Chrysalis shifted nervously from her seat on the bed. Her wings flittered at her side, the soft thrumming doing little to calm her worries. The Queen hoped her worries were unfounded. She couldn’t see any real reason why the worse-case scenario would come about, for any reason. If it did… she couldn’t think about that. Chrysalis shifted again.

A few minutes after Twilight had left to return to her library, Jay had walked downstairs to sort out the new schedule due to two new Guards arrived. She wasn’t yet aware of their names but it didn’t concern her at the moment. No, she was worried entirely about what Jay had said as he left the room.

“Wait for me in our room. We need to talk. It’s important.”

Chrysalis shivered. Maybe those words meant something different to humans and Evolved. Maybe they meant ‘we need to have an important talk.’ She was afraid, though. she had spent time among Diamond Dogs, ponies, Griffons, and even a Dragon or two, not to mention she herself was a Changeling. In every culture she had been apart of, those words meant the same thing; ‘We should break up.”

Oh, by the Mother, don’t let that happen! I wouldn’t be able to take it!

Of course, she could be worrying over absolutely nothing. It was entirely possible that he really did want to just talk about something. Jay had shown no displeasure with her, so she didn’t think he was unhappy. The only major thing that had happened involving their relationship so far was…

The Queen of Changelings whimpered, a horrific thought striking her. Worst of all, the thought actually made sense. Jay had started dating Celestia and Luna recently and neither of them hesitated to share their bodies with him. If anything, they were most likely incredibly eager to share themselves with him. Yet she had been with him longer and had yet to even pleasure him. Maybe he was going to leave her for the two mares that love him physically as well as emotionally?

Another shiver wracked her body. That couldn’t be it, could it? Jay wasn’t like that. He wouldn’t leave her for something so shallow. If something ever broke them apart, it would be an incredibly serious act of absolute betrayal, nothing less would make her stop loving him or make him stop loving her. Chrysalis knew that. She knew, in her logical mind, that he wasn’t going to leave her.

“So why am I still afraid?” Chrysalis whispered to herself.

“Afraid about what?” She heard Jay’s concerned voice ask from the doorway. The Changeling immediately jumped in shock as her head snapped up, eyes locking with his. Try as she might, she couldn’t stop the tidal wave that was her worry and fear from escaping her in a single burst.

“I’m so sorry for not be good enough, please don’t break up with me! I’ll be sure to do anything you ever ask and be perfect from now on just don’t leave!” She choked out quickly before she drove her head into the bedsheets and waited for the reply.

Jay, for his part, managed to react rather quickly. His unnatural mind had quickly processed everything she said, recalled every instance she had said something similiar- which was none-, looked back over what could have sparked the worry, and drew a conclusion in the time it had taken her to try to bury herself in the blankets. Crossing the room quickly, he sat down next to her and gently pulled the shaking Queen to him. “I’m not going to leave you. You’re beautiful and nothing is going to change that, even if we are different species.”

Her teary eyes gazed up at him, slight confusion shining in them as she hiccupped out her reply. “W-what?”

Shit. He never said it was the right conclusion. “Forget that, though it’s still true. What’s wrong, Chryssi?”

The Queen hesitated, the prospect of saying her fears aloud making her realize just how ridiculous they sounded. Jay would never leave her for something as simple as sex. He loved her for who she was, not what she had. He even directly told her that he was willing to wait as long as he needed to until she was ready, not until he wanted it.

“Chryssi, you know you can trust me. I’m not going to make fun of your feelings or disregard them.” Jay said, seeming to know exactly what she was feeling. Then, idly remembering the Changeling-esque powers he was beginning to show, she figured he really did know what she was feeling.

After a time of thoughtful silence, time that Jay willingly gave her, she spoke up. “You remember what you said right before you left to sort out the new schedule?”

“Yeah, I said wait for me in here because we needed to ta- shit, I didn’t mean it like that…” Jay said, his voice clearly conveying how he was upset with himself. “Fuck, I’m so sorry for worrying you like that.”

