaching inside of my self, I tried to channel magic, but instead of drawing from my unicorn magic, I tried to draw from my shadow magic.
"Interesting..." opening my eyes, I noticed my horn glowing a deep scarlet, instead of the supernatural greenish blue it normally did, as well as feeling rather cold. Focusing on a spot on the floor, and willing it, I caused a hoof sized lump of crimson colored crystals to emerge, before the headache returned, and I cut power.
"Ow, shouldn't have done that, the headaches back." Celestia nods in understanding.
"Ew, ew, ew, ew. Nope, all the nope, I did not just see that..." Twilight had apparently just seen something gross.
"Isn't nature fascinating?" And Fluttershy was completely unfazed. Wow.
-Ribbon, why is Twilight freaking out?-
'I told her something gross hoping she'd leave me alone for a bit.'
-How gross? And why is Fluttershy not disturbed in the slightest by it?-
'Remember when I layed an egg? Yeah, we don't reporduce asexualy, so I showed her the hatchery, and Fluttershy tagged along.' I do NOT want to know.
Watching as the duo walked away, I saw the confused look on Celestias face. "Are you alright Chitsuki? You spaced out for a moment." Oh crap...
I shudder. "It times like this I hate having an overactive imagination, I just HAD to picture what grossed her out... and trust me, you don't wanna know what I thought of..."
She nods. "If that's all, I will be taking my leave." After she walks out, I notice pink in the corner of my eye.
"Hey Pinkie, what brings you here?" When I blink, shes gone, and a box of cupcakes are in her place... THAT was creepy, normally she won't shut up. Opening the box, I saw about a dozen assorted flavors.
"Pardon me darling, am I interrupting something?" Oh, Rarity actually came?
"I don't think its possible to interrupt Pinkie happening."
"True."
"I'm guessing you only came here because everyone else did?" She blinked, surprised.
"Was I really that obvious?" Yes Rarity, you were about as subtle as a neon sign.
"Yes, yes you were. Now could you please tell me why you've been avoiding changelings at every opportunity, and Ribbon in particular?"
-Ribbon, I've got Rarity in here, and I'm trying to talk her though why she's been avoiding you and changelings in general, think you could get Scoots to come here syo we can explain how we met, and got her over her fear of you?-
"Ribbon had been looking after Sweetie Belle, without me knowing she was a changeling! What if she's been feeding off he-"
"Stop right there, Ponyville is so full of love that she didn't need to feed of anyone, and I was perfectly fine with her feeding off of me anyway. I will not let you go and badmouth Ribbon. Do I make myself clear?" She nodded, silenced by the look I was giving her.
'Sure, though I doubt she'll come here but I have been wanting to go back to Ponyville again. I've been avoiding my house since the... mail monster incident.'
-What happened this time?-
'Assassination attempt or prank gone bad, I'm not sure, but apparently all of Equestria knows that, Tattered Ribbon, Ponyville's primary blacksmith is now The changeling Queen.'
"B-b-bu-"
"Look, if you're going to let your prejudices get in the way, just go home, and I'll see about discussing this in a setting you're more comfortable with." As I finish that sentence, I grab a cupcake and bite into it.
-well shit, better brace for the inevitable political shitstorm.-
"Perhaps that would be best..." she slowly trudges out, still quite nervous from being here.
'Do you think Fluttershy would make a good nurse? because she won't stop asking about the egg.'
-Definitely, she second only to you in keeping the CMC under control after all, not to mention she's looked after practically every type of creature at some point or another.-
Silence. She must be dealing with Fluttershy... OHHH, this one tastes like bananas! Wait, did I just eat the whole box? Yes, yes I did.
After another several days of resting, I was able to use basic telekinesis. To celebrate my recovery, me and Ribbon returned to Ponyville to relax for a while. Ribbon however, seemed to be experiencing a feeling of dread. “Hopefully your mail problem isn’t as bad as you made it out to be…” unfortunately, when the door to her house was opened, I was proven wrong. Spam, spam everywhere. "And I thought paperwork multiplied quickly..."
"There might be some that in here too." oh, joy… Grabbing a letter, I open it to see what kind of spam it is, only for it to be… a foals drawing? that wasnt even the most confusing part, the drawing was of me and Ribbon riding either a very badly drawn dragon, or SCP-682. either way, still pretty badass. I smile at the levels of awesome that would be if it was real, before showing it to Ribbon.
“Well, at least it’s not all hate mail, you’ve got fans.” that doesn't seem to cheer her up.
"Yes. I went from nopony, to Changeling royalty and Equestrian celebrity in just a few days." Oh, OH… she doesn't want so much publicity period.
“Look at it this way Ribbon, you’re on the map now, you should use this to try and get changelings recognized as sapient beings across the globe.” Ribbon sighs.
"Maybe. The only beings that really knew of us were the griffons, and as, Celestia said. They're edgy as is, and Diamond dogs will always ignore the law, they always have."
As we continued talking I grabbed and opened another letter and rea- wow, this is more colorful than Rainbows mane... I toss it over my shoulder muttering 'haters gonna hate.'
"Hey Chi, Ribo- wait, what?" How the? I think we just got ninja'd by a half asleep Scootaloo. She shakes her head, before a stupid grin appears on her face. "CHI!" She then glomps me.
*Bark!* ah, theres Gary. He follows Scootaloo around wherever she goes, which is actually kinda cute. Still, I wish I could have seen everyones faces that time Scoots rode him to the schoolhouse.
"Hey Chi, Ribbon, I've been wondering, do you mind if I introduce you two to my classmates?" She does this complete with puppy eyes.
"Hmmpf, fine. They don't know yet, do they?" How... I just showed you a foals drawing of me and you riding 682/a dragon! How do you not know?!
"Yeah, they know, and want to see anyways." Entertaining children is always fun.
Ribbon blinks. "They want to see me? I'm not doing any tricks."
I can't help but roll my eyes at that. "Ribbon, their children, they find anything out of the ordinary fascinating."
"I don't care, I'm still not doing any tricks." You don't say. After the two of us disguised, we followed after Scootaloo, who lead us on a short walk, until we reached the schoolhouse where every single foal stopped what they were doing.
"Hey, Ms. Cherilee, I brought them!" Wait, isn't she one of the ponies involved in what I like to call the 'CMC shippers' incident?
"I... see what you mean about them not drawing attention..." I can't help but chuckle at Cherilee's look of disbelief.
As we walked into the schoolhouse, the foals following behind Cherilee, before we reached the classroom. "Uh, Ribbon? Which one of us should go first?"
She sighs. "I might as well..." when she transformed, I couldn't help but smile as the foals 'ohhhh'ed and 'ahhhh'ed at her changeling form. Several of them walked up to her and started looking at her from every available angle. Ribbon suddenly flinched, before turning and looking at one of the foals. "Don't do that, their sensitive." The culprit was... a miniature, unicorn version of Derpy. Oh god, she's multiplying, the Derpocalyps has begun...
"Why are you purple? All the Changelings I've seen are black with green eyes, not purple with blue ones." That was the small purple earth pony, who reminded me of Tavish's disguise.
"Well, miss..." she trailed off waiting for a name.
"Ruby Pinch."
"Well Ruby, I honestly have no clue, maybe it was Because I've been feeding exclusively off of Chi since before I became a Queen?"
I shrug. "Seems legit. Anyway, my turn. A bit of warning, this will more then likely creep you out." Allowing my form to shift back, I was greeted to stunned silence... OH, DERP! They didn't know about me being an alicorn. I hear Ribbon sigh in relief, she really doesn't like all the attention.
"Cool!"
"She has fangs!?"
"Another princess?"
"Look at her eyes..."
Seeing the look in on of the foals eyes, I realized she was plann-
"Of course the freak filly would hang out with bug monsters..." I hear Scootaloo muttering how 'I'll get you for that, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon...' "Maybe that why you're a black flank, maybe you and your friends are really changelings!"
"Yeah, gross bug monsters!" Oh god, and she has a cronie, that must be the Silver Spoon Scoots just mentioned... those motherfuckers!
'No! Don't do something stupid!'
-can I at least make fools of them?-
'As long as it isn't physical, yes.'
"This right here ponies, is a prime example of trolls!" Everyone responded with a unanimous 'wat'. "Now the important thing is that trolls want to get a reaction out of you, and once they do, they'll keep coming back for more, like what happens if you feed a seagull. Thus the important thing to remember, is do not feed the trolls, do not argue with trolls, as it means they won, by getting a reaction from you. And under no circumstances, hate them, as it will only make them stronger." Nearly everyone in the class burst out laughing, while Diamond and Silver stood there, with an 'oh crap' look on their faces. "I do believe my work here is done, see ya Scoots." Turning to Ribbon, I sigh. "We've still got all that mail to sort, don't we?" Its times like this I wish I could use Shadow Clones...
"Yeah. We can grab Lyra, get her to help. All she does is sit around ponyville and mooch off Bon Bon." Ribbon chuckles.
"Yeah, well, see ya Cherilee, class!" I was meet with numerous 'bye's. The two of us redisguising, we set off to find Lyra, only for Twilight to find us first.
"THERE you two are, I've been looking all over town for the two of you!" Oh joy, its Nerdzilla!
"What is it this time?" That mare, I swear she will break reality someday... it get real annoying real fast.
"Hey, Twilight." Well, apparently Ribbon doesn't find it as annoying.
"I just got a message from princess Celestia, you two, me, and the rest of the Bearers are wanted in Canterlot, something about it being to sensitive to mention in a letter." Okay, if she can't mention it in a letter more than likely sent via Spike, it MUST be important."
"I'm never going to clean out my house. Maybe I should just throw changelings at it, that worked before." Worth a shot.
"It'll have to wait, the others are waiting for us in town square." We promptly follow Twilight, and get there within three minutes. Of course, before we walk into their line of sight, I remember that they don't know that Night Sight is my disguise, so I revert to normal, not wanting to ruin its integrity any further. As well as getting ready to do something stupid...
"I've got them girls, we can head for the station now!"
"Why in tarnation would we be needed as soon as possible any-"
Everything flashed the color of my magic.
"WAH-HA-HAAA!"
"Weeeeeeee!"
"Oh, bu-"
Before we promptly crash landed on the floor in front of the throne room, covered in ash.
Twilight and Rainbow had landed on top of each other, in the most suggestive of positions, Applejack was sandwiched between Rarity and Fluttershy, and Pinkie... was on my head.
Ribbon was the only one who saw this coming, and had started hovering right before I teleported them.
After Pinkie jumped of my head, I shook the ash out like a wet dog, much to everyone's annoyance.
Twilight huffed in frustration, and after getting off Rainbow, released a spell that got rid of most of the ash.
*Thump* Everyone spun around at that noise, to see Blueblood passed out on the floor.
One of the guards on finally gotten over their shock, and spoke to us. "Chitsuki, Twilight, the princess wanted to speak to you two personally." Nodding, I lead the way into the throne room, to see a worried Celestia, whose face quickly morphed to one of surprise.
"When did you get here?"
...
Did you not hear the commotion outside? "I teleported us, although the landing was rough..." she raised an eyebrow, impressed.
"That's rather impressive. How long have you been practicing long range?" Ummm lemme think here...
"About 2 months, why?" Teleporting is fun once you get the hang of it, not as fun as flying, but you get the idea. Twilight looks at me with a WTF look on her face.
"It's no wonder we were singed and covered in ash!" She give me a glare, but it doesn't faze me.
"I'm guessing this is of utmost importance, if you didn't even mention it in the letter. Pleeeease don't tell me Discord got free." I hate that Q wannabe's guts, he hurt Ribbon! If he does get free, me and him are going to have a little talk...
"No. An enemy far worse than Discord has awoken. Even Discord had morals, he never outright killed and always made a game so you could win, even if he stacked it against you." Celestia grabs a crystal from a podium by the throne. "I'm afraid the Crystal empire has returned, and with it, the most vile and hateful enemy my sister and I have ever faced." Okay, that does sound bad, makes this guy seem like a vicious supervillain.
"Yeah, he's gotta be powerful to prove a threat to you AND Luna... What did this guy do anyway?"
"He single handedly enslaved the entire Empire, and when we defeated him, he cursed the Empire to vanish. For a thousand years I thought it was gone forever. Twilight I want you and your friends to go to the Crystal empire and find a way to protect it from his dark magic."
Twilight nodded. "I'll do what I can, Princess."
"Lemme guess, while Twilight and co. focus on defence, you want me and Ribbon to take this guy out?" Oh yeah, this guy has pissed me off enough to terminate him with extreme prejudice.
"That might not be necessary. The Empire used to be a place of love and peace." Celestia shines a beam of light from her horn, into the crystal, the diffraction revealing a city of white and pink. "For as long as he can not reclaim what was taken from him, the city may force him out. But if you fail," Celestia uses a bit of dark magic to turn the crystal black, causing black and gray crystal growths to emerge in the refraction. "This is what may befall the empire." Yeah, that is a Bad Thing.
"Then what DO you want me and Ribbon to do?"
"The same as my student. I want you to help in finding a way to protect the Empire long term. Now go, princess Cadence and Shining Armor are already there, and good luck my little pony." And that was my cue to leave.
- You get that Ribbon? -
'I got it. But can you see why everypony's been acting the way they have about your dark magic?' damn, she's right.
Walking out, I interrupt Twilight before she can explain.
"...And that's how Keith wound up with third degree burns over 90% of his body, a broken leg, and three fractured ribs."
Rainbow and Pine were rolling on the floor, laughing, while Applejack, Rarity, Twilight, Fluttershy, and Ribbon were all giving me WTF looks.
"Ahm confused, how in tarnation did he do that, with a beer, a handgun- whatever that is, a lighter, and a wooden 2x4?"
"Applejack, I have no idea, and that was only the SECOND most stupid thing he's done, and no Pinkie, we do not talk about trying to weaponize bread and a homemade teleporter." Everyone here but me, Rainbow, and Fluttershy were wearing scarves, and Ribbon was decked out in a coat and boots because as she put it 'Changelings do not like cold' "So Twilight, are we there yet?"
"How am I supp- WHAA!" The train stopped and tossed everypony out of their seats, while I face planted HARD.
"What the bloody deuce gives?" I get up, ready to go and see what the hell happened. Upon opening the door, I was greeted to a wall of cold. Exiting the car, I realize the train had plowed into a deep bank of snow, and wouldn't be getting out anytime soon. Returning to the car, I announce our run of bad luck. "Bad news everyone, trains stuck pretty good, we got no choice but to hoof it!" My announcement was met with unanimous groans.
Ribbon was already shivering from the cold. "Th-this is why I stay ind-doors." What? Its just frozen water...
"The sooner we get there, the sooner you ponies can get some hot chocolate!" That was met by total agreement.
Leading the group, we follow the tracks after finding them on the other side of the snow drift, and set off towards the Empire. I keep getting this ominous feeling though, like somethings stalking us... "Do any of you feel like you're being watched?" ...and everyone ignores me... how nice.
"Twily!" Oh, Shinings here. We both give each other a quick salute. "I was wondering why you hadn't arrived at the station yet!"
"Well as you can see, we hit the mother of all snow drifts, and had to start hoofing it." Suddenly, that ominous feeling intensifies, and I hear Shining gasp. Whirling around, I saw a black cloud beelining towards us. "DOUBLE TIME IT, PONIES!" They didn't need to be told twice.
As we approached the Empire, me and Shining realized that we weren't going to make it. "GO! I'll hold it of-" only for me to step in front of him, Akumu drawn, with a vicious snarl on my face.
"Like hell you will... FOR EQUESTRIA!" Whatever that cloud was, it was not expecting me to charge it head on, and stopped for a moment, during which Shining fled towards the Empire, trying to get behind it's barrier.
Charging into the cloud, I started firing blasts of magic and swinging my blade like a maniac, only for a sinister chuckle to echo somewhere in the cloud. Quickly shifting to my albino changeling form, which I had dubbed Inago, I heard a voice echo.
"Another dark magic user? This is... unexpected. I cannot allow you to interfere with my plans... Begone." a bolt of magic struck me from somewhere, and the next thing I know, I'm watching my body topple to the snow, unable to control a single muscle... I could already feel the cold due to my change of form, and knew that if I didn't get up soon, I would sucumb to hypothermia.
-Ribbon!!! Why can't I move anything!?!?-
'I'm coming. Hold on!' I feel Ribbon's magic lifting me into the air, before hurling me towards the barrier, but undershot slightly, so my body rolls inside.
-I felt that! Why am I not able to move?!?!-
Twilight ran up to me. "Chitsuki!"
Her brother showed equal concern. "What happened?"
Ribbon began searching over my body, looking for something out of the norm. "I don't know!" The panic in her voice was palpable.
-all I know is that cloud thingie spoke, before hitting me with some kind of magic beam.-
'I'm going to have to tell them about, this, aren't I?'
-Yup.-
'Shining's not going to be happy if he didn't already know about me' She takes a deep breath. "Ok where do I start? Uhh. You all know about me being a changeling, yes?" Cue several affirmative responses, and an uncomfortable look from Shining.
"And this is relevant how?" He glared at her, warily.
"When is something not relevant? Few months ago before I was connected to the main hive again Chi went poking around in my head, she did this by accident, but she ended up 'touching' the hivemind. Now she has a connection to me, just me. She may not look it, but she is awake right now."
-Twilight is going to ask for proof, so tell her about Rainbow giving her a bunch of reason's why she couldn't be her 'pet'-
"Prove it." Prediciatable Twilight is predictable.
"When Rainbow wanted a pet, she gave you a bunch of reasons why you could never be her 'pet'." Twilight immediately squeaked in fright, as a massive lush formed on her face, while Shining glared at Rainbow, who busy laughing. Everypony else was staring at me in horror, more than likely frightened by the fact that if I couldn't talk to Ribbon, I would be unable to interact with the outside world.
"Yeah, I believe you now..." Twilight was resisting the urge to pull a Fluttershy and hide behind her mane.
"Ok, uh. How do I say this? If a changeling is sick. No thats not right. If a changeling is to low on energy to move, or if they pass out, the Queen can take control of their body and more move them" She gives me a look. "but I need consent to do it now."
-My body is ready.-
'That sounded kinda creepy.' I feel a weird tingling sensation run through my body, before I watch as it somewhat jerkily, stood up, and reverted to my alicorn form, as everypony watched in shock. Then I noticed my eyes had a green glow to them. Wait, why the hell can I see myself?
-that tickled, and why am I seeing things from two viewpoints? Its creepy.-
'I don't know how to sort through all your senses and your body is confusing to move. the longer I have control the better I'll get and the more I can sort through.'
-This is weirder than that time I woke up and thought I was an octopus.-
Of course, I just get Ignored, and my body drunkenly follows Ribbon and the girls towards the large castle made of crystal. Luckily, the stumbling slowly subsided, as Ribbon figured out how to walk like a sober pony.
When we finally got to the throne room, my body was actually walking normally. Of course, then I had to watch Twilight and Cadences little 'greeting' when she looked at me however, her eyes widened and she backed into a corner, hyperventilating. "No, please Faust no! No! NOOOOO!" She was flipping out at the sight of- oh, the eye glow, like when that bitch mind controlled Shining.
-Ribbon, I think she's having a flashback.-
"Oh, Right. We should leave until she calms down." Ribbon walks out of the room, my body following her.
Overhearing something about a tyrant named Sombra, and how he hid away his only weakness, I started thinking. Now if I were a genre savvy villain, where would I hide my only weakness? Wait, idea!
-Ribbon, they said that Crystal Heart thingie is powered by love, right? Shouldn't you be able to determine the location of such a large concentration of love?-
"This whole place feels like an ocean of love to me, except the ponies that live here. If the Crystal Heart is still here, I'm not close enough to feel it in this place."
The doors swing open and Twilight and co walk out. "Chi, Ribbon, you two help me look for the Crystal Heart, the rest of you girls try and show them how to hold a fairly, Ponyville style."
We both follow Twilight, when Ribbon voices our concerns. "Was Cadence alright?"
Twilight shakes her head, sadly. "no, apparently Chrysalis affected her worse then we all thought, just seeing Chi like that caused her to have a flashback, and nearly pass out from fright." Shit... what the hell did that monster do to her?
"Knowing I'm in the city probably isn't going to help either." No, really?! The barrier started to flicker, each pause between going down and back up ever so slowly increasing.
-Ohhhh this is bad...-
'Very bad.' "We should hurry!" We rushed out of the castle, only to see that cloud from earlier waiting just outside of the barrier, somehow having formed a face, and was grinning wickedly. That cloud was Sombra?! He managed to slip a beam in between the flickers, and it was headed straight for Ribbon! Shit, and she can't dodge it without letting Twilight get hit! I watch in horror as it impacts with Ribbon, who was sent into Twilight knocking them for a loop and causing Ribbon to lose control of me. I immediately toppled to the ground, when I realized, THAT MOTHERF****ER HURT RIBBON!
I felt something in my head snap, and my limbs began moving under my own will again. "HEY SOMBRERO! YOUR FIGHT IS WITH ME!" I slowly marched up to the cloud, shadow magic at the ready. I didn't care at this point if ponies got scared, I was the goddamn nuclear option! "WHATS THE MATTER, TOO SCARED TO FACE A MARE ONE ON ONE?!" That had the desired result, as it slowly took the form of a black stallion, with a curved red horn, armor, and fangs. He was literally frothing at the mouth in fury, guess I pissed him off real good. His eyes pretty much said he been corrupted by dark magic, and when his horn took on the same color and caused pillars of black crystal to erupt from the snow around us, I just smirked.
-Ribbon, take Twilight and go, I'll hold him off!-
Not even bothering to draw Akumu, I instead summon a pillar of blood red crystal about the size of a pony, and tore it from the ground, brandishing it like a club, while Sombra's eyes widen at my casual use of such magic. "Ya'll bout to have a real bad day..." I use the club to block his preemptive strike, grinning like psychopath, only to fall for the follow up, and get flung to the snow, while Sombra begins cackling.
I pull myself back up, ignoring the swelling of my face, and glare at him. Creating a shockwave of crystal pillars, I wait for the smoke to clear, only to see him reforming from his cloud from, atop one of them. I teleport above him, and try to bring my mace crashing down on him, only for him to look up and leap out of the way. Crystal met crystal, and I was at the epicenter of the shrapnel storm. Rising from the dust, I continue to glare at him, and finally draw Akumu. Channeling earth pony magic, I kick the ground, and launch a bolder into the air, before blasting it with magic right before it hits the ground, turning it into a makeshift shotgun blast, which is blocked by a wall of black crystal. Not even considering if it would work, I charge and swing Akumu at the wall, cutting about a quarter into it, despite it being made of CRYSTAL. When I try to wrench the blade free, a pillar of crystal erupts below me, and clips me as I try to dodge it. Unfortunately, it slices into my left wing, momentary crippling me with pain, before another blast of magic sends me flying into one of my own crystal spikes, the pain from the impact sending lances of hellfire through my body. With me temporarily immobilized by pain, Sombra walks up to me, before ripping Akumu free, and gazing at it. His gaze eventually turns to me.
"You, you are quite resilient, aren't you..." he swings Akumu through the air a few times, before grinning wickedly. He suddenly stabs it into my uninjured wing, piercing the membrane and causing me to finally cry out in pain. "But even you have limits..." He rears back to try and crush my head, but dodge to the side, even as Akumu shreds my right wing, before biting down on one of his forehooves, and pull back, ripping a chunk of flesh free, before spitting it out.
"..ain't dead yet, you Ganondorf wannabe..." he gives me a slightly confused look for a fraction of a second, before his face set back into the grim snarl from moments ago.
"You just don't know when to quit, do you?" He ripped Akumu free from my wing, and stabbed it into my leg, thankfully missing any major arteries. He removed it again, when something caught his attention.
"...it triggered! I have no time for you..." he stabbed Akumu into my abdomen, before conjuring a massive spire of crystal underneath himself, and rode it towards the peak of the castle... RIBBON!
Fighting though the pain, I try to remove Akumu, even as every motion sends pure agony through me, before with a sickening squelch, the blade comes free. I shakily raise from the ground, and began limping towards the castle. "Won't... let you... hurt... Ribbon..." I refuse to give up, we still have Scootaloo to look after... "I won't... let you... experience... that... heartbreak... again..." I stumble and collapse to the ground, the murmurs of several crystal ponies barely audible to me. Forcing myself back to my feet, I feel something wet dripping from my eyes, and realize its not blood. "I... won't... fail... you... again... Maria..." losing feeling in my left rear leg, I collapse again. This time I'm unable to get up... is this... the end..?
...
...
...
"Don't stop." I feel something nudging me, and open one of my eyes, discovering that what was nudging me was a small crystal filly, with tears in her eyes. "Don't let him hurt her like so many others..." she was trying to push me back onto my feet, with minimal success. Several other crystal ponies began coming out of hiding, when one of them draped my foreleg over his shoulder, and pulled me to my feet.
"Your time has not yet come, Jack." Maria...? I watch as a wave of energy radiates from the spire of the castle, Sombras form falling and shattering, before everything goes black.
Forcing my eyes open, I discovered I was in a hospital room, with Ribbon, undisguised, slumped onto the edge of my bed, crying. Looking at my forehoof, I noticed both it and Ribbon where costet in a crystalline sheen, making the tears on Ribbons cheeks all the more sad.
"...Ribbon...?" Simply saying that one word sent a tsunami of pain crashing down on me, my body spasming from it, sending further aftershocks through my being.
Ribbon slowly looked up, and when she looked into my eyes, her tears of sorrow, became tears of joy. "CHI! You're awake!"
I smile sadly. -It hurts too much to talk... And do you really think such a minor setback like that would keep me from you?-
"I would hope not. Just hold on, Dr. Feelgood will be back with a sedative."
-I'm not sure if it was the blood loss, but right before I passed out, I thought I heard Maria, telling me 'it was not yet my time'...-
"No, I heard it too. I thought it was you, in the link you can make your voice sound like anything." She tilts her head, puzzled. "But who's, Jack?"
-The name I went by before I was 'relocated and reconfigured' by the Nightmare.-
"So that wasn't you then?"
-No, it sounded like... Maria...-
The door swung in, and gray crystal pony wearing a labcoat walks in, carrying a syringe. After measuring the right amount, he injects some kind of sedative into my bloodstream, and I negen to drift off...
When I wake up again, the pain had lessened slightly, and I could overhear Ribbon talking to someone.
"She's only ever gotten truly angry when I've been hurt, and trust me, when she does get angry, it feels like all warmth has left the room, until shes right on top of you, and spewing dragonfire down your back!" That would be Ribbon.
"That, is both heartwarming and rather concerning... she's more protective of you then a dragon is of its hoard..." opening my eyes, I discover the other voice was Cadences.
I groan. I hurt in places I didn't even know, or WANT to know, I had. "So how long have I been out for?"
"A day now. How do you feel?" Like I was dumped in flaming acid.
"Better than before, that's for sure." I notice that Cadence isn't freaking out. "So I see Cadence isn't irrationally afraid of you anymore."
"Yea, she came by before and apologised." Thats sweet, but now isn't really the time for chit-chat, oh who am I kidding.
"So, Cadance, how is the Empire running now that Mr. Ugly is gone?" She gives me a smile at that.
"Better, ponies are starting to remember who they once were. And I don't have to keep the shield up." Ribbon seems to smile at that as well.
"Either of you two got any idea how long i'll be stuck here for? I took one hell of a beating after all." Cadence raised a hoof.
"You were stabbed several times, You're not leaving in just a week, you could be here for awhile." Shit, and I thought that sucked for Rainbow. Hello karma, I believe we've met before?
"I can at least wander around, right?" Ribbon suddenly gets an idea.
"I'll ask the doctor when you can be up and walking." She gets up and heads out in search of him.
After Ribbon walks out, I voice my confusion. "Other then the doctor, I haven't seen a single pony, are they really that terrified of me?"
"You mean Twilight and her friends? they're just busy helping the crystal ponies get their lives back."
"I ment the crystal ponies."
"Oh. maybe they are. Red eyes are rare and and your wings leathery, darker coat, fangs..." yeah, I get it, I look demonic. It was about this time that I heard hoofsteps echoing down the hallway.
"Mommy, she's nicer than you think! She kept going after everything the bad pony did to her, to keep him from hurting her friend!" No bloody way! Its that filly from when I was limping towards the castle. When the small brown filly walks in, dragging a gray, full grown mare behind her, I couldn't help but chuckle. "See mommy? Princess Cadence is with her, so she can't be bad!" The mare gives an audible sigh of relief. "Hi Princess Cadence! Hi, ummm..." The filly finally realizes she never asked my name.
"Chitsuki, or you can just call me Chi if thats to hard to pronounce . But anyway, what's your name, you adorable ball of fluff?" She gives me a huge smile at that, and her mother smiles slightly as well.
"Its Prism, Miss Chi! And my mommys Diamond Dust!" I can feel Prism's infectious smile spreading to me and Cadences face's.
I notice Ribbon walking in, and freezing when she notices the crystal ponies. I point to her, "Prism, Diamond Dust, meet my friend, Tattered Ribbon." The two crystal ponies spun around, Diamond Dust jumping back in fright, while Prism walked up to Ribbon and poked at her legs.
"Miss Ribbon? Why are you hooves cheese?"
"Hehehe, My hooves aren't made of cheese, my hooves just look like that." I watch as Diamond Dust gets her breathing under control.
"Okay, just WHAT are you?" The way she phrased that pissed me off enough to give her back the middle... shit, I've got hooves, can't flip people off anymore... letting my hoof drop back to the bed, I settled for glaring at the back of her head, when I feels my eyes subtly shift, and the room darkens slightly.
"She's my friend, and I would appreciate it if you didn't disrespect her." Diamond Dust turns to give me some kind of snappy comeback, but reels back in fright. Ribbon shuffles a bit nervously.
"I-i think that angriest I've ever seen you." Well yeah, the angriest you've SEEN me. Slowly tilting my head around, I gaze into my reflection on the crystal wall. My irises had narrowed to needle thin slits, and with my eyes being red, it looked intimidating as all hell.
"Wow, I do look angry..." forcing myself to relax, I watch as my irises return to their default width, and the room returns to normal levels of brightness. Turning to face Ribbon and co, I notice Cadence slowly shaking her head. "Sorry about that, I get extremely protective of Ribbon..."
Diamond Dust makes an audible gulping noise. "I-it's okay..." Kuso! I frightened her pretty badly...
Ribbon turns to Cadence, confused. "Crystal ponies don't know about changelings?"
"No, Changelings were a myth until now. It makes sense they wouldn't know."
Cadence shakes her head. "I think we should leave now, Ribbon and Chitsuki deserve so time to themselves." Her and the two crystal ponies file out of the room, before shutting the door behind them.
"So, uh Jack? I thought you were just insane. Now I'm thinking I should know how far this goes." Ohhh boy, this is going to be awkward to the Nth degree. Thank god I already explained the multiverse theory to her.
"At this point, I'm starting to wonder if it was more than just chance that brought me here, and gave me this form... but anyway, I wasn't always what you see before you, I was once an average human male-" Ribbon winced at that. "-named Jack, who after serving in the military, retired to a beach home, and planned on spending the rest of his days with Maria... until..." my èyes started to tear. "Until..." get ahold of yourself, dammit! I take several deep breaths, calming my nerves. "Until we were the victims of a robbery gone wrong. When the police showed up, they took Maria hostage... The cops tried to breach the door... and... and... I wasn't fast enough to save her Ribbon! I failed her! And it's haunted me ever since..." I finally break down into tears, unable the stand the anguish from recalling that event.
Ribbon leans in and hugs me, slowly patting my back. "Its alright, let it out..."
"I was useless Ribbon, Useless! I failed her! Why cou-" Ribbon grabs my head and pull me up to her face.
"Shut up and kiss me..." and kiss we did. It was the most amazing feeling...
*POMF* we quickly disengage, and turn to see Celestia, blushing and wings sticking out straight, in the doorway.
"You have bad timing." I snicker.
-I think she's doing it on purpose.-
'Maybe she's jealous? I don't think she's ever had anypony.' Ouch! Thats a lot of unresolved sexual tension!
"So, Celly, what brings you here?"
"The Empire is being recognized as part of Equestria, so I'm here to sign some papers and thought I would see how you're doing. I heard how badly you were hurt." Seems legit. But then again, I avoid politics like the plague.
"Heh, you should see what left of the other guy.... if there is anything left..."
"Supposedly, there was, but we've yet to find it." Greaaaaat, so he'll more than likely be back, and have a score to settle with me and Ribbon...
I give Celestia a 'you don't say!?' Look. "Considering how crazily prepared he was, i wouldn't be surprised if he had a way to resurrect himself if he died."
"Let us hope not." She turns to leave before pausing. "Oh, and uh if you want, I'll put up a sound proofing when I leave." I nod. Celestia closes the door after herself. That troll.
"So, you never did tell me when I'd be able to leave this bed."
Ribbon is currently blushing a brilliant emerald at the implications of what Celestia said. "You should be up in a few days, but you're here for a month at least."
I yawn, just staying awake had taken a lot of energy. "Night Ribbon..." before falling asleep
It had been nearly two weeks since my battle with that Ganon expy, and other than my right wing and abdomen, my injuries had healed completely. The locals at least weren't afraid of me.
"I'll raise."
Shining stares back and forth between his cards and my face, smirking. Well...
"All in..." he raises an eyebrow. Ribbon and Cadence had long since ran out, and were now spectating.
"All in, aright, show em! Straight flush, sucker!" Is that all?
"Royal flush..." the perfectly deadpan voice I say it in drives Shining over the brink.I had spent the whole game playing conservatively, waiting until I had amassed a hand and enough chips to force Shining into a corner.
"MOTHERBUCKER!"
"Shining!" Oh, Shinings in trouble now. Cadance walked over, and grabbed Shining by the ear, before dragging him of somewhere to 'talk' about what he had done. Picking up a few potato chips, I began munching on them. Ah, the spoils of victory.
Ribbon smiles. "So what are you going to spend your winnings on?"
I smile back. "Potato chips... oh wait, I already have!"
She cutely tilts her head. "What?"
I levitate a couple over to her. "these things are good, want some?"
"Sure." She plucks them out of the air, and eats them. The sound of hoofsteps echoed through the halls, before Dr. Feelgood walks in.
"Good news, you've been given a clean bill of health, and can leave at anytime, all thats recommended is that you check in at whatever local hospital there is once a week, to make sure those wounds to you wing and abdomen stay clean until they've fully healed. And might I add, that your recovery rate is astounding, your nearly back to perfect health in half the projected time!" About damn time. I hope Scootaloos okay.
"Waaaait..." I turn to Ribbon. "Please tell me you got some drones to take care of the mail while we were gone...?"
"It's sorted into three piles, don't worry" oh thank god.
"Lemme guess, spam/hate mail, fan mail, and stuff we were actually expecting?"
"Nope, I never really got any mail so it's fanmail, job offers, and Flint." Yes, all of my yes, spam shal be killed with fire!
"Speaking of Flint, what is the rest of Tenchu Squad up to, anyway?"
"There just on stand by, training and setting up shop" Ribbon pauses, probably listening to the hive. "Flint's working at Tavish's bar. the others have taken similar jobs." A pyromaniac, in a goddamn bar, what the hell!?
"You do realize alcohol is highly flammable?"
"Yes I know, but I trust Flint not to blow his cover." More like blow it up.
"To the train station!" I walk off as fast as I can, not wanting to damage anything by running.
"Alright, let's go!"
The ride was uneventful, and after arriving in Ponyville, I had hunch of what would happen as we stepped off the train. Looking around, I couldn't help but tell Ribbon that "My Scootasense is tingling..."
"Should we g-"
"RIBBON!" Called it, suddenly, SURPRISE SCOOTAGLOMP! I heard the sound of barking, and took a Gary to the face, who began trying to lick me to death. Boy, he's grown, he's now about halfway between a normal pony and Scootaloo.
"Alright, alright, I love you too Gary, now would you please stop licking my face?" He obliges, and backs off of me as well. I'm thankful that didn't hurt anything. I did notice paper stuck in his teeth though.
"OHMYGOSH, CHI, WHAT HAPPENED!" Scootaloo finally noticed my injuries, and was immensely worried over them.
"Pony Ganondorf happened, thats what, but I got better."
"An evil pony tried to take over an empire, So we were sent to stop him." I held I my hhof, wanting to add to that.
"I got to be a distraction!" Both Scootaloo and Ribbon gave me a WTF look.
Ribbon delivers her response in perfect monotone. "You got to be in the hospital."
Scootaloo blanches at that. "Ewww, you had to eat hospital food?!"
"In my defence, MREs taste worse, and the hospital food there actually tastes GOOD, believe it or not..." I notice one of the local guards nodding in agreement. "Speaking of food, I'm starving! To Sugarcube Corner!"
"I think Wendy's working there now." Wendy... and Pinkie... working at the same place... I slowly apply hoof to face...
"And the Cakes stayed sane HOW?"
"I think they left on vacation." That makes sense...
Scootaloo giggles. "Yeah, they left shortly after Pinkie and Wendy somehow cloned themselves..." she shudders. "Never again..."
We began our walk to Sugarcube corner. When we got there, I was surprised the place was still standing. "Is it me, or is it MORE unnerving that the place hasn't collapsed?"
Ribbon shakes her head. "Nope, just you."
Walking up to the door, I open it...
"WELCOME BACK!" OHGODWHATTHEFU- oh, surprise party. I don't know how, but EVERYONE was in there... wait no, there's no sign of Rainbow. Ribbon gives a small jump of fright, but I can tell she's just putting it on for Pinkie.
"Oh, my..." okay, THAT was kinda creepy, listening to Fluttershy AND Dovah say the same thing, at the same time.
"Tarnations Chi, what in the hay happened to you?" Applejack, you concern is appreciated, but I'm doing fine.
"The cloud thing was some kind of evil unicron, who was thoroughly corrupted by dark magic... I had to fend him off to bye Ribbon and Twilight time."
-how did you find the Heart, anyway?-
"While Twilight and I were searching the throne room for clues, I noticed all the love being directed to the top of the castle." Okay,
I look up, and see Wendy clinging to the ceiling, about to drop party hats on our heads. "Hey Wendy."
"Awwwww."
"Hey Pinkie, how'd you get this set up so fast, anyway?"
Twilight groans and face hoofs. "Don't remind me..."
Pinkie, had a grin that should only be possible on a hyped up five year old. She pulled out a remote from somewhere. "Just let me fire it up..." suddenly I hear rather heavy footsteps, and watch as... what...
A pink, pony sized, Metal Gear REX, walked out of the back room... of course, it's railgun was now a party cannon, and its radome had a giant smile on it.
Pinkie giggled. "This is why drunk Twilight is FUN! Oh and Tavish, Impulse, and Wendy helped too!"
'Should I have it sabotaged so it doesn't work?' Why would you even suggest ruining something so beautiful?!
-Hell no, this is the single most awesome thing I have ever seen!-
"Still haven't thought of a name for it though..."
I raise my hoof. "Party. Gear. REX. We need to get Twilight drunk more often if it results in stuff like this." Twilight face hoofed at that.
"I'll be hiding in my cardboard box of shame..." she promptly teleports out, while the majority of the ponies gather around Pinkies new toy.
Walking up to the refreshments table, I stumble, suddenly feeling lightheaded. And the headache, don't forget the headache.
"Chi, what's wrong?" Pinkie walks over to me, concerned. I don't hear her however. A sudden wave of pain runs through me, before concentrating in a spike of agony, wedged in my head. I feel magic I didn't even know I was doing dissipate from my body, before small spasms run throughout it. Pinkie gasps, and looking at the floor, I realize I have a nosebleed. God, this feels like the time I ran out of magic, except worse.
"Oh my gods, oh my gods. Out of the way, we need to get her back to the hospital!" I notice a flash of green on Ribbons head, revealing a horn, before everything flashes green, and me and Ribbon are teleported to the hospital, where Ribbon makes her horn disappear. The floor rushes up to greet me, and my muscles begin contracting and relaxing uncontrollably.
"WE NEED SOME HELP OVER HERE!" There is a sudden commotion, followed by a doctor rushing over, before I feel something pin my limbs down, and am forced to endure the pain of my spams tearing several of my wounds back open. Everything starts fading, and I black out.
Awww piss, I'm in another hospital room, aren't I?
"We didn't even HAVE fourth degree magical burnout until now!" Shit, thats what I had? Oh joy... everything hurts like hell again. At least the headache is nowhere near as bad. I groan in pain, before trying to speak, only to get a stream of random syllables.
"Doctor, I think she's waking up."
"You don't say..." oh jeeze, that hurt.
"Try to not talk. Your body is using too much magic trying to heal itself, we had to give you a magic transfusion to counter the burnout." Why must I be the universe's chewtoy?
"Don wanna deal with dis shit." I let myself return to dreamland, trying to ignore the pain.
When I next wake up, I'm greeted to a very tired looking Ribbon, laying in a bed next to mine. "You don't look so well..."
Ribbon gives a small yawn. "You should look in a mirror."
"But seriously, what's wrong?"
"Doctors didn't have enough magic in their staff to counter the burnout, so I offered mine." She chuckled. "Heh, the look on the nurses faces when they saw the green flame was funny."
Still confused. "How did I even get magical burnout, anyway? I haven't used much other than the occasional levitation spell."
"You were using it subcounty. The doctor said your body was trying to heal itself, but didn't know how so it was just using magic to heal all of you." Well... piss.
"How long was I out?"
She gives an awkward chuckle. "Uh, I don't even know what time it is. I fell asleep after the transfusion." Great, just great. Looking out the window, I notice the sun rising. Ribbon suddenly climbs out of her bed, and into mine, snuggling up against me. Soooo cute...
Goddammit, this takes a lot out of me... both me and Ribbon slowly drift off to sleep.
So, I wound up spending another two weeks in the hospital, rather uneventfully, before I had finally finished healing. Of course, the first pony to greet us when we walked out the door was a worried and out of breath Twilight.
"Twi, calm down, and tell me what has you so worried."
"Princess... Celestia... Wants... To reform... Discord..." that... is crazy enough to work...
"Calm down. Deep breaths." Ribbon was trying to keep Twilight from hyperventilating and passing out.
"Lead the way..." oh, is Discord in for one hell of a surprise... I have to resist the urge to cackle, lest I give away my plan...
"You're far too excited for this."
"Excited? No, I've just been wanting to have a little-" I crack my neck, watching as Twilight and Ribbon flinch. "Talk with him..." Ribbon quickly becomes worried.
"Oh, my... Leave me out of it then."
"I was just going to set down some ground rules, and get him to apologize to you, it's not like I was going to beat him up..." not unless he tries something, anyway. She hums in approval at that. We eventually reached the outskirts of town, and met up with the other Elements, and noticed Discords statue. I smiled, and positioned my self behind it, Ribbon hiding behind me.
"Fire when ready!" I watched as Twilight and co rose into the air, and fired their rainbow beam of FRIENDSHIP! Which then struck Discord. After several seconds of nothing, several cracks appear, and begin spreading, while his obnoxious laugh is heard echoing from somewhere, before his stone prison crumbles to dust.
"Really now, after all that effort you six went through to imprison me, useless effort I might add, you release me?" He snaps his talons, turning the grass burpale... no, I don't know how it's burpale, but it is.
"No Discord, you need to learn the error of your ways. Chaos is not the answer to everything..." Fluttershy suddenly found her resolve, and had started chewing him out, even giving him 'The Stare'...
He laughed, and poked Fluttershys nose, causing her to 'eep!' and scoot away from him. "Besides, where's your little miss Nightmare, and her succubus friend anyway?" He did not just... HE DID! I felt my eyes shift slightly, and the area seemed to get a bit darker. Must. Suppress. Urge. To maim! I trot up behind him, and breath down his neck.
"Right behind you..." Discord yelp, and teleports behind Fluttershy. While Twilight and co take a few steps back, no doubt startled by my glare. He raises his paw to say something, but I'm having none of his bullshit, I walk up to him, wings spread and fangs bared. "Now listen hear buster, before we try ANYTHING, there are a few things we need to set straight. One: I believe you owe Ribbon an apology, both for last time and for what you just implied." I tilt my head towards Ribbon, before resuming burning a hole in Discord with my eyes. "Two: I may like raising a little hell once in a while, and I can respect your tendency to cause chaos, but when you do it without any consideration for the beings it would effect, well, I have to draw the line. Three: Don't think I'm going to just forgive you for what you did to Ribbon, and be all friendly. Four: you are on VERY thin ice right now, and if pull some kind of stunt, well... I can get a LOT more creative then the nutcracker. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR!?"
...
*Thunk*
A brick had appeared on the ground directly beneath Discord. And he nodded rapidly, truly afraid. Relaxing, the lighting returned to normal, and I put on a slasher smile. "Remeber... I'll be watching you..."
"Oh, my..." Fluttershy was shaking like a leaf, more than likely scared out her wit.
"Tarnation..." Applejack had actually taken off her hat, and was holding it up to her chest.
Rarity was just standing there, slack jawed.
"I just... Wow...." Twilight was at a loss for words, stunned by my performance.
Pinkie... Had been taking pictures of the whole thing... too bad they don't have Youtube here...
"That... was... BEYOND AWESOME! I cannot find words to describe how much awesome I just witnessed!"
I couldn't help but smile. Mission accomplished! Now to let Fluttershy talk him to death.
Getting Discord to reform was actually rather easy, what with me looming over him. We did however, FINALLY sort the mail... and gave the spam to Flint.
The sound of knocking interrupted me from my morning coffee. Who'd be up at 5 in the morning, anyway? Making sure to not wake up Ribbon, Gary, or Scootaloo, I walked to the door, and was greeted to an excited Twilight.
"Shhhh... everyones still asleep. Why are up so early anyway?" She had that grin on her face that could only mean one thing... SCIENCE! I was quickly teleported to her lab, where she started bouncing around.
"Ohhh yesyesyes! Celestia wants me to study your 'shadow' magic, and I sorta needed you to do that..." she stop bouncing, and collects herself, before pulling out a notepad. "What I want you to do, is try and form your shadow magic, but slow down the process considerably, I want to get an accurate reading of the process." As she says that, she plops that weird helmet thingie she has in her basement on my head.
Uhhhh... okay... Drawing on my shadow magic, I force it to slow down, and am greeted to a plethora of weird feelings. For one, i feel my shadow magic flowing through my normal magic, leaving behind what feels like... sludge, i guess, wich is dropped into my miasma... I hear a loud gasp. "Chi, you ARE producing dark magic, it been being filtered through your unicorn magic, removing the corruption! Its brilliant!" She quickly began scribbling things down, before looking between the notes and me... oh, no...
"What are you going to use as a filter though?" I watch as she becomes depressed, before she has an idea. She quickly bolts upstairs, and the sound of rummaging is heard, before she trots back down, her Element of Harmony firmly on her head, smiling.
Okay... that works... "Honestly, other than making crystals, everything is either unicorn magic, or my miasma... well you basically focus the magic on the spot you want it to grow and-" a silver spike of crystal emerges from the floor, and I see Twilight giggling like a schoolgirl. "That... went faster than expected..." decided to try something new, I launch a kinetic blast at the crystal, but use my shadow magic instead of my normal magic, and watch as the crystal shatters.
"Why are mine silver...? Chi, think you can make one so I can run some comparisons?"
"Okay, just gimmie a sec..." focusing, I conjure a small spike of blood red crystal, and wrench it out of the floor. Twilight grabs it out of my hoof, and after she creates another small clump of silver crystal, pulls it out of the ground.
"This is so exciting!" When she picked the silver crystal up, to both our surprise, it started glowing. "It... glows?" She hit it with a small bam of magic, and it began giving off warmth. "... and it holds an enchantment really well..."
"Hey Twi, Chi, what are you two doing?" Oh its Spike.
"Spike! Wassup!" While he was ignoring me, he had picked up one of the pieces of Twi's first crystal, and ate it.
"Minty..." both me and Twilight stared at him.
Idea! "You do realize Twi made that with shadow magic... now I have to wonder what mine tastes like..." conjuring a small clump, I rip it fee and pass it to Spike, who pops it in his mouth, before scrunching his face up in disgust and spitting it out.
"Gross! Tastes like copper and rusted iron! I hate those!" Copper and rusted iron... I've taken enough abuse to know when someones talking about the taste of blood...
"Can I go now, my coffees probably gone cold..."
"Yes, Chi, you can go now." I immediately teleport back to the house, and am greeted to a sad tune echoing throughout it... Is somepony playing the Lavender town theme on a violin? Finding my coffee was at least lukewarm, I downed the rest of it, before following the music to the living room, where I found Ribbon, playing a violin.... I can't help but choke down a sob.
"Its... beautiful..."
"Wha!" She misses a chord, instead making a piercing shriek. "You scared me!" Ribon, why do you seem sexier than normal? Just looking at her was making me feel hot and bothered... my face morphed into a look of horror.
Oh god, oh god, OH GOD! I'm a mare physically, but a dude mentally, what the hell do I do?
Ribbon puts down her violin, and walks over to me, before grabbing my face and pulling me into a kiss. When she finally break, it she looks me in the eye... "Isn't that what I'm here for?"
"You're... actually willing to go that far?" Oh god! Want, but do not want! Incredibly conflicted!
"Of course. Despite all your jokes, I know you're the hesitant one. and I know why" she pulls me into a long, passionate, kiss. "Just because you're not a stallion anymore, doesn't mean you can't have me." This, is eerily calming...Ribbon gestures to the couch, and I comply. Walking over to the couch, I lay down, efore Ribbon mounts me... oh god! Just her rubbing against me feels so GOOD!
"Oh god yes! YES!" Ribbon seemed unsure what to do at this point, and my body started running on autopilot. My rear hooves wrap around her midsection, and pull her against me.
"Oh my, don't tell me you haven't even explored yourself." No I havent... but forget that!
I pull Ribbon into a passionate kiss, and start grinding against her, every motion sending a wave of ecstasy through me.
'I guess I really AM the first one to touch here, huh?' I feel a tingling in my nethers, and an even stronger wave of pleasure washes over me, causing me to grind even harder against Ribbon.
Her stomach lurched for a moment, and I feel something dripping from me and Ribbons lips, before hardening... I wrap my forehooves around her, pinning her forelegs against her sides, and feel her moan into my mouth... -YES! Take me!-
The fire in my nethers reaches a breaking point, and a wave of pleasure washes over me, causing me to shudder, as I scream into Ribbons mouth. In my throes of ecstasy, we had rolled off the couch, and onto the floor, where I was now on top. Still twitching occasionally, I shuddered as a second wave of pure bliss flowed through me. I could feel Ribbons chest expanding and contracting against mine, and the hot breath from her nose buffeting my face... resuming the grinding, I feel Ribbon moan into my mouth in pleasure, the intensity slowly increasing as she reached a peak, before she spasmed in my grip, her salvia eating away at the gel binding our mouths together... my body instinctively starts trying to thrust, despite the lack of a certain organ. The sensation, however, feels just as good. My bodys spasms begin again at about the same time as Ribbons. I pull up from the kiss unable to contain it any longer, as the throes of a second orgasm hit me. "YES! TAKE ME, RIBBON!"
"Ahhhhh..." the sound of Ribbon panting reaches my ears. Suddenly everything goes white for a moment, and I realized that it was a camera flash.
"Oh poo, and just when it was getting good..."
I disentangled myself from Ribbon, and glare death, at Discord, my eyes burning with a rage comparable to antimatter nuclear hellfire, while Ribbon scrambled to compose herself.
"Oh Discooooord, why don't we step outside and talk..." I grabbed him by the antlers, and dragged him outside. "To quote a pink haired, emo-loving banshee-" I spun around and deliver a gut kick of titanic proportions. "CHAAAAAA!" And send Discord rocketing in the general direction of Canterlot. My work done, I walk back inside, only to notice Ribbon at the door, looking at the polaroid Discord dropped.
After we had cleaned ourselves up, we tried to resume our day as normal, but a lot of ponies were giving us the stink eye for the noise we made this morning. Ribbons eyes suddenly widened in shock, and I gave her a concerned look. Se must have just gotten an emergency message from the hive "Is something wrong?"
'GRIFFON HUNTING PARTY!' y eyes widen in horror.
-Where, how many, and have they captured anyone!?-
'Two drones, about seven griffons, their at the bottom of the the mountain!'
-I'm teleporting us in airborne, get ready- Firing up my magic, I teleport us into the air over the mountains. We both already had our wings open, and only dropped about 3 feet before we started hovering. Taking a look, I noticed three were armed with spears, two of them had both a sword and a crossbow, one had both a sword and shield, and the last had a what looked like a single shot rifle...
"Can you take them all yourself? you know I'm not a fighter."
"Exactly, I get their attention, you get the drones out, and then I can neutralize them."
"Ok," Ribbon inhales deeply. "Ok. Lets go."
This was going to be tricky...
Diving, I zeroed in on the griffon closest to the drones, the one with the sword and shield, and came crashing down on him, knocking him out instantly.
"What the pluck!?"
"There's a fourth one!?"
"Its just another changeling, get it!" Three of the griffons charged charged me, and I had to leap back to avoid getting stabbed. Then I noticed the rifle being pointed at me... DO NOT WANT! Right before it was fired at me, my urge to not get hit caused my body to dissolve into miasma, and the bullet to fly right through me.
"What in the name of god..."
Focusing on reforming myself, I somehow glared at them despite being a cloud. Still seriously outnumbered... I really wish there was two of me right now... at that thought, I felt myself split in two, and began reforming... into two of me?!
"Oh god..."
"That feels weird..."
"As all hell." My brain was running in overdrive, trying to figure out how to use two bodies at once, as well as process two sets of senses. It hurts too much, please turn back... feeling both my bodies dissolving and rejoining into a single cloud, I let out a mental sigh of relief, before focusing on reforming into a SINGLE body.
The two drones had been freed by Ribbon while I was trying to process two sets of inputs, and were now tackling the griffin with the rifle, interrupting his reload. Meanwhile, Ribbon had inned one of the ones with a crossbow down, and was spitting up gel to trap him.
A sudden lance of pain ripped through my backside, and nearly caused me to collapse, before I turned and caught sight of an arrow burrowed into my flank. Before I can even blink, Ribbon had teleported over to the griffon, and BIT him, before he went limp and collapsed to the ground.
That left the three spear wielding griffons, who had backed up against each other, trying to avoid getting blindsided. Time for some fun.
Shifting into Inago, I smiled wickedly as they cowered in fear of a supposedly demonic alicorn, turned into TRULY demonic looking changeling, my bleached chitin and black, soulless eyes leaving them trembling in fear, before I let out a long, snakelike hiss. Collecting magic in my horn, I couldn't help but say it. "Go. To. Sssssleep!" before hitting all thre of them with a sleep spell.
Returning to normal, I gripped the bolt that was lodged in my ass with my magic, and pulled it out.
"Careful now." Ribbon walked up to me, showing concern.
"I'd rather not have a stick up my ass."
"You mean like most of Canterlot?" I couldn't help but chuckle at that.
"Minus Blueblood, he's got the whole damned tree stored up there!" Ribbon bursts into laughter at that. I turn to the two drones. "You two alright?"
They nod. "We're fine."
"Thank you."
I notice that Ribbon seems to have an idea in mind. "Why don't you two take all of the supplies they had back to the hive?" The drones nod, and begin gathering the scattered weapons.
"Shouldn't we hold onto the griffons until we can get one of the princesses to deal with them?"
"Yeah, Drag them into a pile so it's easier to teleport them." She grabs two of the K.O.ed griffons in her magic, and drags them over to us. Turning to the one who had been glued to the ground, I cast a sleep spell on him, before Ribbon freed him, and added him to the pile. Meanwhile, I had grabbed the three i had hit with the group sleep spell, and dropped them in the pile as well.
The two drones had gathered up everything, and had dragged their weapons and the last griffon over to us.
Firing up my magic, I prepared to teleported us to the hive, when Ribbon flicked my horn canceling the spell, and causing my body to involuntary shudder. "You recovered from magic burnout a few days ago, I'll teleport us." With a flash of green, we appeared in the hive, several drones waiting to haul off the griffins.
As the griffons were dragged off to somewhere, I noticed Ribbon spacing out, likely communicating with the hive. When she refocused, she turned to me and nodded. "I' let Twilight know we had a problem, she's writing a letter now."
I raise my hoof, unsure of what to do next. "So, what do we do while we wait for the princess to get here?"
She turns to the pile of assorted objects. "Wanna go through their stuff?"
"Heck yeah." Looking at the pile, I grab the rifle, and take a closer look. Bloody things muzzle loaded, doesn't even use casings, let alone have semi-auto capabilities... well, I know what to get Tavish to do.
"You're awfully interested in that griffon side arm."
"Ribbon, remember what i said about sniper rifles?"
"Yeah."
"This is basically a simplified inaccurate version."
She doesn't seem to care. "Hmm. look at this." She holds up a weathered book. "It's a log, it says what their doing. timberwolf wood, manticore teeth and venom. their poachers."
"Wow."
"A lot of the stuff thats checked off isn't here. they must have it stashed somewhere." Oh... gonna need to find out where. But anyway, need to figure out how to turn this rifle into a proper firearm...
"You really want that sniper thing, don't you?"
I smile. "Oh yeah, and I know how to modify the design of this to turn it into one."
"Then you might want to hide it. After all, a crossbow is illegal, unless you're a guard. How do you think she'll react to that?"
"Tell her I'm only supplying Tenchu squad with it, and not sharing the designs with anyone."
"I still think you should hide it. She had my cross bow taken away after the wedding."
No! You can't have it! Holding the rifle against my chest, I tried to keep it safe.
"The Princess is here." Doing a double take, I confirmed that it was Luna, not Celestia, who had teleported in. She took a look at what I was doing, and raised an eyebrow.
Luna clears her throat, before speaking. "Celestia is busy dealing with Blueblood, I came in her place... has anything transpired between sending the letter and now?"
"No, their unconscious right now. I did find a log of what they're doing though." Ribbon levitates the book over to Luna, who opens it, and frowns.
"We must ascertain the location of these supplies, and secure them..."
"We didn't even know they were here, until they captured two drones." Yikes, they're rather stealthy when they want to be...
Setting down the rifle, I raise my hoof. "I have ways of making them talk..."
"I heard of the training ideals you gave Shining Armor, and would like to watch this." Oh yes... this will be fun.
Ribbon nods. "I'll take you to them." We follow Ribbon to a completely empty room with four guards "Cut one of them out, please." One of the guards complies, and flies up to the ceiling, were the griffons are being held in pods. After cutting one loose, and lowering him to the floor, the guard returns to his position.
Focusing, I morph to Inago. -You try to act like the reasonable one, he will be a LOT more willing to talk to you if the alternative is a bloodthirsty, demonic changeling.- I notice Luna cast some kind of invisibility spell, and vanish into thin air.
Ribbon slaps the griffon awake, before I take the lead walking right up to the griffon with a fang filled smile, I watch as his eyes flicker open, and look into mine, before narrowing to pinpricks. He immediately begins struggling against the gel holding his talons together.
"I have sssseeen you ssssoul... and it mussst be clensssed, in the flamesss of tarterusss... it may claim your sssoul... but your flesssh will be mine to devour..."
-It would more effective if you act like I actually AM a changeling.-
'I-if you're sure.' "Back down!" I comply, but not before biting the air an inch from his face, causing him to scream in fright, before backing away, growling.
"Sorry about her, she prefers fear over love. What's your name, and why are you here."
"H-h-hawkeye R-ravenclaw! All I was told was this was a hunting expedition!" Yeah... NO!
"Liesss... you go through the motionsss... but I sssmell no fear..." -This guy is TOO scared... A rookie wouldn't know to fear for his life... he'd at least try to act tough...- The whole time this is happening, I've been circling Ribbon and Hawkeye, like a predator waiting for the perfect moment to strike...
"Why don't you try again. If you give me a good reason, I might just give you over to the Princess, instead of her" I grin, fangs dripping saliva, and lick my lips.
"Alright! Just keep that THING away from me! The boss! He said he wanted more slaves, and changelings don't need to be fed, meaning they fetch a really high price!" It took all my willpower not to kill the bastard right then and there... Slavery?! And if the implications are correct, there using changelings as SEX SLAVES!?
"It's not as if we're all linked together, or could come to each others aid, right? I'll tell you what, if you can give me something of value. I'll just, let you go." 'Not really~' I hear her sing song in our heads.
"The Everfree castle! We've got everything stored there! Money, weapons, schematics, you name it!"
"Why, think you. He's all yours Princess!" His eye bug out as Luna comes into view, before they refocus on me, as he had felt the palpable amount of rage coming off me, as I walked towards him, and held him up to my face. It took every shred of willpower to not eviscerate him on the spot.
"if you EVER try to capture another being again... I will not hesssitate to SSSTRANGLE YOU WITH YOUR OWN INTESSSTINESSS!" miasma was spewing out of my mouth as I said that, its coldness contrasting my white hot fury, giving the feeling hell had frozen over... Hawkeye's eyes rolled into the back of his head, as he fainted from pure terror... dropping him to the floor, I heard the sound of hooves clapping, and saw Luna applauding me and Ribbons performance.
"Bravo, bravo, literally scaring the information out of him!"
"Cut the rest of them down, please." Two of the guards fly up, and after extracting the griffons from the pods, lay them on the floor, where Luna teleports herself and the seven griffins out.
Ribbon seems to notice exactly HOW angry I am. "Relax, Chi, they'll have a hard time capturing us, now that changelings know screaming for help works."
Today is not my day, not only have ponies been giving us the stink eye, we had to deal with a bunch of griffon slavers, AND DISCORD INTERRUPTED ME AND RIBBON!
I can't help but eye Ribbon like candy. "I believe we have some unfinished business, thanks to Discords interruption..."
She blushes. "Maybe so, but I got something out of it." Before smiling. "And we can stay in the hive so Ponyville doesn't have to hear..."
All I can remember was howling, and liberal application of changeling gel... still, best. Sex. EVER! Still, why does Ribbon look even sexier than before? I noticed Ribbon was laying on the floor beside me, in what looked like the equine equivalent of that 'draw me like one of your french girls' meme...
*Fwoosh* Ribbon went up in flames before revealing... herself? Albeit not as sexy looking as bef- ...Clever girl... she raises her eyebrow. "You might want to change back to normal before we go."
I get myself up off the floor, before allowing myself to return to normal. "So uh, think we should go grab that stuff from the castle?"
Ribbon gets up off the floor as well. "Might as well, if the princesses haven't got to it first."
"We bringing backup? It could be a trap."
Ribbon nods in agreement. "Of course we are. Even if its not there's still all manner of monsters." I couldn't help but bound and grin as I followed Ribbon, not caring if I looked like an idiot. We hit the armory, where Ribbon grabbed a few daggers and throwing knives, as well as a bow and a crapton of arrows.
When we reached the exit, we were greeted by nine warrior class drones, who fell in line with us as we headed into the Everfree.
After about an hour of walking, we reached an area where it appeared a path had been plowed through the trees, and several large footprints. I hear the guards beginning to mutter amongst themselves, and I catch the word 'hydra' being mentioned. Ribbon turns to one of them. "Old or fresh?"
He give the tracks one last glance. "Fresh, my Queen."
I notice the water in one of the footprints ripple for no reason... shit! Like in Jurassic Park! "Oh, piss..."
Ribbon turns to me. "What is it?"
a very light 'thoom' is heard, and I feel the ground shake beneath my hooves, and Ribbon, as well as the guards hit the dirt, me following after them.
The stomping stops, before resuming at a faster pace, and heading right for us!
A roar rings out, and my body goes into overdrive, dissolving into a cloud of miasma, before beginning to solidify into something bigger.
"IT HAS US, MAKE IT BLEE-" the guards notice the shape I'm taking. "Nevermind, GET CLEAR!"
The hydra emerges, and one of the heads spots Ribbon, and lunges for her..
Only to get denied by my foot, having finished taking on the form of a T-Rex. Ribbon takes the opportunity to shove a knife in the heads eye, before bolting joff with the rest of the guards. Biting down on its neck, I took the opportunity of its shock tuo raise and stomp my foot down in its skull, being greeted to a satisfying crunch. That leaves three heads, and I'm already starting to feel the drain... two of the heads lunged at me, grabbing my legs and tripping me, but not before I managed to grab the third head in my mouth and pull it down with me, dragging the whole hydra down to floor. Rolling back onto my feet, I saw the hydra trying to get back onto its feet, and ran over to it, and bit down right behind where its necks joined, before pulling with all my might, and hearing something snap, before I ripped its spine out, killing hit...
Looking at my work, I let out a massive roar, before feeling my form revert to normal, and I flopped to the ground, exhausted. "Chi, are you alright!?"
I shakily pull myself to my hooves, before trying to rip the knife out of the head Ribbon stabbed, only to be met with large amounts of pain. "My heaaaad...." I held my head in my hooves, hoping to make the pain stop.
"Hold still." Ribbon holds her horn up against mine, and I feel a shiver run down my spine, followed by an odd warmth. I noticed that guards had looked away during this, but didn't really care. "You used too much magic again. The Doctor showed me how to do magic transfusions..." She pulls away. "Feel better?"
I nod. "Good enough to continue." I didn't realize I had flopped to the ground a second time when I tried to magic the knife, until Ribbon pulled me up to my hooves.
"Then lets go." I followed after her, before she eventually stopped, and I bumped into her. What lay ajead of us was a large patch of blue flowers.
"Why are we stopping?"
Ribon points to the flowers. "Because of those."
"Whats so bad about flowers? Changelings allergic to them or something?" I tilt my head in confusion, waiting for an answer.
"Those flowers are a disgraceful trick. Everything is allergic to them."
"So it makes you all itchy?"
Ribbon begins a long winded explanation. "These magic flowers are called Poison joke. And are do just that, play a joke worse than Discord. Twilight and her friends touched these and she lost her magic for a day, Fluttershy's voice became deeper than Big macs, and Rarity's coat grew out ten time longer."
Natures attempt at trolling, got it. I open my wings. "Guess we go over it?"
"Don't. Fold them back in carefully, its the pollen that does it. We'll go around." I slowly fold my wings, and follow Ribbon around the field of Poison Joke. I see the top of the castle raising in the distance, when I notice something off about the ground...
"Hold on a sec..." I grab a branch in my hoof, and poke the ground in front of ribbon, only to trigger the pitfall trap, rendering it useless.
"Thank you." Ribbon turns to the guards. "Watch the ground for pitfalls and wires." With that, we begin maneuver through the trees, avoiding or setting the traps off prematurely.
Walking up to the doors, I couldn't help but mutter. "This is where it all started..." opening the doors, we were greeted to boxes, boxes everywhere.
"Search every box, find anything that useful!... Is something wrong, Chi?"
-This is where I entered this world, while I was still possessed by the Nightmare, and barely managed to fight it down long enough for the bearers to use their Elements on me...- I did in fact eventually get told what exactly transpired, but it makes me feel even worse knowing it did that with my body...
'So, this is a place of great emotional trauma?'
-Yeah... it still scares me what could have happened if things had gone differently...- something caught my eyes, and upon taking a closer look I realized it was... "You..." That damn toaster followed me here! I couldn't help but glare fiery death at it, as it's mere presence mocks me...
"What, a toaster?" I turn to look at Ribbon, and nod, before turning back to the toaster, and picking it up, before turning it over and shaking it, dislodging an extremely old piece of burnt toast, and a fork. Ribbon walks up and pokes the toast with her hoof.
"That was what I was preparing to eat, before the Nightmare surprised me, and caused me to electrocute myself..." A very horrifying thought hits me. "Please let this have been pulled through with me, and not be the sign of cross dimensional leakage..."
"I don't sense anything here." Wait, you're saying this has happened before?! On second thought, I don't want to know...
"My Queen, we have found something you may wish to look at!" One of the guards had rushed in an excited look in his eyes, carrying a chest full of blue paper... no way, blueprints!?
"Dibs!" I quickly retrieve the chest from the guard, and begin looking through the blueprints. Lets see, buildings, traps, armor... OHHH! Rifle schematics, and ones for a pistol as well! I couldn't help but grin like a maniac, and rub my hooves together like a Bond villain. "Soon..."
"Soon, what?" Ribbon had walked up to me, a trolling grin on her face.
Showing her the schematics, I grin even wider. "We can dramatically improve these, into a reliable weapon..."
She tilts her head, confused. "I mostly work with melee weapons, this is griffin design. how are we going to improve it?"
"You want the long version or the short version?"
"Short now, long later."
I grin even wider. "Make it much more accurate, improve the ammunition, and allow it to fire multiple shots before reloading."
"How?"
I inhale, preparing for a long explanation. "What we need to do, is build this with better materials, lengthen the barrel, add spiraling grooves to the barrels inside- that improves accuracy, add a scope, design bullet casings- basically it holds the bullet and some gun powder, and when you pull the trigger, it hits the back of the casing, igniting the gunpowder, and launching the bullet, modify the rifle design so that the spent shell can be ejected - we'll do bolt action at first, but we can eventually make it so the blowback from firing ejects the spent shell, and add a magazine, so when the spent shell is ejected, a fresh bullet is pulled up and into the firing chamber..." Ribbon just stares, her eyes beginning to drift until she is staring at me like Derpy. I'm American, I can be a gun nut if I want to.
"Uhhh Ribbon, you there?" I wave my hoof in her face, trying to get her attention. She shakes her head, and her eyes realine.
"What? Huh?"
"Did you even get what I said?" She shakes her head.
"Uh, no. What did you say?"
"First, we need to make better ammunition."
"Alright. What do we need for that?"
"Bullet casings- basically it holds the bullet and some gun powder, and when you pull the trigger, it hits the back of the casing, igniting the gunpowder, and launching the bullet." I pause. "Also, make the bullets more aerodynamic, spears don't work as well as you think they would."
"Not what I meant, Like copper, lead, iron?"
"Iron for the casing, the actual bullet is copper with a lead core. And gunpowder as the propellant, obviously."
"I'll stock up. I hope my supplier will still sell to me."
"Worse comes to worse, I can make my own materials, remember?"
"A hard, cold enchanted, material."
"This is important, we also need a way to eject the spent casings." I wish I could just show her... oh. I apply hoof to face. "Can't I just send the information over our link?"
"I forget we can do that. Because you're a pony I don't think of it."
Okay, bullets, bolt action rifles, full auto feed systems, basic firearm designs, and specifications on my favorite sniper rifle. I think thats everything I need to send...
"Uhhh. That's what you're going to make?"
"Trust me, this thing can punch through two or three feet of solid steel, and still be incredibly lethal... and we couldn't enchant stuff..."
"Peace through superior firepower?" The worry in her voice kills my excitement.
"Hey, I chose that one, not only because of its power, but its weight and recoil would make it incredibly difficult for most ponies to aim, let alone fire."
"But, look at the trigger," she holds up the rifle designs. "Most ponies already can't use it."
"Exactly, I don't mean to mass produce it, I only plan on making one."
"As long as we only make one. Something like this could take down a dragon."
I smile. Some think they can outsmart me... maybe... maybe... But I have yet to meet one who can outsmart bullet... "any idea on how long it will take?"
"I'll need to work my way up to it. I'll start with the, uhh, bolt-action." She closes the chest. "I'll work on this later once I get a shipment. The changelings have got all the valuables."
"What now?" So boredom, we meet again...
"We go back. I want that Poison Joke." Eh?
"For what, pranking Rainbow?"
"Something like that." I follow after Ribbon, thinking about what to do tomorrow.
When we return to the patch of Poison Joke, Ribbon levitates a jar from somewhere, and levitates a single flower into the jar, before sealing it. "Alright, got it. Ok, this is going to be my longest teleport, so hold onto your guts." Everything flashed green, and we arrived in the hive, my stomach threatening to evict its contents if disturbed any further.
Ribbon was panting from overexertion. "Everyling okay?" The guards all nod, before hauling the loot of to somewhere. My stomach settling, I yawned.
Ribbon nodded in agreement. "Come on, it's been a long day."
I look up at the ceiling, the massive amount of pods bringing a question to mind. "I've been wondering what its like to sleep in one of those..."
She tilted her head. "You want to sleep in one...?"
"Yeah, they look comfy..."
"See you in the morning."
Three drones walk over, and escort me to one, where I climbed inside, feeling myself sink into the gooey insides, and watched as I was sealed in and hung from the ceiling... If it weren't for the shift in gravity, I would never have been able tell that happened, as when the pod had sealed, all outside sound was cut off. I then realized that I was still breathing despite being completely immersed in this gel... Not gonna question how I can breath this goop. It felt warm, and I slowly drifted off to sleep...
I awoke still hanging from the ceiling, feeling better rested than I had in years... maybe a few more minutes...? Dozing off, I smiled at relieving some of my fonder childhood memories...
I wake a second time, feeling the pod shifting, before being set down, and a horn punctures it, before tearing it open like a boxing knife, hitting me with a rush of cold air... I crawl out, landing on the floor with a splat. Sleeping in those things is therapeutic... I can't help but gaze at the ceiling and floor as I smile dopily.
"How did you sleep?"
Focusing on Ribbon, I smile. "Better than I have in a long, long, time."
"I'll bet, pods are meant to help grow eggs, and with shedding. Stand up if you can, you'll want the slime off before it hardens."
Getting up, I shake myself off like a dog, splattering slime everywhere. Ribbon gets some in her face, which she wipes off. "Really?"
"Yeah really... I have soooo got to learn how to do that when I shift into a changeling, its freaking cozy..." I smile dreamily.
Ribbon just laughs. "It takes more than one changeling to make those pods, I mean look how big it is." True, but...
"Remember, I duplicated myself during that fight with the griffons? Speaking of which..." I smile, about to fulfill one of my childhood fantasies, up there with the Kamehameha, and Falcon Punch. Crossing my forehooves, I say it. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" I feel myself dissolve into miasma, before splitting in two and forming into two separate entities.
Ribbon looks back and forth between the two me, unsure of who to focus on. "Ummm..." I try to walk both bodies around, but only succeed in stumbling around the room, not used to managing eight limbs or two separate sets of input. Ribbon just laughs at how I'm making an idiot of myselves. Slowly managing to differentiate between the two bodies, I focus on getting one to speak.
"Is this wor- yup it is, I'm not finishing my own sentences." Thinking, I realize something. -hey Ribbon, got any tips on how to multitask between two bodies?-
She shakes her head. "Nope. Just get used to it, you'll figure it out." Still walking, I finally manage to get my bodies organized, and was no longer stumbling. I start going through all my sense, and after moving each muscle, mentally label them with a one or two, trying to keep them separate from each other so I could control the bodies properly.
Getting frustrated, I form back into a single body, before turning to Ribbon. "Ponyville?"
She nods. "Sure, I want a shower anyway." Firing up my magic, I teleport us there. When we arrive at the town square, we were surprised to see Celestia.
She notices us, and after approaching, catches a whiff of something. "I see you two have been having fun..." Ribbon immediately blushes a deep emerald, and whimpers.
"Yeah, we were just heading to our place to shower..." I couldn't help but make an embarrassed grin. Quickly shepherding Ribbon back to our house, we showered, and I was rather surprised Scootaloo slept through that.
Suddenly, I feel something ominous pulse from the direction of Twilight's library... Ribbon looks at me, worried.
"All I know, is it came from Twi's..." I teleport us to the library, where to our horror, a dark orange cloud, interlaced with streaks of red and pink, leaked out of the entryway, Spike standing beside it, coughing violently.
"What in the name of pringles happened here!?"
"Twilight Invited *cough* Princess Celestia over to show her how to *cough cough* use dark magic safely, but it's not safe at all. She made some crystals pop up just fine, but then she started coughing up this smokey stuff!"
I charge in, ignoring Spikes warnings, and pick up the sound of Twilight coughing. Following the sound into the basement, I found Twilight spewing smoke from her mouth, and convulsing on the floor. Her coat had become much darker, and her hair wilder as well. Her eyes suddenly flew open, revealing silver draconic slits, and she began screaming, her fangs clearly visible now. I watched in horror as something in her back begun moving...
'Chi, what's happening to her?' the panic was evident.
-Tell Celestia I have a theory, Twilight has developed her own dark magic core, and is... 'adapting' to it... which somehow involves growing wings if the bulges in her back are any indication.-
'Celestia just ran inside' I hear her come running down the stairs before she arrives at my side and stares at Twilight, despite the smoke making her wheeze...
"Dear Faust..."
With the sound of tearing flesh, a batlike wing erupted from Twilights back, covered in blood, before her convulsions intensifie, and I bolted over and pin her down, trying to keep her from hurting herself.
'Isn't there something you can do to help her?!
-already doing it.-
With a ripping sound, the other wing burst free, and the screaming subsided, before Twilight went limp, the only indication she was still alive being the slow rise and fall of her chest. The wounds from the wings emerging were already beginning to seal...
"You should get out, I'll carry her up myself." I levitate Twilight onto my back, and use my wings to try and hold her in place.
"Alright." She quickly trots up the stairs, before looking back down to see me steadily climbing the stairs, trying not to drop Twilight. Following her back to the door, she exited first, followed by me.
I heard everypony whispering, and noticed that Rarity had fainted, before Rainbow zips up to my face. "You have something to do with this! don't you?!"
I glare at her, pissed that she would accuse me like that. "look, I had no goddamn clue this was going to happen either! Now, is anyone else going to start throwing accusations, or are we going to try and figure out what the hell happened!?" Rainbow slowly backs away, but doesn't break eye contact.
Thats when a sharp hiss is heard from my back... "Owwww... what happened...?" Bloody hell, she's up already!? Waiting a few moments to let Twilight regain her bearings, I let her get off of me. "Why is it so bright?" and watched as she took in the fact that everyone was staring at her. "And why is everypony staring at me?"
-Should I tell her, or do you want to?-
Ribbon whispers to AJ. "What? I ain't gonna say nothin'!" Twilight begins panicking upon hearing that.
"What? say wha-!" She then notices her new wings, and screams.
Celestia tries to calm her... "Twilight, please, calm down. We'll find out what happened." But suddenly, Discord! He had appeared in front of Twilight, holding a mirror. Twilight took one look at her reflection, and screamed loud enough for the mirror to crack.
Fluttershy immediately scolds him. "That wasn't very nice..."
Discord chuckles. "But Fluttershy, I can't just ignore my instincts. At least I'm not making it rain Pinkies."
Fluttershy gives him a look. "You should still apologize."
"CHEESE FOR EVERYPONY!" He snaps his talons, and vanishes, before I realize everyone here now has a party hat on their head, a party hat made of cheese... except me and Twi, we had helmets made of cheese. Did we just get Sheogorath'ed?
Everypony had already taken the hats off, and begun munching on them. Removing the helmet, Pinkie grabbed it and ate it in a single bite, before, grabbing and eating the one on Twilights head.
Twilight suddenly bolted into the library, the smoke having cleared when she stopped exhaling it, and ran up the stairs, before locking herself in her room. Spike cut off any attempts to follow. "Don't even bother trying to follow her, she has that room warded against everything imaginable, teleportation included. Even Discord couldn't get in there, and he tried."
Ribbon points out an obvious solution. "So we just wait for her to get hungry?"
Spike raises a claw. "She stocked food in there... as well as water, medical supplies, and other things, something about 'being ready for the end of Equestria as we know it.'"
Rainbow grumbles. "Then what do we do?"
The room can't be air tight... and a filtration system would probably not affect miasma... heh. Letting my form dissolve into miasma, I float into the library, and up the stairs, before seeing the door. Pushing myself against it, I felt myself slowly slipping through. When all of me had gotten to the other side, I reformed, and saw Twilight hooked up to one of those things she had used to analyze my magic.
"Hey Twi." She started screaming, before I walked over and put my hoof over her muzzle. "Please stop." She nods, and I remove my hoof from her face.
"How did you get in here!?"
I had to say it. "Magic..."
"But I protected this room so well, where did you get in?"
"I can turn into a cloud of miasma, and your air filter doesn't work on it."
She blinks. "Not gonna question that, you can be almost as bad as Pinkie at times... but what, in the name of Faust, happened to me?!"
"You're a Night Terror now, Twilight." Her eyes widen at that. Yes, I've decided to call what I am a Night Terror, as I can be more scary then the Nightmare at times.
"I'm like... you...?" I nod.
"At least you didn't have to go through a demonic possession and get tossed across dimensions to become one." Despite being so high strung, she burst out laughing.
Disconnecting herself from the device, she smiled at me. "True, and I really needed that, thank you."
I put a hoof to my chin. "So, where do we start... Aha! You have a second magical core now, Twilight, one composed of dark magic."
Twilight takes a quick look at the readout from the machine. "It would appear so."
"Remember how you had to run the dark magic though a second source to filter the corruption out? You can use your normal magic as that filter now. As for what is filtered, why don't you try and find it in you, and draw it out?" She closed her eyes, and focused. After several minutes, she began exhaling the same dark orange cloud, interlaced with streaks of red and pink, that had been filling the library, except without the violent coughing fits this time. So it IS her miasma... Upon opening her eyes, she sees the miasma, takes a deep breath, and exhales more. "Congratulations, you've discovered your miasma." Twilight tilts her head in confusion.
"How do I use it now?"
"Well first, you should feel for the very core of it, it should feel like... you, but malleable." When she opens her eyes again, they were glowing blue.
"Chi? This is not what you described... I can see you, but also this red and blue orb..." wait a minute...
"Describe it."
"Its huge, exerting a massive pressure, a sphere if calming blue, surrounding a core of fiery red. Wisps of it keep getting blow away, all in the same direction..." the glow fades, and she points. I realize thats the same direction as the hive. Could it be being blown towards Ribbon?
Twilight yawns, before pushing the door to her 'bunker' open, and leading me out. "This is really tiring, you should go so I can catch some sleep." Leaving, I became curious.
-Hey Ribbon, where are you right now?-
'On my way back to the hive. why?'
-This may sound insane, but I think Twilight can see ponies souls, and mine was gravitating towards the hive, or I think more specifically, you...-
'Souls? are you sure?'
-It was a pretty basic description of who I am, so yeah.-
'Take you time'
'Freaky. What did she describe you as?'
-A huge sphere of calm blue, with a fiery red core, that exerts pressure on its surroundings. And wisps of it are constantly blown off it... in your direction.-
'Sounds about right. Anyway, I'll have a surprise for you at the hive.'
-ohhh, surprises, I like surprises, I'll be there momentarily.-
'Take you time.' Taking to the air, I fly in the direction of the hive, a dopey grin on my face. I have a wonderful feeling about this. Then a thought hit me... Twilight now looks like a vampire... and not the Cullen verity... She might just redeem the name Twilight... When I did reach the hive, I headed for our room, and found Ribon had installed a door, albit a crappy one. Opening it, I was greeted to the warm glow of candlelight, and the smell and sight of flower petals, which had been scattered around the room. Looking towards the bed, I noticed Ribbon, spread out and giving me bedroom eyes...
"Uhhhhhh..." my brain was currently producing 1.21 gigawats of confusion, pleasant confusion. Why is Ribbon suddenly coming onto me like this...?
"Are you just going to stand there?" Snapping out of my trance, I walk over, curious as to what is going to happen.
"I see what you meant by surprise..." She leans up to me, and pulls me into a kiss, much to my pleased shock, before pulling me into the bed, leaving us beside each other. I feel her nuzzle me for a bit, before nibbling on my ea- HOLY! That feels so good! I moan in pleasure as a pulse of arousle spreads through me, before feeling her start nuzzling my horn, sending waves of pleasure through me, causing me to moan louder and twitch a little. Then she licks it, the sheer plesentness causing me to nearly orgasm on the spot. BODY, Y U SO SENSITIVE! She licks the entire length of it, before beginning to suck on it, rocketing me into climax. Feeling something building in my horn, I lean back as Ribbon lets go, and watch as a fountain of sparks erupt from it.
"We're going to have to work on your endurance." I notice that Ribbon is reaching behind me, before grabbing one of my wings, sending another shudder of ecstasy through me, causing me to moan again. I hear her whisper huskily into my ear. "Or maybe it's just because if your heat." She begins licking my horn again, while trailing a hoof down the leading edge of my wing, causing them to shoot out straight, and refuse to go back down. She stops licking, confusing me, and pulls me into a VERY slimy kiss, licking my lips as she pulls away. I try to retort, but discover she gelled my mouth closed. "Can't have you screaming in the Royal Canterlot Voice, it'd bring the ceiling down." Yes... make me yours... She then resumes licking my horn, while I am only able to make a pleased moan. I feel her tongue wrap around my horn, not bothering to question why she would have such a long tongue due to being in so much pleasure. By this point my body had stopped listening to me, and gone limp. I feel Ribbon uncurl her tongue from around my horn, making a loud slurping noise, before lightly biting the base of it while squeezing the base of my wing, causing me to spasm in release as I came again, moaning loudly into the gag, while another fountain of sparks erupted from my horn.
