Chapter 18

9-25-13, 12:47 P.M.

Jeremy woke up in his own bed, which was confusing. He still felt so good from the massage yesterday. In fact, as Jeremy rotated his joints and spine, not a single crack was heard – evidently he was as flexible as could be right now. Hell yes, he thought, and sprang out of bed.

It was a quiet Wednesday as Jeremy read more of Lyra’s script. He kept being surprised at the little details she had gotten – although she seemed to use “technology” as some sort of catch-all noun or adjective, rather like the use of ‘magic’ back home. Feeling slightly unsettled, Jeremy put away the stack of paper, saving his place.

With no more inventions to develop for the day, he lazed about, before deciding to go to the hive. Why not? He could have some fun with the portal gun, and also check up on Chrysalis and her political troubles. Really, he just wanted something to do. Man, he was bored.

Changelings had gotten used to the sight of him – they no longer looked at him like they wanted to bite him to death, or flee in terror. It was actually kind of relieving, Jeremy reflected as he traversed a ledge along the upper walls, searching for Chrysalis. Some even waved a wing or hoof in greeting. He waved back, smiling, and continued on.

He finally found Chrysalis inside one of the glowing green, gigantic pustules attached to the ceiling. She was cradling a baby changeling, singing what appeared to be a lullaby to it in a language of hissing and sibylline whispering. Jeremy watched for a moment, giving Chrysalis a small smile when she looked up. Chrysalis gently laid the murmuring infant back inside a hole in the wall, half taken up by a small cocoon. “Cute,” Jeremy mentioned, and Chrysalis returned his smile.

“As queen, I personally oversee every wriggler we hatch,” she replied.

“Anyway, I got bored, and decided to hang out here,” Jeremy offhandedly informed her.

“Huh – Equestria must be pretty boring if you want to hang out here,” said Chrysalis, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, this place is pretty interesting, and I get tired of Canterlot easily,” Jeremy answered.

They made their way down to the ground floor. “So, looks like you and Luna have a steady relationship going,” commented Chrysalis.

“What makes you say that?” Jeremy replied curiously.

“Please – as if I can’t tell. You’re still giving off a scent of happiness,” Chrysalis answered.

Jeremy blushed. “Oh. No, she gave me a massage last night – a real massage, not the other kind.”

Chrysalis looked at him in surprise. “Really? That’s sweet of her.”

Jeremy nodded. “Well, I did give her a belly rub a while ago, so apparently she wanted to return the favor.”

Chrysalis laughed. “A belly rub. Really, you two are just adorable sometimes!” Jeremy blushed even further, causing Chrysalis to laugh harder.

They reached her room, and Jeremy leaned against the wall. “So what about Celestia? I'm guessing she's still angry,” Chrysalis remarked.

“Yeah… I don’t know what to do about that. I haven't seen her since I tried talking to her again... and I'm not sure I want to.” Chrysalis nodded.

“It isn’t like her,” she remarked, and Jeremy agreed. Chrysalis appeared to be in thought. “She is beautiful, though…” Chrysalis commented, not without a hint of jealousy.

“Meaning what?” Jeremy asked.

“Well, if I had to pick which one of us you’d be most likely to date for looks alone, it wouldn’t be me,” Chrysalis answered.

Jeremy glared at her. “I don’t hook up with someone just for looks. In fact, they don't factor into my decision,” he angrily answered.

Chrysalis looked at him, this time in consternation. “What do you look for in a romantic partner, then?”

Jeremy thought for a bit. “They’ve got to be... hmm. I guess I never really listed any qualifications - I never thought I'd get this far, you know? So, uh... the only thing I can think of is that they love me back...” Jeremy trailed off, lost in thought.

“So what about me?” Chrysalis asked – and for the first time, it sounded like a genuine question. Jeremy looked up at her.

“I tried to kill you the first time we met. I also… what was it? Took out your entire army, defeated that giant changeling, and am currently helping you? Whatever you ranted about earlier.” Chrysalis chuckled. “Point is, it’s complicated,” Jeremy answered. “Like, I would date you. You seem cool. But... I have no idea of the potential implications of that, plus… I don’t know. Still getting over the whole polygamy thing. And what would Luna think?”

Chrysalis nodded sagely, and answered. “Of course. But just so you know, there are no real 'implications' - nopony's ever willingly entered a relationship with a changeling before... And as for Luna, why don't you just ask her?”

Jeremy thought about it. “Sure, I guess. And... thanks for your help.” He felt odd just saying that - he'd beat the hell out of this mare just a few days ago, after all.

Chrysalis relaxed into laying on her stomach, while Jeremy took a seat against the wall he had been leaning on. “Speaking of Luna, how’s she doing?” Jeremy smiled.

“Pretty good – I did a demonstration for a gun I made recently, and we sang the closing song for that karaoke festival thing.” Chrysalis laughed, and then got serious.