Chrysalis relaxed against him, happy to have her fears proven unfounded, even if she had begun to realize how foolish they were to begin with. A moment later, Jay continued. “I guess it really didn’t help that I was gone for nearly an hour, leaving you to stew up here.”

Chrysalis didn’t agree or disagree, not wanting to upset him further, and just rubbed her muzzle against his side. “Don’t worry about that now. What was it you wanted to talk about?”

“No.” Jay said firmly, making her pull back and blink in surprise. “This was bothering you and it wasn’t something that you felt like had no backing to it. You really thought I was going to leave you and something made you feel that way beyond my words. Chrysalis, what’s the rest of the story?”

The Queen sighed, hearing him say her full name, not the nickname he usually used. There was no way she was going to be able to dance around him with words while he was this firm on it. “It’s ridiculous. We’ve already been over it. I’ve no reason to worry about it.”

“The emotions rarely ever appeal to reason and logic.” Jay replied wryly. “I’ve tried. Is it about Celestia and Luna?”

“Partly.” Chrysalis admitted.

“Are you regretting allowing me to date them as well?” Jay asked quietly. “I’ll...I’ll break things off if that’s really what you want but I doubt it’ll be easy. Or without tears.”

The Changeling quickly shook her head, though she was touched that he was willing to leave them for her alone. “No, that’s not it! Don’t worry yourself with those thoughts because that’s not what I’m worried about.”

“Then what is it?” He asked, a patient and comforting smile on his face as he waited for the reply.

“You and them already made love.” Chrysalis slowly whispered. “I’ve been with you longer and yet I haven’t even touched you like that. I’m worried that, now that you have somepony who will help those needs, I’m not good enough.”

“Chryssi…” Jay said softly, pulling her closer. “I’ve already told you that I’m more than content enough to wait however long it takes.”

“But you want to…” Chrysalis half-asked him.

“I want you to be happy.” The virus corrected. “Happy and comfortable. Not pressured into doing something you aren’t sure about.”

“But, if you had the chance and I was willing, you would want to do it.” Chrysalis said.

“Chryssi, I love you and you’re beautiful to me. Of course I would be happy to sleep with you when you are ready, but only then and no sooner.” Jay replied honestly.

“Then let’s do it.” The Queen said, straightening up suddenly.

“What?” Jay asked, confused at the quick change.

“Let’s have sex. I’m ready.” She said it with a firm conviction to her voice, but it only took a moment’s examination to know she really wasn’t. Her wings were twitching, there’s was a slightly tremble to her head, and the leg she had placed on his thigh was shaking mildly.

“No.” Jay said, lifting her up. He scooted away from the edge of the bed and into the center, soon lying down and placing Chrysalis on his chest. “My chitin queen is nervous, scared, and in dire need of simple affection. Lay with me for a while, Chryssi.”

The Queen sighed, so very relieved he hadn’t gone ahead. She was entirely willing to do what she needed to show him how much she loved him but the idea was so nerve-wracking for her that she likely would have fainted partway through. Instead of that, she got to lie on him and just bask in the warmth he exuded and love he fed her.

Some time later, Chrysalis slowly drifted out of her half-awake state and sat up, a loud yawn escaping through her open muzzle. When her mouth closed, she was pleasantly surprised by a soft kiss from her partner. Before she could really enjoy it, he pulled away and her slitted eyes opened slowly, greeted by the sight of Jay softly smiling in front of her. With a quiet groan, her head dropped back down onto his chest as she curled up slightly, trying her best to ignore the dying light streaming in from the window.

“You need to wake up, Chryssi. We really do need to talk. A lot of things have happened while you were gone.” Jay whispered into her ear, making it flick repeatedly.

“Fine…” Chrysalis grumbled out, slowly sitting up as her eyes drifted closed again. “What has happened?”

“First, you need to wake up fully.” Jay gently said. “You also need to eat something; I’m sure you’re hungry.”

The Changeling felt something press against the end of her muzzle and she opened her mouth, gently biting into his forearm. A moment later she inhaled, the vaporous love filling her senses and quelling the hunger in her belly. Another moment later and he pulled his arm away. The chitinous Queen yawned once more before fully opening her eyes, looking at Jay again, the love shocking her system. “I’m awake now. What happened? Beyond your meetings with the Princesses, that is.”