After going limp, Ribbon licks away the gel binding my mouth, before giving me an amused look. "Thats twice, and I didn't even have to touch your marehood..." thems fightin words. Leaning in, I start running my tongue against one of the holes in Ribbons horn, causing her to inhale sharply, before moaning. Reaching behind her, I slowly run a hof down her back, which causes her to arch it, and push her chest into mine. Moving on from her horn, I began licking her behind the ear, and she twitches a little, before tilting her head to give me better access. I slowly climb on top of her, deliberately rubbing against her as much as possible. I feel her hind legs wrap around me, pulling me against her, her breath heavy with lust. The sudden sensation causing me to moan, I pull her into a kiss. I feel her forelegs wrap around me, pinning mine to my sides, as she begins to rub my wings again, while I was unable to stop her. I could feel her tongue spreading something that tasted like lime jello in my mouth, before I felt it harden at the edge, and realized she had gelled our mouths together. All I could do was moan as she continued to rub my wings, while holding my forelegs against my sides. Unable to take it any more, I began grinding against Ribbon, and felt her moan into my mouth, before grinding against me as well, timing it so that her motion started, just as mine ended. It eventually built to the point I came, just as Ribbon did as well, and we moaned into each others mouths, shuddering with delight. I felt Ribbons drool eating away at the gel, and when I pulled away, we both cuddled up against each other, before passing out from exhaustion.
I woke to the sensation of rolling down a hill... opening my eyes, I was greeted to everything spinning. "Did I get drunk and wind up on the ceiling fan again?"
"Nope." Oh, hi Ribbon.
"Can you put me down please...?" I feel myself stop spinning, and am slowly lowered to the ground.
"Thank you."
"Hmmmmm..." I notice Ribbon staring at me intently.
"What?"
"I was thinking about your miasma, why it's so terrifying. Twilight was breathing the stuff, but yours flows out of you mane."
I take a good look at my mane. "Are you saying my mane is made of miasma?"
"Well it's certainly in it." Okay now I have to wonder, can I manipulate it? Feeling for my miasma, I don't release it, but instead follow its path to my mane, and feel the miasma in my mane itself, before manipulating it, and feel my mane twitch a bit. When not much else happens, I can't help but scratch my chin and try to figure out what I did wrong. I hear Ribbon snickering, and look at her, before realize I still have all four hooves on the ground... then what am I scratching my chin wit- I notice that my mane has been scratching my chin, and how I can FEEL it scratching my chin.
"Aright, my mane counts as a limb, go figure."
"What about your tail?"
Good point. Feeling towards my tail, I receive the same twitch and feeling, before arching my tail.
Ribbon begins laughing. ""It's a good thing I put that door there, or you'd be flashing the guards!" After getting her giggle fit under control, she resumes. "Maybe don't use the tail." I nod, before an idea hits me.
I smile. "You know, if I could become indistinguishable from a normal changeling, I don't think griffons would eve try to capture one again, out of fear that it might really be ME."
"You think it's worth trying? In that case, I'll be right there to bail you out when you're caught." I immediately feel something get put in my brain... ah, changeling biology, interesting... a silk spinner under the tongue? Did not know about that, at least Ribbon told me how they stick to walls and produce gel. Hunter class... interesting, venomous fangs. Okay, If I'm going to look like one, I need a distinguishing feature... oh yes, that will do nicely. Focusing, I transform, but my eyes remain unchanged, other than a second pair of transparent eyelids, that mimic what a changelings eyes normally look like, and open vertically instead of horizontally. "You did good, for your first try. You look like any other hunter." She looks me in the eyes, and I open the inner pair of eyelids. Ribbon jumps back, surprised. "Now you look like a Proto Queen..."
"Apparently, my eyes don't change when I shapeshift, so I had to improvise the second pair of eyelids as a workaround."
"Clever, and you could use it to trick others into think you ha-" something catches Ribbons attention, and she looks off to the side, smiling.
"What?"
She hums, something having earned her approval. "Nothing." She looks me in the face. "You did a good job on your disguise."
"So, what do you wanna do?"
"Wanna just go for a walk?"
"Works for me."
Following Ribbon, I made sure to close the inner pair of eyelids, and kept close to her, as we trotted off in the direction of Ponyville. Upon getting there, we were greeted by Lyra and Bon-Bon.
Lyra is quick to point out my apparent absence. "Oh hey Ribbon, wheres Chi? I've practically never seen you without her nearby."
Ribbon quickly bullshits her way out. "I'm supposed to get out more."
"Fair enough, whos your friend there?"
I snap to attention and give Lyra a salute. "Juri, ma'am!" Hehe, didn't think I could be serious, could you?
Bon-Bon tilted her head in curiosity. "Why do you even bother? Everypony knows, and you've even got a guard with you..."
"Ponies are more likely to notice the guard, but not who she's following." I swear, she's gonna start pulling tanks out from behind lampposts with that kind of tactical brilliance.
"Hey Ribbon! Who's your friend?" Ah, that be Dash. While shes busy talking to Ribbon, I formulate a plan.
"Lean and firm, just how I like em..." I lick my lips, giving Rainbow a lusty look. "Names Juri cutie, and we might be having some fun later..." Rainbow literally drops to the ground blushing and trying to force her wings back down.
Ribbon barely manages to suppress a laughing fit, and turns to Lyra and Bon-Bon. "This is why I brought her." By this point, Rainbow had run off to hide in shame.
Lyra coughs into her hoof. "Well, that happend..."
-Think we should go see Scoots?-
'Yeah, she's been staying at our house instead of the orphanage a lot lately.'
-I feel for the filly, I really do.-
'... You gave her a key, right?'
-More like made a dupe out of that metal I can make, THAT took a lot of concentration to get the shape right.-
'I can bet.' The house came into view. "The house is still standing, so no Cutie-mark crusaders: house sitters has happened."
-But what about interior designers?- Ribbon quickly picks up the pace, worried.
When we enter, theres no horrible furniture or eldritch abominations, Just Gary, curled around Scootaloo, both of them sleeping peacefully.
"Aww, do you think the smell of food will wake them up?"
At the mention of food, Scootaloo bolts upright, with Gary still curled up on the floor. "FOOD! WHE- Oh hey Ribbon."
"Nevermind then."
Scootaloo looks at me intently. "Who's this?"
"Its just Chi, Scootaloo." When Ribbon said that, I opened my inner pair of eyelids, causing her to stare at me in awe.
"Woooooaaaaaah."
I chuckled. "I know, right?"
Somepony starts knocking on the door, and Ribbon goes to open it, only to be greeted by a worried Celestia. "I am sorry for the unannounced visit, but this was too sensitive to even reference in a letter."
Ribbon appears incredibly nervous. "What about?"
"There is something wrong with her, ever since we put her in confinement, she hasn't moved except to breath, and recently she has begun showing signs of severe malnourishment despite being fed via tube."
-I thought she was dead?-
Ribbon quickly glances to me and then back to Celestia. "Food is only used to make gel. H-how is she still alive if she doesn't move?"
"Thats why I needed you Ribbon, and Chi as well." She glances at me when she says that.
"Uh, yeah. I guess we can try and help. You said she can't move right?"
Celestia nods. "I'll teleport us there myself." Her horn cast a golden glow, before we are teleported to Canterlot. When the spots disappear from my eyes, I close the secondary eyelids, and notice that we are just outside a padded room. Looking in the small window on the door, I spot and unnaturally thin Chrysalis, tied to a bed, with several tubes leading into her body, as well as a heartbeat monitor. There was some kind of ring on her horn, I guess to suppress her magic. If it weren't for the monitor and the rise and fall of Chrysalis's chest, I would have assumed she was dead, as her eyes had not only turned a dead icy blue, but were no longer reptilian, and instead looked like a drones.
"Oh, my. She looks absolutely starved."
Celestia sadly shakes her head. "We tried feeding her. Tube, IV, nothings worked."
"Again, we only eat so we can make gel. She needs love."
-I think she needs a love transfusion, Ribbon. You're probably going to need a lot of love to do that.-
'Pretty sure I'm good on love.' Ribbon gulps, loudly. "Could you let me in?"
You ain't going in there alone. "I'm going in there with you."
Celestia nods. "Very well." She uses her magic to unlock and open the door. We walk in, and stand on either side of Chrysalis, who hasn't moved an inch. Ribbon audibly gulps, before several tendrils of pink magic flow from her horn, and into Chrysalis, who's breathing slowly becomes steadier and deeper.
"That answers the malnourishment, but what about how she hasn't moved?"
"All changelings have a hivemind, even rogue changelings. The stronger the connection the clearer our eyes are. she's a Queen type, but her eyes are still foggy. I don't know if her connection to her own hivemind is just that weak, or if it's gone. if it's weak, I could move her around like a puppet, because I'd be stronger than her. But if its gone..."
Celestia had walked in behind us at some point. "What do you mean 'our eyes become clearer'?"
"If its gone...?" Yeah, thats the more important question.
"She'll be stuck in this bed until... until she dies." Oh my god... both me and Celestias faces morph into a look of horror.
"Try and move her then."
"I'd need to connect to her." .Ribbon takes a deep breath. Soon, Chrysalis' eyes slowly turn from blue to green, and she lifts one of her hooves... Ribbon backs off and Chrysalis' eyes turn blue again. "She's not weak, she's very strong but her hivemind still does what I want."
"Why would it do that? I would think she would fight you tooth and nail."
"I-i don't know. It's like she wasn't even there." She's practically in a waking coma...
"She's locked herself in the depths of her own mind." I paused thinking of what I could do to get her out of there. AHA! "Ribbon, I have an idea, I'm going to use the sleep spell to put her to sleep, and enter her dream."
"Just be careful. You're giving her the advantage."
"I dont care, I wouldn't wish her current fate on my worst enemy." Casting the spell, I watch as Chyrsalis's eyes close, and her breathing slows. Holding a hoof to her forehead, I close my eyes, and let myself drift...
I was standing in an empty expanse of whiteness. Choosing a random direction, I began walking. After what felt like hours, I heard a faint crying. Trying to locate its source, I eventually discovered a small black pinprick in the endless sea of white. Approaching it, I heard faint whispering. When I reach it, I absentmindedly poke it, causing a small series of cracks to spread from it.
A huge blast of wind hits me, and in it I hear a multitude of voices, while two particular phrases stand out from how many times they are repeated. 'Ponies are food and enemies, and that is all they are.' and 'A Queen never shows weakness.' As well as an intense feeling of sorrow. Before the wind increases tenfold, and everything fades.
I reel back, feeling like I had just been punched in the gut, and watch as Chrysalis blinks and twitches a few times, before beginning to stare at Ribbon, who was too afraid to look away. "Chi, what did you do!?"
"I poked the one thing in the dream that wasn't an endless void of white, and it spread cracks, before assaulting me with what I think were memories and emotions... I'm starting to think Chrysalis was conditioned to be the way she was, as that emotion was sorrow and intense regret, while the two phrase from the memories that stood out to me were 'a Queen never shows weakness', and 'ponies are enemies and food.' I think what I did in my confrontation with her finally got through to her, and the guilt of what she did was too much."
"So you woke her up? Then why are her eyes still glazed over?"
"It wasn't that big a crack, and I think her consciousness is behind it."
"So she's only a little bit there."
"Yeah."
She stares back at Chrysalis, curiosity in her eyes. "Are you there, Chrysalis?" Chrysalis opens her mouth, and a long, low gurgle escapes from it.
Wow. THAT little got through!? "I'll take that as a yes..." Crysalis just continues to stare blankly at Ribbon.
'Why is she staring at me?'
-I have no clue.-
"S-stop staring at me..." upon Ribbon saying that, Chrysalis slowly rolled her head so she was staring at the ceiling instead.
"Now what do we do with her?"
"We can't just leave her like this..."
"... We could put her in a pod. If I'd known she was in this bad a condition, she'd already be in one."
"One question, how would the hive react to this?"
Ribbon sighs loudly. "Not well. looks like you're about to learn of to make a pod."
We eventually got the pod containing Chrysalis into the basement, once again confused as to how Scootaloo slept through such racket. Ribbon was just finishing hanging it, when I felt a familiar sensation in my nethers...
I had reverted to my normal form, unable to focus on keeping a disguise up. Ribbon had noticed my 'heated' look and I couldn't help but close my eyes and grin in embarrassment, not wanting her to see me like this for a third time, starting to give in to primal ur-
*Splat!* something slimy just splattered in my face, and when I went to it off, I discovered Ribbon had launched a blob of gel in my face. I could already feel that fire stirring... "I like where this is going..."
'Lets see if you stay in heat after this...' I hear her walk up to me the sound of hoofsteps echoing, before I feel my ears get pressed down, being bound in place by more gek, effectively cutting off my hearing. I suddenly felt Ribbon kiss me, and felt more gel get spread on my lips, sealing my mouth shut. I couldn't help but moan, delighted in the feeling of my now nearly featureless face. Yes Ribbon! Make me your bitch!
Feeling myself rise off the floor, I could no longer tell what direction down was, and whimpered in pleasure at my helplessness. The tingle of Ribbons magic only intensifies the feeling. I suddenly feel something on my flank, holding onto my hips, as a hot breeze assaults my marehood. Then something slimy slowly snakes its way in, sending waves of painful pleasure through me, and then pulls out, leaving me wanting more as I whimper.
Feeling myself get placed back down on the ground, I feel Ribbon pulls my legs away from my body, before glueing them in place with gel, leaving me spread eagle on the floor. Feeling something slimy press against my folds, I realized Ribbon had decided to make certain she had control, as she gelled her lips to my marehood, and started working with her incredibly long tongue, even as I could feel her torso against my chest, and smell the musk of her own marehood. She abruptly pulled her tongue out again, making me moan and whimper as I begged for release. When she dove in again, she slammed her slit into my face as well, burying my snout inside of her, and forcing me to inhale the suffocating scent of her lust. Moments before I would have orgasmed and passed out, she pulled both out, leaving me sharply inhaling fresh air through my nose, and practically screaming at her to make me come already, when the near peak had almost faded, she slammed her marehood back in my face, and dove in again, repeating the cycle anew. She kept this up for what felt like days, but could have easily been a few hours, until I was ready to come at the slightest touch of her tongue. I had a building sense of dread when I felt her lips smirk. Her tongue dove into me like a viper, and dug deep, before pressing up against something, and I felt the motions of my orgasm halt, but the pleasure continued to build, when I felt the tingle of her magic against the back of my ears, my horn and my wings... and it began rubbing them, practically making me cry in a painful ecstasy. Then, her marehood came crashing down on my snout again, but this time began grinding against it as well, rocking my head back and forth with it, my nostrils occasionally peeking out enough for me to grab a quick breath of fresh air, before sliding back under. The lust was starting to get to Ribbon, because her lips began quivering in what I suspected was a moan of pleasure, her tongue vibrating inside of me, adding yet another layer of blissful torment to my isolated world of sensual suffering. Just when I thought there wasn't anything more she could do, I felt her magic grab a point inside my folds, and began tugging and vibrating it, sending even MORE agonizing lust through me. I had only now registered the fact that something had been sliding down her tongue, and pooling against whatever she was pressing to deny me, finally finished hardening, leaving her tongue free to do other things, as it felt around inside me. By now, I was vibrating against her, my body wanting to finally come, only able to make a constant, high pitched moan as I tried to beg, scream, and outright demand she let me peak, but was foiled by the gel against my mouth. This continued for what seemed like hours to me, Ribbon seeming to enjoy my pain.
Then, it happened. Ribbon suddenly doubled in intensity, as her high pitched moans heralded a flood of sticky liquid splashing me in the face, and when she finally finished coming, she lick the blob of gel she had placed inside me, causing the dam holding me back to break. My moan became a death rattle, as an explosion of pleasure more powerful than the Big Bang rippled through me, causing me to convulse uncontrollably. My marehood filled near instantly with my juices, and overflowed into Ribbon, who began rapidly swallowing. She was only able to make a pause long enough for a what I assumed to be quick gasp through her nose every thirty or so seconds, and appeared to be shuddering in agonized ecstasy as she was filled up by my geyser like orgasm. After it continued for several minutes, I felt something drip against me right above Ribbons mouth, and theorized she must be spilling over. It kept going like this, slowing just enough for Ribbon to take in the occasional gasp of air, and every time she did her lips quivered against my slit, enhancing my orgasm further, and continuing this vicious cycle. It was another few minutes before I begun slowly petering out, leaving Ribbon against me, her stomach bulging. Unable to think clearly, I just laid there, not even struggling against my bonds, and let exhaustion claim me...
I woke up to the feeling of something trying to pull away from my marehood, and open my eyes to take a look... or at least I tried to... trying to move, I found my limbs immobile, and tried to scream for Ribbon, only to make a loud moan as I discovered my jaw was sealed shut by something, all while I felt something building in my nethers... then the events of last night hit me. Ribbon was still adhered to my slit, and I was still bound, blindfolded, gagged, and earmuffed by her gel. I felt the still increasing feeling in my marehood, and realized Ribbon trying to free herself was pushing me towards another orgasm.
'I'm sorry. I'm trying to lick the gel off quickly, but theres nearly an INCH of your solidified mare juice in the way.' I abruptly came, forcing even more juices into her, causing her to thrash against me, and moan, beginning the cycle again, as more of my fluids dripped onto me from where her nose would be hovering over. At some point, I regained focus, and felt that I was out of 'juice', and only going through the motions. Finally able to focus on freeing her mouth instead of swallowing more of my fluids, Ribbon growled against me. 'Soon, it will be your turn... did you know changelings can suppress their orgasms? Of course, doing so only delays them if there already happening. I held back most of mine...' she managed to get her mouth free at last, and as she climbed off me, I could only whimper at what she was going to do to me, yet at the same time, wanted it so badly. Feeling something run across my mouth, I was relieved to finally be able to speak, and started trying to get more oxygen into my system.
From nowhere, I felt something slimy press against my lips, and a pair of limbs wrap around the back of my head, pressing it into it until I could barely breath, before drawing it forwards, as Ribbon sat down on my chest, my face jammed in her slit. 'Did you know changelings can get off on lust? And you are so full of lust right now, that this will match, if not exceed, yours...' I felt something being drained from me, and she begun slowly rocking against me. This continued for what seemed like a week, before she seized, and begun quivering against me...
It was like a goddamn fire hose! There was no time to breath, only swallow the sickeningly sweet liquid. Just when I thought I was going to pass out, the flow abruptly halted, and I inhaled greedily. When I regained my breath, Ribbon pushed me back into her, and it resumed, forcing me to keep on gulping down her juices. This pattern repeated multiple times, even as I felt her fluids began seeping out my nose from how much it had filled me... just as I thought I was going to drown in it, her orgasm finally petered out, and my stomach felt like it would explode. I passed out after that, unable to form a single coherent thought, even as Ribbon began working on getting me free...
It had been three days since we hid the pod containing Chrysalis in our basement, and nothing of interest had happened since then.
"-and that is why animatronic bears are VERY bad news." We were currently walking around Ponyville, Ribbon in her pegasus form and me disguised as Juri.
"And this is a game?"
"Made by one guy, composed of about 600 images, 60 sounds, and some DAMN good A.I.... did I mention there's a sequel?"
"I don't think I'd ever want to play that, why would anypony want to play that?"
"Because its horror done RIGHT! You can't run, you can't fight back, all you can do is stall them until 6am. You haven't experienced fear until you've played this at midnight, after getting no sleep, on 4/20 mode, the hardest difficulty there is. Knowing how a single wrong move will get the crap scared out of you gets to you..."
"That's horrible. And you played this?"
"Yeah." From nowhere, a golden teddy bear lands on Ribbons snout, its soulless eyes staring into me.
IT'S ME
I start screaming, causing Ribbon to scream as well, sending the golden abomination to the floor. We were not ready for mini-Golden Freddy, and I was having a flashback. Dammit Keith, why did you have to go buy a giant stuffed teddy JUST to leave it behind me after I found that easter egg!?!? I don't wanna get shoved in a suit!
"Chi, it's alright!" Huh? Oh thank god... I'm not going to die. Wait, where'd that thing go anyway? At that moment, I thought I heard Discords laughing.
My chest feels like it will explode, so I hold my hoof up to it. "I think my hearts going to explode if I get frightened like that again."
"Why don't you lay down for a moment?" I dropped to the ground like a sack of bricks, still trying to control my breathing, even as my heart continued to try and forcibly eject itself from my ribcage. "Um, you might want to put your disguise back on too." Note to self: extreme fear breaks my disguises... quickly resuming my changeling disguise, I go limp on the ground, the adrenalin rush having left me.
"Ribbon, out of curiosity, exactly how much information have you skimmed from my memories via our link?" I've been meaning to ask her that, but never did get around to it until now.
She sighs and sets herself down beside me. "Only what you've given me. Our link, unlike the hive, gives both of us equal power, that's why I had to ask to control your body in the Crystal Empire." That is VERY relieving to hear...
But the nuggets of info I've been giving her more than likely left her wanting more. "You want what I know, don't you?"
"Well, sure I do, but you don't have to tell me."
"Ribbon... you deserve to know. Your hive mind will be able to keep the info alive even after I pass away..." I smile sadly at that. "What i propose, is an exchange of information." Ribbon seems shocked by that revelation.
"Wait wait wait, pass away? But you're an alicorn, I thought you were immortal like the princesses?"
"What..." I could feel my eye start to twitch. Celestia and Luna neglected to tell me about something THAT important?! We're going to have to have a chat about what else they neglected to tell me.
"You didn't know? Their both over a thousand years old."
"Can we NOT talk about that? Trying to figure out how it even works is making my brain hurt." No seriously, it was starting to hurt from the crazy. All I could figure out was that this was definatly not salmon.
"Sure."
"So, do we swap info?"
"Sure. Do you want me to go first?"
"Yeah." This is gonna hurt, isnt it? I immediately feel something worming its way into my brain, and am assaulted by information, like how Ribbons an introvert, and afraid of social conflict. Really Ribbon, you're afraid of worms? Waitaminute... you LIKE having control over me when we make out? Me gusta...
I honestly have no idea where to start... maybe I should just let her into my head? Quickly stuffing certain things that were of absolutely no importance, namly certain parts of the internet, into corner and slapping a mental label of 'this WILL scar you mentally' on it, I imaged our link as a door, and opened it...
I feel Ribbon worm her way in, before she abruptly clutches her head in pain. "Too much, it's too much!" The feeling quickly leaves, before Ribbon wavers slightly. "I'm going to try a different way." The feeling that followed was like my brain had been copied and pasted.
"What just happened?"
"I copied your mind, I'm sorting through it carefully now." She suddenly blushes intensely.
"What?"
'I, uh. I may have found your 'preferences'... you like being on top?' oh... OH!
-No, I like YOU on top...- I suddenly get another packet of info... so, she likes it both ways, huh? I snigger a little when her blush intensifies.
"Oh, you naughty mare, and I thought Twilight wanted to be Rainbows pet..."
-I'm wondering, the Nightmare was an evil clone of Luna, and it turned me into its perfect host, more than likely rewriting my DNA to resemble hers... this make me Lunas daughter in law?-
'But wouldn't that be more like twin sister, if your DNA was the same as her?
Then, Pinkie happened. "OH MY GOSH! There you two are, I was wondering where you went..." I quickly tuned her out, not really wanting to deal with her insanity today. She suddenly drops two tickets at our hooves. "Here, Twilight got a bunch of invites for a royal dinner, and told me to give you some!" By the time I realized what just happened, Pinkie was gone.
"Well... that happened..."
"You weren't paying attention, were you?"
"Not a damn bit until she gave us the invites."
"Princess Cadence and Shining Armor are in Canterlot, so Princess Celestia invited us and the the others to dinner."
Oh, I just had the most wonderful idea... "Wanna mess with Blueblood while we're there?"
"Oh yeah. He actually thought a 'common mare' like me would bed any stallion." She giggles excitedly. "Of course I said no, and when he told the guards about me, they just walked me around the corner!"
Challenge accepted. "He caught me before I had my coffee..."
"Oh? what did you do to him?"
-I implied I vaporize ponies that annoy me, before implying he pissed me off enough that I was going to eat him... and yes, I slowly walked towards him cackling evilly... He ran faster than Rainbow flies!- yeah, ponies would have flipped if I had said that out loud.
'I'm sure you did those stories of Nightmare moon proud.'
"Heh, just imagine his face when he thinks theres TWO of me..."
"He'll flip and probable cause trouble for Celestia's court." She does a whiny impression of the jerkwad. "'I demand you imprison them immediately, there a danger to us all!'."
"I think Discord would want in on the amount of trolling we're going to do..."
"I don't know how we'd invite him, though."
"Its Discord, he'll more than likely invite himself."
"True, he probably will."
"So how long until it happens?"
Ribbon takes a quick look at the invite. "Three days." She opens it, causing it to spray confetti everywhere.
"Pinkie..." I take a deep breath, and get up off ground, shaking my head "We should probably head home, I need to figure out what to ask Celestia and Luna, now that I suspect they've been holding back information..."
I had quite a lengthy list of things to ask the Princesses after three days of thinking. Stepping off the train, I took in the multitude of ponies staring at me. They looked away when I looked them in the eye, however. My currently rather imposing presence drew attention away from Twilight, who appeared quite thankful for that. Leading the group, I marched straight for the castle, Ribbon trailing at the rear.
"Uhhh... Chi? Why do you seem so angry?"
"Because Twilight, I have reason to believe the Princesses held back some rather important information about what I am, and I want answers..." Twilight flinched back at the tone of my voice, as I sounded exactly like her.
After walking in silence for several minutes, we reached the castle gates, where the guards let us through without incident. We had just walked around a corner, where we encountered Shining and Cadence, whose eyes widened upon seeing Twilights new form.
"What did you do to her!" Dammit Shining, I am not in the mood for this! Focusing my glare on him, I smiled evilly as he squirmed under it.
Meanwhile, Cadence had walked up to Twilight. "Twi, what exactly happened?"
"I've, sorta been experimenting with dark magic, and used the elements to keep me sane, until... Yeah." She unconsciously began rubbing the spot her wings erupted from.
By now, Shining was sweating profusely, and breathing rapidly, as he could not bring himself to break eye contact. When I decided he had suffered enough for his transgressions, I broke it for him, and grinned wickedly as he waved, before resting himself on the wall, panting heavily.
"Why is she so angry? I've seen her in an undirected frenzy, but this is cold, focused fury..." Cadence had apparently walked over to Ribbon, and was trying to figure out why I was pissed off.
"She thinks that the princesses are withholding information about her..." she leans in to whisper the next part, but I knew what she was saying. "like if she is immortal..." Cadences eyes widen at that, she either didn't know as well, or realized the princesses made a very stupid mistake.
Satisfied that they understood the severity of the situation, I marched onwards, heading for the dining rooms. "I remember you!" That voice... Blueblood had found us in a joined corridor, and was advancing towards Ribbon, completely unaware of my presence. "You thought you we're too good for me, well guess what, you're just a mis-" he jumps back when Ribbon goes up in flames, revealing her in her true glory.
"'That miserable whore', happens to be Queen of the changelings." Blueblood a look of terror on his face, pure, delicious terror. but Ribbon wasn't done yet. "Not only that, but I have contacts with several alicorns..." I don't know how, but I could taste the fear coming from him, and it left me watering at the mouth, wanting more... "Two of which I know personally..." I begun slowly inching towards the unsuspecting prince, licking my lips in anticipation. "And one of which is my lover..." I heard several choaked gasps, as my observers were unable to speak clearly over the feeling of impending doom. "I believe you have met her before, Blueblood, and got on her bad side..." I begun cackling internally as the poor, poor fool realized how grave a mistake he had made. "And not only is she here..." he felt my breath against the back of his neck, and froze.
He oh so slowly turns his head to meet me, my fangs glistening with saliva, and my eyes promising levels of pain that converged on an infinite zero. "But I hunger..." unable to look away from me, he could only watch as I nipped his ear, drawing a few drops of blood. He could only twist his head to maintain eye contact with me. "Oh how I wish to make a meal out of you. The plump, spoiled ones are always the tastiest..." I watched as he begun trembling, tears begging to form in his eyes as I caressed my fangs with my tongue. "But that would be to easy..." he shivered as I made my hair slowly stroke his spine. "Now run, run as far as your legs can take you, mortal, and pray to your gods that I never find you..." by now, he was so pale he should be dead. The absolute terror he was emitting left me feeling stronger than ever, as my voice took on a sultry tone. "For there are fates much worse than death..." I cackled madly as his eyes rolled into the back of his head, and he slumped to the floor, dead to the outside world.
Cadence's jaw had hit the floor, and Shining was glad to still be alive after earning my ire. Rarity had a grin on her face that spoke volumes about how much she hated the bastard. I noticed that at some point, Fluttershy had begun cowering behind Ribbon, who was repeatedly 'nope'ing, and Rainbow was hiding behind her... Pinkie was just standing there, her jaw open, not moving at all, while Applejack poked her head out from under her hat. Twilight was standing there, her hoof covering her mouth, with Spike gripping her leg like it was the only thing in the world.
After waiting for everyone to come to terms with what happened, I stomped towards the dining rooms once again, intent on getting answers from those royal imbeciles. Those foolish ponies think they can withhold information from ME!?
I feel... warm? Like someone had thrown a soft blanket over me and was telling me everything would be alright. the hate slowly drained out of me, and a relaxed, no longer feeling the need to look intimidating. I allowed it to fully embrace me, and became dulled to the outside world, faintly aware of Ribbon nuzzling my face. I barely even registered that I was walking...
*whack!* I shook off the fuzzy feeling after walking into a door. "Are you alright? you walked right into the door." No... really!?
I try not to sink back into the warmness, and nod. "Yeah, I just got lost in thought..." opening the doors, I was greeted to the princesses, who were busy talking to a guard. When he left, they gave me a worried glance.
"Well, take a seat." Heh, Luna knew what I was thinking. We all walked over, and took our respective seats, Cadence and Shining sitting next to Celestia, while I sat directly across from her, with Ribbon and Twilight at my sides. It was only now I became aware of the fact Discord was sitting beside Fluttershy.
Putting on my game face, I forwent any formality, and cut straight to the chase. "Look, Celestia, Luna, I have reason to believe you've been withholding information about what I am, and I want answers..."
They quickly traded glances, before Luna spoke up. "We knew you'd find out eventually..."
Celestia gave a sagely nod. "We were just trying to let you get used to your new life first." I could still feel that blanket of warmth, keeping me from becoming infuriated with them.
"What am I, really? I can freely manipulate my form, have a fourth source of magic, and wasn't even an alicron until i wound up in this reality!"
After a short pause, Luna hesitantly speaks up. "You're a spirit, You're only loosely bound to the physical plane." WHAT!? You mean I'm not even real!? No, this isnt happening... I slowly feel my worry dissipate into that warm blanket of comfort... a spirit... loosely bound to the physical realm... that might explain why I can shapeshift, I am disconnected enough that my form is not held in a single shape.
Ribbon's extremely worry caught my attention. "Wait, you mean she's dead?!"
"No, we tested that when she was unconscious, after the elements were used on her. she's not dead." Oh thank god...
Rainbow raised a hoof, a concerned look on her face. "So she's a ghost... does that the mean she can posses ponies?" I think I did with Ribbon once, but Discord was involved... So I'm not sure if it counts.
Celestia holds a hoof the her jaw, thinking. "It's possible, as she inherited her power from the Nightmare. We couldn't test what her magic could do, only that she had it and how strong it was."
"Could the Nightmare also feed on emotions?" Oh shit, Ribbon just pulled that out of left field.
The first one to respond to that whopper was Luna. "Why do you ask? do you believe Chi is doing so?" Ribbon nods.
"When she had Blueblood scared out of his wits, her magic begun fluctuating in a pattern almost identical to a feeding changeling..."
"That explains why I felt refreshed after scaring him unconscious..." ohhhh boy, I'm a shapeshifter that can feed on fear... a literal Nightmare...
Celestias eyes widen. "Of course! It makes sense! Nightmare Moon overpowered me so easily because she had been feeding on Lunas negativity the whole time they were on the moon!" Shiiiit... that backfired on you badly, Celestia.
"Speaking of the moon, I've noticed every alicorn represents something... Cadence is love, Celestia is the sun, Twilight here is probably friendship or magic, and you, Luna, are the moon... so what am I?"
Luna hums in thought for a few moments, before replying. "You can hide in the shadows, you can feed of the darkness in a ponies soul, and take the form of their darkest fears. You can use dark magic rather skillfully and without consequence, and you even once forcibly moved the moon, darkening the sky... the only logical conclusion is that you represent darkness itself..."
"Now then, I heard from Ribbon that Alicorns are supposedly immortal... is this true?"
I am greeted to a synchronized "Yes." Several horrifying revelations occurred to me at that moment.
...
...
I have stand by and watch as everything I know and love fades to dust...?
...
...
I will be forced to bear the pain of Ribbons eventual passing...?
...
...
I have to bear the pain of ALL my friends eventual death...? Very well... I will spare myself such torment and drive them away... I shall become the successor to the Nightmare...
I slowly pull myself to my hoofs, barely aware of my tears dripping to the floor, even as I feel my features harden.
"Chi?" Ribbon, you and Scootaloo were the only two who truly cared for me.
I feel myself begin to slowly laugh, as the irony of my torment dawns on me.
"Chi, you're scaring me here. It'll be alright." No it won't, Ribbon, I've been doomed to fate worse than death...
"I-i-its... its j-just... just s-so..."
"Chi, calm down, the oldest Queen I know of lived to be over 300 before she was killed." 300 years is but less than a blink in the grand scale of things...
"ITS JUST SO GODDAMN MOTHERFUCKING HYSTERICAL! I HAD FOUND TRANQUILITY IN DEATH, BUT NOW, NOW I HAVE BEEN ETERNALLY DENIED MY FINAL SLEEP, FORCED TO WATCH AS ALL I KNOW AND LOVE FADES TO DUST!" My tears began to run free... "Is this hell...?"
Celestia just looks me in eyes. "This is why we didn't tell you anything. Immortality can be cruel to those that are not born with it."
I could not stand these ignorant cretins presence any longer, and fled towards the gardens. Somehow, my body knew where to go, as I weaved through the corridors, dodging guards and staff in my sprint. When I got outside, I was still not feeling secure, I felt vulnerable, like one of those mortals could attack me from any angle... That was unacceptable. I instinctively wrapped myself in my miasma, forming armor that I hadn't used for quite some time, and letting out a relieved sigh, now that I had some form of protection to comfort my insecurity. Bolting into the hedge maze, I made my way to the center, where I curled up into a ball trying to block out the outside world to no avail. After lying on the ground for a few minutes, crying, I heard hoof steps.
"Begon fool, and forget what you have witnessed, least you face my wrath..." when I was ignored, I braced myself for the coming torment.
"I understand how much of a curse Immortality can be." I shoot Luna a glare that would have stopped a lesser ponies heart. She had the gall to follow me!? "The reason the Nightmare was able to possess me was not because our subjects shunned me, but because I shunned them. I locked myself away because I didn't want to be hurt and it made me weak, and now I feel responsible for what has happened." So I'm not the only one...
"I'm scared, Luna, I'm scared that when Ribbon passes, there will be nobody left to keep me from falling into the depths of madness... I am already a formless shadow of you, that spreads fear and carnage wherever I go, I don't want to think of the monster I would become if I lost it, and fully gave in to this body's instincts..." and I would be trapped in my mind, forced to watch as everything burned, burdened with the knowledge that I did that, for the rest of eternity... The tears return, threatening to turn into a flood.
She walks closer, a sad smile on her face. "But you won't. I'm sure you won't, you have already taken steps towards making this body yours, who is to say you will not take more. And regardless, Ribbon will not be going anywhere, any time soon, Chi, she is right here, right now. She said the oldest Queen she know was over 300 years old before she was killed, Ribbon could live longer still." She may be with me for while, but anyone else minus the Princesses, and possibly Discord and Twilight, will be gone in the blink of an eye... I notice her features harden slightly. "Contrary to what ponies say, me and my sister are not truly immortal, we are eternally youthful. I do not wish to say this, but if it will bring you peace of mind than I will. If when Ribbon passes away, you still wish to die, you need only a blade." I... I still can at least choose... no. I will not sink so low as to end myself when Ribbon passes, she would want me to live.
With a newfound will to live, I slowly pull myself to my hooves, and pull Luna into hug, only able to mutter a choked "thank you..." before crying uncontrollably into her shoulder. Thank you, Luna... I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
"...Chitsuki?"
I disengage from Luna, and turn to see Ribbon, looking me in the eyes, worried. Walking to her, I could feel tears of joy in my eyes. "Its not immortality... I am merely unaffected by time, and will never age... besides that, I am as mortal as any other pony..." I pull her into a hug, tears flowing freely, as Ribbon hugs me back. We stood like thi for several minutes, before disentangling and allowing Luna to lead us out of the maze.
As we neared the exit, I steeled myself, not wanting to let ponies who were unknowns get too close to me, and harden my features into a look of distaste, while my posture becomes one of absolute authority. I feel the same warmness from before, blanket me, and turn to Ribbon, confused. She gives me a fanged grin in response, confirming that it was indeed her, who had been causing that reaffirming warmness in my mind. I gave her a nearly imperceptible nod, before we stepped out of the maze, and were greeted to everypony else, most of them backing up a few steps upon seeing me being as intimidating as possible.
"Buddy, why are you suddenly wearing armor?" Rainbow flinches back at my displeased look.
"It is of no concern to you, and I am not your 'buddy'..." my distaste with the mare had everyone taken aback, even Celestia herself was shocked by my change in personality.
"You certainly seem... intimidating." I GLARE at Celestia, my hatred suddenly spiking even through the reassuring warmth Ribbon had wrapped around my mind.
"Chi. Stop that, she didn't do anything." You wouldn't understand Ribbon, you wouldn't understand how this impudent welp manipulated me...
I bare my fangs at Celestia, my voice full of spite. "Be thankful she deems there has been no transgression..." Composing myself, I break eye contact.
A certain polychromatic pegasus decides to interrupt. "Can we eat now? I'm starving." I had to reluctantly agree with that, as I nodded my head.
Celestia leads us back the dining hall, as I fell into step behind Ribbon, wanting to keep her as close as possible, worried that something might try to take her from me. I could still feel Ribbon trying to comfort me, but I couldn't keep my anxiety at how vulnerable she was from clouding my thoughts. I was jarred to full attention by multiple gasps and discover I was slowly dissolving, and realized my miasma was starting to blanket Ribbon, before settling and acting like it was part of her.
"Chi stop, what are you doing?!" I would have replied, had I not already fully dissolved, and covered Ribbon, before everything shifted, and I was viewing things though Ribbons eyes, and noticed as she looked herself over that she looked like a silhouette of me, her face featureless except for her eyes. It was then that I realized I was not only seeing through her eyes, but using her other senses as well. Wait, that explains why I can tell Celestia isn't absolutely terrified, and is CURIOUS, unlike everypony else, I've tapped into Ribbon's emotion sensing ability!
"Ohhh... you're cold..." her voice sounded like a fusion of hers and mine, sending shivers up several ponies spines.
(Ribbon? Are you alright?) I tried to speak, yet no sound was made, even as I felt that I had indeed sent a message.
"I'm alright, but what did you do?" Everypony looks at Ribbon like she's gone insane, much to my annoyance.
(What I did? I think I possessed you, but let you remain in control. Why I did it? I just wanted to keep you as safe as possible. How I did it? I have no clue, other than dissolving into miasma and wrapping around you... also, you might want to inform your audience that you're not going crazy.)
"I'm not crazy! you know we have a link." Her words didn't have much effect.
Rainbow gives her a suspicious leer. "So you're saying she's talking to you from inside your head?"
"Yes..." THAT, however, did relieve everypony's worries. Feeling like my beloved was safe enough, I let myself wind down, and simply observed...
"No wait! Don't fall asleep on me!... she's asleep." Everypony chucked nervously at Ribbons situation, even though I wasn't asleep, so much as completely inactive.
Rainbow was the first to work up the nerve to ask something. "You're stuck like that until shes wakes up, aren't you..."
Her nervous chuckle echoed of the walls. "...maybe."
"Well then, you might as well see what you look like!" Discord hd pulled a mirror from somewhere, and was now showing Ribbon her reflection. She looked like a silhouette of me, with two orbs of teal blue for her eyes. Her mane and tail looked exactly like mine, flowing in an invisible wind. She spread her wings, and found them to be shaped like a bats. But the single most disturbing feature, was the lack of any. Other than her outline, mane, and eyes, everything flowed into everything else, making her body look like a shadow in three dimensions. When she closed her wings, they seemed to vanish into her sides, her face was an expressionless mask, her eyes the only way of telling her emotional state. and she ran a hoof against herself, feeling her chitin beneath the inky blackness. It was then she, and by extension me, became aware of how the blackness felt... safe, and cool like a summer breeze, instead of the icy feeling my miasma usually had.
Upon clearing her throat, she seemed to completely ignore what had just happened. "So, dinner?" You're kidding... You're kidding, right? Everyone, even Discord, jaw dropped at her indifference. After several minutes of walking in silence. We finally reached our destination. Throwing the doors open, we filed in, everypony taking a seat, with Twilight and Rainbow sitting beside Ribbon. The food had been laid out before we got back, and Ribbon grabbed an apple in... oh god, It just floating there, no aura whatsoever! Note to self: find out exactly how things work when I'm attached to someone like this. Anyway, she levitated it over, and bit into it, causing a portion of it to blink out of existence to an outside observer. So thats what an apple tastes like to you...
The rest of the night was a blur of boredom, as even Discord was somewhat creeped out when Ribbon gave him the stink eye for turning the pear she was about to eat into a potato. When everypony had finished and said their goodbyes, Ribbon had an idea. My magic begun charging, and we teleported, reappearing with no flash or sound whatsoever, just 'poof', we're now in the basement of our house.
Finally alone with Ribbon, I muster enough will to become 'active', catching Ribbons attention.
"Welcome back." I never left...
(I wasn't so much asleep, as inactive and observing. But anyway, do you like this?)
"Heh, It feels cool, like a calm breeze."
(So is there anything you want to try before I work on undoing this?)
"I wanted to try the mane thing."
(Feel that source of power that wasn't here before we merged? Follow it to your mane, and will it to move.)
After a few moments, 'her' mane floats in front of her, and splits into four tentacle like limbs. She's better with this then I am!
(Impressive.)
They float back together at Ribbons side. "You should practice with you magic more often, you'd get better a lot faster."
I let myself relax, and pictured me splitting from Ribbon, before I felt myself moving and eventually returning to my default form, complete with armor. From nowhere, inspiration struck. "I have a plan... I could posses Chrysalis, and work on freeing her that way, and contain any backlash."
"Are you sure you're fit to help her right now?"
"I can relate to her now, I'm more fit than ever."
"If you're sure." She walks over to the pod, and cuts it open with her horn, before dragging Chrysalis out. "Get up" Chrysalis slowly gets to her hooves, where Ribbon uses a spell to remove the goop that clung to her. "Go for it."
I let myself dissolve, and instead of wrapping around her, flowed into her. My vision suddenly shifts, and I feel myself twitch a couple times. "Trippy..." laying down, I close my eyes, and focus...
I quickly relinquished control of Chrysalis, before allowing myself to reform, pure 'wat' running through me. "What did I just see!? All I can tell is that it's not salmon..."
"So it didn't work, I take it." Her eyes widen in shock when Chrysalis scoots over to her, and begins nuzzling her leg, while purring like a cat. "So... it did?" This is...
"Dawwwww. Is so cute!" Ribbon gave me a 'what the hell' look.
"It's not cute, a tyrant is purring and nuzzling me and I don't know what to do about it."
"Back in the pod?"
"Back in the pod." Ribbon takes a whimpering Chrysalis and puts her back in her pod, where she quickly falls into a induced sleep. With that out of the way, I can finally see what's happened while we were gone.
"I'm heading topside." With that, I teleport to the other side of the door, before trotting upstairs, where Scootaloo is somehow still asleep. Before I walked outside, I steeled myself, knowing I could not show weakness. Opening the door, I was greeted to Ponyville overrun by long, thorny vines.
-Ribbon... you're going to want to see what's going on up here...-
'what, did Derpy break my mail box again?'
-... Thorny tentacles. That is all.-
With a flash of light, Ribbon teleports upstairs, where she walks over to the door, and takes a good, long look at this mindfuckery... before closing the door, and looking me in the eyes. "The world is dead to me..."
Wait... Opening the door again, I realize the sun and moon are in the sky, and several vines had inched closer to the door, cuing me to slam it with a mental 'nope!'
"I'm not going out there." I notice Ribbon heading to the forge, but when she opens the door to it, several vines springe out and fall inches short of her, before retracting back into the forge. She promptly slammed the door, before once more meeting my eyes. "Alright, Lets find Twilight, maybe she knows something..."
Those things tried to attack you! "You want me to do the thingie where I became part of you again? I don't want those things getting you."
"Yeah, I felt strong when you were doing that."
"Okay, here go-" I had dissolved into miasma much more rapidly this time, doing it deliberately instead of by accident. Flowing around Ribbon, I waited for the shif- there we go.
'How does this feel to you? To me it feels like a cool breeze.'
-Same.-
After taking a few steps towards the door, we both noticed something. Ribbon had'nt made a single noise. She paused for a moment, before feeling her chest, confirming she was indeed still breathing, yet no sound was made. Stomping a hoof on the ground yielded the same silence.
-Thats some ninja shenanigans right there.-
After Ribbon opened the door, she caught sight of a bright light on the dark half of Ponyville. "Good enough place to start." Ribbon flinched a bit from her own voice, before heading towards the light. Spreading her wings, she took to the air, silent as ever. We did notice several ponies start to panic, but the moment they looked away, they seemed to forget what had them frightened. When we approached the location of the light show, we saw Twilight had drunk some kind of potion, and was standing stiff, her eyes glowing, with her friends watching.
Ribbon smirked as a mischievous idea came to her. Setting down behind them, just as Twilight recovered from whatever she was experiencing, Ribbon cleared her throat. "Gentlemares..." everypony spins around in fright.
"...Ribbon?" Neither of us was expecting Fluttershy to speak up first.
"Yes?"
Shy sighs in relief. "Oh thank goodness, it is you..."
"Who were you expecting, a shade?" Fluttershy hides behind her mane in embarrassment. Waitaminute...
-You found internet memes, didn't you...-
'... Maybe.'
After our brief mental exchange, we noticed Fluttershy stop hiding behind her mane. "Ummm. What was I hidi-" she notices us. "EEP! W-when did y-you get here!?"
"I'm confused, you and were just talking." Hmmmm... this is rather interesting.
"W-we were?" If this is what I think it is...
-Ribbon, I have theory I want to test, you need to get them all to look away.-
3... 2... 1... "DISTRACTION!" Ribbon points at a random object, diverting everyone's attention, where they stare for a few moments...
"Dash, why were we staring at that again?"
"I have no idea Pinkie."
Everypony began looking around, and passed us over several times. Curious, Ribbon used my magic to levitate a rock, the lack of an aura still confusing me.
"What in tarnation!?"
"EEEP!"
Everypony had begun flipping out at the floating rock. It was amusing watching them panic for a while, when I realized something.
-Okay, they don't notice us unless you draw attention to yourself, they forget you were even here the moment they look away, you don't have an aura, and you are completely silent unless you speak...-
Ribbon drops the rock, preparing to presumably troll the hell out of them. "I am a shade..." Fluttershy and Rarity fainted on the spot, Rainbow immediately gave us a challenging glare, Applejack just stood there, waiting for us to make a move. Pinkie was just staring at us, confused, while Twilight looked ready to shoot first, ask questions later.
Ribbon audibly gulps somehow. "...be gentle." Ohshitohshitohshit! I desperately try to somehow put something in between Ribbon and Twilight, and feel her mane twitch just as Twilight releases her spell, and everything goes black as Ribbon reflexively closes her eyes in anticipation.
I felt her mane shoot up in front of her just before the spell would have hit, and feel the spell hit it, none of it actually reaching Ribbon. After several moments of nothing, Ribbon opened her eyes, and we found her mane had moved itself in between herself and Twilight, and ribbon was shocked she wasn't dead.
-Excuse me while I deal with this...- steeling myself, I peeled myself off Ribbon, much to everyone's surprise, and reformed in front of her. "Her statement was merely a joke, you insufferable simpletons! Be thankfull I do not wish to seek retribution..." everypony rapidly backed away from me and Twilight, expressions of 'oh crap' on their faces. My anger quickly zeroed in on Twilight, as I focused my glare on her, causing her to squirm under it.
I suddenly felt a slight tap on my side, and swifty pivot my head towards the source, and teach the fo- Ribbon? I felt my fury evaporate, as she swiftly withdrew her hoof up against her chest, 'eep'ing from the glimpse of my glare she caught.
"My apologies, I did not mean for you to see that."
"It's ok. We probably shouldn't do that shade form again."
"We must find the source of this foul growth, post-haste..."
Twilight was the only one up to the task. "I know what we need to do, I think."
"Please do go on?" You have my interest Twilight, do not waste it.
"We need to go back to the castle in the Everfree." Not that place again... do we even NEED to go there.
-did you ever get those traps cleared out?-
'They were very thorough and took all the poachers stuff.'
"I do not see the relevance of that place... do please inform me of what I am missing."
"We need to find a crystal tree, the princesses took the elements from it."
"Discord was involved, I presume?" Wait for it...
"Why does it always have to be me, Can I not be innocent?" And from nowhere, Discords in a lawn chair eating chips, wearing a pair of sunglasses as he watches everypony panic.
A wicked grin emerges on my face. "I never said you were guilty Discord, merely involved. Thank you for admitting to it though." He just continues to shove chips in his mouth.
Now how to motivate those fools... yes... that will do nicely. "Ponies... tonight, we march..." everypony in our little group turned to look at me.
"Dear Faust no..." ah, Ribbon knows where I'm going with this.
Drawing Akumu, much to everyponies surprise. Pointing it towards the Everfree, I marched, everypony in our little group following behind me.
As we headed into the forest, I overheard Twilight talking to Ribbon. "I'm confused, why has she become so cold and spiteful after the dinner in Canterlot?"
"I'm not entirely sure, But she feels almost, insecure or afraid now. She said before that you can see souls or something, has it changed at all?" There were a few seconds of silence as Twilight activated her soul vision, before she gasped.
"Its... its so full of cracks that the slightest jolt might shatter it, and it looks like it might implode..." I get the sense that she's examining it closer... "Ribbon... her soul... its... bound itself to yours, and it feels like thats the only thing keeping it, however loosely, anchored to the material plane!" Wait, what!? Is she implying that when Ribbon passes away, I'll fade into nothingness? It makes sense, in a twisted sort of way. A shadow cannot exist without an object to cast it... Ribbon is my cster
"Its what? you mean she's attached to me, literally?"
"Its a strong link, a VERY strong link. I get the feeling Chi simply will not leave you, and NOTHING will keep her from staying at your side..." unless you destroy what casts it, a shadow can never be destroyed, only made to vanish for a time...
'Do you think maybe you really are immortal so long as I'm alive?' I... I think it might just be so.
-As long as the caster exists, the shadow cannot be destroyed...-
'Can you maybe word that better? It makes me sound like a necromancer.'
-I am your shadow... so long as you live, I will not die...-
'Better, but it would be better not to risk it.' Ribbon, I can still feel pain, so of course I'm not going to try it... Wait. That vine wasn't there before... oh shit! Their moving! Almost immediately, Twilight begins blasting them, while Ribbon sets them on fire. I begun hacking away at any that got close, Akumu cleaving through them like paper.
One of the vines got the drop on me, and quickly wrapped around my torso, sending spikes of pain through me as it impaled several locations. Knowing things were about to get ugly, I tried to get them going. "Run, you fools!" And boy, did they run. Twilight literally dragged Ribbon behind her, as they fled towards the castle. Swinging Akumu wildly in my magic, I chopped through vine after vine, even as the one around my chest continued to tighten and puncture me, lifting me into the air. They wouldn't stop coming, after what felt like hours, the familiar headache of magical faguiet begun setting in.
Turning to the mass of vines beneath me, I spat at them. "Do your wors-*urk!*" one of the vines had wrapped around my neck. The shock make me drop Akumu, and I couldn't focus enough to pick it back up. I was now both suffocating and bleeding like a stuck pig, but I still struggled as more vines begun flailing at me, the thorns ripping into me. Is this how I end? Feeling one wrap around my horn, every thorn sending shockwaves of agony through me, I felt it begin to pull. My body spasmed in agony, even as the vine kept pulling, until with a loud crack and a volcano of pain, I watched in horror as my horn snapped clean off. I tried to scream, but only the sound of gurgling emerged, and several trails of blood dripped from my mouth.
Things were starting to shut down, as my limbs rapidly went numb, the pain no longer a problem. Soon the numbness spread all over me, and one by one, my legs went limp. More vines begun constricting me, until only my face was visible. I could feel my heart slowing, as I lost all control of my body... as I closed my eyes for a final time, my only thought was how I failed Ribbon. My heart gave out, yet still my conscious lingered, something keeping me from fully leaving this realm. My senses finally gave out, and I was left alone in my mind...
I had been wandering this infinite blackness for days, drawn inexplicably to some unknown point. I dared not stop moving, for it felt like something was following me, and if it caught me, I would be consumed by the nothingness, and cease to exist. Hearing sounds that should not exist, I begun picking up speed, feeling that un-thing drawing closer. Looking behind me, something that I cannot remember was but a few feet from me, causing me to nearly drop from the shock. By now I was at a full gallop, and was praying something would help me.
'The light, Jack! Head for the light!' Maria? In the distance, a faint light appeared, and I altered course to head for it. Whatever was chasing me was still gaining, and as the light grew brighter, I put on a desperate burst of speed. An ungodly scream of pain rang out as the thing behind me was repulsed by its brightness, the glow enfluging me.
I awoke in a white void, a sense of relief washing through me as I realized that thing could no longer get me. Getting onto my hooves, I looked around the vast emptiness, confused as to how I wound up in this mess. Am I truly dead this time...?
"No Jack, you are not dead... not fully, anyways." Whipping my head around, my eyes settled on a eggshell white pegasus, and widened.
She stood there with grace, her wild red mane moving like a flame every time she shifted her head, stirring memories within me. But it was her eyes that brought those memories to the forefront, those beautiful cyan eyes, glinting like ice, yet holding an inviting warmth.
"Hello, Jack..." that voice... it can't be her, can it?
"Maria..." she slowly walked up to me, pulling me into hug.
"I'm sorry, Jack, but its true, you are immortal, so long as Ribbon lives. I was told so by her, the one from whence Equestria came." I could feel her tears on my back, even as tears of my own begun falling.
"I... I-i'm sorry... I failed you Maria... I j-just was-"
"There is no need to apologize, Jack, as no fault exists. But even then, I forgive you." My tears slowly subsided, as I held her close, refusing to let go, when I saw flakes of light rising from her, even as she gave me a sad look. "My visit, it seems, is nearing its end..." I became aware of a tugging sensation in my chest, and saw, through Maria's now fading form, a thread of green and teal blue, leading from my chest to somewhere far above us. "Look over her, Jack, for you are both destined to do great things..." I felt myself yanked in a direction I couldn't hope to comprehend, and 'woke up.'
I became 'aware' of my surroundings, yet I could still not feel or move my body. The vines are gone, thats a plus... The sound of sobbing finally registers to my senses. Ribbon is crying for me...
I hear the sound of somepony landing. "I-i-i can't believe it... why didn't I stand and fight by her side... even I couldn't be that loyal to somepony I only knew for less than a year..." Rainbow, you're too kind...
Rarity, Pinkie and Fluttershy had begun crying rivers.
"Tarnations... there are no words..." Applejack was utterly dumbfounded by how I hadn't thought twice about sacrificing myself.
"Ribbon... I'm so sorry..." Twilight had draped a wing around Ribbon -albeit awkwardly, considering Ribbon was the same only slightly smaller than me- in an attempt to comfort her. Ribbon leaned into Twi's shoulder, and begun bawling.
I felt something click, and was shocked when magic begun building despite my horn being broken. I watched in fascination as shadows begun coating me, and everypony else started freaking out. Skin and fur begun growing, and I screamed noiselessly as something erupted from my skull, revealing a new horn. I felt the damage to my throat healing. I sensed myself filling with blood, as functions resumed. Gasping, sweet air filled my lungs, and I forced myself to stand, even as pieces of the shadows covering me broke off, and my headache intensified. Just as the last pieces fell off, I got glomped by Ribbon.
Blowing my mane out of my face I- wait, what?! My mane was no longer the same deep, star filled blue Lunas was, instead it was beyond black, to the point it looked like it had been cut out of the fabric of reality, leaving a void in its place... also, it had a few holes in it, making it look like an old towel.
-That HURT. And I think I have magic exhaustion...-
'Of course you do, and I'm not fixing it this time.'
-uhhhhh... I think Twilight is about to go crazy like during that incident with the doll.- She takes one look at Twi, mouths 'oh buck.' And quickly teleports us home, before Twilight decides to try SCIENCE!
We arrived in the basement, where I discovered Ribbon giving me a lusty look. "You look like you could use some stress relief..." yes, I just died, and I wanted sex, sue me... giving Ribbon the best pair of bedroom eyes I could manage, I was already imagining what she would do to me...
"You're going to pay for dieing on me." Oh boy... "You like it when I make you my bitch? Then I'll make you one..." I gulped, this was gonna hurt good, wasn't it?
Watching as she ran her slim coated tongue around my neck, She flipped me onto my belly, and continued around the back of my neck as well. Hearing her giggle, she flipped again, before completing her lap of my neck, and pulled away, leaving a thick thread of silk trailing from my new collar to her mouth. After winding a few lengths around her hoof, she bit the end off, and smiled, before giving my leah a quick tug, pulling my head up to her face. "If you so much as come once, I'll make it painful..." she pulls me even closer, whispering into my ear. "The safety word is 'metal' if you want it to stop." This was going to hurt VERY good.
"Yes... mistress." Her smile grows. Heh, first two things she got from my memories was porn, and memes.
"Very good. I didn't even have to tell you to call me that..." she slips on of her hooves into my marehood, sending a shudder through me, as she ever so softly puts my whole ear into her mouth, sending a second shudder through me as her teeth slide along it, while her hoofs movements inside me cause me to whimper. I can feel the flames in my nethers beginning to smolder, sparking into existence much too slowly for my liking.
'You don't seem so sensitive now, that's good.'
"All the more time to toy with me, mistress..."
I can hear her humming, the ear in her mouth being vibrated by it, and watch, as she removes her hoof from me, lets go of my ear, and licks my fluids off, smiling evilly. "Get up." She uses my leash to pull me into a sitting position, where she gazes into my eyes. She lays down, exposing herself to me. "Lick, do a good job and I might reward you..." feeling another pull, she reels me in, forcing my face into her open legs, where I begin eagerly licking, starting with her lips. I hear Ribbon hum in pleasure, before feeling something on my head. Looking up, but not stopping for a moment, I notice Ribbon had placed a hoof on my head, and was busy licking the holes in her other forehoof. As I began working my way inward, Ribbon begins moaning, my efforts obviously working. Inhaling deeply, I dive in, working my tongue to the very back of ribbons marehood. Ribbon gasps as my tongue fully penetrates, and begins moaning louder. I keep licking, not bothering to come up for air, as my oxygen deprived brain adds fuel to the fire in my nethers. When I finally felt like I was going to pass out, I pulled back just enough to inhale through my nose, all while still licking. Ribbon, teetering on the edge, lets her hoof drop to her side. "S-suck on my... my clit, pet." Smiling obediently, I begun sucking on her nub. When her muscles began spasming, I let go, causing her to moan as she came, before resuming, turning her moan into a scream. I braced myself, knowing I would have to let go sooner or later, and when I did, I would get a facefull. Unable to wait any longer, I let go, before being assaulted by Ribbons juices. Smiling at her bliss, I felt my own folds begging for release.
I sat there, waiting for Ribbon to finish, occasionally getting yanked forward as she pulled my leash in her spasms. They eventually subside, and she looks at me, pleased. "Want your reward now, pet?" I nod energetically, anticipating what would happen. "Say 'please'."
"Please, mistress..."
"Thats better..." she gets up, and when I try to raise as well, she pushes me back down, onto my stomach. She then straddles my back, and leans forward, slowly running her long tongue along my horn, nearly sending me over the edge, as my eyes roll back in bliss. I then remember her order to not come, and try my hardest to keep from peaking. Ribbon slowly takes the top few inches into her mouth, before pulling it up, taking my head with it, bobbing me up and down. I can feel my fluids starting to leak from my clenched folds, as I was but inches from my peak, trying my hardest not to, lest I be punished. I feel Ribbon grab my wing, and began massaging it, sending me over the edge, causing me to whimper, knowing I would be punished, while a puddle of my fluids forms beneath me. She lets go of my horn, as well as my wing, disappointed. "Tch, tch, tch. I told you not to come, didn't I?" I am so screwed... "Well?"
"Yes, mistress, I am a bad pet, and must be punished."
"Yes, you are a very bad pet. Roll over on your back." She gets off of me, letting out a bit of leash, before pushing on my side. I comply, and roll onto my back, where she positions herself between my spread legs, her long tongue ready to burrow into me at a moments notice. "Takth a good loog look peth." She winds more of my leash around her hoof, forcing my head up until I had a clear view of what she was going to do.
Like a cobra, her tongue lunged into me, causing me to gasp, as is rooted around in me, rapidly sending me into another climax. Just before I was going to orgasm, I felt her tongue withdraw, and a torrent of slimy gel fill me up completely, leaving me unable to come at all, as I saw the sadistic glint in her eyes. After a few moments, she pulled away, revealing she had let the gel overflow into her mouth, and now left a phallic pillar of it sticking from my marehood. She then spat two globs of gel, pinning my forelegs to the ground, and begun giggling at my helplessness. She mounted me, and begun using my new additon to get herself off, still pulling my head up with the leash, leaving me unable to look away as she got off, each motion moving the blob inside me, increasing my pleasure, as my body begins instinctively thrusting into her. A moan escapes from me, as Ribbon continues bouncing and moaning on top of me. I feel something being drained from me, and Ribbon begins coming, having used my lust to peak. After coming down from her high, she begins magically massaging my wings. I couldn't take it any longer...
"Please mistress! Let me come!" The sadistic glint returns.
"Oh, so we're begging now? Why should I?"
Ohhhhhhhhhhh... my vision vanishes as a feel my eyes roll back, and a low, constant moan escaped from me, before Ribbon begens massaging my hor- ohhhhhhhhhhhhgodyesgodyesgodyes... something poked my shoulder, but I was in so much pleasure, that I didn't know what, before I felt myself slowly fall asleep, even as the glob inside me slides out, and I feel the first motions of an orgasm before fully falling asleep...
He had stirred, and took in his surroundings, a forest, before smiling viscously. His mind, finally free of the last shreds of his former self, could now think clearly. "One cannot kill a demon..." tightening the rope keeping his tattered shorts from falling, he glanced at his newly discovered equine form with indifference, muscle memory having been morphed to match his form. "This world shall burn..." channeling his murderous intent, he watched as his forehoof glowed yellow and steamed from the raw power, before punching a tree, shattering it. Taking to the sky, he came across a city, Dodge city, if the sign was correct, and grinned at the slaughter to come. Landing in an alleyway near the center of the city, he begun focusing power, as the ground began shaking, his blue coat being consumed by shadows, his hoof glowing a bright white. Channeling but a portion of his murderous intent, he brought his hoof down, and this world witnessed the power of the kongou kokuretsu zan for the first time...
Both me and Ribbon awoke to the ground trembling violently, and without a second thought, we teleported upstairs, where Scootaloo and Gary followed us outside. The sight that occurred will forever be etched in my memory.
On the other side of the Everfree, a massive bolt of energy came crashing down from nowhere, causing several vertical blades of an energy so full of murderous intent that it could be felt from here, to erupt from the ground. Ribbon and Scootaloo simply stared, shocked by absurd level of power need to perform something like that. I believe I spoke for both of them when I voiced my mind.
"Holy. Goddamn. Shit."
That snapped Ribbon out of her stupor. "What could do that?"
"I swear I've seen that before, back in my gamer days, but where...?" Feeling something gripping my leg like a vice, I notice Scootaloo clamped onto me, shivering in fright.
"I-i-is it o-over...? I-i-i'm scared..." coaxing her off my rear leg, I pulled her up to my chest in a one legged hug, somewhat rattled myself. Scootaloo seemed to sense my fear, and wrapped her forelegs around me, whimpering into my neck.
I took a few moments to calm myself down, and wrapped a wing around the filly's quivering form, even as Twilight showed up, panicking.
"What the buck was that!?"
"Thats what I'm trying to remember... I know I've seen it somewhere before..." and I feel like I'm woefully unprepared for whatever caused it. Because if it gets through me... Ribbon and Scootaloo won't stand a chance...
"I might need to rush order your new rifle."
"Rifle?" Awww crap, Twilights interested.
"Nothing!" Twilight actually bought Ribbons attempt at a cover up! How gullible can you get?
"I'm surprised more ponies aren't freaking out..." idle chitchat while I converse with Ribbon. -We're gonna need to learn to defend ourselves if theres something like that out there. Attacking like a lunatic can only get you so far...-
'Luna and Celestia can probably teach you how to fight, and while you're in Canterlot I can work on the rifle.'
Twilight had apparently finished running some calculations in her head, and gasped. "Whatever did THAT must've done more damage the Discords plunder vines."
"Wait, Discord made those things?! Ohhh... when I get my hooves on the bugger..." If I weren't holding Scootaloo right now, I'd be wringing his imaginary neck...
"Apparently he planted them right before he was turned to stone a thousand years ago." Motioning to Gary with my free wing, I wait for him to come over, and lightly set Scootaloo on his back, where she begins gripping him tightly.
"They were supposed to grow a year after being turned to stone, but the tree of harmony kept them from growing until it got too weak, me and the girls had to give back the elements to he... oh, buck." No shit Twi, we just lost our super weapon when there is something obscenely powerful running around Equestria, good job... I applied hoof directly to forehead, unable to believe my luck.
"That means we actually have to fight what ever did that, huh?" The look Ribbon gives me just confirms my fears... I am now the first line of defense...
"Yeah, and I'm gonna need to learn how to actually fight, not just attack like a rabid animal..." I'm a quadruped now, whatever fighting styles I may have learnt are invalid. "Twi, do you know anyone who can teach me to properly defend myself?"
"Well, I guess I can teach you some more magic." This, is why I respect her, she not only has the drive to learn, but to TEACH as well.
'Uhh... between me and her, I think we can adapt some of the techniques in those 'fighting games' you've played.'
-That... might just work.-
"How good are you with magic now?" And back to Twi.
"Uh... not much more than teleportation, telekinesis, and the occasional force blast, oh, and the sleep spell."
"So you haven't learned anything new? Then how's your control?"
"My control sucks, I just put as much power into the spell as possible." ev
"Then we'll work with a few ice spells and while we're at it, we'll work on your control."
Ribbon, sensing an opening, took the moment to butt in, so she could bug out. "I guess I'll go work on the uh, thing."
Twilight turned to face me again. "Is right now good?"
I slowly nod. "Very well." With a flash of lavender, Twilight deposited us in her library. Looking around, I decided to skip any pleasantries. "So, where shall we begin?”
Twilight quickly pulls out five or so books, quickly looking over their titles. "I'd say we start with the basics, but if there's a new villain we'll skip it." She seems to stop and think for a moment, before resuming. "Anatomy, so I can teach you better healing spells, basic and advanced magic theory."
"Basic theory would be an acceptable starting point, I presume?"
"Yes, read through those and we'll work on ice magic and your control."
"You want me to take these home and read them, correct?"
"Yeah, just bring them back when you're done."
Giving her a nod of confirmation, I grabbed the books in my levitation, and walked back home to meet up with Ribbon. It was a rather uneventful walk, and when I got there, I was curious as to how far Ribbon had gotten on the rifle.
Yawning, I realized I was still actually rather tired, after last nights events and getting woken up early. Opening the door, I suppressed a second yawn, and after smacking my lips, let the door shut behind me. Setting the books Twilight gave me down on the kitchen table, I walked to the bedroom.
Noticing Ribbon, in her pegasus form, apparently trying to sleep, I plopped myself onto the bed beside her. "Hey Ribbon, you-" A loud yawn escapes from me. "-still tired as well?"
"From last night, yeah. Being on top is exhausting."
I wrap a hoof around Ribbon, pulling her closer to me, before manipulating my mane over my eyes, in an attempt to block out the sunlight filtering into room. "You know Ribbon, if it weren't for you, I probably would have lost it a long time ago..."
"I'd say you would have found somepony. but you never did, you found someling instead." I chuckled at that.
"And it took me slamming my head into the floor to get you to stop panicking and listen to what I was trying to say."
"Hey, I thought you were going to eat me, I wasn't panicking without reason. And at the time I thought ponies were an enemy."
"And look at you now... your a Queen, you've united ponies and changelings and you have a violently protective Night Terror as a lover."
"Lets not forget about the egg that'll be hatching soon."
I actually stop as what Ribbon said registers. "Wha... oh, right, I keep forgetting you're more insectriod than mammalian in nature."
"Not sure how you could forget." She chuckles. "... What do you think she'll be like?"
"I have no clue, but she will be cute, thats for sure."
"Of course she'll be cute, she'll be a Proto-queen."
"Do you think any other hives will come out of hiding?"
"They might, eventually. I'd like to think they will, but I also know they won't agree to Celestia's conditions for moving into Equestria. If they want to."
This piqued my interest. "What conditions?"
"I gave my crown to Celestia, mostly a superficial thing, I'm still a Queen."
"In other words you only handle internal issues, correct?"
"Yeah, she handles the law and I keep changelings out of her day court."
I giggled, before pulling Ribbon up against me, her back touching my belly, and draped a wing over her. "Well it just means you get to spend more time with me, my little cuddlebug."
She hums, content with the feeling of my warm body. "And I have no need for a court, I can do it all remotely via the hivemind."
I hummed in agreement, before shifting my head so it was against the back of hers, feeling at peace.
"You used to be warmer, I have noticed you trying to push the others away."
I knew she was going to ask me this sooner or later... "I-I just... When you and Scootaloo pass away, the sorrow will be unbearable. I-" Despite my efforts to remain calm, I felt my breath hitch, and my body start to tremble. "I d-dont want to lose you, or Scootaloo... Adding other friends to the list of ponies who will fade in the sands of time, is just too much for me to bear..." I pull Ribbon in even tighter, like she could vanish at a moments notice. "I-I-I d-don't want y-you to g-g-go..." Tears began to form, regardless of how hard I tried to hold them back.
I could feel Ribbon pat one of the legs wrapped around her body reassuringly. "It'll be ok. When Scoots passes, I'll be here, and when the others pass, I'll still be here." I could feel her shifting around, trying to turn and face me, but my grip left her no wiggle room, she eventually gave up on that course of action, and resumes patting my leg in an attempt to comfort me. "I'll be here, grieving for our lose, and so will Twilight now. You won't be alone."
I slowly curled myself around Ribbon, until she was completely hidden from the outside world by either my body, the wing still draped over her, the bed, or my mane being manipulated to cover her face, her warmth comforting me. All that I could manage to say without bursting into tears was a soft "Thank you..."
"I'll be around for a long time. Now try and get some sleep." Smiling, I did just that, basking in the warmth coming from her.
I was in a void, floating aimlessly, when I heard a scream… MY scream, coming from below me… looking down, I saw a haunting sight… I was standing over the corpse of Ribbon, glaring at some unseen monstrosity…
that was when the other me spoke. “You killed her… y͠ou ̀m̧o̴nster͟.̵..” I watched, horrified, as this other me’s eyes glowed an ominsly intense white, and shadows begun coating its being, an aura of dark energy wisping off its body. “Y͠͏ou̶̧͟ ̢d̶͢o̡̕ ͞n͞o̶͡ţ̡ ͜k̕n̕͡o̸̶w̴ w̸̸h̶a̴҉t̵̴ ̵y͏̷͟o҉ú̀ h̶͘͞á͜͝v̧e ͟d̸o̷ń͡e̡.̶͢.̶̀.͟͞” its jaw seemed to open wider then physically possiable, revealing row upon row of razer sharp teeth. “Ì͘҉ ̡̀͠͡w̸̵̧͢i҉͡l͝҉҉̨̛l̷̷͝͝ ̀͜͢d̸̢e̵̷ş̷͝t̷͢͟͡ŕ̛o҉̢y̛͞͞ ҉̨̨y̶͞ớ̶̧u̡͘͢͡!̛́” the entire void was filled with a light somehow darker than the void itself…
I awoke to the sound of a cute sneeze, leaving my still half asleep and horrified brain confused. “Huh!? Oh, morning Ribbon.” Finding myself still tightly curled around Ribbon, a smile slowly crept across my face, relieved she was still there, while I tried not to think of the contents of my dream.
"Morning. I got to meet Maria, she's quite the voyeur." of course she wo- waitaminute…
"wait, so it WASN'T a near death experience?!"
"I blame you being a spirit, linking you soul to me, and letting me see dead ponies in my dreams." I felt a stab of terror at that, but managed to suppress it before Ribbon noticed, judging by her lack of reaction.
"At least things never get boring around here."
"Thats true. And I'm going to have to make sure to put on a good show next time if she's watching."
My cheeks light up like a stoplight, and I squeaked in fright, realizing Maria saw just how crazy we got.
"Oh ho ho, did I find something that embarresses you? Maybe I should set up camera too?"
"Please don't... Pinkie would probably figure out Celestia likes watching that kind of thing, and show it to her..."
"Fine, I still have the picture anyway." She starts trying to wiggle out of my grip. "Come on, can't stay in bed all day."
"Don't care, too soft and cuddly." that was a lie, I was absolutely terrified, fearing she might disappear at any moment.
She kept struggling, however. "Come on, I have to work on your rifle." Please stay… I need you...
I slowly trace a single hoof across her stomach, trying to convince her to stay. “But you’re so fluffy and tense, stay a while, and relax…” she seems to enjoy it, as she stops struggling and relaxes, a dopey grin on her face.
"Can't. resist. alluring. voice. Ohhh, fine, just a little longer." We just layed there, content, for several minutes, while I managed to regain my composure, before Ribbon tried to wiggle free of my grip again, and I relented, albit reluctantly. "Ok, I'm going to work on the rifle and see if my shipment came in yet. But first, there's someling I want you to meet, so come on out of bed. She'll be out in a few hours."
wait… come out in a few hours… didn't we talk about the egg before we went to sleep? "You don't mean..."
"Mhmm. Back at the hive, few more hours." oh, yesyesyesyesyesyes, I am so hyped, so, so, SO HYPED. I could feel a grin of ungodly proportions slowly make its way onto my face, as Ribbon laughed nervously. "You might want to be careful around her if you're going to be this happy."
Deep breaths Chitsuki, deep breaths… Reigning in my excitement, I clambered out of the bed, and proceeded to stretch my back and numerous joints. “How fast can we get there?”
"I don't want you using too much magic yet since… yesterdays incident... So I can teleport us, still a little iffy at long range though. Or, I think we have time to just fly there.”
“Eh, I could use the exercise... Flying it is." Ribbon give me a quick nod, and with a flash of fire, her mane and coat are no longer scruffy and ragged.
The hive was now in sight, and I could feel my excitement rising. “Oh, this is sooo exciting!”
RIbbon laughed in agreement. “I know, the whole hive will be celebrating this.”
"Really? What is a changeling celebration like, anyway?"
She pauses, deep in thought. "I, I don't really know. I was always out in the field, so I celebrated like a pony, the few times I did celebrate."
"That sucks..."
"With Chrysalis in charge we never really celebrated anything. When she fell there was a bunch of it, so I heard. But all I did was rest after that and get used to being at the hives center."
I couldn't help but giggle at the mention of Chrysalis, after she acted like a feline.
“Whats so funny?”
“Chrysalis, she acted like a cat the last time we let her out…”
her mirthful giggling was music to my ears as we neared the entrance. “Yeah, she did, didn't she."
When we reached it, I was overjoyed at the miracle of life I was soon going to witness.
Making a beeline for the hatching chambers, I grinned like a madman. Upon getting there, I saw the pod containing the egg had already been brought down from the ceiling, and my grin spread further, before I forced myself to remain calm.
"She's becoming a little more active now, shouldn't be too long." Deep breaths, deep breaths, I don’t want to look like a complete idiot. After getting myself under control, I notice Ribbon is now Grinning as well. “Here it is! she’s hatching!”
walking over to the pod, I tried my best to cheer the newest member of the on. “C’mon little dudette, you can do it!” cracks begin spider webbing around the egg, before a hoof punches through the shell.
"That's one. Come on, where's number two?!"
I squealed, before pulling Ribbon into a massive hug. “THIS IS SO EXCITING!”
"Can't... breath..."
I quickly let go, blushing in embarrassment. “Hehe, sorry…”
after a brief fit of coughing, she smiles. "I'm alright." she looks up, and gasps. "Look, she got half way out already."
I couldn't really tell her colors through the pod, but I held my hoof to my chest as I nearly had a heart/diabeetus attack from how cute she looked. "Hnnnnnnnnng! Too much cute!"
After the nymph had crawled all the way out, Ribbon grinned. "Lets get her out!"
I watched, overjoyed, as Ribbon pierced the pod with her horn, and tore it open, before extracting the nymph. Errrr… “Why does she have so many similarities with me?" The nymph had a midnight blue carperace, blue eyes, and a purple mane and tail, like me before my changes took place.
"I don't know, maybe you're the father?" Low blow, Ribbon, LOW, BLOW. I may have gotten used to being a female, but that doesn't mean you get use that as ammunition against me...
"How does that even work!?, we didn't do it until AFTER you laid the egg!"
"Yes, because THAT'S the question you should be asking, completely ignore the fact that we're both mares." You copied some of my traits when you ascended Ribbon, don’t ques-...
"Ribbon, remember when you became a proto-queen?"
Her response was a very slow "Yeeeeeaaaaah?"
"And how you copied some of my traits?"
"Yeeeeeaaaaah?"
"I think that may have been more than just cosmetic... It may be deeper…”
"Do you have a point?"
Watching the nymph crawl on Ribbon, I remembered a discussion we had quite a while back about her name. I couldn’t help but smile and wave at Mirage, causing her to look at me and chirp. Resisting the urge to ‘dawww’, I responded to Ribbons inquiry. "I think you might have absorbed a part of my very being..."
"Wait, you think I'm absorbing your soul?"
“Absorbed PART of it, otherwise I wouldn't be here right now, it would explain how I survived Sombra and the Plunder Vines, how I’m able to merge with you, the telepathy..."
"I don't like it. What if I absorb more of you? What if I already have?!"
“That… Is a very good question…”
"Think Twilight could help?"
"She can see souls, its worth a shot..." Mirage chirps again, and holds her forelegs out towards me, looking hopeful.
"I think she wants you to pick her up." Why must they be so adorable!? Walking over, I bent down and scooped Mirage into my waiting foreleg, before standing back up with her held to my chest.
"I never knew changelings could chirp like that... Its sooo adorable!" Looking down, I noticed Mirage nibbling on my mane, and nearly dropped dead from the cuteness of it.
A louder, slightly deeper chirp brought my attention back to Ribbon, who was slightly blushing. "Really? I thought I already gave you that info..." She then chirped a second time, causing Mirage to chirp back.
"Too... Much... Cuteness..." Ribbon blushes even deeper at that, unsure of how to respond. Luckily, she was spared by Mirage letting out a cute yawn, before slowly dozing off against my chest. I looked back and forth between her and Ribbon, before deciding to use my mane, to lift Mirage out of my grip, and deposited her on the back of my neck, where I used my mane to keep her from falling off. “Getting out of that egg must have been quite tiring…”
"You would be too, if you had to break out of an egg." She pauses, a slightly perplexed look on her face. "And you've taken care of feeding her, I'm surprised you didn't notice." At that moment, I let out a loud yawn. well that explains why I feel so tired.
"Oh, I thought it was just the hype wearing off..."
"Nope, that was her. Now you know how it feels to be Pinkie when she visits." Completely ignoring what Ribbon had said, I could only stare longingly at the pod Mirage had been extracted from. Ribbon notices my stare, and remembers the last time I slept in one. "What? Do you want to sleep in one of them again?"
I sleepily nodded my head. "Yes... I was also wondering if you would like to join me...?"
"Their not really meant to have more than one in them, but since it would only be for one night it shouldn't be too much of an issue. Sure."
"So... where will Mirage be sleeping...?"
"In her crib, where else? Though it's mostly for decoration since she'll probably be climbing the walls when she's awake." Feeling Mirage being lifted from my neck, I turn and see one of the changelings from the hatchery giving me a slight smile, before setting Mirage on her back, and heading in the general direction of me and Ribbons usual sleeping chambers.
"So, where will we find a *yawn* pod big enough for the two of us?"
"We have some bigger pods meant for buffalo and griffons, we can use one of those."
"Lead the... *yawn* way..." after following Ribbon through three chamber, and down a hallway, we arrived in a room with several large and empty pods, several of which showed scars from repeated use.
Ribbon, using her magic, got one of the pods down, and propped it against the chamber wall. She cut it open with some effort, before changing into a pegasus, and beckoning towards it. "You first." Walking over to the now open pod, I turned around, and let myself sink into its gooey interior. When Ribbon entered after me, I swiftly pulled her into my protective embrace, wrapping my wings around her, and felt her curl up into a ball, her head against my chest, while her hooves wrapped around my midsection.
The moment the pod sealed, the buzzing of the hive abruptly ended, leaving me with the sensation of Ribbons heartbeat and breaths against my chest.
I awoke to the sensation of falling, before both me and Ribbon splattered on the floor, the pods interiors still coating us. The impact caused me to reflexively tighten myself around Ribbon, before whipping my head around to figure out what just happened, when my eyes settled on… “Wendy…”
"HIA! I happen to see you guys in a pod but I thought we weren't doing that anymore, but then I thought maybe someling put you guys there 'cause there isn't supposed to be two ponies in one pod. So I thought I'd let you out and ask 'Why are you two in a pod together?'!.” Oh… Joy. Did she find coffee somewhere? wait… I felt my cheeks rapidly heat up, the weirdness of our situation dawning on me. Wendy was effectively watching me and Ribbon snuggle, while we were covered in slime…
"I was standing there for like, five minutes trying to think of what I should do." Oh sweet lord… I could feel my blush intensify, as I felt Ribbon squirm around in my embrace, before settling back down.
"Wow, your face is like, SUPER red. Are you feeling ok?" Why God… WHYYYYYY MEEEEE!
“Shhh… Can’t you see Ribbon is still asleep? She deserves a nice long rest, don’t you think?” is it me, or is it getting rather hard to move…?
It was about that time I heard a husky, muffled voice moaning from between my wings. "D-dont... stop..." Is… Ribbon really dreaming about doing that with me?! When I looked back up, Wendy had vanished, leaving my rather creeped out. after calming myself down, I just sat there and basked in the warmth of Ribbon, and the gel still coating me, as it slowly oozed down my face…
when I finally decided to let go of Ribbon and get up, however, I realized several things. One, the reason I was starting to have trouble moving, was because the gel I was covered in had started hardening. Two, that gel had now fully solidified, leaving my stuck wrapped around Ribbon like a cocoon, as well as sticking my mouth and eyes shut. And three, Ribbon would be in the same predicament as me.
I begun hearing extremely muffled moans coming from between my wings, and realized Ribbon had woken up.
-Hi Ribbon... This is the single most awkward way I have EVER woken up… Also, we’re both kinda stuck.-
'Why can't I move? What happened to the pod?'
-Wendy decided to let us out… and I was… Kinda too busy basking in your warmth to realize that this gunk was hardening…-
'... I'm never sleeping in a pod again.'
-Agreed.-
'H-hold on, I might be able to... to do it myself.' A green flash originates from beneath my wings, and I soon find the gel flaking off, and I slowly spread my wings, working out the stiffness.
“Did not know there was a spell for that.”
"Takes more energy though."
