Isaiah threw the burlap sack full of chupacabra ears onto his workstation bench, earning a thump as it landed. The bottom of the bag was now a mix of brown and red, thanks to all the blood leaking from the ears that he cut off for the confirmation of his kills. The man didn’t show it, but he was anxious so find out how much they were willing to pay him for each ear; he currently had seven soaking in the bloodied bag.

He planned to bring his quarry to the Everfree Outpost so either Shining Armor or the Princesses could pay him, but for now he just wanted to clean his Mosin Nagant off all of the blood that drenched it during the fight from before.

His mind flashed back to the past, Queen Chrysalis filling his head making him once again worry for her well being. Isaiah felt bad for letting her go so easily without any further help coming from him.

With an oiled rag in hand, the human cleaned the barrel with expert care; swiping the crimson away from it’s hickory wood finish.

For a couple of minutes, Isaiah struggled to focus on the rifle as more thoughts of the changeling queen attempted to fill his head and distract him from the task at hand.

“Does she have enough food, does she have shelter? Can she-- Damn it!” He screamed to himself in his head.

A aggravated sigh escaped his lips, annoyed that his acquaintance was dragging him down in a pit of guilt. He laid his rifle down on the workstation bench and stood up, removed his machete off his hip and let it fall to the plywood floor. His eyes could see that his clothes were slightly tattered from when he charged through half the pack just to skewer one of the chupas with his bayonet. He let himself chuckle at the ballsy move; it was worth it considering he got the thing off of the queen.

For now, Isaiah allowed himself to rest before he had to venture to the outpost to show his quarry. The sun had plenty of time left before it had to fully dive behind the horizon. The hammock creaked under his weight, reminding him of last time he suddenly threw himself onto hit.

He gently rocked himself back and forth, thinking about what he was going to do for the rest of the day and what to eat for dinner. Luckily he wouldn’t have to go hunting for a while, all of the bits that Shining Armor provided him would suffice for a while until he wanted more meat. Isaiah smiled to himself when he realized that he was able to try new fruits and vegetables that he’d only heard about; never actually having a taste back on Earth.

The human allowed a couple more minutes to pass by as he rested in the swinging hammock. The creaking of the nylon lines of the bed filling his ears as he used his legs to push him back and forth.

A groan filled the air as he leaned up and got onto his feet. His arms stretched wide over his head as he yawned loudly. He shook his body to rid the tiredness that attempted to persuade him to take a nap.

Isaiah walked back to the workstation bench for the sack of ears, it would be best for him to turn them in before the night took over. He contemplated whether or not to bring his Mosin Nagant, but decided that his M1911 would take care of him if it’s need arises incase of a conflict. He placed fifty bits into his pocket, after he would turn in the ears, he would go to the marketplace and buy some food.

(Several minutes later…)

The human walked through the familiar camp known as the Everfree Outpost. All eyes were on him as he strode through with his sights set on the tent that was in the center of the encampment; deciding that it was the right place to get ahold of the princesses or Shining Armor.

From the corner of his eyes he could see that some of the guards were looking at him while whispering to one another, exchanging hushed words behind his back.

He didn’t mind him, he was only focused on the large tent that was in front of him so he could get paid.

Two guards stood at the entrance with static faces, not minding the human that pushed the flaps aside to enter, almost as if they were expecting him. When Isaiah entered, he was met with unfamiliar faces; three mares that he didn’t recognize.

“May we help you?” A pegasus mare asked with a puzzled look.

“Yes, do you know where Captain Shining Armor is?” The man pat the burlap bag that hung at his hip, leaking a bit of crimson on his pants. “I would like to speak to him.”

The only unicorn mare of the trio conjured up a scroll with a blank parchment, ink well, and a quill. “What’s your name and state your business?”

“Isaiah and I’m turning in my quarry.” The human stated to the mare.

The unicorn focused writing on the scroll while the other two continued on with whatever they were talking about. Once a moment passed of writing, the mare sent the scroll with her magic to Shining Armor.

“You might want to take a seat sir, it might take awhile…” The mare commented.

