Chapter 08 – The Queen Cocoon.

The swamp was vast, the vines that hung from the trees could easily be reached by an earth pony without much effort, the soil was so wet that it was easy to end up sunk in the mud that covered most of the place. The thick tree trunks and the large foliage they possessed due to the abundant humidity, caused sunlight to be treated as an unwanted host its forever banished from the territory and leaving the place almost in darkness.

The fauna of the place was constituted mostly by snakes, insects and crocodiles of colossal sizes, but non of them were nearly as dangerous as the creatures that had settled themselves deep in the swamp. And it was precisely one of these creatures that made its way through the rich foliage that day.

The creature had a pony-like figure, yet its legs were long and thin, its body was covered by a hard-skinned shell, its wings were thin and transparent, but strong enough to lift the creature's weight with little effort, its mane and tail were made of pale emerald-shaded hair strands, on its head you could see a pair of large beautiful deep green eyes and a small muzzle, which was also armed with sharp teeth and fangs. At the base of the crature’s forehead stood a long twisted horn witch was glowing providing some dim light.

Chrysalis advanced through the swamp cautiously, her ears raised fully alert to even the quietest sounds around her, her legs were raised just enough to avoid the ground, which would allow her to respond any attack that took her by surprise. Her wings were flapping with strength and speed producing a characteristic buzzing sound.

Suddenly her ears caught the sound of leaves moving from the trees followed by the sudden silence of the insects and other small animals surrounding the place.

Chrysalis stopped in her tracks by slightly decreasing the flapping speed of her wings which allowed her to descend almost to the level of the mud under her hooves.

-Princess- A voice was heard coming from some place near the trees.

-I'm back- answered the changeling princess looking a small boulder which has a pair of bright eyes.

-We were worried about you, Your Highness- the boulder said.

The rock was suddenly covered in a green fire before revealing a second black creature, its eyes unlike Chrysalis's appeared to be covered by a luminous membrane. The second changeling was smaller than the princes and did not possess the same mane, on the contrary, it had a small crest formed by a black membrane on its back and tail, its small horn had a curved and pointed shape like a tusk , its legs although shorter also had holes as well as its small see-through wings.

-I'm glad to see you Carpio-

-I’m also glad to see you safe and sound- Carpio replied -Although mother has been quite concerned about your absence-.

-Yes, I can imagine it- the changeling princess replied lowering her gaze -That's why I decided to come back now, I figured if I didn't do it, she'd send a patrol group looking for me.

-In deed she did it- the soldier replied immediately, stealing the full attention of Princess Changeling.

-S-she did it?- it was more of an answer than a question.

-That's right, when she hear the war between Equestria and the Crystal Empire had reached a critical point, the queen decided to send a patrol looking for you, but apparently after they reported their findings, she decided that you were not in any danger so she did not send any of us to bring you back-.

Chrysalis's mind then began to formulate hundreds, perhaps thousands of possible reasons why her mother would have decided to simply let her be. She had moved away from the hive only to be next to Luna but did not expect her mother to really understand such a reason. After all Chrysalis had abandoned the mission she had been entrusted with in order to remain by her beloved alicorn. The young princess was fully aware of the rule that she certainly broke that day when she decided to give Luna her heart and yet... her mother did not seem to have cared in the least.

-But how rude I have been, I am sorry Majesty- suddenly said the panicked soldier – You must be tired of your journey, let me escort you back to the hive please-.

-I'm not really that tired Carpio, but I appreciate the gesture, go ahead and lead the way-

Without wasting time Carpio turned around and began flapping his wings followed by Chrysalis. It didn't take them long to get back to the hive. The structure was formed by thick walls that appeared to be made by some kind of chrysalis. Around it were some patrols flying around. There were lot of changelings, every one of them bowed to her princess without leaving their posts at any time.

Once inside, Carpio led his princess through the intricate complicated tunnels and paths that made up the hive, until he reached the deepest part of the hive.

The soldier stopped in front of a door built by a bright emerald and viscous material.