A soft grin emerged on my face, as I internally chuckled at that. "I dont think thats a problem for you, considering you have me."
"Yeah, I might have food source, but not all of us... " She quickly realizes what she just said, and backpedals in an attempt to avoid causing a problem. "I'm sorry, I should have worded that better." I couldn't help but chuckle at how she awkwardly tried to get out of her presumed situation.
"Its okay. besides, haven't I given you an 'all you can eat buffet' before?"
"Yeah, You did."
I felt my ears twitch as I picked up the steadily growing sound of chirping, Turning to Ribbon, I noticed she had heard it as well. the chirping abruptly cut off, leaving me staring intently at the only entrance to this room.
I blinked, and the next thing I knew, Mirage was pouncing at Ribbon, delivering the cutest glomp I had ever seen, causing Ribbon to wince at the impact. “You certainly are fast."
Yeah, but, how do we keep her safe from all the trouble that comes looking for us…? I would NEVER forgive myself if Mirage or Scootaloo got caught in the crossfire…
"I'm going to go make sure she's got someling to play with."
“Good idea.” I need something more advanced than just charging headlong into the fight… wait… how have I not thought of this sooner? quickly trotting after RIbbon and Mirage, I voiced my curiosity. "Ribbon, I know his seems out of the blue, but how would one go about performing a partial shapeshift? I mean, I know that my shape shifting works differently from yours, but at least I would have an idea of where to start.”
“Umm... hmm. Try a full shift but only change one thing. Do that a few times to get a feel for what changes and then only change that part. That's how I learned how to do a partial shapeshift." Of course, there is no way I would do that around our little Mirage… if my miasma terrified Ribbon the first time she experienced it, then it could traumatize Mirage, something I would never forgive myself for… wait. where did Mirage get to anywa- ”Ah!”
Mirage had somehow scrambled onto Ribbons back while we were conversing, and had managed to make her way onto her head, where she begun cutely nibbling on Ribbons ear, which she was quickly removed from.
“Little ninja we got here, don’t we?”
Ribbon simply looked unimpressed at Mirage’s stealth feat. "I'm not really surprised, we are kinda made for it."
“True… True… So, uhhhh, what were you dreaming about earlier... it sounded pretty..." -Naughty, if you catch my drift-
"I, uh, was t-talking in my sleep? W-what did I say?"
-You said 'don't stop' and pretty huskily, at that.-
'Oh my' I could tell by the look on her face that it was something that she thought I would disagree with. she must think I’m the type who would get jelly about her dreaming of doing it with somepony else.
-So... who was it?-
'You, who else? she says this with a slightly guilty look on her face, and hint of worry as well.
-Oh c'mon... who was it REALLY? ...you think I'm jealous, don't you...?-
'No, and why would I? It's not like I was dreaming about anypony in particular.' by now, she looked ready to pass out in fright, she knew that I knew that she wasn't telling the truth.
-Come on, I can shapeshift, if you tell me I might make it a reality~.-
She pauses, before looking at the ground, contemplating on telling me.
'C-c-chrysalis and Nightmare moon' Somehow, even over our link, that sounded hushed, Ribbons face turning a spectacular shade of emerald.. 'With... wing binds and, uh... collar and leash
-Wow... I could see why you wouldn't want to wake up from a dream like that when you had ponies like those two serving you.-
Ribbon gulps, much to my confusion. 'About that part... I was wearing the collar...’
oh… OHHH! *Fwump!* oh goddammit… not the wings again… WINGS, Y U GO HAPPY GO GO FUN TIME! I could feel my face heating up immensely, both at this situation, and at the stupidity of what I just though.
We just stood there, staring for several minutes, before Ribbon broke the silence. "Should I buy the collar, or will you?"
"Uhhh you can..." I… I don’t even…
As if we didn’t already get kinky enough…
Why am I strangely okay with this…?
Wait… Mirage dissap- OHHHHHHH! I slowly slid to the floor as Mirage nibbled on my ear. BAD CHI, THIS SHOULD NOT FEEL LIKE THAT!
"Come on you," with that, the sensation ended, as Ribbon had grabbed Mirage in her magic. "I'm carrying you in my magic from now on."
I could feel my wings slowly folding back down, as I followed Ribbon, towards the caretaker chambers, which served as both the infirmary and the changeling equivalent of daycare. several drones were buzzing around, trying to keep nymphs from running amuck, and having to pluck several from the walls and ceiling. Of course, the first thing Mirage does is walk up to another nymph and ‘boop’ them on the nose, causing him to scrunch his nose, before running over to me and hiding behind my leg, giggling.
suddenly, the entire room went deathly silent, as every nymph, all turned to face me at the same time.
-Ribbon... why are they all looking at me like that?-
'New food source. I'd put up a shield if I was you.'
-But I've never used a shield... spell...- "This is gonna suck..."
They all charged at me, an oncoming ebony tide of buzzing and chirping changeling nymphs, hellbent on turning me into snack. Once they got close enough for me to make out details on each one of them, they crashed into a shield Ribbon had put up around me, after she had realized my complete inexperience with such spells.
-think i should leave before you tire out?-
'Yeah.'
I quickly fired up my magic, a destination already in mind. when the light faded, I was in our bedroom here at the hive. I slowly trotted towards the bed, and as I reached under it, felt just what I was looking for.
Excellent… Pinkie got them here… Opening the box, I was greeted to the sight of half a dozen Cupcanos, still as fresh as the day they were made, thanks to Pinks getting Twilight to enchant the box… I am one devious motherbucker. I grabbed one in my hoof, and downed the whole thing in a single bite.
“Ohhh that hits the spot…” I waited for a few moments, and felt the heat well up in my stomach. *BUUUUURP!* Rainbow fire… that will never get old.
"How are the Cupcanos I made?"
“Damn good, Pinkie. Daaamn good.” I had genuinly gotten used to Pinkies randomness quite a while ago… It never fails to amuse me when shes around, however.
Grabbing another cupcake, I scarfed it down, smiling happily.
"Glad you like them" She said as she crawls out from under the bed with marshmallows in hoof. I saw the marshmallows, and knew what she had planed, as she reached behind her and pulled out a stick.
she impaled about half a dozen of them on the stick, and held it in the air as I prepared to release another polychromatic belch of fire.
"Pinkie, when did you..."
“Oh hi Ribbo- BURRRP!” and there we go, half a dozen marshmallows grilled to perfection.
"... She brought rainbow cupcakes did she?"
“Yepperoni!”
“OF COURSE!” yes, the ham is strong with me today…
"Can I have some of those?" she points towards the marshmallows Pinkie was currently holding.
“Okey dokey loki!” the next think both of us knew, Ribbon had marshmallows stuck into the holes in her hooves, and Pinkie was gone, leaving a flummoxed Ribbon trying to dislodge the marshmallows, until she tried sucking one out, causing her to moan at the sensation.
"I think she knew you were sensitive there..."
"You think? First foals at Cheerilee's class, and now Pinkie puts marshmallows in them." Gulping down the fluffy sugar, she sucked out another one, trying not to twitch at the sensation of it sliding out of her hoof.
Ribbon chews and swallows it down, to my amusement, as she goes for a third. "You doing this for the taste or because of how good it feels?"
"I can't leave them, it's embarrassing…” she swallows the third and starts on the forth. "Ok, maybe there's two reasons."
“I bet.”
“Not helping.” Once the fourth marshmallow was gone she reached for the last one, but couldn’t seem to reach it. “A, uh. Little help?” umm.. you can just pull it out with mag-
"...Why did it only now occur to me you could have used magic to pull those out?"
Ribbon glared at me, and then at the marshmallow, before turning back to me. "You couldn't tell me that four marshmallows ago?"
"Didnt think of it until now."
"Want the last one?" she hovered the last marshmallow over to me.
"sure, why not." I grabbed it in my magic, and quickly ate it.
“So now that the Marshmallows are gone. And Pinkie, I guess. Should we go back to ponyville? I still need to work on your rifle."
“Probably a good idea. I still need to read through all the books Twilight gave me.”
Never did find out about what caused that explosion either...
’For more information on advanced uses of ice magic, see chapter 35, or see chapter 36 for co-’
*BANG!*
I didn't even think, the moment I heard a gunshot, I teleported straight to the forge, fearing that Ribbon had accidentally shot herself.
The lack of blood didn't do much to soothe my fears, considering Ribbon was nowhere to be found. “Ribbon!? Are you alright!?”
I heard a moan coming from behind the anvil, and saw ribbon curled up behind it, clutching her ears.
-Ribbon? you're not wounded, are you?-
'I'm fine, ahhh, but my ears hurt. Don't touch the crystals, I used the wrong enchantment.'
looking at what was on top of the anvil, I several silvery white crystals, pulsing an ominous red.
'I don't know how to make the primers from you world, so I'm trying to use enchanted crystals.'
-What enchantment did you use?-
'I used an explosive enchantment, I didn't think such a small piece would be so strong.'
-I can see that...- I helped her get back to her hooves, were she leveled a fierce glare at the crystals that harmed her.
'It sounded like the right enchantment, back when my ears worked. I'll have to try a different one.'
"Any idea what went wrong?"
"Wrong enchantment and the wrong size crystal. Luckily I made several. I'll try a shockwave next time."
"Judging from the size, I'd say you were making a 50.cal round... isn't that a little excessive for a general purpose firearm?"
I was hoping to skip using black powder and just use crystals but, I can't control what direction the crystal explosion happens in. I'll need to use powder."
"that is probably a good idea..."
"Mhmm. Want to see the rifle?”
I immediately grinned like a five year old on Christmas morning. "ohhh yessss..."
Ribbon walked over to the weapon rack, takes something covered in cloth down, and placed it on the anvil for me to look at. She threw the explosive crystals away, with a sour look on her face. She then picked up the bundle of cloth, and slowly unwrapped it, revealing what looked like a modified 1873 Springfield rifle…
"Here it is, the R-1 model. Still a prototype but it's in working order, hopefully. I still need to make the ammunition to test it. It has a door on breach to load it and an internal trigger so only a unicorn could use it.”
I felt myself shed a single tear in awe at her crafting skills. "Its... its beautiful..."
"It's good to know that you like it. I'm putting a lot of work into this, as a lot of it I had to do manually with magic. I'd ask Celestia about getting her universities Matter Manipulator, but I'd have to tell her what I'm using it for."
"I for one, firmly support the right to bear arms..."
"You also lived in a more violent world, this world is relatively peaceful."
"correction, EQUESTRIA is relatively peaceful…”
"More so now than ever. But I see you point... I see if we can steal that matter manipulator and get a few changelings working on this with me."
"Sounds risky..."
"I have confidence in them, they can do it."
"Don't tempt murphys law..."
"Who?"
"Murphy's law states that anything that can go wrong, WILL go wrong..."
"Oh, don't worry. We've managed just fine on our own for a long time. Now out, I have more crystals to work with.”
“Awww... “ I put on the best pout I could muster, trying to use the power of cuteness against her…
“Nah hah, I don’t want your icy shadow magic killing my forge. And those eyes only work when you’re tiny.”
Tiny… Aha! like that time we first met Scootaloo, and she hid from us… You want tiny and cute, you’ll get tiny and cute!
I soon felt myself shrinking, until I was the same size as a filly…
“Pwetty pwease?” Dammit brain…
“Hnnng… Fine, you can stay. Just stop with the eyes!”
...Its super effective!
“Yaaay!” I quickly hugged Ribbons leg, a huge smile on my face.
“You do know I can do that too, right? I’ll will get you back for this.”
Worth it! *squee*
…
Wait, did I just make that squeaking noise Fluttershy usually makes?
I did… I must look adorable right about now… Without warning, I was swept off the floor as Ribbon began squeezing the life out of me. My cheeks bulged out from me trying to keep the air in my lungs so she couldn't crush my ribs, but there was no holding it in. All at once, the air in my lungs was squeezed out, but instead of the sick crunching sound I was expecting, I squeaked like a rubber duck. How embarrassing.
Ribbon loosened her hold on me, allowing sweet, sweet air to return to my lungs, but didn’t let go. “What was that?”
“That was me… and no, I don’t have any clue how I did it either…” Man, I forget how soft chitin really is because it’s, well, chitin. Like snuggling against a blanket fresh out of the dryer, except she’s always warm.
“Hmm? You like being tiny, don’t you?”
“...maybe…” Great, I’m blushing, aren't I?
…
Oh screw it, I could get used to this… I felt myself curling up against Ribbons chest, trying to get as close to the warmth as I could… “And the next round of crystals are ready.” I looked back over to the anvil, and sure enough there sat three new very small crystals with an alternating orange red glow. “Hooray for multi-tasking! Now to test them...”
A hammer, coated in Ribbon’s green magic, floated over the crystals. And then she dropped it on top of them, making the hammer jump and setting the the top of the anvil on fire. “Cool...”
“Mhmm, that should work.”
“What did you do, anyway?” Seeing as I was still a filly sized lump of cute, that sounded much more adorable than curious…
“Instead of an explosive enchantment I used a shockwave and a fire enchantment.”
“Seems legit…” I abruptly yawned, the combination of my late night reading binge and the excitement from the misfire, catching up with me...
“If you’re tired, take a nap. I’m just going to load these new primers into the casings I’ve made.”
“Mhmm… you do that…” Who knew this room was so cozy and warm!? I could feel myself drifting off to sleep in Ribbons forelegs, a smile on my face…
“Chi, Chi wake up! I’ve made almost 30 rounds for testing.”
I was up faster than she could blink, before I realized something… Why is everything so big? “Ribbon? when did I shrink?”
“A few hours ago you turned into a filly, remember?”
“Oh… Just gimmie a sec so I can turn back.” Quickly rolling onto my hooves, I felt myself shift as I returned to my normal size. “You said something about testing?”
“Yes, I’ve made about 30 rounds. I figured from your memories that was a pretty good number to stop at.”
“Yeah, I’d say thats a good point to stop for now.”
“Good. We’ll test these at the hive, away from prying eyes. This is illegal after all.”
“Anything you want to do before we head back to the hive?”
“I think Scootaloo’s with her friends, Chrysalis should be fine for now. Nope, not really.”
“Should I teleport us there?”
“Do you want to test the gun now, or later?”
“Right, stupid question…” Taking a few deep breaths, I felt my magic gathering, our destination already in mind, as it wrapped around me and Ribbon. When the light cleared, we were in Ribbons bedroom, the familiar buzzing of the hive music to my ears. “So, we testing it outside?”
“Obviously. I’d rather not blow out the ear drums of every changeling here.”
Soon… “Lead the way, I can’t wait to try this out!” Ribbon lead the two of us up through the hive and past a few new rooms being dug out. What confused me was there was a pretty strong light coming from two of them. Maybe they dug too far?
Anyway, once we reached the main entrance, we flew down to the bottom of the mountain. Where to my surprise, there was a changeling waiting for us. “This is Cloak, she’s interested in turning the griffons own weapons against them.”
Oh… oh joy… Deep breaths Chi, deep breaths… I felt my mind slowly shift gears, not wanting to make a fool of myself in front of a potential unknown...
“H-hello.” The momentary stutter in her voice, combined with the slightly panicked look in her eyes, told me everything I needed to know… She was scared of us… And I don’t mean the ‘unexpected visit from a superior officer’ kind of scared, She looked like she was fearing for her life...
“Is something troubling you?”
-Do I really look that terrifying?-
’Do you want the truth, or a lie to make you feel better?’
-Truth please.-
’Even I’m having trouble looking you in the eyes when you’re like this.’
Jeez… I really am driving ponies away from me, aren't I?
Perhaps a few minor alterations would make me appear less intimidating…
I closed my eyes, as I focused on what I wanted to happen, and felt an itching sensation begin to build, as my fangs receded. Opening my eyes, I noticed the light had become somewhat brighter. I no longer had the eyes of a predator, instead, they looked like anypony elses.
“There is no need to be afraid, little one.”
My sudden changes at least caused the changeling to stop staring at me like I was going to rip her throat out, and actually look me in the eyes. “T-thank you… Ma’am.”
-Perhaps I should try to keeps these changes, no?-
’Maybe. Just keep in mind that they aren’t permanente and you might need a break. Extended transformations can be bothersome.’
“We came here to test our new weapon, did we not?”
“We did, Cloak, can you go set up the targets, please?”
“Y-yes my Queen.”
I was a bit surprised at hearing that. “Queen?”
“Despite my protests, they still call me by title and I am very much a queen to them, even though I gave the crown to the Princess.”
“It means they look up to you.”
“I guess, we did defeat Chrysalis.”
“...Yeah.” after I effectively mind raped her for hurting you. I still feel ashamed for doing that… I was pulled from my thought by Cloak, who finished putting up all targets.
“Targets are ready. Now we can see just how well your new weapon performs.”
“Here you go.” She stated as she levitated the weapon over to me, still wrapped in its cloth followed by a box I hadn’t noticed before.
I slowly unwrapped the rifle, struggling not to fangasm at the sight of it. Popping open the breech, I checked to make sure it was empty, before using my magic to feel for the trigger.
“Ah! there it is.”
Opening the box, I was greeted to little over two dozen rounds, each one slightly glowing with a magical change from the primer. Pulling one out to inspect it, I noticed the light blue tip hinting at the use of miasma. To say I’m interested in what this will do would be an understatement.
“Alright, we’re using live rounds here Cloak, so stay behind me, and brace yourself for some very loud noises.”
I deposited a round into the breach, before closing it and pulled back the hammer. Slowly lowering myself to the floor, I took aim at the first target, a clay pot? I took a deep breath, waiting for the rifle to stop trembling in my grip, and tuned out everything but the target…
Careful…
Steady…
…
*BANG* *SHATTER*
“AHHHH! MY EARS!” That would be Cloak, who was now hunched over clutching her head. Ribbon seemed to be expecting it. Of course, I was running on autopilot, and quickly chambered another round, before taking aim and breathing out…
*BANG* *SHATTER*
Reload.
*BANG* *SHATTER*
Reload.
*BANG* *SHATTER*
Reload.
I had gone into sniper mode, waiting for something to pop out from behind an outcropping of rock, and was minimizing my movements, breathing only when absolutely necessary, and remaining still enough to look like I had been chiseled from the surrounding stone…
“M-my Queen, does she normally do that?” I had tuned out the constant buzzing of the hive, as well as the rhythmic breaths of Ribbon and Cloak, and was listening intently for something else...
“No…” Ribbon walked over to investigate my stillness, and begun waving a hoof in front of my face.
quickly making a slashing motion with my hoof, I spoke to Ribbon through or link. -Be quiet, we are not alone…- Judging from Cloaks gasp not five seconds after I said that, Ribbon had passed it on to her via the hivemind.
After listening for several minutes, I pinpointed the source of our uninvited guest, and took aim at the top of a particularly large outcropping of rock, and fired, blowing the very tip of it off, and causing two someones behind it to yelp.
I tried to shout at them, but no sound came from my lips, even as I attempted to use what the Royal voice, until Ribbon poked me.
“Chi, you’re forgetting to inhale and its kinda freaking me out…”
So I was… Huh, I did not feel the burning sensation in my lungs typically associated with oxygen deprivation. Sharply inhaling, I tried again. “Alright, whatever you are! Come out with your forelimbs in the air!”
“Mother Plucker, shes onto us Cainus!”
“Hawkeye, you said changelings were dumb, and yet, here I see them using GRIFFON firearms, and ontop of that, they caught us.”
Hearing that name filled me with unbridled rage, as I reached behind the outcropping with my magic, and yanked the offenders out from behind it, revealing that same damned griffon, and a large diamond dog, who looked to be a cross between a Rottweiler, and a German Shepherd… Yeah… Even though I was an alicorn, I was NOT getting near him without a sleeping spell ready… Dude was as big as ME, and his muscles looked dense enough that he would stand a decent chance if he went toe to toe with a Hive Guard not to mention he looked strong enough to dig through bedrock like it was styrofoam, which explained how they got into the hive in the first place.
-Ribbon, we may need to do a full sweep of the hive, make sure no other entrances have been created… And we may need the Hive Guard on hand in case El Bruto here decides to make a break for it, mutt looks strong enough to take on a manticore!-
“Oh pluck, oh pluck, oh pluck! I don’t wanna be strangled with my intestines!”
’I’ll have several groups search the mountain.’
“Pardon my griffon, but this turned into a total clusterflock.” Oh, a smartass are we?
“Buddy, theres an acronyms for your situation where I come from… F.U.B.A.R… Fucked Up Beyond All Recognition/Recovery.”
“Please! have mercy! Don’t give me to that mutant Changeling!”
”Oh, you mean me? -Ribbon, make sure Cloak knows that what I’m about to do is only an act.-
“Oh Sweet Ziz! That monster is actually the freaking spawn of Nightmare Moon herself!?” hawkeyes words caused me to grit my teeth in frustration, as I let my minor transformation drop, my true eyes, as well as fangs, now showing.
“Do not compare me to that plebian… I am much, much worse…”
“And if you think we’re just going to hoof you over to Princess Luna again, you’d be mistaken.” Ribbon pitched in. “It’s clear I can’t rely on Princess Celestia for everything. This hive is about to become a lot more dangerous.”
“Now then… What to do with you…” The malice in my voice surprised even me, as I could feel my features slowly shifting into a snarl, my anger quite visible.
“We could always stuff them in a pod and feed off them, what’s the saying? two birds, one stone?”
“I doubt he has much love in him…” The fear coming off the griffon was intoxicating, and left me wanting more. I gave him a large, fanged grin. “all it would take is a single bite, and a quick yank, and it would be over. But that would be too good for you…” That was enough to cause his partner to start sweating nervously, as the implications of what I said sunk in.
“Hmmm, I didn’t say I would the only one feeding off them, and from the looks of it, you’re enjoying yourself.”
“Ohhh yesss.” I was getting far too into this, as I could feel my magic shifting around on its own. “Escape is futile. I could be lurking in any shadow, waiting for you…” by now, the griffon looked like he was going to have a heart attack, and his diamond dog accomplice was sweating bullets.
“And my changelings and I could be anypony you love, and you would never know until the knife was six inches deep.” ’Oh, the love is just pouring off of you.’
“Now, if you tell us everything, you might just come out of this alive…”
-He’s all yours Ribbon.-
“Chi, hold the dog down.” I quickly applied more pressure with my magic, curious as to what Ribbon had in mind. She swiftly bit him on the shoulder, causing the mutt to whimper a few times, before becoming limp. I watched, satisfied, as the griffon begun struggling with renewed effort, fearing he was next. Ribbon saddled right up to the griffon. “What are changelings to you?”
What an odd question to ask right now, unle- Clever girl… throwing him for a loop, are you? It worked, the griffon… Hawkeye, right? Whatever, he stopped struggling and just sort of stared at Ribbon for a moment before answering her. “You’re parasites, monstrous parasites.”
He didn’t… He did not just call Ribbon a parasite! A faint rumble rose from my throat, my displeasure quite audible and visible as it caught his attention. “Don’t look at her, look at me. I’m the one that holds your life in her hooves right now. Now, why do you dislike us? You could have just left, we wouldn’t have chased you.”
The look in the griffons eyes shifted from one of terror, to an almost religious zeal, as he begun smirking. “You fool, griffons are the ones truly meant to rule all!”
“What?” all three of us said in unison. apparently, Griffons have the same ‘master race’ shit going on as germany did in WW2… this is a time bomb waiting to explode, and when it does…
“Oh, this is bad… very, very bad…” How did Celestia not know about this!? First we have whatever the hell caused that explosion, and now we have a bloody war brewing!? The hells next, something crawling out of the pits of hell!? but, why did he suddenly become so confident... unless…
-Ribbon? I think they have a whole freaking army right under the hive…-
’You know we’re moving the hive again after this, to Canterlot.’
Then, it started. The entire hive begun rumbling as the sound of dogs and griffons could be heard. the bastards were literally coming out of the walls! I immediately grabbed Ribbon and Cloak in my magic, and pulled them close to me before erecting a barrier spell, trying to come up with a plan to get us to safety.
“The boss knew it would work!”
by the time other changelings had gotten to the scene of the disturbance, we had been surrounded by dozens of dogs and griffons, and I didn’t know if the barrier spell would hold them off long enough for us to be rescued…
To my horror, this nightmare was far from over. One of the diamond dogs came forward with a sack slung over his shoulder, before he dropped its contents onto the floor, revealing Mirage, tied up and chirping in panic. Hawkeye picked her up, and begun examining his talons, a truly diabolical look in his eyes. “Now are you going to come peacefully, or are we going to have to take more drastic measures?”
I slowly looked into Ribbons eyes, and we both understood that we had no out this time…
With a nod from Ribbon, I dropped the shield, and slumped to the floor, trying not to cry, as I curled up into a ball, unable to bear how similar this was to Maria's death… those were my last thoughts before I felt something being jabbed into my shoulder, and everything begun feeling fuzzy...
Ugh… what the hell happened.
as every slowly came into focus, I felt a rising sense of panic. I was in some kind of cage, surrounded by griffons and diamond dogs, being taken to god knows where, and Ribbon, Cloak, and Mirage were no where in sight.
“So, the Princess finally wakes up.” that voice!
“HAWKEYE YOU MOTHERFUCKER!” I whirled towards the source, and launched a blast of magic, only for it to fizzle out before it even got between the bars. I call hax.
“Hehe, so glad we found out adamantium has anti magical properties, as well as being nigh indestructible. You aren't going anywhere anytime soon.”
“I swear, if you hurt them, not even divine intervention would be able to stop me from destroying you!”
“So long as you cooperate, that won’t have to happen now, will it?”
“What do you want with me, anyway?”
“Boss’s orders. Said ‘the unknowns must be taken care of.’”
Checking under my wing, I confirmed that they had in fact, taken Akumu, meaning I really was defenseless right now.
-Ribbon? can you hear me?-... Nothing, I hope she’s alright…
How did they know where the hive was? we made sure the griffons were knocked out when we brought them there, and yet they found the place!
I closed my eyes, focusing on trying to find Ribbon, an inexplicable sense of fear slowly building in me, threatening to turn into full blown panic. Please be okay… There, I can at sense it. She’s alive at least. I diverted all my attention towards that sensation, blocking out the waking world as I tried to reach out to her.
-Ribbon…?-
’Please don’t be hurt.’
-Ribbon! I’m fine, how are you?-
’I can’t see or use my magic.’
-Are Cloak and Mirage okay?-
I can hear her chirping, but I don’t know about Cloak.’
a wave of relief washed over me, knowing they were unharmed. -Can you contact the hive?-
’I’ve done one better, the princesses are going to be angry about this, but I had a changeling they didn’t know about in the guard and had him tell them what happened.’
-How long until help arrives?-
’I don’t know where I am, so no. But I can still tell them where you are, do you know?’
-I have no clue… wait, remember when you ‘borrowed’ my body after that attack by that dark magic wielding unicorn?-
’Sombra? yeah’
-You could see what I was seeing, right? maybe you know where I am? cus all I know is that it looks like an orchard or a forest...-
’Ok, hold on.’ My eye snapped open of their own accord and I looked around. The griffons were cutting down a few maple trees and there was a river near by. ’Whitetail woods maybe. That place is supposed to be protected, ponies can’t go there without good reason. I’ll let Princess Celestia know.’
As the griffons traveled deeper into the forest, the sounds of wildlife faded leaving an eerie silence.
“We’re here, set it down, he should be here shortly.”
The sudden drop caused Ribbon to fumble a bit with my body, before she managed to regain balance.
I picked up the sound of hoofsteps, and we turned to see a red centaur emerging from the depths of the forest.
-Who the hell is that guy?-
’I have no idea.’
“So, the fourth alicorn princess…”
“Who are you?” Ribbon spoke for me, making her anger quite clear.
“I am Tirek, soon to be ruler of Equestria! and now, your magic is mine!”
A ball of boiling energy gathered in between his horns, and I felt my magic trying to escape me, as it flowed towards him, causing me unimaginable pain as it did so. I struggled, trying to hold on to the smallest bit of magic I could, but it’s no use, I’m not skilled enough with my magic to even try and keep it. As I felt the last of it leave me, my connection with Ribbon petered out, before I felt myself being lifted, and saw some kind of portal being opened in front of me, revealing an island in a lake of fire, several specks dotting it, before I was tossed into it.
The impact was swift, and painful. I basically was flung face first into solid rock, and as I got up, tried to shake the fuzz from my vision, to no avail.
I could barely make out the sound of panicked chirping over the bubbling lava around me, and slowly turned towards the source, no sooner do I turn too see I was being rushed by several chains quicker than I could react. They wrapped around my neck and yanked hard, pulling me towards where they came from, before they finally stop dragging me across the floor.
“So this is what Hell is like.”
“Chi, is that you? Can you help get these binds off?”
I turned towards the source of Ribbons voice, and found her tied up and blindfolded, the same chain around her neck. Mirage trying to gnaw through the ropes, but her tiny fangs weren't doing any good.
I dragged myself across the floor to reach Ribbon, thankfully that the chain was long enough. “Lemme see what I can do.”
The first thing I begun working on was the blindfold, Which actually ripped pretty easily after I got a good grip on it in my mouth. I recoiled in shock upon seeing that the color had faded from Ribbons eyes. “The hell happened! who did this to you?!”
“The same that happened to you, apparently. You look kinda bald.”
I turned around to confirm that yes, my mane and tail had indeed gone missing… magic hair, how the fuck does it work?
“I’ll have time to complain about it later. Right now, I kinda need to focus on getting you untied.”
With that, I begun working on gnawing through the ropes, trying to ignore the taste.
After about an hour, I had gotten the last of the ropes off Ribbon, and was now hugging her tightly, glad she was uninjured.
“I’m so glad you’re not hurt, you do not know how worried I was when I couldn't reach you at first!” I was letting my tears run free, not caring if I made a fool of myself.
“I’m glad you’re alright too. I was afraid they were going to kill me or use me or send me off to who knows where.” She begun crying into my shoulder, leaving me cursing how I was unable to protect her.
“I’m here now…” I slowly wrapped my wings around her, letting her hide herself from the outside world, as I faintly sobbed alongside her. Mirage managed to squeeze herself in between me and Ribbon. When a thought occurred to me, and nearly made me break down into a crying wreck.
“Ribbon? I-if you can’t use magic, h-how are you going to feed?”
“I-i don’t know.”
“At least we’re together.”
“Togwether!”
“Sweet tap-dancing raptor Jesus on a stick, Mirage just said her first words!” I needed that, got me out of my funk. She really did have a knack for distracting people at the best of moments.
“Aww, That’s right, we’re all here. All three of us.”
=====Three Days Later=====
The sound of screaming grabbed my attention from my musings, just in time for me to watch Celestia, Luna, and Cadence impact the ground, watching as they got up, I could tell they had been drained as well.
“Nice of you to drop in.”
I saw Celestia’s eye twitch at my pun, clearly I was doing something right. “How can you be making jokes at a time like this!?”
3… 2… 1… cue the chains.
Fun fact, It turns out the Royal Canterlot voice isn't magic, because Luna damn well near burst my eardrums.
“So, Tirek got you ponies too?”
“Yes, however, we planned ahead, and gave Twilight our magic.”
The sound of chirping interrupted any retort, and left me snickering at the confused looks on their faces.
“Hey Ribbon, they haven't met Mirage, have they?”
“Nopony has, she hasn’t even left the hive until now.”
“Oh yeah.” It was that moment Mirage decided to poke her head out from behind Ribbon, and chirped happily upon seeing our new guests.
“she does somewhat resemble you, Chitsuki, care to explain?” I could tell Luna and Celestia were just poking fun at me, but Cadence seemed genuinely curious.
I had to resist the urge to cackle madly, and shout ‘I HAVE NO IDEA!’, instead, I just held my forehooves in front of me, making a damned good poker face, and told them my theory on it. “Magic.”
“Magic?”
“The hell if I know.”
“Why does nopony say she looks like me?”
“Because everypony thinks that since you’re the Queen, EVERYLING is related to you.”
“We aren’t all related, we’re a community not a family.”
“Queen, changelings do kinda resemble insects, I think you can see where most ponies trains of thought go from there.”
“I hate pony brain trains.”
“Be thankful they thought that way, and not the whole ‘laying eggs inside them’ route. That would not have gone over well.” Aaaaand now I have that image stuck in my head. Just great. And from the twitch in her eye I’d say she has it to.
“Yeah… shutting up now.”
I watched as Mirage walked up to Luna, and held her forelegs in the air, giggling. “Woooona!” The look on Luna’s face was a cross between ‘dawww’, ‘wat’, and ‘brain.exe has stopped working’
“I think she broke you sister, Celestia.”
“I think so as well.”
“...Why is Cadence making baby noises?”
“She does that…”
“...So why does Tirek want to take over Equestria anyway?”
“Revenge.” Revenge? for what?
“Revenge, for what?” Way to read my mind, Ribbon.
“For events from before Discords original appearance, events that predate even us.”
“He’s older than you?” Stop reading my mind dammit!
“There are few who are, but yes, he is.”
“No wonder he had everything planned so well.”
“Is there anyway out of here? Mirage and I can’t feed without our magic to help us.”
“Not without magic, or a force strong enough to break these chains and get past Cerberus.”
“So our only choice is to sit here and hope for rescue.”
“It’s all we can hope for.”
=====One week later=====
I couldn't take it any longer, watching Ribbon and Mirage writhe in pain. Damn this place… it turns out it’s impossible to die here, meaning Ribbon and Mirage were forced to constantly feel the pain of starving to the point one should have died from it, and the princesses were feeling it too. at yet, I hadn't felt the slightest pang of hunger or thirst. Luna had taken to trying to calm Mirage, so she wouldn't constantly cry in pain.
I pulled Ribbon up against me, trying to help lessen the pain, to no avail, when I felt it. Looking up, I noticed several wisps of energy floating towards us.
“So. Tirek has been defeated, and our magic has finally slipped through the doors of Tartarus.”
The wisps seemed to pause in midair, before rocketing towards us, and flowing into us.
As they did so, I felt a familiar strength return to me, as well as the comforting presence of my connection to Ribbon. When I looked back to her, I noticed her staring at me with a look of hunger in her eyes.
As soon as a green beam of energy hit Ribbon, I was on the floor With her on top of me, feeling the sensation of her feeding off me, except much more intense. When the feeling finally stopped, I felt exhausted, and couldn't even will myself to get up, a dopey grin on my face as I realized we might just make it out of here. My magic still felt incredibly weak, but it was there.
Lunas labored breathing alerted me to the fact that Mirage must have latched on to the nearest source of strong positive emotion she could find, which just so happens to be holding her.
I felt Ribbon slump down on top of me, somehow managing to latch onto me in a way that left me pinned to floor, before she seemed to fall asleep, more than likely from finally being full after starving for so long.
I was perfectly okay with that.
“So wait, you said the doors to tartarus had been opened?”
“Its possible. Our magic may have been able to slip through regardless.”
“Uh… does anyone else here smell burning fur?”
That was the moment I saw a flaming Cerberus come running out of a side tunnel, followed by a loud roar, as Dovah, the rest of Tenchu squad, the Elements, and the remaining members of the legion of exiles, come out of that same tunnel. It was who was leading them that caused my jaw to drop.
Motherfucking Scootaloo, riding Gary motherfucking Oak who got very, VERY BIG! as in, manticore sized!
-Ribbon, wake up!-
“Nah, leave… Leave your... queen alone.”
-Our rescue is here, and you won't believe who appears to have spearheaded it. No seriously. wake up!-
’Fine, I’m awa- what?’
“That right, we came here to kick flank and take names!” holy shit, Scootaloo's a badass.
Twilight, still supercharged from the Princesses, teleported the non changeling or pegasi members of the group over to our little island, where to my shock, Gary actually bit through the chains.
Is my badassery contagious or something?
“You're okay!” I promptly took an orange projectile to the chest, as scootaloo glomped me.
“how did you guys get in here anyway?”
Impulse was the one to answer that. “Remember what happened to the training field? we made a bigger one.”
“So you’re basically saying, you bombed the gates of hell open. Michael Bay would be proud. Still, was setting Cerberus on fire really necessary?”
Flint stepped out from behind the rest of the group, holdin- is that a jury rigged flamethrower!? “What else was I supposed to test this on?”
I then heard the simultaneous delighted squeal of Dovah, Fluttershy, and Pinkie. “Its sooo cute!” ah, they found Mirage.
“Ah, I see you've met Mirage.”
“It?” Ribbon is growling? Wow, never call Mirage, it.
“Celestia? why is Luna passed out on the ground?” way to point out the obvious, Twilight.
“Let me answer that, one does not simply cuddle a starving changeling, and not expect to get fed on.” It was around then that I noticed something on Twilights back. It was the rifle Ribbon had made. “Twilight, where did you find that?”
“Somewhere between the hive and Whitetail Woods, why?”
-Ribbon, we have a problem.-
“The hive!” Ribbon turned her attention to Celestia “Did you inform the guard about the griffons?”
“Yes, but by the time they had gotten there, the hive was deserted, and the group that went to check the Whitetail Woods hadn't been heard back from when Tirek attacked.”
Oh shit… Ribbon’s pissed! “That was a large scale attack on us, and they just get away with my whole hive?!”
“Fucking tunnels! they were in cahoots with the diamond dogs, remember? They more than likely got away underground!” Yeah, I was pissed as well, very pissed. “Fucking birds just signed their death warrants…”
“Chitsuki, I hardly think that such ext-”
“Can it.” everypony gasped at my blatant disrespect. “Do you even know what happens to captured Changelings?”
“I’m afraid to ask. No, we don’t.”
“Sex slaves. you heard me right, sex slaves. and the worst part? It is entirely possible for a changeling to feed off of lust.” The look of horror on Celestia, and everypony else for that matter, showed that they now understood just how bad it was for them.
“And it will take forever to find them all, even with the hivemind. It’ll be too late.”
“Those bastards took the Whole. Damned. Hive. I swear, I will make them pay...” The amount of malice in my voice caused everyone, pony and changeling alike, to rear back in fright.
“We shall, Chitsuki. But first, we must leave this place before Cerberus returns with his owner.”
“Owner?”
“Lord Malice, And I would rather not be here when he arrives.”
“And knowing my luck, he’s already waiting for us… Fuck my life. How do we take him down?”
“You don’t, you beat him in a challenge.”
“Well… might as well get this over with. hit it Twi.”
With a flash of lavender, we were all deposited on the shore of the molten lake.
“So what does this Malice guy look like, anyway?”
“We’ve never actually seen him” Said Celestia. “He only ever asked to be told what’s happening in the rest of the world.”
After half an hour of walking, we finally reached the exit. “Finally!” Yet we hadn't seen a single sign of this Malice guy. Walking right up to the hole in the ironically wooden gates to Tartarus, I walked face first into a barrer.
”You aren’t leaving just yet.”
“Oh. Hello! Who might you be, oh mysterious voice?” Who almost broke my nose.
”I am the master of this place.”
“Lord Malice I presume?”
”Indeed, Princess Luna.’
“If you know who we are then you will let us leave!”
”I can not. But I can offer a deal. A demon had escaped with Tirek, find him and bring him back to me.”
“How are we supposed to find him out in the wide, wide world.” I asked. How are we supposed to find one demon.
”He is attracted to violence and you will know him by his murderous intent.”
“You have my attention.”
A bright red light caught my attention and made me look down. A glowing sigil had appeared on my chest. ”Return him to me and I shall remove my presence over you. Fail, and I will drag you back.”
wait a minute… demon… that explosion… Now I know where I’ve seen it before! “Akuma… how did he get here!?”
”He was sentenced here for his crimes”
“Not what I meant, how did he get to this realm? I know I was dragged across dimensions, but what’s his excuse?”
“Do you know him?” Asked Ribbon
“Street Fighter. Not to mention he has a way to kill me permanently...” The shocked silence that followed my statement was almost painful. “Resurrection based immortality isn't going to save you from an attack that destroys your soul... and thats not even getting into what could happen if he was consumed by his own power…”
”That is why he must be returned to this place. I am not a judge nor jury, but a warden.” The sigil on my chest faded, but I have a feeling it’s still there, and the barrier keeping us here vanished.
“Great… We have to fight a guy who has fought the God of Wrath to a standstill.” Annnd Fluttershy just fainted. I’m surprised she made it past the ‘getting your soul destroyed’ part. “At least finding him won’t be much of an issue. He would never turn down a challenge.”
“You’re not really going to fight him are you?”
“Ribbon, I don't have much of a choice.”
“But, you’ve already died once. I don’t want you to die again. Permanently.”
“Don’t think you want me spending the rest of eternity in hell, either.”
”Tartarus.”
“To-may-to to-mah-to, same difference!”
“Fine, if you’re going to fight that guy you are NOT playing fair!”
“Ribbon, have I ever played fair? I freaking nut shotted Discord for petes sake.”
“I… think you’ll need to do better than that.”
“As long as I avoid that one attack, I should be fine.”
“Regardless, it would make me feel better if you let me outfit you with some new tricks.”
“Like?”
“Needles, hidden blades, duplicates, some flight tricks, and I’d like to make some armor pieces.”
“Armor? Can’t I already do that with my miasma?”
“Good point, you can probably make that yourself.”
“But yeah, the other stuff sounds like a good idea.”
“Are you girls just going to stand around in Tartarus or can we go? Pinkie wants to throw a ‘we escaped Tartarus’ party!”
“And a ‘we beat Tirek’ party, and a party for Mirage.” Dammit Wendy! Ribbon glanced at me in concern. Understandable, that’s three parties at once. With Wendy, and Pinkie.
“Thats why I still have my party mecha!” Oh god, I completely forgot about that. This is gonna be good.
“A wise man once said, ‘one does not simply party, one PARTYS HARD!” I’ve always wanted to say that, and judging from the look in Pinkies eyes, I just gave her an idea.
-So we have to take that bugger down, find everyling, and try to prevent a goddamn war.-
’If he’s attracted to violence the war would bring him out.’
Ugh, what did I do last night… oh… yeah. last night came rushing back, and the first thing I remembered was Pinkie somehow figuring out how to get me drunk, despite having a super liver. I think it involved fire, and a potato. I was not happy when the sun decided to make itself known by shining in my eyes. “Curse you Celestiaaaaa.”
*Whump* I rolled out of bed, trying to escape the sheets, and impacted the floor. Goddammit all. Standing up with a groan, I knew the way to get rid of this was tons of water and food. After hauling myself to the stairs, I cringed, knowing my luck, this was going to be painful. Three steps down, I felt my weight shift. “FUUUUUU-”
*slam!*
*Crash!*
*Crack!*
“Owwwwwwch.”
“Are you alright?” I turned my head and glared at her, standing in the doorway to the kitchen
“I’m hungover, I just got out of bed, and fell down the goddamn stairs. So no, I am not alright.”
“I made pancakes if it makes you feel better.”
“Fooooood.” Already I could smell it. Fluffy pancakes, butter, and lots of serup. Picking myself up off the floor, I dragged myself into the kitchen and plopped my head on the table, awaiting the food.
“Wow Ribbon, you're right. Chi did get wasted.” Really Scoots? really?
“Just try and talk quietly for her.”
“Feeeed meeee.”
“Alright, alright... Here.”
The moment she set the pancakes down in front of me, I attacked them. it was sift, it was brutal, and there were no survivors. “Soooo gooood.”
“Chi, I think you got more on your face then in your mouth.”
“If you want help with that hangover, I could take care of that?”
“Yes please.”
Ribbon walked around the table and sat next to me. “Ok, close your eyes.” I did as she asked, expecting it to feel weird.
“Hit me.” A sudden feeling of falling hit me and made me lose my balance, I felt dizzy and nauseous like I was going to throw up. And then it just stopped.
“Feel better?”
“Much.”
“Good. Now I have to take Mirage over to Fluttershy’s, then I’ll make preparations for your avoidance training.”
“Yes, and I can take the time to think up a better armor design. Because what armor I do have doesn't cover much more than the critical areas.” Dude could probably liquify my bones if he hit me with that one attack… he freaking destroyed an island with it! his two most deadly attacks, the Kongou-kokuretsu zan, and the Raging Demon. The latter is the one I’m truly scared of. If I get hit by that attack, its game over.
“Will you be alright?”
“I… I don’t actually know. But I’ll be damned if I don't go down swinging.”
“Alright. I’m going to go grab Mirage.”
And if he shows up in the middle of the battlefield, the collateral will be unimaginable… no, I will not let it come to that!
“If you need me Scoots, I’ll be upstairs.”
“O.K!”
Slowly trudging back up the stairs, Several thoughts raced through my mind. The untold destruction Akuma could cause if I fell to him. How Ribbon would be devastated if I did, the fact that I would have failed Ribbon, just like I did Maria… and what monster I might become, the carnage I might reap until I faded away, If Ribbon fell… Just the mere thought of that filled me with unbridled fury. I had to resist punching a hole in the wall right then and there.
As I walked into the bedroom, I slowly formed my armor, before looking at my reflection in a window, my draconic eyes showing both sadness, and rage. It was the sudden sensation of a familiar weight at my side that confused me. Lifting my wing, I blinked several times in shock. there was Akumu, sitting snugly in its sheath.
“But, I thought I lost this after being captured by the griffons…” unless… despite being partially made of Ribbons shed chitin, it could be formed from my miasma at will! No wonder Nobody ever notices it! It was never there unless I needed it! Ribbon was going to shit bricks when she hears about this!
Annnnd I’m getting distracted. focus on the armor Chi, focus on the armor. I needed something that would not impede my mobility -Do not want to get hit by the Raging Demon.- but would still offer me excellent protection.
’Isn't that why I’m going to show you how to dodge properly?’
-Ribbon, if that attack connects once, its all over, I can’t take any chances.-
’That’s why we’re going to play a very intense game… of tag. I just dropped off Mirage, start running.’
“...fuck.” I teleported myself outside, and bolted. -Please be gentle…-
’I’ll be as gentle as’ “ my own instructor was!”
“OHSHI-” I ducked just as Ribbon whizzed over my head. Full contact dodgeball, much? I could already feel my heart pounding, adrenaline beginning to flow, and the world around me seemed to slightly slow. I spun around, but Ribbon was no where to be found… that left… ABOVE! I quickly leapt back, and in the nick of time, too. Ribbon hit the ground hard enough to leave dents in the ground. I panicked for a moment, but then remembered how the changelings did something similar in Canterlot. She was fine, and OHSHITGOTDISTRACT- I slid under Ribbon as she pounced at me, quickly getting back onto my hooves as I tried to conserve my momentum.
“Never think a trick to cheap to use. If you can’t find an opening. Make one!” Ribbon went right at me, trying to ram into me with her shoulder, only for me to realize I was standing in the house’s shadow. I let myself drop back, and sink into it momentarily, as Ribbon passed over me, before getting back out, and running for it. Too close!
*BRRZT*
“Ah HELL nah!” I dodged, ducked, dipped, dived, and dodged every spell Ribbon shot at me. Several of them just barely missing. If this was her ‘not good’ at magic then I must really suck. I ran past several buildings, took several turns before Ribbon changed tactics on me. The next turn I took I was blocked by a green barrier.
“...I call hax!”
“I call fair game!” Ribbon was going for close-quarters again, only for me to dissolve into miasma and reform behind her. She turned to face me and spat gel in my direction, but a flap of my wings got me airborn. I can probably out speed her, but her wings are designed for much more maneuverability than mine, meaning I had to get out in the open, which I doubt she was going to let happen. an idea occurred to me, and I released an undirected flash of magic, before using my shapeshifting, not change form, bit change color, so that I perfectly blended in with the sky.
-Never underestimate human ingenuity- Ribbon finished rubbing the spots out of her eyes and looked around for me, but became confused at my disappearance. how did I not think of this sooner? Heh, she looks kinda funny bobbing her head around like that.
*BRRZT*
“Woah! How did you see me, that’s not fair!”
“Try watching an owl hunt mice, or any other predator hunt. You might just learn something.” Time to put a twist on an old classic.
“Dammit, your go- what. the. fuck. is. that.” Of course Ribbon fell for it. The moment she looked away, I teleported into the leaves of Twilights treebrary, and once again abusing my shapeshifting, matched the color and texture of the leaves, even taking the time to try and mimic their swaying in the wind, and stilled my breathing until it was non existent. Empty my mind, she can sense fear… Thank you Metal Gear, cardboard boxes weren't the only trick I picked up from playing that series.
I watched as Ribbon approached, coming within a few feet of me, allowing me to hear her muttering. “She’s sloppy, but learns quickly.” An unusually strong gust of wind blew past, blowing Ribbons tail away and giving me a clear view… HOT DAMN!
…
Aw crap. Ribbon spun around, a evil grin on her face. “What did I say about being Sloppy!” Ribbon dove right at me, giving me time to properly react.
I went to fly up and out of her way but my hoof got caught in a branch. “Shi- AH!” With me stuck, Ribbon hit me like a battering ram, sending us both down into the tree and through one of the windows in Twi’s house, where we landed on the floor with Ribbon pinning me down.
“Uhhhhh… what happens now?”
“Now we start over until you’re exhausted or I’m bored.”
“Rainbow! how many times do I have to tell you, there’s a door for a reas- oh.” Twilight had walked in, intent on berating a certain polychromatic pegasus, only to find me and Ribbon instead. “Do I even want to know?”
“Intense game of tag?”
“What Ribbon said.”
Twilight slowly begun blushing. “Thats… not what it looked like to me.”
Yeah, Ribbon does kinda have me pinned to the floor… And now I can’t get the image of me and Ribbon doing it out of my head. Ribbon glanced down at me for a moment before her face turned green with blush too. Ribbon jumped off of me. “We’ll be on our way. K, thanks, bye!” And like that she was gone, leaving me to deal with Twilight.
-Why the sudden hurry?-
’Nothing. I’ll be in the basement, come get me when you’re done talking to Twilight.’ What would she be doing in the basement, the only things we do down there is rehabilitate chrysalis, and well… bang.
“Something on your mind, Chi?”
“Yes, I’ve been trying to figure out how to improve my armor, without restricting my mobility.”
“Oh yeah. Because you have to fight that demon at some point, right?”
“Bingo.”
“I think I might have the desing your looking for…” She begun rapidly scanning through books, until she stopped on an old, tattered, red one, that lacked any title.”You probably didn’t know this, but there were actually a few ponies who supported Nightmare Moon. The book I have here, is a notebook of one of those ponies, a blacksmith to be precise. It was his job to to make all the armor that the cult wore. Ah, here’s the entry I was looking for.” She turned the book around so I could see it.
“That, is a damn fine piece of art, and it looks perfect as well.” A sudden idea popped into my head, a rather cheesy idea. “Now I must go, my Ribbon needs me.” With a quick teleport, I arrived in the basement of our house. “Oh. My…”
“Oh. My.” It was Chrysalis’s pod… She was thrashing about inside of it, while Ribbon just stood there, unsure of what to do. “Is this normal?”
“Not really.” Bloody hell, this can’t be good.
“Should we let her out?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe knock her out first, do that thing and go in her head.”
“Too risky, I do not want to see what’s going on inside her head if shes spasming like this.”
“I don’t want to let her out, she could hurt herself, or us.”
*Splurch!* Chrysalis had just stabbed her horn through the pod, and her convulsions were causing her to rip it open. “Don’t think theres much of a choice now. When she’s out, I’ll pin her down until she stops flailing.” Why was this happening? and now of all times?
With a wet splat, Chrysalis landed on the floor, where I used magic to hold her down, while looking at Ribbon in confusion. “Do you have any idea why this is happening?”
“I donno. She wasn’t like this when we came back from Tartarus.”
The ex-Queens spasming slowly subsided, until eventually the only motions were her breathing. “Chi, we have a problem.” I looked at Ribbon, fear clearly shown on her face. “She’s waking up.”
“Not necessarily a bad thing, for all we know she’s changed since the wedding.”
“I don’t know. I don’t know and I don’t care. You can de-”
“Ribbon?” Ribbon had just stopped, when I noticed Chrysalis slowly opening her eyes, before she begun staring at me in absolute terror.
Still holding her in my magic, I took a few steps back, looking at Ribbon for guidance. -Shit, now we have her to deal with in addition to rescuing most of the hive.-
“I’m going to go get Twilight. Keep holding her down.” Ribbon vanished in a flash, leaving me alone with Chrysalis, who now looked even more terrified than before. Getting fed up, I tightened my magics grip, leaving her immobile.
“STAY THE BUCK AWAY FROM MEEEEE!” I immediately clamped her mouth shut with my magic to keep her from screaming again, because I was not in the mood for shit like this.
“Oh for the love of… This is my first encounter with Ribbon all over again… except she wasn’t indoctrinated into believing whatever ancient changeling propaganda you were.” I noticed that Chrysalis’ rapid breathing and futile struggles lessened. “And no, I’m not going to say anything more on that. I’ve probably said too much already. What I can say, is that I do not intend to harm you. Yes, I will fully admit I went overboard when you hurt Ribbon, and turning you into a vegetable was not the best thing to do, but I react extreamly violently when someone I care for is hurt. Now, on that topic, I believe you tried to take over Canterlot, because you and your fellow changelings were starving, correct?”
She nodded rapidly, unable to do much else.
“Good… Now, I’ve seen tiny bits of your memories, and judging by them, you faked taking Canterlot over for more power, because doing so due to you and your people starving would make you appear weak, correct?”
She nodded again, having calmed quite a bit upon realizing she was not going to die.
“So I’m guessing you’re actually glad you’ve been overthrown, and no longer have hold up that facade?”
Her eyes widened, and she slowly nodded.
“Now, I’m going to let you talk, and you're going to remain calm, and not scream, okay?”
She nodded once more, before I released my magics grip on her mouth.
“You… You were in my head?”
“Would you rather have remained in a coma?”
“...No.”
“Then stop complaining, at least you’re in semi-friendly territory.”
“Huh?”
“...I don't know how they found it, but the griffons, with the diamond dogs assistance, ransacked the hive, and got everyone there…”
“They what?” There's the spiteful voice I remember. “And you didn’t do anything about it!?”
“They got me and Ribbon as well, and took us to some weird centaur guy named Tirek, who drained us of our magic, before tossing us through a portal to hell.”
”Tartarus.”
“Same thing, two different names… What?” I looked down to see the glow of the sigil that Lord Malice placed on my chest fade away. Is he really going to try and correct me every time? “Don’t ask… As I was saying, after getting chucked into Hades, and eventually having the Princesses join us, well… I’d rather not talk about what happened after the first week in there…”
“And you got out how?”
“Our standby spec. ops squad, the remaining members of the Exiles, and the Elements, raided the underworld… After bombing the gates open. With a filly riding a manticore sized timberwolf spearheading the group. Although in order to get out I had to make a deal with the resident warden, and bring down a demon who escaped… And possibly came from another dimension, but thats besides the point. All in all, typical Monday.”
“That’s ‘typical’, what else has been happening?”
“Well, there was that one time I fought the god of chaos, and nut shotted him, I fought a thousand year old unicorn corrupted by dark magic, fought a hydra, died, and had to deal with Ribbons hatchling.”
“You died!?”
“...I got better.”
“It’s not like a sickness, you don’t just ‘get better’!”
“Yeah well, apparently when you’re part spirit, and are using someone else to anchor yourself to the material plane, that can happen.” It seems Chrysalis is a little uneducated about souls, as my explanation left her fairly confused. “Basically, resurrection based immortality.”
“You mean… you’re a lich?” Her expression turning towards fear again.
“No! I can die, I just don’t stay dead. Kinda like a shadow, you might be able to make it go away temporarily, but it will keep coming back so long as there is still an object to cast it.”
“You’re not really convincing me here.”
“Look, I think its because I don’t fully exist on the material plane.”
“What do you mean ‘fully’?”
“Lets see, I can dissolve into a cloud of miasma, and reform myself into just about anything, of course it really drains my magic to turn into something bigger than myself, then there's the fact that I apparently don’t need to eat, drink or breath, although I still do that because i’ve been doing it since I was born, oh, And I can apparently sense and feed on fear.” I’m essentially a giant walking ‘fuck you’ to physics.
Chrysalis opened her mouth to respond but a flash of light caught our attention. Both Ribbon and Twilight had teleported into the room, upon seeing Twilight though Chrysalis was freaking out again and I had to clamp her mouth shut, again.
-Crap, she didn't know about how I accidentally caused Twilights transformation!-
’Aw ponyfeathers...’
“Wuh, buh, huh!?”
“Twi, calm down.”
“Explain. Now.”
“Okay, so during the wedding, I had rendered Chrysalis here a vegetable in a fit of rage after she hurt Ribbon. Celestia tried to keep her locked up, but she didn't know that changeling get nutrients exclusively from emotions, meaning she was wasting away. Frankly, I took pity on her, because being trapped in your own mind as your body wastes away is a fate I wouldn't wish on my greatest enemy. After a bit of dreamwalking, I managed to start the process of getting her out of her mind, and she just ‘woke up’ a few minutes ago. As to why she’s freaking out? remember Twi, you weren't a Night Terror back then, and considering I put her in that coma in the first place for hurting Ribbon, shes more than likely afraid that you were going to do worse after what she had done to your foalsitter and big brother during the wedding.”
“I was wondering what happened to her, but a coma? I thought she was just in jail.”
“Yeahhhh, I may have broken her mind at the time, after she hurt Ribbon, by showing her things nobody was meant to see…”
“Well she looks fine now.”
“Well, after a bit of dream walking, I managed to kickstart the recovery, and it turns out she wasn’t invading canterlot for the power, she just said so because saying her and her people were starving would make them appear weak.”
“Did she even bother to learn about her… food? we would’ve helped.”
“Theres the other thing, she was kinda indoctrinated into believing some old changeling bullshit propaganda about ponies being nothing more than enemies and food.”
“As a scout, I wasn’t really in the hive that much, I was with ponies. For the most part, all I did was watch the guard movements.” Ribbon finally decided to add her piece, which actually made a bit of sense, as I was starting to wonder why she didn’t think so as well.
“Ribbon, look at it this way, she’s actually glad you overthrew her, as now she doesn’t have to hold up that facade of being power hungry.”
“So, she doesn’t care? I would of assumed she’d want the throne back.”
“You’re right that she doesn't want it back, but what she IS pretty pissed about the griffons getting most of hive.”
“Regardless, she still tried to invade Canterlot.” Said Twi. She’s right, we can’t just let her off the hook, but we can’t just give her back to Celestia either.
“Maybe so, but we can’t just lock her up, she’ll starve.”
“Which means I need to let the others know about her. Remember we have an outpost in Canterlot now, the old crystal mines. We could lock her up there.’
-Or assuming there's some way to keep her from teleporting out, we could keep her here.-
’Well I sorta kept that magic canceling ring the griffons made you wear. I intended to use it for... something else, but we could use it on her.
-That could work.- Ribbon disappeared in a flash and came back a minute later with a greenish looking ring.
Twilight gave her a bit of a hesitantly confused look. “Why do you have one of those in the first place?”
“This.” Ribbon placed the ring on Chrysalis’ horn. Chrysalis tried to back away but I kept her from moving.
“Now then, I would like to have a talk with our guest here in private.”
“Uh, alright Twilight, you do that.”
Before me and Ribbon teleported back upstairs, I released Chrysalis from my magics grip, knowing that Twilight could handler her if she tried something. With a flash of light, me and Ribbon appeared in the kitchen.
“I managed to get the rifle back, Twilight gave it back. Though, it’s a shame the griffons got Akumu, guess we’ll have to make a new one, huh?”
“Actually…” I lifted a wing, and watched as a cloud of miasma formed into Akumu, complete with its sheath. “It turns out it works on the same principle as my armor. I can form it at will, which still confuses me since we did use some of your discarded chitin to make it.”
“That is confusing. But that’s good, we didn’t lose our weapons. AND, the outpost back in canterlot managed to” She lend in and whispered. “They managed to steal the matter manipulator while we were in Tartarus.”
“Sweet.” So now we can eventually upgrade, that will be something I’ll be looking forward to. “But still, we’ve been avoiding it for long enough. How are we going to rescue everyling?”
Ribbon sighed, “If they’ve already been… sold off, we’ll need to do it one by one. But that’s a lot of changelings, there’s no way they managed that yet.”
“At least it would be fairly easy to get in undetected. We have the shade form, remember?”
“Yeah, finally a good use for it. The first few rescues should be easy, until they realize what’s happening.”
“If you remember, unless they saw us merge, we were unnoticeable unless we drew attention to ourselves, made no sound other than when we spoke, and the moment they looked away, they completely forgot we were even there.”
“True, but it would still go faster if we had help and they can’t all use that.”
“Well, there is Rushdown, He can sneak up on Pinkie of all ponies!”
“Then we have two, you and me, plus Rushdown. We need a lot more. Once we’re at the Griffon Empire we’ll need to set up shop, a safe place that we can guard and get changelings out. And there’s a lot of different city’s we’ll need to check. Who’s to say my changelings are the only ones they have, what if they took others?”
“Remember, the diamond dogs were in on it too, and they are an unorganized bunch, I think we should try to get them first, so we know what to expect when we hit the griffon empire.”
“And they’ll be the one in the most amount of danger, and we should save them soon. Just one problem, which pack helped the griffons?”
“Simple, Gary can sniff em out.”
“If the scent isn’t too old by now. It’s been a long day and I think Twi should be leaving, having finishing up with… whatever she wanted from Chrysalis. We’ll head out in the morning. I’ll have a larger group of changelings come down from the Canterlot outpost, that was a big pack of dogs, we might need the extra numbers.”
“Not too many though, I’d rather get in there and get out with our fellow changelings unseen.”
Our conversation went on as Ribbon started talking about outfitting some changelings with armor. Their natural armor was better than nothing, but if it broke it was very painful. Eventually Twilight had left and Fluttershy dropped off Mirage. I scooped up Mirage and brought her upstairs to the bedroom, Ribbon had already made a new crib, she was probably due for a new one anyway, she’s gotten much bigger.
We were at the hive, where Rushdown had joined us, and had been waiting for Gary to pick up the dogs scent. Just being here had caused Ribbon to become depressed.
“So I was told you wanted me specifically, this must be pretty important.” Rushdown's inquiry derailed that train of thought, causing me to blink a few times as I collected my thoughts.
“It is, Rushdown, we needed you in particular because of how stealthy you can be.”
“I’m listening.” He gave me a 'go on' gesture with his hoof, clearly interested.
“So the plan is to have Gary sniff out the diamond dogs that were part of the raid on the hive, and from their, me, you, Ribbon, and a few other changelings are going to sneak in there, and free everyone.”
*BARK!* Finally! Gary dashed into a rather large and uneven tunnel.
“He’s got the scent!” I quickly bolted after the oversized timberwolf, a sense of anticipation building, as Gary led us down a tunnel, following his nose.
It looked different from the normal tunnels of the hive, Changeling diggers did a good job of making everything smooth but these dogs didn’t care. Soon, the tunnel began descending at a sharp angle, the air heavy, carrying with it a sensation of unease.
-I got a bad feeling about this.-
’I don’t like this either, even the air in the hive was never this thick.’ The tunnel eventually exited into a sort of hub, lots of different paths connected to one room. Gary sniffed around for a bit and went down the biggest tunnel. Several veins of minerals dotted the walls.
After an hour of walking the heavy air about this place started to lift, alongside our altitude, it was easy to see why. The tunnel was starting to widen and I could see a light. When we exited, I took a deep breath, glad to be out of that cramped tunnel. Looking back, our little group was quite far away from the mountain that held the now abandoned hive. What lay before us was a vast expanse of grassland, the tall grass easily hid the hole we came out of, especially in this late hour.
"We should probably set up camp here."
“Alright. Cut down some of the grass, and see if we can make a fire!”
Ribbon soon found a large amount of grass hovering in her face, as I had pulled a bunch out of the ground with my magic. She swatted at it like a fly that was buzzing around her.
"Hold up." Rushdown suddenly bolted upright, his ears swiveling in search of something. "Does anyone else hear flapping?"
He's right, I do hear it... "Sounds too big for a bird, or even a griffon..." We all listened intently, until Ribbon suddenly shouted in panic.
“Dragon! Get down, hide!” Upon the word 'dragon' I was already hitting the deck, hunkered down right beside Ribbon. Her breathing had picked up rapidly, and her eyes had shrunk to pinpricks. A large shadow passed over us, and when I looked up, I felt my breath hitch.
A large brown wyvern sailed over us, as Ribbon begun whimpering in absolute terror.
-Ribbon, are you okay? If I didn’t know any better, I would think you were having some kind of horrendous flashback right now…- As the dragon flew off, I scooted closer to Ribbon, before draping a wing over her, trying to comfort her. She was practically as scared of dragons as Fluttershy was!
“Those things shoot fire! Why wouldn’t I be scared?!” Ribbon whisper yelled at me. Okay, that is actually a good point, that would hurt like hell.
"But what would a dragon be doing here?"
“I don’t know. Chances are, we’re going to find out and I don’t like it.”
"Neither do I... fighting a hydra was one thing, but a dragon!?" The only good part about this was at least it wasn't Ridley or Alduin. Now that would be bad. "Wait. Thing?"
"Yes, thing, monsters.” Ribbon turned to address everyone. “Everyling, forget the fire, we’re sending the night in the tunnel. We don’t need to be attracting any attention.”
“Monster? I know they can be greedy, but monsters?”
Ribbon walked past me, towards the tunnel. “Not all treasure is silver and gold.” The implications of that sentence hit me like a freight train.
"What, Happened?"
“I’d rather not talk about it.”
"I can see that whatever happened is quite the sore spot for you."
“Just. Drop it, please.”
"Alright, I'm dropping it."
I watched as as the other changelings finished concealing the tunnel entrance, and sat down beside Ribbon, draping a wing over her. I could tell that dragon had left her quite rattled, especially due to the incident she brought up, but refused to elaborate upon. I soon felt something clutching my side, and found Ribbon holding onto me like I was the only thing that mattered to her.
As I felt her breathing slow, I couldn't help but wonder what was in store for us.
When I awoke, I could no longer feel Ribbon against me, and instead found her standing by the entrance to the tunnel, staring out into the sky as the sun rose.
Taking care not to disturb her, I slowly got up, and made my way over, unsure of what was going on in her head. I could hear her mumbling under her breath, but couldn’t make out what she was saying.
"Ribbon?" Ribbon yelped in surprise. “Sorry.”
“It’s ok… You’re the first one up, the others will be getting up shortly.”
"Somethings been troubling you, hasn't it? Other than the dragon, I mean."
“Yes. This hive was attacked, and we failed to see it coming. Even if we rescue all the changelings that were taken from me, where will we go? We can’t just go back to that hive, it’s known, it’s one thing for the ponies to know, at least now. But, now the griffons know.”
"I can think of two places, we either colonize the Everfree, or we try to convince Celestia to let us use the Canterlot crystal mines."
“The Everfree has to many creatures in it, we’d have to show up every hydra and manticore. As for Princess Celestia, she's not really a problem, it’s the nobles and the hissy fit they’ll throw. If we did make it into Canterlot, it wouldn’t matter if we’re known. But that still leaves the problem of the diamond dogs, their made to dig, and we need a way to protect ourselves from them.”
"Ribbon, the dogs were too stupid to have done that without the griffons help, and I doubt the griffons would be dumb enough to do that if we were in Canterlot."
“Attacking us there would be a declaration of war, and Equestria as a lot of allies.”
"But do the griffons have allies?"
“I don’t know, they might.”
"And thats what worries me, if the griffons were dumb enough to do it, we could have a world war on our hooves."
“I saw from your memories, sounds horrid. Though, I doubt it would be that catastrophic here… at least for Equestria.”
"You may think that, but wouldn't that make nearly everywhere a prime target for those, windigos, I think they were called?"
“If their are any still alive, yeah, they’d be a problem.”
"Sorry to interrupt, but everyones ready." Gah! Damnit Rushdown, don't sneak up on us like that!
“Good, lets go.” Ribbon went up in flames, she’d turned herself… green, still covered in chitin… but green, as did the others. Needless to say, I was confused at first.
"Camoflauge?"
“I suggest you do the same. Rush can hide under Gary, and Gary, well, who’d want to eat him?”
"Killer beavers? And if you want to stay hidden, there's always the shade form."
“Aside from the legendary killer beavers, I think he’s fine. Now give me the shade form.”
I obliged, and allowed myself to dissolve, before flowing over Ribbon, and settling against her chitin, leaving her coated in familiar inky shadows. The transition to using Ribbons senses was still somewhat jarring.
Ribbon still poked her head out and looked around, and after seeing nothing moving, she left the tunnel behind. The others made a quick dash for the tall grass, while Rushdown just walked out with Gary right above him. Okay seriously, what did Scoots feed him? Fertilizer?
-Coasts clear, for now, anyways.- It felt nice, being wrapped around Ribbon like this, like this was were I belonged, keeping her safe, and invisible to prying eyes. I guess its one of the quirks of us being so closely linked.
We kept walking for hours with little change in scenery, at least it’s more pleasant than that cramped tunnel. It gave me plenty of time to think. One thing I’ve come to realize is that it seems every sapient race has had it out for changelings at some point or another, yet they adapted to their impromptu trial by fire. An almost... human, quality. Perhaps… Perhaps I was meant to be here? If not for that one chance meeting with Ribbon, they might still be in that fire.
One thing that did slightly worry me, was how I had seemed to have developed a hair trigger temper against any perceived threat to Ribbon, or the rest of her hive. It actually scared me that I felt satisfied after incidents like that, like I wanted to fight. Maybe, that’s why I joined the military years ago, back on my world, and I’m only noticing it now. Or is it something left over from the Nightmare?
’Chi? I can hear them. We’re close enough, I tell where they-
*ROAR*
-Aw crap.- Ribbon was on the ground again in seconds. Even if nothing could see us, it still seemed to scare her.
-Ribbon, get up! it might not be able to notice us, but what about the others!-
’NO! I don’t want to be caught again, I don’t want to go back.’
”Damn dogs, you kept me waiting and this is all you have to show?!” A small puff of flames ahead of us caught my attention. There must be a drop off ahead of us, that must be where the diamond dogs den was, and the dragons attacking it. That’s good, we’re out of sight and it’s too enraged with the dogs to notice anything else.
-Look, we aren’t even in sight of it yet, we’re fine so get up.-
’Everyling, dig. We’re digging our way into the den. Don’t let that dragon even have a chance to see you.’ I stayed silent, not wanting to disturb Ribbons concentration, and instead considering how to approach her about her previous experience with a dragon. It wouldn’t be easy. I really hoped it wasn't what I thought it was, because if it was, I would personally hunt the fucker down, and skin him alive.
-Ribbon, I know you're absolutely terrified right now, but if that dragon kills all those dogs, we might lose any chance of finding the griffons and the changelings they captured.- I just couldn't find it in me to leave her when she was this shaken up, I was afraid my presence was the only thing keeping her from having a complete breakdown. -Ribbon! You need to focus!-
’I am focusing, I’m focusing on digging!’ She actually was, I had become so focused on trying to keep Ribbon from losing it, that I hadn't noticed her join the tunneling effort. She was digging far faster than the others were, using my miasma to move large amounts of dirt at once.
The bottom of the hole we were digging gave way and Ribbon fell through into the dens tunnels.
Turns out the dragon was too big to fit in the dogs den, and had gotten stuck at the entrance, so we didn’t need to really worry about him while we’re in the den. As soon as we broke through the dirt, there was a jet of flame behind us. Ribbon peeked around the corner to see the trapped dragon cursing the diamond dogs.
Now we were running down the halls. Ribbon and I went one way, Rushdown went another, and the rest of the changelings split up evenly. The hivemind was actually somewhat useful when we were in shade form, as it somehow allowed the changelings to still see and remember us. That’s two ways we can be seen, changelings via the hivemind, and those that see our transformation happen.
We raided several rooms, Ribbon depatching the diamond dogs in a non-lethal manner before breaking the chains on any prisoners. Mostly our changelings, but there were a few that were different. They had a gold carapace and yellow eyes, and their fangs weren’t as pronounced as Ribbon’s hive. They weren’t able to see Ribbon and me either. The few we encountered seemed quite startled by having his binds just break off for seemingly no reason, but followed the others out. Couldn’t be helped, they’d just forget anyway.
One of the dogs however, didn't go down quietly, and we soon had several pointing spears at us, the perception filter broken, and Ribbon not really a fighter. -Just great.- Ribbon ran back down the tunnel we came from. Being in a cramped space, Ribbon wasn’t able to fly and the dogs were keeping pace. Clearly the other groups agroed the dogs as most of the tunnels are collapsed, no doubt trying to slow us down.
A lot of collapsed tunnels and a few turns later, the diamond dogs still right behind us. Until a jet of fire told me what was up ahead. Ribbon skidded to a halt and faced the dogs, I think we attracted even more attention. The dogs, turned wall of spears were threatening to skew if Ribbon didn’t keep moving and were slowly forcing us back.
The spears forced Ribbon into the tunnel the dragon was stuck in. ”Worthless mutts, if you want me out of your den you need to dig me out.” Maybe he doesn't see us? so it’s only the dogs.
“We brought shadow creature that attack us.”
”What creature?” Cool, he really can’t see us yet.
“Shadow creature in front of us.” The dog that spoke poked Ribbon in the flank with a spear, while she was busy staring at the dragon in fear, causing her to yelp, before the dragons eyes narrowed. So much for that.
“Oh buck.”
”Interesting. Consider your debt paid in full, now dig me out!”
”Please, no.”
-Ribbon, calm down we’ll be alright.-
“We dig you out and you leave?”
“I don’t want to go back.”
She’s not listening to me. -Ribbon, it’s okay. As soon as they dig him out, he’ll turn around and forget while we run away, alright?- I could feel something being drawn from me, for what purpose, I had no clue, but it might have something to do with Ribbons freakout.
”Yes I’ll leave, and I’ll take the creature too. Now dig-”
”I don’t want to go back!” Holy schnapps. Ribbon turned on the dogs and impaled them with crimson crystal spikes, killing and pinning them all to the ceiling as she ran! Leaving behind the stuck and now confused dragon behind.
Ribbon ran down the tunnels, the dogs we past didn’t even notice. When she finally slowed down, she leaned on the wall, breathing heavily. -Ribbon, what in the name of god happened back there?!-
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I just freaked out! I just… I just can’t deal with dragons.”
-This has to do with what you mentioned earlier, doesn't it. About ‘not wanting to go back’-
“It was humiliating and demeaning, what he made me do. I don’t want to talk about it.”
-Ribbon, this is serious, what the hell are you going to do if a dragon comes after the hive? freezing up like that is not an option.-
“We’re moving the hive to Canterlot, Princess Celestia can deal with it.”
-And if she fails?-
“If the sun goddess can’t take down a dragon what makes you think I could?”
-Ribbon. What did that dragon do to you!?-
“He had me in his hoard for over two years! It was torture, he dripped iron on me when he was bored and made me… do things, to him and in front of him. Please don’t make me talk about it!”
-HE DID WHAT!?- I felt a fury stronger than any I had experienced course through me. I felt Ribbon flinch at my sudden anger. Taking a few deep breaths to calm myself, wait, was it me or Ribbon breathing? Whatever, bigger issue first. -Ribbon, from what I’ve just heard from you, such experiences would break a lesser mare. You’re stronger now, and not alone, either. And either way, a bit of fear is good, but not on the levels that you’re showing. You’re scaring me, Ribbon, it’s like I’m the only thing keeping you from having a complete breakdown right now.-
“Can we just save the others and leave, please?”
-We’ll continue this someplace private.-
Ribbon made sure to take down ever dog this time, with a lot more force than before. Though, not as much as when she was faced with the dragon, but still a lot. Once we got all of our changelings we headed topside. As soon as we were out of the den, our changelings swarmed around us, to the confusion and bafflement of the changelings belonging to other hives. -How badly do you think they'll react to us seeming to appear out of thin air when I separate from you?-
“My queen, we felt that you were distressed. Are you alright?”
’Probably not well.’ “Don’t worry, I’m fine.” Really Ribbon? You can't just say 'I'm fine' after having something damn close to a PTSD flashback. Oh, great, they're all staring at us now.
-Uhhh... You do realize the others have noticed you now that you spoke.-
’You should probably reform youself.’
-Good idea, one sec...- I slowly peeled myself away from Ribbon, before I settled into my natural form, only to notice that the foreign changelings were all huddled together in fear of this new queen and an alicorn. I hate it when people are afraid of me for no reason, I mean, sure I look downright terrifying, but I'm actually pretty nice so long as my friends aren't in danger.
Ribbon walked up to the yellow changelings and stop a good distance away. “Do you all know where your hive is?” They all nodded vigorously. “Then go back to your home, and let your Queen know that the Equestrian hive is not here for your territory. I just want my changelings back, the ones that the griffons kidnapped, and any help would be much appreciated.” They just stood there. “Well go on. Shoo.” Ribbon made a motion with her hoof and all the yellow changelings scrambled to leave.
-Hey, is Cloak amongst the changeling we got out of there?-
’No, and I’m not surprised. We have a lot more to go.’
-We might need to set up some kind of outpost, somewhere the changelings we free can rest before resuming their journey to the hive.-
’We’ll also need to make sure we have a supply line for love and anything else we might need.’
-sounds good.-
The rest of the trip was pretty mundane. After crossing into griffon territory, we needed to find somewhere to bunk for the night, where we wouldn't be seen by any griffons.
We were passing through some kind of canyon, several waterfalls dotting the sides of it, connecting to a large river at the bottom. The constant spray from the waterfalls made the plantlife grow all over the canyon walls, and I had no doubt that if the sun was a little higher, there would be a rainbow from waterfall to waterfall. The area felt... saturated, for lack of a better term, and not with water.
As soon as we had entered the canyon, Ribbon sent everyone out to find a place to stay for the night.
"Quite the breathtaking view, isn't it Ribbon?"
“It sure is. What I would give to have the hive in a place like this.”
"So, any luck on finding somewhere to hunker down for the night?"
“Not yet, their still looking.”
"So, what happened with the dragon? You freaked out and rather brutally killed quite a few diamond dogs, before running away."
Ribbon sighed hesitantly and was quiet for a moment. “It was maybe my third or fourth mission. I was supposed to go to an outpost near baltimare and get something... That didn’t happen. instead I got caught by a dragon and instead of just eating me like you’d think he’d do, he took me with him, added me to his hoard since I was the first changeling he ever caught. Naturally I tried to escape the first night, all he did was chain me to the floor, instead I taught him I could use magic, and he punched a hole in the wall. Actually he punched the wall several time and made an alcove and put me in it before he blocked it with a massive boulder.” she paused to take a breath “The next day when he moved the boulder, I ran and immediately he breathed fire on me and singed my wings so I couldn’t fly, along with the rest of me. The second time he let me out, I found out what he was going to use me for… They found a cave, it’s behind one of the waterfalls. Should we go have a look?” I could tell Ribbon was trying to desperately change the subject, so I let it drop for now.
"A cave behind a waterfall? Sounds like the perfect place for our outpost, and just an outright nice place to rest." I followed Ribbon, who headed towards one of the larger waterfalls, before swinging around the cascade of water. The changeling that found it was standing proud outside, while we went to have a look.
The sight that greeted me was stunning. The cave was deep, and full of moss... glowing moss, and several geodes of a nearly transparent crystal spotted its interior, and the place held an aura of tranquility about it. I could swear the moss was slowly pulsing between a emerald green and sapphire blue glow. "This... This is... Words fail to describe this place..."
“Amazing.” Ribbon seemed quite taken by the moss, while I explored further into the cavern. Taking a good look at the crystals embedded in the walls, I hummed in thought.
"Just, what are these? I've never seen anything like them before." Grabbing one in my magic, I was shocked when it quickly begun glowing the same eerie greenish blue as my magic. "Ribbon? Do you have any clue what this stuff is?" When she didn't reply, I turned to see her with a mouth full of the moss. "Ribbon?"
“I couldn’t help it.” She quickly spat it out and smiled at me and made a squee noise as she blushed from embarrassment. Urge. To glomp. Rising.
I chuckled at that, and decided to humor her. "Well, does it taste any good?"
“It’s, uh, Better than the mushrooms at the hive.”
"And it glows as well, kinda like this piece of crystal I picked up." I held the still glowing chunk of crystal in front of me for Ribbon to see. Ribbon took the crystal in her own magic and was surprised by the color change.
“It looks a little like Twilight’s crystals, but these are a good bit weaker than hers. Come on, let us see what this place has to offer.” She put the crystal on the ground and we went deeper into the cave, the occasional geode becoming more frequent veins, as we delved into the depths of the cave. When the cave eventually opened up into a massive chamber, we were awestruck at the hidden beauty. The glowing moss had grown all over the floor, the low parts of walls and even on the stalagmites, with mushrooms growing here and there. Above us, geodes speckled the ceiling and gave a starry look to it. And in the center of the chamber was a large body of water with steam rising off of its surface.
"Amazing... never in my life have I seen something like this."
“Yeah, I sure wish I could rebuild the hive here, if it wasn’t so close to the griffons, I would… Want to go for a swim?”
The lake was actually quite nice and toasty, like a hot tub. "We need to come back here sometime, even if this is in griffon country."
“Maybe we can find a way to make a hot spring at Canterlot, there’s a waterfall there, we just need to find where it is underground.”
"It just wouldn't be the same. Look around you Ribbon, this place is peaceful, and serene. The glowing moss, those crystals, and then theres the ceiling, its like the night sky."
“That doesn’t mean I can’t try to recreate it. if we can, it might even bring in some money.”
"Yes, I like that idea. Where is everyone, anyway?" I let myself sink until only my head was above the water, a content look on my face.
“At the entrance. They’re respecting my privacy. I told them to join us, but they said ‘It would be improper my Queen.’ and it got a little hard to argue.”
“Really? I mean, who would turn down something like this?”
“Imagine if Princess Celestia was here, do you think anypony else would be?”
“Pinkie, nuff said.”
“Wendy, nuff said, and even she’s staying out.”
“...how the fuck was she with our group without me noticing?”
“You didn’t notice? How could you not? She kicked the dragon in the rear before we left.”
“Wow, I really need to pay more attention to what's going on around me.” Ribbon chuckled at that before she yawned. It was probably pretty late. She stood up and climbed out of the water.
“I’m gonna get some sleep.” Once she was out, she shook all the water off. I felt too lethargic to get out and follow her, and instead just laid there staring at the ceiling.
I awoke to the feeling of being underwater, and something pulling on my torso, dragging me. Opening my eyes, I realized, I had fallen asleep underwater. Not needing to breath really does have its benefits, doesn't it? Whatever was dragging me let go, as I turned around and stood up, being greeted by a frantic Ribbon.
“...” oh, right, I need to breath first. “What?”
“Stop scaring me like that! Were you asleep in the water?!”
“Apparently, yes.”
“Well, stop! I keep forgetting you do that and it freaks me out.”
“sorry…” Ribbon gave a heavy sigh, and fell over into the water. I hope she’s not turning into Rarity. “Uhhh… You okay?... Ribbon?” I quickly went over to her and pulled her head out of the water, when I pulled her up she blew water in my face.
I gave her an unamused look as she laughed.
“I think I have ousted Rainbow as the most extreme sleeper, also...” I poked her snout. “Boop!”
She chuckled for a moment. “Come on, lets get the others.”
“One sec.” I shook myself off, spraying water everywhere. I was still damp after, but at least I wasn’t dripping water everywhere. “Now I’m ready.” She glared at me, as she was now rather wet, having been standing right beside me. “Really? You didn’t see that coming? I’ve been soaking in there all night, of course I’m going to want to get at least somewhat dry!”
She shook the water off and we went up to see the others waiting for us. Rushdown, however, was giving us a look that could be best summed up as ‘what the absolute fuck’
-Why is he staring at us?-
’How should I know.’
“Ribbon, Chi, what the Tartarus happened down there?”
“I… uhhh… Kinda… fell asleep underwater.”
“Sometime Chi, you make less sense then Wendy.”
I gave him a shit eating grin.“I try.” He gave a ‘why do I even bother’ look, before resuming whatever he was doing earlier.
I turned to Ribbon. “So, whats the plan when we hit our first griffon city?”
“First. There’s a trade caravan with over thirty captive changelings, that’s first. Second, we’ll enter the city through the water drainage system. Once we’re in, we’ll hit two major houses at once. Rushdown and five others will enter the Caw household. Wendy, I want you and the others to enter the Nin house. Chi, you and I will be making a distraction at the barracks by setting fire to the store houses before rescuing the changelings at the whore house. Once we’re done, we leave the way we came in. If you’re found out, we’ll all leave and try again the next night”
“Think like Flint, got it. And how the hell did you think of this anyway?”