Isaiah took her word for it and set himself down onto one of the many cushions that were on the floor. As he sat, he could feel the unpleasant sensation of the chupa blood wetting his jeans.

The human twiddled his thumbs as he waited until a sudden pop and a bright light filled the tent. In front of him was Shining Armor with a bag of what Isaiah assumed was bits.

“I have to say Isaiah, I didn’t expect you to actually have some to turn in already.”

The man got up from the pillow to stand for the stallion. “I kinda wanted to get a good start. So far, this is the only way of acquiring bits.”

Shining Armor chuckled. “If you want, I’m sure that we can get you a job in Ponyville or Canterlot--”

“Ha, fuck no! That would be the last thing I want.” Isaiah interpreted to voice his disapproval.

“--Or you can join the guard…”

The human crossed his arms. “Alright Shining Armor, settle down. I wasn’t complaining when I said that hunting was my only income.”

“Alright, alright, whatever you say Isaiah. Now I think we need to discuss your pay…”

Isaiah understood what he wanted and pulled the bag off his hip and tossed it on the table.

“Can you three please give us some privacy?” Shining Armor asked the three mares who were on the other side of the table.

A trio of ‘yes sir’ filled the air before they quickly left the man and the stallion alone. When they left, Isaiah loosened the drawstring on the bag and turned it over. The white unicorn grimaced as seven bloody ears fell onto the table.

“You’ve been… busy.” Shining croaked out, disturbed by the ears.

The human snickered. “I guess you could say that. This isn’t much, give me some time and I can quadruple the amount.”

Shining Armor summoned a notepad and inked quill with his magic; taking note of the man’s count.

“Seven chupacabras… all killed by a single individual, something that takes several ponies to do in a couple of days; you did it in a matter of hours.”

“I had… motives.” The human grunted, thinking about the predicament that Queen Chrysalis was in that fueled him with purpose during the fight.

“Well your motives were good Isaiah,” Shining began. “hopefully you can bring in more and more.”

“I bet I can, today kinda felt like a slow day to me. I was a little passive aggressive, just sorta spent the whole time in a tree waiting for them to come to me. Imagine what I could do while on the ground and tracking them down.”

“Hey now, I don’t want you emptying Equestria’s treasury.” The stallion laughed. He set the notepad onto the table. “Okay Isaiah, you have brought in seven ears, representing seven chupacabras. Would ten bits per ear be acceptable for you?”

Isaiah tilted his head, thinking about the pony’s offer. “I have a feeling that would be acceptable for now. But eventually the bounty will have to rise.”

“Why would that be?” Shining asked.

“As time passes, I’ll be killing more and more and soon enough they’ll be harder to come by; possibly more aggressive seeing how their number would be dwindling. Plus, ammo isn’t something that I can forget about, so I’ll need to be conservative.” Isaiah admitted.

The stallion stood silent, pondering the right answer.

The human tapped his fingers on the wooden table that now had a smudge of blood on it’s surface.

“I’ll have to think about it, but for now you’ll be receiving ten bits per chupacabra.”

“Can’t argue with that can I? Seems fair enough for now.”

Shining Armor opened that bag that he brought along and pulled out seven gold bits. “Here you go Isaiah, seventy bits. Be careful out there.”

The floating bits fell into the human’s open hand, clinking together as he gripped them and slid them into his pocket.

“Thanks Shining Armor. Make sure that the princesses get word of my doings, okay?”

“I will Isaiah.” The stallion assured before he teleported away in his magic.

Isaiah placed the newly acquired bits with the others in his pocket, earning the classic sound of money falling onto each other.

The man pushed the flaps aside as he walked out, the setting sun making his pupils dilate. He grunted when he realized that he had left his sunglasses back at the shelter, but carried on towards that marketplace. Grumbling could be heard from his almost empty stomach.

(Thirty-minutes later…)

Isaiah slung the a large bag onto his back, making him look like Santa Claus except without the fat characteristic. The bag contained everything be bought from the vendors, who thankfully lowered their prices because the day was coming to an end; wanting to sell their goods so they wouldn’t have to haul it back home.