-Your room your Majesty- said the smallest changeling pointing to the spherical, viscous door.

-Thank you for your help Carpio- the changeling princess replied.

-Do you want me to notify your mother that you are back?- asked the soldier.

-Of course and tell her that I'd like to talk to her alone-

The soldier nodded and once again flew deeper into the hive. Chrysalis waited until Carpio disappeared from her sight before entering her own room.

The room was not very large, inside there were very few furniture made of dry wood, a common material in that swap, which she used to manufacture her own things whenever she had some free time of course. Although it had been several months since she had left, she had no remorse for having left the hive, but if she was honest with herself she had never really felt part of it at all, so she didn't really care. Chrysalis look around, in the room there was a bed made of the same material of the walls, the mattress was old and was cover of dust as well as the rest of the furniture. She approached her desk where there were still some of her drawings scattered across the surface of the wooden material.

With a melancholic expression Chrysalis lit her horn and levitate one of them in front of her. Each and every one had been made with charcoal, carefully crafted artwork from start to finish, it took her months to perfect her technique, until she actually created drawings of excellent quality.

On each piece of scroll was drawn the same creature, sometimes standing or lying down, even in mid-flight. Plus, all the drawings had also the same landscape, it was a small garden surrounded by trees and illuminated by soft moonlight. The creature in the drawings was a dark alicorn, it had a long mane and tail that oscillated in the wind and in its flank it could be seen a white crescent Moon surrounded by a black spot. The flower garden that surrounded the dark alicorn was accompanied by a mind-blowing starry night sky and a gigantic full moon placed in it, all perfectly detailed with a majestic technique.

A tear rolled down Chrysalis's cheek as she hugged the drawing by pressing it against her chest as if she feared it would suddenly disappear.

-O my beloved Luna, give me the strength and courage I need right now- she said without releasing the piece of scroll.

The changeling princess could feel a strange sensation, as if something strangled her chest preventing her from breathing properly, like if she had something imprisoned in her chest and for the first time she was able to perceive some feelings with which she was not to familiar, fear, worry and pain that arose inside her chest, she was terrified of losing her beloved. However, she had to be strong, if she really wanted to live a life next to the deity of the night, She would have to be willing to sacrifice everything in exchange for that goal.

-Why did you come back?- asked the dark-blue alicorn to the creature that suddenly broke into the garden coming out of the same bushes from which Luna had first seen it.

The creature clearly displayed some fear in the presence of her sapphire blue eyes, but her emerald green eyes also reflected curiosity, a curiosity Luna rarely saw in her own subjects.

-Go ahead you have nothing to fear, we will not make any harm to you- promised the deity of the night before looking back at her sky in order to continue placing the stars in the firmament using her own magic.

The creature did not respond. However, It took the courage to come out of its hiding place and lie on the fresh grass.

-We have to said you took a lot of risks coming here once again— the princess of the night said resting for a second –Tell us dear, what reason could be powerful enough to make you risk your own life like this?, you know well that the guards will come after you once again if they find you sneaking around-.

-I wanted to see the stars- the changeling replied.

The deity of the night look at the intruder with curiosity and genuine surprise. The look of that creature was fixed into the dark sky, its elongated pupils wide open while an expression of amazement was drawn on its face completely captivated by the beautiful night rising in front of them.

-I'm really glad you like it- Luna replied, resuming her task of beautifying the night sky, a genuine smile drawn on her face.

The waiting time felt like an eternity, until the sound of some hooves pounding the entrance caught her attention.

-Princess- said the little changerling with respect -The queen is waiting for you in the nest-room.

Chrysalis looked up and use her magic to return the scroll back to its place.

-Thank you very much Carpio, I will go immediately- said the princess turning around and setting out on her way to the nest-room followed by the soldier.

Chrysalis had no trouble finding what she was looking for, despite the constant change in the structure of the hive.

Before long she found herself coming out of a tunnel that took her directly to a spacious room. In the surrounding area you could see a large number of cocoons which practically covered up much of the ground and contained the newly born changelings.