“Most tacticians work solo, being the best they can be. With a hivemind, I have over a thousand minds working on one problem with about two hundred moles leaking information, the captives are still connected to me after all.”
“...Brilliant, bloody brilliant! Ribbon, you magnificent mare!” Ribbon blushed at my compliment, even as I pulled her into a hug, a small ‘squee’ escaping her.
’Please, stop embarrassing me!’
-Never!-
’... I love you.’ I felt Ribbon hug me back.That’s only the second time I’ve heard her say that, and it made me feel warm inside.
-We've still got to free those changelings though, and I think we need to send a message that the changeling race has had it with what griffons have done to them.-
’Right.’ Ribbon made some crude drawing in the dirt that resembled trees and the Blob. “For the sake of the two non-changelings here. We’ll have three changelings here and here, blast the griffons in the rear on my go.” She points the part of the road closest to the ‘city’. “Rushdown. You, me, and Gary will be here, and I want six more changelings here, we’ll all attack the caravan at once.” She pointed to the sides of the road closest to the griffon blob. “Chi, you’ll turn into a griffon and play dead here, with two changelings for support.” She finished pointing at the end of the road. “Is that clear?”
“Fast, brutal, and efficient. I like it.” Rushdown gave a satisfied grin, while Gary barked in agreement.
“Understood my Queen!” Wow, they all spoke at once, that still catches me off guard when they do that.
This was going to be good.
I could hear them approaching. Taking the opportunity to still my breathing, I closed my eyes and waited… It was taking forever for them to come down the road… Finally! they stopped.
“Gena, go check it out.”
I heard wings coming closer. When she landed, she walked all around me before laying her head on my chest. I heard Gary smash into the other two griffons, and my eyes snapped open, before I immediately plunged my claws into the griffon's chest, surprisingly going quite deep, a look of surprise frozen on her face.
I took my claw out of the female griffons chest as she fell to the ground. Everything was quiet. I looked over to the caravan and noted that the griffons in front were the only ones dead, the others were K.O.ed by the changelings. Meaning we had three hostages and three dead. Letting my form revert to normal, I took a moment to arch my back and work out the stiffness from laying on the ground like that.
-Did anyling get hurt?-
’Nope, all good. Griffons didn’t even have time to yell ‘Ambush!’’.
-Good. So, we gonna try and get some intel from our 'guests'?-
’Do you want the first go?’
-I think you should try.-
’I’ll give it my best shot.’
We loaded up all the stuff we could use while the others stayed to clear away the evidence of anything even happening. Swords and leather armor, but food made up the most of what we got. Once the roads were cleared and the dead buried, we headed back to the caves with the griffons in tow.
I admit, I’m curious about how Ribbon will go about interrogating them.
I had positioned myself in the shadows so I could watch Ribbon without the griffon seeing me, and was now simply waiting for him to wake up. His arms were bound behind him, as was his wings.
“Wakey wakey, sleepy head.” Ribbon rocked the griffon back and forth, trying to wake him. He groaned as he awoke and immediately his eye shrunk to pinpricks. “Oh no no. Don’t be scared, you’re quite safe here, as are… most of your friends.” Said Ribbon as as she stroked the side of his face in a caring manner. Was she going to try and befriend him?
“What are you going to do to us, bug!? Going to prepare a grand feast!?”
“It can hardly be grand when nearly my entire hive is in slavery. And besides, you’re far more useful alive. Please, won’t you tell me about the bigger picture here.” Ribbon walked around him, trailing her tail under his chin, when she was behind him, she held him. “Please, tell me who ordered the attack on my hive when we were minding our own business in Equestria?” She said in a sensual voice. She wasn’t going to befriend him, she’s going to seduce him!
... Is it bad that I find this incredibly hot?
“I’ll tell you nothing, you rouch! You’ll get nothing from me or my comrades.”
Ribbon backed away a little at his insult, but didn’t stop touching him as she held his shoulder. “Oh, don’t be like that. Maybe we can trade, question for question? Answer for answer? If not, how about money? Everyone wants a little more coin.”
“I'll never tell you, parasite! Keep your money."
Must. Resist. Urge. To kill. Ribbon just giggled at his reply and seemed unfazed, as long as she isn’t upset by it. “I won’t deny what I am, and we’ve been called far worse. But, if we’re so bad, why not kill us off, why bother keeping us around, much less enslave us? All you needed to do is ask, there’s always one changeling in need of a meal.”
“...”
Ribbon laughed at his lack of a reply and let go of him. Circling around to face him as she talked. “Come now, no need to be shy. There was a reason I wanted to talk to you first. The elegant dress, the small stature, she’s a beautiful young scout, isn’t she?” What?
“How did you know!?” A look of disbelief appears on his face. Wait, the hivemind! But that means... Oh, he is dead when I get my hooves on him...
“Don’t be so surprised, she’s one of mine, and you did order her, didn’t you? I can hear everything they can… Tell me, why hold us against our will and force us to have sex with you if we already do so to survive, well some of us. We do have preferences and feelings.” Oh god, this is really starting to turn me on.
“...” He didn’t say anything, but looked at her curiously.
Ribbon saddled right up to him, her face mere inches from his. I can only hope she won’t take this too far. “What’ll it be ‘big wings’. That’s what you wanted her to call you, right? Big wings? Will you answer my questions and enjoy your stay?” She moved in closer to whisper to him, his eyes wide. If I strained myself I could still hear her. “Or do we need to get… creative? I’ll get my answers which ever way you chose. Either way, I hope you have a nice pair of lungs.”
“...”
When she still didn’t get an answer from him, she pushed him over and straddled him, giggling as she did. “Come on Big wings, what do you say? You could still get... something out of this.” She gave him a half lidded stare, waiting for him to reply.
Goddamn Ribbon, are you trying to get me to jump you?!
“I'll talk, just stop! This is too Ziz-damned creepy!”
“I try my best!” Ribbon removed herself from him and pulled him up into a sitting position, and gave a truly innocent smile. “Now tell me, who told your higher ups where my hive was?”
“You’re creepy, and I don’t know but my employer might! I’m just a guard, I do my job and I don't ask questions! Find a griffon named Stel Singer, He might know!”
“Thank you, and please understand, I just want to protect my changelings. This might sting.” Without warning, Ribbon bit his shoulder. He slumped over soon after. “Hey Chi? does my flank look good from the shadows?”
*Meep!* "I-its not funny."
“No, but apparently it’s hot.” *growl* Ribbon held her stomach and blushed a heavy green.
"S-somelings hungry..." Dammit, keep it together Chi, you can wait a few minutes before fucking her brains out.
“I did say we all have our preferences, I like spicy food.”
"Spicy...?"
Ribbon stepped right up to me and sniffed the air right in front of me. “Spicy...” Enough with the teasing!
"T-then what are you waiting for?!"
“I wanted to see how long it takes your lust addled mind to start screwing me before I even do anything.”
“J-just no more teasing… p-please…”
“Sure, just let me ask one thing.” She walked over to her bags by the lake. I heard a clicking sound and she stood up, with a leash in her hoof leading to a red collar. “Who’s the proud owner of a succubus wannabe?” Shes really doing this? Fucking. Hot. She walked back over to me and hoofed me the leash “Well, mistress. What would you have me do?” I looked at the tag that read ‘Property of Chitsuki’. An idea finally came to me.
“Lets see what else you brought, hmmmm?” I walked her back to the bags, only letting enough lease out so that she would be right up against me. Upon seeing the… ‘equipment’ Ribbon had brought, I smirked. “Oh you naughty girl…” Looking into her bags, I found two particular items. A blue rubber ball with straps on it and a pink box with a velcro strap and a wire going to a large pill, as well as a second, smaller box separate from the other, that had three sliders on it, ‘Strength’ ‘Length’ and ‘Pulse’. Levitating the two wonderful toys out of the bag, I gave Ribbon a playful smirk, before hanging the gag around her neck for now.
Ribbon glaces at the ball and looks at me holding up the pink box. “Should I use it on you? or are you going to use it on m-me?” The pill and its connected box hovering closer to her answered that question. She soon found it inside her, as I strapped the box portion of it to her leg. looking to the remote, I moved the sliders around so that it would give her a 5 or so second pulse at maximum strength every 30 or so seconds.
With a bit of focus, I soon had several tendrils of my mane snaking around Ribbons limbs, as I grinned. “You like it, don't you? The pleasure. The helplessness…”
“Yes mistress, I love AHNNNG!…*pant* Use me, beat me I can take it.” She quickly found herself forced into a sitting position, and the gag put into place, as I sat down beside her.
“Oh, I’m gonna watch you squirm…” I inverted the length and pulse settings, leaving Ribbon with little breathing room between the half minute bursts of pleasure. Her hind legs shifted around. A devious idea hit me, and Ribbon soon found that instead of the tendrils of miasma wrapping around her limbs, they flowed through the the holes in her hooves. Her eyes popped open wide and her ragged breathing hitched, followed by loud moans as her eyes rolled back and she fell over. Now she really was writhing on the floor, even during her short respite. Letting more miasma flow Ribbon was soon inside a cocoon of it, as I turned the vibrator off and waited.
After a minute, I heard Ribbon trying to talk. I obliged and removed it for a moment. “Mistress, what’s wrong?” If she had caught her breath, then it was time to wrap this up. She found the gag quickly put back into place, and the Vibrator turned up to maximum with no pulse or length, just always on, used my miasma to massage every hole in her hooves, horn, and the base of her wings. Her moans rose to a fever pitch as I felt her squirm inside the shell of miasma.
It wasn’t long until there was a splash of liquid, but the screaming moans stopped. Even with the vibrater on max. Curious, I unwrapped her from my miasma and found her passed out asleep. I turned off the vibrator and removed it, as well as the other equipment from her. Considering I was still horny as fuck, I might as well make myself ‘comfortable’ while I wait for Ribbon to wake up. Taking a good look at the collar, I wrapped it around my neck and heard it ‘click’ shut. Levitating the gag into place, I soon gave a pleased moan, before setting my sights on the vibrator. Strapping the box to my leg, I squirmed as I stuck the pill inside myself, and took the opportunity to levitate the remote into Ribbons hoof, before sitting down. The sensation of the vibrator inside me was weird… weird, but good.
As I got used to the feeling, I heard Ribbon waking up. She glanced around as she sat up and dropped the remote, her back turned to me. She noticed it and picked it up before hesitantly turning it on low. A low moan from me made Ribbon turn around with curiosity in her eyes. That curiosity quickly ignited into a fire as she glared at me. She turned off the vibrator and I whimpered at the lost feeling. “You’re going to have to earn that kind of finish from me.” I whimpered, excited at the prospect of what she was going to do to me.
She walked up to me and pulled on the collar, forcing me into a sitting position. “I think you went a little overboard.” I moaned and tilted my head in response, wondering why she was thinking that. Then she punched me in the stomach and forced me back to the ground. “Maybe some lessons are in order.” Well damn, this is gonna be fun, painful but fun. I moaned again, clearly aroused by Ribbon abusing me.
I weakly tried to pull away from her, but was quickly pulled back when she yanked on the leash again, and forced me to sit up. She took the gag off and slapped me, then she kissed my cheek. “Now, do you know what you did?”
“No?”
“No, you don’t. You screwed my brains out and I barely got to eat. Now that you know, repeat after me, ‘I won’t fuck you unconscious any more’.”
“I w-won’t fuck you unconscious any m-more.”
“Good girl, but I’m still hungry and you need some proper punishment.”
“But mistremph.” Before I could say anything, Ribbon shoved the gag back into my mouth.
“Even if I take the gag out, you don’t get to speak unless spoken too.” I softly moaned, weakly tugging at the leash. Only to be yanked back. “No pulling. Now lay down on your stomach.” I did as she commanded, moaning as I felt the still inactive vibrator shift around inside me. “Good girl, keep this up and I might let you be on top again.” I eyed her rather pleadingly, the combination of lust and my current predicament leaving me wanting to hump something. She saw my eyes and pouted right back at me, then chuckled at me.
Ribbon started rubbing one of my flanks, then slapped it hard causing me to yelp. I could feel myself getting more and more desperate, and whimpered, wanting relief. After two or three more hits, Ribbon must have felt that was enough, because then I felt the vibrator come to life. My moans quickly raised in volume, but the slight buzz did very little to appease the building urge for release. Again Ribbon spanked me, timing it with the bursts of activity from the vibrator. Again and again she spanked me and I knew I’d be sore after this. I moaned loudly with each strike, feeling pressure begin to build in my nethers.
I felt one of my hooves slowly making its way towards the source of said pressure, in a desperate attempt to relieve it. The hoof barely did anything before Ribbon pulled it away. “Tch tch tch. I won’t have any of that.” She removed the gag and moved the hoof to my muzzle. “If you’re so interested in it, then you can taste it.”
Giving it a hesitant lick, I got a flavor I couldn't pin down. Giving a more thorough taste, I soon found I liked the taste. “My, how eger. Maybe you’d like a better taste?” Ribbon used her magic to flip me over, her head between my legs. “Not before I get one.” She gave a long lick of my marehood and plunged her long tongue into me without warning. I gasped at the sudden pleasure and felt her tongue moving around the vibrater as she turned off the pulse and length, letting it buzz non-stop.
“Gah! M-more! It f-feels so good!” Ribbon made a lewd slurping sound as she pulled away from my nethers. She came up to me, eye to eye and glared at me. I shouldn’t have talked. She punched me again, and when I gasped at the pain, she shoved her tongue in my mouth and kissed me, making me taste myself again.
When she pulled away, she continued to glare at me “Speak out of turn again and I’ll make you regret your quick healing.” Ribbon quickly used her magic to put my forelegs tight against my chest and spat gel onto them before she put the gag back so I couldn’t speak.
Ribbon looked at the vibrators controls and grinned evilly. I felt the vibrator increase in strength, and moaned as I wiggled on the ground trying to something to either make it stop, or push me over the edge, until I eventually managed to push myself right up against Ribbon, with no way to back up. I felt her grab my flanks and plunge her tongue into my marehood again, her tongue wiggling around the vibrater, as I moaned loudly, using my hind legs to try and keep her from pulling away before I could come.
And then everything stopped, the buzzing of the vibrator and Ribbon’s movements stopped. Ribbon used her magic to move my hind legs and pulled away from me. Whimpering as I got so close and was denied. I looked down at her with the wire hanging from her mouth, like she was savoring a candy. She popped it out of her mouth and smiled. “Really now, I said I was hungry. What made you think I’d let you finish and have all that lust vanish into relief?” She removed the gag so I could reply.
“Please mistress, I’ll be good! Just let me come!”
Ribbon shoved the gag back into my mouth, roughly. “You dare ask me to let you finish? I let you be on top and I didn’t get to eat. Such behavior won’t be tolerated.” Ribbon turned the vibrator back on, still holding it in her magic. “If you don’t want to be tortured like this, then make sure our lovemaking sessions last longer.” I moaned and nodded my head, hoping I would soon get sweet relief.
Ribbon, using her magic, slowly pushed the buzzing pink pill back into my nethers. She pushed it in deep and slowly pulled it back out and rubbed it on my clit roughly before pushing it back in. My hind legs flailed weakly as I squealed into the gag, thrusting against the air in an attempted to speed things up. I’m so damned close, yet it wasn't enough! And with my forelegs stuck against my chest, it was impossible to find a way toss myself over the edge!
I gasped when Ribbon kissed my clit. “I think I’m full now.” Ribbon kicked the vibrator on full and snaked her tongue in and around the vibrater, moving it back and forth. I screamed into the gag as Ribbon worked, writhing on the mossy floor. Being so close for so long, I was quick to douse Ribbon’s tongue in my juices. I wrapped my hind legs around her head as I came, splattering her face, though she seemed not to care.
When I come down off my high, I released Ribbon’s head. When she pulled out, she took the now quiet vibrator with her and popped it out of her mouth and undid the box strapped to my leg. I fell asleep as she was undoing the collar.
I woke up feeling sore all over, no doubt from our activities. Getting onto my hooves, I begun thinking, not of what was about to happen, but the repercussions of it. The three griffons we had killed would most likely not be traced back to us, as Gary had mauled two of them, while I had stabbed one in the chest while in the form of a griffon. Then there was the fact that there was apparently somepony plotting against the changeling race, and just to top it of, a freaking demon on the loose.
Walking towards the lake, I watched the light from the moss refract in it, the water seeming to light up, send the occasional refracted ray of light up tuio the ceiling, where it seemed to make whatever geode it hit glow brighter for a moment, like a twinkling star.
All those times I had done a 180 and became a bloodthirsty monster, were in the defence of Ribbon. One of the few ponies who I truly relax around. Ever since I defeated Discord, I had become more aggressive. Against Sombra, I was reduced to a vicious beast, driven by nothing but bloodlust and instinct. Both times, I had been willing to destroy anything in my way to protect Ribbon. It worries me. What if I don't calm down? What if I continued to rampage? I would become something worse than Nightmare Moon. And the worst part? I would keep. Coming. Back. Time would have no meaning, and if I was patient enough, I could reverse engineer anything I knew of. Even Nuclear weapons. The potential fallout if became evil was staggering. I was long past being a monster, and merely steps from becoming a complete monster. The information I possessed could bring about the end of the world as we know it.
"Just... what have I become?"
I've been walking a fine line this whole time, and I've only now realized how easily I could slip and fall.
A slight groan from back in the cave brought me back to the present. Turning to look back in, I found Ribbon tossing and turning as she slept, a pained look on her face. Walking over, I layed down beside her. Ribbon... you've always been there for me, ever since we first met. You've kept me sane, even after Celestia's revelation of my immortality nearly broke me.
I was soon snuggling against Ribbons side, yet something kept nagging at me. It had had violent moments as a human, but none anywhere near the caliber of my fights with Discord or Sombra. Had becoming what I am now changed me somehow?
Enough dwelling. Theres still changelings to rescue, and I don't want to be distracted when it comes time to bust them out.
The sensation of someone rubbing my back woke me from my slumber. The first thing I noticed was how wet my cheeks felt. Had I been... crying? "Ribbon? Is that you?” My brain was still nine tenths asleep, And I couldn't even find the energy to open my eyes.
“Yeah, I’m here.”
"Its all finally hit me, just what I could become if I truly became lost to the dark side... And it scares me."
I heard Ribbon sigh. “What do you mean?”
"Just think Ribbon, I just won't stay dead, and I know things, things that if I had the time to reverse engineer from what I know of them, could bring about the end of the world as we know it... or worse, what if I went crazy and didn't calm down? It scares me, Ribbon, just how easily I could become a complete monster."
“But, I thought the only reason you’re alive is because of me. If I died so would you. And I know everything that you do, well most of it, and I have to say, there are a lot of things, resources, that just aren't here.”
"Ribbon, you're the only thing keeping me from giving up hope. I can tell that nearly everypony is still secretly terrified of me, and it hurts. To be feared for actions not my own..."
“But their getting better. What about Twilight, She’s all over Ponyville and so they’re getting used to the new look, and you don’t really look like Nightmare Moon anymore. Your mane turned black, your eyes turned red, it wouldn’t surprise me if your coat turns green. And my changelings, they don’t fear you.”
"I... I just can't bare being compared to her, I've tried dammit, and yet almost everypony loathes and fears me. Knowing you and your people accept me helps, but it doesn't change what ponies think of me."
“You’re only looking at the negatives, plus Twilight and me are in the same boat as you, and either of us care two bits worth what others think. They say Twilights been ‘infected’ and that I’m Chrysalis’ daughter, we both know that’s not true. Twilight did that to herself and I used to be a scout.”
"Its true... it may not be much, but we both have the ponies in the Crystal empire accepting us. We did save them from Sombra after all."
“That’s right, And you might be mad at them but, the princesses have been supportive too, that includes Cadence. She made sure the crystal ponies got the story straight and that any rumors were silenced.”
"Yeah, but who knows how many nasty rumors Blueblood has spouted, he more than likely has it out for me after I scared him shitless... even though the wanker deserved it."
“Ohhh, he deserved it. But most of those rumors will never leave Canterlot. I mean, outside his little bubble of ponies, nopony even knows who he is.”
"True... There is still so much to learn about this world, isn't there? Keeps me focused on things other than myself." I sighed. "I love you, and I don't know what I would do without you."
“I love you too, I’ll always be here.” I finally got up, and pulled Ribbon into a tight hug. “You need a bath.”
Taking a good whiff if myself, I noticed, that yes, I did smell of our 'activities' and Ribbon smelt of it as well. "You need one as well."
After a nice long bath, with me and Ribbon washing each other off, we waited a few minutes for everyone else to get up and prepare themselves. As they were preparing, I tried to think up a plan B in case things went south, but kept coming up blank, meaning things could get real ugly if this didn't go as planned. “you ready Ribbon?”
“Sure, slight change of plans though. After you and me set fire to the store houses in the barracks, we’re going after Stel Singer.”
“Roger that. Lets do this. Get in quick, create the diversion, get that griffon, and bust out our fellow changelings.” Closing my eyes, I took the time to focus, bringing the design from the book Twilight had shown me to the forefront of my mind, and using my miasma to turn it into a physical mass, protecting me. Seeing this armor made physical for the first time, I noticed how it felt… natural, more so then what I had used before. “What do you think RIbbon?”
Ribbon looked in awe of my new armor and inspected it carefully. “Impressive, but how did you come up with the design?”
-Twilight told me there used to be a cult worshipping Nightmare Moon, and some of the members had secretly worked on armor they deemed worthy of her… Twilight apparently had the diary of one of those members, and it had complete blueprints for that armor. Thus what you see before you. Its actually quite comfortable to boot.-
Ribbon went over every piece, inspecting it from the links holding it together to the gaps filled with chainmail. “Was it difficult to make? I’ll bet it took awhile.”
“Yeah, It takes quite a bit more time and focus to form then the minimal amount of armor I had before.”
“You said Twilight had this? It’s very intricate, the prints mustn’t have been too hard to read.”
“Reading and remembering the prints was easy, envisioning them in three dimensions? Thats a whole nother ballgame.”
“I’d like to see the diary that had this in it. No doubt the Princess hide it for a reason. I wonder though, she use any of the prints to influence her current guards armor?”
“That would actually be deliciously ironic. The Royal guard, using Nightmare Moon’s armor designs. But we’re getting distracted, we have to rescue the changelings, remember?”
“Right, yes.” Ribbon turned to the others. “Are we ready?!” Again they all answered ‘Yes my Queen’. It was still creepy as hell.
As we made our way out of the cavern, I tried to clear my mind and focus on the task ahead of us, instead of dwelling on things that would just wind up putting others at risk due to my indecisiveness.
Once we were at the city it was getting dark. It took a few minutes to find an entrance to the drainage system, and after getting past the grate, we made our way into the griffon city, where we split up to head for our objectives. Leaving Ribbon and me, alone. “You have the spies everywhere, I’m flying blind here, so you lead.” Finishing my sentence, I let my miasma flow over her so we could enter our shade form.
Ribbon seemed lost as she looked about, for a second. I felt her smile through the miasma and she took off, carefully running around the few griffons that were out and about. It did not take her long to get to the barracks. “Ok, here’s where my knowledge ends for now.”
-So they aren't complete idiots then.-
Entering the barracks wasn’t much of a problem, the guards couldn't even see us. The only way I could think of this going wrong was if we walked into a griffon rounding a corner… ah crap, please tell me I didn’t just jinx it. I didn’t say it loud, so maybe it won’t count? ’Is something wrong?’
-Nothing, I’d rather not jinx this.- We soon made it to the living quarters of the barracks, where we were shocked to discover several changeling chained up, none of them were part of ribbons hive, which explained why she had no intel on this place. and judging by how beat up they looked, they had been used for ‘stress relief’ quite a bit.
-Fuck causing a fire, lets bust these poor saps out!-
’Agreed, and more brownie points with this hive.’ Ribbon softly touched one changeling on the head and woke her up. Her panic was quickly shushed and Ribbon pointed to the sleeping guards. Ribbon leaned in to whisper. “You must leave quickly, you might not get another chance.” with that, Ribbon pulled the greenish ring off all of their horns and broke the chains.
She whispered “Thank out.” back to us and ran, with the others following her.
-We still need to find Stel Singer, and then we can hit the whorhouse and free everyling there.-
’Don’t worry about Stel Singer, he won’t be a problem.’
-Why, did one of our other groups find him already?-
’He just past the whore house, I think he’s going towards Wendy’s group.’
-I pity the fool… so how badly do you think Wendys gonna mess him up?-
’Not sure, though ‘maimed’ seems like a good guess. We should hurry, the others will be needing the distraction soon.’
-Right. So how are we going to start the fire anyways?-
’All changelings are fire adepts, I just wasn’t strong enough magically to really cast anything before.’
-Ah, well, thats not really a problem anymore, now is it?-
’Hasn’t been yet.’ After a while of searching several buildings, we found the store houses. Most of them were filled with either rations or gun powder. With guards at the front, we went through a window into the building that held the powder. Ribbon picked up one keg and poured out a neat line, making sure to end the makeshift fuse at the largest group of kegs.
-Light this joint and run like hell?-
’That’s the idea.’ Ribbon lowered our head to the end of the fuse and a small… blue flame jumped from our horn? Ribbon seemed confused too, but it was short lived as she bolted back out the window, flying high into the night sky where we could see the explosion easily.
I really should figure out if I should use first, second, or third person when in this form.
-Distraction created, now for the actual rescue.-
It wasn’t that difficult to find the whorehouse, considering Ribbon basically had the whole city mapped out in her head, it did take us a while to get there, but once we did, it soon dawned on us just how much of a challenge it would be to get that many changelings out undetected, even with a distraction.
-Ribbon? with that many changelings, we might need a bigger distraction… one that demands constant attention.-
’You don’t think a fire and an explosion was good enough?’
-For a few dozen maybe, but a few hundred?-
’Right. If there was a bigger, more demanding threat the griffons wouldn’t notice us.’
-Perhaps a ‘dragon’ attack is in order? I can shapeshift too, remember?-
’Can... Can I at least get inside first?’
-Yes, once I separate from you, run for it.- Giving Ribbon a few moments to prepare herself, I peeled my form free of her, and begun taking on much larger form, as she bolted inside. I soon reached the required size, and my form begun solidifying, scales of a midnight blue forming around me, and a long whiplike tail emerged from the cloud of miasma. followed by my arms and legs, talons gleaming in moonlight. My head and wings emerged from the cloud last, as a cloud of what appeared to be more miasma spewed from my mouth, causing black ice to form on the ground. The drain was there, but not as intense as when I had turned into a Tyrannosaurus. perhaps because this form was native to this world?
The sound of me roaring more than likely caught the attention of everything within a few miles, meaning I would have just about every damn griffon here after me, giving Ribbon the perfect opportunity to get everyling out undetected.
I exhaled plumes of freezing darkness, causing black ice to form over several buildings, before roaring a challenge to the griffons that had amassed just out of range. I could feel their fear, and I let it strengthen me as I swatted several griffons that tried to get close out of the air, before freezing them solid.
Bellowing another roar, I gave a swift flap of my wings, blowing a large group of griffons back, and into a wall. Spewing clouds of frigid shadows everywhere, the area soon begun to look like a localized ice age had occurred.
-Ribbon! How much longer do I need to keep these birds attention for?- I did a quick 360, knocking the griffons that had begun collecting around me away.
’Just a little longer, I’m getting the last of them out now.’
A giant bolt flew over my head, and when I turned towards its point of origin, I noticed they had set up a ballistia at some point, meaning I had to haul ass, because I did not want to find out if I was protected against that. Taking to the sky, I was forced to keep dodging bolts, especially when I noticed they were aiming for my wings.
-Anytime would be good now! They brought out the big guns!-
’You froze over the waterways, we have to go a different way. Go ahead and start making your way out.’
I spewed out a massive cloud of darkness, before reverting to my normal from, and quickly teleporting to the ground, where I tried to pinpoint Ribbons location. Upon finding it, I teleported again, and arrived in front of Ribbon, inside a giant tunnel, with what looked like hundreds of changelings staring at me. I made what could only be described as the sound of a choking rubber duck and put Ribbon between me and the massive group... And then hid in Ribbons shadow.
Ribbon kept running and met up with Rushdown’s group. When we made it to the exit, we were all the way back at the to valley. It seemed there was a tunnel that lead to the city we could’ve used. We went back to the Glowstone Caves where we saw Wendy was already there, looking rather... gleefull. She really must have let loose on Stel.
When most of the changelings had entered the cavern, I finally emerged from Ribbons shadow and startled quite a few of them. Ribbon immediately went to address the yellow changelings we rescued. They seemed understandably nervous. “Fellow changelings, are any of you close enough to speak with your Queen?” It took them a moment, by they all noded their heads. “Good, if you can inform you Queen that, now that I have a good amount back, I will be leaving her territory, I would like to avoid fighting. If you would also inform her that my changelings will be raiding the rest of the griffon cities, so if she wants to rescue any of her lost subjects, now’s her best chance. And if she wishes to speak with me, I will be rebuilding my hive, hopefully, in Equestria’s capital. In the mean time, you’re safe with us.” Having finished her speech with them, Ribbon turned to me. “With over four hundred changelings here, you and I can go back to Ponyville now. I can stay out of harms way, and manage everything over the hivemind. And I have something special for you.”
Considering how she tended to use ‘special’... “I like the sound of that. Lets get there quickly, no?”
It was an uneventful flight, but Ponyville was now in sight, and I was greatly anticipating the surprise Ribbon had mentioned. “Ponyville, the weirdness capital of equestria, am I right Ribbon?”
“Sure is. I blame Twilight. It used to be a calm little place, then Twilight moved in and the whole place got a lot livelier.”
“And then, I came here and the whole place went to hell.”
”Tartarus.”
“Goddamit. Hell, Hades, Tartarus, Chicago, its all the same thing!” I took a moment to compose myself. “So about that ‘surprise.”
“Ah ah ah, no spoilers. I need to get it ready anyways.”
“Hey, is that Pinkie?” It had to be, considering I don't know anypony else who would be that shade of pink, and up in the middle of the night, conveniently under our flight path, waving at us. I swear, she knows these things before they happen, and breaks physics when it pleases her. Kinda like Deadpool, but kid friendly. “Go ahead and get your surprise ready, I’ll catch up with you in a bit.”
Flying down to greet pinkie, I noticed how she had a very knowing grin. “Hya Chi! Did ya… *hic* did ya like your surprise?”
“Pinkie, Are you drunk?” And how did she know about what me and Ribbon did!?”
“Applejack can’t even handle me right *hic*... now!”
“How much did you drink?”
“Not enough! Never enough! I won't stop until I taste the rainbow!... Can I join you?”
I felt my cheeks flush at that. She wasn't talking about Skittles. "Pinkie, you're drunk, go home."
"I'm not drunk, just watch! I can count to potato! Uhhhh... Pineapple?"
"Pinkie, I can smell the alcohol on your breath from here..."
“But I got all the thingys for you!"
Wait, what! She got Ribbons presents!? Gotta distract her! "I heard Rainbow gets really 'testy' when inebriated..."
"Really!? Kay thanks bye!" She bolted, obviously Rainbow was going to be in for a surprise.
-Ready yet?-
’I’m waiting on a fluffy new cloud bed for you. And that’s not the surprise, just a bonus.’
After a wonderful night, We got up proper, I noticed how Ribbon seemed exceptionally happy and loving. Despite being sore. Once she felt she could walk, she made me lunch, she’s said ‘I love you’ three times today, and now she’s just been laying next to me as I read the books I got from Twilight.
With as happy as she is, maybe now’s a good time to ask about that dragon again, won’t affect her as badly. "So, Ribbon. You did seem awfully hesitant when I mentioned turning into a dragon to provide a distraction. I know you mentioned having a bad experience with one, but now I'm worried just how bad. You nearly broke down crying when you tried to tell me."
Ribbon stiffened up when I mentioned it, but tried to shrug it off. “It’s such a nice day today, why should we ruin it with a sob story?”
"Ribbon, you can't just keep brushing this off, I'm worried for you."
Ribbon groaned in frustration “Yeah, I know. I just… Don’t like thinking about him. What have I told you so far?”
"You got up to the point where he punched a hole in the wall and made an alcove, and he breathed fire on you and burned your wings.”
“Ok, well. Before I tell you anything else. I want to say he was big, really big. The dragon that was at the Diamond dogs den was much smaller than this guy. More like the dragon you turned into. That being said, this could have been a lot worse as he wasn’t able to do a lot with me, so when he let me out a second time he said he wanted me to… ‘entertain’ him. I said no and he flicked me with his claw, and with how big he was it was all he needed to do, to send me flying. He even threatened to pour iron on my stomach before throwing me back into the alcove. Have I said enough now?”
I could feel my teeth grinding against each other as I tried to remain calm. "Ribbon, now I need to know. I have to know just how badly this has affected you." Ribbon hesitated, but she continued.
“When he let me out, again, I said no. And he smiled at me. He grabbed me and took me into a room in the cave that had a small pool of water and a divot ground. he told me he would get use out of me one way or another and held me down with one claw in the divot. Then… what happened next…” Ribbon was starting to get worked up, I wrapped my wing around her to calm her so she could continue. “He… h-he started m-masturbating in front of me. At first I was in awe of his size, then shock from what he was doing, I failed to realize what he had planned until it was too late. I begged for him not to do it but he didn’t listen a-and he... c-covered me in his… s-stuff, f-from horn to hoof... That’s what the water was for, so I could bathe afterwards. How about now?”
I took a deep breath, trying to not lose my cool in light of this information. “Ribbon...”
“Alright… So, again, when he let me out of my alcove I told him no. This time he followed through with his threat from before. He grabbed me and a bit from his pile, he put the coin in his mouth and took me into the room again. He put me on my back and opened his mouth so I could see the melted gold. As soon as I saw it, I was afraid he’d do it and I begged him not to, told him I’d do it this time. Again, he didn’t listen.” Ribbon held a hoof up to her chest with a pained expression. “He dropped it right onto my chest. If it wasn’t for my chitin, the gold probably would’ve burned right through to my organs, but instead it stayed there and he held me down as I screamed. He held me to the ground until the gold cooled off and then flipped me over into the water, cooling it off even more and guaranteeing that would stay there.”
Just... even for a dragon, thats messed up! I was damn well ready to personally hunt the bastard down!
I look down at her, tears had started to ran down Ribbon’s checks as she started crying while she she told me her story. “The next time he opened my alcove, I just did it, and I didn’t question him when told to do it in his claws or on his tongue…” I couldn’t stand to see Ribbon like this, it broke my heart to see it. “I only said no one other time, when he told me told me to… to go in the d-divot again.” Ribbon gave in and I held her as she cried the pain away, but continued. “He got another piece of gold and burned me with it! I just did whatever he wanted after that, the humiliation was better than the pain! He had me as his plaything for so long I started enjoying it!”
It hit me like a meteor. Oh my god. That explains why she liked being treated like that during our sessions. I literally wanted to puke, because it felt like I had been taking advantage of her. “Chi?”
"Yes...?" She hates me now, doesn't she? I'm a monster...
“... I still love you, so please, don’t feel bad about yesterday.” thats just the afterglow talking...
"Ribbon, why didn’t you tell me this sooner? I feel so... disgusted with myself, that I was basically doing that to you, without knowing that there was such a horrid event explaining why you wanted me to."
“... Do you hate me… for using you like that?”
"No, I could never hate you. It was my fault for not asking sooner. Sometimes, the deepest of wounds aren't physical. To think that you suffered like that... I don't care if I didn't exist here at the time, I wish I could have done something about it! Anything!" Ribbon hugged me, her crying having slowed down.
“I should... probably get rid of the straitjacket and the collar, huh?”
"Keep them... I just won't use them on you anymore..."
“You know, you’re the only one that managed to turn me on by humiliating me, I found that out when you kept embarrassing me in front of Princess Celestia. That’s something the dragon never managed to do.”
"Really? So you honestly, genuinely, wanted me to do that to you, and not because of your past experiences?" I hoped against hope that I was right, and she had me treat her like that of her own violation, and not an urge forced onto her.
“Maybe, yeah. I hated that dragon, but I love you.”
"You... you don't know how much that means to me." So, I wasn't forcing her to relive it every time she had me act like that towards her?
“Of course, and we have our safety word, if I really wanted to stop I’d of said it.”
"...I love you, Ribbon."
“I love you too, Chi… And I love the straitjacket, will wearing it make you feel better?”
"Yeah, its nice and tight, makes me feel nice and safe." I forced my size to shrînk to match Ribbons, so that it would fit.
“We’re both a pair of masochists aren’t we.” She got up, and headed for the bedroom.
"More then likely." Getting up myself, I followed her, already feeling slightly happier. "I look really huggable in it, don't I?"
“You sure do.” She pushed the bedroom door open, and soon had the straightjacket ready.
"You want to wrap me up?" Ribbon just smiled. The jacket flew over to me and carefully wrapped around me. She took her time to make sure I was comfortable, before finally tying the back up, and then begun tightening each buckle individually, before giving them all a final pull to get every last bit of space out. The jacket was so tight it forced the air out of my lungs, and left me unable to even flex a muscle, before she picked me up in her magic and set me down on the bed.
-Perfect... Its so tight and comforting...- My mute moan left Ribbon giggling.
“Awww, you can’t even talk now, without our link."
-Just how I like it, and you managed to make it even tighter!- Ribbon climbed into the bed next to me and held me, causing me to blush. -Am I really that adorable like this?-
“You’d look even more adorable with a helpless expression on your face, but I’m ok with this.”
-Maybe you should get a second one then? Along with that blindfold you mentioned wanting?-
“I’ll have Pinkie get it, she’s good at getting weird things.”
-I know... she was drunk, and wanted to join us.-
“Oh my, she must of been truly wasted, and I’ve seen her drink Applejack under the table.”
-Wow, and she outright said she got your, and I quote 'thingys'.-
“Did she try count the alphabet? that’s what she did last time she was drunk.”
-more like, 'I can count to potato! Uhhh... Pineapple?' She was frigging plastered!... Ribbon?- I tried to crane my neck to see her face buried in my mane, fast asleep. Wow, she was still pooped from yesterday, wasn't she? I scooted closer to her, letting her bury herself in my mane. I could let myself out, but where'd be the fun in that? Especially after Ribon went through the trouble to wrap me up extra, extra tight? I was staying like this for a while. I just realized, I've been going and going the last few days, and it hasn't been enough. Am I going into heat again, without even realizing it?
The sound of Ribbon sneezing woke me. "Morning sleepyhead." Well, Ribbon had gone back to being all lovey dovey
-Morning.- I wiggled around until I was face to face with her.
"So, want out now?"
-Nope! I love this, and I'm gonna enjoy it!-
"Are... are you sure?"
-I'll still have magic, I can let myself out if I get desperate enough.-
"If you're certain, I won't stop you... I might watch though."
-Goodie!- I managed to get my head over her shoulder, in an armless hug.
"But how do I know you won't cheat with magic?" I noticed her levitating the suppression ring, and made a silent moan as she slipped it over my horn. "There we go, now you can't cheat! Scootaloo will have left by now, so why don't you make yourself breakfast?"
-Mmmmm, breakfast...- Now, unlike when Ribbon was wrapped up, I wasn't 'distracted' by 'other things', and could think clearly about how to get around without the aid of magic, or forelegs. Pushing myself to the edge of the bed, I turned myself around, and slid down onto my hind legs, before letting the rest of me slide down. Turning myself around again, I made my way to the door. Pushing myself against it, I got myself up to the doorknob, and held it in my mouth, before turning it, and leaning back.
I got the door open, and then fell on my rump. -I'm okay!- Getting back onto my belly, I pushed myself through the doorway, and made my way to my next challenge... Stairs.
I made my way to the top of the staircase, and after turning around, backed myself down a few, before turning over, and grinning madly. I then slid down the rest of the stairs on my back. -Weeee!- after coming to a rest at the bottom of the stairway, I turned myself around, and scooted towards the kitchen. By now, I had begun to mutley hum to myself, feeling much happier, and enjoying every minute of being so tightly confined and helpless.
I think I’m starting to understand why Ribbon was so happy. Except unlike Ribbon, I now have Scoots staring at me. She immediately started to panic. -Uhh... Ribbon? Scootaloos still here...- I could feel my face light up in embarrassment.
Ribbon came down stairs right as Scoots unleashed a flurry of words. “OHMYGOSHCHIWHATHAPPENEDWHODIDTHISAREYOUOKDOYOUNEEDHELPHOWDOIGET-”
“SCOOTS!”
“Huh?”
“She’s fine.”
“What do mean ‘she’s fine’? she’s stuck.”
“She asked for it.”
“Why would she ask to be stuck?”
“She, um… Enjoys it?” I nodded in agreement, not really able to add much more of an opinion then that due to my current lack of breathing.
“I don’t... think I understand.”
“Ok. You... You know that weird feeling of helplessness? Well, she likes that feeling.”
“She… likes that? Really?” She looked at me for that last part, sadly I was unable to answer.
“She can’t talk right now.”
“How come?”
“How am I going to explain this?... Uh, you know I don’t eat normal food? well, she doesn’t need to breath, and she wanted it really tight.”
-So... I got caught. Does that mean I need to be 'disciplined'?- I giggled silently, feeling very happy by now.
Ribbon’s face grew a shade of green as she blushed. ’Yes, later.’ “Shouldn't you be in school right now anyway? Or is it friday already, I sort of... lost track of days.” Well, you were basically left in a 'bind' for a whole day.
"Its a Saturday. Speaking of which, I've got some crusading to do, so you two go back to whatever weird stuff you were doing." Scootaloo promptly headed for the door, and left.
"Now I believe you mentioned something about needing to be disciplined?" I gulped.
-I'm a bad pony, and must be punished!-
“You sick masochrist. You like being punished, don’t you?”
-Not so much the punishment, as the feeling of helplessness, of having no control.-
“Well then, why don’t you just hang here for a bit while I go see Pinkie.” Ribbon pick me up in her magic and floated me upside down, up to the ceiling, where she spat a glob of gel at my hind legs so I was just hanging there, and then pushed me a few times like a cat pawing at a ball of yarn while giggling at me.
-Ohhh, what are you getting from her this time?-
“Blindfolds and a another straitjacket.”
-Go ahead, take your time, I'll just be hanging around.- I mutely giggled at my pun, and decided to just rock back and forth.
After an... interesting next few days, I finally was no longer in heat, and could think normally. I was still a tad bit upset about not finding out about Ribbon's experience with the dragon sooner.
"We're back!" Speak of the devil. Ribbon walked in the door, Mirage happily riding on her back.
"And you brought Mirage! Does that mean shes coming to Canterlot with us?"
“Yeah, I’m thinking she’ll be safer there.”
“Canterlot!”
"Okay, I say it once in front of her, and she perfectly pronounces it. Shes gotten bigger, too. What gives?"
“She’ll be fully mature once she’s 3 years old. Changelings grow up quickly and learn just as fast.” Really? Thats goddamn fast. Now I'm curious.
"How old does that make you?"
“Umm… 20 years old, why?”
"Wow, if my math is right, then scaled up to the average time it takes humans to mature, you'd be effectively 120 years old. You aged well."
“Oh, please. 120 years. I age faster than rotten milk to you? Huh? We “Mature” quickly, I’m still 20.”
"Now I just feel stupid for asking."
“Granted, once she’s 3 years old she’ll have the body of a 14 year old and the mind of one. And before you ask, I said ‘Mature’ not ‘legal’. after that she’s age normally. Then again, I have no idea if being a Proto-Queen will affect anything.”
"I... I have no idea how to respond to that."
“Well just, relax. Besides, The hivemind teaches her everything she'd ever need to know as she needs it, so the sex talk won’t be needed.”
“What’s that?” Oh god. Abort conversation!
“You’ll know when you’re older!” Yeah, this is awkward.
“Awww.” No! Don't you try the sad face on me!
"Seriously, I'm not telling you about that until you're older. Now please stop trying to guilt me into telling you... or do I have to hug you?" I gave our little nymph a mischievous grin. The eyes got worse. "Hugs it is!" I scooped Mirage up and held her close to my chest, giggling.
“Mirage, don’t drain her, only light feeding.”
“I know!”
"Light fee-... Am I really that easy to manipulate?"
“By a nymph? yes. By me? yes. By anypony else? not that I’ve seen.”
"Then again, I can think like Pinkie..."
“I doubt that.”
"What if I told you, that this was all some fiction on the internet?"
“I’d say you have an unfair advantage, Pinkie doesn’t know about the internet.”
"I need scissors! 61!" Haha, the look on Ribbons face! Her eye started twitching at that, before she realized something.
“Pack! We need to pack!”
"...Pack what?"
“My tools, I want my blacksmithing tools and my unfinished projects.”
"Oh. What kind of projects?"
“All kinds. Unfinished potions plus my equipment that I hid in the walls. Gun pieces, ammunition, armor parts, and equipment. Lastly my enchantment projects, tests pieces, crystals, not to mention the box of them I got from Twilight. There’s a lot of things I need to get before we leave.” Damn! We had a freaking lab right here the whole time!?
"Wow. That is a lot. You need some help with that?"
“Of course, any help would be appreciated. I want my work to be protected, weather the princesses know it or not, I’m moving my more major projects to the outpost there.”
"Sure, I'll help with that. Where do you keep this stuff?"
“In the basement behind a wall.”
"...And you only told me this now?"
“It’s well hidden, the only way to find it would be to break down the wall and I’ve never needed anything that’s in there. Never the less I still want it.”
"What do we do about our resident basement dweller then?"
“Take the ring off, have her turn into a unicorn and put the ring back on, then she’ll be stuck that way, and take her to Canterlot. It’s time we put her to use.” Goddamit brain, not like that.
"Well then, I guess we can unseal the basement." I headed over to, and then down, the stairwell, looking at the door that was sealed shut by Ribbons gel on the other side. Ribbon cast the spell and soon the wood started to groan, when it stopped, I gave the door a test jiggle, it seemed loose. Pushing the door open, I saw Twilight sitting there and chatting with Chrysalis.
"So, you're saying, anypony with good enough magical control can do that, not just changelings? I've never seen it mentioned in any books, even in the royal archives! To think its that easy to subvert sompony free will! What kind of monster would come up with a spell like that!?"
“I have no idea who made such a spell or why. But, such magic is banned in Equestria.”
“But then... what happened to Chitsuki when we were in the Crystal empire? Its not like Tattered Ribbon would do that to her... is it?"
“I thought I explained it before.” Both of them turned towards us, surprised. “A queen can take control of lower hive members if they’re in danger, the connection I have with Chitsuki requires I have permission for it to work.”
"Wait. You have a hivemind link. With a pony?" Chrysalis seemed rather annoyed at the concept. "How did she not turn into a vegetable from exposure to the rest of the hivemind?"
“It’s… not a hivemind. It’s a separate link she created with me, not the other way around.”
Chrysalis shifted her gaze to me. "Hey, all I know was I poked some transparent weblike thing in her dream. Then bang, we're hearing each others thoughts... and no Twilight, entering dreams is more than likely, only something Luna could do, the only reason I can do it is due to… Yeah” I finished, gesturing to myself. Twilight got what I was implying.
"Ohhh... because of her."
"Who?" No. I don't want to talk about it. I gave Chrysalis a sad look and shook my head.
"Twilight, you're going to need to leave. We need to talk to Chrysalis alone about some things."
"Oh. Okay." She got up and soon walked out, not questioning it, more then likely because she had somewhere else to be.
"So, Chrysalis, heres the deal. I'm going to take the suppression ring off, you going to turn into a generic unicorn, and I'm going to put the suppression ring back on you. Then, we're going to take you to Canterlot, and if you try anything... well, I've always wondered what would happen if I pulled someone into a shadow with me. Would they, disappear?" Ribbon gave me a rather curious look. -What? It's something I've been wondering about.-
Chrysalis scooted away, scared. "I-I'll be good! J-just don't send me there! Anywhere but there!" She was obviously scared of the prospect of being dragged off to where she more then likely believed I came from.
The sound of grinding stone caught my attention. I looked over to see the wall cracked open, one rock in the wall was coated in Ribbon’s magic. On the other side of the stone was a metal door, disguised by the stone. “Can we get my stuff now?”
“Sure, give me a tour of your lab while we’re at it.”
Ribbon moved the stove door with no problem, but when she tried the metal door, it wouldn’t move. “It’s rusted shut.” She tried again, but with more force and the door groaned, more force was added and she ripped from it’s hinges.
"What the heck happened to quality control these days?"
“I haven’t been down here in a long time.” Ribbon walked in first with me behind her, Chrysalis was just poking her head through the doorway.
"Don't even think about it." I gave Chrysalis a sharp glare and caused her to back out of the room and wait in a corner.
Looking around the room, I was amazed by all the test tubes with something either dried up or dead, and the cauldron in one half of the room. Was Ribbon taking classes with Zecora? On the other half, what looked like armor pieces, several weapons, one of them I recognized as the mini crossbow she used at the wedding, she must of made a new one and forgot about it. “I doubt I need to give an actual tour, it’s just the one room. But if you still want one, potions on the left, workshop on the right.”
"Is that a... Is this legit? A freaking skull?" Yeah, I noticed a ponys skull on one of the tables, a unicorns to be precise.
“That’s… I’m not proud of that. I think I was 11 when I did that. It was after I escaped the dragon and I hadn’t returned to the hive yet.”
"Sounds like there's a story behind that."
“He broke in where I was staying and… like I said, this was soon after I escaped the dragon so I was pretty distrusting. Anyway, He rushed me and I blacked out. I woke up with him dead… I never found the rest of him either. My place was covered in as much blood as I was, and I could taste it… It took a while to clean.”
I actually felt my stomach try to abandon ship. Did she... she went batshit insane and I think she ate the guy. “Luckily, that was the only time something like that happened, and it was before I returned to the hive and long before I came here to Ponyville… You feeling alright? you look sick.”
"I think... I think I figured out what you did to the poor sap..."
“What do you mean? how can you know, I don’t even know.”
"You said you could taste the dudes blood, you were coated in it, as well as the rest of the place... where there... bite marks on the head?"
“Not that I remember, it was a long time ago. Why?”
"I think you gave into more... primal, instincts." Poor bastard never stood a chance. At least Ribbon can definitely defend herself if I'm ever unable to.
"Baka-Chryssy!" Wait. MIRAGE!? I turned around and headed back out into the basement to see Mirage pointing at Chrysalis. "Baka!"
-Ribbon? You hearing this?-
’How can I not, Mirage’s calling Chrysalis an idiot.’ Chrysalis gave me a very confused stare.
"Please explain how she looks likes you, I know for a fact that there's no way you could have reproduced with each other."
"Hell if I know."
”Tartarus.”
"WHO GIVES A DAMN! *ahem* as I was saying, I got no clue... Ribbon laid the egg first, then we did the deed."
“Why doesn’t anypony say she looks like me, I’m purple too!”
"Because they notice she has that same look in her eyes as me, ready to start trouble at a moments notice."
“Don’t ignore me, how did this happen?!”
"Baka-Chryssy!" I had to resist laughing at how Mirage kept calling Chrysalis an idiot.
"Chrysalis, you won't believe the only theory I've been able to come up with."
“Which is?”
"I fed Ribbon a part of my soul by accident, after an altercation with a certain chaos god that almost killed Ribbon, and Mirage was born with a copy of it.”
“... what?”
“Both Ribbon and Mirage have a piece of my soul.”
“You’re right, I don’t believe you.”
"Baka!" Must... not... laugh...
"Yes Mirage, she is a baka."
“What is that, why does she keep saying it? Surely she’s old enough to talk normally.”
"Its called speaking japanese. And you'll have to find out for yourself... baka." Chrysalis glared at me as I just smiled at her. "Problem?"
“I hate you.”
"Awww. Love you too."
Ribbon come out of her lab with a bag full of stuff. “Stop making fun of her and help.”
"Gimmie a sec." I turned back to Chrysalis. "Okay you know what to do. Turn into a unicorn when I take the ring off.” She nodded rapidly. The moment I removed the ring, she went up in flames, revealing a snow white unicorn, with emerald eyes, her mane color unchanged, and a green crystal heart as her cutie mark. I put the ring back on, and gave her a light pat on the head. “You look kinda cute like that, Chrysi." Chrysalis growled at my compliment. "No, I'm serious, if Maria were a pony, you could probably pass as her sister."
“I don’t know who that is, and I don’t thi-mph” Chrysalis was interrupted by Ribbon shoving a hoof in her mouth, and whispered something to her. Chrysalis’ eyes widened, and she nodded her head.
"So, what do we call you in this form?" I tilted my head. -hey, Ribbon? Is it possible to apply an illusion spell to that suppression ring?-
“This form got a lot of use a long time ago. Loveless. With a name like that, and a face like this, it was easy getting love before I was given the crown.”
’It might, it’s a suppression ring, not a canceling ring.’ Ribbon cast a spell over the ring and it slowly fade away. “There, now nopony will ask why you’re wearing a suppression ring.”
"So, Loveless. Sounds like the name of a hopeless romantic."
“All it usually takes is a few words, the right name, and a pretty face to get a stallion to do whatever I want.”
"Hey! I take insult to that! I used to be a guy before becoming a host for the Nightmare.”
Chrysalis whispered to Ribbon, but I heard it clearly. “Is she delusional?”
“No, in fact, it’s true. Chi used to be a male.” Ribbon didn’t even bother whispering back.
"Baka!" Mirage, you really are trying to get me to laugh, aren't you?
"Okay Mirage, you can stop calling her a baka now... even though she is one."
"Awww..." Mirage tried to use the puppy face again, but I had a plan for that.
"Boop!" I poked Mirage on the snout, causing her to giggle, and clap her hooves happily. “Whos the cute little nymph?”
“Is she?... She is.” Chrysalis was dumbfounded by my sudden display of affection, not used to seeing me as something other than a monster or her captor, rather than Ribbons affectionate lover, and the closest thing Miage would have to a father. God have mercy on the poor colt who tries to date her, because I sure as hell won’t.
“Hugs!” Mirage held her forehooves in the air, looking at me cutely.
“How can I say no to you when you're so cute!” I scooped Mirage up again, and then it occurred to me, at the same time the slight draining sensation started. “How? How do you keep playing me like this? You could just ask me to feed you, but instead you toy with me?”
“Yep!”
“...Impressive. Mirage, I am proud.” I hugged her tighter. shes already got a manipulative streak, and shes not even a year old! Even Chrysalis looked somewhat impressed by that revelation. “You're going to be a fine schemer when you grow up. might just join me, and the Chaos Quartet in pranking sometime.” Ribbon shuddered at that, just imagining the chaos the six of us could cause. “But anyways, don't we have a train to catch?”
“Mama!” Something just poked me in the face. “Chi!” Another poke. “Wake up!”
“Allright, Allright, I’m up.” I blinked a couple of times to clear the sleep from my eyes, and saw Mirage standing an inch from my face.
“Mama!”
-Uhhh… why is she calling me ‘mama’?-
’Because you and me are together. She goodbye to the rest of your manliness, because she’s decided she has two moms.’
-Ain’t gonna stop me from chasing away the colts from her when shes older.-
’I’m not even sure changelings and ponies can have foals.’
-Don't care, not letting just any colt have our daughter.-
’And that’s why she calls you Mama. You called her our daughter.’
-...I did? So this is what parenthood feels like.-
’So it is. Come on, we’ll be pulling into the station soon and we’ll have some help carrying all of my stuff.’
"Wheres Chrys- err Loveless anyways?"
“In the next car over, trying her best to get at some stallion.”
"Hey, she needs food too, I can't blame her."
“She’s fine, I’m sure.”
The train lurched slightly, as it begun slowing down. Mirage gave an excited chrp before she began bouncing up and down. "Canterlot!”
“Why don’t you go get Loveless, I’ll go get my stuff off the train.”
"Sure, why not?" I slowly got onto my hooves, and stretched. I then headed into the next car to see Chrysalis chatting with a stallion, who had an axe cutie mark.
"It truly is a wonderful sight, Isn't it Leaf Cutter?" Chrysalis had her head resting against the stallions side, a slight smile on her face..
"Yes it is. Truly, Canterlot is a majestic sight."
"Hey, Loveless."
She jumped when I called to her, and the stallion had a terrified look in his eyes. “Y-yes Chitsuki?”
'Ribbon sent me to come and get you." I gave the stallion a small nod. "I can sense your fear, and it is unfounded, its not like I was angry with you or something."
“Okay.” He visibly relaxed. Geeze, do I really scare ponies that badly still?
"Anyway, follow me Loveless." The train came to a complete stop, having pulled into the station. Leading Chrysalis back to Ribbon, I smiled upon seeing how happy Mirage was, as she was playfully batting at Ribbons mane. "Well Ribbon, I brought Loveless, and we're here now."
“Good. I have several changelings helping to get all of the stuff to the outpost.”
“You have an outpost here? Do the Princesses know about it?” Chrysalis tilted her head in confusion, and a slight bit of worry.
“Of course they know, they gave us the crystal mines, the very one Chrysalis put Princess Cadence in. We’ve been mining them out and selling the crystals, since ponies don’t seem to care.”
I picked up one of the bags full of stuff Ribbon had brought, levitating it over to me. "Well? What are we waiting for?" Mirage stopped toying with Ribbons mane, and walked over to me.
"Up!" Up? Oh... she wants up on my back, doesn't she? I obliged and scooped her up, letting her nestle herself in between my wings. She soon started batting at my mane, which caused me to chuckle at her perpetual happiness.
"Well Ribbon, Loveless, lets get going." I walked off the train, the other following. Soon Ribbon took the lead, taking us up to the outpost. I saw a bunch of unicorns offloading the boxes, and several more black coated unicorns taking them, changelings maybe? Probably staying out of sight, but still noticeable.
As we began our trek towards the mine entrance, I could overhear several ponies talking about us.
"She has a foal?"
"They should be removed from Canterlot."
"I heard she infected the Princess' student with dark magic."
"How can the Princess just let them walk freely?"
"She's a walking time bomb."
"Look, there's another one. First one tries to invade, and now there's two of them."
"Why doesn't the Princess do something about them."
These ponies are a bunch of racist bigots, I saved theirs asses from Chrysalis when she was still evil, and yet they think I'm still bloody Nightmare Moon! Ungrateful bastards.
“Don’t let them get to you, it’s Canterlot, they’ll always tell false rumors and backstab others to make themselves look better to each other. Don’t play their game.”
I took a deep breath to calm my nerve. "Honestly? I can live with them spreading rumors about me, its when they start badmouthing you and Mirage that I want to strangle someone."
“That’s why I stayed in Ponyville, so much weird happens that I look like I belong there. But with the Griffons being a problem, I don’t want to risk Mirage’s safety, for comfort, so I’ll probably avoid the general public, let alone the nobles. At least the princesses are good company, you should try starting over with them.”
"Just thinking about the stunt Celestia pulled about certain 'quirks' I had due to being an alicorn, is enough to get my blood boiling."
“Maybe so, But is it really their fault? Weather they told you or not, did it matter?”
I sighed. "You're right, maybe I should give her another chance. Now can we drop this? I don't think Loveless needs to hear my life story."
"I was hoping you'd forgotten I was here." Chrysalis was busy alternating between listening to us, and shooting anypony who insulted Ribbon a rather nasty glare, no doubt because she wanted her 'successor' to 'get the respect she deserves'.
The mine entrance was now in sight. After changelings had taken up residence, it seems they decided to smooth the place out. I noticed that Chrysalis seemed a tad bit nervous about walking into what would hopefully be our new hive soon.
As we traveled deeper, the familiar sight of what I had dubbed Glowshrooms greeted us, illuminating the mineshaft. "Can't wait till we have this place looking like glowstone cavern, right Ribbon?"
“Yeah. Crystal walls, ceiling, floor, doesn’t matter. We’ll figure out a way to do it, even if I have to contract somepony to help make it.”
"Glowstone... Cavern? Can't say I've heard of a place like that before." Chrysalis was now quite interested in our little hideaway/Forward operating base.
“On the edge of a griffon city, there’s a small cave hidden by a waterfall that leads to a massive cavern filled with geodes and an underground lake, the lake is hot enough that steam comes off of it. And the walls and floor are covered in some glowing blue moss.”
"The ceiling though, that was a thing of beauty. Watching as the light reflects off the water and into the ceiling, causing geodes to light up like stars. Words cannot do it justice." I sighed. "I wish we could go back there sometime."
“Unfortunately, it’s in griffon territory, that’s why we’re going to try and copy it here at the hive, hopefully. We still need to talk to her about that, and about the mole that tipped off the griffons.”
"What!? You saying somepony TOLD the griffons where the hive was?"
"Yes Loveless, yes they did." I made sure to place extra emphasis on Chrysalis cover name, trying to keep her from getting recognized.
Chrysalis scrunched up her face, she knew she made a mistake. As we traveled deeper into the mines, I noticed how Chrysalis' anxiety increased ever so slowly, and as the actual outpost came into sight, I sensed the smallest amount of fear.
There were several small rooms carved into the crystals, with an entrance to a much bigger room all the way in the back, glowshrooms lighting the area. "So, care to show me some of the stuff you've been working on once we unpack everything?"
Ribbon had just pulled out a large black cloak, and was busy securing it to herself.
"So, whats it supposed to do?"
“Most ponies who don’t want to be seen, usually wear a cloak. This one actually hides you, but it only works when you’re standing still and you’re in a dark place. See the clasp here?” I nodded. Seeing the simple silver clasp with a small jewel. “This is what actually holds the enchantment, one of Twilights crystals.”
"Cool! It might be highly limited, but its still essentially a freaking invisibility cloak!"
She put the cloak away and pulled out a ring with the same small gem. “This, is supposed to hide a unicorns magical aura when casting a spell, that’s what it’s supposed to do. Instead,” Ribbon put the ring on and instantly her horn lit up. “it shows the arua clearly and constantly, even when I’m not casting a spell. And it itches like crazy.”
"Well, that ones a bust."
She took off the ring and put it away. The next thing she pulled out was a large green looking crystal. “Again, another one of Twilights crystals. This one has been charged with a large amount of energy. It’s meant to hold and store love energy, except the enchantments meant to hold the energy is instead feeding off of it. I’m thinking, maybe using runes will give a better result. This one has been corrupted by changeling magic and can’t be used for anything now.”
"Wait, changeling magic can corrupt those?"
“Well, maybe ‘corrupt’ is the wrong word to use, more like, stained. Normal gems, when enchanted, don’t glow and don’t change color, Twilights crystals are very different that way, and I can’t take the enchantments off now, so the only thing this one’s good for now would be an energy trash can.”
"Oh. That makes sense."
“And I don’t intend to just throw away love energy, that’s just wasteful.”
"I got all the love you could ever need right here, cuddlebug." The sound of Chrysalis retching caught my attention, she had peeked in through the entryway and saw me being sappy. "You're just jealous!" I stuck my tongue out at Chrysalis. Hey, just because I've become an ageless embodiment of darkness, doesn't mean I can't act immature if I want to. I walked over to Ribbon and hugged her, feeling happy that she would never have to go hungry. Then, inspiration struck! "Say, that gem might not be good at storing magic, but what about dispersing it?"
“Like what?”
"If you linked it to something that absorbs magic, you'd have a way to block magical attacks for non magic users!"
“Like a heat sink, link a shield spell to it and use this one to drain off magic from spells that hit it."
"Exactly!"
“This one’s still useless, but now I know what it could be used for!”
I grinned. “Still, perhaps its time we let Mirage see the sights of Canterlot? Along with Loveless, of course.” Can’t let Chrysalis slip away, now can I?
“Good idea. We can start with the stained glass windows in the castle, since we’re going there already.”
“Good a place as any, now to wait for Mirage to wake up.”
When I said her name, Mirage shifted on my back where she fell asleep and mumbled. “Fluffy… Mama…”
“Awww…”
As we walked out, Mirage on my back, I couldn't help but wonder...
-Ribbon? What else do you know about... her? What exactly did she do, besides be a monster and try to cause global extinction?-
’I don’t know, I’m not really an expert on history and I only saw her for three minutes when she returned.’
-Should I maybe ask Luna about this?-
’You can, she’d probably know more. But, it might be a bit of a sore topic for her.’
“We’re here.” The castles gates loomed over us.
“Whoa.”
“Mirage, do you remember Princess Luna?” Mirage chirped. “She’s the one that took care of you in Tartarus, this is where she lives.”
“Woooooona.”
“Close enough. Come on, lets go inside.”
As we walked inside, I noticed Ribbon gazing around, she was able to soak in the sight of this place without having to constantly look over her shoulder for prying eyes. “This place is big, and there’s a window every five feet. There’s like no wall.” Ribbon was pointing down one of the hallways, there was a lot of windows.
“I know, not to mention its on the side of a mountain, so it’s got a damn good good view.”
“Mommy!”
“Hmm? wait, is Mirage referring to me, or you?”
“No. You’re Mama. On the train she was calling me Mommy.”
“Mommy, Mama, Baka!” I to Mirage to see her pointing to a stained window. it depicted Ribbon on the right with her shadow stretching out towards Crysalis on the left, and me coming out of Ribbon's shadow in the center, looming over Chrysalis.
“How dare they, if I had my ma- OW! what was that for?!”
Ribbon had kicked Chrysalis. “Calm down!” Ribbon all but growled at her. Chrysalis glared at her, but held her tongue.
“Holy crap, did I really look that scary?”
“No… You were much, much worse during the actual wedding. This is more like a foal friendly version.”
“Damn… I really went nuts, didn’t I?”
“You always go above and beyond. Even when you fought Sombra, I’ll never forget that. Ripped wing, Stabbed through the gut, and several other wounds that should have killed you, or at least crippled you. He even did it with your weapon, didn’t he?”
“Yeah, and it hurt. a lot. At least I ripped out a chunk out of the basterds foreleg when he thought he had me beaten.” I stuck my tongue out, remembering that horrid taste.
“Y-your fangs are just for show, right?”
I looked to Chrysalis, grinning and exposing them for her to clearly see. “No, these are the real deal. I’m a full blown omnivore.”
“That d-doesn't make you look any better.”
“As much as I want to fit in, I’m basically a wolf in sheeps clothing. You’ve witnessed firsthand how protective I can be of Ribbon, and I was still lucid that time.”
“Alright, enough teasing Loveless.” Ribbon was right. Chrysalis looked about ready to shit her metaphorical pants. “Princess Celestia just ended court.”
Chrysalis looked uneasy. “How do you know?”
“I have a guard stationed inside the throne room every day, just incase the incident like after the hive was attacked happens again, or she needs somethings. So I had her informed that we were here.”
“So she’s just waiting for us? She doesn’t know about me, does she?” Chrysalis was radiating fear by now, which actually amused me somewhat. She knew she was completely helpless.
“Yes she is, and no she doesn’t. She still thinks you’re in Ponyville, no doubt Twilight has told her you’ve woken up.” Ribbon walked back into the entryway and towards the large doors. The guards all either side powered up their magic and opened the doors for us. There, on her throne, was Celestia, with Luna sitting just off to the side.
Immediately, Mirage took off and went right for Luna. “Wooooona!”
“Hello little Mirage.”
“Hello Chi, Ribbon. I see you brought a friend with you.”
“H-hello Princess.” Just then, as Celestia came down off her throne, I saw Chrysalis do something I didn’t think she would do. She bowed to Princess Celestia.
-Did… did I just see what I thought I saw!?-
’You didn’t see her during the wedding and the days before, she’s very good. She made herself look cruel to Twilight, and only Twilight, while she made herself look good to everypony else. It made Twilight snap at her friends and Princess Celestia said she was disappointed in her. It crushed her. Then again you slept through all of it.’
-That… was actually a pretty stupid thing to do. why would she go out of the way to make it more likely she would be exposed?-
’The elements of course. When the enemy has a weapon that could turn you to stone, you try and make sure they can’t use said weapon. Taking Twilight out of the picture like she did was an incredibly smart move.’
-True…-
’And once she manipulated Twilight into snapping at her and her brother, she was uninvited to the wedding, so nopony would question why she wasn’t there.’
“Rise my little pony, and tell me. Why are you wearing a suppression ring?”
“Its Chrysalis.” Ribbon just blurted it out for all to hear.
“Baka!” Mirage pointed at a rather horrified Chrysalis and laughed.
“The suppressor ring forces her to hold the form we had her take and keeps her from using her magic. I assume Twilight told you she woke up?”
“Yes, my student informed me of such.” Chrysalis went from bowing to cowering. “She can stay under your care, since I trust your more powerful than her, thanks to Chi. And we can always rely on the elements if she gets out of control.”
“Very, and I have the backing of the hive if she tried. But, might I suggest she stay with Twilight?”
“And why is that?”
“Because she acts a little more... friendly, with her.”
-Wait, she is? Twilight must have been popping in to see her a lot more than I thought.-
’You didn’t notice? She was acting nicer to Twilight than she does you. I’m still nervous with her, and you just poke at her, Twilight’s the only one willing to give her a chance so far. And if she told Princess Celestia, she probably told her friends, and have any of them been over?’
-Well, now I know why Chrysalis wasn’t so snappy around Twilight. Stockholm syndrom.-
Ribbon paused for a few moments, more then likely looking through the copy of my memories she had, trying to find out what that meant.
’You think she’s mentally ill? Should we… encourage it?’
-Yes. if we do, Chrysalis might just realize on her own that ponies are more than just a source of love energy.-
“Are you alright Ribbon?”
“Huh? Yes, just going over some things. What did you say?”
“I said that, if Twilight agrees, Chrysalis may stay with her. But, do check on her for me.”
“Of course.”
“As for you Chrysalis, be on your best behavior.”
“O-ok.” my god, Chrysalis looks so pitiful right now, like a wounded puppy.
“Lastly, I was hoping the hive could be moved here, to Canterlot, would that be possible?”
“You could, but I want a favor in return. I’ll be hosting a dinner tonight for a large group of nobles, they’ve been rather insistent that they want see you and I’ve been putting it off for your sake. But, I would like it if you were there.”
“Great. If it gets my hive into Canterlot, where they can be better protected, so be it… Now that that’s all taken care of, I’m afraid I have more concerning news. It seems the griffons that attacked the hive were told where we were, by a pony. We don’t know by who yet, but the only ponies that knew where we were hiding was you, your sister, and a few of your staff. I think somepony here wants us gone.”
Luna, who had been busy playing with Mirage, finally spoke her piece, looking quite infuriated at this sudden revelation. “To think somepony would perform such a despicable act, out of there own petty hatred. Something must be done about this, immediately!”
“I know. As much as I would like to put whoever was responsible for this six feet under, we have to find the lowlife first!” Oh what I would do to the bastard who organized this clusterfuck. I swear, just my sheer contempt for the asshole was causing the room to darken. I mean, even Celestia and Luna looked a bit apprehensive all of a sudden.
“Chi, your eyes are doing that thing again, like they did in the empire.”
“This has happened before, Miss Ribbon?” Asked Luna.
“Yeah. Why? is it bad?”
“I am unsure, but it may be because of her dark magic. Dark magic feeds off anger, hatred, and other negative emotions, while a normal unicorns magic is more peaceful.”
“That… That might explain why I completely flew off the handle when I fought Sombra, unlike every other time, where it was more... focused.”
“That would make sense, yes. Dark magic is more instinctual than what is normal, if you don’t have proper control, it can take over. Sombra had perfect control over his magic when my sister and I fought him a thousand years ago. Chitsuki, if you continue to let your magic get the better of you, you may become a threat.”
“I came to that conclusion myself, and it scares me. I was fighting him like a rabid animal, the only two thoughts on my mind being to keep him away from Ribbon, and to brutally dismember him. I even bit a chunk out of him, I was that far gone to bloodlust.” I hung my head in shame, unwilling to look the Princesses in the eyes after saying that.
“You will need to learn how to control yourself and your magic Chitsuki, You must not let something like that happen again. In the meantime, it may be wise to suggest Tattered Ribbon stay here with her hive and out of danger, as it seems your more frenzied outbursts happen with her around.”
“But Chi’s my primary food source. Just because I have enough energy to last me years, doesn’t make the daily hunger pangs go away. I just got used to not ever having them.”
“I am are not saying we should separate you, just that you should stay with your hive, here.”
“Oh thank god. I don’t think I’d be able to handle being away from Ribbon and Mirage for such an extended period of time.” Just the thought filled me with unease, like we were talking about removing a piece of me. I didn’t want to leave Ribbon, because I felt that since my soul was linked to her, I had inadvertently painted a target on her back.
“Don’t worry, once we set up shop in the crystal caverns and all the changelings are freed from the griffons. I intend to stay.”
We were walking down a hallway as a guard escorted us to the dining room where Celestia was hosting the dinner. While Ribbon had said not to play their political games, she apparently did see this a good time to do business, wearing a few armor pieces that were clearly made more for show rather than protection. I couldn’t help but wonder how she made them so quickly. Mirage was happily bouncing alongside us, not a care in the world.
Mirage was fine not wearing anything. But, the piece Ribbon wore were thin, light, and covered in floral designs including a single shoulder guard and a neck guard, and she had decided to wear her blue flower mane pin again, having gone without it for so long. All I had decided to go with was the neck piece from the original armor I could form, made me feel a bit less exposed.
When we arrived at the simple look wooden door, the guard opened it for us. Immediately everyone in the room stopped talking and stared and me and Ribbon. “...What? Take a picture, it will last longer.” that did the trick, as all the nobles looked away, and I think a few looked like they barfed in their mouths a little. The only vacant seats were next to Luna, so I took a seat there, the Princesses to my right, and Ribbon and Mirage to my left. Now that I had some fun messing with their heads, I put on a decent poker face. "So, how about we just cut to the chase, there's a reason you ponies wanted us here."
“We were just hoping to get a look at the changeling Queen that was willing to fight the other queen that invaded, and surrender afterwards.” Said some posh looking mare, that I didn’t like.
"I'm sensing an 'and' here." I knew it was complete bullshit, but I wanted to see where this was going to go.
“And we were wondering where she went off to. We had not seen head nor hair of her in Canterlot since then, aside from the few changelings that are still here.” Said the noble stallion next to her.
“I went back home, simple as that.”
“Why didn’t you stay in Canterlot, if you don’t mind me asking. Wonderful view we have here.”
“I figured that, after Chrysalis’ attempted invasion, most ponies wouldn’t want another queen hanging around. So aside from the small outpost Princess Celestia let me put here, I moved the hive into a nearby mountain that once housed a dragon.”
“Yes, we had heard that the Princess had allowed you to move your hive within Equestrian territory. Though, it’s a shame what happened. To think the griffons manage to get so far into our land without being seen.”
"And that doesn’t worry you, that they might come after ponies next time?" I asked. God, the way his eye twitched, he knew he had walked right into that.
“N-no, it doesn’t. T-the captain of the guard has assured us that, he will be making sure it doesn’t happen a second time.”
"The same Captain the missed the changeling invasion?”
“No, that was Prince Shining Armor that was captain at the time, the current captain, Captain Hardy, is doing his best.”
"Mmmhm, and did it never occurred to you that such a massive lapse in security might have been an inside job?" Nearly everypony who didn't already know gasped in shock.
“What would give you that idea?”
Ribbon responded before I did. “Well, Just recently, during one of the rescue missions, we managed to capture a slave dealer. he gave us the names of some future targets and his boss, as well as a tip that an Equestrian gave the griffons the means to enter Equestria without being seen and were the hive was located. Only a select few were given the knowledge of where the hive was.” Everypony at the table started whispering to each other.
"So you can see why me and Ribbon think somepony here was in on this.”
“For this same reason I have also allowed Ribbon to move her hive here, to Canterlot, so they may be safe.” Finally Celestia says something.
Several cries of “WHAT!” resounded throughout the room, from the nobles.
“Are you sure about this?”
“Their entire hive? does Canterlot even have room for them?” That was probably the most intelligent question I've heard out of their mouths, sadly enough.
"Are any of you aware of the abandoned mine below Canterlot?"
“Sure, but those were abandoned for a reason, the supports are unstable.”
“Not that big an issue, it should be fairly easy to reinforce them.”
“Already done!” Damn, Ribbons on the ball.
“I’m guessing you did that when you made the outpost there?”
“Of course, you think I’m going to put my changelings in condemned housing and tell them not to fix it?”
“Good, I was worried for a moment.” -I know you wouldn't, I just need to play along with these… buffoons till I can get one of them to slip up-
’I think I know how to do that.’
I was curious about what she had planed when I felt something poking me. I looked down at Mirage. “Mama, hungry.” As I heard Mirages little request, I nudged her seat closer and watched as she made the most adorable squee before turning back to the nobles, who were now staring.
One of them manage to stop staring long enough to ask. “Is she… Your?”
“Its complicated. for one, She imprinted on me as well as Ribbon when she asked. And before you go asking about who the father is, Changeling reproduction confuses the heck out of me.” Dammit, stop blushing! -You put her up to this, didn’t you?-
’I didn’t know you’d be the one to slip.’ I… Did Ribbon just troll me!? judging by the fact I could sense fear coming from a few of the nobles now, as they started whispering to each other again. they really didn’t like the idea of me raising a foal/nymph. I managed to spot a few with the look of disgust.
I heard Mirage whimpering as tears started to form in her eyes. -Ribbon? whats going on!?-
’Their emotions are scaring her. I’ll take her outside.’ Ribbon began shushing Mirage and carried her out of the room.
I glared at the nobles, and snorted. “Just because I’m not genetically related to her, doesn’t mean I don’t think of her as my, and Ribbons, daughter, and you had to go and make her cry!” I had to struggle to resist the urge to telekinetically bitch slap the whole lot of them, and instead settled for slamming my hoof down on the table. They all stayed quiet.
Eventually some conversation started back up, though a few nobles just ate quietly. Mostly I just tried to listen for certain words, none of them seem even the littlest bit important, until I heard Mirages name. “-surely she’s not a bastard, there must be a strong stallion to hold a family together.” I swore my drink frosted over as the rooms temperature dropped.
“What. Did. You. Say?” I slowly stood up. glaring at the stallion who just said that.
“W-what did I s-say?”
“Not only did you have the gall to make Mirage cry, you insult her parentage, and badmouth the ones I consider family!?” I used my magic to lift up the table, dump everyone's food on the ground where the table was, flipped it upside down, and smashed every plate and cup with said table. With the exception of Celestia’s who was fast enough grab it with her magic. Having completed the mother of all table flips, I got up and left the room where Ribbon went.
“Fucking bigot nobles, why did I even waste my time with them…” I finally found Ribbon and Mirage, sitting on a balcony, Mirage having calmed down against Ribbons chest. “I’m here, RIbbon.”
“I’m guessing the rest of the dinner is ruined?”
“Yeah. asshats deserved it though. not only did they make Mirage cry, they implied she had no father, and that ‘a stallion was needed to hold a family together.’ I pretty much table flipped the basterds and marched out after hearing that.”
“Their ruled by two mares, and they think the stallion is head of the house? Funny, I don’t see a stallion in either of their beds.”
“Does that make the Princesses one thousand year old virgins?” That earned a laugh from Ribbon.
“I have no clue, but it’s funny.”
A small whimper caught my attention, and I noticed Mirage had her face screwed up. finally asleep
“That… Those nobles really affected her, didn’t they.”
“Yeah, I just got her to calm down too.”
“Should I… Go into her dream and see what's happening?”
“You can. But, please be careful.”
“Allright.” I knelt down , and held a hoof to Mirages head, and closed my eyes. “Don’t worry. Mamas here for you…”
It was horrid. The dream was of the dinner room we were just in, but neither me, Ribbon, or the Princesses were there. Just Mirage and the nobles. Mirage was crying non-stop as they mocked her.
“Worthless!”
“You should just disappear.”
“A threat to us all, just like your mother!”
“The Princess is too kind.”
“We should take care of you ourselves.”
Those. Basterds. I walked past the lot of them as they continued to mock and threaten Mirage, and approached her, before pulling her into a hug. “Its okay now. Mamas here.”
“Mama!” Mirage buried her face in my mane. With her in my forelegs, I let several crystals impale the fake nobles while Mirage couldn’t see. Okay, I lied, more like hundreds, enough of them that it nearly formed a wall, coated in a thin red paste. It was only then that I became aware of the ethereal weblike structure throughout the dream. Just like in Ribbons. Should I?
Slowly, I reached out and lightly touched the center orb.
“HOLY! wow! that still feels weird to do.”
“Wahhh!... Don’t do that!” Ribbon was trying to catch her breath from me waking up like that.
“It feels freaky, okay!”
“What’s freaky, entering a dream?”
“Uhhhh, no, how do I put this… I think I linked myself with Mirage.”
“You… Wait, are you sure?”
’Mama!’
“...I’m sure.”
“But… Then she does have a copy of that soul fragment of yours in her.”
“Now we know why she looks sorta like me.”
“Just because I got your eyes, and now she has your eyes… why doesn’t anypony say she looks like me? I had to lay the egg.”
“I have no clue… Pony logic.”
“I hate pony brain trains.”
“Yes, I believe you already established that.”
“If dinner’s still ruined, does that mean we can go home?”
“Yeah, screw those stuck up nobles, they made Mirage cry.”
“Then lets go back. It’s late, and Mirage should be in bed soon.”
After a very interesting week of, activities, things were finally getting back to normal. as I woke up, I nuzzled Ribbon to try and wake her, we still had to go and get Mirage. Ribbon groaned in disapproval, she did not want to be woken up. I nuzzled her again. “Wake up sleepyhead.”
“Uh, go away. My hips hurt.”
I felt bad about that. I had gotten a little too into it last night and, um… broke Ribbons hip. I apologised, though. “Well yeah, of course they do. Sorry I got so rough last night.” I gave her another nuzzle. “C’mon, we gotta go get Mirage.” She groaned, but started getting out of bed. “You need any help walking?”
She checked the inside of her legs and her flanks, there were light gray lines covering her flanks on either side, right where her cutie-mark would be. “I think I can walk now, still hurts though.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, the plates are pretty much mended together now. I think I have some pain-killers around here, check the bathroom.”
Thank god for painkillers! Walking into the bathroom, I checked the cupboard and smiled upon seeing what I was looking for. Pills here! “Yup, there's some here.” I picked up the bottle, and walked back to Ribbon. “You need a drink or something to wash them down?”
“Yeah.”
I returned to the bathroom to get a glass of water, humming the theme to Mario as I did so. When I returned, I noticed Ribbon giggling. “Something amuse you?”
“You’re blushing, thinking of something naughty?”
“Mayyyybe. Do you think I would make a cute nurse?”
“Roleplaying, huh? I hadn’t thought of that.”
“I guess for you it's like breathing, it's so automatic you never even think about it.”
“I’ll see if maybe Rarity will make a few costumes. She may not like me anymore, but I trust her to keep it hush hush.”
“Speaking of Rarity, perhaps we should talk to her about that. She clammed up the last time we tried, but perhaps knowing that you have Mirage would get her to be a little more open. Cuteness makes mares do weird things.”
“Hey, I resent that!”
I gave Ribbon a knowing look, before my form dissolved, and reformed into a filly version of me. I could still feel myself blushing, but I held a hoof up to my mouth and tilted my head. “You… Don’t think I’m cute?”
Ribbon burst into green flames, when they subsided Luna was left in their wake. Runa quickly scooped me up, giggling to herself. “You are the most adorable nightmare foal EVER!”
“I prove my point.” The fact that I delivered it in a deadpan, squeaky foals voice caused Ribbon to crack up and giggle like a maniac. Once the giggle fits were over, I turned back to my normal size. “Never underestimate the power of cuteness.”
“Fine, I’ll invite Rarity to Canterlot.” Ribbon returned to normal in a burst of flame. “Maybe you’re right and Mirage will help rebuild my relationship with Rarity.”
“I do have to say, that those healed cracks do make you look nice.”
“I didn’t know you were into scars.”
The blush returned, as I tried to get the image of Ribbon covered in sweat and scars, out of my head. “I just feel really mellow right now.”
“Sure. If you want to see these scars long term, you’ll just have to keep making them over and over.” That meant… Ohhh! My blush intensified several times over at the thought of a repeat of the last week.
“You did make it clear to everyling that the last week wouldn't be mentioned to ANYONE, right?”
“The Canterlot ponies will never know.”
“Oh thank goodness… Did… Did I do good during that?”
“Yes. I rode you around and had you wave at several changeling… and Chrysalis.”
“It… It felt really good.” I blushed again, the thought of Ribbon riding me around again sometime in the future oddly appealing. “C-can we do it again sometime?”
