A few days after last chapter:

“Star. Where’s J?” Chrysalis asked as she walked into the living room from the kitchen.

“Uh…” Star mumbled. “J?” He called.

“Yeah?” J questioned as he walked out of his room.

“Get down here we ALL need to talk.” Chrysalis said.

J shrugged and walked down the stairs, and into the living room. “Bout what?” He asked.

“About MY living arrangements around here.” Chrysalis stated.

“Don’t you already sorta… Live here?” Star questioned.

“No. I lived in my hive which WAS out in the everfree.” Chrysalis said.

“Well where is it now?” J asked.

“Under this house.” Chrysalis said.

“As I said… Here.” Star said.

“Yes, yes.” Chrysalis rolled her eyes, “Just I need ideas.”

“Well… where are you currently sleeping?” J asked.

Chrysalis smiled, “I’m glad you asked.” She said.

“Why?” J asked. There was a short pause, “Oh right… my bed is always open…”

“Exactly.” Chrysalis said.

“Hey you never told ME that…” Star said.

J remained quiet.

“Yes. And being a queen I’ll require a chef who’s at least competent enough to not burn the kitchen down.” Chrysalis said turning to Star. “And you are more than qualified for that position.”

“Oh… Okay.” Star shrugged.

J started snickering.

“J… What are you not telling me?” Star asked.

“It’s more of what I’m about to tell you. My guard also need to be fed. And it’s right about breakfast time for them.” Chrysalis said.

“Them… How many is ‘Them’?” Star asked.

“I’m talking about my personal guard. That’s about eight.” Chrysalis said. “And they aren’t picky with what they get fed, as long as it’s edible.”

“Oh… It’ll be more than edible.” Star said, whistling loudly.

“Was… something supposed to happen?” J asked.

Star held up a finger, “Give it a second…” He said.

“How anti-climati-” Chrysalis was interrupted as the front door swung open, Sarah and Serena running to Star’s side.

“Not only do you have a competent chef… You have three.” Star smiled. He looked at Sarah and Serena, the three of them speaking to each other in french, making gestures with their hands.

“Too bad I asked for only YOU Star.” Chrysalis said with a small smirk.

“But you co-” Star was interrupted as Chrysalis raised a finger.

“But. Three is better than one.” Chrysalis said, “So, go ahead.”

Serena knocked Sarah’s chef hat off and the two started screaming at each other in french.

Chrysalis then smirked.

“No. That’s not a good idea.” J stated.

Star turned to his daughters and started berating them in the same language. The two turned to Star and stood silently as he yelled at them, motioning to the kitchen. They both nodded and ran in. Star shouted one last thing across the house before turning back to J and Chrysalis. “So what would you like?” He asked with a smile.

“I’m glad you asked.” Chrysalis said. “Start me off with something… ‘simple’. I want to get to know what my chef is like food wise before I decide on what I want for my meals.”

Star shouted something into the kitchen, and shortly after a knife came sailing out and into the wall next to Star’s head. Serena and Sarah peeked out of the kitchen and stared at Star, their hair back to looking like Pinkamena’s.

Star tore the knife out of the wall and stormed into the kitchen, Sarah and Serena quickly dashing out of view. Serena let out a small scream as Star shoved her against the wall and hit her in the stomach.

“Should I be concerned?” Chrysalis asked.

“Are you?” J asked.

“No.” She said.

“There’s your answer.” He said as he leaned back against the couch.

Chrysalis grabbed his arm, “Now. For your job… King…” She smiled, “First… a tour of the hive.” J vanished in a green flash, “Star. Just ask Pupa where the entrance is. She’s currently tied up, upstairs.” She called into the kitchen just before she vanished in another flash.

Star nodded before getting punched in the side by Sarah, who in turn got backhanded by Star.

-----------------------------------

A small group of changeling workers moved past Star, Sarah, and Serena. The group moved down a side passageway.

A single changeling walked up to the group and stared at the three of them. It growled slightly before J approached.