In the center was lying a taller changeling (who was clearly of an even larger size than Celestia herself). Its wings, were elongated and had a rather peculiar glow. Her body was very well shaped, every curve in place and every muscle perfectly toned, her shell shone as if it had been polished. Long tufts fell from her bright mane and tail forming a curtain that covered one of her huge eyes whose iris shine with an intense emerald color. her muzzle was much longer than Chrysalis’ as also have sharper fangs, pointed tusks protruding from her lips while a long twisted horn rose above its forehead just in front of a black crown placed on her head.

-Oh, it's good to see you again dear daughter- the queen said, with a metallic voice that quickly caused Chrysalis's mane stand to its end.

-I-I-I'm also glad to see you mother, you look really well and… healthy- replied the princess in a trembling voice -You know… especially after giving birth, hehe- the princess laughed nervously.

-Yes, I suppose it's a complicated job for a mother, but you know I've learned that the most complicated job is not to give birth to a child, but to raise him properly- the queen slowly rose to reach her full height overshadowing Chrysalis.

-You know, I was quite worried about you, my dear- continued the queen placing her hoof on the Princess’ cheek who unconsciously gave a little jump at the soft contact.

-I-I'm sorry mother, I-I assure you that I had no bad intentions and I just... – chrysalis was silenced by the queen's hoof, which was now on her lips.

-Shhh... You don't have to explain anything dear- replied the queen by looking at her daughter tenderly.

Chrysalis didn't look away.

-In fact, I know everything dear- the queen continue -I hear you've been feeding on a very special pony, who has been giving you a generous amount of love voluntarily- she said in an extreme friendly tone -Being honest dear, I'm glad things work out so well for you-.

-R-Really?- replied the incredulous princess -That’s a relief, I thought you'd be really mad at me- Chrysalis said letting out a long sigh.

-I don't see why I should?, you arrive full of energy carrying a generous amount of magic source that will help me restore my strength after all the birth efford- her hoof maternally caresses the princess's mane who did not refuse the unusual show of affection.

-I'm glad to hear it mother, I'd love to talk to you about her and how good it makes me feel in here- she said, pointing to her excited chest.

-And believe me I can't wait to hear the details, but after all this effort, I really don't think I'll be able to give you due attention, dear-.

-Oh, don't worry Mother, you just have to take some of the energy I’ve got and you'll feel much better. Just like you said-

-Ah!, thank you dear- the queen replied suddenly kissing Chrysalis.

In a blink of an eye, Chrysalis felt a tremendous suction force extracting most of her energy, causing her to loose her balance and get dizzy.

Disoriented and completely taken by surprise, Chrysalis tried to refocus her surroundings while abruptly breaking contact with the Queen's lips.

Unannounced from warning she was invaded by an intense pain coming from her neck, as if a pair of daggers pierced her throat holding her tightly with a grip that quickly began to take away her ability to breath followed by the sensation of been filled by some poisonous liquid.

In just a moment Chrysalis felt the reserves of Luna’s love leaving her altogether, and been replaced by an atrocious hunger. She felt her body lose her strength to keep standing and finally she fell heavily on the ground at the same instant the pressure releases her neck. She heard clearly something breaking beneath her.

The queen let out a sonorous moan of intense pleasure.

-IT IS INCREDIBLE!, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED SO MUCH ENERGY IN YEARS! I must admit, who ever gave you this, totally worth it- the queen looked at the princess laying on the cold floor.

Chrysalis body felt exhausted and each part of it ached, under her were several crushed eggs hurting her back.

-It's a shame Chrysalis, but you should know that although I'm glad you found such a source of energy, that doesn't exempt you from your guilt— the queen's voice now lacked of all kindness.

-B-but, mother... -

-You had one task Chrysalis, ONE!- the queen silenced her by pounding her daughter's side fiercely, sinking her hoof into Chrysalis' ribs, which produced an intense cry of pain from the changeling princess.