“Sure, maybe add a few more scars?”
My blush intensified, as I tried to keep myself from picturing how that would happen. “I-i love y-you.”
“I love you too. I can feel the pills kicking in, let's go get Mirage.”
“O-okay.” I helped Ribbon off the bed, still blushing profusely. God, I just feel so flipping happy right now, yet I can’t help but stammer when I talk to Ribbon. At least now I know why she gets all lovey dovey after we have our fun. I walked beside her, a small bounce in my step. It didn’t even bother me that much when several changelings snickered as we walked by.
’Mama!’ Something plowed into me, revealing itself to be an overexcited Mirage, who was grinning happily, and now clinging to my face.
-Hello, Mirage.- I levitated Mirage off my face, and set her down on my back, where she curled up between my wings, giggling.
“Why don’t you take her to get some ice cream, I need to see the foreman and oversee the hives refurbishing.”
“Sounds like a good idea. I think Mirage would love that, right?”
“Ice cream!” Mirage begun clapping her hooves happily, causing my to smile. She looks adorable when she does that.
“Yes Mirage. Ice cream. Well, you go take care of you renovating, and then get some rest, I’ll take Mirage out for some frozen delight.” I gave Ribbon a final wave, before setting off to the surface. When I did get outside, I noticed several ponies staring at me with confused expressions on their faces… oh. They’ve never seen me when I’m not a least a little tense. I can see why someone they regard as evil incarnate acting even remotely like Pinkie simply does not compute.
I couldn't help but giggle at the stupefied expressions on their faces, they really have never seen me when I’m genuinely happy, and considering I wholly admit I usually don’t act very approachable, that this would come as quite a shock.
Ah, this is the place, Scoops ice cream parlor. Walking inside, I was surprised to encounter a familiar wall eyed pegasus, savoring a scoop of rainbow sherbert. “Derpy! wasn’t expecting to see you here!”
Derpy turned to look at me, a goofy smile on her face, like always. “Hi Chi! Uh… You do realize you have a baby changeling on your back, right?”
“Oh, thats right. You never knew, did you. Ribbon is a changeling… the same changeling that overthrew Chrysalis at the wedding. And well, she laid an egg.”
“She’s not a changeling, she’s a pegasus.”
“Derpy, changelings are shapeshifters, Ribbon’s a changeling.”
“She is? How come she never told me she laid an egg?!... Changelings lay eggs?”
“Yeah. Say hello to Mirage!” Mirage peeked over my shoulder and waved at Derpy.
“Hello little Mirage!” Immediately, her attention was back on me. “Do you think she’d let me see the egg?” I chuckled when she didn’t make the connection.
“Silly Derpy! Where do you think Mirage came from?”
“She’s Ribbons daughter?” Derpy let a squeal of joy and pick Mirage up off my back, hugging her. Mirage made a squeak, followed by several happy chirps. “Is she in Canterlot? I haven’t seen much of her in ponyville lately.”
“Yeah, the entire hive moved here, after several unfortunate events, that we are still trying to recover from.”
“What happened?”
“Griffons attacked the hive, and took everyone there.”
“Oh, no. When did it happen? clearly some of them escaped.”
“It happened shortly after that Tirek dude escaped Tartarus. And yeah, me and Ribbon, as well as the few changelings who weren't at the hive, staged a rescue operation. Ribbons still directing the efforts through the hivemind.” after saying this, I took a seat beside Derpy, and ordered two strawberry cheesecake ice creams. seriously, whoever came up with the idea to put cheesecake in strawberry ice cream, deserves a fucking nobel prize. I levitated one over to Mirage, who took a taste of it and squealed happily, before devouring it.
“So there are still some changelings that are missing?”
“Correct, and trust me, providing a distraction for two hundred plus changelings to escape was not easy.”
Mirage had dropped her cone, which I caught in my magic before it could hit the table, while she begun clutching her head. “Ahh! Mama it hurts!” Brainfreeze. One of the many things in life you only learn to avoid via experience.
“Easy Mirage, don’t eat the ice cream so fast. Even if it does taste wonderful.”
“Mama?”
“Long story, you do know what imprinting is, right?”
“So she thinks you’re her Mama and not Ribbon? That must really hurt.”
“Actually, she imprinted on both of us.”
“But why is that, Are you Ribbons special somepony?!” Derpy was beginning to squeal in excitement. And Mirage was eating her ice cream again, though, much more slowly.
I giggled. “Yes. Yes I am.”
“That’s great!”
“You would not believe how crazy it was the first time I met her. of course, back then, I was indistinguishable from the Nightmare.”
“How crazy was it? it couldn’t have that bad.”
“She thought I was going to eat her. It took me slamming my head into the floor on purpose to convince her that I wasn’t going to hurt her.”
“Why would she think that?”
“Well, being on the moon for a millennium, the line between rumor and fact became quite blurred. And there was a rumor that the Nightmare… Well, the fangs aren't just for show, If you get what I’m saying.”
“...You’re a vampony?!” She said in a whisper type yell.
“I’m sorry, but if I was, I would either catch fire in the sunlight, or it would cause me to… sparkle.” I shuddered as I said that. Why, why did they have to not only make such a shitty romance novel, but sequels, and then films.
“Oh… good.”
“lets just say the rumor was the Nightmare was not limited to a herbivorous diet.”
“You mean like… gems? Is that why you have dragon wings and eyes?”
“Um. No. I can well… eat meat.” I flinched, expecting her to flip out.
“... So you are a vampony!”
“I’m not a vampony, I’m an omnivore.” I had to resist the urge to facehoof at how Derpy wasn’t getting what I was implying.
“Admit it! You are a vampony, how else do you explain what happened to Twilight?! I’ll need to be more careful when I deliver her mail.” I heard her whisper that last part to herself.
I slowly applied hoof to face. My god, she really is dense at times. “Baka.” Mirage, I’m not sure if your refering to me or her at the moment.
“I just… wow. Clearly you've never heard of a thestral."
“I think you mean vampony.”
“Thestrals are omnivorous ponies with bat wings, most of which are surviving under Princess Luna in the Lunar guard… Baka.” Said the most unlikely of source.
I stared at Mirage, not expecting anything like that to come from her. "Someling helped you, I presume?" … She didn’t respond, she just went back to eating her ice cream which was almost gone. “It was Wendy, wasn’t it?” She still ignored me, it must of been Wendy. “Anyway, as Mirage explained, I’m effectively a cross between a thestral and an alicorn. As well as being a physical embodiment of darkness, but that's a totally different story.”
“Oh… you sure look like a vampony, but ok. Anyway, what about Ribbon? when can I see what she really looks like? Do you think she’d be able to turn into me?”
“Yes Derpy, she could.” Mirage had finished her ice cream, and let out a cute little burp, before she went up in familiar emerald flames of a transformation, revealing a miniature Derpy. “See? if Mirage could, Ribbon certainly could.” I then gave Mirage an amused look. “I know Wendy’s helping you now.”
Derpy stared at tiny Derpy, and tiny Derpy was staring back at her. I held my breath and waited for the eleventable freak out… I was right. Soon Derpy squealed and picked tiny Derpy up, much like she did earlier, all while giggling happily.
“The Derp has been doubled!” I giggled uncontrollably, the situation just too damn funny. “I swear Mirage, everything you do is cute.” I soon finished off my ice cream, watching as Mirage mirrored Derpys movements. Derpy stuck her tongue out making a silly face, which Mirage promptly mimicked, causing me to start laughing.
’Chi, we have a messenger from Queen Corona, the yellow changelings from before.’
-Just gimme a sec, and I’ll be right there.-
“Mirage, you're going to have to say bye to Derpy for now, something came up that we need to be at the hive for.”
Mirage chirped and waved bye to Derpy, before turning back to her normal form, and holding her hooves up, in a gesture for me to pick her up. After I had levitated her onto my back, I set off at a fast walk back to the hive.
When I arrived at the hive with Mirage, we were swiftly lead to a room where Ribbon and a yellow drone where sitting. Makes sense, just send a drone and have them act as a relay. “So, messenger?” I didn’t even bother trying to act cold and unfeeling like I usually tried to in public, partially because of the fact that both Mirage and RIbbon were here with me, and also because changelings can sense emotion, so there isn’t really any point in doing it anyways.
She looked at at me for all of one second, and turned back to Ribbon. “You invited your pray to this meeting?” I simply gave the drone a fang filled grin, causing her to cringe.
“Don’t mind her, Chitsuki is just being playful, and we’re still missing one more member before this meet and greet can start.”
“I am here, you needn’t wait. Our sister is busy with court and won’t make it.”
“Woona!” Mirage peeked over my shoulder, a massive grin on her face, causing Luna to groan in embarrassment/annoyance.
“Yes Mirage, Luna.”
“Why was a proto-queen with her? and why is she friendly with one of the Equestrian princesses?”
“Watch your tone, this is my hive and you are in my territory.” Wow, your rather defensive today Ribbon. Or is she just trying to act imposing?
“Very well. Now, may we start?”
“Yes, we can start our little Q&A now, would you like to ask the first question?”
“Sure. Why did you bother saving members of my hive, even going out of your way to do so?”
“Ah, rather simple really, a wise man once said, ‘Freedom is the right of every sapient being.’ I took that to heart, and what those griffons did… disgusts me.” Not so much a man, as a transforming semi truck, but I doubt anyone other than Ribbon would get that reference.
“My turn. You said earlier, ‘Why was A proto-queen with her?’, am I to assume there are multiple protos in your hive?” Ribbon’s question got my attention.
“Yes, currently there are four proto-queens. The one to show the most promise has the honor of become a queen.”
“Again, you said A, are there multiple queens as well?”
“Yes, the two previous queens and the current queen. The elders are tasked with knowing as much as they can in what ever field they like, and the youngest leads us, using the elders as guides. But, if need be, the elders and call a vote and out way the youngest.”
“Seems rather efficient.”
“Now it’s my turn to ask. Why are you so comfortable letting, what I assume is, your nymph, be around a pony” I gave the poor sod a rather impatient glare, causing her to flinch in fear, before Ribbon decided to chew her out.
“Is it not important to know about your food? Most farmers tend and take care of their food source, I would think we should do the same. By letting her be around ponies she is used to them and they are getting used to her. The reason my hive is where it is now, is because the previous queen thought so little of ponies, and despite the numerous chances their princesses had to kill me and destroy the hive that nearly took their capital, the thought didn’t even cross their minds to do so. Am I right, Princess Luna?” Okay, Ribbon was definatly acting, as she had never referred to me as food.
“Of course, we would never stoop to such a level, unless a peaceful solution was not an option. And even then the most we have done is banishment.”
“Well. that and considering my resemblance to a certain infamous somepony has gotten me rather alienated by most of the populace, so we have that in common. the alienated part, not the resemblance to you-know-who.”
“And I’m guessing it helps that you’re in a relationship? Tell me, how did that come to be?”
“Well, the first time we met was a bit… hectic.”
“She walked in looking like Nightmare Moon and scared me into thinking I was about to die.”
“And I thought that I had caused you to spontaneously combust just by looking at you when you revealed yourself out of fright.”
“Why have you decided to approach us?” Asked Luna.
“As I asked before, this hive had rescued changeling that didn’t belong to them. My Queen was curious. And with the rumors of changelings living open lives, we wanted to know what happened.”
“It was a long day, but it can be summed up as this. The previous queen thought little about the ponies and tried to take what she could by force, by replacing one of the princesses that was being married. And while she seemed to be winning and defeated Princess Celestia, she met her end with Chitsuki. In one attack, she was put in a coma, and I took the throne since no one else could.”
“And she got off easy.”
“She was put in a coma? Is she still alive?”
“Yes, alive and awake. She’s being held as a prisoner for recklessly attacking our food source and revealing us to them. Though, it turned out for the better.”
“What do you mean by that?” Goodness, that drone is inquisitive.
“You said it yourself. Changelings are living open lives, as long as they obey Equestrian law. Well, most of them are, there are still the few and I won’t force them.”
“How about a change in topic. How did you free our changelings, all they remember is being bound and then being free, coming across you along the way?”
-should we tell them? or would it be in our best interest to keep the shade form a secret?-
“Chitsuki can keep herself from being remembered, you can look right at her and the second you look away you’ll forget she even exists.” The drone gave me a look of terror.
“Calm down, I’m not doing that right now.”
“A-and what of the dragon that just happened to attack during your raid?”
“Yes, on top of everything else, she can also transform, although, it’s nothing like us.” The poor drone’s jaw dropped to the floor. I guess violating the conservation of mass so easily is a big deal? “If you didn’t know, each alicorn has a field of magic that only they can do, or do easily. The sun, the moon, the emotions of love, and the darkness. Although with three alicorns and two terrors, terrors have the upper hoof given that they also can form dark magic crystals and have one very special ability. Chitsuki’s ability to transform is hers.”
“What’s a… terror?” I’m surprised that drones brain hasn’t short circuited from all the information she’s been receiving.
Ribbon pointed to Luna. “Alicorn.” She pointed to me next. “Night Terror. Basicly the nocturnal alicorn.” I nodded at Ribbons description.
“Yes, That’s what I am, although it has its less obvious perks.” Mirage had begun batting at my mane, so I manipulated it to poke her on the nose, causing her to giggle uncontrollably. “What? you thought that was hair?” I had noticed the drones stupefied expression, as she slowly nodded. “Well its not. Its actually the condensed byproduct of a more refined version of dark magic.”
“How can you all speak of dark magic so casually when it is so dangerous?”
“I sorta found a way to purge the corruptive side effect, and I dubbed it ‘Shadow Magic.’”
“Could I ask for a… demonstration?”
I first levitated a random pebble to show the color of my normal magic, before The red glow of my shadow magic emanated from my horn, and a small clump of deep crimson crystals emerged from the ground in front of me.
“Oh my. Is there a limit to the size, or how many you could make?” The drones awestruck expression was priceless as she stared at the dark red crystal.
“No, not that I’m aware of.”
“And what of your ‘special ability’, may I see it?”
“Alright, just don’t freak out.”I set Mirage down on the ground, and let my form dissolve, before I reformed into a perfect duplicate of Luna. I looked at the poor drone as her head barely peaked out from below the table.
“Is the other Night Terror as horrifying as you are?”
“Hey! I don’t try to be scary.
“Believe it or not, the more you’re around her when she does it, the less it affects you.”
“its kinda like beer, its an aquired taste.”
“A taste I am fine with not having again.”
“Lightweight.”
“My last question. How old was your longest surviving queen? I’d like to know my own life expectancy.”
“I will have to ask my Queen about that.” Ribbon looked a little disheartened that she didn’t know.
I frowned, reminded that my life was tied to Ribbons and possibly Mirages. -I really didn’t need to be reminded of that.-
’Sorry.’
“Now my last question. About the banning of changeling hunting, does this law apply to all changelings? And if so, could we place a small extension within your borders?”
“I consider the central and southern parts of Equestria to be my territory, I have no problem letting another hive take the north, but that’s not my call.”
“We may consider it. But, we will need to speak with your Queen for proper negotiations.”
“The Queen has been listening to this conversation, through me. Negotiations can start now.”
“Called it. you were acting as a relay.”
“Of course. Now what are you conditions for letting us put a small hive here?”
“If your Queen wishes to migrate to Equestria, she will have to give up her crown and submit to our laws, she may still be in charge of her hive however as this is mostly public sake. Miss Ribbon is in charge of her hive and still acts as their queen. If your Queen does not wish to migrate here, then we will treat her and these elders as ambassadors, and the small outpost as an emissary, though we will need to know where you build it and we will keep such information very tight lipped. In addition, any changeling that comes to live in Equestria must follow our laws and register.”
“They will consider your terms and make their decision tomorrow.”
“by the way, I never got your name?”
“The Queen that was listening was Queen Corona, and my name is Hid.”
“It’s been a pleasure to meet you.”
“It was a pleasure to meet you as well.” One of Ribbon’s changelings came to escort Hid to her room, leaving me, Mirage, Ribbon and Luna in the room. Luna looked over at Ribbon in concern.
“Ribbon? Tell me, how did those line appear?”
Ribbon’s cheeks went green with blush, and she pointed at me. “To rough.” Luna looked between me and Ribbon, slowly forming a blush herself. I begun blushing as I remembered how wonderful I felt after that.
“She said she wanted it. now can we drop it before Mirage figures out what we were doing?”
“SEX!” my jaw hit the floor. Who told her about tha-
“Did Wendy tell you about that?”
’WENDY! You’re not her baby sitter anymore!’
“I should go.” Yes luna, you should.
“BANGING!”
“You go straight to bed! You’re not supposed to know about that yet.”
“Awww.”
“Wendy is a horrible baby sitter, and should feel horrible. Think we should call it a day as well?”
Ribbon sighed. “Sure, but no sex, I’m still sore.” We started towards our bedroom. I noticed Ribbon was still limping. Once we were there Ribbon closed the door and sat by the bed.
“Just make me your snuggle bug then. I make a cute snuggle bug, right?”
“I thought I was the snuggle bug?”
“You are, I just want to be cuddled.”
“So you’re a cuddle bandet, and I’m the snuggle bug.”
“Yes.”
“Good, now that we have that straightened out, I’ll get the straight jacket. And you still look like Princess Luna.”
“Oh. that would have been awkward to wake up to.” I let my form revert to normal, giggled. “Waking up in bed with one of the princesses in a straightjacket. The mental image amuses me.”
“Not that bad of an image, really.” I was suddenly Lifted into the air with the straight jacket attacking me.
“Nooooo~ Not the straightjacket!~” I wailed in mock terror. Once the jacket had it’s way with me, I was plopped down on the bed, Ribbon already wrapping her forelegs around me. ”So, am I snuggle worthy?”
“Very.”
“I love being yours. It feels nice bring your plaything.”
“And I love being your plaything. We’ll have to roleplay again soon.”
It felt nice to wake up to the feeling of my forelegs being compressed against my chest, and the feeling of Ribbon cuddling me made me feel content with the world. “Mmmmm, don’t go. you're so warm.” I heard Ribbon moan and squeeze me tighter. “Ribbon, I love you.”
“Mmm. love you too.” I gave my snuggle bug a nuzzle, trying to rouse her.
“As much as I would like to staying bed with you all day, we still need to explain some things to Mirage, thanks to Wendy deciding to give Mirage ‘ideas’”
“I’ll punish Wendy later. No sweets for a week.”
“That still leaves the problem of Mirage blurting about sex again.”
“It’ll pass in a month or two, I’m sure.”
“God, What the hell possessed wendy to teach her that kind of thing?”
“Thanks to her, we have to teach, what would be a 5 year old not to yell the word ‘sex’ at the top of her lunges.”
“As well as more than likely give her ‘the talk’.”
“And she’s not even 1.”
“Well, It could be wor-”
“You do it, I already had to tell not to do several other things, like not to eat rocks, blue flowers, and ponies.”
“Do I even want to know what caused that last one?”
“I think she was trying to put holes in their legs.”
“Well, look on the bright side, it could have been worse.”
“Worse?”
“She could have caught us in the act.”
“How? I have a guard at our door.”
“Didn't stop her from finding us while we were going to get her… wait, so... so someling overheard everything that happened last week?” My cheeks flushed in embarrassment.
“... It’s for our safety?”
“Oh who am I kidding. Most of the hive would know exactly what happened anyway if you spread the memories over the hivemind.” Hear that? that was the sound of my dignity violently dying. “As if knowing Maria was watching wasn't bad enough… speaking of her, has she showed up since the last time you encountered her in a dream?”
“No, she hasn’t showed up again.”
“Well, enough stalling. I guess I’ll go give Mirage the talk. Or do you want to keep cuddling me?”
“Ugh, you can go.” Ribbon levitated me out of bed and undid the buckles, taking the straight jacket off. I soon walked out the door, giving the guard a small wave, as I made my way to Mirages room.
When I did get there, I entered her room. She was playing with small rocks, like a game of Marbles. I took her away from her game and sat down in front of her. “Mirage, we need to talk.” She looked up at me with big blue eyes that screamed ‘I’m sorry, I don’t know what I did.’ “look, sex is one of those things that for the most part, should never be talked about around other ponies. I’m not mad with you, you wouldn't have known that this was one of those things that aren't fit to be talked about in public.”
“Not for public?”
“Yes, it’s not something you talk about in public. Even Pinkie knows not to talk about it. well… unless shes drunk.”
“Wendy didn’t say that.” Of course she didn’t.
“I think she used you as part of a prank on me and Ribbon. A rather unfunny prank. how much did she tell you?”
“A whole bunch, she said it was fun and all I could do, but she said I could get sick and said what not to do.” Well that saves me a lot of time. Wendy gave Mirage ‘the talk’.
-Ribbon? Wendy allready game Mirage ‘the talk’, she just didn’t mention that you’re not supposed to talk about it in public.-
’That’s a relief, I’ll reduce her sentence to no sweets for a day.’
“She also said that, Mommy and Mama like to make it interesting. What did she mean?” Oh god why?
-Help…-
’Why, what did she ask?’
-she said Wendy told her we like to ‘make it interesting’ and now she wants to know what Wendy meant by that.-
’Just, tell her she’ll understand when she’s older.’
“You’ll figure it out when you're older.” I blushed a brilliant scarlet, once again reminded of how nice it felt.
“Ok.”
-Well, this went better than expected.-
“What about adult toys, she said you had some?”
-I stand corrected. She wants to know about ‘adult toys’-
’She what?!’
-Wendy told her we had ‘toys’ we played with when we had sex.-
’I’m going to kill her!’
“You might want to tell Wendy to hide.”
“Why?”
“Because Ribbon might just make her go away forever.”
“Does that mean I went to far with my prank?”
“Wait. WHAT!?” My shout was most likely heard throughout the whole hive.
“Real Mirage is on the ceiling.” I looked up, and sure enough, she was, waving to me while wearing a pair of fuzzy earmuffs.
“Wendy? I really do suggest you run. Ribbon finding you is going to be the ]least of your concerns. considering me and you are going to have to have a little… talk.”
I saw her gulp and her eyes widen. “Y-you wouldn’t hurt your daughter right?”
“Wendy, you've been caught in the act. Just run. Its no fun when they don’t run.”
Wendy bolted out the door, transforming back to her own self on the way out. “I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry!”
I couldn’t hold it in anymore, and started laughing, as mirage crawled down from the ceiling, taking of the pair of earmuffs. “Mama noisy.”
-Ribbon? We got pranked by Wendy. she was pretending to be Mirage.-
’So, wait… Mirage doesn’t know? Can I still kill Wendy?’
-To answer your questions, the minimum Mirage knows was she was told to shout ‘sex’ and ‘banging’ for no reason by Wendy. And trust me, I got Wendy thinking you’re the least of her concern, and should be avoiding me.-
So… no killing Wendy? Bummer.
-Why kill when you can scar them for life?-
’What are you going to do?’
-remember how I mentioned that I wondered what would happen if I pulled someone into a shadow with me?-
’Yeah?’
-Guess who just volunteered to be the test subject?-
’...Wendy?’
-Bingo. Now lets track her down.-
“Mama’s going to be a while, Mirage. I have to track down Wendy and have a little talk with her.”
“Mama scary.” She said it in a playful manner, so I must not be that scary. Giving a her a wave goodbye, I set out to hunt down wendy. It was really easy, considering I could sense her fear.
“Ohhhh Wendy! I know you're around here somewhere!” I whipped my head around to one of the guards, the fear was coming from that one in particular. “I found you!~” The guard in question burst into flames and Wendy ran down the halls, with me in hot pursuit. “Come back! I just want to perform science!”
“Perform it on Ribbon!”
“But you volunteered to be the test subject!”
“I want my lawyer!” She wasn’t looking at where she was headed, and slammed into a wall. Seizing the opportunity,, I wrapped my hooves around her, and we both begun sinking into my shadow. “No, no no no. Let me go, let me go! I’m sorry!” She was flailing around, trying to grab the at the walls or floor and pull herself away. she was now up past her barrel in the shadow, as I was deliberately making this slow. A tendril of my mane wrapped around her snout, forcing her mouth shut, as I shushed her.
“Shh, just let it happen.” We had sunken up to Wendys neck, and there was nothing she could do to stop it now. As she she fully went under, I quickly followed, still feeling my grip on her. It was my shadow, so I doubt she would get lost if I let her go. Releasing her, I could still sense she was in my shadow with me, when I made a startling discovery. My shadow was still mobile.
-Ribbon? I just found out that I can still move around if I merge with my own shadow. Oh, and apparently it can store ponies inside itself.- It was weird moving as a shadow. compared to moving as a cloud of miasma, moving as a shadow was more like a liquid, instead of a gas. I soon… flowed? back into Ribbons room, having never made a sound, and emerged behind Ribbon. “suprise!”
“AHHH!” Ribbon flung herself up to the ceiling and stuck there like a bad cartoon.
“Did you not see my shadow?”
“How can I see what’s behind me!”
“...good point. But anyway, I brought Wendy.”
Ribbon looked at my shadow. “I half expected your shadow to look like her.”
“should I retrieve her for you to talk to?”
“Yes, I would give her a talking to, but I think you’ve done that for me.”
“Alright, just give me a second.” I quickly sunk back into my shadow. I could still sense Wendy blindly panicking in the back soundless void that was my shadow. I followed that sense, until I felt her, and grabbed onto her once more, bringing her back out so her head was out of my shadow, but the rest of her still inside it.
“You!”
“I’m so sorry!”
“I don’t want to hear it. You told my daughter, who’s not even 1 year old, about sex!”
“I didn’t, I swear! I just told her to say the word to embarrass you.”
“I would sentence you to death, except I don’t want to turn into Chrysalis. So as punishment, If you so much as go near candy, I will use the hivemind to give you the worst Migrane of your life. Got it?!” Ribbon shoved her face into Wendy’s so they were nose to nose, which looked kinda funny considering she had to kneel to do that, because only Wendys head was sticking out from the shadow.
“Yes, no more sweets.”
“Good, you can go.” I brought the rest of her out of the shadow, and let her go, immediately she sprinted out of the room.
“Well, that was interesting. sucks I never got find out what she experienced in there.”
“I’m hesitant to ask, but. Do you want to put me in it?”
“Do you want to try it?”
“Not really, but now I want to know.”
“Allright.” I walked over to Ribbon, and wrapped my hooves around her, before sinking into my shadow alongside her. -So?-
’It feels weird, Like I’m… flat. It’s a little hard to see too.’
-Well, a shadow is a two dimensional object.-
’Kay, you can let go.’
I did so, but stayed close in case she wanted out right this moment. -Its weird, I can sense you in my shadow. You feel a lot less foreign then Wendy.-
’Three guesses why. I want out now.’
-You do have part of my soul, so it makes sense.- I grabbed onto her and as our heads emerged, I pulled her into a kiss, letting us sit there for a few moments. “I love you Ribbon.”
“I love you too Chi.” I resumed extracting Ribbon from my shadow, feeling glad that I had a near surefire way to keep Ribbon and Mirage safe if need be, as nothing could truly touch them if they were inside my shadow.
“Ribbon, I for once truly feel at peace knowing I have a way to protect you and Mirage from any harm.” Upon seeing Ribbons quizzical look, I glanced back down to my shadow. “Nobody would be able to harm you if you hid there, and even if I was knocked out, you could assume control of me and pull yourself out… as a matter of fact, if I hid you in my shadow, you could take control of my body and use it without having to divide your attention beyond much more than breathing. you could use me as sword and a shield.”
“What about light. If you’re in the shadow too, with nothing casting it, wouldn’t a strong light hurt?”
“That’s why I said you could control me while hiding in my shadow, while I remained outside it. You would be perfectly safe.”
“Just be careful when you do it. I don’t want my marefriend to vanish from existence because of a torch.” I blushed heavily at that.
“I will, snuggle bug.” I pulled her up against my side with a wing, nuzzling the side of her face.
“You sure are affectionate today, How come?”
“Last week was just that good, not to mention being your cuddle bandit is always nice. I still feel mellow now that I’ve calmed down.”
“Thats good, I know its a little late but, maybe we can have our first date now?”
After I had gotten myself looking presentable, I couldn't help but giggle. An actual date with Ribbon! Wait… Did I just think that? I did, didn’t I? As I walked to Ribbons room, I heard Ribbon humming something, so I knocked on the door.
“Come on in.” I walked in and saw Ribbon as her pegasus disguise. Tan coat, two tone light and dark gray mane, and those same blue eyes. “I assume you don’t want the Canterlot ponies to see us?”
“Yeah, I’d rather they not see us.” With a quick transformation myself, I had turned into a thestral version of myself, and then turned around a few times for Ribbon to get a good look. “What do you think?”
“I think I like what I see. I got reservations and a moderate little resturant, far enough out that we shouldn’t see too many nobles but not far enough to be on the outskirts.”
“I like the sound of that. what's the name of the place?”
“Cergento. Should be good.”
“Well, lead the way, madam.”
“Well then, follow me.” I fell into step behind Ribbon, for once, after we had left the hive, most ponies didn’t even mind us. A few gave me an odd look, but it was more of an ‘Did not expect to see that.’ then a judging look.
-they’re not staring at us!-
’Of course not, we’re just a simple, if slightly odd, couple. They don’t need to know a thing.’
-Doesn’t it feel nice to be using you old disguise again?-
’It does, I’ve been in this form for so long, I feel just as normal as I do without it.’
-The size change must be a bit jarring, I know it is for me.-
’It is, I go from towering over everypony but you and Princess Celestia, to being a little shorter than everypony.’
“You do know you look adorable like this?”
“And you look as intimidating as always.” I blushed.
“Oh you.”
She giggled at that. “Oh, we’re here.”
The place in question was no different than the others. White marble with gold adornments and purple accents. “How can you tell? It looks the same as any other building here.”
“It helps when you have somepony telling you where to go. Come on, lets get our table.” I followed Ribbon in. The outside was any other, but the inside was far more impressive. It look like an open air restaurant, one of the wall was painted to look like balcony with grand view, there was even light coming from it. The other walls were wood and had small lanterns lighting the back of the room.
I didn’t notice Ribbon talking to the doorman until she got my attention. She took me to a table in the back, noticing that the ponies eating here didn’t look like your everyday ponies, but not as fancy as nobles either. They must be ones trying to impress someone.
“Ladies first.” I was well aware of the irony in that statement, considering I was technically female, but I wanted to be nice.
“Why, thank you.” She took her seat, and I soon followed, finding the seats really comfy.
“Do tell, how did you stumble across this delightful establishment?”
“You know you don’t need to be fancy with me. And I know all the good places.” oh yeah, hivemind.
“Okay, I just wanted to impress you.”
“Well then, by all means, impress me.”
“As you wish, ma’am.”
The waiter had come over now. “Hello ladies. Our specials are a creamy potato soup, and we have a fine vintage wine just recently imported from the Crystal Empire.”
“Well, it would only be polite to allow miss Ribbon here to order first.”
“I think I’ll have the soup and we’ll have a couple a glasses of the wine as well.”
“I will have the same as the missus.”
The waiter raised an eyebrow, but dropped it right away. “Right away ladies.”
“Liiiiittle too much fancy.”
“Oh… foo.”
She gave a small laugh. “It’s alright, just be yourself.”
“Only for you, cuddlebug.” Ribbon blushed. It seems being in a public place make her act differently then when it’s just the two of us… I probably should’ve realized that. “You look cute when you blush.”
“You have beautiful eyes.”
“I… I do?” My face turned a bright cherry red. “T-thank you-”
“And your mane is so well kept.” I blushed even harder. She’s complimenting me! She leaned in and whispered to me. “I thought I was the mare in the relationship.”
“S-so did I. And then I start acting shy and thinking like one.”
“Do you think maybe being in that body is finally getting to you?”
“Yes… and what concerns me is that I’m not bothered by it in the slightest.”
“Maybe you’re just finally getting used to your body? You’ve been like this for a whole year.”
“Maybe… Maybe. At least regardless I’ll have you.”
“Yes, you’ll always have me.”
The waiter came back with our soup. “Thank you sir.”
“You’re welcome ladies.” The waiter hurried off to another table.
I took a big whiff of the soup, and boy did it smell good. I saw Ribbon do the same. “It sure smells good, doesn’t it?”
“It better taste just as good.” I took a taste of it, and smiled. a hint of cinnamon, who'd of thought that would work in potato soup?
“Damn thats some good stuff.”
“It is. do you want to hear how the rescues have been going?”
“Yes please.” I took a sip of the wine after I said that. Apple, guess the Apple families talents don’t extend to just foods, because this is good. very good. it still had that slight bitter taste that was normally found in beer, but they made it blend well with the apple flavor.
“Well, we’ve hit a bit of a snag in this one city Feathrona, this griffons there are a lot more protective. And it seems they know that we attacked them, but they don’t know about the dragon yet. As far as they know, we paid one to attack and used her as a distraction.”
“So, I might be needed to assist again?”
“Maybe, but for now no. After having cleaned out two cities, they’ve finally caught on. You know they had the gall to ask Princess Celestia to help them?”
“I bet that went over well.”
“Remember, they only signed a nonaggression pact, Equestria isn’t allied with them, so Celestia doesn’t have to do a thing. Of course this enraged the griffon emperor.”
“So how mad did he get?”
“He was livid. But now that they know, they’re trying to find where our outposts are. Because of this we’re having to go a lot more slowly. But, we officially have eyes and ears in every city, minus the two we cleared out.”
“Did you get any valuable intel?”
“Few targets, still no info on pony Wants-us-gone.”
“So our mysterious foe is competent, this might just prove difficult.”
“It might be. But, whoever it is, they don’t have a very pretty future.”
“Oh, do tell what you have in plan for the poor sod.”
“I plan on letting the hive drain him until he’s almost emotionless, let him recover and do it again.”
“I can agree with that! ...But not before I personally milk him for every bit of information I can. His partners, who tipped him off, where he was planning on sending the changelings that got captured Between you and me, I think the only reason you could still see and hear when in my shadow was because of our link, so if stuck that bastard in there for a while, he will welcome any social interaction, even if it’s me interrogating him. And even then, I think I’ll put him to sleep and interrogate him in his… nightmare. Show him that its only our mercy that's keeping him alive.” I chuckled sinisterly before blinking several times. Where did that come from? Was it just the wine getting to me?
“... So, that’s how the rescues have been going! How about your studies?!” Oh shit, I scared her, didn’t I?
“I read the books, never really got a chance to practice the spells.”
“Well that’s no good, magic is a practical skill, you need to practice to get better, even Twilight practices. It’s like a muscle, it needs to be exercised.”
“Good point. I’ll be sure to get some practice in tomorrow.”
“You better, knowing how to cast a spell is different than casting it.”
“True.”
“Now, tell me. Who’s going to catch the bill?” Just to accentuate her point, the waiter came up from behind me and dropped off the check.
“I-I don’t have anything.”
“I guess the ex-stallion won’t be paying for her mare than?” She dropped a bag of bits on the table. “Such a shame.” Did she really go there. She did.
“Don’t you start with that nonsense!” She laughed.
“Come on, lets go back home.”
“Agreed. Now is there anything else you want to do on the way back?”
“No, I don’t have anything else to do.”
“Well then, Lets go.” As I got up alongside her, I noticed her giving me a concerned look.
It did feel nice being able to walk around without being stared at, right now we were just a pegasus and a thestral, enjoying a stroll.
-Have you ever wondered why someone would want the changelings gone? I mean other then the whole ‘still sore over Chrysalis invading Canterlot’ stuff.-
’Well, Chrysalis was pretty powerful at the wedding from feeding on just Shining’s love, one unicorn. How powerful do you think I am? or for that matter, the rest of my subjects?’
-I… don’t actually know. You’ve never had to use all you magic at once, have you?-
’No. But by now, if I was to practice combat spell even a little, I might be able to out power Princess Celestia just like Chrysalis did.’
-No kidding. You’ve been feeding off me every chance you get, and unlike Shining, I’m giving it to you willingly, and for a much longer period of time.- By now, the entrance to the mines was in sight. “We still have to send that invite to Rarity so we can talk about why she shuns you… and acquire some… costumes…” I faintly blushed as I said that. I would look cute in them, I just knew it.
I could see Ribbon grinning out of the corner of my eye. “I could see you in a schoolfilly’s outfit. Tight socks, revealing skirt, fake glasses that I could throw aside.” I could feel my blush intensify as I pictured myself looking like the pony equivalent of a japanese schoolgirl.
“What I find the most relaxing is just being wrapped up and snuggled with, something about that is just therapeutic to me.”
“And I like having your legs around me as I sleep.” We soon reached the actual entrance to the hive, where we let ourselves return to our normal forms. “Now that we’re back home, I can ask. What was with the all evil? I mean, I know the dudes gotta suffer, but I don’t want you putting anypony into another coma.”
“Not sure. I just suddenly felt really violent when I thought of finally getting my hooves on the bastard who did that to you and everything else. And it felt, artificial, like it wasn’t just me that was angry enough to want to seem the asshole bleed… Now that I think about it, it was like those times I snapped… That is both creepy and worrisome.”
“For safety reasons, I might need to keep you away from him.”
“Agreed. Considering you're probably still a tad bit sore, maybe we should just cuddle? I mean, if you want to do that instead of torment me again.”
“Yeah, a little. Or we could just take it easy, no toys or fetishes. Just you and me.” Ribbon opened the door to our bedroom, and it had candles everywhere. Petals covered the floor, some on the bed, which was made of cloud again.
This was like our second time all over again, and I loved it. “When did you have time to set all this up? Not that I’m complaining.”
“I had it set up for me.”
“Oh.” She reached up and pulled me into a kiss, when she let go and we separated, she grabbed my hoof and pulled me towards the bed.
I awoke to the sensation of Ribbon cuddling me, making a series of chirps in an attempt to wake me.
"I'm up, I'm up." I rolled out of her grip, and onto my stomach... And rolled off the bed instead. Trust me, landing on one of you wings is very painfull. "SONOFABITCH!" I clutched the injured appendage in one of my hooves, as Ribbon peered over the bedside.
"Are you okay!?" I hissed in pain as I folded my wing back up, nothing felt broken, which was more than likely because of a mix of earth pony and pegasus magic, but it was still swelling and stinging like a bitch.
"Nothing broke, but it hurts to move my wing... I think I'm grounded for a while."
“I’m sure you’ll be fine, you’ve had worse.”
"Is it bad that we can talk about me getting impaled so casually?"
“Even then, you’ve had worse.”
"Oh yeah... the thorny vines... That was freaky, something was chasing me before I 'woke up.'"
“Really? What was it?”
"I... I don't remember, all I can recall was something was chasing me, and it felt like if it caught me, I was done for. Physically and spiritually."
“I wonder what it was? A hallucination from the, uh… deadness?”
"Two things: That sounds ridiculous, and it couldn't have been. Maria rescued me from it, and you've seen her too. As much as I'd rather not face that... nightmare monster again, I'll be damned if it keeps me from protecting you. I wouldn't care if that creature was her trying to reclaim her body, I'd still fight to rise again."
“I don’t want you being replaced by her, it’d be like… like… I don’t think I even can compare that to something.”
"At times, I have a feeling she isn't dead yet."
"Who Mama talk about?" I whipped my head to see that Mirage had snuck into our room by hiding under a cardboard box, and was now looking at us with curiosity. I swear, she just needs a bandana and an eyepatch and she would look like a changeling version of Solid Snake.
“How did you you get in here? You better not turn into a sneak thief when you’re 2."
"Hide in box, throw rock, guard go look for noise." So she did pull a Metal Gear.
"Thats my girl." She hasn't even learned to fly yet, and she's already sneaking about like a boss, and playing me like a fiddle.
“You know she’s going to be a real trouble maker for the both of us, and when the Princess comes to me, looking for her crown, I’m gonna point at you.”
"Be thankful I don't let Pinkie and Wendy teach her the art of pranking... Even though that would be fun."
“Not fun! I was already the victim of Pinkie and Dash’s little spree.”
"Oh, what happened? Did they send the CMC after you to give you a makeover?"
“No, but it did involve them painting me black and my mane and tail green. Sometimes, I swear Pinkie was testing my patience.”
"Mommy got makeover?" Oh goodie! I know that look! Mirage is cooking up a scheme already!
-Mirage? What do you have planned?- This was only the second time I had used our link with Mirage, so I wasn't surprised when she jumped a little.
What I got was an image of Rainbow with a flamboyant pink mane and tail, in a dress, and Pinkie babysitting the CMC and herself. Somewhere, I swear I could hear Discord laughing.
"Mama still need to be sorry for scaring Wendy."
“She’ll be fine, she’ll realize that I won’t do anything before too long.” I gave Ribbon a knowing look. -Hey Ribbon? Mirage has a revenge prank planned for Dash and Pinkie.-
’She can have at it, as long as I get to see the end result.’
I sent the same mental image I had gotten from Mirage to Ribbon, and waited for her to react.
“Phhff Hahahaha! You might as well give her mane extensions too!” Mirage gigg- no, cackled, at Ribbon suggestion, rubbing her forehooves together like some Bond villain. It was adorable with her high pitched filly voice.
"Soon..." I couldn't take it anymore, and scooped her up into hug, trying to ignore the pain from my wing. "Mama! Not now!"
"But you make such an adorable herald of mayhem!" I nuzzled her stomach, causing her to giggle uncontrollably.
"Mommy!" She held her hooves in Ribbons direction, as she giggled relentlessly. "Make... Mama... Stop!" She gave Ribbon a pleading look, begging to be saved from my show of affection.
“Hmmm… No.” I giggled as I continued to nuzzle Mirage, until I had decided enough was enough, and just held her against my chest.
"Next time we head to Ponyville, I'll bring you along Mirage, and then you can show Pinkie and Rainbow that pranking is serious business."
“And to pick your targets better.”
"Yeah, that too." Mirage giggled happily, and burrowed herself deeper into my chest, before making a cute little burp, and falling asleep.
“Well, she’s fed for the next week.” Ribbon giggled softly, until what she said registered to me.
"Oh, she's good..." I got played by her again!
“... Hey Chi?”
"Yeah?" I tilted my head in curiosity.
“Seems I’m not done meeting with royalty. The native buffalo want to meet with me too, near Appleloosa.”
"Isn't that where one of Applejacks cousins live?"
“I think. I didn’t go with them last time they went down there.”
"...Are Twilight and her friends coming this time as well?"
“We have to pass by Ponyville, so we might as well see if Applejack wants to come.”
"Hopefully she at least brings Rarity along, we still need to clear things up with her."
“Yeah… I used to be good friends with her.”
"Should we bring Mirage along?"
“We could, but she’d be safer here.”
"You're right. But I don't think we should let Wendy look after her either, considering the prank she pulled."
“We could ask Princess Luna. Not many ponies visit night court.”
"She'd probably appreciate the break from the lack of anything happening in the night court."
Applejack looked quite surprised to see us on the train. That left just Rarity. "Chi? Ribbon? Fancy meeting ya'll again, I thought you were stayin in Canterlot?"
Ribbon sighed. “We’re going to go meet with the buffalo tribe, some unrest about changelings showing up, or just, revealing themselves.”
"What Ribbon said, not to mention It would be nice to see the Equestrian Wild West."
“Well shoot, I know the perfect guide for ya. My cousin would love to show ya around, I’m sure!”
"Will any of your friends be joining you?"
“I think Pinkie’s comin, everypony else seems too busy to come along. Though, if you ask me? Angel needs to learn not to throw a fit every time Shy leaves, the little varmint.”
"At least he's not like Tora. That cat made everyones life miserable." Naruto always had its moments of comedic gold.
“I’m here! and I brought Rarity!” If I didn't know any better, I'd swear Pinkie just dragged Rarity from behind a random pony. But it's Pinkie, so I don't question it. Thats like trying to apply logic to Deadpool. it will end in your head exploding, thrice.
"Hi Pinkie!" I waved, before I noticed the fear emanating from Rarity. "Is something wrong with you, Rarity? You seem rather frightened of something... Oh."
-Now's as good a time as any to talk to her about it.-
“Rarity? I think you and me need to talk…” Ribbon all but forced Rarity into the other car, Rarity taking one last fearful glance at Pinkie and AJ.
"So, anything interesting happen in Ponyville while I was gone?"
"Well, Twilight nearly caused a, uh... resonance casket? Trying to determine exactly what those crystal thingies were made of."
The train begun pulling into the station just as Pinkie finished explaining how Twilight nearly brought an alien invasion upon Equestria, while I sat there dumbfounded. Note to self: do not use overcharged scanning spells on crystals made from shadow magic. It won't end well. Ribbon had finished her discussion with Rarity, and they had joined us to listen to the ending of Pinkie's explanation as to what happened with Twilight. When Pinkie finished, so eyed me with a face full of intrigue
"So Chi, I've been wondering, why does Mirage look a bit like you? OH! Is it because she laid an egg inside you!? Did it hurt? Where’d she lay it? How’d Mirage get out of you? Did sh-"
"Enough! Pinkie, I don't think changelings have an ovipositor, so no, she did not lay an egg in me." I noticed Ribbon blushing quite strongly, and it confused me. She just got frustrated when I mentioned the topic during our stint in Tartarus, why was she embarrassed by it now?
-Ribbon? Is something wrong?-
’Nothings wrong!’
-Then why are you getting so embarrassed? Its not like you actually have an ovipositor, so whats the big deal?-
’Y-yeah, of course not. It’s, uh… it’s a-about… what she’s insinuating, yeah!’
-Do you maybe want to go to the other car to talk about this?-
“That’s not what Twilight said.” Pinkie said, was Ribbon lying?
“Ok, lets go, lets go. into the other car!”
I didn't so much follow Ribbon as I was dragged into the next car by her. "Ribbon? What's going on?"
Ribbon placed a spell on the door before turning to me. “Ok, I know you used to be male, and we have kinda used the strap on, on each other. But, I thought maybe it would freak you out. I didn't think anything of Twilight wanting to research us for a book.” I nodded, remebering how she had gotten that, along with quite a few other 'toys' for our week long fucking session.
"Okaaay. I don't get why you're suddenly freaking out, but continue."
“I, um. Sort of have, an, ovipositor. All females do.”
"And you're only telling me this now?”
“Because of Pinkie and her fat mouth. I-i thought i-it would freak you out so I just, never said a-anything about it.”
"Up until recently, that probably would have disturbed me, but its no biggie now. But I must ask, Why would you need one? Is it simply vestigial?"
“N-not really.”
"So what, you use it lay eggs in someone?"
“...”
"Ribbon, its not like you've actually laid an egg in somepony against their will, I don't see why having that is such a big deal."
“It’s used mostly for placing an egg in a pod easily. But, males also have a small pouch that can carry several eggs, usually it’s the ultimate showing of love and trust to let your mate carry them.”
"Ribbon, I've died and returned from the dead to protect you, I would gladly carry your eggs."
“But, you don’t have a pouch.”
"I'm female. Think about the size of a newborn foal, thats about the size of one or two eggs, right?" I gave Ribbon a pleasant smile.
“You want me to… put an egg in your womb? Do you know how much that’ll hurt?!”
"Pin me down if you must, but Ribbon, I'm willing to do it for you. You said it was the ultimate expression of love, and nothing less would suffice for how much you mean to me."
“I’d have to do it twice, putting it in and taking it out."
"I don't mind."
“If, you really want me to. I can do it once we’re off the train.”
"Yes please." As I said this, the train rolled to a stop, and I gave Ribbon a quick nuzzle on the cheek. "I love you Ribbon, more than you know. Now lets go find somewhere private to do this, hmm?"
“Yeah.”
*Clop-ish, but too short for it’s own chapter*
My god, Braeburn was annoying. Ribbon had just finished checking us in, and had gotten the keys to our room. Walking up the stairs, I couldn't help but smile at what was to come. As we reached our room, Ribbon gave me a smile as well, before we entered. While she shut the door and applied the same spell she had on the train, I had laid down on the bed, ready and willing. "I'm ready when you are, Ribbon."
“A-are you still sure about this? It’ll be like a kick in the nuts.”
"Ribbon, I can handle it."
“O-ok.” Ribbon positioned herself between my legs. The blush on her face was more than noticeable. I looked to see where it might come out, and was surprised to see the dark blue tip coming from her marehood. As it came out, and I took in its striped blue and black coloring, Ribbon noticed the confused look on my face. “There’s a, small place where it’s hidden.” Once it was out I couldn’t help but compare it to the strap on. That was long, thick, a flared head, with a ring half way down, like what you’d expect from a pony. This was longer, thinner, almost sharp and smooth looking. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it looked like a bee stinger with an arrow head.
I think I see why she warned me.
Ribbon got on top of me and positioned it at my opening, she looked at me one last time and I just nodded. With nothing more needing to be said, she rubbed the length of the shaft on my marehood "Oooohhh...". Ribbon grunted and surprised me when she shot green slime onto my lower lips. "Did I just get slimed!?"
“You didn’t think I’d go in dry did you?”
"Good point." Ribbon pushed into me and immediately I was shot full of slime, and it was just the tip. She pushed in further and further, causing me to groan. Again Ribbon grunted and shot another round of slime into me, but she didn’t stop. When I felt her hit a wall inside me, I yelped at the very sudden pain. Ribbon backed of a little bit and gently thrusted into me, a few thrusts and she shot one last round of the thick slime.
“Are you ready?”
“Y-yes.”
Ribbon seemed hesitant, but slowly pushed in until she hit that wall again. This time, I only groaned from the pain. All at once, Ribbon rammed into that wall and I screamed louder then when I got stabbed by Sombra, and it didn't stop either. I felt Ribbon hugging me tight and I hugged her back with all the might I thought I could, without breaking her… Then I felt it, a large bulge was traveling up the ovipositor and into me, and I would have enjoyed this moment if not for the intense pain. When the egg hit the wall and stretched it even further, I thought I was going to pass out. I couldn’t inhale at this point, which caused my screaming to peter out, leaving me shaking as Ribbon finished laying the egg.
It felt like hours before she finally finished and pulled back, just far enough. But the pain sure didn’t seem to care, as it just kept hurting and hurting. Finally, when it started to subside, I let go of Ribbon in favor of holding my crotch and taking the fetal position. Ribbon cuddled up to my back and gently rubbed my cutie-mark. “I’m sorry.”
I gasped out my reply between shuddering breaths. "It's... okay... just need... to wait out... the pain." I could feel the egg inside me, resting in my womb.
“I’ll have to do this again to get it out.”
"Just leave it... there for now."
“I will. You can keep it safe and warm for now, and later Mirage will have a baby sister.”
Looking down, I noticed how my belly seemed to bulge slightly, that must be the egg. "And you can say... a pony loved you... enough to carry... your egg in... her womb."
“Yeah, I can… So how does it feel?”
"Now that the pain is subsiding... It feels nice, calming."
“I’m glad. You started crying as soon as I began. I thought you’d reconsider, but wouldn’t be able to say so.” I wiped my eyes to check, and sure enough, it felt like I had been crying whole rivers.
"If that hadn't hurt so much, I'd gladly carry even more for you."
“I’m pretty sure one is your limit, there wasn’t a lot of room.”
"Well, if you can make it hurt less, I'd carry one for you any time you needed me to." I softly rubbed my stomach, smiling at the feeling of comforting warmth coming from it. "So this must be what being a few months pregnant feels like." I paused for a moment, thinking over what I just said. Ribbon was right, I am getting used to being a mare.
“I wouldn’t know. I take it you feel better now?”
"Yeah, mostly its just a dull ache now. It feels soothing, knowing I am now carrying what will eventually be Mirages little sister." The whole time, I had this faint blush and a tiny content smile on my face.
“I’m not sure if I can make fun of you now, about not having a pair, not after that comment.”
"I think you were right though, I have gotten used to being a mare." I looked down, and noticed a damp spot right below my nethers, as well as the feeling of something dripping down my insides. "Remind me why you needed to pump so much of that slime into me while you did that? Its dripping back out."
Ribbon looked over my shoulder at the wet spot. “I guess I could have used less. It’s kinda like a lubricant. The ovipositor is a just a little sensitive, and I have small orgasms that cause me to do that. Plus my ovipositor stretches out easily for the egg and I wanted to make sure there was little to no friction for it to pass through.”
So after I had explained to Ribbon that I was willing to do it despite how painful it would be, she had laid an egg inside me. Of course, it was unfertilized, and she was going to take it out once we got back to the hive, but still, I let her, and I don't regret it.
"So, where are we meeting with these buffalo, anyway, I know it was near Appleloosa, but where exactly?" After a nights rest at the inn, I was able to walk without it causing me any pain, and was still blushing slightly, as I followed Ribbon rather closely, hoping that nobody would notice the bulge in my stomach. I know I was going to avoid any vigorous activity like running or flight until she took it out, but I was going to carry it, consequences be damned. The feeling of warmth and comfort I felt from having it inside me kept me rather mellow and happy, if a little shy. "And once again, thank you for letting me do this for you, Ribbon." I gave a small glance down to my belly as I said that, that little content smile returning to my face.
“I should be thanking you. Even if I hated every second that I was hurting you, I loved it.”
"I know, but now that the painful part is over, this feels wonderful."
“I’m glad you feel that way.” We were approaching Braeburn’s house where the others staying. Me and Ribbon would have been staying there too, but there just wasn’t enough room as we would have been on the couch. Plus I needed some alone time with Ribbon. “You think anypony will notice?”
"I'm not sure. I hope not." That would be awkward to explain.
I opened the door, to be greeted by Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, and Braeburn, sitting at a table playing poker of all things, Rarity was winning and AJ looked rather sore.
"Morning girls, Braeburn." I gave them a wave, while hoping they wouldn't notice the bulge caused by Ribbons egg inside me.
"Hi Chi! Hi Ribbon!" Pinkie returned my wave, grinning widely. "Who knew Rarity was so good at this game?"
"Howdy pardners, sleep well?" I could tell from the slightly annoyed look on A.J's face that she wasn't doing too well at poker.
"Charmed. You seem quite happy today, Ribbon, care to perhaps let us in on why?" Rarity gave a small grin, most likely looking for something to use as gossip.
“Oh, just, having a good day, I suppose.”
Rarity nodded, thankfully not prying any further. I did, however, notice Applejack raise an eyebrow. "Ya'll been stuffing yourself there, Chi?" Oh crap, she noticed!
"Uh, yeah, lets go with that." Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap! -Ribbon! Help me out here!-
“Guess I’m just a good cook!”
“Old Silver let you use his kitchen at the tavern? He’s never let anypony into his kitchen.” Damn you Braeburn!
*Meep!* I quickly hid behind Ribbon, a massive blush appearing on my face. Now Pinkie seemed interested! She leaned in really close to my face, her eyes glancing between Ribbon and me before they grew to the size of a dinner plate. She knew.
“Ribbon laid an egg in Chi!”
“She what!?”
“Come again?”
I was blushing so intensely, that I probably looked like a cherry, as I made what could best be described as a strangled squeak. “Rarity calm down! Pinkie brought it up on the train, so I told her what it meant and she asked for me to do it. Simple as that!”
"B-but why would Chi want that in her?!"
“Male changelings have a pouch meant to hold eggs, and letting your mate hold them is a sign of trust and love. I told her just that, and she asked to hold one. This also means Mirage will be having a sister.”
“Ooh, ooh. I have a question!” Pinkie was waving a fore trying to get Ribbon’s attention.
“Yes Pinkie?”
“She’s not a changeling, so where is she keeping it? In her tummy?”
“N-not really, no.”
“Don’t tell me its where ah think it is.”
Pinkie looked at Applejack in confusion. “In her bootie?”
“No!” was the unanimous response from everyone in the room.
“Oh.”
“Yes Applejack, that is where I put it.” I drew Ribbon into a gentle hug, hoping that having her up against me would help calm my frayed nerves.
"It... it feels so nice."
Ribbon cleared her throat, and tried to change the subject. “So when are supposed to meet with the chieftain, Braeburn?”
“Littlehorn already came and left, she’ll bring the chieftain with her later.”
"Good." I didn't let Ribbon go just yet, as I was still pretty high strung, and instead buried my still blushing face in her mane, too embarrassed to put into words.
…
“So what was it like?”
“Drop it Pinkie!”
“Okie dokie.”
After the incident where Pinkie blabbed that I was carrying Ribbons egg, we spent a while just chatting, before me and Ribbon went back out to meet the buffalo. After standing outside for a few minutes, I heard the sound of numerous hoofsteps approaching, and saw a large group of of buffalo appear over the crest of a hill, before coming down to meet us.
The largest one, who appeared to be the leader, considering the others gave him a wide berth, approached us. "Ah, so you are the one whome word has spread about."
“Yes, and because ignorance breeds fear, I’ve come to answer any and all questions you may have for me or my hive. I don’t want you fearing this town simply because there’s a few shapeshifter living in it.”
Trying my best to not let my nervousness show, I cleared my throat. "I can concur, my own experiences have shown that, unfortunately, being so radically different in appearance does not bode well with most of Equestria's populace. Something that I hope can be rectified with time."
He seemed to take a moment to think before he replied. "Your words ring true. I, Chief Thunderhoof, and my tribe, welcome you to theses lands."
“Perhaps we can start by you telling us about your lore about insect like creatures or shapeshifters?”
The chieftain seemed to think it over, no doubt think of a legend or myth that might fit. “We… may have one. Skinwalkers. Legend has it skinwalkers can have the power to read a buffalos thoughts. They also possess the ability to make any animal noise they choose, as well as turn into said animal. We believe that if you ever lock eyes with a skinwalker, they can absorb themselves into your body. Alternately, some believe that if you make eye contact with a skinwalker, your body will freeze up due to the fear of them and the skinwalker will use that fear to gain power and energy.
They are distinguishable in their buffalo or pony forms because their eyes glow like an animal's if they are in the dark and you shine light upon them. In animal form they can be spotted by moving stiffly and unnaturally, and their eyes do not glow like an animal's, as they should.”
-Ribbon? Is it creepy that nearly a third of that stuff applies to me as well?-
’You’re also undead.’
-Wouldn't that mean you like necrophilia?-
’... Shut up.’
“Skinwalkers have been known to use charms and spells to instill fear and control in their victims. Souls who have had this done to them also tend to act unnaturally, or not as themselves. I am not sure how much of this myth is true, or if it even relates to your kind."
-That sounds like what Chrysalis did to Shining.-
’It does.’ “Quite a bit, really. I could turn into several animals right now, but I do have my limits. I can turn into a foal, but not a mouse. I could turn into a manticore, but a dragon is out of the question. And changing genders would leave us sterile, so is I turned into you, I couldn’t have foals. As for gaining power from fear? No. At least, not my hive, suppose someling might be able to. And while I do have spell to control somepony’s mind, freeze them in place, or act strangely, so do unicorns.”
"Frankly, several of the the things you have mentioned do in fact apply to me, due to the circumstances of my... 'ascension.' You do know of the Nightmare, correct?"
“The nightbringer? Yes, we know of her.”
"Well, my resemblance is not mere coincidence. For lack of a better term, it used me as a medium, and unfortunately, the changes wrought by it were permanent. I... inherited some of its abilities, some of which are rather disturbing..."
“You have inherited the nightbringers power?” The look in his eyes wasn’t friendly. Well neither was the look I gave him, as I had fucking had it with being compared to her. I stàred him down, and verbally unleashed my pent up anger as I tried to hold back my tears.
"Powers I never wanted to begin with. Do you think I like being compared to that monster? Do you think I want to act so cold and distant, least I make friends that will wither away to dust? Do you truly believe, that just because I look similar to her, and have her powers, that I must be like her? I've seen things, things that would reduce a pony to a quivering, incoherent mess, yet I was unfazed. I am nothing like her. Do you even know how she came to be? Jealousy, jealousy of the lunar princesses night being underappreciated! Remember these words: dark is not evil, and light is not good. Do not judge others on what they seem like, least they become the monster they were accused of being..."
“Then I apologize. Such spoken passion is hard to come by.”
I felt something wrap around me. I looked to my side and saw Ribbon had changed her wings to match mine, and was wrapping one around me while pulling me in to lean on her. I didn't have the energy left to resist, and just let her hold me against her as I made a pathetic whimpering sound while burying my face into her mane.
-Ribbon? I think we need to leave before I do something rash or stupid.-
“I’m going to take her back to the inn. If you’ll excuse us.” Ribbon lit up her horn, and with a flash of light, teleported the two of us back to our room at the inn. When the light cleared the first thing I did, was give Ribbon a worried look.
"Ribbon? I... I need you to make sure I don't run off and do something the moment you leave or turn you back. I'm having a hard time thinking of anything but how to get revenge. I-in my bag, there should be some stuff..."
“You… planned on this happening?”
"After my little psychotic episode on our date? Definatly. Now please hurry..." I levitated my bag over, and dropped it in front of Ribbon. She levitated the suppressor ring first, slipping it onto my horn. Then a solid rubber muzzle, strapping it on nice and tight around my snout. And lastly, the straight jacket. With me not being able to go anywhere, I set my head down on Ribbons side, already appearing visibly calmer. It helped immensely when combined with the comforting warmth of Ribbons egg inside me, causing me to hum softly.
“Hmm, I’d brush your mane, but you don’t have one. But, I’ll settle for snuggles.” I gave a small nod, worming my way into her forelegs. “So why did you bring a muzzle? The other things I understand, but the muzzle?”
-So that I A. don't bite anyone, and B. Don't start screaming in the Royal Canterlot Voice.-
“You think you’ll end up that bad?”
-Better safe then sorry. Besides, don't you think I look cute like this? I'm as helpless as a newborn foal right now.- I felt my cheeks light up, before turning my head and laying it down on her shoulder.
“Well, somepony’s feeling better already.”
-can we stay like this a while? I feel all warm, fuzzy, and mellow right now. I don't want to think about what happened...-
“Yeah, I can stay and snuggle.”
-Thank you...- the feeling of Ribbon holding me was nice, and combined with the calming pressure of the muzzle and straightjacket, along with the warm, comfortable feeling of Ribbons egg, I could feel my stress being slowly washed away. -I'm scared Ribbon, these sudden urges of extreme violence originally only overcame me when you got hurt, but now they're happening whenever I get extremely emotional. Am... Am I going to become a savage, mindless shell of who I once was, locked away out of the public eye, and never spoken of again?- I felt tears begin to run down my face, as a whimper came from my throat.
“No. No, you won’t. Because I’ll always be there for you.”
-Why do ponies always assume I'm like her?-
“Didn’t humans have a term for it? Xenophobia? They’re scared of what isn’t normal, and for them thats four hooves, big round eyes, four to five feet tall, herbivore, and overly naive.”
-It still hurts to be accused of the things she did.-
“I know.” Ribbon hugged me tighter, and began gently rubbing the back of my neck.
-Do you think they'll ever see me as something other than an offshoot of her? ...I'm not a monster... am I?-
“No, you’re not a monster, and you shouldn’t think that you are.”
-Then why? Why do I go into such a frenzy? Why do I get so violent?- I had my eyes screwed shut as I tried to keep myself from crying uncontrollably. If it weren't for the muzzle, I'd be wailing in sorrow by now.
I felt Ribbon push my head back a bit, before I opened my eyes and saw here pull me into a one sided kiss with her. She didn't care if I went insane, she would love me all the same. When she finished, she held my chin up and wiped a tear from my eye. "Don't cry..." She took the time to levitate me down onto the bed softly, and positioned me so that my head would rest on a pillow, before tucking me in, still bound securely. “You can stay here for a bit, get some rest. I’ll be back.”
-You're going to... Leave me tied up?-
“Until your mood improves? Yes.” With that, she teleported somewhere, maybe back to those buffalo?
Ribbon was serious about keeping me tied up until my mood improved. When she had gotten back, she teleported me into one of the empty cars of the train. After getting to Canterlot, she again teleported me, this time, to our room in the hive. I was forced to spend a hour or so alone, still tied up.
When she showed up, having walked, I tilted my head. -Oh yeah... You're gonna remove the egg, aren't you...- I still felt like a sack of shit, and it showed.
“I kind of have to, you’re not made to carry it long term.”
-Now... would probably be the best time to do it... Its not like I'm in any position to resist... But... I really like having it in me... Can't... I hold onto it a bit longer?- It really did feel nice, hell, it was the feeling of comfort that probably made me hesitate long enough to get Ribbon to keep me from doing something I might regret.
“Well, you can. even if it goes bad, its just an egg, I can lay another.”
-I mean... until it's ready for fertilization.-
“As long as we’re at the hive we can do that whenever. Now, or later.”
-Its just that I want to be as much a part of this as you are. If I could, I'd carry it until a few days before it was going to hatch.-
“It’s not like a chicken egg, you saw how big Mirage’s egg got before she hatched.”
-...Alright... go ahead...-
“You can keep hold of the egg a little longer, I have no idea how long it’ll last though.”
-...Thank you...- When she blushed, a thin line running from her left cheek to her forehead caught my attention. -Ribbon? Your face... What happened?-
“On my way back to the hive I was attacked by a pegasus who was spouting anti-changeling propaganda. He’s been charged with attacking royalty, so Princess Celestia is dealing with him.”
-WHAT!? WHEN I GET MY HOOVES ON THAT MOTHERFUCKER!...- A loud growl rose from my throat, as I begun struggling against the straightjacket with renewed vigor. Oh how I was going to show that sad little meatbag what happen when you hurt those I care for... After I rip the information on what drove him to from his mind, that is. See if hes truely heartless, Its not like he'll be needing one once if finished with him... -Going to gut the bastard.-
“Chi calm down! He’s already been taken care of!”
-HE HURT YOU! I AM GOING TO KILL THE SCUM SUCKER!-
*Smack* She slapped me! She freaking slapped me! Wait...
-Oh god... did... did I just lose it?- What the hell was wrong with me!?
I slumped back down to the floor, whimpering, as I begun crying. -Why..?- God... I am a monster. -It's getting worse. I'm flying off the handle for practically no reason. I'm going to wind up in the crazy house, aren't I Ribbon?-
“You’re going to end up worse than that. If you keep acting up like that, Princess Celestia might think there's no redemption for whoever’s in that body!”
-I don't want to become a monster... As much as it pains me to say it, we need a way to prevent me from coming back, so I can be... put down for good if I... become completely insane... -
“I don’t want to lose you! What if...What if we found a way to lock away your magic. I mean the ring works, but its just one little piece, it needs to be stronger.”
-But.. what could do that?-
“I’ll ask the princesses about it. In the mean time, no more magic practice and no taking the ring off. If you even can.”
-Yeah... Considering im in a straightjacket, I don't think I'll be getting that ring off any time soon.-
“Good. Lets get some sleep, it’s been a long couple of days.” She levitated me onto the cloud bed, drawing the blanket over me with her magic. She went into a side room, and when she came out, she had that violin I once walked in on her playing a long time ago, before she positioned herself at the foot of the bed, and begun playing.
It was beautiful, I was left unable to form words as I was mesmerized by the emotion Ribbon poured into it, and saw a single tear fall from her eye. I could feel myself being carried off to sleep by the sadness and love she put in her art, and soon entered a deep slumber.
I woke feeling something damp against the side of my neck. When I repositioned my head, I saw Ribbon had been crying as she slept, tears staining her chiten, while she held me tightly against her. -Ribbon? You've... you've been crying...- She didn't respond, so I wiggled a bit in her grip, hoping it would rouse her. -Ribbon? Wake up.-
“Stop… moving.” her eyes fluttered open as she said that, and we spent several moments just staring into each others eyes.
-You've been crying...-
“I have?” She wiped her eye with a hoof. “I have… I’m going to have go ask the Princess if I can get some really strong magic binders.”
-What... What do I do in the meantime? And... aren't you going to have to tell them why you need them?-
“Yeah, hopefully Princess Luna will understand.”
-Actually... if you can control me through our link... could I tap into your senses? Then I can at least experience what's going on.-
“I suppose. If you can, I’ll let you in.”
I closed my eyes and focused myself inwards, feeling my link towards Ribbon, and letting myself travel along it. The next thing I knew, I was seeing myself sitting there breathing slowly, concentrating... Until a small blush formed on my cheeks from seeing myself in a straightjacket, the muzzle actually blending in somewhat with my fur, and that small bulge in my belly from Ribbons egg. -It... it worked!... what’s with all the buzzing?-
“That might by the hive you’re hearing, hundreds of thousands of voices talking to each other and I hear every last one of them. It’s deafening, but I like it.”
-So that’s what an internet forum sounds like.- I kept my eyes closed, as I did not want to experience two separate senses of sight at once. It was different when I duplicated myself, because I technically had two brains to process them. It was weird though, feeling both my hooves held securely against my chest, yet also feeling the ground beneath Ribbons hooves.
“I suppose so, yeah.”
-So, I guess we... errr you, go inquire about something that could keep me contained more securely.- Ribbon made certain I was tucked into the bed comfortably, before she trotted out the door and down the hall, heading up towards the surface, with me experiencing everything though her senses.
After exiting the hive and the caverns, Ribbon made her way through the crowd, everypony getting out of her way, when the next thing we knew, Ribbon had bumped into a brown earth pony stallion, who had an hourglass cutie mark. "Well now! Fancy bumping into you, Ribbon!"
“Time Turner! It’s been awhile, the shop ok?”
"Oh, it’s doing quite fine, what has my attention is, where’s your tall dark and spooky friend?"
“She’s, uh. Not feeling well. How about Derpy, has she broken my mailbox again yet?” I don’t think Ribbon noticed it, but I think his eye widened just the smallest amount. And I swear I knew that voice from somewhere...
“Oh, quite the opposite. The mailbox won. Quite the nasty lump she got.”
“Figures. Leave it to her to be bested by a mailbox.”
-Need I remind you of Keith?-
’That was different. He made an animatronic mailbox.’ Oh, shes referring to that incident.
“I don’t get what could have Chitsuki under the weather though, must be one nasty bug. How bad is it?”
“Pretty bad, I’m going to go ask the princesses about it.”
“Oh dear… Well then, I really must be going. Things to do, things to fix. Ta ta.”
“I hope to see you around some more!”
-Now I know where I’ve heard that voice before! Hes got the same mannerisms as well!-
’Same as who? You mean Time Turner? I used to make small gears and springs for him.”
-I’m sorry, but a pony version of david tennant, with an hourglass cutie mark? I have a feeling that he might actually be the Doctor.-
’Doctor? Doctor who?
-Exactly!-
’I don’t get it.’
-I think thats why he chose the name. Next time you see him, ask if the chameleon circuit’s still broken.-
’That’s ridiculous. If it’ll make you happy, I’ll ask him later.’
-Now then, we still have to see the Princesses.-
RIbbon walked into the throne room, causing both Celestia and Luna to glance at her. Celestia was the first to speak.
“Ribbon? what brings you back here? And without Chitsuki for that matter? I thought she’d never leave your side.”
“Heh, I’m here because of her. She’s been having wild mood swings that go from murderous, to depressed in the blink of an eye. I was hoping you could help, I figure if we at least suppress her magic, she wouldn’t be able to hurt anypony.”
“And where is she right now?”
“She’s tied up and has a suppressor ring on, but I was hoping you had something she couldn't just take off. And I have asked her, she wants her magic suppressed too. Its gotten that bad.”
“We may have something that could do that… And I must ask, what do you mean by ‘that bad’?”
“She’s in a straight jacket…” Celestial narrowed her eyes, and there was the slightest edge in her voice.
"Has anypony been harmed?"
“Not yet, but I fear she might try and kill the pony to so much as bump into me.”
"What made you think she was becoming such a danger to those around her?"
“Well, it’s been slow, but she’s been getting a little more aggressive or angry every day. It hard to tell, but I think it started the day she found out she was probably immortal. Actually it’s worse than that, she already died once… it didn’t last long.”
"Was she any different after she... 'Died'?"
“I think she got a little more attached to me. That was when her mane turned black.”
Luna actually looked a bit rattled at this whole discussion, and it showed in her voice. "Has... Has she been in constant state of rage, or have these been isolated incidents?"
“Her fight with King Sombra was the worse incident by far. But, so far they seem isolated, me being attacked or insulted, others thinking she’s like Nightmare Moon or accusing her, ponies fearing her or avoiding her for no reason, or others that she thinks are generally evil. Her mood swings seem to have the same four triggers.”
"That is most disturbing... It's almost like I was before… Before I became Nightmare Moon. You said she came back from the dead. It horrifies me to think of how much damage she could cause if she became like that."
“She already wants to kill herself, but she can’t, not without killing me and Mirage, something that has never crossed her mind. She wanted to find an alternate method to 'put herself down permanently' if she became irrevocably enraged."
"She is just as much a threat to herself as she is to others then."
Everything was starting to fade, and I could feel my head throbbing, before I felt my connection to Ribbons senses cut out. I opened my eyes to see the ceiling of our bedroom. I was alone again. I was still tucked in, rather tightly so I wouldn't roll out of bed, and still tightly bound. There was nothing to really do except rest.
I woke to somebody shaking me, and open my eyes to see Ribbon. -You're back. Did you get anything stronger? My connection to your senses kinda cut out.-
“Oh yeah, I got it.” She lifted up a pair of… four hoof cuffs, plus an oversized dog collar and a another ring. All of which had runes engraved on them.
-We still have your egg to take care of as well.-
“I do that after you’re in these, that way you can just rest afterwards.”
-Okay. What's with the collar and hoof cuffs anyway?-
“The cuffs block your earth pony magic, and the wing binds block your pegasus magic and lock your wings, and… you already know what the ring does. And you won’t be able to take it off, the magic runes won't let you.”
-Well then, get me into those.- Levitating me out of bed, she undid the buckles on the jacket and set me down on my hooves. After some oh so good streching, I put on cuffs with some difficulty as she put the oversized dog collar over my wings and locked it. With both the wing binds and cuffs locked in place, she quickly swapped out the ring for the one the princesses gave her. When I tried to touch the ring, the runes on both it and the hoof cuffs glowed, and my legs where pushed away from it. So that's what she meant.
Now came the painful part. Good thing I’m still wearing the muzzle.
*Warning, clop-ish type stuff.*
“I’ll try and make it quick.” I laid down on our bed and she moved in between my legs. I grabbed the pillow so I had something to hold onto. A flash of green caught my eye, Ribbon had made her tongue long, very long and flat. “I’ll make it up to you later.”
-Just do it.- Slowly, her tongue entered my passage, worming her way in and to the back. the slight pain warned me that she was there. I felt her tongue coil around itself and I gripped the pillow tighter, whimpering. Then it happened and she went for the egg. I screamed into the muzzle as her flat tongue wrapped around the egg and started to pull it out. It hurt just as much as when she put the egg in, and I arched my back in pain. It was slowly moving, and I could feel myself crying at how much it hurt. Once it got past my cervix, it was a lot less painful though. I couldn't feel the pain over the volcanoes of agony that was my cervix, and never noticed her pull it out.
*end clopish section*
"Chi? Chi, its out."
-That hurt, alot. But... What the heck do I do now? It's not like I can go out in public looking like this.-
“Well you could, might get a few stares though. And you can always ask me to… do stuff for you.”
-maybe later… Now could you please get this muzzle off?- Ribbon crawled off me, and after letting me sit up, undid it with her magic before letting me pull it off. I took the opportunity to release a large yawn as I stretched my jaw. “Oh that feels good…”
“You know, you can still walk around the hive. They already kinda know.”
“I… Thanks. Its just… I feel so vulnerable now. I took all that magic I had for granted, and now…”
“You didn’t have magic in your world, so surely you know how to survive without it.”
“In my world, I had opposable thumbs. how am I even suppose to do have the stuff with hooves?”
“The earth ponies don’t seem to mind. You just need to learn how to do things with your hooves and mouth, like they do.”
“And the worst part? How am I supposed to keep you and Mirage safe?”
“We’re in Canterlot and Mirage doesnt leave the hive, and from now on, I’ll have guards with me. My guard, not the princesses.”
“Hopefully nothing bad happens…” I sighed, sulking.
“Of course something bad is going to happen. We pissed off the griffons. Now we need to be ready for it, and with only two griffon cities to go, once we stop tormenting them, stealing from them, and rescuing our own. You know they’ll come for us, and I’ll know when they do. Now, how about I set up the Daring Do books for you to read?”
Honestly, these Daring Doo books seemed like the ponified version of Indiana Jones, but at least it helped me keep my mind off things. It gets really frustrating trying to turn a page with hooves, but that was all I had to work with. I hadn’t come out of the bedroom even once, out of fear that I might snap at some stray remark. I found my mind constantly wandering to either Ribbon and Mirage’s safety, or trying to figure out why I was turning into a lunatic, neither of which helped with my mood. -Hey Ribbon, whatcha doing?-
’Overseeing the hives renovations, including our hot spring. Speaking of, we might need to move our room soon.’
-Why?-
’We’re going to knock down the walls to make room, I want a grand cavern to be carved out, and our room is in the way. Plus we can sell the crystals.’
-When do we have to move?-
’20 minutes.’
-That soon?-
’Tavish was very insistent.’
I mentally sighed. -How much, and what, did he use?-
’Do you know what nitro is?’
-A very unstable liquid explosive.-
’Apparently it’s his favourite, said it made a better prettier sound. I told him to ‘no’ and it turns out he already set it up. You have 18 minutes.’
I immediately bolted out of the bed, and sprinted out the door and down the hall. -Whats the minimum safe distance!?-
’About 120 feet, that’s where I am. It’s just a wall. Also, cover your ears in about, 16 minutes.’
I kept running, not stopping until I got past a bunch of changelings who were more than likely stopping to watch the inevitable fireworks.
-How the hell did he even get his hooves on nitroglycerin anyway!?-
’I don’t know, he won’t say. I hope you got your stuff.’
-Aw crap. Is there still enough time?-
’12 minutes, make it quick.’
I ran, and kept running, retracing my back, before grabbing everything I could and tossing into the saddle bags, throwing them onto my back, before getting the hell out of Dodge. By the time I got back to the safe area, I was ready to keel over. -Goddammit… so exhausted.-
“Tired already? Either you’re out of shape, or those cuffs are going a good job.” I looked up and saw Ribbon standing there.
I took several moments to catch my breath. “Not… Funny.”
“Well, don’t mind me. I just came down here to punch Tavish and see the fireworks.”
“Well you said she was moping around in your room, so I thought I could help by getting her out and provide a little distraction.” Tavish walked out from behind an outcropping of rocks, more than likely where he was taking cover. It looked like one of his eyes were swollen.
“You set explosives by our room, unstable explosives, and with Chi still inside.”
“She’s not inside anymore. Mission accomplished.”
“Oh, go fornicate with a cactus!” I leveled a glare at him. The Glare didn’t seem to affect him, or it didn’t work anymore.
“Oi, I wouldn’t need to blow up your room if ya just stop moping about!”
Ribbon smacked him in the back of the head. “Shut up. Like you’ve never been sad.”
“Uhhh, what about the explosion?”
“Oh, right.” Tavish pulled out a remote with a big red button on it.
“I thought it was on a timer.”
“I lied.” He pressed the button and dove back behind the outcropping.
“What the fu-”
*KA-BOOOOM!*
I quickly covered my ears as the sound of the explosion ripped throughout the hive. once the ringing died down, I opened my eyes. “GODDAMIT! MY EARS! THAT FREAKING HURT!”
Ribbon covered her ears when I yelled. “You’re louder than the explosion!”
“Oops… Sorry…” I was actually quite surprised that the RCV still worked. "Where are we sleeping now, anyway?"
"Near the soon-to-be hot spring."
"Well... Lead the way."
After we had settled into our new royal apartment (Still in the process of being carved out), Ribbon had left to continue overseeing the renovation of the hive, leaving me by myself. Might as well look around, and see what it looked like so far. The first room was just a big cave with some crude fernatcher. The second room was clearly a bedroom, there was a cloud bed in the middle of the room, which I was hesitant to flop onto with those ‘alicorn magic suppressors’ concerned that they might also be suppressing my cloudwalking ability.
-Uhhh, Ribbon? Why do we have a cloud bed if I can't even walk on clouds right now?-
’I wanted to test it. Pegasus magic is just for flight and weather control, and with your wings pinned it wouldn’t make much sense to suppress your pegasus magic. Just try it, see if it works.’ With reassurance from Ribbon, I set hoof down on the cloud bed, encountering the familiar fluffy resistance I had grown to expect, and climbed onto it.
My restraints don’t block my pegasus magic. I sighed in relief, as at least that meant I wouldn't be sleeping on the floor. With that mystery solved, I went back to the only thing I had to do at the moment. reading.
It had been two months now that I’ve been in these restraints and I’ve come to realize just how itchy they can be. I’ve been pretty much just sitting around reading. All the Daring Doo books, twice, and several dozen books on magic and history. The growing sense of unease I’d been feeling lately didn’t help, considering I was in no position to try and stop anything from happening.
Especially since Ribbon managed to get near every changeling, both her hive and the yellow hive, out of the griffon nation. Needless to say, the king was pissed. But it's not like their stupid enough to directly attack Canterlot, right?
Wrong!
Turns out the griffons really are that ballsy, and since an entire army was just knocking on Celestia’s door a few months ago she was smart enough to, with Ribbons changelings, put some eyes in each major city and town. The second they took Equestrian ground, she knew about it. Turns out Celestia can actually be a competent military commander when she puts her mind to it.
Didn’t stop another town from disappearing, though. Likely the work of Akuma.
Currently. Ribbon was off somewhere with Luna fighting the griffons, Celestia was here at Canterlot keeping the rest of the country moving. And what am I doing? sitting on my butt reading.
They pretty much kept me out of it because of my newly formed hair-trigger temper. I’ve even snapped at Ribbon once. I was just thankful she thought to levitate me before I had a chance to do something I would regret. I even tried therapy. I had one session… he moved shortly after.
I closed my book, I wasn’t really reading it anyway. Anatomy, a boring subject but useful.
…
I think I’ll go for a walk.
A lot had changed in the last two months. Those samples of the glowing moss we brought back here had spread like wildfire, covering the walls of nearly every tunnel, resulting in nearly the entire hive being bathed in a soft glow, and greatly helped with how otherwise featureless the main tunnels seemed. Only problem with the moss is it didn’t grow up it followed gravity, which left the ceiling baren. Perfect for when they added the ‘stars’.
After a while, I doubled back to my room, before taking the passage that lead to a private spring for me and Ribbon. The ‘hot’ part had yet to be worked out, but it was still somewhere I could try to relax. I stepped into the water, and eventually just layed back until I was up to my neck.
*Bzzzzz*
...Goddamnit, what's with all the racket? I had to haul myself out of the water, and make my way back up to the bedroom, where the buzzing became more pronounced, and when I opened the door, I saw changelings flying every which way in panic. I grabbed the next one to run by me, and looked him in the eyes. “What the heck's going on here!?”
“Ponyville’s on fire, griffons are attacking the Element bearers! The Queen is headed there while the Princess stays with the main army!” He took off again before I could ask anymore. Ponyville!? I didnt even try to get more information, I just bolted for the nearest exit that would let me see what was going on there. When I finally did get to an overview, I had grabbed the railing, horrified. Ponyville truly was burning. And the hundreds of specks I saw flying around must have been the griffons, and the pegasus and changelings trying to fight them off. I could feel the terror Ribbon was experiencing through our link, and it sickened me.
This was unacceptable.
I felt something stirring within me, a familiar primal rage, before a headache overtook me as those restraints tried to hold back my magic. It turns out they can handle quite a lot of magic easily, but dark magic was just too caustic for them to handle all that I was pouring into it.
Suffice to say, they disintegrated.
And in a flash, I was gone.
*Meanwhile, with Ribbon, a few minutes ago.*
Things were looking good. Not for the griffons, though. They had their muskets, but the ponies and changelings had the home field advantage and several game changers. Although the most ponies seemed to have were spears, magic, or flight. My changelings were more willing to use the weapons I had made, and I’ll probably get some flak for making so many “illegal” fire arms, I can tell Princess Luna is grateful, though.
My changelings were keeping the griffon out of the sky for fear of being shot by a far more accurate weapon than what they have. I still haven’t managed to make a fully-automatic weapon, but the semi-auto ones I have are doing just fine for now. So while we had them grounded, they were doing the same for us. That left only one option. Underground. We had several small tunnels made barely wide enough for two ponies to fit through.
I was just going over the plans with Luna that would finish this little invasion when I got a message from the many eyes I had throughout Equestria.
“My Queen. A large group of griffon soldiers have just entered Ponyville! They have just set fire to a portion of Sweet Apple Acres!” That was not good for us if they captured Twilight.
“Princess, we have a problem.”
“Then what do you suggest we do about the griffons in the eastern part of the city?” Thinking that I was talking about the battle plan.