The changeling quickly kneeled in front of J.

“Fucking idiot.” J said, “Go, and get back to work.” He ordered, “Or do I need to tell the Queen about your stupidity?”

The changeling shook it’s head quickly before running off down another hall.

“So what’s first?” Star asked.

J looked at the three of them Sarah and Serena were a bit bloody, and Star had a bandage on his arm, “You three look like you had fun.” He said. “And before I forget, tour or food delivery first?”

“Delivery first. Always food first…” Star said seriously.

“Well then this way.” J said motioning towards the main hall. “Oh… and where did Sarah and Serena go?”

Sarah and Serena were wrestling with one of the changelings, his arm was being twisted back until cracking was heard.

“Stop it you two… We have a delivery to finish.” Star said.

“Yes I’m sure you two would love to meet R’yota.” J said.

“Who?” Serena asked.

“You’ll see.” J said. “Now before you two manage to rouse the army let’s get to the throne room.” He walked towards the main hall way.

“Whatever.” The two said before their horns lit up, tossing the changeling across the room.

After a minute they arrived at the entrance to the throne room. Inside was Chrysalis sitting on the throne with another much larger changeling talking to her.

J motioned for them to walk in.

Star walked in with Sarah and Serena, scanning the room for something.

“Ah now they enter.” The large changeling said without turning around.

“Who are you?” Star asked.

The changeling laughed, “I am usually the one asking questions… and I always get an answer. Now you… you may not get one. Only time will tell.” He said.

J walked up towards the throne.

“Hello my liege.” The changeling said as he kneeled before J.

“You don’t have to do that. If anything I should be more scared of you.” J smiled.

“It is only respectful for a changeling to bow before it’s leaders.” The changeling said.

Sarah and Serena’s eyes locked on the changeling, staring at him.

“Are you going to just stand there?” Chrysalis asked, “I did say make nine meals correct? Mine and eight guards.”

“Yes.” Star said pushing Sarah and Serena forward.

“Then come and join me.” Chrysalis said with a smile motioning towards the table in front of the throne.

Star, Sarah and Serena sat down around the table, placing the boxes down and unwrapping the food.

“Thank you for doing this for me you three.” Chrysalis said.

“Ah… I remember the last chef…” The changeling said as if remembering a fond memory, “Her screams… ah they were so perfect.”

Star squinted, his gaze switching between the changeling and Chrysalis.

“Don’t worry Star. Since you’re family nothing will ever happen to you, or anyone in our family.” Chrysalis said.

“What’s with the scars?” Star said pointing at the changeling.

“A mistake. An enemy hive member broke free and attempted to kill me.” The changeling said, “If only he’d have survived longer…” He said a little sadly.

“Uh huh…” Star mumbled.

“So… Do you have a name?” Serena asked.

“Yes. I do.” The changeling said, “But tell me… why does it matter to you?”

“I like to put a name to the meat I talk to.” Sarah said.

“Then you may call me R’yota.” R’yota said. “And you have yet to see true ‘meat’. But I assure you… you will.”

Sarah smiled, “I like you.” She said.

“Ah. Here he comes.” R’yota said.

“Who?” Serena asked.

“The meat bag that attempted to betray the hive.” R’yota said he slowly turned around. “And he’s angry. I like it when they fight like he will… it makes it… interesting.”

“Y-” The changeling that entered was cut off as a flash of metal collided with him.

R’yota smiled, “Dead hit…” He said, “Too bad you aren’t lucky enough to die here.”

“That wouldn’t be any fun.” Serena said.

“Hmmm…” R’yota mumbled as he walked up to the downed changeling, “What to do with you…” He knelt down and grabbed the butchers knife that was in it’s stomach. He tore it out splattering a little blood on himself. “Ah ha… I have a few new instruments I want to test out… and you’d be the perfect subject.”

Sarah and Serena were watching R’yota with a large smile on their face, almost waiting for something to happen.