-YOU HAVE TO FIND THAT SOURCE OF LOVE AND BRING IT TO ME!- she shout at chrysalis.

The Queen lit up her horn wrapping Chrysalis's body in an emerald aura before throwing her against one of the walls.

It's blow produced a roar, which made the room vibrate, the sounds of the bones of the changeling breaking at the same time countless cracks formed on the wall because of the terrible impact forced the princess to release a sharp cry of pain that resounded throughout the hive.

An army of changelings immediately began to show up worried that some creature had entered and attacked the hive. Their expression changed to one of absolute terror, seeing the queen striking hits at the princess again and again. Whoever let out ever more heartbreaking cries of pain.

-Tell me Chrisalis- commanded the queen -Why did you decided to protect that pony from me? Is that creature so important to you now?- her words felt like poison. The rest of the changelings stood motionless facing of the cruel scene.

Chrysalis looked at Luna as it formed a new constellation in the sky. Both were in the garden surrounded by the moon flowers that Chrysalis had helped her plant.

-Tell me Lulu, where do you get the inspiration when you create a new constellation?- asked the changeling,

-Every time we see something that amaze us or something happens to us that fills us with happiness, is when inspiration arises- answered the princess of the night.

-And what was your inspiration for this one?- asked Chrysalis.

-Well... That, it's classified information- replied the deity of the night with a slight blush on her cheeks.

-Oh come on Lulu, that was unfair, I want to know...-

-No- replied Luna playfully.

-Tell me-

-No-

-Come on, I won't tell anyone-

-You'll have to rip the words out of my lips- Luna replied.

-I accept the challenge- the changeling jumped at Luna knocking her on the ground and kissing her with passion.

-Did you plan to keep that energy to yourself?- she heard the voice of her mother, who had not lost that derogatory tone.

Chrysalis felt another hoof sink into the soft areas of her side, after which her body was propelled into the air until falling heavily on the hard floor once again.

The two were lying on their backs near the lake. A blanket lay under them and a basket with the few remaining margarita sandwiches was placed between the two of them.

-I don't understand why the ponies are not able to appreciate this view- mentioned the changeling princess,

-Most are afraid of the darkness Crisi, it's hard for them to see beyond, but I'm sure that at least tonight someone else should be enjoying this view as much as we do- the deity of the night replied. In her voice one could clearly sense that tone of sadness that Chrysalis had learned to recognize.

-I'm sure that's the way it should be- she encouraged her placing her hoof over Luna’s.

-The hive is FIRST!, one would think that at least you would learn that correctly Chrysalis-

The Queen's magic surrounded one of Chrysalis’ fore hooves and with an abrupt movement, the limb twisted into an unnatural position.

The princess's eyes opened wide and her pupils contracted as the pain ran through her body and a terrible cry of agony escaped her throat hurting her vocal cords.

-YOU’LL LEARN THAT DISOBEYING MY ORDERS, IT’S THE SAME AS BETRAY THE HIVE! AND ANYONE WHO EVEN PRETENDS TO DEFY ME WILL SUFFER!- shout the queen beating the face of the princess over and over again using her fore hoof while keeping Chrysalis pinned to the ground with her other one.

Chrysalis arrived in the garden like every night, but… she stopped in her tracks when she saw the princess of the night sobbing over the moon flowers. Her face hidden under her hooves and her mane waved as the tears that flowed through her cheeks wet the flowers under her.

She wanted to comfort her, but behind her were five ponies of a very different appearance than any other she had known before. Those ponies had yellow eyes like snakes, and vampire-like wings. They all had the same sad, helpless looks that she herself was carrying on her face.

-I failed you... It's all been my fault... I'm so sorry... Discord- sobbed the dark-blue coat alicorn muttering as low as she could.

-Luna- whispers Chrysalis, almost on the verge of unconsciousness.

-Queen Cocoon, please stop!- shout a changeling with tears in her eyes –You will kill her if you keep beating her lie this-.

The queen stopped, looked at the changeling for a moment and then looked back at her daughter.