“No, not that. A group of griffons just set fire to Ponyville. You stay here and go over the plan without me, I’ll inform Celestia and head to ponyville myself.”
“Ponyville has been set aflame? Then go, I shall make sure they pay for what they have done here.” I headed out of the tent that was our war room.
“I want the reserves that are still at the hive prepped and at Ponyville, now! Meet me outside of the town and inform Princess Celestia.”
“Right away, my Queen!” I gathered what troops I could and headed off towards Ponyville. Hopefully my home would still be there.
By the time I had made it there the reserves were already engaged with the griffons. Half of Sweet Apple Acres was on fire while my changelings tried to escort ponies out of town while fighting back the griffons, and they were failing.
“We need to keep the innocent ponies out of here! Back up the others and get them out, then we can focus on the griffons!” They followed my orders immediately.
I felt like something very bad was about to happen. A rising sense of dread.
“RRRAAAHHH!!!”
*Back with Chi*
When I arrived, it was not in a flash of light, but a whirlwind of carnage, as I blasted a hole through the chest of the first griffon I saw, My armor forming around me and Akumu drawn. The very shadows seemed to stretch towards me, as if drawn to my rage, while any griffon stupid enough to stand and fight met a swift, merciless death. The adrenaline coursing through me made the bullets feel like raindrops, not even making me flinch.
Nothing would keep me from Ribbon!
“RRRAAAHHH!!!”
“Ahhh!” I saw Ribbon get sent from behind a building, across the street and into a solid wall. I was at Ribbons side in a heartbeat, placing myself between her and any further attacks, before turning my glare upon the perpetrator.
“So we meet at last… Akuma.” What I was looking at, was a equine version of Akuma's full potential. A ponified, pegasus Oni.
“Pathetic… To think you would associate yourself with such a weakling…”
That was the last straw. “Heh… hehe… HAHAHA!” I began to laugh and laugh as Ribbon slowly sunk into my shadow, safe from further harm. “Weak? Well, I guess I just won’t hold back then!” An orb of dark magic formed at the tip of my horn, growing bigger and bigger until it was the size of a grown pony, before with but a flick of my head, it rocket into the air. “Feel true fear!” With a single spark of magic, the orb detonated, raining down spears of crystallized darkness.
He didn’t even bother to move. Using his hooves he forced the larger crystals away from himself as they smashed into the ground harmlessly, and in a flurry of movements he picked them all up and kicked them back at me. A simple telekinetic pulse rendered that attack useless, as we begun circling each other, waiting for an opening.
That opening came when he reared back, a black and blue fireball forming between his hooves. He was poking at my defenses, trying to see how I would respond. I melted into the shadows leaving him confused, and on guard. From within the darkness, I pumped every single shard from my opening attack full of miasma, until they exploded, sending shrapnel everywhere, and creating a smokescreen of miasma, which I used like I had when I collapsed that cavern, and ‘felt’ where he was. Now able to move freely within the shadow generated by my miasma, I emerged behind him, only to be hit by a punch that caused me to double over in pain despite my armor. The next thing I saw was his hoof headed for my face as I was pulled into hurricane of kicks, and sent flying, before a ball of electricity smashed into me, sending pain shooting through my body. With my focus interrupted, the miasma begun to disperse, giving me a clear view of his next attack, an excessively large fireball, almost as big as me.
I quickly let my form dissolve, allowing it to pass through me. I split apart into four pieces and rushed into different shadows. He looked between the shadows that I disappeared into as I formed a fake for him to attack, he took the bait and launched a fireball at it. I formed another and he attack it with same move. Now I formed three fakes and came out, keeping all four targets the same. We all rushed him at once and he attacked two of the decoys letting me get in close in an attempt to gore him with my blade. He dodged but did not come out uncathed. I managed to graze his side. “It feels good to be able to move around on my own again.” I breathed deep “And I already have a fair match, even Celestia didn’t put up much of a fight, Going straight for the Elements because she didn’t want to hurt her sister.”
“I do not care for your talk.”
“Then die so you don’t have to hear it!” I unleashed multiple blasts at the demon. Again, he didn’t bother to move. He raised his wings to block and I rushed him with my blade, with the intent of removing one of them off. As I raised my katana to strike, and brought it down, his forehooves shot forward, and with a shower of sparks, stopped the blade mid swing. I started charging a spell and when he wrenched my weapon away from me, I blasted him with bolts of lightning. In the moment that he was stunned, I landed one last hit on him with my own hooves.
’W-where am I?
-Be quiet.-
’Chi? What happened, where am I?’
-The shadows. And I am not Chitsuki.-
As I took a few steps back to distance myself, I noticed the muscles in his forelegs twitch twice in rapid succession, before the ones in his hindlegs did as he took a small step forward, and then another, more noticeable twitch in his forelegs…
That pattern seems awfully famil… oh shit! I teleported away before he could reach me, a new surge of adrenaline flowing through me as I realized he nearly got me with the Raging Demon, before getting nailed in the back by another ball of electricity, this one noticeably stronger, causing me to seize up for a moment. Before I could recover, he jumped into the air, and brought his entire body weight down onto my back, focused at the tip of his hoof. The results where agonizing, as something broke, and a searing pain spread through my right wing, as it flopped uselessly at my side.
’Who are you, what have you done with her?!
-I said be quiet! I’ll deal with you later.-
I whirled around and back hoofed him, I tried to follow it up with another but he blocked it, before grabbing onto my limb and judo tossing me over his shoulder. I landed hard on the ground and slide before getting back on my hooves, as he charged at me. His forelegs alight with blue flames. I teleported behind him as he swung at me, aiming for the back of his head I delivered a powerful blow. He used his wings to propel himself forward as spun around to face me. I cringed as a fresh wave of pain came from my wrecked wing, and he took that opening, closing the distance and peppering me with rapid jabs, before catching me under the chin with a wing propelled uppercut, which sent me straight into the air, leaving me a sitting duck for the barrage of fireballs he shot at me, they stung quite a bit, but the last one was more of an orb then a fireball
Searing pain shot through me as it impacted my chest, and begun practically drilling into me, before I felt it pulse within me.
A massive burst of dark energy erupted out of my back as it detonated, searing and blowing away tissue and armor alike, leaving a blackened crater where it had entered. the force was so great it cauterized the entry and exit wounds when it detonated. As I shakily stood up, he rushed me again, hoof enveloped in blue flames.
Those flames were snuffed out as the star speckled cloud of my miasma wrapped around the limb, and slammed him into the ground, before picking him up and slamming him down again, and again, and again. I did not, however, expect him to strike the ground with his hooves hard enough to send dirt flying into my face, causing me to drop him.
’I demand that you let me out of this place, right now!’
-Silence! There are two of you creatures that keep me alive and I only need one of you.-
I growled in anger. “You. You die now.” Before I could take any further action, he charged at me again. I teleported behind him as I did before, aiming for the back of his head. Before I could connect he change position and threw a fireball at me and singed the fur off the of my neck. he took the opening to move to my side hit me between my shoulders forcing me half way to the ground. He leaped into the air, and brought an flame wreathed hoof down upon my back with the force of a train.
*SNAP!*
“AHHH!” I screamed as I instantly lost all feeling in the lower half of my body, and crashed to the ground, my breath labored with pain. He broke my spine.
I looked at him with all the anger I could, ready to spite him before he attempted to end me when I spotted my blade behind him. It wasn’t to far away. As he walked towards me I in cased his hooves in crystals. He freed one hoof as I reached out for it with my magic and he freed another as I brought it down on him, impaling him, and causing him to cough up blood. I must have hit a lung.
“He has been sufficiently weakened now, I shall bring him back to Tartarus.” My eyes widened immensely as a portal opened in midair, and what could only be described a malformed arm made of lava reached out, and like a snake lunging at its prey, grabbed Oni and retreated back into the portal. “As reward, I shall remove this… parasite from your being.”
“What? No! I just escaped!” I watch helplessly as the vile hand came back from the portal and stretched out towards me. It pointed a finger at me as I shouted at it. “You can not do this to me! I didn’t even get a chance to cause eternal night! No no no no NOOO!” I could feel the heat burning my coat as it neared and the searing hot pain when it touched me. As it pulled away I felt myself being ripped off my host in a horrid manner. Akin to being skinned alive by a red hot knife.
Once I was ripped away, it balled me into it’s fist and threw me on the ground mangled and in pain.
”Chi, come on. Wake up!”
Where am I? Why does it hurt so much?
”Hey, get up. I know you can’t die!”
“R-ribbon?” I cracked an eye open to see where I was, only to become painfully aware of a massive migraine trying to split my head open.
“There you are. Tell me, what do you remember about what just happened?”
“Anger… the urge to maim and kill, pain, and I… I wasn't really feeling like myself…”
“Well, you seem ok, now anyway. Can you get up?”
“I-i think so…” It was a bit difficult to get back onto my hooves without being able to see what I was doing, courtesy of even opening my eyes slightly causing the migraine to intensify tenfold. “My head…”
“Here, let me help you with that.” I felt the pain lessen a bit, enough that I can probably open my eyes. When I did, Ribbon gasped backed away from me.
“W-what’s wrong with your eyes?”
“Huh?”
“Uh, here, use this.” She took off part of her arm guard handed it to my. It was finely polished so it wasn’t too hard to see myself, even with a few scratches. I looked at my reflection and gasped.The first thing that caught my eye was my now ivory coat, and the second the that caught my eye was my eyes. My eyes were still red, but the whites of my eyes have turned black. What the bloody fuck had happened to me? “I hope for you sake that that’s not permanent.”
“What the hell happened to me!?”
“Tartarus… I removed the parasite that was attached to you and contained it. Now that the creature has been removed, this is what you truly look like.” I looked at my chest to yell at him that it was the same thing but there was nothing there. I slowly applied hoof to face and groaned in exasperation. “As I said I would, I have removed my presence over you.” I turned to look behind me just in time too see a large runic circle start to crack and splinter like glass before it shattered.
The fires of Ponyville had long been put out now, the only thing that was really damaged was Applejacks farm and the roof of several houses. I had rather quickly hid in Ribbons shadow when more guards started to show up and had been refusing to come out for at least an hour, so instead Ribbon had been guarding what was apparently Nightmare Moon. Right now, it looked like a large mangled rock about the size of my head with her starry miasma coming out of it. Just looking at it made me feel like a complete idiot for not realizing she was the reason for my moments of batshit insane mindless rage.
’Won’t you come out? I’m sure it’s not that bad. They might be fine with it, you don’t know how they’ll react.’
-No! They’ll hate me for what I’ve done and become!-
‘But what did you do? From what I can see, You beat a demon into submission long enough for it to be imprisoned and broke a few homes doing it.’
-And if it wasn't for Malices intervention, I wouldn't have stopped there!-
’But that’s not your fault, that was all Nightmare’s doing.’
-Do you think anyone is going to be able to look me in the eyes and tell me their not afraid now!?-
’What if we just show the princesses what you look like and maybe some of the lunar guard afterwards. You’d have more in common with them than the rest of the ponies.’
-O...okay… Uhh, do you hear that?- I could hear something, not quite hoofsteps, when…
*Bark!* -Wait… Gary!?-
Sure enough, before either of us could react, Gary come out of nowhere and started licking ribbons face. The guards almost immediately begun closing in around him with their spears raised but stopped when they heard Ribbon laughing.
“Hahaha! Stop it Gary!” she pushed the incredibly large okean timberwolf off her and stood back up. “I missed you too.”
“wha…?” was the unintelligent response from one of the guards.
“Everypony, stand down. He’s fine, He’s Chitsuki’s pet.”
“Dare I even ask how she keeps it fed?”
“He assimilates wood, which includes paper, and hunts in the Everfree.”
“Oh… speaking of which, where is she? We heard she was here fighting the demon.”
“She did, she just doesn't want to really… well do much of anything but hide away right now.”
“Is she at least willing to talk?”
“I suppose so.”
“Then you and her can give your report of what happened to the Captain.”
“Very well, I’ll give my report to both Princess Luna and the Captain through my changelings and will head to Canterlot.”
“Very well. We shall get somepony on the job of getting a train here, now that the griffons have cleared out.”
Within a few hours, a train had pulled in, composed of an engine and a single passenger car, and after the guards had looked it over for signs of tampering, Ribbon and her guards got on, carrying the Nightmare fragment in a bundle of cloth, as after I had questioned her about it, she had said she was worried about what might happen if somepony touched it or if magic was used on it. There was about half a dozen changeling guards on there way to Canterlot with us, leaving me feeling rather nervous and deciding to stay in the safety of Ribbons shadow.
’I think it’s safe for you to come out now.’
-And what makes you think that?-
’My changelings already know something happened, they just haven’t seen it yet. You’re safe here.’ Ribbon assured me.
-Okay- I climbed out of her shadow, keeping my eyes shut until I had finished getting out,and just listening to how they reacted. Some light murmurs but nothing bad, the most common seemed to be “So that’s what happened.” Then I finally opened my eyes, waiting for the inevitable gasps of shock. I saw a few of them cringe and look away, the others seemed to be trying not to look at me.
When I saw them avoiding eye contact I couldn’t help but think of Pinkies silly song made for Zecora.
-why are they all refusing to look at me? I know I have freaky eyes now, but, damn.- “Am I really that scary?” Ribbon leaned into my side.
“Probably trying not to stare. They don’t want to anger me by making my marefriend feel uncomfortable because of the way she looks.” I looked back at them and they seemed even more uncomfortable than me now since Ribbon knew. Sighing, I closed my eyes again, hanging my head in defeat.
I felt Ribbon pull me into a hug, where she began gently petting my mane, but it just didn’t help. I slipped out of her hug, and sunk back down into her shadow. Was everyone going to be afraid of me now?
After finally arriving at Canterlot, Ribbon and I had made a beeline for the castle, so that Ribbon could deliver her report. Well, more like I spent the entire time in RIbbons shadow, not wanting to show my face.
“You may enter now.” With that, the guard to Celestia's courtroom stood aside, as the door swung open. Without a word, Ribbon entered, coming face to face with Celestia.
“So how is the town, did it survive?” Celestia said, a look of concern on her face.
“Yes, the town will do just fine. Most of the damage was at Sweet Apple Acres. It seems the griffons were throwing molotovs to set the trees on fire, while the damage to the town itself is contained to the roofs and a few other select buildings caused by Chitsuki from what my changelings told me.”
“Chitsuki was there? I thought she was staying at your hive, here.”
“She was. I think she showed up at Ponyville when I did, but I am unsure as I was knocked unconscious. When I woke up I was in her shadow, the same way she can hide them, but she was acting strangely and even threatened me. I can’t be sure, but I believe she was fighting Akuma, the demon Malice told us to capture. I think it was Nightmare Moon who was doing the fighting though.”
“Can you be sure of that? I’m most that the Elements would have destroyed her this time.”
“I’m sure.” Ribbon signaled for her guards to bring up the… Parasite, and unwrapped it for Celestia to see.
“Oh my. How is it that it became like this?” Celestia seemed intrigued by the nightmarish rock.
“When I’m in Chi’s shadow It’s very hard to see, but I can hear fine. I heard Malice thank Nightmare for weakening Akuma enough for him to take him back to Tartarus, and then promptly told her that he would remove her from her host as a reward for Chi having beat Akuma. I heard a lot of shouting and then screaming before I was able to leave Chi’s shadow. And saw Chi dying... again. The portal to Tartarus didn’t close until after Chi revived where he told her about what happened to her appearance and removed his mark from her.”
“So Malice confirmed that this is Nightmare, or at least a being like her. What did you mean by ‘her appearance’?”
“Last time something happened to her, when Everfree was sort of invading, you remember her mane turned pitch black?” Celestia nodded her head for Ribbon to continue. “And when she unknowingly used dark magic her eyes turned red?” Celestia nodded again, and seemed to be growing worried. “She’s changed again and Malice had said this is what she truly looks like, and it’s a tad… startling.”
-I’m guessing this is the part where I have to show myself?-
’If you would’ “She’s right here, I was hoping you would see this.”
I pulled myself from Ribbons shadow, Looking Celestia in the eye as I did so, until I had fully extracted myself and stood up fully. “I can see why you would find this concerning.”
“I almost look like vampire for the love of god.” Looking away from Celestia, suddenly finding the floor very interesting.
“Your fangs certainly don’t help. If you would like, You both have access to the royal library in finding a spell that would hide your eyes. You may also look in Starswirl the Bearded wing of the library.”
“So, what is going to be done with what's left of… well, her?” I said as I eyed what was left of the Nightmare.
“We’ll lock it up where it will never see the light of day again, I’m sure it’ll like that.”
“Mama!” Wha- Before I could blink, a projectile about the size of my head, if not bigger, collided with my chest, revealing itself to be Mirage.
Celestia sighed in annoyance. “I wish Luna hadn't shown her the passages in the castle, now she won’t stop sneaking into places she shouldn't be and stealing my cake.”
That actually got me to chuckle, Mirage was sneaking about like a pro, and managing to annoy Celestia as well. “Then perhaps now that we’re back, we can take her off your hooves.”
“Please do, I need to talk to Ribbon about her Illegal production of weapons.”
“She's just exercising her second amendment.” Celestia just seemed confused. “Right, you wouldn't get that.”
Ribbon continued. “The right to bear arms. I only intended to stock them up and put them in a vault knowing the Griffons would try something, I never intended to sell them to the public.”
“Regardless, these weapons are banned in Equestria for a reason. And not only have you made these griffon firearm but have improved them, making them lighter, stronger, and faster. It is most worrisome.”
“If anything, I’m the one you should be angry with. I gave Ribbon the ideas in the first place.”
“It’s true. I just wanted a challenge, it’s boring making the same things over and over. So when I got my hooves on some griffon arms and Chi saying she used use those types of weapons before, I just had to try.”
“And it just took off from there after she found out just how inferior those Griffon firearms were compared to some of the things I’ve used.”
“How much more powerful were your kinds weapons?”
“Strong enough and accurate enough to remove Canterlot from existence. Without magic. Does the term ‘nuclear fusion’ mean anything to you?”
“It does not.” She gave Ribbon a stern look. “I would hope you don’t make such weapons Ribbon.”
“I never intended too, I started it and had gotten interested in artificing when I was making the ammunition. I wanted to see it through before I did instead.”
“The only kind of weapon I really know much about are firearms, not missiles or warheads, I wouldn't be able to reproduce one.”
“Well, while I would like another artificer in the kingdom. Once the griffons are are taken care of and forced out, I want you lock those weapons away and keep me informed this time of anything you make.” Celestia said, in a very serious tone to the both of us.
“Yes Princess.”
“Understood, was there anything else you needed from us?”
“No, that was all. You may leave now.”
Without another word, I sunk back into Ribbons shadow, as she left the chamber, Mirage skipping happily after her.
’I think I know what’ll cheer you up Chi.’
-Oh? Do tell.- Ribbon had gotten my attention.
’I’ll need to get some stuff and will have a day tomorrow with the staff in our shade form.’
After spending well over a day hidden away in Ribbons shadow, it was time. She had gotten her hooves on some ballons, some string, itching powder, and plastic wrap.
-Ready?-
’Ready. First stop is is the throne room before court is held.’ I let myself dissolve into miasma and emerge from Ribbons shadow, before gathering around her, once again feeling that sudden shift as my vision shifted to what Ribbon was seeing. She took a few moments to look herself over, before stopping for a moment to listen to something. Or rather, a lack of something, as it appears she forgot that even her breathing was soundless now. ‘Its still creepy that I literally look like a silhouette, I mean, look!’ She held a hoof to her snout, leaving me unable to tell where one ended and the other begun.
-Oh, lighten up.-
’Oh, ha ha.’
-If nopony is going to remember what you look like, or even notice you, is it really that big a deal?-
‘True… But it's still creepy. I look like you for heaven's sake!’
-Don’t we have a prank to prepare?-
’Yeah, we better get there before Celestia does.’ Me and Ribbon took off out of the hive towards the castle. getting in was fine but I was wondering how we were going to get into the throne room without making the guards investigate the door opening and closing when something got my attention.
-Do you hear that?-
Ribbon stopped running down the halls and listened. ’I do. What is it?’
-It sounds like somepony… moaning.- Wait… -Correcion, two someponies.-
‘Are you saying there's somepony making out in the castle?’
-Yeah, I think so, you wanna go take a look?-
’...Sure.’ Ribbon set off in the direction of the noise, growing more and more curious. As we got closer, it became apparent the noises where coming from a broom closet.
Ribbon ever so slowly opened the door, revealing a brown stallion, currently not wearing his armor, and a cream white mare, in the middle of a make out session.
Ribbon whistled at them to get there attention, and proceeded to mock them. “Oh, my. Dinner and a show.” A moment of staring and the mare seemed to be getting more nervous. “Can I join?” And like that, the stallion punched Ribbon in the face and closed the door. ’I deserved that.’ She said as she rubbed her muzzle.
-I felt that-
’You did? I think we’ve found our downside to doing this. We both feel pain.’
-Well, better then not feeling anything.- I took the opportunity to rub the offending snout with Ribbons mane, the one thing I could do on my own violation in this form. -Still, that was brilliant. And I have an idea of how to get into the courtroom. Remember the shadow thing I can do?-
’You have a lot of shadow things you can do.’
-The one where I actually go inside the shadow? I was curious, can you do that when we’re like this?-
’How do I do that then?’
-The first time I did it, I was standing on top of your shadow, and wanted to avoid the Princesses attention so badly I literally wanted to sink into the floor just so they couldn't see me. Perhap you just have to will yourself to become one with the shadow? Try it.-
Ribbon looked down at our shadow. before long, it darkened and her hooves sank right in and she would have kept going but she backed out of it. ’Oh that feels so wrong! How can you stand doing that, it feels like I’m being liquified!’
-Huh. Feels more like just becoming so relaxed you melt into a puddle to me. Beside, you can just slip under the courtroom door if you do that.-
‘I’ll do it quickly once we’re there.’ Ribbon quickly made her way back to the courtroom, still chuckling internally at discovering two ponies making out in a broom closet.
At the door stood two stone faced guards. I felt Ribbon reaching out with our magic towards the guards. One of the guards was lifted into the air as all of his armor was removed before being tossed aside. The armor itself stood tall as if somepony was still wearing it and ran down the hall. Of course, with two stallions right behind it, only one still in his armor. I could see the armor collapse when Ribbon let go of it and we rush inside before they returned. ‘That was both easier and more entertaining.’
-Agreed.- We approached Celestia’s throne. Keeping an eye on the few guards in the room, Ribbon quickly poured out some of the powder and used our magic to grind it into the pillow until it would require a close examination to notice it at all. We were just in time as Celestia had come in from the private side of the castle, so we made for the door. One glance back showed Celestia looking at the door that had opened ‘all on its own’ as we left. -Ribbon? I think she's noticed.- Indeed, Celestia was coming our way, a rather suspicious look on her face.
“A perception filter? a rare spell indeed. Show yourself” Ribbon slammed the door closed and backed away from the door.
’She still can’t see us, right? She should forget now that we’re away from her, right?’ The door opened with as much force as Ribbon closed it and a bright flash. After the spots cleared, Ribbon looked up to see Celestia glaring at us.
-She shouldn’t be able to see us.-
“Who are you?”
“She sees us!” Ribbon flung the pouch with the itching powder at Celestia and ran away from her, the irate, and now itchy, princess giving chase.
-The shadows! Hide in the shadows!- Ribbon went into one of the guest rooms and dove right under the bed and into the shadow there.
Celestia was right on us and saw Ribbon go under the bed. See where we went, she calmly strode over and looked under the bed only to see… Nothing. After she stopped to furiously scratch at herself, making a rather… pleased face, she caused a bright flash of light to emit from her horn, causing for the briefest of moments, us to become visible as the shadow vanished in the light.
“I know you’re there. And really? using something as advanced and difficult as a perception spell for pranking?”
-She thinks it's a spell?-
’What did you think it was?’
-Just a perception filter. And how's she even able to remember us?-
‘I’m going to say she has experience with this.’
-She has us cornered. Might as well fess up.-
‘I guess...’ She hesitantly crawled out of the shadow, both me and her slightly worried about Celestias reaction.
The princess appeared somewhat hesitant until I removed the shade from Ribbons head so Celestia would know who she was. “Ribbon? I wasn’t aware you know such advanced spells.”
“I don’t, this is Chi’s spell. Something she’s able to do using her miasma. This,” Ribbon waved her hoof in front of Celestia. “This is her.” I manipulated the miasma currently composing Ribbons tail to wave at Celestia. “I wanted to make her feel better and you were going to be our first target of many.” Celestia started idly scratching her neck and side. “We’d put itching powder on your throne before court and come back later to see how you were fairing.”
“So you used it for pranking. Did you not think of the trouble you would be in if one of the guards had seen through the spell?”
“Not really. Twilight was the first to see, back when the Everfree went crazy, her and her friends attacked us and not even a minute later, forgot we were standing there and what they were doing or why they were doing it. If I recall, after chi had her freakout about when she mistook the fact she wouldn't age for immortality, you saw her do this with me… which also meant you were exempt from the effects that made us unnoticeable, and unrememberable.”
-More like the second she looked away.-
’Eh, details.’
“That is rather… unnerving. what else are you capable of?”
“Well, there was also the odd effect of removing my magical aura, and literally the only sound I've ever made like this is when I choose to speak.”
“Oh? I did not notice that when you originally did performed this.”
“Well, if you want, I guess I could show you?” Ribbon tried to pick up one of the pillows off the bed, only for her horn to light up.
‘Chi?’
-On it.- I let my currently shadowy self settle around Ribbons face again, causing her aura to fizzle out.
“Interesting. Your magical aura isn’t visible anymore. That could be very useful.” Ribbon and I noticed how Celestias ears were swiveling about, like she was trying to listen for something. “Not a sound. I cannot even hear you breath, Yet when you speak, it is perfectly audible. Truly remarkable, and rather unnerving.” She took a moment to study us closer, before reaching ut with her hoof and pressing it agains Ribbons chest, before her fur actually stood on end for a moment as she rapidly retracted it. “That…” She shivered momentarily “I felt resistance, and cold, but nothing more. No texture or anything.”
“You, uh, should probably take a bath.” Ribbon said, noticing how much the itchy Princess was stretching.
“That sounds like a wonderful idea. I’ll have to ask that you keep your pranks to a minimum.” Said Princess Itchy.
“That’s fine Princess. I already threw all the itching powder at you already.” As we left I heard Celestia tell one of the guard to cancel court because of what happened.
-So we used all the powder, what’s next?-
‘Now we fill up the balloons and head out into the city.’
-What do you have planned?-
‘Fill ‘em up, use my magic to make them nice and cold and chuck ‘em at unsuspecting ponies.’
-Brilliant, that is utterly genius! Might I suggesting adding food coloring?-
’Good idea, we’ll get some before we fill up the balloons.’
With the balloons filled, with added color, we just have to pick a good target. We’ve been on the roofs for an hour finding all the good spots, and I believe we’ve found it.
-Attack!- I yelled at Ribbon as she unleashed the barrage of frigid balloons. Their screams of panic and shock are like music as their coats were stained to match that of a tie dye T-shirt that a hippy would wear.
After an effortless escape upon completion of our pranking spree, we made our way to the hive, where I separated from Ribon, feeling much happier now. “That was fun.”
“It was, wasn’t it? Shame I’ll have to back to help Luna with the griffons tomorrow.”
“That… sucks. I guess we’ll have to make the most of what time we have. Perhaps you would like you ‘cuddle bandit’ back?~”
“Oh? Well it has been a while since my cuddles were stolen.”
“Well then, after you.” I smiled as I gestured to the bed, having been longing for a chance to just relax in Ribbons grasp.
Once we had both gotten into the bed, I felt Ribbon wrap her forelegs around me, making a slight giggle as she did so. “You know, it's adorable when you do this. You try to retain a portion of your masculinity, yet you just love having me hug you.” I blushed as Ribbon leaned in to whisper in my ear. “And you like it even more when I tie you up just to show you my affection.” She then moved on to gently petting my mane with one hoof, while keeping a rather tight grip around my chest with the other. She sighed. “Unfortunately, I’m going to need to be in top shape for tomorrow, so I can’t go and exhaust myself having ‘fun’ with you.” I could feel my blush grow more intense, before Ribbon giggled again. “Awww, do I have you flustered? You look so cute with your cheeks all rosy like that.~” I struggled a little in her grip, chuckling in embarrassment.
“Why are you trying to embarrass me like this?”
“Because, I found I like the taste, its kinda like lemon, its got a slight kick to it, but not overpowering like when I get you all rearing to go. Now stop fidgeting.”
“Then stop trying to embarrass me! ...Please?”
“Hmmmm…” She scrunched up her face in mock deep though. “Oh fine, but only because you said please.” Her horn lit up, and I found myself being levitated into the air, where Ribbon took the opportunity to stick me in a straightjacket, and wrap me up tight, before setting me back down beside her. “I bet you missed this a lot.” Ribbon pulled me into a hug, nuzzling me.
“I did.” My leg started to twitch a bit as Ribbon begun giving me a belly rub. “Ohhh, that feels good.”
She noticed that twitch, and smiled. “You must really like that, you’re acting like a puppy.” I was too busy experiencing bliss to respond. After a while, she slowed down enough for me to actually focus. “Will you be okay while I’m gone?”
“I… I think so.”
“Maybe you should spend some time with Twilight? Distract yourself helping her with research… And see the look on her face as you tell her she can eat meat now.”
“Heh, yeah… You know what?”
“What?”
“I wanna be the cuddle bug for once.”
“Sure.” I smiled, using my magic to release myself from the straightjacket. I wrapped my mane around Ribbon in a soft, yet firm embrace, holding her to my chest.
“Do you like it?” I wrapped my forelegs around her, feeling her forelegs futilely twitch beneath the miasma that composed my mane.
“Yeah…” I smiled, seeing the content grin on her face.
With one hoof, i begun slowly tracing circles across Ribbons stomach through my mane, giggling. “You’re just adorable.” I gave her a sly grin as I leaned in towards her ear. “Especially when I do this.” I began to softly nibble on the tip of her ear, which caused her to make a small moan. “See? cute!” Ribbons cheeks turned the lightest tint of green, which lead me to believe she was enjoying it.
“Chiii, stop it, I can’t go exhausting myself!”
“Aw. But you’re so cute when you're flustered. I know!” To Ribbons surprise, she was suddenly spun around within my manes grip, so she was facing me, before I pulled her into a kiss. After the shock wore off, Ribbon returned it, her tongue worming its way into my mouth. After a few minutes of tongue wrestling, RIbbon broke away.
“Okay, you had for fun Chi, but I need rest.”
“Okay..” I released her from my manes grip, just allowing myself to relax in the bed with her, letting myself drift off into what was probably my first peaceful sleep in a while.
*Dreamscape*
This, This wasn't something that looked remotely like something Ribbon would dream about. The sky was below me, there where floating slabs of brightly colored rock, and as I walked around, several of them seemed to vanish, while others appeared out of thin air. At one point, I passed a waterfall that flowed up, into the...Huh!? Looking back down, there was just the sky below these floating stones, yet when I looked up… Nothing, just a few of those gravity defying waterfalls trailing off into infinity.So then, I pondered, why was I hear?
It was then, that something in one of those waterfalls caught my eye, something was… off, a slight distortion, one that seemed to call to me. I flew, cautiously approaching it, and when nothing happened, I flew through it.
Blackness, darkness as far as the eye could see, permeated by a faint, endless buzz.
“Really, how’d she get in here agai…” I whirled around to face the source of what I assumed was a changelings voice, only to discover I was only partially correct. It was a changeling allright, but not like one I’d seen before. It was as big as me, with neon blue hair and eyes, and a very angry scowl. “You’re not Luna.”
“Of course not!”
“Then who, and what, are you?”
“Ummm… How do you not know that…”
“How about you get the hay out of my dream?”
“Uh, no.” Like hell I was going to let her push me around.
“Well then. I’ll have to fix that. NIGHTMARE!” Wait, did… She just say....
“You called?”
No. Not possible. NIghtmare Moon. But… I thought she had been locked away!? “S-stay back! I-i’m warning you!” I rapidly stepped back, I wasn’t going to let that… that thing try to control me a third time!
All that… monster did in response was raise its eyebrow. My miasma quickly solidified into a familiar form, as the deep purple and midnight blue blade of Akumu was drawn from its sheath.
“I will use this!”
”Leave, and this can end peacfull-”
“I’M NOT FALLING FOR IT!” I gave the Nightmare a glare, my mane starting to shift around as more miasma was pooled into it.
“Heh, perhaps a ‘propor’ battlefield would do for us, no?” It was that changeling, grinning like she had something malicious planned.
”Agreed.” The darkness begun to fade into a forest, the only source of light being the moon in the sky now. I let the miasma I had pooled into my mane envelope me, before solidifying into my armor. ”That wont help you here.” Before I had time to react, she shot a bolt of lightning from her horn. My armor blocked the impact, but not the current, causing me to spasm in pain, before the changeling begun peppering me with blasts of magic, most of them bouncing off my armor, one or two striking my exposed face.
“That hurt you prick!” I growled. I was now thankfull I had spent a good portion of my time when I was apparently going crazy reading magical tomes. I felt a faint tingle in my horn as the spell begun charging up.
The nightmare did not expect me to retaliate so quickly with a thunderbolt spell of my own. Ignoring the changeling, I roared in fury, falling back on the sword training I had had with Courage, and engaging her in close range combat. I didn’t have time to react when I saw something glowing yellow and ethereal slam into my side, knocking me away. Looking at her, I noticed the glowing yellow, ghostly shackles attached to her legs, wings, and neck.
“An… Interesting choice of attire.”
”Shut up and die.” I noticed, that those chains seemed to eventually fade away to nothing, and when not moving, drifting in the direction of the changeling, who was smirking.
“Wish I could, but I can’t.” I smiled grimly. When the nightmare swung another one of those chains at me, I made my mane rush to intercept, and grab it. I pulled, trying to get her off balance, only for the chain to… extend? Oh… Shit.
”Hahaha! how pathetic, you actually though that would work?” More of the chains came at me, striking at my exposed face, while one wrapped around my neck, tightening until I could hear my armor starting to groan under the pressure.
“Oh, you bit-urk!” My armor crumpled, my windpipe getting crushed. luckily, breathing was just a thing I did because it was muscle memory, not something I needed to do to stay alive. She didn’t know that, and I decided to play that to my advantage. I begun gripping at the chain, trying to pull it off, to no avail, slowly letting my struggles became weaker, and widening my eyes in false panic, until I let myself go limp in the chains grasps.
“That was too easy.”
”She's not dead.” I suddenly found myself slammed into the floor, with monstrous force.
“How would you know?”
”Because if she was dead, she wouldn't still be here.” I simply glared at her with all the hatred I could muster, before dissolving into miamsa. The Nightmare actually took a step back in surprise, before I quickly reformed, now thoroughly angered. I took a moment to charge Akumu with a lightning spell, watching as electricity crackled across its form. Unable to really vocalize my anger, courtesy of my now crushed windpipe, I settled for using shadow magic, causing a spike of crystal to erupt from under the Nightmare, gashing its side even as it dodged.
Wait, where was the changeli-
“Suprise.” I felt something pierce me where my wing joined my body, before feeling of numbness spread through me, and I lost control of my body, slumping to the ground.
”Now die.” The Nightmare reared up, intending to crush my head under her hooves. I closed my eyes, bracing for the pain.
“Enough.” With the sudden sound of clinking steel, I opened my eyes, and saw that those ethereal chains now seemed much brighter and more solid, now unmoving as the Nightmare strained against them. “I’d rather not find out if killing someone in a dream would leave them brain dead.” She turned to me, glancing over me. “That armor, its the same material as yours, isn't it Nightmare?”
”...Yes. I have no clue how she obtained it though.”
I saw the changeling pick up my blade, looking it over. “Nightmare, do you have any clue what this is made of? I can tell the cutting edge is made of the same material, but the rest…” It surprised me that the Nightmare was just sitting there and answering that changelings questions, but as I looked harder, I noticed a very slight yellow glow in her eyes as she responded.
”...No.”
“You, for somepony who is completely helpless, you show a rather unusual lack of any fear whatsoever. For me, that is.” The buzzing, which had faded into the background at some point, came back stronger than ever, as I felt a weight pressing down on my mind, until I whited out.
“...not expecting to see you here.” As my vision cleared, I was greeted to the concerned look of Luna. “I thought you were only able to enter a dream though physical contact?” My lack of response, verbally or physically, left her looking rather confused. “Chitsuki, answer me.” She came closer to try and provoke a response from me, before staring at my throat. “Oh… Why am I not surprised you can do that.” I felt her magic wash over my throat, causing me to cough violently.
“Thanks.”
“I see you found a rift.”
“A what?”
“A rift. Ribbon told me about how you explained the idea of the multiverse to her. while that might be true, there is only a single dreamscape across it all, divided into segments specific to each reality. that rift you encountered, is what happens when the barrier between two of those segments thins, allowing dreams to cross over.” I sighed with relief, whatever having affected my body starting to wear off.
“Okay, so the Nightmare is not running loose in our equestria.”
“You encountered an alternate Nightmare?”
“Yeah… and a changeling. I’m still confused as to how the Nightmare was letting it boss her around like that.”
“Boss around?”
“And then there were these weird chains on the Nightmare…”
“Explain.”
“well, they were ethereal and glowing yellow, and the Nightmare was weaponizing them, until that changeling told it to stop, then they actually restrained her.”
“That… is something I had hoped to not see again.”
“Again?”
“After Sombra's defeat, we tracked down and acquired most of his research, and locked it away in the forbidden section of the archives. Obviously, we read through them. What you saw was one of his most heinous works. the Hex Binding. before the discovery of that crime against nature, it was thought impossible to mix blood magic and runes, two of the most powerful forms of magic, without it becoming unstable and failing catastrophically. But he found a way. Its true purpose was to be used with a particular rune that, assuming you had a sample, could collect the latent energies of a powerful deceased being, and bind it to you as a sort of servant.” Finally managing to regain enough mobility to stand up, I looked at her, rather worried.
“I can already see just how despicable that is. Can you imagine if he had got it to work on a living being?” I shuddered, that was just wrong. Trying my best to put that disturbing revelation behind me, I asked the next thing to come to mind. “Um, how do I leave?”
“Simply want to.” Before I could question her, I felt myself beginning to fade…
The first thing I noticed when I woke up, was that I was somewhat sweaty, most likely from when I first saw the Nightmare in that dream. Yawning, I got out of bed, trying not to disturb Ribbon. Once I was out, I begun to stretch my legs, working the stiffness out. And then felt something clinging to my leg. “Hi Mama!” Looking down, I saw Mirage hugging my leg with an adorable grin on her face.
“Hi Mirage.” I chuckled as I gave her a noogie. Mirage merely giggled back and released my leg.
The sound of Ribbon yawning caused me to turn my head, before smiling. “Wakey wakey, sleepyhead.”
“Wakey wakey.” She said, still very tired. “I’ll have to get going today, Luna will be needing my help.” She started to lazily get out of bed.
“So I guess that means I’ll be looking after Mirage?” I replied as I glanced down at her, watching her nuzzle against my leg.
“Yea. Though I would like it if you got out some, maybe visit Twilight? After what happened I’m sure she’d like some help repairing the library.”
“Oh joy, menial labour...”
“... I was attacked again just a few days after I got you in those restraints.”
I sighed, frustrated. “And you’re only telling me this now?” I looked over at Ribbon, She seemed to be gauging my reaction.
“I didn’t want to upset you at the time. I hid any injuries I had before you could see them.”
“How bad?”
After a moment of hesitation, she burst into flames as if she was wear a disguise this whole time. When the flames cleared she showed many small scratches and nicks in her chitin, but by far the worst was a large star shaped scar that spread out like a web on her shoulder. “That. A royal guard did that. Celestia was appalled that one of her honored guards would strike me when I was in the castle. And it’s not just me, the others are starting to be harassed by ponies too.”
I felt my eyebrow twitch slightly, before I walked over and hugged her and she hugged me back. “It’s going to be safer now, you’ll either be with luna, or me.”
“We do have some leads now, though. I’ll tell you when I get back.”
“Mommy has to go again?” Mirage said with a rather pathetic looking face, her ears flat against her head.
“I’m afraid so, but I’ll be back home in no time at all, but Cloak will be looking after you. You like her, don’t you?”
“I like her, she’s fun!”
“Cloak… Oh! She was the changeling that was with us when I was practicing with our prototype rifle!”
“Yes, she’s in charge of making the ammunition right now. Once we’re done I guess we’ll be putting everything into a vault for safe keeping.”
“Its for the best.”
“Let's get packed up, and head out.”
Now then, I got a few snacks, and… well, a few snacks. There wasn't really anything else I would need. After seeing Ribbon off, I went and grabbed my bag, and readied a teleportation spell. With the interior of Twilights library in mind, I released the spell.
In the split second before I teleported, I felt something wrench my destination to a different place, as I disappeared in a flash of light.
When the light faded, I found myself inside twilights library allright, but not where I expected. I was in her laboratory, inside of some kind of glass box. I tried to look around to see what gave, but, to my horror, my body refused to move, alongside my magic failing. The sound of hoofsteps coming down stairs become audible, and Twilight walked into view.
“Oh sweet Faust, what the buck is that!” She screamed in fright, jumping back a good two or three feet. After watching her try to calm herself down, I noticed how frazzled her mane was. She was in the middle of one of her ‘episodes’. ”Its okay Twilight, this is why you set up those wards.”
I felt her magic wash over me, as she closed her eyes and focused. At least, until Spike came running down with a scroll in his claws. “Twilight, letter from Princess Luna… Huh!?” He stared, slack jawed at me, as Twilight began to read the scroll. Her cheeks quickly turned red as she looked at me, chuckling nervously.
“Ummm… Sorry. I’ll have you out of there in a second, Chitsuki.” A flash of light as she teleported me out, where I stumbled upon regaining control of my body. Looking back, I saw a single rune on the floor of the ‘chamber’ I was just in, slowly losing its lavender glow and becoming invisible to the naked eye. “I… ummm… may have gotten a bit paranoid after hearing about those attacks on Ribbon.”
“and by a bit, she means she warded the entire library against just about everything imaginable.” Spike chipped in, causing Twilight to blush even further.
“Im sorry! I completely forgot to add your magical signature to the list of expectations in the teleportation wards!”
“Uh… Chitsuki? why is your bag moving?” Huh? Turning my head, I noticed, that my bag was indeed moving of its own accord. Before Mirage popped out with a strip of raw bacon hanging from her mouth.
“Aww damnit, not my bacon!”
“Is that… meat!?” I sighed.
“Twilight. stop and think for a moment. You have fangs. They aren't just for show. You’re an omnivore now, Twilight.” While Twilight was in the middle of having a fit, I tried to contact RIbbon. -Uh, just so you know, Mirage decided to be a stowaway in my snack bag.-
’So she’s in Ponyville with you? I’ll send Cloak to pick her up.’
-You know, this might actually be one of the safest places for Mirage to be, considering Twilight warded the entire library to hell and back. piece of advice: don't try teleporting inside.-
’You mean ‘Tartarus and back’?’
-Don’t you start that too, I just got rid of Malice!-
‘I’m only joking! I’ll keep that in mind, though.’
-Also, I’m watching Twilight freak out after telling her she can eat meat now… Because Mirage ate my bacon.-
’So? Spike eats meat doesn’t he? He’s a dragon, dragons can eat meat.’
-from the looks of it, he’s grossed out too.-
’So he’s a vegetarian? I had thought he just didn’t eat it around ponies, that’s why I never saw him eat meat before, I never thought about Twilight never even introducing him to what should be a third of his diet. Still you might want to make sure.’
After watching Twilight continued her fit, I eventually walked over and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Twilight, you’re able to eat meat, you don’t need to.”
*Thump!* “Waaah!” Both me and Twilight spun around to see Mirage had pinned down Spike, and was now staring at him like an overly curious puppy. Before, after a few moments, she ‘booped’ him on the snout, before running over to me and hiding behind my leg.
“Twilight?”
“Yeah?”
“Why did my teleport get redirected into that?’ I pointed at the glass ‘chamber’ I had wound up in when I had teleported.
“Um, you might want to sit down for this, as to properly explain it, I need to explain most of the other wards I’ve placed.” Shooing Mirage out from under me, I sat down and motioned for twilight to continue. “So many wards, where to start… aha! The very first thing I did, and this was after the griffon attack, was ward the entire library against forced entry, both physical and magical, adding some simple runes to reinforce and prevent damage to the walls and windows, a few fire suppression wards, a few anti-scrying runes, an array of runes designed to detect if the other runes are tampered with. Then there's the combination of wards and runes that I placed to redirect teleport attempts, combined with quite a few runes and whatnot for containment after the redirect, including anti-magic runes, a paralysis rune, and in the event that i'm unable to come down here and check on whoever tried teleporting within a few minutes, a temporal stasis runic array to solve the problem of air… Oh, and a few runes to add certain magic signatures to a list of excetions that are exempt from the teleportation redirect. those are the important ones, anyways.”
I stared at Twilight, dumbfounded. “And how do you keep all of that powered?”
“Remember those crystal I made with dark magic? I noticed the larger ones seemed to hold a charge longer than they should, so I tried bigger and bigger ones, each one lasting exponentially longer, until, well…”
“Well?”
“The magical charge stopped decreasing, and started increasing. I grew crystal veins all over the library and just sort of kept going and going. I lined every window and door and if you look, I even grew them on the way down here into the basement where there connected to the base of the redirect and all the other runes and… that.” She pointed into another room that had a glow coming from under the door. “I had to actually find a way to control the amount of magic that the crystals started generating and had to find a way to safely syphon away the amount I wasn’t using. I think after finding out that the crystal started generating magic of their own, I had to check on the tree of harmony and I believe what these crystals are is a different version of the tree. And more unstable.” I took a few moments to process what Twilight had said, before deciding to inform Ribbon.
-Ribbon, you’re not going to believe this.-
‘What did she do?’ Ribbon sounded somewhat annoyed.
-Made a self sustaining magical reactor by accident, and is using it to power a fuckload of wards and runes.-
‘Well, that’s better than what I had in mind.’
-Do I even want to- -
‘No.’
-Okay.-
“Twilight? What's in that room, anyways?”
“The crystal I’m using to power the entire array, here, I’ll show you.” As I got up to follow her, Mirage hopped up onto my back, before I made my way over, as Twilight opened the door.
Inside was a large crystal bigger than a Chevy, pulsating with magical energy. Branching out from it, like roots, where dozens of veins of crystal, the majority crawling up the walls and into the ceiling, where they no doubt lead to the wards on the main and top floor.
“Jesus… Thats one big crystal.”
“I know, it took me a day to make, but it's now powering the entire array. This library is probably one of the safest places in Equestria now.”
-Ribbon, I have to ask. Is it a bad thing that Twilight turned her entire library in a fortress?-
‘Not when there’s a war happening. The griffins are giving us more trouble than I thought they would so I won’t be able to talk for a while.’
-Give em hell for me.-
“Ohhh, pretty....” I heard Mirage coo from my back, staring at the massive crystal in front of us.
“You can come down here to look at it when ever, just don’t use magic on it.” Twilight warned us. Makes sense, Don’t use magic on a big magic reactor. Otherwise, Bad Things happens.
Mirage hopped off my back, and walked right up to the crystal, staring at her warped reflection. “Wubububububub” And started making the most ridiculous sound and face.
Twilight giggled at Mirage’s silliness. “She's still adorable, just like the last time I saw her. Do you mind if I have Spike keep an eye on her so I can ask you some questions in private?”
“Ummm, sure.”
“Good, then follow me.” After I begun following her, she stopped to get spikes attention. “Spike, I need to have a private chat with Chitsuki, so could you keep an eye on Mirage while I do that?”
“Sure thing Twi.”
Following Twlight, I was lead upstairs to her room/magical bunker, which caused me to giggle as I realized just how crazily protected her library was now. I wouldn't be surprised if she had a way to keep the wards from retroactively being removed due to time travel shenanigans. After we were both inside, and the door shut.
“So tell me, what gives with your coat being white now?”
“Ummm, Its complicated.” I said, rubbing the back of my neck.
“Humor me.”
“I… Ummm was… Kinda… SortapossesedbytheNightmareasecondtime.” I blurted out, before flinching back.
“Can you say that again? I didn’t get that.”
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. “T-the Nightmare wasn't dead… And it… Kinda tried to posses me a second time after messing with my head… I think.”
Twilight just sorta stares at me for a moment. “...No, the Elements of Harmony took take of her like they did for Princess Luna.”
“Twilight, think for a moment, what's another way to say harmony?”
“Umm… Unity, peace, balance...”
“Now, it wouldn't be very well balanced if it killed, would it?”
“Well, no. But it could has done what it did for Princess Luna and banish it.”
“But that's not what you wanted to happen when you used them, wasn't it?”
“wha?”
“Twilight, what were you thinking when you blasted the Nightmare with the Elements?”
“I wanted it gone, I wanted to never posses somepony again…” I noticed her ears droop as she said that.
“Look, I’m not mad with you, and I know you’re thinking it's your fault i'm here, and like this,” I pointed at myself. “But it's not, and the Nightmares been dealt with in a more permanent method. As in: had it extracted, and sealed in some kinda orb like thing by Malice, before Celestia locked it away in the canterlot vaults. Turns out, this is what I really look like.” Again, pointing to myself. “I guess my previous changes where parts of me showing through. The red eyes when I used too much dark magic, my black mane after I died.” Walking in a small circle, I continued. “It was actually pretty freaky, the second time I was possed, as I didnt even know I was until the Nightmare was ripped out of me… Uh, Twi, Why are you staring?”
Twilight almost immediately backpedaled and blushed, before calming herself. “Your cutie mark, it's different now.”
“It is?” I turned around to get a better look, and lo and behold, it was now a deep crimson. “Why didn't anypony tell me this sooner?”
“Maybe because everypony was afraid of you getting mad at them thinking they were staring at your flank?”
“...Good point.” Something in the corner of the room caught my eye, causing me to point at it curiously. Some kind of pulsating rune. “Twilight, what's that for?”
“What's what fo- Oh! I was so caught up talking with you I didn't noticed the warning that somepony had tried to teleport into my library!” Twilight bolted down the stairs, with me hot on her heels, as she ran to the basement. In the spot I wound up when I tried teleporting, was a changeling. on the floor, a different, and much larger runic array was glowing. “The stasis array must have kicked in. I’ll get her out.”
With a flash of light, the changeling was teleported out of the glass enclosure,
“What the bloody Tartarus was that?! I thought this was a public building, and you have it set up to keep everypony out? What gives?!” Twilight seemed taken aback.
“Twilight, did you only just remember that?”
“Well, I-i keep the front door unlocked.”
“Uhh,” I muttered, “I don’t recognize you, were you the one Ribbon said was going to look after Mirage before she decided to play stowaway? You’re Cloak, right?”
“Y-yes I am. I can take Mirage back with me so you can enjoy the rest of your day.”
“Or you could just chillax here. You wouldn’t mind, would you Twilight?”
I noticed a sparkle in her eyes as she perked up. “Ohhh! You mean like a slumber party?”
“I suppose I can stay. I’ll have to keep an eye on Mirage though.” Cloak just shrugged.
“Then perhaps we should go upstairs. And Twilight? might I suggest you configure that redirect to only work when the library isn’t open?” I saw Twilight blush a bit and fold her ears down in embarrassment.
On our way up, I heard a loud ‘thump’, followed by Spike shouting “Uncle, uncle! You win!” Rushing up the last few steps, I saw Mirage sitting firmly atop Spike, reading a comic book. He caught sight of us. “I told her she was too young to be reading Power Ponies, but she just pounced me!”
“You know she’s about seven years old. She’s allowed to read that by now.” Cloak stated.
“What? I thought she was only a little over a year old.”
“Not really. By the time she’s three in pony years, she’ll be fourteen in changeling years.” Spike, seemingly more confused than before, looked at Mirage as if she would confirm what he just heard. Only for her to blow a raspberry at him.
“Then why does she act like it?”
“Probably because she knows I find it adorable, and that means more food for her. Not like I could blame her, I’d milk it for all it was worth if I was her.” I picked Mirage up off of Spike, and ‘boop’ed her on the nose, causing her to giggle. “See? It’s friggin adorable, and I love it!”
“Uh, what was going on up her?” Twilight had just made her way up the stairs, having stayed behind to make the necessary adjustments to the runes.
“Mirage was sitting on top of spike and started reading his comics.” Cloak said.
“Yeah, Spike got his butt handed to him for thinking Mirage was less than a year old.” I gave Spike a knowing look. “Not every species matures at the same rate, you silly drake.”
“Ha. Ha. ” He picked up his comic and went back to reading.
“Don’t worry Mirage, he’s just jealous because you whooped his butt.”
A sudden chiming drew my attention to the door, where yet another rune was glowing, this time a bright green.
“Oh, someponys at the door!” Twilight quickly trotted over, opening the door with a smile on her face.
“-Technically, Pinkie was still right that time, as Vinyl did indeed ‘drop’ the bass.” I smiled as well, seeing the CMC together and chatting.
“So you’re telling me, that the Pinkie sense has a sense of humor? ...That make about as much sense as the rest of Pinkie.”
It was then that they noticed the door had been opened. Applebloom was the first to respond. “Hiya Twilight, Pinkie told us there was a sleepover happening here!”
Cloak walked up to me, and began whispering. “How the Tartarus does this Pinkie know about that, when we only decided like five minutes ago?”
I whispered back, wanting to see her reaction. “Think a pony version of Wendy.”
Cloak’s face had a look of horror on her. “That’s not possible, how would a pony have the energy to keep up that kind of personality?”
The strange thing, was the whole time they where here, the CMC never seemed to notice me, like I was just not there at all. Scootaloo had been overjoyed to see Mirage, while Applebloom and Sweetie begun chatting with Cloak, Twilight and Spike.
After a few hours, Sweetie and Applebloom left, saying they had things they needed to do, leaving Scootaloo to her own devices.
“It's been awhile, hasn't it Scoots?” Her head spun to face me faster than I thought possible, as her eyes widened.
“EEEEK!” She jumped to her hoofs and tried to bolt, only to trip and fall on her face. Did… she only just notice me? It’s not like I was with Ribbon and had shade mode going, or was hiding inside a shadow. sure, I was standing in one, but not actively hiding in it. She pointed at me as she backpedaled. “M-monster!”
Mirage almost immediately hissed at Scootaloo, causing the filly to freeze up. “No! No mean to Mama!”
“...Sorry, I should have realized you wouldn't recognize me now.”
“W-wah?” I could still sense the fear coming from her, so i tried my best to explain further.
“Its me, Scootaloo. Chitsuki, remember?”
“P-prove it!”
“Giant lizard spewing death rays?” Whatever fear was still coming from her quickly evaporated as recognition spread across her face. Scootaloo quickly sprung to her hooves and glomped me, with Mirage following right after. “Woah, too much hugs!” The combined force of being glomped by a pony and a changeling caused me to fall over, where I giggled as scootaloo had a bit of an emotional moment.
“I missed you, Chi.”
*later that night.*
I still can’t believe they guilted me into playing this stupid game. Having a nymph, and a foal giving you puppy dog eyes reduces all but the strongest wills to dust. “Alright Scoots, your turn.” Scootaloo spun the bottle, a rather malicious grin on her face, before it came to a stop, pointing at Twilight.
“I dare you to… Scramble the bookshelves.” Twilight looked at Scootaloo in disbelief before looking at her beloved library, and gulped. None the less, she levitated the books around and mixed them up, No doubt making a ton of work for poor Spike in the morning. Twilight spun the bottle where it eventually came to rest pointing at Cloak.
“Truth, What's the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done?”
“Ok, well. I once stood in front of a mirror and… turned into what I thought I would look like as a… as a Queen changeling.” Cloak almost whispered the last part as her face lit up in an emerald blush that she attempted to hide.
“You… I don’t see the big deal. You’re a shapeshifter.” Twilight mumbled.
Scootaloo leaned over and whispered to Twilight. “I think it's a changeling thing.”
Now, it was cloaks turn, and as she spun the bottle, I heard Twilight snickering. The bottle came to rest pointing at me. “I dare you to turn into a filly for the rest of the night.”
I groaned. “Oh fine.”
“And! You have to call Twilight ‘mom’.” Dissolving into a cloud of miasma, I condensed, until I reformed into a much smaller version of myself.
“Yooouuu’re eeeevil!” I said in my best imitation of a whiney three year old, complete with dramatic hoof pointing. Everyone started laughing. I looked at Twilight, trying my best not to blush or giggle. “Whats so funny, mom?” Twilight froze and every one laughed even harder.
Spinning the bottle with my magic, I grinned sadistically as it came to a stop facing Twilight. “I dare you to… Dance. Dance like a trained monkey!” I began to cackle, which in the voice of a three year old filly.
“Umm, you might want to step back, I’ve seen her dance.” Scootaloo Chimed in, sounding worried.
“How bad could it be?” I watched as Twilight groaned and stood up. And I wasn’t sure if she was dancing or having some kind of seizure “Ok, it’s bad.” Twilight huffed, and sat back down.
“Perhaps we should do something else before things get any more awkward?” Cloak suggested
“Yes, lets.”
Ghost stories. just the word caused me to feel a slight thrill at the thought of causing fear, I had to go first! “Ghost stories are so me. I’ve got the first one.” I cleared my throat and readied myself for the tail as Twilight dimmed the light coming from the crystals. “Do you know about Bloody Mary?”
Twilight felt the need to grab blankets to protect herself and Cloak look nervous about the name alone. Scoots and Mirage were already asleep after their impromptu pillow fight so I didn’t need to worry about them. “She lived deep in the forest in a tiny cottage and sold herbal remedies for a living. Folks living in the town nearby called her Bloody Mary, and said she was a witch.”
I used my magic to control the shadows to make a silhouette of an old pony behind me with ragged clothes. “No-one dared cross the old crone for fear that their cows would go dry, their food-stores rot away before winter, their children take sick of fever, or any number of terrible things that an angry witch could do to her neighbors and their children.”
I continued using magic to act out the scenes of the story like shadow puppets. Twilight was hugging the blanket that was wrapped around her and Cloak had taken to hiding under one of them too. I felt a strange satisfaction in seeing my story make them hide.
“Then the little fillies in the village began to disappear, one by one. No one could find out where they had gone. Grief-stricken families searched the woods, the local buildings, and all the houses and barns, but there was no sign of the missing fillies. A few brave souls even went to Bloody Mary's home in the woods to see if the witch had taken the little ones, but she denied any knowledge of the disappearances. Still, it was noted that her haggard appearance had changed. She looked younger, more attractive. The neighbors were suspicious, but they could find no proof that the witch had taken their young ones.”
I could tell Twilight did not like where the story was going. Good. She’s not supposed to like the story, it wouldn’t be scary if she did. Cloak had much the same expression as Twilight as the shadow villagers questioned the now younger silhouette of the witch.
“Then came the night when the daughter of the miller rose from her bed and walked outside, following an enchanted sound no one else could hear. The miller's wife had a toothache and was sitting up in the kitchen treating the tooth with an herbal remedy when her daughter left the house. She screamed for her husband and followed the filly out of the door. The miller came running in his nightshirt. Together, they tried to restrain the filly, but she kept breaking away from them and heading out of town.”
“The desperate cries of the miller and his wife woke the neighbors. They came to assist the frantic couple. Suddenly, a sharp-eyed farmer gave a shout and pointed towards a strange light at the edge of the woods. A few townsmen followed him out into the field and saw Bloody Mary standing beside a large oak tree, holding a magic wand that was pointed towards the miller's house. She was glowing with an unearthly light as she set her evil spell upon the miller's daughter.”
Both Twilight and Cloak’s eyes were wide as they watched the puppets behind me.
“The townsmen grabbed their guns and their pitchforks and ran toward the witch. When she heard the commotion, Bloody Mary broke off her spell and fled back into the woods. The far-sighted farmer had loaded his gun with silver bullets in case the witch ever came after his daughter. Now he took aim and shot at her. The bullet hit Bloody Mary in the hip and she fell to the ground. The angry townsmen leapt upon her and carried her back into the field, where they built a huge bonfire and burned her at the stake.”
Cloak had ducked under her blanket for safety as the shadowy witch was burned by black flames while Twilight, apparently the bravery of the two, continued to watch in morbid fascination.
“As she burned, Bloody Mary screamed a curse at the villagers. If anyone mentioned her name aloud before a mirror, she would send her spirit to revenge herself upon them for her terrible death. When she was dead, the villagers went to the house in the wood and found the unmarked graves of the little girls the evil witch had murdered. She had used their blood to make her young again.”
Cloak had poked her head back out of her covers and Twilight was shivering. I reached out with my magic in the hopes of grabbing a mirror and making a shadow behind them to scare them at the end of the story.
“From that day to this, anyone foolish enough to chant Bloody Mary's name three times before a darkened mirror will summon the vengeful spirit of the witch. It is said that she will tear their bodies to pieces and rip their souls from their mutilated bodies. The souls of these unfortunate ones will burn in torment as Bloody Mary once was burned, and they will forever be trapped in the mirror.”
I brought forth the mirror and noted the horrified look both of them had, as if they knew what was about to happen to them. “Bloody Mary.” I readied the shadow behind them. “Bloody Mary.” I gave it some real volume so it looked like it was really there. “Bloody Mary.” I waited a moment and pointed the mirror at them so they could see the figure behind them. With looks of dread and horror, they looked back and screamed! I laughed as they bolted out of the room leaving only the blankets behind.
...Now I have to go calm them down, don’t I?
Making my way after them, I eventually found them shivering in the corner, Scootaloo and Mirage staring at them. “Did I really scare the two of you that badly?”
“YES!” was there synchronized reply.
“Then remind me to not tell you the really scary stuff. It was just an elaborate prank.”
“A prank. Glad to see you have a more warped sense of humor then Discord.” Twilight all but yelled at me.
“Hey now, that’s uncalled for. I’m not just some mindless troll who does everything for the lulz.”
“Its not the weirdest thing shes done either.” Cloak pointed out, a shit eating grin on her face.
“huh?”
“Oh, all those times her and Ribbon had ‘fun,’ Like that time the Queen took her for a ‘walk’ in front of the who-”
I held Cloaks jaw shut in my magic, giving her a scathing glare. “If you finish that sentence I’ll make sure your sleep is riddled with nightmares beyond compare for weeks!”
“Fun? Walk? ...I don’t get it.”
When I let her go her horn lit up and quickly spewed out a bunch of words. “ChiwearsacollarwhiletheQueenleadsheraroundwithaleashlikeapet! Thewholehivesawit!” When she was done she gasped for air and I glared at her with all the hatred I could muster. “Worth it.”
“I hope so because the first one will be very gory.” I growled at her.
“How come I didn’t get to hear what she said?” Scootaloo complained. So that was why Cloaks horn was glowing, she was keeping Mirage and Scootaloo from hearing that.
“B-because you’re too young to hear this kind of thing…” I saw the massive blush on Twilights face. “Now back to bed, both of you. The excitement is over.”
I noticed Cloak suddenly freeze up, looking rather worried, and I had a sneaking suspicion why.
-Ribbon?-
‘Yes?~’
-You wouldn't happen to be speaking to Cloak, would you?-
‘I may have threatened her. Just a little.’
-Is that all?-
‘Ok, I might have threatened her with a spitroast, so it’s within her best interests she keep her mouth shut about what you and I do.’
-...I’m okay with that. When will you be back, anyways?-
‘When the griffons are gone. Whenever that is.’
While Twilight was being pestered by scootaloo to tell her what Cloak said, I sauntered over to the nervous changeling, and smirked, before whispering into her ear, in a seductive tone. “I’ll be looking forward to it.” Cloak made a choked squeaking sound, causing me to grin wider. Leaving Cloak to stew, I made my way to Twilight, before gently tugging on her hoof. As she looked down at me, I held my hooves up, and gave her the best attempt at puppy eyes I could muster. “Mommy? can you hold me? I’m scared.”
“Don’t you think your going a bit far with that?”
I just continued with the puppy eyes, making my lower lip tremble. “Pwease?”
“No.” Twilight bopped me over the head with a pillow, causing a sinister grin to appear on my face as the feathers settled.
“You do realize, this means war?” I yanked the offending pillow out of twi’s magical grip, before inhaling deeply. “PILLOW FIGHT!” Scootaloo and Mirage were up in a heartbeat, trying to find the source of the noise, before Twilight begun transfiguring pieces of paper into pillows and flinging them every which way.
Cloak dove behind a table where she begun amassing a pile of pillows, trying to wait out the barrage and counterattack, while Mirage dashed up the wall, where Twilight would either have to divert her attention to properly aim at the rapidly moving little ball of energy, exposing herself to everyone else, or let the nymph go unimpeded. Scootaloo began zipping every which way on the ground, flinging the occasional pillow into the air, which mirage would grab and use her height advantage to bean everypony else despite their cover. I simply grabbed a pillow and melted into the shadows, circling around Twilight, and emerging behind her, beforing beaning her in the back of the head with a pillow, and sinking back into the shadows before she could retaliate. I Noticed Cloak grab the mirror I had used for my ghost story, and was using using it to allow herself to launch pillows without fear of a counterattack. Gliding through the shadows, I appeared behind her, smirking, before smacking her with a pillow, giggling like a madman.
*Flump!* And promptly got beaned by Mirage. She began giggling excitedly, only for Cloak to take a potshot at her as I slinked back into the darkness.
three hours. Thats how long it too for everyone to tire out. Cloak was the first to reach her limit, not having the earth pony stamina of me or twilight, nor the limitless energy of Mirage and Scootaloo. Twilight was the second to tire, all that magic had taken a toll on her. I was the next to give in, just unable to keep up with Mirage and Scoots. After a short celebration, Mirage turned on Scootaloo, and buried her under every pillow she could find with her magic. All of us being too tired to bother moving them, we all flopped on top of the pile once Scootaloo had dug herself out.
When I finally stirred, something soft, and orange was clinging to me like I was a plushie. Once last night came rushing back, I realized I was still in the form of a foal, and being hugged by Scootaloo, I blushed, thankful nobody was awake to notice. Dissolving and sliding out of Scootaloos grasp, I reformed into my fully sized form, stretching. Looking around, I started becoming rather nervous when I couldn't find Mirage. Looking about frantically, I eventually felt something plip against my snout. When I looked up, I saw mirage clinging to the ceiling, a strand of saliva dangling from her mouth as she snoozed. It was adorable.
The moment I thought that, Mirage woke up, more than likely having sensed the spike of emotion from me finding her cute. She looked around, and panicked, before falling off the ceiling…
Right ontop of me. Thankfully I managed to avoid making a racket quickly grabbing her in my mane. “Mama?”
“Yes, Mirage?”
“How Mama do dark pony trick with Mommy?”
“Its because Ribbon has a part of me in her… Like you do.” I quickly realized where she was going with this. “Let me guess. You want to be the ‘dark pony.’” She nodded, grinning. “Fine…” I slowly dissolved into a cloud of miasma, and begun swirling around her. I could tell she was getting scared, but she tried to be brave anyway, as I begun to settle around her, feeling the familiar lurch as I begun seeing through her senses.
“Mama?” It sounded… odd, hearing her voice overlapping with mine. Mirage begun to check herself over, first looking at her hooves. She looked at her sides, and I felt a bit of worry as she thought for moment she had no wings, before she made them twitch, unfolding from against her body.
-It’s okay, I’m still here.-
“Mama!? Where are you?”
Manipulating her mane, I brushed it against her cheek. -I’m part of you right now.- That greatly relieved Mirage, causing her to sigh in relief. and promptly realize that sigh was silent.
“What the… Just what the hey have I been watching for the last five minutes!?”
Mirage whipped her head around, allowing both of us to see Scootaloo, staring wide eyed at her. She must have seen the transformation from the start, judging from how long she said she had been watching, meaning that yeah, she was going to remember this.
“Mama’s special trick?” Mirage offered.
“Mama’s special trick? That… doesn't really explain anything.”
Mirage paused for a moment, at first i thought she was thinking, but then i realized, she must be talking to Ribbon.
’What does Mirage mean by special trick?’
-She may have persuaded me into letting her try shade mode.-
‘Just don’t do anything stupid, you remember how they reacted last time they couldn’t remember us.’
-Well, Cloak will be able to see us regardless, and Scootaloo saw the transformation. so really, its only Twilight and spike that would not remember me and Mirage like this.-
‘So just the fire breather and the test crazy magic user? Oh you’ll be just fine’
-...Thankfully they won't be able to notice us unless Mirage decides to talk to them.-
“Uhh, hello, Mirage, you're spacing out on me.”
“Shhh, Mama and Mommy are talking.”
“Scootaloo? who are you talking to? I don't see anypony else up?” Twilight had just woken up, and was staring at Scootaloo with a confused look on her face.
Before Mirage could open her mouth to speak, I gently wrapped a tendril om mane around her muzzle. -Shh, if you don’t talk, she can’t see you.-
“B-but, she's right there! How can you not see her?”
“Scootaloo, are you sure you’re okay?”
I felt the smirk growing on mirages face, before abruptly, a book tumbled off the bookshelf, having been pulled out by mirages now invisible telekinesis.
“Huh?” Twilight turned around, before picking the book up and putting it back… only for it to fall back out. When Twilight put the book back a second time, Mirage turned towards Scootaloo and winked at her.
Scootaloos eyes widened, before she began to grin. Mirage tipped the book off the shelf a third time, causing Twilight to eye it suspiciously. When she picked it up, Mirage pulled a second book out, where it fell and knocked the first one out of Twilights grip. Twilight's glare turned towards Cloak, but she was still asleep, leaving Twilight confused even further.
“Silly Twi!” Mirage chuckled out, causing Twilight to turn and look at her, wide eyed, before her eyes narrowed.
“Reeeeal funny Chitsuki. Trying to scare me again?”
“Oh, Now you see her!” Scootaloo cried in indignation.
Mirage simply walked over to Twilight, and stared her in the eyes. “Not Mama, Mirage.” Mirage tried to give Twilight a big, innocent smile, only for Twilight to flinch back.
“T-thats… a l-lot of f-fangs.” Twilight stuttered out. Wait, she could make out Mirages teeth? Mirage stopped smiling, and tilted her head, causing Twilight to take a few breaths, before she transfigured a piece of paper into a mirror, not taking her eyes off Mirage for a second. “J-just, see for yourself.” Mirage looked into the mirror, and smiled again. Nothing changed at first, but as she stretched her smile to the point where it looked like the kind one would find on a psychopath, the darkness parted, revealing rows of fangs. Mirage actually was a bit unsettled by that, until she felt her main brushing against her, due to me manipulating it.
-Its alright, that's something that only happens when you’re like this. Like the wings.-
Closing her mouth, Mirage looked back to Twilight, and walked over to her, and hugged her leg, causing Twilight to shiver.
“Stop, that… feels really weird. I can feel my fur being pressed down, and the cold, but… I don’t feel you. its freaky…” I slowly peeled myself away from mirages head, as she leaned forward to nuzzle Twilights leg, causing her to calm down slightly. “Thats… a lot more bearable. How are you doing that, anyway?”
“Not me, Mama.”
“Wait, thats Chitsuki?”
“Yes, thats Mama!” Mirage stated proudly.
“But… How? I remember her doing that with Ribbon way back when Chitsuki had a freakout about her lifespan… but i didn't even know you were there! and how come Scootaloo could see you!?”
-Ask her if she know what a perception filter is.-
“Mama wants to know if you know what a perse…. perchep… persepatation filter is.”
“Its pronounced perception. and yes, I’ve heard of it. But how is it relevant… Oh. I get it! But how did I not notice sooner?”
-Its a self keeping secret. You forget the moment you look away, unless you saw me become one with you or Ribbon.-
“Mama says it’s a self keeping secret, You forget when you look away, unless you say the transformation, Like Scootaloo did!”
I saw Twilight's eyes widen in fear, as she stuttered. “Thats… t-thats… T-too creepy. P-please stop doing it. I slowly drifted away from Mirage, leaving her looking at me sadly. Once I condensed, I picked her up and hugged her, before nuzzling her.
I gently coiled my mane around mirage, holding her against my chest, leaving my forelegs free. “Sorry about that Twilight… Didn't realize it would terrify you that badly.”
“Did what to terrify her?” I turned to see a wide awake Cloak, and after giving her a glare for last night, explained.
“I kinda explaind the whole shade form thing to Twilight.”
“Oh…”
“And don’t think I forget about my threat, I just need to plan it out, so you will regret it.”
“Must you hold that over me?”
“Yes. Or would you rather let Ribbon deal with this?”
“I have at least have an idea of what she’ll do to me.”
“Your funeral.”
“Wow… Thats morbid…”
“Why don’t we just have breakfast, ok?” Twilight butted in.
“Thats probably a good idea Twilight. Just give me a moment.” I looked down at Mirage. “You hungry?” She nodded, but then just begun to stare nervously at Twilight, instead of feeding off me like she usually would. “Something wrong?”
“Scared…” Why would she be… Oh. That disaster of a dinner with the canterlot nobles.
“Its okay, she’s not like those big doo-doo heads in Canterlot.”
I heard Cloak snort in amusement. “Is that really the best you can come up with?”
“You wish.” I nuzzled Mirage softly, trying to ease her nerves. I soon felt the familiar sensation of being fed off of, and smiled. “Doesn't that feel better?” Mirage nodded, making a small burp.
“Home… Wanna go home now.”
“Really? Are you sure?” She nodded. “alright… Sorry I have to cut this short Twilight.” Stepping outside of the library, along with Cloak, I teleported the three of us back to the hive.
I had locked myself away in my bedroom at the hive, having realized I was going into heat when I started picturing myself in… compromising positions. The urge to screw something had been growing worse and worse, and my hoof was only doing so much.
*Knock, knock!*
“GO away! I’m In a bit of a… predicament right now.” I shouted.
“That's why I came back. I got word through the hivemind you were acting funny and giving off a lot of lust.” That was… Ribbon? I quickly unlocked the door, trying my best not to just yank her in here with my telekinesis and screw her senseless on the spot. She took one look at me and shook her head. “You… really need to learn to control that.” I started giving her a hopeful look, but she just shook her head. “Sorry Chi, but I’m too tired to do much of anything right now. maybe tomorrow?”
I gave an exasperated groan. “Oh fuck me, literally!”
“...Maybe something to get your mind off your bodily needs will help? I feel rather ashamed to admit it, but the fantasies of being dominated weren't the only ones I had…” She blushed. “I also… may have had ones… about being ponynapped.” She walked by me, her tail swishing, before getting onto the cloud bed, and yawning. Within a few minutes, she was fast asleep, leaving me in the same predicament I was moments before. An idea however, slowly came to me. walking over to her, I gave her a good nudge, and when she didn't respond, I decided to go through with it. I cast a simple sleeping spell, making sure she wouldn't wake up while I did this, before I begun digging around through the box of sex toys we had. Grinning, I pulled out some strips of latex, and a blindfold. Making my way to Ribbon, I gently held her leg against the bedpost, and threaded one of the rubber strips though one of the holes in her hoof, before tying it around the bedpost, and then going and repeating the process with the other three legs. I then, gently propped her head up as I tied the blindfold around it, before returning to the box, and pulling out a suppression ring, and one of the collars. Slipping the ring over her horn, I wrapped the collar around her neck, before releasing a bit of miasma, and focusing, until it had solidified into a small padlock, that I then clipped onto the collar and locked it shut. Now, I just had to wait…
I smiled when I saw Ribbon starting to shift around. Within seconds, I felt the fear begin to come off her. “W-what's going on? Why can I s-see?” She struggled with the straps only to feel them running through the holes in her hooves. “Why can’t I move? W-where am I!” Having shifted my voice a while ago, making it sound much more masculine, I finally spoke.
“Oh, it doesn't matter where you are. You’re mine now.” I let a smug tone enter my voice as I spoke.
“H-how did you get into the hive? We have patrols everywhere!” Clearly nervous.
“Oh, I have ways.” I said as I walked over to her, before slowly stroking her face, causing her to flinch away.
“You’ll pay for this!” Ribbon shouted in anger.
“Oh?” I said as I ran my tongue up her horn causing her to moan. “And how would you ever do that?” I nibbled at her ear.
“Y-you sick f-freak!” I chuckled.
“So what if I am? Simply calling me names won't help you.” I nibbled on her ear again, chuckling. I could feel myself dripping with excitement.
“L-let me go, y-you sicko!” She was whimpering as she tried to inch away from me, the straps held her in place despite her efforts.
“Now why would I let such a beautiful thing like you go?” I said as I continued to nibble her ear. She hissed at me, causing me to back up. “Now that wasnt very nice. I’ll have to fix that behavior, won’t I?” I looked over at the box, and pulled the riding crop out, whipping it to get Ribbons attention. She begun to whimper, before I smacked her across the flank, causing her to yelp in surprise. “Have we learned our lesson?”
“That y-you’re an ass!”
*SMACK!* I whipped her across the flank a second time, grinning. “I can keep doing this until you eventually give in.”
“You’ll need to do better than just whipping me, you sick freak.”
*SMACK, SMACK!* I whipped her twice this time, letting just a little bit of frustration show in my voice, which wasn't that hard, considering I was rather frustrated at not being able to just rut her silly. “Are you going to learn your lesson, or do I have to keep this up?”
“Sick motherbucking fre-” *SMACK!*
Her head snap to the side when I whipped her across the cheek. “You’re a tough one, but that will just make it more satisfying when I break you.” The shock on her face was evident. She slowly looked back in my direction. She didn’t seem to have an insult for me this time, she just gritted her teeth. “Good, you’re learning!” I slowly made my way around, until I was staring at her marehood, and licked my lips. bending down, I ran my tongue across the edge of her slit, causing her to moan and whimper.
“N-no!” I slowly made a full circle, before plunging into her, savoring the taste. her moaning rose in pitch, until it she begun trying to pull away, only further arousing herself from the straps rubbing against the insides of her hoof-holes. When I felt her starting to drip and twitch, I stopped. leaving her on edge.
“G-get away from me!” Her anger was ruined by her slight panting. I grabbed the vibrator out of the box, and strapped the little box part of it around her hind leg, and she gasped when I slipped the little pill inside her nethers. “What was that?” I didn’t answer and just turned it on just high enough to keep her right at the edge.
“Let’s see how long you last now.” I said, with a trace of contempt in my voice. I begun to rub myself, before forcing myself to stop. It only took a few minutes, before she was panting, tears forming in her eyes, and a few more before she yelled at me.
“Either take it out or turn it up higher you ass!”
“Are you willing to submit?”
“YES!” I cranked it up, watching as she convulsed in pleasure. after she finished, I let my voice return to normal, and chuckled as I removed her blindfold.
“Did I do good?”
“Nice job… with the voice...” Her words were separated by her gasping for air. I took the opportunity to untie her limbs, and slid the suppressor ring off, but left the collar on her.
“Glad you approve...” I huffed, desperately trying to ignore my urge to fuck something.
“You had me going there, if I didn't’ still smell how… bothered, you were, I’d have really panicked.” Ribbon poked at the collar trying to get it off before she noticed the lock. “Did you… Did you lock it?”
“Yes.” I chuckled.
“Why did you lock it so I can’t take it off?”
“Because it looks good on you. And you were the one who went and paraded me about.” I snickered. “And we’re not done yet. I really need some relief here.”
“The vibraters and stuff I bought, not enough?”
“I wanted to try something a bit different. I thought we’d try some… exhibition?”
“Well, I’m for it but… Are you sure about that? I’m not going to make it easy for you.”
“As long as you don't publicly fuck me, I think I can handle it. You will make sure noling talks about it, right? because I don’t want a repeat of what happened with Cloak.”
“Oh, she’ll pay for that later. But you’re the one in heat, so you’ll be wearing them.”
“Yesss… please do!” Ribbon smirked, and unstrapping the vibrator, she wrapped it around my hind leg, causing me to jump slightly as she slid the pill inside me. “Oh! That feels good!”
“I’ll be keeping this.” She waved the the little pink controller in front of me. “Now, let’s go deal with Cloak.” I obediently stood up and followed. As we walked out the door, the changeling guarding the door gave Ribbon a raised eyebrow at the collar she was wearing, but the moment he opened his mouth, Ribbon cranked up the vibratore, causing me to collapse as I moaned loudly, not expecting it to turn on high so suddenly, completely distracting the guard. This became Ribbon default response whenever someling asked about the collar, until…
“Hiya Ribby!” Wendy showed up. “Ohh, what's that?” Wendy pointed to the collar and I braced myself for the sudden pleasure. I didn’t collapse this time and had been able to hold steady since my first orgasm. Wendy however, either didn’t notice or was too persistent to know the answer.
“She put a lock on it,” She said, pointing to me. “So now I can’t take it off.”
“Ohhh, what did you do to make her do that?”
“I ignored her heat and went to sleep.”
“Sh-ahhh! Had it comin-AHH!” It was getting increasingly hard to keep standing.
“Shhh, You don’t get to talk right now, just moan like the mare you are.”
“I’ll, g-get you for th-Ah-t!” I moaned out.
“... So how's she taste?” Wendy oh so bluntly asked.
“When she’s like this? Spicy. Normally it’s more blueberries.” I couldn’t take it any more. My forelegs gave out as I tried to stifle another moan. “We should go, I want to make it to Cloak before you cream yourself in front of another changeling.” I was both relieved and disappointed when she pulled back on the viberater and walked off.
I took a second steady my breathing before catching back up Ribbon.
Following behind her, my legs feeling rather weak, I whimpered, wanting relief. After walking for a while, we stumbled upon Cloak. She did not look happy to see us, more like a deer caught in the headlights. “Cloak.”
“I haven’t said anything!” The terrified changeling said.
“Yes, I know. I just think that threats are better conveyed in person.” She focused on me. “Do you see Chi here? I’ve had her walking through the hive with me while we looked for you.” She turned the viberater on causing me bite my lip trying not to fall. “She decided to lock this collar on me as a reminder that she wasn’t done with me while she’s in heat. Anyway, as long as you keep your mouth shut about what Chi and I do while at the hive while its off limits to the ponies I thought I would extend an official invite to join us. You said you were ok with it, didn’t you Chi?”
“Y-AHH! Yes!”
“But, if you do tell so much as one more pony and I find out about it, you’ll be like Chi here, walking through the hive as you give every passerby a free show.” I felt the viberater go even faster.
“AHHHH!” I wailed as I flopped to the floor, in the throes of an orgasm, a puddle of my fluids forming beneath me and drenching the fur of my thighs. Cloak, for her part, seemed to be stunned into silence. I didn’t need to look at her to know her whole face is bright green. If it wasn’t already.
Ribbon looked at the stunned changeling. “Chi has about six days left of her heat, I missed one, so you’ve got until then to join us.” She turned back towards me. “Knowing you, you’re want more. Lets go back to our room, you insatiable monster.” I followed after Ribbon after she turned down the viberater enough for me to walk, leaving Cloak to sit there slack jawed.
The growing heat in my nethers finally woke me from my slumber, before I became aware of something tightly wrapped around my forelegs. Opening my eyes, and tilting my head back, I found my forelimbs bound to the bed frame by some changeling silk, causing me to look about for Ribbon. When I looked back at what was in front of me, something green flew at me and splattered across my muzzle, before quickly hardening, while I felt something slide down my horn.
“Thats for ‘forgetting’ to unlock my collar for the last week. You’re not going to get any say in what I do to you today.” I noticed that she was wearing a set of latex leggings on all four of her hooves, which might I add, made her look hot with the way it clung to her hooves.
“Mmph?!”
Ribbon cuddled up to my side and whispered, “I’ll make it good.” And took my sensitive ear into her mouth. The sensation was wonderful, sending a shiver of arousal up my spine.
-Oh… please hurry it u-
*Smack* “Mmph!”
“That’s against the rules. Any more using the link and I’ll be forced to smack you across the chest again.” I looked at the offending item. A riding crop. That thing hurts, no wonder Ribbon was shocked when I smacked her across the face with it. I nodded vigorously.
“That’s good, I’d rather not have to hurt my toy.” She leaned down and kissed where she struck me with the crop. “There, all better.” She kissed the spot again, slowly trailing down my barrel.
*Cloak*
Why did I tell my friends about getting invited to a three-some by the Queen and her lover? First Wendy got up in my face and shouted ‘Do it filly!’ and then everyling else agreed with her! Of course, everyling know how the Queen Ribbon was when it came to her own ‘personal space’, in that she didn’t really care about it. A big change from how Chrysalis was.