“Say, change of topic. Do they have the concept of different sexuality on Earth?” Jeremy was confused by the change of topic.

“Yeah, we have a bunch of different types. Why?”

Chrysalis looked at him, grinning. “I was just thinking about how you’re technically bisexual for Luna, that’s all.”

Jeremy looked at her, even more confused. “…What?” he queried.

Chrysalis looked at him openmouthed for a second, and then closed it. “Ah... never mind. Forget I said anything.” Jeremy’s mind raced through all the possibilities of what that could imply, coming up with a blank.

“Uh… Alright then,” he answered, still very wrong-footed.

From that, the conversation turned back to mild as they discussed various aspects of their day lives. Jeremy was interested to hear that the changelings had very nearly started worshipping him until Chrysalis put a stop to it, and she was just as interested to hear about his escapades with the various devices he was making. They talked for a few hours, until they heard a commotion outside. Perplexed, Jeremy and Chrysalis ventured outside.

9-25-13, 8:57 P.M.

Royal guards were attempting to enter the hive, and a horde of changelings were holding them back. After spending a short moment taking in the scene, Jeremy ran forward to assist, pushing aside royal guards as he made his way to the front. To his surprise, it was nighttime already, and both Celestia and Luna were there, Celestia looking furious and Luna looking not at all happy to be there. Chrysalis made her way out as well, and upon seeing her, the guards stopped attempting to get in, and clustered around them. Jeremy glared at them, readying himself for a potential fight.

“I knew it – look at him, he’s already fighting for her!” Celestia spat to Luna.

Jeremy faced her, a vitriolic snarl on his face. “Is that a problem? You do seem to be encroaching on her territory, after all.” Celestia glared at him, coldly unamused.

“You are no judge of her character – or mine, for that matter.”

Jeremy gave her a humorless smile. “So says the royal hypocrite. What makes you a better judge, you insensitive racist?”

Celestia took a step forward. “How dare you!” Jeremy simply crossed his arms, too angry to acknowledge his fear.

“So, what brings you to the Hive? I doubt it’s for pleasantries, judging by the ridiculous excess of law enforcement,” he continued, glaring at the guards surrounding them.

Celestia ignored him, and turned to Chrysalis. “So, this is where you live. Not exactly a palace, but then you changelings never were civilized, were you?” Chrysalis merely snarled in response.

Jeremy looked at Luna, who worriedly looked back. The hell is going on here? He thought in her direction. She gave no answer, possibly due to her sister’s proximity. Right. Looks like he’d have to figure this out on his own.

Chrysalis, to his surprise, turned around and began to walk back into the Hive. “I’ll not consort so rudely. I am a Queen, not an arrogant wriggler with a crown on her sun-spotted head. Come along, Jeremy.” Torn, Jeremy looked between Luna and Chrysalis, who looked back at him, surprised. “You can’t seriously want to continue this travesty of a conversation?” Chrysalis asked. Jeremy considered what to do.

“I’ll see what they want. If it’s anything worthwhile, I’ll hear them out.” Chrysalis nodded grimly and went inside, and the changelings allowed her through before resuming their blockade.

Jeremy turned back towards Celestia and Luna, adopting an almost bored look. “Well? You heard her. We do this calmly and politely, or not at all.” Celestia looked at him with utter disdain.

“In fact, I’m here for you. Not her – she can keep her little queendom.” Jeremy rolled his eyes.

“Is this about yesterday?”

Celestia nodded. “Luna spoke with me, and explained your views in further detail. If you’re monogamous, I can respect that.” Jeremy cleared his throat.

“Luna, we’ll have to talk about that later.”

Celestia looked at him in surprise. “Wait... you mean you’re open to being with multiple lovers? Well, that was sudden.” Jeremy nodded.

“Chrysalis explained how it worked to me, and I feel like I could manage it.”

Celestia smiled. “So that works out fine, then. I’ll see you tomorrow morning!”

Jeremy looked at her. “…What?”

Celestia looked confused. “Well, you said you were up for polyamorous relationships, right? So, there should be no problem with us being together.”

Jeremy slapped a hand to his face. “Were you not paying attention to what I told you yesterday? I didn’t reject you just because I already had Luna – I rejected you because you’re crazy!” Luna made a sudden motion forward, as though she were going to object. Jeremy glared at her, which was a new and unpleasant experience. “Don’t try to defend her! Or is this normal behavior?”

Luna now looked torn between him and Celestia, before lowering her head. “We think… we will go and speak with Queen Chrysalis,” she said, hurriedly and nervously heading towards the hive entrance. To everyone else's surprise, the changelings let her through, possibly out of confusion.

Celestia watched her leave furiously. “Not you too! Sister, come back!” she shouted after Luna, to no reply. Jeremy also watched her leave apprehensively. When he looked back, Celestia was glaring at him. “Now look what you did!” she accused. Jeremy turned to face the solar princess, a cold glare on his face.