The large bag was full of food; bananas, apples, oranges, corn, celery, peppers, grapes, and a odd fruit that they called a mango. Isaiah was curious about the yellowish-green little fruit that was slightly bigger than his fist. The man got the notion that it was popular fruit considering that there was a long line at the stand that was selling them. Something in the back of his head was telling him that it was going to be worth it.

The man was casually walking to his shelter that was about two miles away from town. He wouldn’t mind the walk, the peace and tranquility while getting there was something that would ease himself. Celestia’s sun was finally starting to dip behind the horizon; bathing the area around him in a gentle glow of orange.

He breathed in the fresh air, pleasing his lungs as they filled with the non-polluted air of Earth. The bag filled with the food he bought swayed side to side as he walked deeper and deeper into the forest. The tree canopy shrouded the forest in darkness, giving it a even more gloomy characteristic than normal.

From behind, Isaiah could hear the sound of wings flapping in the air before they became silent with the thud of plated hooves connecting with the ground. The scent of blossoming magnolia flowers filled his nose as the calming wave surrounded him.

“You always smell wonderful Luna.” Isaiah praised without even turning around to greet her. “A wonderful scent that will never cease to amaze me; no matter when or where it is.”

A chuckle filled his ears along with gentle steps coming from Luna. Though the human couldn’t see her, he could feel her presence getting closer and closer to him.

“Your words are always sweet as honey and calming as a gentle breeze…” The night princess cooed to the man.

“But your’s is far greater than mine.” Isaiah turned around to gaze into her mesmerizing cerulean eyes. “And your eyes always seem like they’re shining stars in your beautiful night sky…”

Princess Luna blushed heavily. Before the mare could say anything, the man wrapped his free arm around her neck and pulled her into a loving hug.

“I’m surprised that you found me out here.”

Princess Luna dug her head into the man’s chest. “I have my ways Isaiah.”

The man traced his hand up and down her long swan-like neck, giving it a gentle rub.

“What brings you all the way out here?” Isaiah asked while still caressing her, holding her embrace.

“Is it wrong for I to check on our beloved friend, is it not?”

He crouched down onto his knee to get eye-to-eye with here. When he was, Isaiah gave her a kiss on the cheek that sent Luna’s heart soaring. “I suppose it isn’t wrong. I’m glad that you’re willing to put in the time to check on me out here.”

“Fret not my friend, I enjoy my time with you, and I am more than willing to spend it by your side.” She purred to him.

Isaiah got off his knee and turned around while giving her the ‘come here’ motion with his free hand. “Would you like to join me for dinner? All I have is some fruit and veggies, but I think its fine enough.”

Princess Luna sped her pace up to walk by his side. “I would love to join you. Is the food currently in the bag that you’re carrying?”

“Yep,” The man nodded. “I used the money that I earned from the bounty to buy all of this; I still have plenty more bits for whenever I need more food when the need comes.”

“Isaiah, you do know that we’re more than willing to provide for you. Wouldn’t that be most accepting for--”

“I really don’t want to rely on y’all for food all the time; feels kinda wrong to smooch off friends when I’m more than capable of sustaining for myself.” He reasoned. “Hell, they have a lot of fruits, vegetables and other foods that I’ve never tried before. Buying from there allows me to try new things and help the small stall owners get by in life too.”

Luna gently nodded her head. “I guess that’s a reasonable answer.”

Time flew quickly as they walked with each other to Isaiah’s shelter. They both enjoyed the company that they gave to one another.

But Isaiah’s walk of peace with the night princess stopped when he remembered Queen Chrysalis and the bag that he accidentally left behind in the meadow.

“Ah crap. Hey Luna, is it alright if I drop the food back at the shelter and pick up something I forgot in the forest. I really don’t want to leave it out there over night.”

The alicorn let out a perturbed sigh. “Alright you can go and get your stuff back. But how about I take your food to the shelter while you go ahead and retrieve your bag, wouldn’t that be much quicker?”

“I don’t really want to bother you with it--”

The princess grabbed the bag of food in her magic. “Worry not my dearest friend. Go and get your things while I continue on.”