Chrysalis would do it herself and do it alone, the wedding incident being a prime example, but that applied to almost anything. Going so far as to beat any changelings that tried to do it for her.
A big change for the hive indeed. Even sex wasn’t a one on one thing with Queen Ribbon, apparently, if my invite was any indication.
I could still feel my friends pressuring me into accepting this ‘Why aren’t you already there?!’ type of deal, so that’s where I was going. Approaching the Queen's chambers, I glanced at the guard. Would the whole hive hear of this? Probably, considering my friends. “I’m hear t-to see the-”
“Queen Ribbon already said you might show up and to just let you in.”
“Oh, o-ok.” My surprise at the quickly turned into shock when I heard soft moans coming from the other side of the door. I was about to knock on the door when the guard spoke up.
“You can just go on in, Miss Cloak.” Walking in, I was greeted to a rather… compromising situation. The Queen was currently dressed in latex stocking of all things, standing over her lover, who was tied to the bed frame with some silk and had been gagged with gel, as the Queen was eating her out. Almost immediately, her eyes were drawn to me. I could hear Wendy laughing.
I turned around, ready to leave, when I was grabbed in somelings magic and pulled further in into the room. “Wow, she actually showed up!” I shuddered when I felt the Queen's mind brush against mine as the entire hivemind seemed to vanish, leaving only me… and the Queen. “Sorry, I don’t want any peeping toms.”
“Mmmph!”
“I’ll get back to you!” I heard the Queen approaching me from behind, I was still on the floor facing the door. My only way out blocked. I heard the Queen stop right behind me. “Why don’t you come to bed? It’s far more comfortable there.” I couldn’t say anything, I didn’t even move. “Do you… want to leave?” What was I supposed to say? I’m already in here, the rumors have started. The Queen gave a thoughtful hum as I stared at the door, unsure of what to do right now.
“Mmmph!”
I jumped when the Queen laid next to me causing me to finally look at her. She wasted no time in kissing me, the second I looked at her, her lips were connected to mine. One hoof moved to hold my cheek as I began to relax into it. I felt her tongue asking to be let in and I allowed her entrance. I was immediately hit with the slightly salty taste of something, along with the faintest taste of blueberries. My mind flashed an image of what I saw the Queen doing just moment ago. I broke the kiss and looked down at my hooves. “Come on, I could use some help.”
“Mmmph?”
“Shhh, you’re too impatient.” The Queen chided Chitsuki before turning back to me. Queen Ribbon took my hoof and stood up, pulling me up with her, and lead me over to the bed. “She has really sensitive ears, why don’t you try them.” I glanced up to see those black and red eyes looking at me. I almost looked away, not wanting to make eye contact. Hesitantly, I Climbed up on the bed and scooted up to her, Chitsuki closed her eyes and tilted her head for me. I leaned forward until her ear was right up in my face, before slowly wrapping my lips around it.
“Mmmmmm…” She almost immediately relaxed, allowing me to get a taste of the sheer amount of lust coming off her. Once I started softly nibbling on it, she started to moan louder, her hind legs twitching.
“You can lick her horn too, if you want.” I blushed, that was very sensitive part of any unicorn. I let the ear slip so I could voice my concern.
“Are you sure thats okay?”
She saddled up to the opposite side of the bed, cuddling right to Chitsuki. She kissed the base of Chitsuki’s horn and I could feel her shudder in pleasure. “I’m sure.”
I hesitantly leaned towards the moaning alicorn, before wrapping my tongue around the base of her horn, and watching as she gasped and moaned. Soon, the Queen joined in, working her way down from the top of Chitsuki’s horn, causing her to make a loud, pleading moan.
Suddenly the Queen looked very displeased, which made me nervous. I was about to ask her what it was when she looked at hitsuki disapprovingly. “I thought I said ‘No talking’.” *smack* The sudden sound made me jump and look at what made it. A riding crop was floating in the air. *smack* “And that’s for trying to talk while I was trying to make Cloak more comfortable.” I blinked at what the Queen said before remembering about the strange link they share. After punishing Chitsuki for talk, apparently, she went right back to pleasing her as if nothing happened. She continued to lick away, And I hesitantly resumed as well, sliding my tongue around her horn, and gently moving it up and down. Soon, sparks shot from her horn, as she moaned even louder than before.
I was surprised when the Queen started kissing me again, but quickly relaxed into it as we were showered in magic sparks. When the Queen broke the kiss, she looked at me with half lidded eyes. “You know, she’s probably going to need a minute. I’ve been denying her for half an hour, so it’s just and me for a little while.” She used her magic to prop Chitsuki up slightly, so she could see us better and relax. I felt… rather conflicted about how she was looking at me right now. She came right up to me with my forelegs trapped between us. “Let make sure to put on a good show.” Without waiting for a reply, she kissed me passionately. I felt her tongue slid between my lips, before something brushed against my…
Oh my.
I gasp and she nipped at my neck. “Do you like this?”
“Y-yes, my Queen.”
“Do you want to know a secret, something the rest of the hive will never know?” I nodded. She leaned down whispered in a breathy tone. “I’m more submissive than Chi.” I stared up my Queen in disbelief. I glanced over at Chitsuki, she was tied to the bed with a gel gag, currently just sitting there with a glazed over look in her eyes as she watched. My Queen was more submissive than that? “The only reason I’m the dominate one is because she sucks at it… I want you to slap me.” I looked at my Queen in shock. Did she really just say that? “I want you to call me nasty things and use me like I’m some toy, I want you to hit me if I misbehave and leave me frustrated when you’re done with me. I’m not saying you have to do all that to me, I’m just telling you what I like. How would you feel about doing some of those things to me… Mistress?”
A leash floated up to her and clicked onto her collar, she took my hoof and gave me the leash. This… This was really happening. As I stared at the leash, a light caught my attention. In the Queens place was a small scout, small even by scout standards! “Would my old form make you more comfortable?”
“Y-yeah.” I gave the leash a half hearted tug. “s-sit.” She did. Feeling a bit braver, I tugged the leash again. “C’mere and kiss m-me.”
“Yes mistress” She moved in to kiss me. No tongue. Using what little new found courage I had, I licked her lower lips, asking to be let in and she gave me no resistance. Soon, her tongue snaked its way past mine, as she embraced me. A faint moan caused me to look over at Chitsuki, who was now weakly struggling against her bonds, and her tail was oddly, flowing into her… Is she trying to get herself off?
“Um, my Queen? what about her?” I pointed over at the struggling alicorn.
“Heheheh, the suppressor ring limits her control of her miasma, but it doesn’t get rid of it it seems. And just call me Ribbon. One second mistress.” The Queen, no… Ribbon walked up to the end of the bed, the crop floating up with her. “No!” *Smack* “You don’t get to do that!” She spat gel on Chitsuki’s crotch so she couldn’t masturbate while watching us, and smoothed it out until it was nearly flush with her fur. She moaned in protest. “Remember what I said about you getting no say in what happens? You interrupted my new mistress, one that’s hopefully better than you, and for that you’re not cumming anymore tonight.”
I tugged the leash. “G-get back here.” What she said made me feel brave enough to try and give an actual order. “W-we weren't finished.” I held out a hoof. “T-the holes, lick them.”
“Right away, Mistress.” The Qu- Ribbon came up to my outstretched hoof and held it gently. She traced one of the bigger holes with her tongue. Actually having the Queen do what I tell her to gave such a feeling of power. I closed my eyes as… Ribbon worked, letting out soft moans. I gasped when I felt her whole tongue go right through my leg, I gasped again when I felt her tongue go right through another hole, and another! I started letting out soft moans similar to Ribbon. Opening my eyes to watch, She had her eyes closed and her muzzle right up to the hole as her tongue threaded through my leg, before turning around and going back through another hole.
A soft moan directed my attention to Chitsuki, who was slowly shifting back and forth, once more with a glazed over look in her eyes.
Turning my attention back to Ribbon, before giving her leash a tug and pointing at Chitsuki. “Tease.”
“Yes, Mistress.” Ribbon walked over to the bound alicorn, as I followed behind her, keeping hold of the lease, before she straddled her, and pressed her hoof against her crotch, causing Chitsuki to moan and squirm. “You look so weak, you know that? Powerless, the only thing on your mind the prospect of release, unable to even think ratinall- urk!” I yanked her leash, getting her attention.
"None of t-that. All I w-want to hear from you is 'yes Mistress' unless I a-ask you a question, Y-you got that?"
“Yes, Mistress.”
“Now, why don’t you do something to really humiliate her?”
“Yes, Mistress.” RIbbon turned back to chi, and bit through the thread holding her, before turning her over and pinning her with magic. She then spat up more gel, using it to bind the lust addled alicorns wings shut, before applying some to her front hooves, magically smoothing it out until the surface of her hooves was as flat as still water. She then pushed her out the door and locked it, before sliding the key under the door frame.
“W-what did you do?”
“I had the guard take the key and ran away with it. She’ll be gone for a while, Mistress.”
“G-good. Now, how about you get back t-to work.” Ribbon came back over to me and held my hoof. “My horn this time.” Ribbon glanced up at my horn and smiled.
“Of course, Mistress.” I laid down, allowing her to reach it, and shuddered as I felt her tongue wrap around my horn. I made a small whimper as I felt it slide up and down the length of it, before she pulled the majority of it into her mouth. Ribbon made a lusty moaning sound as she sucked on my horn.
“I, w-AH!” I was cut off as she lightly ran her teeth along the side of my horn. At the same time, my hooves twitched when something went in the holes. I opened my eyes to see Ribbon had transformed one of her hooves into a minotaur's hand covered in black fur, holding my hoof with a finger in one hole. I closed my eyes again and let her work as I just reveled in the sensations and the building pressure. Soon, her tongue coiled around my horn even as she sucked on it, never quite keeping still as it slowly shifted back and forth, all while she made a soft moan. A faint tingle ran down my horn, before it ran back up, slightly stronger, and then back down, even stronger. The feeling kept on building, becoming more and more pleasant, until it felt like that tingle was running down my body as well, until I suddenly seized up, the tingling now only flowing up, building at the tip of my horn until it burst into a shower of magical sparks, in a climax stronger than any stallion, or mare for that matter, had given me when I was gathering under the previous Queens rule.
“I’m g-g-gonna,” Was all I managed to get out as a warning before my mind blanked and my vision went white in a mind shattering orgasm. I rode it out, still vaguely aware that something was still latched onto my horn. When it ended, my head hit the ground and I relaxed in the glow.
…
“Mistress.” I groaned out a response. “You’re drooling.” I was? I lifted my head off the ground lazily and wiped off the drool. “What is your next command, Mistress?”
“I’m not sure I have much more in me,” I said in a tone that showed how tired I was. “The stress of having all my friends pressure my into accepting your… invite, and then that, I’m not sure I can go on.” I laid there thinking for a moment before thinking of something. “Bring me a suppressor ring.” I unclipped the leash before she went over to the dresser. I wrapped the leash around one of the bed posts and threaded it through the loop at the end, when she came back with the ring I clipped it back on her and put the ring over Ribbons horn. And I went to leave. “You can stay here until Chi comes back, I’m going to go back to my room and sleep.” I still can’t believe I have my own room all to myself.
“Ok Mistress, I hope you can join us again some time. You’re always welcome.” I was to tired to think about what she meant. I heard something on the other side of the door, curious, and because I was going this way anyway, I opened the door and saw Chitsuki fumbling around with the key.
She locked eyes with me and I said the only thing that came to mind. “Enjoy.” She looked confused as I brushed past her and she ran into the bedroom and the familiar buzz of the hivemind came back to me along with my friends wanting to know what happened. I managed to hear Ribbon say she was suddenly very aware of how small she was compared to the alicorn.
“Remind me again, what we came out here to buy?” I asked as I looked about the myriad of stalls and shops, known as the Canterlot Market.
“You might be getting used to not eating everything in sight when you open the fridge, but I still think you should eat, and I refuse to make some other changeling do my food shopping.”
“One time. I emptied the freezer one time and now you wont let me live it down!” I pointed accusingly at the disguised Queen that was currently a blue coated unicorn mare, with a rose red mane. not that my disguise was much better, being a simple white unicorn, with an orange disaster of a mane. The ethereal miasma was so much easier to maintain then this. as in, no maintenance needed at all.
“I also thought you could use some fresh air. The hive is nice, but you need some sun light.”
“True… okay, why has that guy been following, and eyeing us, for the last few minutes?”
“Ignore him, hes just a creep, I can tell he's just hoping to get a piece of flank, and not something more malicious.”
“Oh great, a cree-” Something moved in the corner of my vision, and I caught a glimpse of silvery steel as something flew past me. A scream of pain and surprise from behind me drew my attention to where it went rather than where it came from. Ribbon was hunched over clutching a knife that was embedded in her foreleg.
“What the Tartarus! Do I have a tracer on me or something!?” Ribbon quickly put a barrier around us just in time for another knife to impact the shield. Whipping my head in the direction of the projectile,I saw a dark grey unicorn stuffing something into a saddlebag, before bolting off as the crowed erupted into panic. I let myself dissolve into a cloud of miasma, and gave chase, tendril of miasma slowly extending at snapping at the pony’s heels. The unicorn hastily threw up a shield, which only briefly stopped me, as I flowed around it, seeing at I had started to fall behind, and quickly moved to catch back up. The pony ducked into an alleyway, the sharp turn causing me to fall further back, before he jumped through a window into a building.
*Two minutes ago*
“Nothing like a peaceful round of tea, wouldn't you agree?”
“Agreed, my good friend.”
“It's been awfully quiet around canterlot lately, hasn't it?”
“Qui-”
*CRASH!* A grey unicorn burst through the window, skidding across the table, before vaulting out another.
“What th-” Before the pony could finish, a billowing could of midnight black smoke billowed through the broken window, moving on is own as if chasing the unicorn.
After it left, the two ponies stared at each other. “Is it bad that I’ve gotten used to these kind of things?”
“I’m not sure.”
That unicorn could move! I was just barely gaining on him, until he rounded a corner… and faced a dead end. In the time it took him to turn around and face me, I was upon him, swirling around him like a hurricane of darkness, until I had him solidly gripped in my miasma. Once I had done so, I begun reforming, glaring at him as I solidified, the miasma holding him becoming part of my mane. The second I noticed a glow around his horn, I reared back, and socked him in the face with my hoof, knocking a tooth free in the process, before transferring the now unconscious stallion into my forelegs, and sinking into my own shadow, dragging him in with me. After depositing him, I emerged, to see several ponies gathered around, and a few guards too.
-Ribbon? How bad did he get you?-
‘I’m ok, it’s just my foreleg. Not anywhere near as bad as when I was attacked by a royal guard.’
-Good, I caught the bugger, and I’m making my way back now.- I walked past the gathered ponies, and upon stepping out of the alleyway, spread my wings, taking to the air as I flew back to Ribbon. A few pegasi rather quickly removed themselves from my flight path, having caught the rather angry look in my eyes.
Upon reaching Ribbon, I landed, pulling her into a protective embrace. Ribbon flinched as I did so. “Please don’t… I’m sore all over now.” She coughed violently, before groaning, and coughing even harder. I felt something drip onto my fur, and looking down, I tensed up as I noticed a small bit of green blood leaking from Ribbons mouth.
“Ribbon. You… just coughed up blood…” I took a moment to steady my frayed nerves. “I’m taking you to hospital, now.”
She hissed in pain as I hefted her onto my back, trying to make herself more comfortable, before I felt her really start to panic. “Chi? I’m… I’m starting to… woozy…” I felt Ribbon slump against my back, which caused me to panic.
The second I burst through the doors, ponies were already in motion, at least a few changelings amongst the hospital staff. Ribbon was quickly lifted off my back and rushed off with her and several doctors, I was about to follow when the nurse stopped me. “Please, you have to stay here so we can work, ok?” I backed away, before turning around to find a seat, several ponies scooting away from me.
After several minutes of staring into the slowing shifting mass of miasma that was my mane, I felt a hoof on my shoulder.
“Um… Excuse me, ma’am?” I spun my head to face the source of the voice, locking eyes with a guard.
“What?” I hissed out, not wanting to be talked to.
“Do you mind if we talk to you about what happened?”
I sighed. “Fine. What did you want to know?”
“We already got some basic info from Ribbon before you came back, but just to make sure everything is straightened out.” The guard pulled out a notepad, and a pencil, before looking at me expectantly. "Do you remember what he looked like?"
“Dark grey unicorn stallion, mane was slightly darker than his coat, saddle bag was covering his cutie mark, never spoke a word.” He wrote down my answer in his notepad
“We know from Ribbon that he threw two knives at the both of you, was there any other weapons on him that you could see?”
“No, but I assume he had more of those knives stashed away in that bag.”
“Ok. What happened while you were chasing him?”
“Well, he tried to lose me, even jumping through a window, but I kept on his tail until he hit a dead end…”
“How did he escape if it was a dead end, was there a group there to help him?”
Escape? he didn't escape, I punched him out, and then… dragged him… Ohhhh. “I can see why you would think he got away, and thank you for reminding me about that.”
The guard raised an eyebrow at me. “What do you mean?"
“Just give me a moment.” I scrunched my face in concentration as I reached into my shadow with my miasma to the guards shock, and felt around for… there! My miasma wrapped around him, immobilizing the would be assassin, and pulled him out. He looked a lot worse then when I put him in there, several bruises, and a few cuts, showing through his fur. “The fuck? I don’t remember him looking this bad.” I gave my shadow a rather suspicious glare.
“He wasn’t like this before?”
“All I did was deck him in the face, knocked out a tooth, that’s all I did!”
The guard waved over a the nurse behind the front desk and took his saddlebags. “Make sure his wounds are treated, we’ll need to interrogate him later.” The nurse nodded and took him to the back. I turned my attention to the saddlebag as the guard ruffled through them. “More throwing knives. and a vial of something, most likely whatever Ribbon was poisoned with. We’ll know what she has a lot sooner now that we have this.” The guard showed me the little vial of clear liquid, it was almost empty. “Thank you for you help in catching perpetrator, I’ll take this to the doctors.” The guard left through the door that they took Ribbon through.
I barely had time to sit down and wait before Luna came in looking worried. “Dear Chitsuki, I heard of what happened.”
“Through one of her changelings, right?” I flatly said as I stared into my mane.
Luna sat next to me and wraped a wing around me supportingly. “Yes, Celestia heard and sent for me. Do you wish to talk about what happened?”
“I was there. RIght there, and I wasn't able to do anything to protect her until it was too late…”
“Surely you did what could.”
“Oh I caught the bastard alright, decked him in the schnoz too. Weird part was, he looked a lot worse when I pulled him out of my shadow, then when I dragged him in there.”
“In your… shadow?”
“My shadow seems to act like a small pocket dimension.” I said, as if having having a pocket dimension in my shadow was completely normal.
“I was not aware of that. What else are you capable of with your shadow?”
“Well, I can enter it myself, and then move around as a shadow, which is probably the second most subtle way of infiltration I can do. But it still means squat...” I just let myself slump against my seat. This continued for a while, me telling Luna a bit about what I’ve learned about magic or any other ability before the topic changed back to Ribbon, than we talked about our first date, the gemstone cavern we found, and more.
We must have talked for an hour before the doctor came through the doors. “She’s stable now, we managed to stop the internal bleeding for now, we’ll have a team to keep watch over her, but the other effects are most likely going to persist until the toxins have been purged from her body. We still don’t know what her attacker used but we should know by tomorrow.”
I perked up at the good new. “C-can I see her?”
“Yes, you can go see her. We sedated her though, she won’t wake for a while. If you’ll follow me.” Both Luna and I followed the Doctor to the room Ribbon was in. The first thing I noticed was the IV drip, trailing into the crook of her right foreleg, and the second thing I noticed was that she had been strapped to the bed. “We uh… had to tie her down when she started having muscle convulsions. We’ll untie her when she wakes up.”
“I’m just glad the worst is over.” I made my way to the bed, where I rested my head on it so I would be the first thing she saw when she awoke.
The sound of Ribbon groaning in pain caused me to stir, smiling softly. “Glad you woke up.” Ribbon groaned again, limbs twitching slightly, before she managed to focus on me.
“W-why a-am I t-tied d-down?”
“You started convulsing, the doctors had to keep you down so they could work. I’ll go get him so he can untie you.”
“Don’t b-bother, guard will g-get him. W-what happened to m-me?”
“That knife was poisoned. They haven’t figured out what the poison was yet, but they at least managed to stop the bleeding.” I gently nuzzled her cheek.
The doctor walked in at that moment. “Hello hello hello, it’s good to see that you’re awake now. How are you feeling, trouble breathing? Any pain?” He took the chart at the end of the bed.
“It h-hurts a-all over.”
“I thought that might be the case, scale of one to ten? Ten being most painful.”
“Uh, five?”
“Five.” He marked it down in the chart. “Anything else?”
“I’m a l-little stiff.”
“Alright, we’ll have to keep you here for now and we’ll be coming by every so often to check and make sure you haven’t started bleeding internally again. At least ‘til we’re sure the poison has worked its way out of your system. I would greatly recommend you take anti-inflammatory medication, as your invertebrate nature means that the swelling will be rather painful with your shell leaving no room for the swollen muscle, we don’t want it to burst.” He shuddered at the thought, for that matter, so did I. “Here, let me untie these and then I’ll scan for internal bleeding and be out of your mane.”
Once Ribbon’s limbs had been untied, and the scans performed, I manipulated my mane so it draped over her like a blanket. “Oh, t-that’s cold.”
“Exactly, it should help keep the swelling down. And its not gonna heat up or melt like an ice pack.” I gave her a small smile and she hummed in delight.
I slowly stirred, looking about from within Ribbons shadow, still feeling her in the soft embrace of my miasma, the dark gaseous substance cooling her and reducing the swelling.
-How do you feel?-
‘Better, the medication the doctor gave me works. Still hurts to move, and I’m all stiff.’
-Yeah, no room for your muscles to flex.-
The doctor walked in. “Excuse me, but there are two changelings here to see you.”
“I-i know. Send t-them in.”
The doctor stepped aside, allowing Cloak, and a rather teary eyed Mirage, to enter. Mirage almost immediately climbed up onto the bed, and hugged RIbbon, causing her to wince in pain.
AS I stepped out of her shadow, I scooped Mirage up in a tendril of miamsa, giving her a nuzzle. “Be gentle, she's really sore.”
“How bad?” ohh… she’s really been shaken up by this if she's not acting like a foal.
“She was poisoned. They stopped the bleeding, but her muscles are still swelling and causing her joints to lock up.”
“I-it sucks.” Ribbon said with her eyes closed.
Cloak looks at the ground. “I’d bet. This is probably the worst attack on you, or any changeling, so far.”
“Wait.” I interrupted. “There have been attacks on other changelings?”
“Mostly just somepony throwing rotten fruit or a rock, nothing big like this, the Queen has had it the worst with actual attempts on her life. Some changelings has taken to disguising themselves again in fear that they might be next.”
“A-and you n-need t-to think about t-that last attack. I w-was d-disguised that t-time.” Ribbon had a point. Even if she didn’t try to hide the fact she was a changeling, she could have been just any old changeling.
“Shit, you’re right!” I almost immediately stuck my hoof in my mouth, having sworn around Mirage. Mirage however, didn’t even react to the word at all, and neither did anyone else. I was honestly afraid Ribbon would smack me for saying that, even if it would probably hurt her more than it hurt me. “How would they know!? ...Oh crap. they might know you’re here.”
“They p-probably know, w-what with all t-the g-guards.” I gripped Ribbon a little tighter, now feeling an overwhelming sense of paranoia.
Ribbon groaned from the added presser. “N-n-not too t-tight.”
I blushed and eepd out a small ‘sorry’ and loosed my miasmas grip.
“I don’t think we have anything to worry about right now, the guards will be wary of any anger or hatred.” Cloak reassured me.
“Ribbon, I know you can’t really do much right now, but, I think I could do that duplication trick, and let you commandeer one.”
“And w-what are you g-going to do while I’m c-controlling o-one of your c-clones?”
“Stay here and keep the swelling down.”
“Nah, all of m-my work c-can be done w-without getting out o-of bed.”
“The offer still stands if you need it.” I leaned forward and lightly nuzzled her cheek.
“Chi, you seem… Really shaken up by this, even more than Mirage, and she's ribbons daughter.”
I winced at being further reminded of Maria. “It’s… personal. I’ve already lost someone very close to me once. I refuse to let it happen again.”
“What was she like?”
“She had a great sense of humor, although she would occasionally make god-awful puns. She always had this playful, yet caring look in her eyes…” I sighed longingly. “I still miss her once in a while, but Ribbon has helped me greatly in letting it go.”
“She sounds pretty nice.”
“Yeah, she was.”
“...W-which one of u-us is b-better in bed?” Everyone in the room went quiet and stared at Ribbon in disbelief.
“I plead the fifth.”
“T-the fifth d-doesn’t exist here, you f-forget that.”
“And you forgot Mirage is right here.”
“That’s fine, I-i’ll just search t-the ‘do not open’ door of m-memories you g-gave me til I find the answer.”
“...I REALLY would advise against that.”
“No, now I’m c-curious about w-what you’re hiding from m-me.”
“Just the cesspool of retardation that is over half the internet.” She ignored me and closed her eyes to look through the memories I gave her. Cloak and I just stare at each other for a minute in awkward silence before I try and break the ice. “Soooo ummm… Yeah, this is really awkward, considering what was going on the last time you saw me.”
“It was, uh… I had… fun.”
“She told Wendy about it.” Mirage blurted out.
“You do realize that once she’s better, Ribbon is going to carry out that threat, right?”
“B-but I didn’t tell anypony!”
“You told the most talkative changeling in the whole hive, one that can’t keep a secret. close enough.” I then turned to mirage. “And just how did you hear about that, young lady?”
“Wendy. She saw you chasing after the guard too.” I blushed. Yeah, most of the hive saw me, didn't they?
“Just how much did she tell you?”
“Everything.”
“Hey cloak? I think Wendy’s stupidity just saved you from Ribbons wrath.”
“Cloak” We looked at Ribbon, who had one eye open locked right on the poor changeling.
“Y-yes?”
“...I’m on top next time.”
Said changeling, gulped and picked up Mirage. “Come on, time to go!” Mirage gave a yelp of surprise as Cloak whisked her away.
I looked at Ribbon with some annoyance. “What does that make me, sandwich meat?”
Ribbon gave me a pained but playful smile. “Yes.”
Oh… “I stuck my hoof in my mouth there, didn’t I?”
“You have habit of doing that… Chitsuki?”
I looked at Ribbon in confusion, she never uses my whole name. “Yeah?”
“What’s wrong with you humans?”
“The internet corrupted our minds.” I grabbed my head in an overly dramatic manor.
*The next day*
Both me and Ribbon woke at the same time, our shared dream ending.
“Y-you’re right, banana peels do m-make go-karting fun!”
“See? Told you you would love it!”
My head whipped towards the door as the doctor walked in. “Ah yes, I thought I heard you awake! You have more guests here to see you.”
I leaned in and whispered to Ribbon. “Who is it this time?”
Ribbon took a minute to answer. “Rarity and Scootaloo, you can send them in.”
“Very well, and I can tell you and your friend what we found out about the poison.”
“Oh? what is it?”
“One second.” The doctor lead Rarity and Scootaloo in and took a position at the end of the bed with his chart in hoof. “There we are. A Wyvern Toadstool extract. Nasty stuff. incredibly toxic, and reacts rather badly to common antidotes, on top of causing numerous symptoms, such as internal bleeding, nausea, drowsiness, muscular swelling, diarrhea -you're lucky you don’t have to deal with that last one. Well, in some extreme cases, respiratory and heart failure can also occur but it doesn’t look to be quite that bad. Now for the bad news!”
“That wasn’t the bad news!?” Rarity yelled.
“Most certainly not! The bad news is that Wyvern Toadstool extract wasn’t the only thing in that poison, it was mixed with magic, I’m afraid you may have been cursed on top of everything else. It seems to have been designed to be a pain amplifier, whoever cursed you wanted you to die quickly, but none the less, painfully. Not to worry, we’ll have a few mages come by and see if they can’t pull that awful thing off of you. In the mean time, enjoy your company.” The doctor left in a hurry.
Scootaloo leaped up and wrapped around my chest in a hug. “Im so glad shes okay!”
“So am I, Scoots, so am I.”
“I’m glad that ruffion is going to be behind bars. To attack another creature just because their different? Tis unthinkable!”
I sighed. “And this was planned. not just some attack of opportunity.” I was wanting to change the subject by now. “Lets talk about something else, yeah? What brought you here Rarity?”
“Oh, well, changelings have been coming and going through Ponyville quite a lot recently, I even see them at the spa now, and I thought I would try to rekindle my friendship with Ribbon. And when I heard of what happened I knew I had to see you, darling.” Rarity patted Ribbons hoof reassuringly before eyeing my mane. “If you don’t mind me asking. What is this?” She said, pointing to my makeshift blanket.
I gave a slight chuckle. “A full body ice pack?”
“F-feels really cold and m-makes me feel a l-little numb, w-which is nice.”
“Yeah, keeps down the swelling.” I gave Ribbon a small nuzzle. “If you need me, you know how to get me.” I gave her a quick peck on the cheek, before sinking into my own shadow.
Once inside it, I just sort of hovered there. Before long, I turnrd my attention forth and began traveling ‘down’, or at least I assumed that was the direction I was moving, the one speck of light that served as my window when I’m in my shadow was getting farther away.
My god, my shadow is deep, is there even a botte- *smack* Next thing I knew, I had smashed my face into something. “...owch.” As I layed there with my face on the floor, and ass floating in the air, I felt a familiar tugging sensation. “So we meet again, gravity..” The rest of my body was pulled down to join me on the ground. Looking back up, I was overcome with a feeling of dread when I could no longer see the ‘window’ that used to both see out of, and enter or exit, my shadow. standing up, and casting an illumination spell, I looked down at what I was standing on. What I had thought was the ground was a rippling lake of liquid shadow, yet where my hooves where, it had frozen in place. As a matter of fact, it looked almost like a liquid version of my miasma with wisps of something coming off it… Just calling everything a shadow is getting old, I need a better way to name this stuff. Maybe I should mix the naming of things with ‘abyss’ or ‘void’, something like that.
I closed my eyes, and focused on the… abyssal essence surrounding me. It responded like, if not better then, my miasma, and when I opened my eyes, an orb of it was floating in front of me, nearly my size. It felt… empty though, like it was waiting to be given it instructions. I had three quickly come to mind. Make sure nothing gets lost in here, dispose of ‘trash’, and insure the wellbeing of any other beings that I brought here with the intent of eventually letting them out.
Soon, it begun to pulsate, shifting around, and bubbling slightly. It slowly begun to take on an equine form, and what was once the abyssal essence begun to take on the appearance of a tar like substance. As its body became more and more defined, I realized it was shaped almost like me, although what was its mane and tail lacked the ethereal, gravity defying effects of mine, and as it head formed, I noticed it had no face, yet I could tell it was looking at me. once it had finished, it backed up a few steps, its hooves leaving a small glob of itself that rapidly dissolved back into the abyssal essence that made up this place every time they lifted up, before it lowered itself into a kneeling bow.
I smiled at my creation, before thinking. I couldn't just keep calling it ‘my creation’. It needed a name… The Keeper? Yes, that was a fitting name.
I was once more at Ribbons side, feeling rather relieved that they had in fact managed to remove that curse from her so she wasn’t in so much pain, and even more relieved that the doctor had said the poison was finally out of her system, and that she would be in a healthy enough condition to leave today. Now I could relax a little bit, having Ribbon suddenly go into shock, or start bleeding internally time after time was wearing me thin. “Good morning sleepyhead!”
“Mmm, at least I have more than just my head.” She replied flatly at my attempt to surprise her, Mafia style, only my head sticking out of my shadow.
“Guess I need to get ‘ahead’ in life?”
“That was bad… What have you been doing in there, anyway? You’re in there a lot.”
“Discovering the extent of my little ‘shadow realm.’ Turns out, it's really malleable.”
“Wait, shadow realm? You never told me you had a whole realm to yourself. How rich are you? I swear, if you’re just mooching off me ‘cause you can...” She glared at me with murderous intent, the effect was ruined however by her smile.
“Uhhh, until a week ago, I never really ventured beyond the entrance, where I always stayed when I was in there, and it’s still pretty empty, just a few things i made, so no, I’m not rich in any sense of the word.”
“I still say you should sell your miasma metal.”
“Really? would you really want to risk that getting into the hands of whoever's trying to kill you?”
“Alright, you have a point. I’m glad I get to leave today, I want to get back to my potions and my forge.”
“If you want, I could show you what I’ve done in here?” I glanced at my shadow.
“Oh? Show me what you made?” Sounding a little excited, she nodded eagerly.
“Okay then.” I gently tightened the grip of miasma around her, before pulling her into my shadow with me.
Once we were inside, I released my grip on her, giggling a bit as she floated helplessly, her wings proving to be of no help. “Sooo, I’m just gonna float here or are we waiting for something?”
“Wait for it...”
“...For what exactly?”
“That.” Soon, the Keeper approached, gliding around Ribbon at a leiserly pace. As it drew closer, a tendril emerged from the side of its body, wrapping around Ribbons torso. Ribbon looked at me in fear.
“...Please tell me you didn’t make this... thing with hentai in mind.”
“I didn’t. but if you want, I could make one for that.” Ribbon didn’t have time to respond. She yelped in surprise when the Keeper yanked her towards itself, retracting the tendril, until ribbon came in contact with its body, becoming stuck fast to its tarry form. Ribbon struggled and buzzed her wings as the Keeper continued on down to the ground, reminding me some what of a fly stuck to fly paper.
“Ew ew ew, let me go you bog monster!” Ribbon struggled to free her forelegs but only managed to sink them in deeper.
“Its better than just floating around.” I said as I smirked at her over the top reaction.
“But it’s grooooss!”
“It also means I won’t have to go looking for you, or anyone else for that matter, in here, I can jsut have you brought to me.” Ribbon kept on trying to break herself free, only managing to cause herself to sink deeper and deeper, until she had gotten to the point only her head was visible. I leaned in and whispered into her ear. “I think the Keeper likes you.” Ribbon gave up her struggle to glare at me, before we reached the ‘ground’, and the Keeper deposited her on it, before gliding off somewhere else.
“So is that the only thing or do I need to worry about more things trying to grab me.”
“That depends. do you want more stuff to grab you?”
“Ok, no sexy times until I’m discharged and feeling stronger.”
“Oh, hey, about time that showed up.” I pointed to a faint bluish green light in the distance, coming closer. The same color as my magic. As it drew closer, the shape of what was giving off the light became apparent, a small smoky black wisp carrying a small lantern that held a bluish green flame, that soon started circling around ribbons head, casting off light.
“What is it?” she asked, Intrigued by the little shadow creature.
“I call it a Wisp. Made it specifically for when you, or Mirage comes here, so you don’t get lost.”
“So it’s just a light that’ll follow us around and lead us places?”
“For the most part. Also gives Mirage something to chase around.”
Ribbon followed the wisp with her eyes for a while before settling back on me. “What else is down here?”
“A few knickknacks, a sword or two, some armor, a few surprises, extra limbs, tried my hoof at making an island…”
“Uh, what was that last one?”
“Yeah, I said it, extra limbs. it kinda freaked me out too, having a functioning limb made out of this stuff.”
“Like what, tendrils like that thing had? An extra pair of goop wings?”
“Yeah, among… other things.”
“I’ll give you credit, you are very persistent. But I’m not in the mood. Could you tack on a couple of tendrils on me?”
“Sure.” I concentrated, raising several orbs of abyssal essence into the air, and shaped them into the same tar like tendrils the Keeper had, before sticking them to Ribbons sides, where they hung limply. At first, all she could do was get them to flop around, managing to smack herself in the face at one point. But, eventually she was able to wipe them around and grabbed me and started using me like a reverse yo-yo. Until she tired to let go of me and found I was stuck to the tendril. Damn I did not realize just how strong this stuff’s grip was. “Umm… I’m kinda stuck.” Ribbon looked at me sheepishly.
“I can’t figure out how to make it let go.”
“C’mon, try. otherwise it’ll ruin a surprise I have for you when you're in the mood.”
She screwed up her face in concentration, and I felt the tendrils peel off me.
“I kinda wanna leave now.” I smiled.
“Okay, just gimme a sec…” I focused, and made the tendrils dissolve back into the essence that made them up, before flying in the direction of the ‘window’ the was the entrance and exit of my shadow.
“Hey! don’t leave me!” Ribbon shouted, jumping and trying to fly after me, but not catching any air under her wings. I Really had to figure out why that was happening.
“Don’t worry, your ride should be there soon!” By the time she responded, I was far enough away I couldn't make out what she was saying, and soon reached the entrance, where I floated and waited. A few minutes later, the Keeper entered my vision, Ribbon stuck to its side.
“I’m not happy about this!”
“Worth it.” The Keeper deposited her, before once more gliding off. I then wrapped a tendril of miasma around Ribbon, and pulled her out of my shadow. “That wasn’t so bad.”
“For you, I had to be carried around by a big blob of goo. Lets just see about signing the discharge papers.”
After getting Ribbon signed out, and making the trip back to the hive, we passed by a familiar unicorn in the tunnels.
“Hello, Loveless.” I said with a small smirk.
“I still hate you, you know, so don’t don’t get all buddy buddy with me.” She then gave Ribbon a rather disappointed look. “And to think you let yourself be attacked, you should have payed more attention, had actual guards with you.”
“Hey, that guy knew what he was doing. And I think he had help, seeing as he somehow knew who Ribbon was disguised as!”
“Yes I heard!” Loveless, or Chrysalis, scowled at me. “If she had a real guard with her to sniff out the hate, she wouldn’t have been attacked! Or the guard would have been poisoned in her stead! The whole thing could have been averted if she had just sent a drone in her place!”
“Do you have any sympathy for her? she just got out of the hospital today, and you’re ragging on her about what she did wrong!”
“She needs to realize her mistakes and let others do somethings for her, she’s too important!”
“You mean like how you did back at the wedding?!” Loveless cringed when I said that. “If I hadn’t felt so bad about just leaving you, you’d still be a vegetable! And really, who know what the rest of the hive, nay, the rest of Canterlot, would have done if they knew you were still alive?! You owe me, and her, your life.” Loveless’ ears folded back, a bit of shame on her face. Loveless scowled at me again.
“That is exactly why I’m ‘ragging’ on her. I would have succeeded if I had another in my place!”
“Hey, we’re starting to draw a crowd.” Loveless and I looked at the end of the hall, some changelings were looking our way, wondering what the commotion was about. More of them were at the other end.
I glared at Loveless. “We’ll finish this later. C’mon Ribbon, Mirage will be glad to see you.”
After a joyful reunion with Mirage, Ribbon ad had to go about getting the hive back in order, leaving me to my own devices. Once more entering my own shadow, I took a moment to think. Why hadn't Ribbon been able to fly in here? Its not like gravity was an issue, because it didn't make a difference. One of the things that just felt lacking here, was that feeling of wind in my face didn’t happen as I flew about… wait. wind in my face. thats it! there was no air resistance, so there was nothing for her wings to push down against and generate lift! With that problem in mind, I floated down, until I eventually reached unfinished attempt at an island I had mentioned to Ribbon.
Closing my eyes, I focused, willing it to change. With a rumble noise, the peaks and cliffs of it dissolved back into the abyssal essence of this realm, leaving a much more level surface. Soon, I willed some of it up, commanding it to take form. When I opened my eyes, the beginnings of a wooden house lay upon the island. From there, I bugan create more of it, willing windows, and furniture into appearance. Soon it was complete, and I manipulated the essence below it until a large cavern was created, a basement.
Looking around, with a thought, I caused the essence surrounding the island to become more viscous, until it had sludge like consistency. returning to the house, and stepping into the basement, I begun adding numerous devices, ones that would find much use when I next brought Ribbon here. As I added more and more, I stopped, before deciding to once again try experimenting with extra limbs. I returned to the surface of my island and focused, and after collecting some essence into a few orbs, shaped them into tendrils. I then stuck them to my sides, and giggled as I moved them around. Looking about, and deciding I had enough for now, I left the little island home, and resumed floating about.
As I drifted about, I begun thinking. Just how much could I mold this place?
‘Hey, Chi?’
-Yes?-
‘I was wondering if you’d like to come help me in my lab.’
-Sure.- I made my way back to the entrance of my shadow, before deciding to be sneaky. Moving my own shadow, I begun creeping down the tunnels. -Where is it, anyway?-
‘It’s right near where the forge is.’
Making a quick left, I begun heading in the direction of the forge, before hanging a quick right at the entrance, and drifted closer to where I sensed Ribbon. within a minute, I was at the entrance to the lab, and slid under the door. Now comes the fun bit. Emerging, I waited for her to put down whatever she was messing with, before tapping her on the shoulder with my forehoof.
“Yes? Oh!” She turned to see me. “Good, you’re here… to...” She was staring at something behind me.
“Is something wrong?”
“You didn’t say you could bring them out with you.”
“Bring what ou…” I quickly looked at my sides, and to my surprise, the tendrils I had created inside my shadow, where still attached to my sides. “I did not know I could do that.” They looked just as solid as they had inside my shadow, and just as sticky too. I grinned mischievously.
“D-don’t you dare.” She said, nervously. I quickly coiled them around Ribbon, pulling her into a hug. “Ewww, they’re still sticky!” With her securely stuck, I peeled one away from her, before coiling the end of it around her muzzle. She whimpered at the icky feeling.
“Just be quiet and enjoy the moment.” I said with a peaceful smile on my face.
“Ugh, those things look disgusting, whatever they are.” Turning my head, I locked eyes with Loveless.
“Why are you here?” I inquired, still holding Ribbon.
“I work here.”
“She does?” I turned to look at Ribbon quizzically. She nodded, before I peeled the tendril away from her muzzle. “Since when?”
“Since I don’t have time to take proper care of my ingredients and tools. She keeps my lab in working order when I don’t have time.” She said, still squirming around trying to get out of the abyssal limbs.
“Oh. So what did you want me for, anyway?”
“I wanted you to test something.”
“Test what?”
“I’ve been trying to find a way to copy Twilights ‘soul sight’ ability. I think I found it. If you could just...” I put her down, and peeled the tendril away from her.
“You have my interest.” I said, before turning and giving Loveless a similar mischievous look.
Ribbon floated a strange purple, bubbling, potion my way. I grabbed it, and stared at it. “Dare I ask what you put in this?”
“Mainly a few species of mushrooms, powdered snake scales, a type mold, and mixed it with magic.”
“So of course you choose the one pony who wouldn't be bothered by this potentially being fatal.” I gave Ribbon a suspicious look.
Ribbon chuckled sheepishly. “Well, yeah, did you think I was going to put someone else at risk when you can literally get back up from anything?”
I sighed. “Welp. bottoms up.” I quickly chugged down the concoction, and gagged at the taste. “Oh, god! My poor tongue! It’s like the lovechild Between brussel sprouts and anchovies!”
“There not that bad.” I looked at the two of them, unable to tell which one just said that.
“...What is wrong with you? why would you like those!?”
“I like a lot of things.”
“But why thos- What the hell is behind you.” it was tall, thin, and flapping its arms about, waving back and forth in an invisible wind, and it wasn't there a few moments ago.
Ribbon, confused, looked behind her at the strange thing. “There’s nothing there...” She looked at me worryingly. “Maybe you should lay down.” Now it had teeth.
“Oh god!” I grabbed ribbon with one tendril and yanked her away from form it, before grabbing a surprised Loveless in the other and holding her in front of us defensively. “Eat her instead!”
“That thing is revolting! I demand you let go of me at once!” It lunged at her… And passed right through her?
“Ribbon? I think that potion is making me trip balls without being high!…” I explained, even as everything started changing colors.
“Chi you’re ok, just calm down and close your eyes! Don’t look at anything!” I did as she said to, and sighed in relief as the sensations assaulting my eyes subsided. I think I was seeing sounds! I then heard a low growl…
“What was that? Who just growled at me?” I inquired, panic in my voice.
“Noling growled at you, you’re fine.”
“Don’t worry, everything will be ok.” Ribbon said in a calming tone before everything faded into black.
“Hey, you can wake up now, the effects should have worn off now.”
I slowly opened my eyes, and found I was back in the bed room, RIbbon staring lovingly into my eyes. I sighed in relief. “Oh thank god its over.”
“I remember you saying something about a surprise? You can take your time though, that looked rather traumatic.”
“Not traumatic, just freaky as hell. But if you want to see the surprise I have for you, then by all means, I’ll show it to you.” I said cryptically, as I sunk into my own shadow, before wrapping a tendril around ribbon, and pulling her in with me.
Once inside, I turned and gave Ribbon a loving smooch, before gliding in the direction of the island I had made.
“So.” she said as she struggled against the tendrils grip. “What's the surprise?”
“Well, first of all, I finished that island for the most part, including a little house. The surprise is in the basement.” As I finished that, the island came into view. Once I landed, I pulled open the door to the house with my free tendril, before walking into the basement, where I set down ribbon, and dismissed the tendrils, causing them to dissolve. “It should be right… Here!” I exclaimed as I picked up and odd, helmet like contraption.
“It looks wet, and sticky. Does everything here have to be wet and sticky?”
“For the most part, it just does that if I don’t decide on what material it's made of. But anyway, I know you liked having the tendrils… so I thought, would you like… Being a Keeper?” I asked, rhetorically, as I slid the helmet on her head. Within a few seconds, it begun rapidly enlarging her, until a duplicate of the Keeper was standing before me. Ribbon stared at me, a few bubbles coming from where her mouth would be.
-So, what do you think?- A few more bubbles came up and popped where her mouth was. She looked down, I had the impression that she was looking at the end of her muzzle at the bubbles.
‘I feel like that weird stallion in Ponyville that bathes in jam.’ Ribbon picked her hoof up and a thick strand of abyssal remained, connecting her hoof to the floor.
-Wait, what?! Somepony does that?- She was inspecting the strand.
‘Yep. I don’t like him.’ She flicked her hoof, dispelling the strand only for a new one to form from a piece that dripped off.
-Why? are you… jelly?-
‘I’d rather not talk about it.’
“Okay, if you don’t want to, I won’t make you.” I said, putting a hoof on her shoulder in a comforting gesture… only to find it stuck when I tried to pull it away. I pulled harder and a large blob pulled away with my hoof.
Ribbon looked at it. ‘This stuff would get on everything.’ The blob on my hoof soon dissolved back into abyssal essence. I noticed she was staring at me.
“Are thinking what I think you’re thinking?”
She tilted her head, not really having any other way to convey confusion. ‘Probably not.’
“You’re a really sticky slime like creature. If you really wanted to, you could probably have your way with me right now.”
‘Sooo, hentai. You made this after my last comment about that thing that lives in here, didn’t you?’
“Maaaaybe.”
‘You think about sex a lot more than I do. Your libido must be massive.’
“Probably. Then again, sex as a mare is amazing.”
(Clop) Been in enough hentai to know where this is going
I just stared at Ribbon as she stared at me. in the time it took me to blink, five tendril shot out of her sides, one wrapping around each of my legs while the fifth tightened around my neck, they lifted me of the ground and pinned me to the wall.
“N-no, have mercy!” I wailed in mock fear. Three more tendril emerged from her sides, and slithered up my legs leaving sticky black trails, causing me to whimper. “A-anything but t-that!” One of them slithered over my marehood, causing me to gasp. “No, p-please, no!” the tendril continued to squirm, causing me to thrash in an attempt to escape it, to no avail, while the other two slithered up my sides, and began slithering across my wings, pulling them into a spread position as they glided across the membrane, causing me to moan. The one at my marehood continued to squirm around the entrance, occasionally sliding in slightly and then pulling back out. “P-please, s-stop…”
She drew closer, before the tendril teasing my marehood backed off… and then plunged itself inside it, causing me to yelp. “No, p-please! m-make it s-stop!” It wiggled around inside me, causing me to clench my hips together, where they become stuck to the tendril. “I-it's so slimey! G-get it off m-meee-e-e!” Two large bulges traveled up two of the tendrils, reaching my wings and spreading out, enfluginging them completely, causing me to moan loudly and began to pant. “P-p-p- AHHH!” The slime enfluging my wings begun shifting around, sending a truckload of pleasure throughout me. I felt something splatter inside me, and as I looked down as the tendril pulled out with a squelch, and squirted more on me as the black ooze dripped down my legs, more of it coming from my marehood.
“E-ewww, w-what is t-that!” The tendril dove back in, making gross noises as it displaced some of the goo trapped within me, while I moaned lustfully. “N-no… P-please… A-AHHH!” I screamed as I felt one crawl up my leg, and slide into my ass, before another one wrapped around my neck, crawled up my chin, and shoved itself down my throat. It was tasteless, and had the consistency of rubber.
“M-m-mmmmmph!” I moaned, fake tears running down my cheeks. The tendrils in my marehood and ass pumped me in sequence, one pushing in as the other pulled out. Soon the ones in my mouth, marehood, and ass pulled out. I felt myself get pulled off the fall, and slammed down onto the floor, my face pressed against it, while my flank was held in the air. Trying to look behind me, I saw a tendril hovering over my flank, beginning to swell, until it was much thicker, and it plunged into my marehood, causing me to yelp, giving a second tendril a chance to slip into my mouth, while a third plunged into my ass, and they all began rhythmically thrusting into me. I moaned pleadingly, trying to break free of them, to no avail.
Soon, a bulge traveled down the lengths of the three penetrating me, before they squirted inside me, the one in my throat pulling out as it did so, squirting it all over the inside of my mouth and on my face, where it dripped down onto my chin. “MMmmp-AHHH!” As I moaned a bubble of the tarry substance that was both inside, and covering, my mouth, popped, allowing me to breath. I spat out as much as I could in what time I had to catch my breath.
I was suddenly flipped onto my back, allowing me to see her coming closer. “N-no, st-stay b-back!” She kept approaching, until she was standing over me, and began lowering herself onto me. “no, no, no, no, NOOO!” I felt her push against me, before I begun sinking into her, the tendrils pulling my wings up against my sides as my barrel was submerged in her. The tendrils unwound from around my limbs and neck, retracting back into her. “W-what's going t-to happen to m-me?” I felt something slide into my marehood, and ass as well, and began thrusting. “EEEK, ew, ew, ew, EW!” I stared into her face as a few more bubble came from where her mouth would be, before something tugged on my clit, causing me to moan. “Ohhhhh P-please… s-stop…” I begged, starting to lose myself to the stimulus.
I weakly tried to push myself out of her, only getting my hooves stuck to her body. The thrusting suddenly became fast and hard, going all the way in before pulling back out, several times, before it returned to a slower pace. I made a small protesting whimper. When I tried to push myself out again, the thrusting once more grew in speed and intensity, keeping the pace until I stopped struggling. I whimpered and went limp in defeat. I felt something slither up my neck, reaching up the back of my head and coiling around my horn, before slowly sliding up and down, causing me to twitch. “Ohh….” I felt myself starting to drool at how good it felt. “F-faster…” The thrusting slowly picked up, slowly going faster and faster until Ribbon was going at a frantic pace and I felt myself peak. “I-I’m c-cumming!” I cried in pleasure as a torrent of ecstasy washed through me, and something splattered against my insides as I came. The tendril wrapped around my horn squirted its black ooze on my head and face.
The tendril still wrapped around my neck and horn forced my head higher up, as Ribbon lowered her head to meet me. Still panting for air, I suddenly was shoved into her face, my muzzle becoming buried inside her. I tried to stick my tongue out, and slowly managed to move it through the thick, tasteless, rubbery ooze until it was out of my mouth. Ribbon pulled away leaving my mouth covered in the tarry substance, I blew until the seal popped like bubble gum.
‘Was I in true hentai fashion, quick and to the point?’
-O-oh yeah…-
‘I tried to follow your memories as best I could~’
-I’m assuming you want to swap roles now?-
‘Be my guest, this stuff takes away your sense of touch. When I “came” I was just pumping stuff through the tendrils.’
-Well then, could you let go of me please?- She obliged, pushing me out of her body, where I landed with a wet *Splat*, covered in the stuff and sticking to the floor. With a thought, I dispelled the ooze on me, as Ribbon removed the helmet, almost instantly returning to normal.
I grabbed it from her, and smiled before putting it on, feeling the change overcome me, as I lost any sense of touch, and became an oozing impersonation of an alicorn. I tried to chuckle, only causing a few bubble to come from where my mouth would be. I could still see clearly despite not having a face. As Ribbon stared at me, I slowly snaked a tendril across the floor, where she couldn't see it. “Are you just going to eye me like a piece of candy? I’ll play along whenever you start.” I continued to move it closer to her, until it was close to her hind leg. I struck like a snake, quickly coiling it around her leg, and yanking her onto the floor, before dragging her towards me. “EEEK! What are you doing!” Creating three more, I threaded them, alongside the original tendril, through each and every hole in her hooves, before coiling them around her legs, and lifting her into the air. “N-no, not the hooves!”
Once more bubbling at the mouth in an attempt to chuckle, gently shifting the tendrils so that they rubbed against the inside of her hooves. “N-not the… hooves!” I continued the small motions as the tendrils slowly coiled up her legs. I had one slowly wind its way up her neck, and reach for her horn, before slithering through the holes in it, and the softly coiling around it. “G-get off of m-me!” A small bulge traveled up the tendril, passing through every hole in one hoof, she gasp at the feeling of it before it made it made it way further up, towards her head.
“No no no no.” As it continued up, the tendril inched further forward, until the tip of it was in front of her mouth and she clench her lips, but when she moaned as the bulge traveled through the holes of her horn, it slid inside. she moaned some more as the bulge traveled down the potion coiled around her horn, before pushing itself between her lips, when it squirted out the end of the tendril into her mouth, before the tendril retracted, and rested against her neck.
She spat out most of the tar like slime and started struggling to to spit out the rest as it kept her mouth shut from the inside. The tendrils woven through her hindlegs begun coiling up them, until one was waiting at her marehood, and the other just barely entering her ass. It was just enough to get her attention, though, and stopped her struggling before they plunged inside, thrusting rhythmically as she bucked and moaned.
I lowered her to the floor, shifting the coiled tendrils and forcing her to take a step forward, causing her to go wide eyed, before she began walking a lap around the room, while simultaneously being penetrated by the two tendrils at her rear. upon completing the lap, the tendrils stopped, and created a fifth one, that performed a ‘come hither’ motion with.
When she refused, and tried to move away, I forced her to walk towards me, causing her to move in a jittery motion. When she reached me, panting through the nose, I sent two bulges up the tendrils wound around her hind legs, causing her to gasp and go limp, only being supported by the tendrils, as the bulges traveled through her hind hooves at the same time, and begin winding up her legs, and the feeling of them entering through her clenched anus and marehood was enough to push her over the edge, the resulting scream broke the seal that kept her mouth closed as the tendrils begun discharging the ooze inside of her, before pulling out and splattered a bit more onto her flank and lower belly.
I gave her a second to catch her breath. “P-please, l-let m-me go.” She looked at me with big watery eyes. Retracting most of the tendrils, I let her stand up, “T-thank you.” she made to leave but snagged on the one tendril I left and started pulling her back, slowly but surely pulling her towards myself. “No no no, I thought you were letting me go!” I kept pulling, drawing her closer and closer, until she was directly below me, when I flipper her onto her stomach, and several tendrils began drawing her limbs towards mine, “D-don’t eat me! Nooo-ho-hooo!” She screamed, until her limb were pulled into mine, as I drew the rest of her body into me, until only her head was visible.
She whimpered and the occasional sob, I could feel her trying to move and escape. I pushed a section of myself against her marehood, until it slid in, and repeated the process with her anus. Twisting my neck, I pressed my face against her cheek. She just continued to whimper and sob mixed with moaning. I begun to make the parts that I had slid into her thrust harder, and begin make other parts slither about her hooves. Slowly her sobs became moans and her whimpering turned to panting, before a single tendril coiled up her neck, and threaded itself through her horn and begun shifting it around.
“Oh C-celestia!” Her tongue lolled out as she panted and moaned now. I twisted my head around, until I was face to face with her, and moved closer. “F-fff… fas… ter.” She managed to say between pants. I pulled the lower half of her face into mine as I sped up, getting faster and faster, and thrusting harder and harder, her eyes rolled into the back of her head, as she started twitching inside me and screaming into my face as she came, causing a bubble to form. She kept screaming and I kept thrusting, making her orgasm last as long as possible. Eventually, the bubble popped and splattered ooze all over her face. It felt really weird refroming your own head. she went limp afterwards, passing out.
I paced around, RIbbons limbs moving with mine, she’d been out for a while before I felt her squirm a little. She groaned, as she rolled her head around, looking at where she was. I could tell she wasn’t really taking any of it in yet. I gently tickled one of her hooves to get her attention, bubbling at the mouth as I tried to chuckle in amusement at her immediate reaction. I felt her trying to pull away from me, with very little success. I stopped and gave her a pat on the head with a tendril. The look of panic and fear said she probably didn’t remember the last few hours, and the now frantic attempts to free herself confirmed it. I gently squeezed her barrel, in a pseudo-hug, looking her in the eyes and tilting my head in an attempt to convey my confusion.
Her horn, still covered in ooze, lit up for just a second before fizzling out and unable to cast a spell. With her last alley of escape blocked, she went limp and whimpered pathetically. -You don’t normally give up that quickly.-
Ribbon looked at my… facial area, eyes wide. ‘C-chitsuki?’ Her eyes narrowed into a glare. ‘Why’d you have to scare me! The hive’s in a panic and now I have calm them down and explain why Iwas in a panic!’
-You exploded my head. Thats why.-
‘You look fine to me.’ She grumbled.
-Yeah, because I’m currently made of ooze. It felt weird reforming it after you exploded it by screaming into it.-
‘You couldn’t have put me in bed? The least you could’ve done is pull out, or pull me out.’
-But you looked so cute!-
‘Ugh!’ Her head went limp again and I pulled away from her, leaving her on the floor covered in ooze. Once she was able to weakly stand up on her shaky legs, I removed the helmet and turned back to normal while dispelling all the leftover ooze, minus what was sealing her mouth.
She looked at me, annoyed, and breathed in through her nose, before trying to pop the seal. it was too thick to blow a bubble with, and all she managed to do was puff out her cheeks and make herself look angry-cute, the excess air escaping back through her nostrils. she let it go and her cheeks went back to normal. ‘You want to get this?’
I walked over to her, and pulled her into a kiss, feeling my lips stick to hers. She moaned, wrapping her forehooves around my neck. I tried to suck some of the ooze out of her mouth, without success, until she caught on and blew, a bubble starting to form from the large difference in pressure. It kept growing, until I felt it starting to press against one of my fangs, where it burst, splattering ooze all over my mouth. I managed to slide my tongue through her lips.
-So. What was the best part of my act?-
‘The way you kept trying to escape and finally gave in when I was ramming you, and then the way you controlled me like a puppet on strings. How about my acting?’
-The part where you had a tendril in every hole you could find… I also liked how you thought I was letting you go.- I felt her tongue wrap around mine, holding it as she sucked on it. I could still feel quite a bit of the rubbery, tasteless ooze in her mouth and on her tongue. Finishing, I dispelled the ooze, and pulled my tongue back into my mouth, before breaking the kiss.
“Now the whole hive knows about this little adventure, good job.”
I tried to hide my blushing. “Well, they already knew we were… creative in bed.”
“Yes, but tentacles are a whole new low. And your ivory coat doesn’t help hide your blush.” She said with a smug look on her face.
“And if you told them then they know I pleased you better then you did me, and you’re the one who feeds on love!”
“Oh pah-lease, I have more sensitive places then you do, and you’re horrible unless you have your toys to help you cheat.”
“Is that a challenge?”
“Oh I’m not challenging you, I’d rather not be left wanting afterwards.”
After having pulled an exhausted Ribbon out of my shadow, I showed her a little idea I had come up with.
“See?” I said raising my wing. “I just keep a wad of that stuff under here, and shape it as i see fit.”
“Couldn’t you just pull it out of your shadow when you needed it?”
“Its quicker this way.” I quickly shaped it and had a tendril slide from under my wing. “And I just like having something similar to hands again.” The end of the tendril split out like a flower, I grasped at the air with it a few times.
“Again, you can shapeshift, couldn’t you just give yourself hands like a minotaur?”
“Because these things have much better grip. That, and I will admit I like unnerving ponies.” I wrapped the tendril around her barrel, and pulled her over to under my wing, lengthening the tendril till I could use it to coax her limbs against her body, and started carrying the tired changeling Queen. I used the split tip of it to scratch Ribbon behind the ear. She smiled at the sensation, making a cute little cooing noise. “I really tired you out, didn’t I?”
“I would like to go back to sleep. Why don’t you take a bath and go see Princess Luna, I hear night court is boring.”
“Okay. Would you like me to carry you to bed first?”
“Yes, thank you.” As I continued to walk towards the bedroom, I felt her breathing start to level out, and get a bit lighter, signifying she had drifted off to sleep. When I reached the bedroom, I pulled open the door, and went to gently put her down on the bed. retracting the tendril, I drew two orbs of essence out of my shadow, grinning mischievously. Placing them on her back, covering her wings, I shaped them into a pair of draconic wings, that folded against her sides. I then pulled several more orbs forth, shaping them into tendrils, and unfolded her wings, sticking them where Ribbons new wings would fould down, before allowing them to return to that position. Willing up another, larger orb, I shaped it into what looked like a thicker, shorter tendril. Chuckling a bit, I held her tail out, before sticking her new, reptilian tail overtop of it.
I drew forth half a dozen small orbs, and shaped them. Once I had them shaped to my will, I stuck the claws to her forehooves, three to a hoof, and took a little time making them move to my will before moving on from Ribbons ‘manicure’.
Now came the tricky part. Drawing forth what was not so much an orb, as it was a flow, I had it softly wrap around Ribbon, until it was covering her from the neck down, and tried to will it into armor.
It didn't work, but when I touched it, it felt firmer, almost like a hide, yet still ooze like and sticky as all hell. Hopefully I would be back in time to see her wake up and discover her new ‘suit of armor’.
With my job done, I cast a teleportation spell, reappearing in one of the hallways of the Canterlot castle. This place was still a bloody maze to me.
About an hour later, I had finally stumbled across where the night court took place. Entering, I came face to face with Luna, sitting on a throne of silver. She was currently looking through paperwork, sheets floating in her magic as she browsed through them. Peeking up from the papers, she greated me. “Ah, Chitsuki. I was told you might come visit me. I thought you were avoiding my sister and I, so I did not get my hopes up.”
“After our little heart-to-heart in the hospital, I’ve found I can’t really hold the whole ‘immortality’ fiasco against you.”
“Yes, immortality can be a burden to those who have it. Why others seek it out is beyond me.”
“And the worst part is I didn’t wind up with variety where you just don’t die, i got the kind where you die, and get right back up.”
“Resurrection based immortality, tis not unheard of. The comparison between you and a lich is understandable, but there are major differences. For one, your skin is still intact!”
“Oh god, why did you put that image in my head!”
Luna hummed with a soft smile on her face. “Come, let us talk of a better topic than necromancy.” Luna glided down off her throne, headed for a door towards the back of the room. “Come, I’ll have a maid bring us some coffee.”
“Mmmm, coffee.” I followed her, humming a little to myself. “So, did I ever tell you about what I found out I could do with that ‘pocket dimension’ in my shadow?”
“No, all you have told me is that you are able to move around in it.” I followed Luna down the hall until we stopped at a seemingly random door.
“Yeah, I never really bothered to look around inside it until after my talk with you. Found an entire ocean of thick viscose ooze in there. I decided to name it Abyssal Essence. I immediately started playing with it so I could figure out what it was or what it could do.” The inside was not really what I would expect. Most of the furniture was plain wood, but the fireplace warmed the room so it was comfortable.
Luna pulled me from my thought when she spoke. “That is most interesting, perhaps you can tell me what you found out about it? Come, sit.” She gestured to one of the big sitting pillows on the other side of the table where she was. I sat down on the one opposite to her, and it was rather cozy.
“I can do you one better.” I lifted my wing, revealing the thick abyssal essence hiding under my wings, several strands dripped from my wings to my side where they folded.
“This is it? Tis reminiscent of tar.”
“This is what it defaults to, anyway.” I said, before shaping it into a tendril that I slowly uncoiled.
Luna seemed very intrigued by it. “Tis amazing you can manipulate it so easily.”
“I find it’s not that different from my miasma, just thicker. And once I finished shaping this, I stopped manipulating it. Its a functioning limb now. its flexible, strong, and has one heck of a grip.”
“What else are you able to make with it?” Luna touched the tip of the tendril, even just barely touching it, she couldn’t pull away from it.
“Well, I made a golem.” I said as I peeled the tip of the tendril from her hoof. “It pretty much keeps stuff, and ponies, from getting lost in my shadow. Speaking of which, I still need to fix a couple of ‘bugs’ in there.”
“You made a golem? Could I see?”
“Ummm sure, just give me second.” Bringing an already existing construct out was a lot trickier than just pulling out some abyssal essence and creating one, but I managed to get the Keeper to emerge, it used its tendrils like tow cable to haul itself all the way out, where it turned to face me, and bowed.
Luna seemed excited to see the golem I made, at first, now she seemed rather put off by the way it looked.
“Something wrong?”
“N-nothing is wrong, it just reminded me of something. You said you made it to help keep track of things in your shadow?”
“Yes, I did say that. Its really vast in there. A whole ocean with one little island, that I had to put there.”
“It is truly so vast? A whole ocean of… this?” She said, gesturing between the Keeper and the tendril.
“Oh yeah, farther than the eye can see… which isnt very far, considering it's pitch black in there. Only things of interest is the island, the Keeper,” I motioned towards the golem, “And the Wisp.”
“A wisp?” Luna sounded serious.
“You say that like their actually a thing here.”
“If there is a wisp living in your shadow, I would be very cautious about handling it. They are meant to be extinct for a reason.”
“So they were a thing. Good to know. Its only a wisp in appearance though, it's meant to act as a light source and guild… as well as something for Mirage to chase.”
“So it is just another golem? That’s good. We don’t need the tiny spirits coming back into the world.” Luna seemed more relaxed now, especially after I allowed the Keeper to return to my shadow.
“I couldn't agree more.”
“What else have you made, just so I am aware.” Luna cocked an eyebrow at me as the maid brought in the coffee, excusing herself after laying the tray on the table.
“Not much else.” I said as I picked up a cup in my magic. Sweet, sweet caffeine.
“Perhaps a change in topic? The changelings were in a bit of a panic an hour ago, do you know what caused it? once we were calm, I asked what happened and he refused to tell me.”
“Ummm…” I blushed. “Me and Ribbon may have been… intimate, she passed out and didn't immediately remember what happened when she woke up.” Luna shared my blush and coughed into her hoof. “Soooo…” I said in an attempt to break the awkwardness. “Got any dirt on Celestia?”
“By ‘dirt’, you mean embarrassing stories? There are plenty of them to tell.”
“Thats exactly what I meant.”
“Well, there was the one time after my return where my sister managed to arouse a duke during a dinner party. I was still unaware of the change in custom at the time or how the perspective of simply eating a banana has changed. I have avoided the fruits since. Unless you are thinking of something from our past?”
“Oh?”
(raunchy) Did I ever tell you my massure was a prostitute?
After hearing several more very embarrassing stories about her sister, I bid Luna farwell, and after stepping out, teleported myself back to the hive, hoping I hadn’t missed Ribbon waking up. Luckily, as I creeped into our room, I saw she was still asleep, albit having pulled her blanket over herself. If my sense of time was right, the sun had already risen, so she should be up soon. Not wasting any more time, I dove into her shadow, and waited.
It didn't take very long until she woke up, yawning. She looked over her shoulder, probably for me, and not seeing me, tried to roll over, but was kinda stuck to the bed. “What th-” She paused as she likely registered the feeling of my additions. “Celestia. Damnit. Chi.” after a few moments, she managed to peel away the blanket, which had a thin layer of ooze all over it, before she looked down at her body. “Ahhhhh crapbaskets.” She peeled herself off the bed, and hopped off it, before turning around and removing the goop covered bedsheets. “These were expensive too, they better not be stained.” She took a moment, before I saw her get her wings to unfold, a couple strands of goop trailing back to her body. She tried flapping them, generating a good amount of lift, looking a little surprised when goop didn’t get flung everywhere, the strands of goo holding strong.
Looking behind her, she noticed the tail I had given her, dragging across the floor leaving ooze in its wake. She got it lift up off the ground, and shook it, before shaking her ass with it. I really liked that. She lifted her wing again, looking under it and noticing the trio of tendrils there, before looking under the other wing and finding the same thing. “It’s like she has some weird forced transformation fetish.” The worst part? I think she may be right. She took a moment to look at the essence covering her hooves, before notice the claws on them. She wiggled them around a bit, flexing them, and putting them through a range of other motions. “Thats…hmm, actually kinda neat.” She walked over to the wall, and and placed the claws against it, trailing them down and looking surprised at the deep scratch marks they left. “Very neat.”
She extended a tendril, before trying to grip it in her new claw, once again, looking surprised when it didn’t stick to the claws. Although a few strands formed between them as she pulled it away, but they quickly snapped and sprung back. She trotted over to the dressing mirror, taking the time to look herself over.
“Oooh, I look intimidating, I wouldn't mind someling like me being on top.” she said in a rather seductive voice. She nervously looked back at the door, a small smile formed on her lips. She stretched herself out like a cat would, spreading her wings and making a small moan of relief. After performing that rather… enticing display, she stared into the mirror, flaring out her wings and tendrils as if she was trying to make herself appear bigger, before glaring and hissing at her reflection, swiping at it a few times. She lowered herself to the ground, wings still flared out, tendrils coiled in like a snake ready to strike, eyes narrowed, and teeth bared in an angry scowl.
Ribbon left her impromptu combat stance and looked back at the door, looking back at the mirror with a wide grin. She was liking this, it seemed. She sat down in front of the mirror, before extending a tendril and grabbing it in her ‘claw’, before letting the very tip slip between her lip, as she begun running the claw up and down a short segment, winking suggestively at the mirror…
God, I’m gonna have a wing boner once I crawl out of here.
I watched, fascinated, as Ribbon turned around, and after getting the tendril out of her mouth, kneeled on her forelegs, before lifting her tail and giving her rump a good wiggle. As she looked behind her, she frowned, her attempt at flashing the mirror ruined by the ‘ooze armor’ giving her a featureless crotch.
I wasn’t going to wait for her to try something even more suggestive, so instead, I bent the abyssal essence making up Ribbon’s new features to my will.
She turned to face the phantom probing sensation, looking confused when she saw nothing there. Making her feel another poke, from the other side, I watched as she spun around again. Then, I started making the ooze tickle her hooves. She stifled her giggling, trying to stomp on whatever was tickling her hooves, and whined when that did nothing to alleviate the feeling. Scraping her hoof against the floor, she tried to remove the ooze covering it, only making a sticky skid mark on the floor instead. “W-what the heck is tickling me!?” I redoubled my effort, now causing the ooze to tickle all her hooves at once, causing her to collapse to the ground laughing.
-Having fun?-
“W-where are you!” Ribbon squealed, kicking at the air in a futile attempt to make the tickling stop.
-... ‘underhoof.’-
“Make it stop, make it stop!” I released my control on the essence, before emerging from Ribbons shadow, grinning.
“So what do you think of my first attempt at creating a suit of more, organic, armor?”
“You… suck!...” Ribbon was still trying to catch her breath. “The armor part… needs work...”
“That didn’t see to stop you from admiring yourself.” I replied, dispelling all the ooze stains, and generally any essence that wasn't still part of Ribbons ‘armor’.
Ribbon, for her part, just pointed a hoof at me accusingly. “Shut up.”
“You know it’s true.”
Ribbon finally caught her breath and stood up with a sigh. “Just, get this stuff off me, I’d like to fix the hot water issue today and I’d rather not scare my changelings while doing it.”
“As much as I want too… I’m still a little bitter about how you left me hanging for a day at the beginning of my last heat, and kept me waiting near the end.”
“That last bit was Cloaks fault, not mine. She told me to do it.”
“And you decided how to do it.”
“How do you know? She could have said it over the hive.”
“Because judging from how nervous she sounded, she's not as depraved as you and I.”
Ribbon gasped dramatically and puts a claw to her chest. “Depraved? how dare you insinuate that I, a Queen, am some kind of sexual deviant!”
“Says the changeling who was trying to flash her mirror not five minutes ago?”
“Why I never!” Ribbon looked away and flicked her mane. “I will have you know that I’m a respectable mare. Now clean this gunk off of me so I can go fix the hive’s water heater.”
“Its not like anyones going to be where you’re actually working, right?”
“I suppose not, just a few workers.”
“Then I’ll give you a ride there, noling will have to see you that way.” I responded with a smirk.
Ribbon sighed. “You’re not going to get this off me, no matter how much I try to persuade you, aren't you?”
“Yup.”
“Fine…” She groaned in defeat. without further prompting, I scooped her up in my miasma, and sunk into my own shadow, pulling her in after me, before making my shadow starting gliding across the floor.
“Hey, Ribbon, you should be able to fly this time, what with the wings I gave you.”
“Really?” She flapped them a few times, each motion moving her though the void. “That means I won't have to worry about getting a ride from the Kee- oof!” Just before she could finish that sentence, she bumped into the Keeper. She quickly backed up, looking surprised she didn’t stick to it. “Ha! I don’t need your help anymore.” A tendril emerged from it and tried to wrap around Ribbon, but seemed to slip off the ooze coating her body. “You can’t grab me now! No more getting stuck to- EEEK!” Ribbon squealed as the tendril wrapped around basically the only place it could grab without going for the face. Her horn. “No, let go of that!” I stifled down a laugh, before gliding over to her, and pulling the tendril off her horn.
Looking at the Keeper, I instructed it to stop trying to collect Ribbon, as she was not a loose object. It nodded in confirmation, before turning around, and gliding off. “There, it should stop bothering you now.” I quickly dispelled the essence that had gotten all over her horn.
*SMACK!*
Ribbon slapped me with her forehoof, causing me to spin head over hooves until I managed to right myself, holding a hoof to the hit area.
“You effectively just got me molested by one of your constr-” She paused mid sentence, having pointed a forehoof at me, and was staring at her claws. “Oh my gosh! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean o cut you!”
“Its okay, Ribbon, that stuff can’t hurt me.” I said as I pulled my oof away from my cheek, revealing that it was just a large bruise.
I felt all six of her tendrils rapidly wind around me and pull me towards her, where she wrapped her forelegs around me as well. “Please don’t be mad.”
“Me be mad? You were the one being molested and I laughed. I should be asking you not to be mad.” I wiggled a little. “Uhh… can you let go now please? Or do I have to tickle you again?”
Ribbon almost immediately let go of me, quickly unwinding and retracting the tendrils.
“We should be there now.” I said, before wrapping Ribbon in my miasma, and pulling her out of my shadow alongside me.
The room was really… damp. There were pipes going every which way, all branching out from a very big heater lined with red gems, which I assumed where for some kind of heating enchantment. Another bigger pipe ran out of the room, this one had a sign the said ‘Hot springs’, in fact many of the larger pipes had a sign on, ‘Bath house’ and ‘Water main’ were the others big pipes. “So what exactly did you need to fix?”
“The gems need to be enchanted. If you notice, I’m using high grade rubies instead of Twilights crystals, I just don’t trust them for my bigger projects now that she learned of it ability to generate magic. Not until she learns more about them.”
“Right. It still worries me that there's basically an unshielded reactor in the middle of Ponyville.”
“I know, but Twilight would never let that happen… Right?” Ribbon started with the main boiler, enchanting one of the gemstones and moving to the next. I watched, as she scratched her back with a tendril as she worked, and gave a little sigh of relief as she got that one spot you couldn't get under your wings with your hooves. The room was starting to get steamy, and me a bit sweaty and I hoped that Ribbon would be done soon. It took Ribbon quite awhile to finally enchant all the rubies and I could tell that having to enchant all of them in one sitting took its toll on her. The armor wasn’t faring much better, it looked goopier than usual. “And like that, the whole hive has hot water! And we did it without the ponies help.”
Meanwhile, I was sweating profusely, not from the heat so much as the humidity. “good, now I could use a nice looong soak to get all this sweat out of my fur.”
“Mmm, get this gunk off me and I’ll join you.”
With a thought, I dispelled the ooze making up Ribbons ‘armor’, and held her hoof in mine, leading her out of the room. We made for our room but Ribbon tooks us somewhere else, saying it was be just as fast. When we got there, I saw she was bringing us to the bath house and hot spring. “I like how you think. A nice, hot soak.”
“Get your mind out of the gutter. That long hall in our room that goes down to a spring, it connects here, our own private room.” Ribbon lead us in said ‘hello’ to the attendants as they greeted us.
“Hello my Queen, call us if need us!”
“I will.” Ribbon waved them off and we went to our private room. The hot spring was a lot more natural looking then I was expecting. Since it was hoof made and not a natural hot spring. Smooth river rocks and sand made the bottom of the shallow pool while bigger rocks lined the edge and made the stairs, while a wood flooring surrounded the pool for us to walk on. In the water, there was a couple of raised flat stones that come up just enough to be out of the water, each one with a slightly wider stone beneath them, just below the surface of the water, while the water itself seemed to flow very, very slowly, like a calm river as a layer of steam continued to build from the now hot water.
“Its, its… Calm, and beautiful.” I stepped down the steps, feeling the warm sand and rocks beneath my hooves. making my way to the slightly deeper part, I layed down, till my body was below the water, and let out a long sigh as I felt the heat working away at muscles I didn’t even know were tense. “Sooooo goood.” I raised my head out of the water when I heard Ribbon say something, before dipping it back below and just losing myself in the feeling.
Something nudged my side, and I lifted my head out of the water. “The Queen called for us to give her a massage, Would you like one as well?”
“Yes, please.” I stood up. Looking, I saw Ribbon laying on one of the stones, another changeling was massaging Ribbon, who had taken on her pegasus disguise, making me smile, she looked just like she did when we first encountered each other. Made sense, it would be kinda hard to get a massage when you had chiten. I walked over to one facing directly opposite from her, and layed down, also dispelling the blob of abyssal under my wing so it wouldn't get in the way.
“Now just relax.” She said as she stood before me and begun working on my shoulders, the combination of the heat soaking into them and her hooves making me go limp as I relaxed. “So tell me, what were you doing chasing the guard around, looking like you did?” I blushed profusely, and Ribbon sputtered.
“G-get the k-key to our room back from h-him. Ribbon locked me out…”
“And just what was she doing during that?”
“C-Cloak… Although it was more of being done by.”
“Oh…” She looked over her shoulder at a blushing Ribbon, at a loss of words.
“...I know I pay you not to say anything about what happens in here, but don’t you think you’re going a little too far?” Ribbon said.
“That’s not how I see it. Chances are, we’re going to end up seeing it happen sooner or later.” Said the other attendant that was working on Ribbon.
“She’s probably right.” I pointed out.
“Why do you think we’re the ones that took this spot, hmm? Even though we’ve never work at a spa before?”
“You do a pretty damn good job for someone with no experience.” Looking over at the changeling attendant, I noticed her lack of blush, despite the topic. “Amusing, that you to aren't the slightest bit embarrassed by this.”
“Why would we?”
“We used to be prostitutes in Las Pegasus.”
…
Me and Ribbon shared a look, clearly she didn’t know about that.
“The more you know.” I chuckled.
“So tell me Lily, what was the best lay?” I blushed even brighter red. They where going to talk about stuff like that!?
“Hmm, we to tell the truth, Ivy, it was probably that griffon, he really liked being rough.”
“But don’t they have barbs on thei-”
“Thats just an urban legend, yes, they have little nubs, but not barbs like a actual cat. Feels really good.” Lily stopped massaging me, a far off look in her eyes. “Really good.”
Oh my god. “Well RIbbon, it appears we aren't the only two sexual deviants in the hive.”
“Yeah, I see that.” she replied flatly.
“Moving on from the topic of griffon dicks, what was your best lay Ivy?”
“Well, there was this unicorn, oooh~ now he knew how to use his magic to really please a mare. Shortest time I ever lasted.”
“Okay, this is getting ridiculous.” I interjected. “She called you for a massage, not for you to talk about your sex lives!”
“Right, right. My apologies.” Said my attendant. I think her name was Lily.
“Yeah, sorry about that. We got carried away.” Said Ivy. I hope got that right.
“We’d be willing to make it up to you, if you want.”
“Just make this a good massage and I’ll call it even.” Yeah, I knew what they meant by make it up, and I wanted to save my stamina for Ribbon.
After our massages had been finished, me and RIbbon got up to leave, and while she left, I stood aside. “I sorta wanted to ask you a favor, Lily… Your Lily, right?”
“Yes, what do you need?”
“Well, considering you, and Ivy are the only two changelings who wont really question this, I’m kinda planning on fulfilling Ribbons… Abduction fantasy, and I kinda wanted you to make sure the rest of hive knows that so they don't go crazy if Ribbon starts to panic. You know, like last time.”
“Oh right, when she thought she was being eaten by a sludge monster. Everyling was up in arms wanting to know how it got her and wanting it dead. But when she calmed down we all got to learn of the sludge monster that bucked her unconscious! Good work by the way!” My god, she has no shame.
“Ummm… Thanks?”
“No problem. What does she like? We’ll keep it secret.”
“being used like a toy or a pet, light pain play, generally being the submissive one.” Lily seemed a bit shocked at that, the whole hive really did think it was the other way around.
“She’s really the submissive one?” Lily asked in awe. “I thought... Well, the whole hive thought you were the submissive one.”
“According to Ribbon, she’s only the dominant one because I’m bad at it.” Lily took a second to think about what I just said. Suddenly she had a massive smile that only a pervert should use.
“I can fix that.”
I actually had to think about that for a moment, before hesitantly asking “Define ‘fix’.”
“I can teach you, help you be the dominant one.”
“I don’t think I’d be willing to go that far, some tips would be much appreciated though.”
“Ok, ok. I’ll have Ivy make some kind of distraction and I’ll come to your room to riffle through your things and teach you some things and give you some advice. Nothing sexual… aside from the topic.”
Once Ribbon was distracted, I lead Lily to our room, shutting the toor behind us. “How much time do you think we have?”
“About two hours, but Ivy will tell me when she’s on her way back.” Lily took a seat in the middle of the room and looked at me expectantly. “Right, so where’s all the naughty stuff?” I walked over to the closet, and shifting a bunch of stuff aside, hauled a large box out with my magic.
“Look ye, and despair upon my mighty collection of sex toys!” I said in a hammy voice as I pulled out a second smaller box from under the bed.
“We’ll see about that.” She popped open the bigger of the boxes and went through the contents. “lets see, two straightjackets one smaller than the other, good. Suppressor rings. A... magic strap on with a detachable dick, a small instruction book for the enchantments on it... strange, I don’t see any other dicks to use with it, hmm. Ball gags, ring gags, and muzzles, you must like those. Cute, the collars name tags on them, I like that, a cloth leash however I don’t like, you need a chain leash. And lastly, only the one vibrator… you should really buy more of these.” She shook her head in disappointment. “Lets the see other box.”
I passed it over to her. “Latex leggings. Shock collar, not a very good one. Stallion dildo, looks kinda small, must have been when Queen Ribbon was a scout. Dragon dildo, also rather small.” The first thought upon seeing it was: What, did she have to punch a kitchen door a hundred times to get it? My second thought: That’s not funny, considering her past… why does she have this? I was brought out of my thoughts by Lily. “Riding crop and a whip, me like. AND! The last thing in the small box is a mostly empty book.” Lily flipped it open to the first page, the seemingly only page with something on it, and read it aloud. “Speak the tone of bliss. I think this is an enchanted book, only Ribbon would know how to use it.” Lily set the boxes aside and motioned me to sit in front of her.
“Ok, you two have some pretty good stuff, just a few things. First: The cloth leash, it’s good starting out but you need to get a chain. Cloth will burn and it can snap, a chain wont, at least not as easily. Second: The magic strap on, it has a detachable dick so it can be used with different parts, get those different parts, diamond dog, changeling if there is one, oooh, griffon~. And lastly: Get a better shock collar, this one is actually meant for dogs. I suggest one that's more like a solid shackle.”