“This is exciting…” Sarah said.

“First though… that horn has to go.” R’yota said as he grabbed the changeling’s horn.

Sarah’s eyes widened along with her smile as she and her sister watched closely.

“I’d use a knife…” R’yota said, “But my hands are much more fun.” There was a sickening snap as the horn was snapped off the changeling’s head.

The changeling’s head fell back as it blacked out.

“Oh… I wanted to start now.” R’yota said slightly angered, “It’s more fun having a captivated audience to watch me work on my masterpieces.” He threw the horn over his shoulder back towards Sarah and Serena.

Sarah quickly snatched it and pocketed it, turning to her sister and giggling.

“Now… you two I can trust you to watch… this thing. Until I get back with what I need correct?” R’yota asked as he looked back at them.

Sarah and Serena's horn lit up. The changeling was forced to the floor, his limbs being forced outward. "Yep." Serena nodded.

"Great... You got them excited..." Star sighed.

“Good. I shouldn’t be too long.” R’yota said as he got up and walked out.

He re-entered a few minutes later with a large chest being dragged behind him.

“Now then…” R’yota said as he threw open the chest and pulled out a pair of spiked brass knuckles.

"It's great to feel welcome." Star joked.

“Yes… yes…” R’yota said, “Ah ha!” He said as he pulled out a tub he walked over to the table and set it down.

"Should I ask?" Star questioned.

“I didn’t know you were helping me.” R’yota said looking at Star.

"Helping you what?" Star asked.

“Make a real… work of art.” R’yota said calmly motioning to the still held down changeling. “I thought it was just these two helping me.” He motioned back to Sarah and Serena.

"Did you WANT me to help? If so... Where do I start?" Star sighed.

“Just stand there and prepare to help me wake him up.” R’yota said, he looked back at Sarah and Serena, “And I’m sorry I never caught your names.”

"Sarah." Sarah smiled.

"Serena. Nice to meet you by the way." Serena said.

“Likewise to the both of you. Now… let me ask you both, have either you ever played with any… real chemicals?” R’yota said.

Sarah and Serena smiled. "Dad makes us be careful around them... But yeah. What did you have in mind?" Serena asked.

“Hydrochloric acid.” R’yota said with a small smile, “There’s a large container inside the chest you could dump it in the tub.”

The two of them smiled with glee before running to the chest.

“Feel free to grab any other things you want out of the chest. I’m sure… our friend will enjoy anything that we use.” R’yota said as he pressed his foot to the changeling’s leg.

“So have you tried the food yet?” Star asked, looking back at Chrysalis.

“Mmhm.” Chrysalis mumbled as she took another bite of her food.

“How is it?” Star asked.

“Great.” Chrysalis said. “I can’t say I’m too impressed though…”

Star just stared at her.

“You are a master chef. So I assume this was too easy for you to make.” Chrysalis continued, “I can say I am impressed by the flavor and texture.”

“Okay...” Star said.

“Next time I’m sure you’ll fully impress me.” She stated before getting back to eating.

Star looked at Chrysalis and said something in French.

Chrysalis looked up at Star, “What did you say?” She questioned.

“Nothing. You’re beautiful.” Star smiled, turning around and looking at Sarah.

“Oh. You do know that I can tell when you’re lying right?” Chrysalis asked.

“I’m not lying I’m standing.” Star joked.

“If it’s not important then I guess a breeding pod wouldn’t matter to you.” Chrysalis smirked.

“Should I-” Star was interrupted by Chrysalis.

“They’re all full… so you don’t have to worry.” Chrysalis said.

“Okay…” Star mumbled.

“What’s next?” Sarah asked.

“Next… we tie him up.” R’yota said as he picked up the changeling and dropped him into a chair. “After the fun can begin.” He tied the changeling to the chair and left it’s one arm hanging down. “Did you two fill the tub?” R’yota asked looking back at Sarah and Serena.

“Mmhm.” They both nodded.