He gave her another kiss on the cheek and instantly ran towards the meadow. The princess watched as her person of interest sprinted away into the depths of the forest that was feared by many. Her magic glowed its bright blue as it encompassed that bag that she held in her telekinesis.

Leaves and twigs crunched under her plated hooves as she strode to Isaiah’s shelter; savoring the natural air of the Everfree. Despite it’s unruly quality, the princess of the night enjoyed the uncanny forest. Her mind wandered back to the time before her banishment, if she recalled correctly, the Castle of the Two Sisters was still standing. She shivered as she remembered when she was Nightmare Moon, she had almost completely destroyed it; forcing her lonely sister to build a new one while she was banished on the moon.

Princess Luna had to suppress a sniffle as she carried on.

(Else where…)

Isaiah stood tall in the meadow as he located the bag. His blue eyes scanned the treeline for anything that had the desire to disturb him. Celestia’s sun was now below the horizon and the last rays of light were slowly but surely dwindling down as Luna’s moon ventured high into the night sky.

The field of flowers still had the dead chupacabras rotting, filling the air with a putrid smell instead of the pleasant aroma of flowers.

The man spotted the bag he had forgotten, when he bent down to pick it up, he caught a glimpse of the apple core that came from Queen Chrysalis’s apple. Just the sight of the leftovers triggered the weariness and guilt to washover Isaiah as he slung the forgotten bag over his shoulders.

Queen Chrysalis was really bothering him ever since he let her leave. He looked out to where she had entered the treeline and wondered if she make a direct approach to wherever she was staying.

Isaiah killed the thought, it wasn’t likely that she had a shelter of some kind protecting her.

“But it’s worth a shoot to take a look. Who knows, she could’ve actually built something like a shelter to protect her while she’s here…” The human thought to himself. “Maybe I’ll take some time to search for her tomorrow morning; bring along some food for her too.”

When Isaiah turned around to return home, he stepped on something that lightly crunched under his boot. The man looked down, worried that he might’ve stepped on chupacabra bits.

But no, he accidentally stepped on what appeared to be an old flower basket with some wilted flowers slowly withering away. He picked it up and inspected both it and it’s contents; bluebonnets, shasta daisy, indian blanket, rose angel, and many other unidentifiable flowers lay dead or wilting in the basket. The man let the basket and it’s contents fall to the ground.

With a heavy heart, Isaiah left the meadow.

(Minutes later…)

Even though it was difficult, Princess Luna had managed to turn on Isaiah’s stereo system. The harmonic melodies of her and her sister’s new favorite band, The Beatles, filled the shelter with it’s happy and joyful vibe.

The princess had started cutting some of the fruit that Isaiah had bought from the Ponyville Marketplace, every so often placing a slice of banana into her mouth to quell her hunger until Isaiah returned to her. She found a portable table within the confines of the shelter and placed it next to the hammock; allowing her to both prepare the food and swing in merriment as she waited for the man to join her. She was anxious for him to return, eager for some more close bonding.

Princess Luna’s ears flicked upwards when the doors of the shelter opened. Her mouth formed a wide grin when Isaiah gave her his charismatic smile that she loved so much.

The bag that he returned with was tossed aside, falling to a thump when it landed next to a few boxes by the door.

“I’m glad that you’re finally back, I was starting to get a little lonely in here.” Luna greeted as she floated a piece of apple to him, in which he took a bite out of it in mid air.

Isaiah couldn’t say anything with his mouth full. The man promptly kicked his boots off and sat on the hammock next to Luna, jeopardizing both of them as he tried to get comfortable.

“I took the liberty to go ahead and prepare dinner. Your purchase of these fruit is more than acceptable.”

“Thanks, to be honest I wasn’t sure if some of the fruit I bought was ripe or not.” The man confessed.

Luna floated another apple slice to the human, who accepted it with a eager mouth.

“You still managed to pick the right ones though. Ponyville alway provides the most bountiful harvests.”

“It’s a little odd that they’re able to grow these crops considering that spring has just begun.”