“Okay, I’m only asking this because this is probably going to be the only time I can ask this without being looked at weird, but what does a changeling’s penis look like?”
“Like this.” Without any hesitation, Lily lit up in a flash of changeling fire. When it cleared, she was slightly taller and wider, I didn’t really notice that though. No, my eyes went straight to the colorful, pointy appendage that was attached to him. “It’s green, it’s also pointed with no flared tip or ring, instead it has a very slight, but noticeable, spiral. The best way to describe it is. It looks like a green unicorns horn. Of course, different hive equals different color.”
“It… It… Looks like a drill.”
“Yes, that is also an apt description.”
“Okay… You can… turn back now. Thats actually more freaky to look at then her ovipositor… and umm… well…was inside me.” She finally changed back to her true form as I trailed off..
“You mean she actually bucked you with it?”
“And laid in me too.” Lily just stared at me for the longest time before she finally said something.
“But you’re pony.”
“So?”
“You don’t have anywhere to put the egg!”
“I’m female.”
“You mean you carried it in your womb!? That must have hurt like a bitch!” You have no idea. “Ok, ok, ok. It doesn’t matter. We’re getting off topic.” She breathed deep and exhaled. “You said a changelings dick looked freaky, yes? Than I’m guessing you’ve never had horn penetration?”
“Wait, thats a thing? And no, mines too long, and hers would run a risk of cutting up my insides.”
“But you could change that couldn’t you? It’s no small secret that you can transform same as any changeling, so there’s no excuses!”
“I didn’t even think of that.”
“Apparently. You should bring that power into the bedroom more often and suggest that she do the same. Now, what do you normally do when you’re on top, what do you go for, what’s your opening move?”
“Used to be tie her up and fuck her brainless, but if started being less heavy with the tying, and focusing on making her feel powerless.”
“Ok, Let’s go through this step by step. You’re kissing, you nip at her neck and she falls over letting you take the top, what’s first?”
“Usually, put a magic suppression ring on her, then maybe a little talking down to her while I get myself into the role of the dominate one.”
“That’s good. You talk down to her like she’s lesser than you...” Lily trailed off for me to continue.
“The I usually put her collar on her, maybe lock it on, and tell her how I’m the one in control. Than I restrain her so she can’t move around and I can have my way with her and-”
“Going to stop you right there. Now you’re crossing into bondage which you didn’t say she was into, it is likely yours instead. What you should do is leave her free and order her not to move and if she does, hit her with that riding crop. And if she keeps moving then hit her harder. The collar is good though.”
“What should I do from there then?”
“Tell her to eat pussy, that’s what! And talk down to her like she is worthless. Here, I’m going to do a little roleplay, no touching, just talking. I’ll be you. Ribbon has the collar on, and I just told her I wanted to ‘play’.” I was a little confused but went with it. Lily took a moment to gather herself and cleared her throat. “‘Now, come here pet, Master wants to ‘play’ with you.’ Ribbon walks over to me. ‘You know what my favorite game is pet, if you play good, you’ll get a bigger treat at the end.’ Ribbon either barks or simply nods her head and starts eating me out. ‘Come on pet, you can do better than that.’ I glide the riding crop against her flank threateningly, she continues to ‘play’ until I smack her with the crop. ‘I don’t feel like you really mean it.’ I smack her twice more ‘Now lets try again.’ It’s to the end of our game and I’m hitting my climax, I magically grab her head. ‘Make sure you drink it all pet! Hnnng!’ I cum in her mouth and all over her face, if I don’t think she swallowed enough, I smack her again. ‘I thought you knew better than to waste your treats.’ I say angrily.”
“Okay, thats good, thats good. Now what if I wanted to ‘abduct’ her first?”
“It’s the same, instead you pet is in need of training, rather than already being trained. The shock collar can be handy here. Tried to bite you? BZZZT. Don’t like the way she’s doing it? BZZZT. Not doing it fast enough? BZZZT. You’ll need to make sure that bitch knows her place.”
“Okay, so if I’m going to treat her like a pet, I can muzzle her if she tries to bite, right?”
“Yes, you can even pin her tail up so she flashes everyling who looks at her from the wrong, or right, angle. Believe it or not the one in control is actually the submissive one and here’s why. If she doesn’t want you to do that, she won’t let you. And if you do it anyway, well, you can’t keep her locked up forever. Being the dominate one is mostly about being the one to come up with ideas for what to do while having sex and acting them out.”
“Never seen it that way before…”
“Ribbon is on her way back, she’s finished faster than I thought she would. Remember what I said, buy some new add ons for that magic strap on, get a better shock collar, and some more vibrators, maybe get yourself a dildo too.” She made to leave while I cleaned up all the toys. “Now I’m going to go wash off, those probably weren't as clean as they should be, after all, I don’t know if there cleaned after every use!”
“Before you go, does this hive have a dungeon by any chance?”
“As a matter of fact, it does! We’ll show you to it later.”
After going a few days, I had managed to figure out the proper enchantments so I could use it remotely, and taking Lily’s advice to obtain a shock collar and chain, made them out of my miasma. Then, I just had to wait for nightfall. Once Ribbon was asleep, I picked her up, along with several pieces of equipment, before carrying her to the dungeon.
It was pretty old looking, but I found a cell that was intact enough, with a working door, and placed Ribbon into it. I clipped the new shock collar around her neck, and Transformed myself into a simple black unicorn stallion. After going so long as a female, it felt weird having a penis again. Realizing I forgot something, I slipped the suppression over her horn shut the cell door behind me, and gave her a good shock with the collar.
She screamed at the electricity coursing through her before panting, she sprang to her hooves and looked at where she was, as her eyes went wide and focused on me. “Wh-Who are you?”
I walked over to her and she and cowered before me, and whispered “Metal” in my real voice, before returning to what I had planned. “Your new master.”
Ribbon took a second to register what I said, but the look in her eyes said she figured it was me. That was our safe word after all. “Where am I, what do-”
I interrupted her by shocked her. “No talking! You're my pet now. Now sit!” She was feeling around her neck at the collar. She didn’t sit, she instead went for glaring at me.
I shocked her a third time. “It seems some training is in order, now SIT!” I didn’t wait for her to do it and just shocked her again. This time, she sat down. “Good girl. If you behave, I might just give you a treat.”
“You can’t keep me here forever.”
“It doesn't have to be forever, just until you’re a completely obedient pet bitch. And just like any other lost puppy, you’ll want to come back to me. Now turn around.”
“Buck you.” I shocked her again.
“I said, turn around, or I can turn the shock collar up some.” She proceeded to hiss at me so I turned up the shock by one and hit her again with it. “Since you don’t seem to know how to do something so simple, I’ll have to show you.” I forced her into a kneeling position, and walking behind her, her legs were spread pretty far apart because I was normal pony sized right now. I mounted her and when she tried to crawl away I pulled on the chain with my magic and kept her down.
“P-please, no!” Panic in her voice.
I shocked her again. “I said, no talking!” I then inserted myself into her ass, only getting the tip in. “Oh thats tight!” I began to thrust, slowly getting deeper with each thrust. “You like this, don’t you, you little bitch! You like it!?” Ribbon whimpered, but didn’t say a word. “Good girl, you’re learning.” I wiggled in all the way to the base. I took a second to adjust to the heat and pulled out slowly, then I quickly slammed back into her, getting a nice yelp from my pet. “Oh, I liked that, do it again!” I pulled myself out slowly a second time, ramming myself back into her and earning another yelp. “You make such wonderful noises, I think I’ll enjoy making you scream.”
My pet continued to whimper and sob as I rammed into her. I really should use transformation more often, or the magic strap on at least. With her tight ass I know I wouldn’t last long, so I hope I can use transformation to make me stay hard.
“Unf! Ohhh, here it…” I creamed hard into her, causing her to wail while I pumped my load. Finishing and pulling out, I walked around her limp form and held me semon dripping member in front of her face. “I believe you earned that treat.” My pet had the nerve to shy away from me. I pulled her back and pressed the tip into her nose. “Go ahead, clean me off. And if I feel any of those pretty fangs touch me, I wont bother with the shock collar, I’ll use my own hooves. It would be such a shame if I had to… ruin your delicate appearance.” Ribbon let out a sob and hesitantly and slowly stuck out her tongue to lick at the flared tip. “Ohhhh~ Yeah, thats the stuff, you like the taste, don’t you, you little bitch!” She cleaned off the tip and moved to the base where she wrapped her tongue around my dick, squeezing it with her tongue as she licked off as much of my cum as she could in one go, only three swipes and it was clean. “Good girl, Now suck me until I’m hard again.”
“P-please, just let me go. I-i won’t say anything about this, I’ll just forget it happened!”
“No, you won’t. I’ll make sure of that.” I shocked her again. “And, no talking!” I shoved my dick in her face and she slowly opened her mouth. I slide right in, feeling it slide between her sharp fangs, and her tongue grab at it, wrapping itself around my sensitive dick. “Ohhh~ I knew you liked it.” I said as I gently patted my pet's head. “Just like that.” I pet her mane as she worked, I was long past hard now but I let her be. I changed from petting her head to petting her horn, just enough to make her want more of it.
When I felt my second climax approaching I resisted the urge to speed her up and kept myself relaxed. When I could no longer resist, I grabbed her by the horn as she gave a muffled yell of surprise and forced my dick down her throat. She tried to weakly pull away at first but I held her still as I came, pumping load after load into her mouth, after awhile, she had no choice but to swallow. I could hear her gulping it down as she took each load. Once I finished, I let her go and fell back on my rear. “Aren’t you special, two treats in one night.” I kept a firm hold on the chain leash.
I looked at the defeated and worthless look about my pet. Perhaps a reward would make her feel better? “Does the pet want to cum too?” I begun magically tugging gently on her clit and she squeaked at the sudden violation of her marehood. I kept gently tugging it, moving my magic grip further into her at the same time, pushing and pulling on it while I manipulated her inner folds. I moved around to watch my work, pulling her tail up and out of the way.
I watched and played with her clit and pussy. I spread her lips apart and saw her insides quiver at my magic touch. “P-please, D-don’t watch.” I barely heard my pet say, if there was anything but the sounds of her breathing or me playing with her wet marehood, I would have missed it. I turned the collar down to the lowest setting and held the button down. Unlike the dog shock collar, this one had an even lower setting. When I pressed and held the button, She gasped and grabbed at her throat, groaning through the pain. I couldn’t see it, but I knew she was gritting her teeth. “S-stop, I wont talk any more!” I let go of the button.
“You better not, my pet. Talk again, and I will take preventive measures.” I said wickedly. I gently brushed my hoof against her lips, watching her quiver even more. I pulled on her clit and stretched it out, when I let go she yelped and I watched her muscles squeezed and grasp at a dick that wasn’t there. “Don’t hold it back, I know changelings can keep themselves from cuming. Don’t hold it back.” She shook her head, so I shocked her again on low. “Disobedience will not be tolerated.” I pulled on her clit again, still manipulating her insides, and watched her pussy grasping at nothing. “I won’t stop until you cum.” She shook her head again. Unacceptable.
I pressed and held the button for her shock collar. “I won’t let go until you do!” I forgan using my magic on her clit and instead kissed it and sucked on it, assaulting her clit with my tongue as fast as I could, trying to make her give in. She held strong to for a little while, but she finally gave in. She moaned through her teeth as she came, splattering my face in her juice. I didn’t let up on her abused clit or the collar until she was done.
Looking at my well used pet. She rolled onto her side facing away from me with shaky back legs, curled up in shame. “I think I can consider this a good first training, a success! But before I leave.” I walked around her to see her tear stricken face. “I want you lick your juice off my face.” She looked like she was going to refuse, but thought better of it, and started licking off my face, a few tears still running down her face as she did so. “There there. It isn’t so bad if you just obey.” I said as I caressed her cheek with a hoof. “That was your first day of training, you’ll do better next time.” I allowed myself to revert to my alicorn form, and gave Ribbon a evil look. “Now come along.” I unlocked the cell door with my magic, and pulled her out by the chain. She stood on her shaking legs and followed me out of her cell, sniffling and raise her hoof to wipe away the tears. I stop her hoof before she could clear them. “No, I like your face just the way it is.” She nodded her head and followed me.
I lead her out into the main tunnel, where everyling stopped what they were doing and stared. Was me being the dominate one really that big a surprise? “M-my Queen? Are you alright?” Looking to my side, I noticed Ivy looking at her with a very slight look of concern.
Ribbon sniffled before responding “Y-yes, I’m alri-ack”
Ribbons voice caught when I shocked her, still on the lower setting. “I said. no. talking!”
“Geez, Chitsuki, you learn fast, only one session from Lily and you’re already on top.” Ribbon looked questioningly at me, wondering what Ivy was talking about.
I chuckled. “Yes, Lily’s words of advice helped greatly.” I then looked at ribbon with glare. “Dont you look at me like that.”
Ribbon look at the ground. “She didn’t go too far, did she? You can just nod.” Ribbon look at at Ivy and shook her head. “Ok, I’ll let you two go then.”
“Come, pet.” I gave her chain a yank and she came up to my side. We walked through the hive with a lot of changelings staring at us and I have to say, it feels good to hold this side of the leash for a change.
When we made it to our room, I shut the door behind us. “You may speak now. How was I?”
“You did very well, I enjoyed it. Nothing like a good reminder of what exactly I could lose, than when it’s gone for just a moment.” Ribbon walked over to me and hugged me really tight and buried her face in mane.
“What did you enjoy the most?”
“I liked your dirty talk, it’s got a lot better since last time.”
“I like how defiant you tried to be.” I gently patted her back as I returned the hug.
Ribbon sniffled again. “...I love you.”
“Love you too, cutie.” We stayed like this for a while, just hugging on to each other before Ribbon spoke up.
“...Chi? I want you to make love to me.”
“Ummm… But I just…” I muttered, holding up the chain.
“No, that was the pony that foalnapped me, I want you.” Ribbon batted away the chain and kissed me. I wrapped a hoof around her and let her tongue into mouth. When she pulled away, I yanked the chain and pulled her right back into a second kiss. I didn’t let her pull away this time, and let my tongue slip past hers, while I ground against her.
-Would you like… some pain too?-
‘Yes’ I turned the collar to its lowest level, and shocked her continuously. She fell onto her back, bringing me with her, when I landed on her I started grinding against her harder and harder, while she fought the pain and ground back. I made sure to hold the chain and keep her from breaking our kiss. Ribbon begun rubbing my wings, gliding her hooves across the membrane, causing me to moan into her mouth. I gently rubbed her horn with my free hoof in return. ‘I love this, I love you!’
-So do I!- I felt it happen, as I screamed into Ribbons mouth, the fire of an orgasm washing through me. Ribbon managed to break our kiss and latched onto me as she came right after me, screaming my name.
“Chitsuki!”... Once we finished and came down from cloud nine, Ribbon and I moved to the bed to sleep, after I removed the ring and collar from Ribbon. “I love you so much, Chi.”
“I love you to Ribbon.” Ribbon and I cuddled with each other basking in the glow and warmth of others body as we fell asleep.
The smell of bacon awoke me from my slumber. Opening my eyes, I looked at the tray currently resting on my stomach. It seems I had made ribbon really happy if she made me breakfast in bed. Looking at what was on the tray, I saw the classic bacon and eggs, alongside chocolate chip pancakes, with strawberries and whipped cream on them. “You made me breakfast in bed?” I asked the scout sized changeling standing by my bedside, with a smile on my face.
“Yes I did, I hope you like!” I can hear it in her voice just how happy she was. It’s sort of strange how ‘abducting’ and ‘raping’ her would make her so damn happy, I won’t judge though.
“Well ain't you a happy little lovebug today.” I said, before munching on a strip of bacon. Damn, she’s good. It was crisp, but not crunchy. In other words, this bacon was perfect. “Oh~ and said lovebug really knows how to cook!”
“Easiest way to a stallions, or in this case, mares, heart is through her stomach.”
“You know me too well.” I took a bite out of a pancake, before RIbbon walked over and snuggled into my side. “I love it when you’re all affectionate like this.” she moaned her reply as I kept eating while she hugged into my side. I wrapped my wing around her, feeling her warmth against my side. “You’re just so cute like this, you know? Now open up, its only fair I shared with you since you went through all the trouble of cooking breakfast.” I smiled when she giggled a bit as I picked up a piece of bacon and wiggled it like a worm in front of her face. She even made a show of trying to grab it with her tongue before I dropped it into her waiting maw.
“Its funny, I’m a better cook than you, and I have never needed to eat.”
“Hey, in my defense, take out is tasty, and so where microwave burritos!”
“I doubt a microwave could replicate this.” Ribbon said as she pointed to towards the pancakes.
“True. Very true.” I fed her another piece of bacon. “So, do you have anything planned today?”
“Now that I’m feeling better, I intend to go help with the investigations about the changeling attacks and the targeted attacks on me.”
“I’m helping you this time.”
“I never forbid you from helping me in the first place.”
“But you kept hiding it from me until recently, how was I supposed to help if I didn’t know?.”
“You also would have attacked and killed anything that so much as brushed up against me, until recently.”
I sighed, taking a large bite out of one of the pancakes. “Please don’t remind me.” Desperate to change the subject, I said the first thing to come to mind. “Am I really that cozy?”
Ribbon blushed. “Yes... I admit it, you’re cozy, your fur is really soft, and you’re nice and warm.”
“Ribbon? I don’t want you putting yourself in harm's way. I have an idea for caching an assassin that will keep you safe.”
“What is it?” She said, shifting her position to look up at me.
“Remember back at the Crystal Empire, when you basically puppeteered my body?”
“You want me to control your body and get you poisoned instead? All to catch another would be assassin?”
“In a nutshell, yes. It would also make getting any information out of them easier, if the changeling they thought they killed was perfectly healthy. You nearly died last time. I don’t want to take an unnecessary risk when I can just get back up from whatever they try.”
A smug look appeared on Ribbons face before she replied “And I can actually let you die while looking like me, adding to that effect.”
“I thought you didn’t want me getting hurt?”
“I don’t. But you’ve died how many times now? I think you’ll be just fine, the only real damage you seem to suffer is minor scarring seeing as your horn has a small line were it reattached itself, and that one in your wing. And scars can be fixed, even your horn.”
I tried to see the line she pointed out, but all I managed to do was give myself a headache going cross eyed. It must be near the base.
“I’m… actually suprised thats the only visible sign of damage now that I think about it.”
“I would assume your coat covers most of them.”
“That's probably true.” I said as I finished off the last of the food. “Mind giving me a bit of space so I can transform?” Ribbon scooted away from me. I dissolved, and after a few seconds, reformed into a perfect duplicate of her normal form. “I’m ready when you are.” Even my voice was an exact match. I felt my body begin moving on its own as Ribbon assumed control.
-So, where am I going?-
‘To the Canterlot dungeons. We have a would be assassin to talk to and another to try and catch later.’
-Okay.-
Upon reaching the castle, Ribbon had me land in front of the gate, and wave to the guards before walking into the castle. she rather quickly had me make my way to the area closed off to the public.
“Are you looking for something?” One of the guards asked.
“I’m looking for the dungeons, I wish to talk to the assassin that poisoned me.”
“Oh, him. just go down the hallway to the third intersection, take a left, and you find to the stairway to the lower levels.”
“Thank you.” Ribbon walked me down the hallway, and eventually had me trot down the stairs, where we eventually met the captain of the guard, Fool Hardy.
“I was expecting you… I’m surprised you friend isn't here with you, I figured she want to be here.”
“She didn’t really want me being near him so she’s acting as a double for me, I am speaking through her right now.”
Hardy actually looked a tiny bit disturbed. “If she willingly let you do that, I have no grounds to object to it, no matter how much the concept disturbs me.”
“I suggest you grow past it, such a concept is part of changeling culture and can be beneficial.” Ribbon informed the him.
-Its like instant messaging, with your miiiind!-
“Besides, Chitsuki is the only pony I am capable of doing this with, and only with her consent, as well.” She continued. Ribbon turned to get good look at the pony that poisoned her. Inside the room, the prisoner was chained to the floor and an ink well with some paper just out of his reach. “Has he said anything yet?”
“Not a word. we think he might be mute but we’re not sure.” He held the door open, and Ribbon walked me into the room.
“Remember me?”
He glaring at her.
“That really hurt you know, I had to talk Chitsuki out of trying to eat you alive.” His eyes stared at Ribbon a little more intently at the mention of my name. “We have a few of your fellow would be assassins, they are a lot more talkative than you and will be getting lighter sentences.”
He simply glared harder, looking like he was trying to mouth something. “The guards believe you’re mute, if you’d like to say something use these.” Ribbon pushed a paper towards him and held the quill for him to grab. He took it and wrote something on the paper.
Rot in your hole, you pestilent bug!
-he mad.-
Ribbon sighed in disappointment. “You might as well just tell us. If you don’t, one of the others will.” His response was to spit on Ribbon. Which pissed me off, but I couldn’t do anything.
-that asshole!- A moment of silence passed before Ribbon wiped off his insult and left to talk to Hardy. Back in the other room, the captain had a sour look about him.
“Well, you managed to get a response from him, that’s more than what we’ve managed to do. What did write down?” Ribbon didn’t say anything and just past him the paper. “Pestilent? From the paper that Celestia’s student made, you should be thought of as anything but a pest.”
“I haven’t had a chance to read through it yet, didn’t really think reading a report about us was important, seeing as all the information came from either me or my changelings.”
-What did Twilight say about changelings, anyway?-
“It was rather informative about the situation your hive was in before the attempted invasion, I personally took interest in your culture, or lack thereof.”
-Hey! Don't you call her uncultured!-
‘He’s referring to changelings in general, we never really formed our own culture, instead we adopted what culture is around us. For my hive in particular, that was ponies. And what little we did form is used when dealing with another hive.’
-Oh… Well now I feel silly.-
“We’re going to have to catch another.”
“I'm sorry, what?” Hardy replied, flabbergasted.
“Before I tell you what exactly it is, I need to explain a bit of context so you don’t think i'm insane. Chi can… resurrect after suffering fatal wounds.”
“You’re kidding me.”
“Just ask any of the Element Bearers. They saw her revive with their very eyes.”
“Please don’t tell me you’re planning on doing what I think you are.”
“Not my plan, hers, she volunteered to be my body double, fully aware of the fact that she was putting herself in harm's way.”
“Okay, she’s crazy. She's using herself as bait!?”
-Hey, fuck you too, buddy.-
“She also likes to sleep under water, but I've gotten over the fact that she looks like she drowned herself at the spa doing it.”
Hardy just stared at me. “Well…. that does explain how the Nightmare survived on the moon… Is Chitsuki even aware of what she's doing right now?”
-Yes, and you should be thankful I wasn't able to telekinetically slap you upside the head for calling me crazy.-
‘You’re awfully grouchy today.’ “Unlike my link to the rest of my hive, should I do something similar with one of my changelings, she’s aware and able to stop me if she wanted.”
-Well, I did just get spat at by the asshole who poisoned you.-
Once again, Hardy just stared, as if he didn’t understand. “Regardless, I’m going to walk around and wait for another attempt on my life and in case I’m unable to catch the would be assassin myself, I’ll have a number of my guards following discreetly.”
After Ribbon had walked me out of the castle, she had me make my way down to the market district, where she began browsing the wares displayed in the windows of several shops. Not really paying attention to any of the items and more to the ponies around us. At least until she passed a clothing store. She took a good look at the main piece of the display, a pink ball gown of all things.
-Oh my god. I swear, if you decided to shop for clothing when we should be trying to catch an assassin…-
‘I know where my priorities lay… I think you’d look good in something red, maybe in a black rose pattern?’ Ribbon glanced at some of the other pieces and continued down the road.
-Dresses are not something I’m keen on. I can see you in a robe with some fuzzy bunny slippers though.-
‘Really? I would have thought you’d be thinking of something a little more… see through.’
-Goddamnit, I’m a nymphomaniac, not a pervert!-
‘Isn’t that the same thing, though? If you’re not having it, you’re thinking about it.’
-Hey! I don't go and stare at other ponies plot devices.-
*Crack!*
-What wa- - Something impacted the back of my neck, sending a cascade of agony through my body, Ribbon held my hoof up to my neck, and it came away covered in green blood, before I begun to tip, and crashed into the ground.
-Oh fuck, I think I just got shot.-
I felt Ribbon retract control, leaving me in control of myself as I bled out, my attempt at screaming only creating a gurgling noise and causing more blood to splash out of the wound. Ponies were running away screaming, and everything was starting to get dark… The last thing I managed to see where the black forms of Ribbons guards take off...
“Shouldn't she be… awake by now?” a voice… I think it was Celestia’s, asked.
“I can still sense her through our link, faintly, but you’re right, she's gotten up a lot faster before.” Ribbon’s voice replied.
“Maybe it's because she was in a different form?” I heard Celestia say.
I groaned, before coughing. Goddamnit, was there still blood in my lungs? ...Why do I still sound like Ribbon?
I felt Ribbon wrap her hooves around me, as I cracked my eyes open. “There you are, I was worried you wouldn’t come back this time.”
“How long was-” I coughed again. “was I out?” I froze up upon realizing something didn't feel right with my wings. Looking behind me, I was surprised to see that I was still disguised as Ribbon. “Did you catch them?”
“Yes. And the guard gave him a bit of a beating too, understandably so, since he used a griffon firearm.” Ribbon chuckled bitterly.
“I still think that was unnecessary, and you shouldn’t find joy in hurting others.” I turned to see Celestia giving Ribbon a disapproving look.
“Than let's have somepony shoot Princess Luna and then you can tell me that. I don’t care if you think it was ‘unnecessary’, I won’t reprimand my guard for it.” Celestia still looked disappointed.
“That was not a pleasant experience, bleeding out.” I managed to utter, before having another coughing fit. “I think I still have some blood in my lungs or something. Did you get him to talk?”
“No, we were waiting for you.”
I coughed again. “Does he know I was acting as her body double? because I think he’ll be pretty rattled to see his target looking perfectly fine after being shot in the neck.”
“Again, no. And… I’m sorry I let go... you were in too much pain for me to focus on you.”
“No need to-” I was interrupted by another coughing fit. “Need to be sorry. I’d rather you not have to experience the sensation of bleeding out.”
“Are you sure you’re ok, you’re coughing an awfully lot.” I looked over at Celestia, the concern was written clearly on her face.
“Like I said, there might be a bit of blood still in my lungs. Let's just get this over with so I can go back to the hive and curl up with RIbbon.”
Sitting on the other side of a one way mirror, was the pony that shot me. The unicorn was, at the moment, trying to break the chain linking his hind leg to the table, to no success. His brown coat was rather badly messed up, and his grey mane and tail made him seem aged. Walking into the room, still using Ribbons form due to being unable to focus enough with my constant coughing fits to turn back, I stared into his eyes, waiting for a response. He stopped trying to break the chain, and turned to sneer at me, before his eyes went wide.
“Surprised to see me?” I asked, smirking.
“You... I... B-but.” He stammered, unable to make a full sentence in his shock.
“It hurt, you know. Do you have any idea how it feels to bleed out, unable to scream for help as blood fills your lungs?” His ears folded back at my comment.
I started coughing again, why can’t I just get the blood out of my lungs yet? My coughing seemed to have snapped him out of his daze. “But I-i thought I… With, with the firearm and… H-how are y-you still… here?”
“I-” I suddenly began coughing, a lot harder than before. And this time, I couldn't get myself to stop,until something expelled itself from my lungs, and shot out my mouth before clattering across the table. “Oh god that feels better.” Opening my eyes, I saw that it was half a musket round. “Now as I was saying, I just got back up.”
“My Celestia! What kills you demons!”
“See, that's the wrong question, what you should be asking, is what keeps me dead.” I said, before dissolving into miasma, and reforming into my normal form… Okay, I may have exaggerated the fangs.
“I’ll tell you anything I know, just don’t eat me! Meeting places, names, anything!”
“That’s more like it.”
“Did you see the look on his face when I told him ‘I just got back up’?”
“Not the time, Chi. So this… Crystal Summon is the mastermind behind this?” Ribbon reprimanded me.
“Raised Pitch seems to be their recruiter.”
“What about when I coughed up the bullet?”
The two seemed to ignore me and continued. “On top of that, we have Tough Hide, Closed Eyes, and Yielding ‘Hammer’ Rock. Interesting nickname.”
“You ponies and your weird ass names.” Ribbon, Celestia, and Hardy looked up from the file with a weird look on there faces. “What?”
The others seem unsure what to say. Ribbon decided to speak up first. “I think maybe you shouldn’t eat so much fear.”
I felt my ears fold back, before I whined. “But it was so gooood!” I rested my head on the table and gave my best attempt at a sad face, but it didn't faze either of them.
“Chitsuki? you’re acting like my sister when she first tasted coffee.” Celestia said in a deadpan tone.
“I don’t see the problem.”
“You’re acting delirious, even I know when I’ve had enough.”
“How do you know that? do you start puking rainbows?” I said in a singsong voice.
“No. It’s like drinking, I know my limit.”
Before she could react, I pulled her into a hug, making an almost purr like noise. “Your so cuddly!”
“I will never get how you find chiten cuddly, but I’m not going to question it.” I moaned in reply. “I bet you’re an ‘I love you’ drunk.”
“...Are you a wizard?”
“No… just a changeling...” There was a good long moment of silence before anyone spoke up. “So who should lead the raid on this warehouse?” Ribbon, directing her question at Celestia.
“Ohhhhh, a raid?” I said with childlike curiosity, still holding onto Ribbon like a life size plushie.
“Shhh, the adults are talking.”
“I am an adult.”
“Then get a job and prove it.” Ribbon said in a joking manner.
“I do, I keep you fed.”
“Oh, so hanging out with me is a job?”
“Hey, it's not like anyone would hire me, with how I look and how quirky I am… Okay, Maybe Pinkie, but I can't bake worth a damn.”
“Shapeshifting. I know you can, I saw you turn into a T-rex once.”
“And barely lasted five minutes before burning through my entire supply of magic, and how would that get me a job, anyway?”
“Really? Cause you held my form for nearly an entire day.”
“Do you think that additional mass come from nowhere? Your actually slightly smaller then me, so I didnt even feel any drain.”
“Exactly my point.”
“What are you getting at?”
“You’re not very smart when you’re drunk. You can turn into me for, probably, days at a time. So, you can turn into anypony for days at a time.”
“I still don't get it.”
“Ok. Chi? Why don’t you go see Cloak, I bet she’d love to hang out with you.”
“But she's not you… and she's not cuddly.”
“I don’t care, I have work to do. Go find Cloak, I’ll tell her to have a bunch of cookies ready for you.”
“Did you say… Cookies?” Ribbon nodded her head and I took off to find Cloak. Screaming the ‘Cookies’ as loud as I could.
“THE COOKIES!” I shouted as I burst into the room Cloak was in, still feeling like a three year old on a sugar high.
“AHHH!!”
*Meanwhile, somewhere else.*
In a darkened room lit only by a few spares candles and the fireplace, a lone figure sat with a few papers on his desk and glass of wine, patiently biding his time.
Another figure entered, quickly in respect bowing before it.
“What news do you bring of our latest attempt? I put a lot of work into those assassins, and yet they fail to stomp out that meddling insect, and by proxy, that accursed black magic wielding alicorn.”
“He succeeded, sir, but was caught in the process.”
“Then it is time to begin the next phase, Inform the others that we’ll to move ahead with the plans.”
Waking up, Everything felt sluggish, and looked green. It took a few minutes for my brain to register what what happening before alarm overtook me. Why was I in a pod!? I looked around, and slowly realized that the walls of the pod where thicker than normal, leaving me unable to see anything outside.
-Ribbon!?-
‘I’m here. How do you feel?’
-I just woke up inside a pod!-
‘Yeah… You’re not allowed to eat so much fear. Cloak was going to make those cookies but you wouldn’t really let her make them, so she got one of hunters to sedate you and get you out of her mane. On the plus side, you’ll have a mountain of cookies when you get out.’
-Better not be chocolate chip…. Where are you, anyway? I can't see through this thing.-
‘In my workshop. I’ll come get you.’
I waited, not really able to do much else, until after a while, a horn penetrated the membrane of the pod, and sliced it open, before Ribbon reached in and pulled me out onto the floor. I coughed out the slime from the pod that I had been breathing. “Cookie?” I glanced up at the offered plate, they looked like they were solid chocolate.
I tried one, and damn, that was good! “Ohhhh, that's goood.” I then blushed. “...Just how much of an pain was I hyped up on all that fear?”
“You wouldn't shut up, and you kept hugging cloak every time she moved a muscle. Apparently it took several bites to put you down.”
“Okay, I made a big nuisance of myself.” I looked behind me, trying to see if there were any marks from getting bitten by the Hunter. I didn’t see any. “I don't see any bite marks…”
“We wouldn't be very stealthy if we did.”
“It could have been worse. I could have tried to drag you back here for a round of ‘death by snu-snu’.” I tried to keep a straight face while saying that.
“I don’t think you’d have the attention span needed for that.”
“You’re probably right. So, has that raid happened yet?”
“It should be happening later today. Captain Hardy said he’d handle things.”
“So… What are you going to do now? Everypony thinks you're dead… Aw shit.”
“Then let them think I’m dead. I’ll lock down the hive and put up more patrols and expand the current guard.”
“You do realize I have to lay low too. because if they know about how you keep me alive, and see me around…”
“Right.” Ribbon looked around the room, bored. “I’m going to go play with my potions set, want to join me?”
“Sure, as long as you don't make me trip balls again.”
“Yeah, no more weird potions. It looked traumatizing.” Ribbon got up to walk to the door.
“No kidding. Uh...Ribbon?” Trying to bring the strange box in our room to Ribbons attention.
Ribbon walks past it as if it’s not there. ‘Ignore it. Play dumb.’
-Why?-
‘Don’t worry about it, she’ll probably follow us.’
-Oh. shes trying to be sneaky again.- I hummed to myself and quickly followed after Ribbon.
Sure enough, I caught the box moving at the edge of my vision.
-we really need to get her something to entertain herself with.-
‘I was thinking that. what should we get her?’
-A plushie maybe?-
‘Of who, though.’
-Why not a ‘mini me’?-
‘I’ll have to ask Rarity some time.’
-But, everyone thinks you're dead!-
‘Well, obviously not now!’
-Just send a drone or something.-
‘I don’t need to, that’s what the mail is for.’
“Oh right. isn't she do for another molt?” I caught sight of the little box that was still following us.
“Probably. I should have one too, get rid of all these nasty scars and lines.”
“I don't mind either way.”
“Really? Because you sure seemed to like the ones that you gave me.”
“We can alway fix it afterwards.” Ribbon smiled at my comment and we were coming up the the door to her potions lab. “What do you have planned this time, anyway?”
“Same as last time. I want to copy Twilight’s ‘soul sight’ with a combination of magic and potions. If Twilight can see the past, I don’t see why I can’t see somepony’s soul!” Ribbon entered first followed by me and then the box. “Hello Loveless, ready to give the soul sight potion another go?”
“Sure. Twilight sent more samples of her miasma and I brought some of the crystals she made up here as well.”
“I swear, if I start tripping out again…”
“Don’t worry. I have somepony else I can test on. Loveless, can you get me the poison joke, bitterroot, and the miasma to start with.”
“Oh thank god, I’m not the lab rat this time…” out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Mirage trying to reach for the bottled poison joke. Thankfully Chrysalis got to it before she could get it. How the hell has Chrysalis not noticed a cardboard box having seemingly appear out of nowhere?
-Uhhhh, Ribbon? Mirage was trying to grab some of the poison joke.-
‘Well that’s no good.’ I watched as Ribbon walked over to the box and lifted it up with her magic, she was gone… Ribbon rolled the box over onto it’s side, displaying the little nymph clinging to the top, causing Mirage to make a surprised squeak.
“When did she get here?” Chrysalis asked in confusion, having somehow been completely obvious to a box creeping into the lab in the first place.
“She hid in that box.”
Chrysalis glared at me. “I can see that. When did she come into the room?”
“About the same time as us. She's been following us everywhere.”
“You knew!?” Mirage said in surprise. “But I was being sneaky sneaky!”
“Only reason I knew was because I knew how well a cardboard box works… and your horn was sticking out of the top.”
“Regardless, poison joke is not to be messed with. What were you going to do with it anyway?”
“I didn’t even know what it was. What does it do?”
“Well… I don’t know, it’s different every time. The last, and only, time I touched it and learned about it, my chitin turned white.”
“Damn, that must have happened before we met. how much trouble did that cause?”
“None, but it was embarrassing. Loveless, go ahead and grind up the poison joke and leave the bitterroot by the extracter. And you.” Ribbon giving her full attention to Mirage, who suddenly sat up strait. “Go to your room, you should know better then to take random things from a laboratory.”
“Awww...” Mirage hung her head and slowly left the room.
“Jeez, I think you frightened her a little.”
“Isn’t that supposed to happen when you get scolded?” Ribbon said, walking over to what I assume is the extracter.
“Yeah, but she didn't know any better, it just seemed a little over the top…. My god, where bickering like an old married couple!”
“We are? Then what happened to my ring?” Ribbon said as she turned away from the bitterroot as it was crushed to look at me.
“Funny.”
*Attempt number one*
Once the potion was finished it came time to convince Chrysalis to drink it. “I’m not drinking it! Make Chitsuki drink it like last time!” Chrysalis was very persistent.
“I already told her she didn’t have to drink it this time. It won’t kill you.”
“Then you drink it!”
“... You can either take it from me, or I’ll let Chi give it to you.” Chrysalis glanced at me and I smiled at her, telling her that I liked that idea.
“Give me the bottle.” Chrysalis snatched the potion from Ribbon and drank the whole thing. A few seconds later, her eyes went big and her breathing slowed way down.
“Uh, you okay?” I poked and she wobbled a bit. Nothing. I gave her a light shove and she toppled over. Still nothing.
“We should probably keep an eye on her.” I nodded in agreement.
*an hour later*
After the first half hour, after Chrysalis took the potion, she just sort of fell asleep. Now she was up and still a bit groggy. “So how do you feel?” Ribbon asked.
“Weird.”
“Can you be a bit more specific?”
“Everything was echoy and slow, I couldn’t move and felt like I was sitting there for for hour. Then I was on my side for the longest time. I tried to go to sleep but I couldn’t, apparently I did, eventually. How long has it been?”
Both me and Ribbon looked awkwardly at each other before I told Chrysalis. “It’s only been about an hour.”
“But, I felt like it’s been a month!” Chrysalis yelled in disbelief.
“Yeesh, that must have sucked.”
“You have… no idea.”
*Attempt number two*
*BLUUUGGGHHH* “Ugh, why does my throat burn!” Ribbon yelled in pain, her voice sounded like gravel.
*Attempt number three*
“Ok, this is the first potion we made, the one that Chi drank. This was probably the closest we got to getting it right.” Ribbon and Chrysalis stared at the little bottle in hope.
“We can probably dilute it and see if perhaps a weaker reaction will give better results. We’ll start with 1 to 100 mixture and go from there based on the reaction.” Chrysalis a few drops and put them in a different veil with water and hesitantly downed the bottle, before making a gagging sound. “Gah! this taste disgusting!”
“Tell me about it. at least you're getting the diluted version…” I said rather bitterly.
Chrysalis shot me a glare. “And at least you weren't offered as a sacrifice to someone's hallucination.” She paused, looking confused. “Why is everything all fuzzy?”
“I thought it was going to eat me!” I exclaimed defensively.
“What do you mean by ‘fuzzy’?” Ribbon asked worriedly.
“I mean everything is blurry.”
“Well, it's better then last time.”
“Agreed. Alright, if a 1 to 100 mix was to weak I’ll try a 1 to 50 mixture.” This time, Ribbon took several drops of the discolored potion and mixed it in water, before downing it quickly. “Ok, it’s not real. Remember it’s not real.” Ribbon begun muttering to herself that it’s just a hallucination before opening her eyes. “I think a 1 to 40 mixture is what we need. But it’s not quite right. Maybe more of the miasma?”
“Maybe more of the crystals? Charged with Twilight’s magic instead of your or mine. What do you see? I’m still blurry.”
“Very colorful, blurry things. We’ll also drop the blood crown mushrooms. That might be what’s causing the hallucinations.” Ribbon paused, before sighing. “Of course she complains about that after I send her to her room. Mirage is itchy.”
“Oh. Shes ready to molt, isnt she? Weren't you planning on molting too?”
“Yeah, I wanted to get rid of my scars.”
“Do you need me to walk you to a pod? you said everything was colorful and fuzzy.”
“I’d appreciate that, thanks. I’d probably be stumbling all around the hive looking for the pod storage.” walking over to her, I draped a wing over her side.
“Okay, just walk with me.” Ribbon and I walked around the table and nearly tripped on the box Mirage used to ‘sneak’ in. I pushed it out of the way.
After guiding Ribbon to the pod storage area, I let her slip into a pod. “I’ll be out by tomorrow, all shiny and new.” Ribbon gave me a smile and settled into the pod as it resealed itself. I walked around to see a few others in their own pod, including Mirage who was already in hers.
With not much to do. I decided to go into my shadow and play around with the abyssal essence and improve my control over it. I wanted to be able to make it as hard as a rock and stay that way.
this is why you dont leave me alone when im bored.
Emerging from my shadow, I was just in time to see Ribbon beginning to stir inside her pod. It wasn’t long until Mirage poked her horn through the material and drew my attention. Ribbon would follow soon after her. Once Mirage managed to escape the pod she started shivering. I pulled her into a hug and wrapped a wing around her, feeling her shivering lessening. Once she was warmer, I cleaned the goo from the pod off us with my magic. Once I was done, I felt her burrow herself into my coat, trying to warm up further.
“Feel better now?”
“Yeah.”
“Why don't you go to your room or find someling to play with? I have a private surprise I want to show Ribbon.” I said as I patted Mirage on the forehead. She nodded and walked off, probably still a bit tired. Once she was gone, I dived back into my shadow to retrieve something.
Emerging once more, I glanced at smooth, shiny black ‘skin’ I had added to the keeper from, pleased to see that I wasn't tracking bits of myself from my hooves now. If I could have right now, i would have grinned when I saw ribbon stirring and extracting herself from her pod. After she plopped to the floor, and wiped the gunk from her eyes and the rest of her body, which had lost it blue tint from before, though her eyes were the same color as she stared at me.
“Uhhh… Chi?”
-It’s me.- after a moment I didn’t get a response, Ribbon was starting to look worried. -I said, It’s me in here.-
“C-chi, why aren't you talking?” Why can’t she hear me? Was it something I did to the helm?
I nodded, before extending a tendril from myself and wrapping it around her barrel, before lifting her and placing her on my back. Her chiten had a bit of extra give to it, still being soft from molting. “You’re not sticky anymore. Were you practicing with your control?” I noded again, before taking the both of us into my shadow. Ribbon clung to me, not wanting to be left floating around again. “If you’ve been practicing with the Keepers helm, does that mean the Keeper isn’t sticky any more?” I turned my head to face her, before letting her hind legs sink though my ‘skin’ and stick to the abyssal beneath it for a few moments, before pushing them back out. “That’s cool.” She started poking and prodding at my shoulders. “It’s like a skin, but it’s far too smooth and you can will it away.” Ribbon got a worried look again.
‘Chi, why aren’t you talking still?’ I held a hoof to where my lips would be, hoping she would get that I apparently can’t like this. I’ll need to fix that little glitch later. ‘Did you just shush me?’ I nodded… again. Forming a tendril, I placed the tip of it on ribbons forehead, before moving it over to mine, and then holding the tendril against where my mouth would be, making a few bubbles in what I knew was a futile attempt to speak. “You can’t talk at all now? Even through our link?” I bobbed my head up and down in confirmation. “Oh. What is it that you wanted to show me?” Holding the tendril in front of her, I let the tip solidify and fall off into her hoof. I could see the island now, and begun descending as ribbon stared at the piece of hardened abyssal in her hoof. “You made a rock? Does that mean the island is solid!” I nodded as she made the connection, patting her on the head with a tendril. It wasn't until we got rather close that she noticed the trees, which, unfortunately, I still hadn't been able to get any color into, but otherwise, looked pretty damn realistic. Once I landed, I set Ribbon down and watched as she stared at the ground in fascination.
“It feels real, not like the wet goop, it actually feels like sand!” I watched, slightly amused, as she dug at the ground before moving inland where the new grass is. She played with the grass and admired the tree’s as we got closer to the cabin. When we finally reached it, Ribbon walked around the perimeter of it, looking confused. “There's no door. why is there no door?”
Walking up to the wall, I simply walked into it, feeling myself become part of the abyssal essence composing it, before reaching out with a tendril and grabbing Ribbon, pulling her through it and depositing her in the actual cabin. She quickly inspected herself. “None of the wall got on me. You’re getting much better. Now if only you could give that form some eyes and a mouth.” I shrugged my shoulders, before motioning towards a large beanbag for Ribbon to sit in, as I walked over to a table, I shivered a little as I felt the transformation reverse when I removed the helm.
“Wow, you never realize just how much you talk until you’re unable to.” I fiddled with the helm to try and fix this little glitch.
“I’m sure, I felt like talking to a wall half the time.”
“I’m guessing you’re wondering why there was no door?”
“Yeah, how come? I get you that don’t want anyone coming in here, but it seems a little redundant, considering where it is.”
“You're right, i'm probably paranoid, but i couldn't stop thinking about what i'd do if something i made became self aware and murderous. Hence, here. The island is actually just a gateway, where we are now is somewhere else entirely. by the way, enjoying your beanbag?” I said with a mischievous grin.
“Yes…” Her eyes widened in realization and she tried to get up. Her struggling only made it worse as she sank into the beanbag. When she finally stopped, her lower half disappeared and she looked rather annoyed. “And my butt has touch the floor, great. I have wiggled my way all the way through the beanbag.” I giggled, and with a little bit of focus, the beanbag got bigger. Ribbon groaned as it encompassed everything below her jawline, before I reached in and pulled her out, giggling as it some of it stuck to her like a catsuit.
“Well don’t you look sexy? Now then, you wanna go first?” I said as I levitated the helm in front of her.
“Yes, because other wise I’d be too tired or unconscious. You nymphomaniac.”
I chuckled as Ribbon looked herself over, seemingly mesmerized by the changes since the last time she had done this. That lasted for only a few moments before several tendril grabbed me, and shoved me headfirst into the beanbag.
-okay, well played.- I told her as I fruitlessly tried to pull my head out, only getting my forehooves stuck as well. A sudden stinging sensation on my flank caused me to freeze up, unable to see or hear what was happening from my current position. Another sting across my fnak happened, then another, and another. Was she whipping me?! I redoubled my efforts to escape, only getting myself even further stuck. Ribbon refused to let up, so I stopped trying to pull myself out, and pushed myself into it until my hind legs could no longer grip the ground, at which point Ribbon grabbed them, coiling a tendril around each of them,and slowly pulling me out, the abyssal the beanbag was made from clinging to me like it had to her when she used it. That didn't last for long before I felt myself being held upside down, and the ooze covering my bottom peeling away, before Ribbon resumed whipping me, while tracing a tendril round the entrance to my nethers. all I could do was moan and thrash about as she did so.
After what felt like few hours to me, I felt myself being reorientated into an upright position, a tendril or tow wrapping around my barrel as the ones holding hindlegs let go, before I felt my bottom being pressed against something sticky. I felt tendrils wrap around my forelegs, and pull them behind my back, into what i presumed was part of her judging by the sticky feeling. I rather quickly felt something rubbing against the lip of my marehood, not quite making it in, but still causing me qutie a bit of pleasure, while something thicker then a tendril wrapped around my chest. Only then did whatever was teasing me finally begin creeping inside me, causing me to to squirm and moan louder, my attempts only earning me a squeeze. Once whatever part of it was entering me bottomed out, it slowly began sliding back out, while something else gripped my clit, tugging on it and causing me to make a muffled scream.
A faint feeling of being sucked down caused me to realize that the pressure had spread from just my wings and forelegs to the whole of my back, and wings, before another tug of my clit caused me to scream again in pleasure. this slow paced fucking continued, the pressure beginning to encompass me, until I could feel it coming from every direction over every inch of my body. I felt my legs being forced to move, until I was standing, and marched somewhere, before slowly laying down, where I could feel my wings being gently massaged by something, and something else applying pressure up and down my horn, causing me to whimper. That was it, just the sensation of being fucked, no further movement, no changes to how, just me and the sensations as every sensitive part of me was slowly and mercilessly massaged.
-Ri-ribbon! i'm c-cumming!- An orgasm washed through me, causeing me to twitch inside her, yet she didn't move or acknowledge me in the slightest, the slow fucking continuing heedless of my state.
*Unknown time later*
I felt myself shifting, and the ooze begun to peel away from my face, allowing me to to suck in some fresh air, replacing the depleted and stale air that had been in my lunges for… who knows how long., and blink the spots away after being in the dark so long. Looking behind me, I saw myself being expelled from ribbons body, and she was laying on the beanbag, not sticking to it due to being made of the same substance currently. Once I had been fully expelled, Ribbon took the opportunity get off the beanbag and remove the helm, practically shoving it into my hooves. “I hate these new changes, you need to fix ‘em. I’m used to holding back a climax sometimes, but that was ridiculous!” She said, much to my confusion. “I can feel pleasure, but I can’t cum! That sucks, especially when I’m the one doing the bucking! It’s maddening! Now buck me, buck me hard!”
“Allright, allright! Calm your tittys!” I said before taking a moment to stretch, and then slipping the helm over my head. the transformation was a lot quicker now, completing in nearly the blink of an eye.
“And don’t you dare be gentle.” I quickly wrapped a tendril around her mouth, cutting her off as a fused the coils of it together, and retraced what was not touching her fur, leaving a makeshift muzzle on her snout, before tilting my head, as if trying to tell her, ‘you were saying?’. ‘Come on, you can do better. Slam me into the walls, ram me until I’m sore, break me!’ She was bouncing on her front hooves a little, sounding desperate. Instead, I made three tendrils, one of which had a bulb near the end. I plunged the first one into her marehood, listening to her squeal, before removing the muzzle with the second, the bulb on the third one opened up like a flower, the tendril sticking out of it looking rather phallic, as i held it in front of her face. She obediently opened her mouth, blushing a little in what I assumed was anticipation, before slid the tendril in, utile the flower reached her lips, where I closed it over her snout, two small openings allowing air to reach her nostrils, before pushing the rest of the air out and fusing the petals together.
She greedily sucked on the ‘flowers’ phallus, and as she did so, I moved the tendril in her nethers to mimic the movements she was causing in the tendril she was orally exploring. Ohhh that feels good. Now I know what she wa talking about, it actually feels like she was sucking me off! Getting ahold of myself, I lifted her into the air by those two tendrils, holding her aloft. She moaned, a bit of her fluid dripping onto my head. When I felt her stop sucking, I stopped moving the tendril in her nethers, causing her to moan and squirm, clearly upset.
Forming several more bulbed tendrils, I held one in front of her face, opening it, and letting her see there was no phallic tendril inside this one, just several well positioned nubs, before closing it round her horn and fusing the petals together, the nubs fitting snugly inside the holes of her horn. I wiggled the phallic tendril in her mouth, trying to elicit a response. She soon began sucking again, only this time I wiggled the nubs instead of moving the tendril. It took a few try, as every time she approached climax, she stopped sucking, causing me to stop pleasing her and leaving her hanging, but she eventually managed to achieve orgasm, bucking as it traveled through her.
When she finished, I opened the other bulbed and closed he tendrils around her hooves, fusing the petals together and detaching the actual tendrils from them, before sending a lump of abyssal up the tendrils leading to her mouth and horn. I watched her eyes go wide as she flailed her legs and wings, making a begging moan as it reached the flowers. She whimpered and made a choked scream as it shot slick, oil like abyssal down her throat, and a thicker, stickier abyssal all over her horn. Lowering her to the floor, I watched as she squirmed a little upon putting weight on her hooves, the nubs in her new ‘boots’ rubbing against the edges of her hoof holes. Slowly opening the ‘flower’ tendril clamped over her mouth, I pulled it free, sliding the phallic tip out, but not pulling the tendril back into me.
“Come on, where’s the brutal bucking I asked for?” say said between pants. She froze up when she felt the tip of the tendril inside her marehood start swelling, before looking back at it. she never noticed, the second, more slender tendril winding up the main one, before gently brushing against her clit, causing her to moan slightly. “D-don’t tease me.” I wiggled the tendril with the phallic flower just beyond her reach, gently brushing against her clit again, making her moan further. She shifted weight from hoof to hoof, moaning as the nubs stimulated the sensitive areas of her hoof holes, breathing heavily as she did so, and dripping on the ground. “P-please. I want it, I need it!” I just continued to brush against her clit, feeling the tendril beginning to press against her insides, before letting the, now bigger, flower tendril droop low enough that it was in front of her face.
She stared at it, opening her mouth and trying to reach for it with her tongue, I let it move just close enough for her to wrap her tongue around the head of it, and try to pull it in. When she had pulled it all the way in, I begun to slowly close the petals over her face and head, before fusing them together, and shivering a little bit as I felt her start sucking again, this time putting her tongue to work too. After letting her do that for a few moments, I sent a mass of abyssal down the tendril. She made a choked scream when it reached her mouth and was squirted down the back of her throat. ‘That’s not what I meant by ‘rough’.’ All her remark earned her was another spray of abyssal down her throat. ‘You suck.’ Seeing as she wasn't learning, She got yet another spray of slick abyssal. I noticed her belly was starting to stick out a little, and began rubbing it with a tendril.
I soon began pulling her forward by tugging on the tendril that was still attached to her horn, making her moan with each step. I lead her towards the cabins bedroom. Once we were there, I grabbed her, lifted her into the bed, and hugged her, fusing my forelegs to my body in the process, and begun moving the tendril in her marehood. She almost immediately started screaming, before I began slowly pulling her into myself. I gently patted her head with a tendril, continuing to slowly fuck her until I had absorbed her up to just below her jawline, where I peeled away the flower and pulled it just of her reach, leaning my head down and nuzzling her cheek. “P-please, I-i’ll give you another go if you buck me real hard, real fast! Please?” I begun picking up the pace, clamping the flower tendril back over her mouth, first pushing her head up and making her mane stick, then pulling it down as I violated her thoroughly, making her moan happily. I begun pleasureing her horn, hooves, and her clit as well, plowing into her all the while. within a few minutes, she started to twitch.
‘I-i'm c-cumming!’ I didn't let up, continuing to pleasure her, before her screaming petered out. Lifting up a petal to examine her, I confirmed that I had indeed fucked her unconscious, before closing the petal again, letting myself get comfortable, but still slowly stimulating her body. She groaned and twitched a little as I did so.
Ribbon begun to try to move a bit more forcefully, signifying she was awake. ’C-can you get that f-flower off my face?’ I slowly peeled it away, alongside the one on her horn, before leaning down and nuzzling her again. “Ohhhhh, A-are you still going at it?” Ribbon looked around the room. “W-when did we move to the bedroom?” Instead of an answer, I just continued my very slow fuck from before. She whimpered, realizing I wasn't done yet, before I pushed her out of me, leaving her coated in abyssal that continued the slow fuck, as well as a thick strand of abyssal attached to her neck connecting her to me. “Y-you’ve certainly taken to the r-role of being on top.” I nodded, before removing the helmet, and chucking at Ribbons predicament, the abyssal leash in my forehoof.
“Enjoying it?” I said as I gently pushed her onto her back, rubbing her nether region with my hoof, even as the abyssal continued to slowly fuck her.
“V-very.” She gasp as the abyssal touched a sweet spot.
“Good.” I replied, grinning. “Because you going to keep enjoying it until I’ve decided you’ve had enough.” As I said that, I pressed a little more firmly on her nethers as I rubbed them. “And I don’t think I’m going to get tired of how sexy you look right now anytime soon.” As I spoke, the tendril inside her nethers begun to expand, until it was pressing against her inner walls, and became covered in small nubs, causing every moment of her lower torso to bring her pleasure. She squirmed a bit at the sudden pressure inside of her, moaning happily at how filled she felt. Her cheeks had lit up a brilliant emerald, and her breathing was getting a little heavy. “Getting worked up already?”
“Y-you’re getting too good at this. That’s n-not fair.”
“All's fair in love and war.”
“Then I-i guess I’m going to need and get cloak more comfortable if I’m ever going to see you get fucked unconscious.”
I gave her nethers a much firmer rub, causing her to moan lustfully, before smirking. “What's that? you want me to parade you around like this?”
“J-just do whatever you want to me, just m-make it go faster.”
“You're going to have to earn that.” She whimpered as the abyssal crawled further up her neck, until it had crept past her lips and into her mouth, coating the inside of it, and pinning her tongue to the floor of her mouth. She never noticed me forming an abyssal cock, until I pushed her face down so she was eye level with it, but it was just out of reach. She made a pleading noise, straining her neck trying to reach it. “You look, and sound, so precious like this.”
Listening to make pleading whimpers, I eventually shoved the abyssal member into her maw, feeling the smoothness of the abyssal coating the inside of her mouth, and feeling her tongue squirming against the black ooze pinning it down. As she slid herself up to the base, I giggled. She made a panicked whimper when she found herself stuck fast, unable to pull away. “You're going to keep sucking until I’ve decided you've done enough.” I watched as she begun trying to rub her nethers, before making confused moan when she didn't feel the slightest sensation from it. “Oh, you poor thing, you're not going to cum until I let you cum, you're not even going to be able to feel any pleasure without my permission.” I slowly slid my member out, and pushed it back in, giggling as her attempts to move along its length were unsuccessful. her struggling, however, was getting me worked up a little. Giggling, I held ribbons face in my forehooves, gently moving her head up and down my shaft, moaning as she sucked on it. At least, until she suddenly went stiff, and then relaxed as she made a relieved moan.
“Did you just cum, without my permission?” I said angrily as I repositioned her onto her stomach, my member still firmly in her mouth, as she looked up at me pleadingly. “You do realize, that I’m going to have to punish you now?” As I said that, the abyssal begun to creep further up her face, until it had covered her entire head, horn included, the only opening there was for her to breath through her nose. -And if you try to get off a second time, well, you’ll be spending even more time at my mercy… you filthy bitch.-
Once more, I held her head in my forehooves, pushing her down my shaft until she bottomed out, and let her stick there. ‘I’m sorry, I’ll do as you say!’
-Did I say you could speak?- I replied as I made the tendril slowly edging her thrust into her roughly, before making a second one snake its way into her rear. All her moaning was enough to push me over the edge, causing me to cum inside her mouth until the abyssal spray started to dribble down her chin, causing to unsuccessfully try to pull back, only to find herself still firmly stuck to my member, causing her to moan in protest. She then found her tongue freed from the abyssal, as I commanded her. -Now clean up the mess you made.-
She moaned in protest, but complied, licking the abbysal seamen off my memeber, causing me to huff and moan at the sensation, until she finished, and I allowed her to finally pull away. -You may speak now.-
‘C-can I cum a-again, Mistress?’ The nerve to ask me that after she just came.
-I’m not sure if you should,- I made the abyssal in her hooves vibrate for a moment making her gasp. -Maybe you haven’t earned it yet? Especially since you had the gall to cum in the first place without my permission. plus, I said you may speak, not talk through the link.-
“I can make you feel good again, then maybe you’ll be kind to me?”
-I know you’ll make me feel good, because you belong to me.- I said as I gave her leash a pull. in response, she approached me and nuzzled my chest, before feeling her way up to my face, and then forehead, where she wrapped her tongue around my horn. hen she did that, the abyssal pulled her mouth shut, and she found she couldn't open it, nor pull her tongue back into her mouth.
-You started it, so finish it.- In response, Ribbon extended her tongue out as far as she could, before coiling it around my horn, lining it up with the grooves, causing me to moan at the immense pleasure from the contact alone. Then, she began sliding it up and down, causing me to shudder as I felt myself rapidly approaching a climax, before she slowed down considerably, now slowly edging me towards orgasm.
“A-ahhh… C-cmon… D-dont sl-slow down...” I panted, feeling myself tense up as I edged even closer. I began fondling her nethers with my hoof, causing her to moan, and speed up a little. “O-oh f-fuck… I-im cu-” I moaned loudly, and lustfully, as my body locked up as the fires of my orgasm raced through me, and sparks of magic spurted from my horn, before I slumped back against the bed. RIbbon, however, did not let up, and moved with me, clambering on top of me, keeping her tongue firmly wrapped around my horn, while feeling my sides with her hooves, and eventually pushed my wings away from my body, before sliding her hooves across the membrane, causing me to moan loudly.
As she continued to stimulate me, I eventually felt her trying to grind against me, her smooth crotch sliding against my marehood, causing me to moan even louder, and begin to pant heavily. She just refused to let up, stimulating me as many ways as she could think of at once, before I finally screamed in ecstasy as I came yet again.
Being the first to recover, I made an offer. -I can’t imagine how badly you want release by now…- She nodded vigorously, he tongue flopping about. -Well, I think I'll let you… but there's a catch.- She tilted her head and made a small moan. -If I let you cum, I’m going to be taking my pet for a walk around the hive.- She seemed to think about it, before nodding. The bits of abyssal intruding upon her rear orifices sped up, causing her collapse and moan lustfully, even as I held her against my chest, and gently massaged her nethers with my free hoof. She jerked as she felt her hooves and horn beginning to be stimulated by the abyssal, leaving her panting through her nose as everything continued to build, until she was right at the apex, where it held her for a few moments, before I leaned my head down and gently nibbled on her ear, the simple act being enough to push her over the edge. her body convulsed at the amount of bliss flowing through her, before she slumped in my grip, breathing heavily through her nose as she tried to regain her breath. I let the abyssal recede from around her mouth, allowing her to breath easier.
-I’ll bring us to our room. Don’t want anyone seeing you before your presentable.-
After steering my shadow to our room, I emerged, and helped Ribbon out, before allowing the abyssal covering her head to recede entirely, and also recede halfway down her neck. “Now then, let’s start getting you ready.” I said as I started digging through the box of our ‘toys’.
“A-are you going to do the same thing I did to you when we went looking for cloak and give her, her ‘invite’, Mistress?” Ribbon managed to say while trying to catch her breath.
“No, I’m not using you as an example.” I said, before managing to dig out the shock collar. Walking over to her, I made sure it was firmly secured around her neck, before the abyssal moved further up, covering it.
“And the collar, Mistress?”
“Well, I want you to make some sounds… namely purring, whimpering, and growling. Try to make any others while I'm walking you and I'll zap you. And no, you don't have to actually start doing that until I actually take you for your walk.”
“Ok, where are we going?”
“Oh, just around the hive…” I giggled. “Maybe try and find Cloak.” as I was saying that, I pulled some abyssal from my shadow, forming it into a moderately long, and rather thin, tail, that ended with a spade like tip, Which I then attached to Ribbon.
“Making a new keeper, Mistress?”
“No, not really. If I was, I wouldn't really be focusing on looks.” I remarked, before holding up her forehoof, and making some claws, albit dull and non opposable, before repeating the process with her other foreleg, and then moving on to her hind legs, albit making smaller claws this time. After that, I pulled forth more abyssal, and shaped into batlike wings, sticking them to her sides, where the abyssal ‘oozed’ just enough to make them blend in perfectly, making it see like they weren't there. “anything to say before I start working on your mouth?”
“I look scary?”
“Not scary enough, but I’ll fix that.” I said, before the abyssal crawled up her neck, working its way into her maw, coating the inside and pinning her tongue, before creating a second layer of abyssal in her mouth, this one rather slimy and sticky, that would leave abyssal stuck to whatever got her mouth. I begun to make some changes, making abyssal fangs in her mouth, and ensuring they weren't long enough to cause her discomfort when she shut her mouth, before pulling forth a bit more, and shaping it into what basically amounted to a slightly thicker, black, slimy tongue, and used magic to anchor it in place inside her mouth, before holding it shut as i smeared a bit more abyssal across her lips, making it seem like she had no mouth.
“Right, almost forgot.” Holding her wings open, and allowing her to see several strands of tar like abyssal connecting them to her body, I attached some abyssal tendrils to her sides, two per side, one sticky, the other smooth, and allowed the strands to pull her wings closed, where they once more seemed to disappear. “Okay, you can go look at yourself in the mirror now.” Ribbon immediately walked around so that she could see herself in the mirror. She spread her abyssal wings to their full length, looking especially interested in the strands off abyssal, and probably feeling the slight pull of them trying to pull her wings shut. She eventually did, looking pleased that the strands actually pulled them shut for her. She looked at her face, frowning for some reason, before holding a hoof to where her lips would be, and making a small whine. I chuckled at how pathetic it sounded. “Ribbon? It only looks like it's sealed shut.” Glancing at me, she looked back at the mirror, and opened her mouth, revealing a fang filled abyss lurking behind several strands of abyssal, that almost looked like saliva, except it didn't flow down, it just connected her lower jaw to her upper jaw like pieces of slimy rubber. After a few moments, she stuck her new tongue out of her mouth, the way the abyssal forming it slowly moved making it look like it was decaying before our very eyes. She took a few moments to experiment with it, finding it just as flexible as her real tongue, before sliding it back into her mouth, and looking rather surprised when the moment she let her jaw go slack, the strands pulled it shut, before the abyssal seemed to ooze together, once more making it look like it was never there to begin with. She spent a few minutes getting the hang of talking with her new tongue, before turning to look me in the eyes.
“I like the new changes, Mistress. Very nice.” It came out rather slowly, but she managed to not mispronounce anything.
“Of course, I changed a few things so that you'd be able to speak right now, don't expect it to be so easy when your actually being walked. Now that you've gotten a good look at yourself, I can finish up, give you a little time to adjust, then take you for your walk.”
“What do you mean by finish up, Mistress?”
“I still have to do the rest of your face. Now would you prefer greenish blue or red?”
“Greenish blue, Mistress.”
“alright then!” I smiled as my horn flicked with magic for a moment, before two lump of abyssal were pulled from my shadow, dimly glowing with the color of my magic. “You should probably close your eyes for this part.” Ribbon did so, as the abyssal covered the rest of her face, before I set to work, first making the magic infused abyssal quite transparent when looked through one side, but still looking solid on the other, and then shaped them until they were slightly larger than Ribbons own eyes, while being thin enough to not be noticeable underneath a layer of normal abyssal. Temporarily move the abyssal away from her eyes, I carefully placed them over her own, the slightly larger size making sure non would get in her eyes, before the standard abyssal once more covered them up, and I modified that abyssal until it was to my liking, the portion over her eyes now serving as an eyelid.
-you can open your eyes now- I chimed over the link, before Ribbon opened her eyes, also causing the fake ones to open too, revealing solid colored eyes, a few strands of abyssal weakly trying to pull her eyelids back into the closed position.
“Everything’s blurry and hard to see.”
“I did that on purpose. when I actually take you for our walk, you will have restricted vision, when I let you see at all. and will be completely deprived of your sense of hearing, as well as be next to incapable of speech. you should be thankful you won't be getting slowly fucked, too.”
“I’m thankful for a break, Mistress.”
“Now, would you rather relax for a bit before our walk, or would you rather I apply those restrictions now so you can get used to them?”
“I think I'd like to get used to them, Mistress.”
“Very well then.” The abyssal filled in her ears, blocking out sound, before I made a few changes, strengthening the strands that pulled her mouth shut so that she wouldn't be able to both keep her mouth open and make the necessary lip movements for speech, but she could still hold them open if she didn't try to talk, and changing her abyssal tongue so that she would have difficulty making the necessary movements to speak with that, as well, before finally, her false eyelids closed on their own, and stayed shut, once more giving the illusion of an eyeless creature. She tried to open her mouth and speak, but her tongue lazily flopped about and her mouth constantly tried to pull itself shut, before I shocked her.
-Remember, no speaking, just pet noises.- I chided, before grabbing the abyssal leash coming from her neck, and walking over the the bed, pet following alongside me. Sitting myself down, I allowed her to clamber up, and then curl up in front of me, where I begun to pet her, causing her to make a purring noise as I did so.
After what felt like slightly less the half an hour, I coaxed her off me, and grabbed her leash. -time for your walk.- She nodded, before I lead her out the door… and Wendy was almost immediately upon us.
“Oooohh, what's that?”
“Ribbon being my pet.”
“Why’s she doing that?” she chimed as she held her face inches from ribbon, who had realized we had stopped walking and was busy batting at the leash.
-Ribbon. wendy's right in front of you. Why dont you give her a good face bath?- I said deviously over our link. Ribbon pounced, pinning Wendy and causing her to emit a loud ‘Eeep!’ Ribbon begun using her snout to feel for Wendys face, acting like she was sniffing her, until she found it, and just stood there, leaving her very confused.
“W-why is she looking at me like that?” Wendy asked,
“Oh, you'll see.” After a few more seconds, Ribbon slowly opened her maw, revealing multiple sharp fangs, acting like she was going in for the kill, causing Wendy to go pale… before she ran her slimy tongue across wendys face, leaving a trail of abyssal stuck to the affected area, wagging her tail like an excited puppy.
“h-hey, stop it, it's gross, and it tickles!” Wendly complained, unaware that Ribbon simply could not hear her plea for mercy, and thus continued to lick Wendys face relentlessly. After a minute or so, Ribbo finally stopped licking the poor changeling, and after putting a clawed forehoof on Wendy's chest, keeping her pinned down, began licking the back of her other forehoof like a cat.
“Seems she likes you.” I said, grinning mirthfully as I dispelled the abyssal clinging to wendy's face. Pulling gently on Ribbons leash, I made her back off wendy, and return to my side, where she began to rub her head against my leg, purring. “Now if you’ll excuse us, I was taking her for a walk.”
“Okie dokie!” Wendy sing-songed as she skipped away. Once she was out of sight, I once more begun leading my pet down the tunnels of the hive, every changeling we passed stopping to stare at my pet, until we eventually took a side tunnel.
“Ohhhh, what this then?” I recognized that voice.
“Oh, Lily! Never did get to say thanks for the…” I had to fight down a blush as I remembered how instead of describing what a changelings penis looked like, she just transformed and showed me. “A-advice.” -It’s Lily.- “But anyways, I see you like my, ‘pet’” After a few moments of Ribbon feeling the ground in front of her, and not finding anything, she slid her pair of non-sticky tendrils out from beneath her wings, causing Lily to back up as Ribbon begun using them to feel out the area around her.
“Wha-what the..?” She stammered out, as the two tendrils begun to inch closer to her.
“Don’t worry, she won’t bite.”
"I'm sure she won't, but… that's freaky..." She said, before one of ribbons tendrils brushed against her leg, and quickly wrapped around it. “EEP!” Upon grabbing her, Ribbon extended her other two, sticky, tendrils, and quickly wrapped them round Lily's barrel, also pinning her forelegs, before picking her up and holding her up to her face. She then slowly opened her mouth, strands of abyssal connecting her jaw growing taunt, allowing Lily to see the numerous fangs, causing the changeling to freeze up, before she licked her, causing me to giggle at the look on Lily's face as she started sputtering from the abyssal clinging to where my pet licked her. Soon all Lily was making was muffled noises, the abyssal having sealed her mouth shut for the moment as Ribbon switched from licking her to rubbing her head against her barrel and purring. When Ribbon was done being affection to Lily, I took a moment to dispel the abyssal that was the result of Ribbon giving Lily a face bath, at which point Lily politely bid farewell rather quickly walked off, not wanting to get involved in further shenanigans.
After a few moments, I finally allowed Ribbon to open her eyes, and gave her a simple order.
-Now why dont you lead me back to our bedroom?-
After being led by my pet back to our room, I lead her inside, and after shutting the door behind me.
The abyssal soon peeled away from Ribbons body, as I did my best to make sure that that form was ‘remembered’, before I hefted ribbon into bed with me and cuddled her.
"Chi! Wake up, big crystal thingies are attacking Canterlot!"
The sound barely registers to my ears.
“Just five more minutes Ribbo-” Wait… “WHAT!?” I somehow manage to roll out of bed onto my hooves, only just processing what I had heard. “Can we not have sex without something wrong?!”
"We need to go, now!"
“Alright, just let me…” I focused, willing my miasma to condense around me into a familiar set of armor. “And I’m ready.” I heard Ribbon mutter something, as I steeled myself as I felt Akumu waiting beneath my wing.
“Go ahead and help the guards, I’m going to head to the armoury and get my stuff.” Ribbon headed for the door with me behind her. We split up, going down different tunnels as I headed for the surface. The sounds of fighting getting louder, alongside screams of panic.
“Just bloody wonderful…” I muttered as I rushed towards the surface. what I saw upon exiting the caverns was complete chaos. The changeling guard, with the aid of the lunar guard, where fighting black crystal hounds, while the solar guard was trying to aid in evacuating everyone. To my horror, I saw one of the hounds detonate and impale the guard that slayed it one spikes of crystal. The guard was dead before he even knew what hit him.
One of the ones still standing looked at me, and howled, creating a sound that sounded like grinding glass, drawing the attention of every other hound in ear shot.
Having no choice, I drew Akumu and stood my ground as they rushed me, and decapitated the first one to reach me, swiftly dissolving into miasma to avoid impalement from the detonation, and reforming mid air, dodging out of the way of one that tried to leap at me, and kicking as hard as I could, sending flying into the side of a building , where it detonated into more crystal shards.
“god….”
Another dodge.
“fucking.”
A clean bisection and teleport.
“DAMNIT!”
I ducked under another hound.
“This is why…’
Kick another away.
“I can’t…”
Cleaved another in hal- DOOOODGE!
“HAVE NICE THINGS!”
Another one leapt on top of me and plowed me into the ground, an-
Why is it glowin-
The next thing I knew, I was flat on my ass, against a wall,my ears ringing, and a searing pain in several areas. It felt like I was caught on something as I tired to stand up, which sent even more pain shooting through me as the hounds closed in on me.
A green glow in the corner of my eye alerted me to a bolt of magic that blew the head of one of the hounds, setting off a chain reaction taking out half a dozen of them. “I know you can’t die, but could you be a little less reckless? I don’t want you having to regenerate in the middle of a fight!”
“WHAT!?” I shouted, trying to hear myself over the ringing from the one hound having detonated in my face. Ribbon was pushed back.
‘Enough with the shouting!’
I tried to shake the ringing out of my head. “How was I supposed to know they exploded!?’ I retorted, before trying to get to my hooves only to realize I couldn't move from my location. “What the hell am I stuck on, anyway?”
“You… have a spike sticking out of your stomach.”
“...Shit. Can’t exactly pull that out without bleeding out. Gonna need your help with this.”
She yanked it out.
“YOU COULD HAVE WAITED UNTIL I WAS READY!” I screamed in pain. “And now I’m bleeding out….”
“Ok, I’m going to cauterize the wound.”
Before I can say anything, a sudden pain filled my mind and I nearly blacked out. Ribbon helped to my hooves where I struggled to remain standing, holding a hoof to the wound and wincing. “Thats gonna hurt…”
“I don’t think you can keep fighting, can you put up a shield? Help keep the citizens safe while we evacuate them?”
“Shields never were my thing… But, I think I have something that can keep them safe.” I said, managing a grin despite the pain I was in. “you’d be familiar with it, too.” I glanced at my shadow.
“Yes, you’re subtlety needs work.”
“Who said I was being-” I groaned as a muscle in my stomach spasmed. “...Subtle?” The hounds were starting to overpower the changelings that were keeping them at bay.
“I need to go. Go help the captain get the citizens some place safe.”
“Okay then, just, stay safe.” I asked, before dissolving into a cloud of miasma, as it was less painful this way. It was fairly easy to locate the guard captain, I just had to head towards where most of the fighting was happening, in the city square.
It was pretty gruesome, they were clearly losing the fight here. I swooped in time to pull a guard away from a crystal hound about to explode, I set him down and he seemed a bit more weary of the hounds. I floated up to the captain and reformed, before helping him fend off ones that were getting to close to the civilians.
Well, I was originally planning on useing this for something else, but this is pretty good time to use it. Focusing, I drew forth an abyssal creature from my shadow, and the Keeper emerged, followed by another. I had used this one once before, albit in a different context, but this time, it was a full fledged construct, awaiting input. At first glance it looked similar albeit slightly smaller than the Keeper, but if one looked closer you would see that it had a thin skin that kept it together, thin tail with a spade tip, sharp claws and a mouth full of shark teeth.
What concerned me was that they looked like they were steaming as large wisps of abyssal were coming off of them. And I don’t know why. Regardless, I sent the new construct to fight the hounds while the Keeper would protect the civilians. I noticed most of the guards had a rather startled expression on their faces, clearly having not expected me to do that.
“You guys have a plan? I don’t think those are going to last.” I warned, Desperately hoping they had some kind of evacuation plan, especially since this was ground zero for Chrysalis' invasion.
“We’re trying to clear out the main roads and move everypony to the train station, we have two trains there right now, one’s primed to leave for Ponyville and the other to Manehatten.” The captain told me.
I groaned internally, this was not going to be easy. “Okay, we got two options, we can stick to the open where they won't be able to ambush us, but we’ll be under attack from nearly every direction, or we can stick to the alleyways, but if one of those things do get in the middle of us, well, it's not going to be pretty, considering they explode with more than enough force to cleanly pierce armor and impale you to a wall.”
“Probably safer to stay on the main road for now.”
“How many pegasi and thestrals do we have who can still fly? those things can jump, but they don't seem to be able to fly, so we have practically unopposed aerial superiority, we should be exploiting that for all its worth.”
“Planty, but our bolts are useless. If we had more of those rifles that our pegasi could use we’d be better off, but as they are right now only the unicorns or the changelings can use them.” The captain stomped his hoof in frustration.
“So? it doesn't matter if it hurts them as long as it draws their attention away from the more vulnerable.” I suppressed a wince as another jolt of pain came from my new scar.
-Hey, Ribbon?- I mentally inquired over our link.
‘What is it?’
-I need a rifle, it isn't exactly going to be easy to fight with a patched up hole in me.-
‘I can try and get a few over to you but no promises. There’s a lot of them!’
-That all I can ask of yo-
“Duck!”
When someone says to duck, you goddamned duck, so i hit the floor before a shard of one of the crystal hounds whizzed right over my head, before embedding itself in a wall.
“Alright ponies, we have an opening, let's move!” the captain shouted, before a group of rather terrified looking ponies emerged from the building behind us, the guards gathering around them as we began moving towards the train station. I knew I wouldn't be able to do much with Akumu due to my injury, so I resorted to the next best thing.
Liberal application of excessive magical force. I basically blasted any hound that got to close into the ground, leaving a shrapnel filled crater behind, while the Keeper and its companion made quick work of any that tried to come from behind. they were really starting to look bad though, I could swear it looked like they were boiling.
“How much further do we have to go!?”
“Can’t be that much farther, we should be able to see the station around the next corner ma’am!” One of the soldiers answered. Before we managed to get to the street corner however, some of the taller buildings exploded. Rubble and debris filled the streets blocking the main road.
“Well fuck.” I was running on fumes in terms of magic by this point, so moving that mess or blasting through it wasn't an option.
“Quick, the alleyway!” one of the guards shouted, pointing to path between two buildings.I was one of the last one to funnel into it, followed by the Keeper and my other creation. Once we were in the darkness of the alleyway, whatever had been happening to the two seemed to begin to settle down. They honestly looked like they were going to fall apart. while the guards were taking a quick headcount, I took the opportunity to extend a tendril of abyssal from my shadow, and join it to my other creation, pushing more abyssal into it and restoring it to its original shape. The Keeper seemed smart enough to draw out abyssal on it’s own. Emergent behavior? Maybe I should test how far it’ll go to do what it’s told or how much it can learn, it’s clearly capable of learning.
“Behind us!” A guard shouted in panic. Whipping my head around, I saw a hound charging right at me, already glowing.
It was swift, sudden, and painful. one moment there was glowing crystal hound charging down at me, the next… well I don't think ‘woke up’ really applied here. I was just suddenly aware, and was under assault by alien sensations.
I couldn't see, but I knew exactly what, and where, things were happening.
I couldn't move, but every time I tired, I knew something new had happened.
It hurt so much…
Too much information at once.
I just couldn't process it all.
I eventually managed to narrow my… view? into a small cone, and it became increasingly apparent I was in my shadow realm.
‘In’ just didnt feel right in this situation.
I still couldn't move though.
Something had moved into my ‘view’. I almost immediately knew it was the keeper, but… it was so fucking huge!
No, not huge. my ‘view’ was pathetically tiny. yet it was looking right at me?
It did something to me and picked me up, carrying me back to the island.
After quite a long walk, it set me down. Every so often it would do something to me, I think it was poking at me it’s hard to tell when I can’t see it.
I was getting tired of my view rocking back and forth. I shifting my sight to look at it and sure enough it was poking me with a tendril.
I wanted to scoot away from it and focused as close to ‘myself’ as I could, wanting nothing more than to get away from the persistent prodding.
I finally made myself move and was aware of a part of the tendril moving with me, but not the rest of it. The Keeper looked at its tendril for a moment and then left. It didn’t take long for it to come back and start poking at me again.
I was getting better, every time it poked me I ripped another piece off. As violently as I could, might I add. It also wasn’t as big as before, I think that with every piece I tear off I get bigger!
I will rip you apart! Piece by bloody piece!
Stop staring at me! What the hell do you want!
It finally stopped poking me and now it’s just sitting there, expectantly. Just when I couldn’t take the staring anymore, it finally did something! Reaching out to me with its tendrils, I tried to rip them off like I’d been doing but it wouldn’t let me this time. Instead of just poking me, it was pushing and pulling at me as I tried to wiggle and squirm out of it’s grasp.
Which is very hard to do when you feel numb.
When it finally stopped my ‘view’ was sideways. I let my senses return to me so I could try and feel for what the Keeper did, while at the same time trying to keep them as limited as possible. I eventually felt something click and found myself staring at myself, and was rather surprised at what I saw.
A miniature Keeper.
But where was the original? Something was reaching up to my ‘face’, I tried to swat it away and the mini Keeper started to flail around. It tugged on me and twisted me around to see the original Keeper staring at me before it put me back on the ground. sideways. I instinctively tried to right myself, and found myself properly oriented.
Wait, I could move now? I tried moving what I thought was my forelimb in front of my face.
That… wasn't my hoof. That miniature keeper I saw? that was me.
What the fuck happend to me!?
Oh god, what about Ribbon?! The attack! Did they make it out of Canterlot?! Before my thoughts could spiral any farther, something smacked me on my nose. I glared at the Keeper and its tendril that it draped over my muzzle. I batted it away in annoyance as more tendrils manipulated the ground into shapes. Three Keeper statues, each bigger than the last.
I knew it was getting smarter, but this? Next it pointed up to the two stars in the sky. There used to be three, having thinned the wispy darkness long ago so I could see my way out.
There used to be three of them.
Was it Ribbon or Mirage? I would knock Canterlot off that mountain as long as I get to kill whoever invaded if they’re harmed! Again the Keeper lightly smacked my nose, leaving its tendril to lay on my muzzle. I batted it away again, thinking about why I made it in the first place as it created a fourth statue. Looking at them, each one was bigger and more solid than the other.
...I don't get it, what was it trying to tell me? Is it lonely?
Wait. Since when could it feel?
I didn’t do anything, not sure how to respond to something like that. Eventually it tried to tell me something else, reshaping the statues. The first and smallest one was turned into a large rock and rolled away from the others, the second became a model house like one I’d imagine some rich kid would have, the third was a tree was actually look like it was alive, and the biggest one was turned into the other creature.
I still don't get it. I am really starting to regret not giving it a mouth because I have no idea what it's trying to tell me.
Giving up on that line of though for now, I looked up at the two ‘star’s, and made my way towards them, floating off the ground with oozing wings spread. When I eventually reached them, the first thing I did was check on Mirage, whom, to my relief, was sleeping peacefully alongside an egg. Satisfied that she was in no immediate danger, I moved over to Ribbon’s, and tried to make my way through it to emerge.
It felt like i had walked into a brick wall.
Why the hell can’t I leave!?
I started banging against it practically, my whole body trembling as it tried to find some way to express the panic I was feeling. I kept on pounding, desperately hoping to achieve something, even as Ribbon made her way to her bedroom.the one in ponyville it seemed. Regardless, I kept banging until she had crawled under the covers, at which point I sagged in defeat. “I hope you’re ok up there, Chi.”
Up… there…
oh my god. She thinks I'm truly dead this time.
… but I’m right here, why can’t you hear me? My body jerked as I let out a soundless, tearless sob.