-I understand know- she said a repulsive tone in her voice -You have fallen in love with your pray- she concluded.

The solder continues moving forward until he was in front of Cocoon.

-Your Majesty, please I beg you...- the changeling was silent the instant Queen Cocoon raised her hoof.

-Listen to me, very carefully- the princess made a huge effort to open her healthy eye and look at her mother –Love is the most ridiculous feeling of all, it makes you act without thinking about the consequences. It destroys the emotional balance. It forces you to put your life at risk for others and causes you to forget your place in the world making you think you can do whatever you want- she said walking away from her daughter.

The queen lit her horn but this time the magical aura surrounded the soldier, who floats to the extent between her and Chrysalis.

-Love is only a fuel for us, nothing more than a source of energy that strengthens us, but if you forget that and store it inside you, it becomes your weakness, a weakness that will lead you to death-

-Carpio- muttered the changeling princess as she identified the soldier who was wrapped in Cocoon's aura, her throat ached from all the screaming.

-Let this be a life lesson Chrysalis. I will show you and the rest, what happens to anyone who dares to betray me or the hive- Cocoon looks into Carpio's eyes before opening the jaws and beginning to suck the love out of the changeling.

-NO, MOTHER PLEASE STOP!- Chrysalis scream, her throat burned with every word and her body sent pain signals from everywhere caused by the sudden movement.

A few seconds later the queen's magic freed Carpio’s body, who felt to the ground completely motionless before the eyes of the legions of changelings and Chrysalis herself.

-Soldier Moth- order Cocoon shaking her daughter's hooves from her foreleg.

-Yes… your majesty?- said the changeling approaching cautiously.

-Take my daughter to the dungeons, and be sure to chain her properly- the queen directed her murderous gaze to the terrified soldier –I, myself will check that the chains are properly placed, so if you don't want to suffer the same end as Carpio, I recommend you to do a good job-.

-O-of course, y-your majesty - the soldier quickly addressed Chrysalis' body placing her on his back. The princess's eye watched Carpio's body lying on the ground with tears, finally breaking she started to cry loudly, she could feel the weight of the death of that changeling falling on her.

-Don't forget Chrysalis, love is strength for those of us who feed on it, but it becomes weakness when you make it part of you- said the queen.

Cocoon wait for Moth to leave the nest-room before directing her attention to the rest of the hive -The rest of you go back to work, I’ll take care of the body personally-

Without waiting for the room to empty, Cocoon opened her jaws and began to devour the body of the fallen changeling causing the rest of the hive to have a sudden urgency for leaving the nest-room while the sound of the bones been crushed and meat been reaped off filled the atmosphere.

In the darkness of her room a dark-blue coat alicorn overshadowed by the gloom covering the room remained with her gaze fixed on the horizon.

“Are you still waiting for her letter? " the voice resounded in her head.

-She promised she would write to us- the alicorn replied in a defiant voice.

"You may be right, but I still think you shouldn't expect too much of it. Putting your hopes on others will only end up hurting you in the end and the more you expect from others the greater the disappointment they'll give you." keep saying the voice in her mind.

-We've had a long night we are just tired- Luna said, closing the curtain on the room as the first rays of the sun began to peek over the horizon –We feel exhausted, maybe a little sleep will help us think clearly-.

The deity of the night turned around, her eyes were two sharp pupils which were perfectly camouflaged by the darkness surrounding the room.

Without saying more, the deity of the night climb up her bed and using her magic, she covered herself wrapping her body with the blankets, after all, tomorrow would be a wonderful night. She had to take a break at least before leaving back to Canterlot for the celebration of the first snowfall of the year.

Author's Notes:

Author's note:

Well, I hope you've enjoyed this little chapter, XD.

First of all, i'm sorry for the delay I’ve been really busy lately. But I hope I could keep delivering one chapter at least once every 15 days once again.

Winter is coming and with him new surprises will come to. I hope you like them.

Have a nice weekend. See you soon.

---

In memory of Victor Fidel Beloved grandfather and mentor.

March/1938 - October/2018