The alicorn laid her head on the human’s lap. Isaiah saw this as a perfect opportunity to return the favor for her. He picked up a vine of grapes in his right hand and hovered it over her mouth and used his left hand to stroke her body. Princess Luna admired what he was doing and plucked a grape off the vine with her mouth.

“You look so adorable.” He chuckled as he fed the princess like a roman emperor.

The princess didn’t let him go unawarded for his kindness. She continued to float him pieces of apples and bananas to him as he held her close.

While they fed one another, Luna noticed that he was eyeing the slices of mango that they both neglected to eat.

“I think that now would be a great time to switch positions; lay on the hammock as if you’re resting.” She suggested.

Without a word, Isaiah did as he was told and laid down on the hammock. The mare of the night lifted up a slice of the mango with her magic, inspecting it’s yellow, slimy texture.

“Mangos are my favorite fruit; so juicy and sweet. Now close your eyes and open your mouth~”

Isaiah chuckled and closed his eyes and opened his mouth while grinning, unaware of the princess’s plan.

Luna got on top of Isaiah to straddle him. The alicorn bit her bottom lip, excited for what she was about to do. She placed half of the mango slice in her mouth, holding it in place with her plump, blue lips while the other half stuck out for him. The princess of the night carefully let the mango slice slide up his bottom lip, stopping before it could fully enter. Suddenly, Princess Luna thrusted her lips onto Isaiah’s, letting the slice of mango rest in between their mouths.

The pair hummed in delight at the action, savoring both the contact and the sweet slice of mango. Neither of them decided to bite on the mango slice, instead letting it slide back and forth on each others lips as they held the kiss.

The princess needed air and let the slice of mango slide into the man’s hungry mouth. Isaiah gave her a wink as he chewed, Luna huffing as she watched the man below her.

“Wasn’t expecting that.” The human laughed.

Luna once again leaned into him and gently rested her head onto his chest, feeling his chest rise and fall as he breathed in her heavenly scent. She loved being in his comfort like she was currently in. She purred as Isaiah dragged her limp body up his chest so she could be face to face to him.

Isaiah reached a hand out and grabbed a stock of celery and brought it to her mouth. She allowed the stock to pass her lips, nibbling the long green stock with her teeth. Luna cooed as the man started to rub her back as she ate.

“We need to do this more often.” Isaiah chuckled to the mare who was on top of him.

Princess Luna didn’t even say a word, she just rested her head next to his. Isaiah didn’t mind the lack of words coming from the mare, he simply continued to caress her. Luna’s weight was light as a feather to him, which made it easy for him to breathe unlike Brooklyn. Even though the woman had the body of a model, she still had some weight to her.

The pair continued to feed each other the fruit and vegetables that Luna had prepared. Even though they did it slowly, they both enjoyed it immensely because of the bond that was growing stronger and stronger between the alicorn and the human.

After cuddling and eating for what seemed like an hour, the princess leaned up from his chest and peered down into his blue eyes.

“I’m sorry Isaiah, but all good things must come to an end. I must return to Canterlot for the night court, but worry not, for I’ll return soon.” Luna apologized.

“It’s alright Luna, maybe we can hang together for lunch tomorrow, dinner possibly?”

Princess Luna leaned back down and kissed him upon his lips. “I would love to, I think Celestia would like to join us if you would like…”

“I would like that, the more time I spend with y’all, the better I feel.” Isaiah said while rubbing the back of her left ear. “Is it alright if y’all give me some time alone tomorrow morning, I’ll be hunting to fill my quarry and I don’t want the two of you out there with me; I’d hate myself if one of y’all got hurt.”

“We’ll give you some free time to yourself Isaiah, thank you for being so considerate of our safety.” The mare rolled herself off the man who still laid on the hammock. “Tia and I will meet you here, right?”

Isaiah nodded his head. “Sure, I don’t see why not. Now, let me see you off…”

The man removed himself from the hammock and walked over to the doors of the shelter, opening them for the princess of the night and moon.