“Ponyville was attacked by beasts of the Everfree. A giant worm, large wooden bears, astral scorpions, and a massive spider.” Jay explained, then stopping at her wince.

“I know of those beasts… legends from a time when the Hives were united. How many were injured?” Chrysalis asked in worry.

“Bruises and broken bones abound, but the only serious injuries were done to… Celestia.” Jay said after a moment of hesitation, his voice tinged with faded fear and pain.

“How bad?” Came the soft question.

“She almost died. Aracuvo venom, potent enough to easily overpower her natural healing.”

Chrysalis shifted next to him, her wings slowly wrapping around him as she leaned against his side, doing what she could to comfort him. “H-how did she live?”

“You know I have two forms. One was trying to reverse the damage the poison was doing but it was hurting her faster than I could heal her, even if only barely. My first form, this one, absorbed the blood of you, Celestia, Luna, and ever other creature I had only stored rather than absorbed. I mutated, becoming a centaur-esque being. With that, I was able to kill and absorb the monsters. With knowledge of the Aracuvo venom, I was able to cure the venom and heal her wounds.” Jay explained softly, doing his best not to let any emotion show.

Chrysalis could see right through his attempts. She could see the pain, anger, fear, concern, and vicious intent flickering through his soul. He was furious at the beasts but wouldn’t let it affect how he acted around her. After a moment of hugging him more intensely, he continued. “The most important thing I got from the mutation was some form of magic, though we haven’t yet figured out exactly what kind it is. Do you remember the rune I showed you?”

“The one the caster who destroyed Trotsdale left behind?” Chrysalis asked.

“Yes.” Jay answered. “I touched it with my magic and it showed me where the caster is. Celestia and I will be hunting him down in a week.”

“I’m coming with you.” Chrysalis said without a moment’s hesitation, her head raising from his chest to face him. Jay sighed, closing his eyes tightly. He had expected such a reply no matter how much he dreaded it.

“I really don’t like the idea of putting Celestia and you in harm’s way. If I had my way, neither of you would be coming.” Jay said slowly.

“If you had your way, we’d never be in any kind of danger.” Chrysalis said softly. “But it isn’t always like that. We’re rulers, Jay, and sometimes we jump in front of danger to protect our subjects. This caster burned down an entire town in what was most likely a single day. Who knows where he’ll hit next? Ponyville? Canterlot? Sapphire?”

“Is it wrong of me to want you to stay here so you aren’t in danger?” Jay asked.

“No, not at all.” The Queen replied with a firm shake of her head. “But sometimes we need to act, whether or not it’s safe doesn’t matter. I’m coming.”

“Okay.” Jay said simply. “Okay, I won’t stop you. We’re leaving in a week. He’s on a jungle island off the coast of Equestria. There’s an old ruin there he’s hiding in.”

“It sounds like he won’t have a way to escape once we get there. If he’s on an island far away from the coast, he won’t be able to teleport away from us and back to Equestria. He’ll be trapped.”

“A trapped animal fights harder than a free one.” Jay reminded. “He’ll be more dangerous, more willing to use lethal force if he thinks he has no way out. If things go well, we’ll catch him by surprise and knock him out in a single hit.”

“And if things don’t?” Chrysalis asked.

“A drawn out spell-battle with a skilled pyromancer, with me waiting for the right moment to strike. I know Celestia can resist most of the fire because of her nature, and I know you know a lot of magic, but it’ll still be dangerous. Be careful, okay, Chryssi?”

“I will. I promise.” The chitinous mare replied.

“And, if the situation goes too wrong, take Celestia and escape, okay?” Jay asked.

“I… I can’t promise that, Jay.”

“Chryssi, you and Celestia can still die. It’s incredibly difficult and only certain things can do it, but it’s still possible. Me? I can’t die, not really. Killing me is even harder than killing any of you, and it’s only made harder by my other bodies. If this body is destroyed, I just wake up in another. You two can’t do that. Promise me you’ll escape if something goes really wrong.” Jay asked, heartfelt emotion tinging his voice and nearly overwhelming her senses.