“Good, now I’ll give you both the decision on what goes into the tub first.” He said motioning to the tied up changeling, “Any body part except the head.”

“Hm… We need his hands in tact so…” Serena said grabbing his foot and pushing it into the liquid.

The changeling’s eyes shot open and it thrashed around screaming out in pain.

R’yota walked over to the chest and pulled out a small scalpel. He walked over to the changeling and began sawing through the carapace on it’s body. “I love one little quirk about my own kinds anatomy.” He said.

“What’s that?” Sarah asked.

R’yota broke through the carapace, “We have multiple hearts.” He stated as he tore back a little more revealing some of the organs. He poked at one of them with his scalpel, “Ah. His liver. You won’t be needing this anymore.” He began to cut the liver out of the changeling’s body. “Does anyone have a plate?”

Serena quickly grabbed one and tossed it to him.

He caught it and pulled out the liver, dropping it onto the plate. He set the plate down on a nearby table.

“It’s a good thing I know what I’m doing… that could have been messy…” He said as he wiped some blood onto the table cloth. “I’m sure you want to do something to him.” He looked at Sarah and Serena, “Go on. Show me what you can do.”

Their magic glowed brightly as the changeling’s fingers were stretched out. Sarah grabbed a knife and walked over to him, pressing the tip under the nail on his index finger.

The changeling gritted his teeth and glared at her.

“That hurts? But we haven’t even started…” Sarah said as she pushed it deeper, twisting the knife slightly and watching the nail crack and shatter slowly.

He held back his scream by biting his lip.

“I brought something to use if you don’t mind.” Serena said glancing at R’yota.

“He’s all yours.” R’yota said.

Serena reached into her pocket and pulled out a ring, sliding it onto the changeling’s index finger. The ring had a small hole in the top.

“H… ha… what… do you plan on… marrying me?” The changeling said.

Serena grinned, pulling out a screw, putting it into the hole and pulling out a screwdriver. She adjusted the ring to rest right over the first joint below his broken finger nail. She looked up at him one more time before starting to screw it in.

R’yota rummaged around in the chest pulling out an electric screwdriver, “You aren’t going to break through the chintin without this.” He said tossing it to Serena.

Serena caught it and pressed it to the screw before starting again.

There was a loud cracking noise as the screw broke through the chintin.

The changeling picked up thrashing and let out another loud scream of pain.

Sarah looked up at the changeling a little confused, “Why are you screaming? We still have two more joints, and nine more fingers…” She said.

Serena grabbed a small brace and wrapped it around the changeling’s knee. There were several holes around it, the same as on the ring. She placed several large screws into the slots before glancing over at R’yota. “We’re going to need another screwdriver.” She said.

---------------------------

The changeling appeared to be on the verge of passing out again after Sarah and Serena finished.

“Hm…” R’yota mumbled as he looked over their handiwork. “If this were school. An A plus is in order. You two know quite a lot…”

Sarah and Serena looked at R’yota, a smile beaming on their faces.

“Now how about a little biology lesson?” He asked.

They nodded quickly.

“Good get a scalpel then.” He said as he grabbed tore open the rest of the changeling’s carapace, revealing the rest of it’s organs. “It doesn’t matter if they remain intact or not… just so long as they all come out.”

“I’ve never felt a beating heart before…” Sarah said.

“Can I keep his ears?” Serena asked.

“Go ahead keep what you want.” R’yota said.

Sarah’s hand slid down to the changeling’s crotch, “He doesn’t need this organ does he?” She asked.

The changeling violently shook his head, “Please… no…” He whimpered.

“Mm… If it’s not erect then we can’t have fun with it later.” Serena pouted.

“Mom hasn’t taught you how to blow up balloons yet has she?” Sarah asked.

---------------------------------

“I can say that I’m surprised that you kept him awake after that.” R’yota said.

Sarah giggled slightly.

R’yota shut the chest after he dropped the last item into it.