The moonlight bathed the forest in a pleasant glow that dimly let the forest around them. High above, Luna’s moon shone brightly along with the stars in the night sky. Isaiah craned his neck to admire the the alicorn's work.

“We need to have dinner out here sometime…” Isaiah mumbled aloud.

“We can arrange that. Maybe we can get a little ‘adventurous’ out here, hmm?...” Princess Luna seductively hinted.

The human’s calming, gentle laugh made the princess smile warmly. “We’ll see… Now I think that a certain little princess has a job to do.”

Luna huffed, disappointed that she had to leave her dearest friend alone in the dreaded forest. “But I don’t want to leave your side, I want to stay with you.” The princess reared onto her hind hooves and wrapped her front-legs around his body.

Isaiah encompassed her with his arms, holding her tight. “Come on Luna, you’ll see me tomorrow.”

The darkblue alicorn buried her muzzle into his chest, muffling her voice. “I know, but night court is so dreadful. Why spend the night alone in the castle when I could spend it with you?”

“That does sound pretty good but your subjects need you.” He tried to reassure.

She scuffed. “I find that hard to believe; no pony visits me during my night court sessions.”

“Then that’s their fault,” He started. “they fail to see the greatness in you. They don’t deserve you; you’re too good for them and they should be pleading for your leadership. Fuck them in my opinion.”

Isaiah held the back of her head with his hand and gently guided her lips to his, capturing them in a passionate kiss. The princess strained her hind-legs for more height; the man simply bent his knees for her.

For the second time of the night, Luna broke the kiss that they shared.

“Everything you say about me is always loving and reassuring…” Princess Luna chimed with love. “Well, it’s time to say our goodbyes.”

“See ya later Luna, I hope you have calming night court and a equally calming night.”

The alicorn let herself go of Isaiah. “I wish a blessed night and slumber upon you my dearest friend, may your sweet dreams be full of merriment and wonder.”

And with those final words, the princess's horn was engulfed in it’s light-blue aurora and flashed a bright light that shone like the sun; briefly blinding Isaiah. When he opened and blinked the blindness away, he discovered that the princess of the night and moon was gone.

Isaiah let a tired yawn escape his lips as he stretched his arms over his head. Even though it was early in the night, the events from the past day had depleted his energy. He walked back into his shelter; closing and locking the doors behind him.

(Next morning…)

Queen Chrysalis rose from her slumber that ended too early for her liking. Her muscles ached, and her wounds burned like red, hot charcoal on her flesh. Every movement she attempted to make made her wince in displeasure towards the pain that washed over her body.

Pain wasn’t the only thing that was looming; anger, disappointment, and even hopelessness were ever so present within her broken body. The queen felt locked in place because of the pain and starvation, as if she was caged by a paralyzing spell.

With all of her might, her head slowly raised from the stone pillow that she used. Her mystic eyes blinked away a single tear that threatened to spill. The cat-like eyes of the changeling queen could see almost everything in the dark cave that she now called home; the tears slightly blurring her vision.

Chrysalis snapped at herself for displaying the negative emotion. She bared her fanged teeth when she attempted to stand on her hooves; only to fall back into place on the stone floor that also was also her bed.

She was weak, starving to death due to the lack of both food and love. The changeling queen knew that she was nearing her end and at the pace she was going, to her it seemed like all the odds were against her and the three remaining changelings.

The queen tilted her head that was laying on the floor, giving herself a horizontal view of possibly the last changelings that came from her swarm. Ten feet away from her was the trio, laying close to one another to conserve body heat; two drones and a single minor splayed onto the cave’s floor like a foal’s doll. Another tear threatened to spill. It pained her to see the last of her changelings starving to death like she was; one of the worst ways a changeling could die in such a love filled world.

“How could it come to this? Just me, a changeling queen with two drones and a single minor… All slowly dying away like roaches.” Queen Chrysalis thought to herself.

The only independent thinker of the trio, the minor, lifted it’s head from the chitin to check on the queen. The changeling managed to stand on it’s holed hooves and limp over to the queen that was laying on the cold, stone floor.