“I don’t want to promise that...but I will, for. I promise I’ll make sure me and Celestia escape if things go wrong.” Chrysalis promised, though she did so begrudgingly.

“Thank you.” Jay said honestly.

“But we’ll be back.” She continued, her voice firm and unwavering. “We’ll be back and it might be with an army. Two, if the Royal Guard joins in.”

Jay smiled at her, knowing full well that she was entirely serious. If he was captured or hurt, nothing would stop her from coming back to save him.

“What did I say?” Twilight asked quietly, staring at the heavy door Chrysalis had just stormed through and locked behind her. Three days had passed since she learned the truth about Snow and Twilight, Chrysalis, and Jay had been sitting in the second floor living room and were discussing Changeling culture. After a time, she had made an off-hoof comment about the similarities between Changelings and bugs and the Queen had immediately left the room, a sour expression firmly plastered on her muzzle.

“Calling them bugs is offensive and inaccurate, Twilight.” Jay admonished gently.

“But they have chitinous exoskeletons, they have insect-like wings, and they even live in hives!” The Unicorn mare protested weakly. “Those are all traits of insectoids.”

“Twilight, you have fur, correct?” Jay asked, throwing Twilight for a loop with his sudden change in topic.

“Yes, why?”

“You have hooves, correct?”

“Yes…”

“And side-facing eyes, a muzzle, a tail, a mane, and four legs, correct?”

“Yes. What’s your point?”

“So you’re a horse?” Jay asked curiously.

The mare gasped as if he had personally offended her, recoiling in shock at what he said. After a moment, she recovered enough to point a hoof at him and exclaim. “Jay, you know I’m not just some, some, some animal! I’m a Unicorn. I have a horn, internal leylines, a larger brain, and am physically smaller than a horse, to name a few differences.”

“Then why are Changelings bugs when they have magic, too? When they have the ingrained ability to shapeshift, to change their entire physiology? When they feed not on physical food but on emotional energy? When they live in hives in name only, their ‘hives’ being closer to underground cities than an anthill or beehive? A Changeling had as much in common with a bug as you do with a horse, and they have just as many differences. Maybe, thousands of millions of years ago, Changelings were an insect race, but they aren’t any more.”

“It would have been more efficient to say billions.” Twilight grumbled quietly before sighing. “You’re right. Maybe they had an insect ancestor but they aren’t insects themselves. What are they, then?”

“Honestly? If I had to guess, an undocumented species within their own kingdom.” Jay said.

“But there hasn’t been a new animalia kingdom in thousands of years!” Twilight said, unwilling to believe the creature categorization needed an update.

“And Changelings haven’t been thoroughly learned about and documented, either.” Jay replied. “Their biology is so vastly different than what is the usual that they would be under their own category.”

“What difference is that pervasive that it warrants a new category?” Twilight breathed out, shocked.

“They don’t need to eat material food, Twilight. There’s only three species on the planet that I can think of that are like that.”

“Changelings, Astrals, and Wendigos?” Twilight asked.

“Right. Changelings feed off of love, Wendigos off of hate, and Astrals off of starlight.”

“Changelings belong in the thurogy category!” Twilight exclaimed. Seeing Jay’s questioning look, she continued. “A category for beings whose biology run off of magic or some form of energy! They feed off of love, an energy, which is then converted to another energy by an organ in their bodies. Like Wendigos and Astrals, they turn energy into a semi-physical state before ingesting it, allowing a more efficient transference process. That’s amazing! Jay, I have to study a Changeling! Is there any way you can help me with that?”

“What you should do is go apologize to Chrysalis for calling her kind an insect.” Jay said. “Then discuss with her what you can do to learn more about Changeling biology.”

“Right!” Twilight said, quickly surging to her hooves and trotting over to the door before attempting to push it open. Of course, it didn’t budge at all, what with it being locked, so she turned and stared sheepishly at the virus, her ears folded on top of her head. “A little help?”

Jay just smiled in reply and walked over and placed his hand on the lock. A tendril formed a perfect copy of the key he had been given, quickly unlocking the door before stepping back. “Go talk to her, Twilight.”