“If she chose to hang out with Chrysalis over you, I don’t think that’s my fault. Or even really my problem,” he taunted. Celestia looked at him as though she wanted nothing more than to incinerate him on the spot. Her hair seemed to turn a shade redder than normal, and her eyes glowed slightly in the darkness. Then, she seemed to relax, and gave him an unnervingly sincere smile.

“Well, if you want me to be calm, then I will be. You only had to ask, after all,” she laughed. Jeremy stared at her, now somewhat afraid - this new Celestia was terrifying. What happened to the calm, wise Princess he'd watched on the show? Had she always been like this, secretly? "So, now that I’m calmed down, how about it? We don’t even have to have a serious romantic date – just a drink would be nice. We could get to know one another, talk things out...” Celestia continued.

“Yeah, how about no. I don’t trust you. At all. Ever,” Jeremy replied.

Celestia looked hurt. “But... I calmed down! That was what you wanted, right?!” Jeremy could feel his rage building, and in that moment he made a decision. It was time to let everyone know where he really stood.

“How dumb do you think I am? You're the most obvious fake I've ever had the displeasure of meeting. And no amount of kissing up, or apologies, or anything like that is going to make me reconsider. Everything that's happened so far is your fault! You could have made peace with the changelings and invented a love machine, you could have bothered to ask me out normally and explain yourself like a grown fucking mare instead of being petty and jealous, and YOU COULD HAVE BEEN IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH ME!" he roared. Celestia looked taken aback. "It really was that simple! But no, you just had to be a smug, arrogant, awful monster of a pony! I'll never love you, Celestia - in fact, I hate you, you MISERABLE waste of royal blood!" he screamed, fists balled up and glaring at the white princess.

Celestia stared at him for a second, her mouth hanging open in shock as Jeremy panted. Finally, she composed herself. “Fine,” she whispered, almost too quietly for him to hear. “On your own head be it,” she added, a little louder. Celestia then walked way, attempting a dignified poise.

“As if I haven’t heard that before,” Jeremy replied to her receding form. The guards, after some hesitation, followed.

Jeremy staggered into Chrysalis’ room, and leaned against the wall, his adrenaline wearing off. “My god, that was terrifying. Anyone got a drink?”

Luna, who had been anxiously watching him, looked surprised. “Thou partake in intoxicative drinks? We never knew.” Jeremy, after staring at her for a second, laughed.

“Heh. No, I meant water – although now that you mention it, I could live with not remembering this night. Urgh.” He slumped against the wall. Luna went over beside him, and Jeremy placed a comforting hand on her. “I’m fine,” he answered to her unspoken question. “She just... I... oh hell, I'm not fine.” Luna nodded.

"We heard thee... from all the way in here." Jeremy winced, and Luna gave him a frown. "Art thou... angry at us too?" she asked, and Jeremy looked at her in surprise. Luna looked away, eyes tightly shut and ears twitching as though she expected him to yell at her.

Feeling guilty, Jeremy gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "Of course not, Luna. You've done nothing wrong. You've been perfect," he soothed.

Luna gazed up at him, watery-eyed, before pulling him into a bonebreakingly strong hug. "We... I needed that..." she whispered.

Chrysalis, who had gotten up to check outside, came back in and took a seat on the floor. “Wow. I don't think anypony's been that rude to her face before,” she commented, and Jeremy gave her a weak smile.

“For what it’s worth, you have my full support if she decides to attack,” he remarked to her, and Chrysalis nodded solemnly. Luna seemed torn, before getting a resolute look in her eyes.

“We support you as well,” she added. Both Jeremy and Chrysalis stared at her in shock.

“…Are you sure about that?” Jeremy asked after a moment.

“Yes,” Luna firmly answered. “Our sister is not well… We think she is giving herself over to jealousy and bitterness… like… well, you know. Me.” Jeremy stared at her. She had abandoned her royal “we”, as well as her old-school speech quirks, and the difference in tone was striking. It was like she'd transformed into a different mare - where before she had been regal, and royal, and a princess... now she just looked like a scared little filly.

Chrysalis was still staring, intrigued, before clearing her throat and speaking. “So… do we call the Elements of Harmony into this? That’s what happened last time, right?” Jeremy briefly considered this.

“Well, I don’t think that’s going to work. Firstly… I don’t want to involve Twilight or her friends, if at all possible. Luna, you know the main reason why. Plus, I don’t think Twilight could raise a hoof against her. After all, Celestia mentored her for most of her life – I don’t think Sparkle could bring herself to fight her idol.”

Chrysalis looked down, frowning in thought, and both Luna and Jeremy did as well. “I guess we should just be careful for now, and not initiate a confrontation,” Jeremy finally mentioned aloud. Next Chapter: Chapter 19 Estimated time remaining: 9 Hours, 42 Minutes