Queen Chrysalis used the rest of her strength to sit up right, a task that was easier said than done. The queen wouldn’t dare to let the minor address her while she was laying in misery on the ground.

“What do you need my only changeling minor?” The queen asked her subject who was struggled to bow down. “Please do not strain yourself to bow for me, my subject. Conserve your energy to the most.”

The minor stopped half-way in it’s bow and stood fully back up. “I wish to know the state of your wounds my queen. Myself and the drones are worried that they might become infected; your immune system is not as strong as it should be…”

The changeling queen peered down at the bandages that covered her body, remembering the individual who cared for her during her time of need. A depressed sigh sounded from her cracked lips.

“I believe that my wounds are good for now, but my bandages will need to be changed soon.” Chrysalis speculated.

The minor glanced down at the ground with it’s matte blue eyes while muttering with it’s pained feminine voice.. “If only we had enough magic…”

Choosing not to speak to the minor, she continued to think of her savior; Isaiah.

Chrysalis painfully turned her head so she could see the bandages he wrapped her with. Her stomach gurgled when she remembered the apple that he gave her, and her tongue licked her lips that felt like sandpaper when she remembered the fresh, clean, cool water he gave to her from his canteen.

So far, the human had done nothing but good for both the queen and her changelings. When he first saved her only three changelings from the mongrels known as diamond dogs, and second when he risked his own life to save hers. She didn’t show it, but the queen winced at the memory that will forever plague her mind.

“What should we do my queen?” The independent thinker asked.

A dark-grey hoof wrapped in gauze that had a slight red hue to it was brought to it’s owner’s chin. The queen prodded her head for answers, none that she could actually think of would work considering that state that her and her subjects were suffering in.

“What about your savior, isn’t he out there? If so, can he be trusted with the knowledge of us and our place of stay? Can he help us?” The lone minor asked his queen.

The pitch black, pupils of Queen Chrysalis’s ovular eyes grew. A part of herslef was encouraging her to go find him for some more help but the other part of her was instructing her to stay away from him.

She was all too aware of his status with the Equestrian princesses, forcing her to quell an aggravated scream that threaten to escape from her. If her memory served her right, Isaiah had something in his possession that allowed the princesses to teleport to him no matter where he was; probably because of his unique magic resistance and connection with the princesses. She didn’t exactly know what the item is, but she can sense the enchantment of a beacon spell that belonged to Princess Celestia.

Whatever the Equestrian princesses wanted with Isaiah, they were keeping a tight, hidden leash on him so they could know where he was all the time. And she doubted that Isaiah knew about the beacon spell that was placed on whatever was giving to him by the princesses.

Queen Chrysalis realized that she had neglected to answer her only minor. “I would prefer that you send one drone out to retrieve energy by either love or by food, and send the other drone out to scout the areas around our cave.”

“And I?” The minor questioned.

The ruler of the minor craned her neck so she could nuzzle it’s head. “I’m depending on you for my safely and well being. You’ll be standing near the entrance of the cave as a guard while I think for a solution to this… mess.”

Despite the queen asking the minor not to bow for the first time, it did it anyway. “It shall be done my queen…”

Chrysalis used a bandaged hoof to signal the changeling to do what it was told, leaving the queen alone to think some more about Isaiah.

When the last of her changelings were gone to do their duties, Chrysalis collapsed onto the cold, stone floor.

“You wouldn’t be in this condition if you didn’t go out there to indulge in a pathetic activity such as flower gathering! Why couldn’t you suppressed your desire, thanks to your disastrous action, the Equestrian Changeling Chapter will most likely fall faster than before!” She yelled at herself in her head, ashamed and furious that she partook in the feminine activity that she enjoyed ever since she was little.

She rolled her eyes to glance at the vase of dead flowers that was beside her; knowing that she might be like them soon.

Another pained gurgle came from her empty stomach, her ears splayed back at the uncomfortable sensation. The apple that Isaiah gave to her was far from filling as it would be for a normal pony, changelings lacked the function to absorb the benefits that solid food gave. If she or one of her changelings don’t siphon love from somepony soon, they’ll wither away just like the flowers in the vase.