“You… aren’t coming?” Twilight asked nervously.

Jay shook his head. “No, I’m not. This is between you and her.”

Twilight nodded and watched as Jay walked back to the couch and sat down, gesturing for her to go on. Twilight nodded softly and pushed the door open and walked in, quickly taking in the hallway. All of the doors except the one at the end of the hall were closed, so the mare began walking down the hall. She couldn’t hear anything coming from the room and felt relieved that, at the very least, Chrysalis wasn’t crying.

The Unicorn stepped through the door and looked around, seeing the large bed, the door to the bathroom, and the set of desks, one of which was covered in strange papers. Chrysalis was standing by one of the windows, staring out of the hidden glass as she stared at the fields outside. Twilight slowly walked up to the Queen and stood a beside her for a few moments, staying quiet as she thought. After a short time of silence, she spoke. “Chrysalis, I’m sorry. I should have thought before I spoke.”

“You should have.” Chrysalis replied, her dual-toned voice filling the room momentarily. The pair fell silent again for a time, the Changeling not turning to look at her. After a long moment, she continued. “Twilight, do you know how much it hurt to hear you say my kind were bugs? What that implies… it’s not good.”

“I know.” Twilight choked out, feeling her throat tighten as she realized just how horrifically insulting it was. “I’m sorry.”

“I know.” Chrysalis said simply, her gaze dropping down to her hooves. Then she sighed. “I know you are. Please don’t call any of us that again.”

“I won’t. I promise.” The Unicorn mare replied.

“Thank you.” Chrysalis said, finally turning to face her. “I forgive you, just be careful not to say that near a Changeling.”

“I’ll make sure I don’t call any Changeling that at all, not just when one’s near.” Twilight said, gently leaning into Chrysalis.

“Thank you.” She replied, gently draping a soft wing over her side. After a moment, she pulled it off. “Let’s go back.”

“Yes, let’s tell Jay.” Twilight said, starting to walk toward the door.

Chrysalis matched her stride, a smirk on her muzzle. “Don’t bother. He heard everything. Remember that his senses are far more acute than ours.”

“Right.” Twilight said. “That’s not going to be easy to get used to. It’ll be hard to keep in mind.”

“Just don’t say anything bad about me and you’ll be fine.” Jay said when they walked back into the living room.

“I won’t. I have nothing bad to say.” Twilight replied, returning to her seat. The Unicorn smiled as Chrysalis sat next to Jay again and leaned into him, one of his arms immediately draping around her as he held her close.

“What’s the point of the inlays?” Soul Flare questioned.

“Simple. The moment Celestia steps hoof into this ruin, the inlays will activate and rob her of her ability to perform magic, leaving just enough control to keep her alive. She’ll be unable to perform any sort of spell, making her helpless.” Perses replied softly, not afraid to explain knowing he couldn’t be overheard. “They draw on her internal leylines and drain them, keeping her core full yet leylines empty, making it impossible for her to gather the magic in her horn to cast a spell.”

“That’s only half of the inlays, though. What are the others for?”

“Why, so you can find some way to tell them my plans?” Perses asked, though he was nothing except amused. “Not that it matters. The only time they’ll be close enough for you to talk to is when they’ve already fallen into my trap. The second half of the inlays are for Daedalus and they’re very special. In fact, my plan can’t work without them, but that goes for both sets.”

“What will they do?”

“Make it impossible for Daedalus to shapeshift.” Perses answered.

“Rather useless.” Came the expected comment.

“Not at all!” Perses shouted in happy passion. “You know that means his blades, his claws, his healing, his everything! His entire power revolves around changing his own structure. The inlays force him to stay in a single configuration. Specifically, whatever he is when he arrives. If he tries to sneak in as a rat, he’s stuck as a rat until he leaves!”

“I’ll be sure to tell him.” Soul replied.

“Go right ahead. It will not help him in any way.”

Author's Notes:

Another chapter, though a good deal shorter than usual. As always, point out any errors you see and leave a comment if you have any thoughts or opinions.