“Where are you going?” Serena asked.

“I have a few things I need to get in order.” R’yota said, “Namely I have to make sure they got the rooms I asked for correct.”

“Yes… I really didn’t enjoy having some of your ‘subjects’ outside of my room all the time.” Chrysalis said.

“Uh…” Star mumbled.

“Yes… and I have to return this to my toy room.” R’yota said as he hauled the chest up.

“Should I ask what’s next?” Star asked.

“If you want to.” R’yota said.

“Looks like you three weren’t the only ones enjoying that.” J said motioning towards Star.

Star stayed quiet for a moment, “So what’s next?” He asked.

“That’s entirely up to you. I’m returning to my room for now.” R’yota said as he walked towards the doorway. “Ah. And when my brother finally decides to get up, tell him I said hello.” He walked out of the room.

“Brother?” Star asked.

“Mmhm. R’yota has a brother.” Chrysalis said.

“What’s he like?” Sarah asked.

Chrysalis simply smiled in response.

“What?” Sarah asked.

“You’ll see.” J said.

There was a bright flash as a large robed changeling teleported into the room.

“Ah there you are Gael.” Chrysalis said.

“Yes… here I am.” Gael said as he looked around at everyone.

“Hi.” Sarah and Serena waved.

“Hello… Sarah and Serena.” Gael said.

“So what do you do here?” Star asked.

“I’m the Queen’s advisor and the head magical user in the hive.” Gael said, “Though right now I’m trying to get things gathered. Though… the library here is a little lacking in what I’m looking for.”

“And what are you looking for?” Star asked.

“Why would that matter to you?” Gael questioned as he stared at Star.

“Well excuse me… If it was so private I wouldn’t have asked.” Star said.

“He’s looking for the next Daring Do book.” Chrysalis said with a chuckle.

Star’s smile grew to awkward proportions as he stared at Gael.

Gael’s eye twitched, “Go ahead… laugh…” He said.

“No no… I won’t. Just good to know you share your brother’s sense of integrity.” Star smiled.

“Oh good you met my brother.” Gael said with a little sigh.

“This time he told us to tell you he said hello.” J said.

“Like that matters.” Gael said. “I heard there was food here. If there isn’t then I’ll just be returning to my room.”

“Sure, grab a plate.” Star said pointing to the table.

“We could make dessert if you want. Does this place have a kitchen?” Sarah asked.

“It’s not completely finished yet.” Chrysalis said.

“Oh… Okay.” Sarah sighed.

“I’m sure it’s complete enough for use in making dessert.” Chrysalis said.

Sarah and Serena lit up, jumping to their feet and grabbing Star. “Come on dad!” They both said.

“You can’t miss it. It’s the only other massive doorway in this place.” Chrysalis said. “Just watch out for Gael’s book fortresses scattered throughout the hallways.”

“We wouldn’t want to do that…” Star chuckled.

---------------------------

“Hurry the fuck up… we have to start work on the damn pizza oven.” A changeling said.

“Perfection takes time.” Sarah said with a small sigh.

“Sure… sure.” The changeling said waving his hand a little in the air, “Hurry it up. I’ve got a tight schedule to keep up.”

“It takes… Time.” Serena said, a little irritated.

“I don’t care. It can wait fifteen minutes.” The changeling said.

Serena grabbed a knife and pointed it at the changeling, “You listen to me you little shit…” She said angrily before Star grabbed her.

Sarah grabbed the knife from Serena and started slashing violently at the changeling. Star’s horn lit up and dragged her back, still thrashing violently, staring at the changeling with the intent to kill.

“LEAVE!” Star screamed at the changeling.

A few more changelings around the room glared at their compatriot.

The changeling backed away and ran out of the kitchen.

Star released both of them. They took a deep breath in before glancing around the room. “WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU ALL LOOKING AT?” They both yelled at the same time.

All the changelings quickly went back to doing their various jobs.

There was a small beep. “Done!” Sarah smiled.