<><><><><><>

Isaiah used his machete to hack and slash at the vegetation that he was trying to get through. The sound of the metallic twang from the machete filled the air as it’s razor-like blade cut whatever it hit.

The human had been following Queen Chrysalis trail, which was difficult because the sun was barely over the horizon. The thick canopy of the forest prevented any sunlight from lighting up the area with it’s rays.

But the man didn’t let the lack of light prevent him from finding the queen; the changeling left a trail that was easy for him to follow despite the lack of lighting. His hunting aspect had kicked in long ago when he first started in the meadow.

One hand gripped the machete that he swung back and forth while the other held a bag full of food for the changeling that he was tracking down. Isaiah still had plenty of food left over from last night with Luna; bananas, apples, mangos, oranges, and grapes filled the bag. He hoped that he brought enough for the queen for the time being. The man promised both himself and Queen Chrysalis that he would buy more food if she needed it.

He frowned when he looked back down at Queen Chrysalis’s trail, with all of his tracking experience, Isaiah could tell that she was struggling immensely to walk. The man took that as a sign that she was probably close by; hopefully.

Isaiah scanned the area with his eyes, taking note of the mountain that was getting closer as he walked. A little voice in his head was telling him that the changeling probably went up the mountain for a better view of the area.

Food wasn’t the only thing that Isaiah was bringing with him, he also brought a bag full of medical supplies for her wounds, some fresh cooled water for her to drink, and even a blanket for her to warm up under during the night. Isaiah decided that if he was going to help her out, then he might as well go all out for her.

A feeling of uncertainty dwelled in him that he had to suppress multiple times; worried that she was too far away or he was too late and she had passed away. He growled to himself at the negative thought, if Isaiah wanted to help her, then he’d have to step things up a notch.

Not too far away in the distance, Isaiah could see an opening from the treeline at the base of the mountain that he was near. From his position, he couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary and pressed on with vigour.

Unaware of what was watching him, Isaiah closed his distance with the treeline opening that the tracks were heading towards. A small yet faint layer of sweat was starting to accumulate on his forehead; tiny droplets of perspiration rolling down his face, cooling it when a gust of wind came by. The bag of food he carried swayed side to side as he walked through the vegetation with his machete swinging.

Much to Isaiah displeasure, the tall grass that the Queen’s tracks were in was starting to shorten, making it a little harder to track her down. He shrugged his shoulders, it didn’t matter much.

<><><><><><>

The changeling minor used the last of it’s energy reserves to fly back into the cave to inform it’s queen of the human that was quickly closing in. The holes in it’s damaged wings and lack of energy made the short flight exhausting yet fast.

Within the cave, Queen Chrysalis could feel the growing presence of the minor getting near. She rose her throbbing head that ached with pain to give off a better presence for one of the last changelings that she had under her control.

Her ears perked upwards in alert when she heard the minor’s body fall to the ground and slide across the damp stone floor. She pleasured herself to get up and check on the changeling but couldn’t find the power to do so.

Thankfully for her, the minor got right back onto it’s hooves and limped it’s way in front of the queen. The independent changeling was trembling as it struggled to keep it’s body standing with it’s shaky hooves.

“What is it minor, is something troubling coming our way?” The changeling queen boomed, worried that her end was coming faster than she expected.

The winded minor didn’t allow itself to catch it’s breath. “Th-the human has m-managed t-to track y-you down my qu-queen!”

Queen Chrysalis’s heartbeat increased as her eyes widened. The ruler of what was left of the Equestrian Changeling Chapter couldn’t decipher whither his arrival would be beneficial or harmful.

“H-he should be here a-any mi-minute. What do you n-need me to d-do?”

The queen gave the minor an emotionless expression. “Let him in.”

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the wait, my internet has been fucking me over lately for now reason. One moment it'll really good, then the next moment it goes full potato. Anyway, I hope you guys/girls liked the chapter.

Here's a link to the blog post...
http://www.fimfiction.net/blog/358268/to-end-confusion

And be sure to check out Far From Cydonia!