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Heartfallen Ch. 1

By Luckybuck
Created: 2022-10-03 13:33:15
Updated: 2022-10-03 13:52:27
Expiry: Never
anonchrysalis/yan/

  1. 1.
    Ch. 1
  2. 2.
     
  3. 3.
    >Anon sits quietly on a rock, just inside the mouth of a sizeable cave in the side of a cliff.
  4. 4.
    >The shade is a blessing on such a warm day, and Anon finds great comfort in resting his weary feet.
  5. 5.
    >Having traveled far from civilization, he must enjoy whatever small pleasures he can.
  6. 6.
    >His stomach growls.
  7. 7.
    >It's been nearly a year since he began his journey, and he ran out of rations long ago.
  8. 8.
    >Sometimes Anon wonders if he should have stayed in Ponyville.
  9. 9.
    >The ponies were kind.
  10. 10.
    >They offered him a place to stay, and a few offered him jobs to help him earn money so he could start saving for his own home.
  11. 11.
    >But it just didn't feel right.
  12. 12.
    >They were too nice. Too innocent.
  13. 13.
    >Anon felt guilty living amongst them.
  14. 14.
    >Twilight Sparkle, who had tried her best to help him integrate, pleaded with him to stay, spent days attempting to convince him, insisted that he was being foolish.
  15. 15.
    >But he had to leave.
  16. 16.
    >He told them he wanted to see the world.
  17. 17.
    >To explore, and adventure, on his own.
  18. 18.
    >It was too painful to stay. Reminded every day of the life he left behind to come here.
  19. 19.
    >He had to leave.
  20. 20.
    >For his own sake. And theirs.
  21. 21.
    >Eventually they conceded, but were generous enough to give him, and force him to take, some supplies.
  22. 22.
     
  23. 23.
    >Anon remembers their somber faces, gentle smiles, tinged with disappointment. Waving as he walked away.
  24. 24.
    >His stomach growls again, and he is pulled from his thoughts back into the here and now.
  25. 25.
    A: "Gotta find something to eat."
  26. 26.
    >Anon stands, and looks back into the cave behind him.
  27. 27.
    >Should be safe to leave his bag here while he hunts.
  28. 28.
    >He hides it behind a rock, and takes up his makeshift bow.
  29. 29.
    >A simple weapon. A bit crudely crafted, perhaps. But it's effective enough.
  30. 30.
    >That's one thing that's certainly in his favor here.
  31. 31.
    >Most animals are unafraid of man.
  32. 32.
    >There are few truly active predators here, at least that he's aware of.
  33. 33.
    >There are some dangerous monsters out there, to be sure. But nothing prolific enough for the average critter to have evolved a good and proper sense of fear, like the animals back home.
  34. 34.
    >Anon stalks into the forest, moving slowly and quietly.
  35. 35.
    >It isn't long before he finds a small river, meandering through the woods.
  36. 36.
    >He can see how clear and clean the water is from a distance, but he does not approach.
  37. 37.
    >Instead, he remains in the treeline, hiding as best he can. Sitting still. Waiting.
  38. 38.
    >Many minutes pass.
  39. 39.
    >The bubbling of the water and the chirping of the birds is calming.
  40. 40.
    >Anon rests his head against the tree closest to him.
  41. 41.
    >It’s been at least an hour. Maybe more.
  42. 42.
    >He thinks maybe it’s time to move on, but just as he is about to leave, he hears something.
  43. 43.
    >The rustling of leaves, the snapping of twigs.
  44. 44.
    >Something is coming.
  45. 45.
    >It’s moving quickly.
  46. 46.
    >Sounds like it’s decently sized.
  47. 47.
    >Anon pulls an arrow from his quiver.
  48. 48.
    >He knocks the straight and sharpened stick against the bow, and readies himself.
  49. 49.
    >Then he hears shouting.
  50. 50.
    >Caught off guard by the sound of voices, he immediately stands.
  51. 51.
    >At first he can’t make out what they’re saying, but it doesn’t take more than a few seconds before they get close enough that he can hear them clearly.
  52. 52.
    ?: “THERE IT IS!”
  53. 53.
    ??: “I SEE IT!”
  54. 54.
    ???: “GET IT!”
  55. 55.
    !!!: “EEEEEEEEEEEEAAHHH!”
  56. 56.
    >Three gruff male voices, and a girlish scream.
  57. 57.
    >Anon hesitates.
  58. 58.
    >It’s been a long time since he’s seen anyone other than simple animals.
  59. 59.
    >’What the hell?’ He thinks to himself.
  60. 60.
    >Just then a dark shape bursts out from the treeline only a few dozen yards away from him, heading towards the river.
  61. 61.
    >Following close behind, a trio of gray colored monsters chase the shape.
  62. 62.
    >Anon can tell by their hunched postures and snaggle-tooth maws what they are. Even from here it’s obvious.
  63. 63.
    >Diamond Dogs.
  64. 64.
    >Mean and brutish creatures. Intelligent enough to speak, but rather simpleminded.
  65. 65.
    >Smart enough to be dangerous, though.
  66. 66.
    >Anon tries his best to see what the shape is, but he can’t quite make it out from here.
  67. 67.
    >It sort of looks like a pony, but why would a pony be all the way out here?
  68. 68.
    >Whatever it is screams, a high pitched squeal of fear, as the three Diamond Dogs catch up to it at the water’s edge.
  69. 69.
    >They surround it, and anon fill his heart beat faster.
  70. 70.
    >His adrenaline kicks in, and he acts without even thinking.
  71. 71.
    >The twang of the bowstring sounds out and an arrow whistles through the air, striking one of the Diamond Dogs square in the neck.
  72. 72.
    >It squeals in pain, clutches at the wound, and stumbles over.
  73. 73.
    ??: “What the!?”
  74. 74.
    >Another arrow flies right past the second Dog’s face, missing by only a few inches, and a third strikes the ground near its feet.
  75. 75.
    “It lead us into a trap! Run!”
  76. 76.
    >The two remaining Diamond Dogs almost immediately turn tail and flee into the woods, howling in fear as they run.
  77. 77.
    >They leave their fallen comrade laying in the dirt, kicking as his life drains away.
  78. 78.
    >The black shape cowers in a ball, covering its head with its front legs.
  79. 79.
    >Anon stands there for a moment, unsure of what to do.
  80. 80.
    >Why’d he do that?
  81. 81.
    >’Damnit.’ He thinks to himself. ‘This is bad.’
  82. 82.
    >He walks slowly out from the treeline, bow in hand, arrow knocked.
  83. 83.
    >As he approaches the shape and the injured Diamond Dog, he calls out,
  84. 84.
    A: “Hey! Are you alright?”
  85. 85.
    >The shape continues to shiver.
  86. 86.
    >The Diamond Dog lies still.
  87. 87.
    >Now that he’s closer Anon can see that this creature is no pony.
  88. 88.
    >It’s body is black and there are holes in its chitinous legs.
  89. 89.
    >A jagged horn juts from its head, and green insect-like wings lay folded against its back.
  90. 90.
    A: “Shit”.
  91. 91.
    >Anon curses aloud.
  92. 92.
    >A changeling.
  93. 93.
    >’Should I just leave it here?’ He ponders.
  94. 94.
    >Looking around somewhat nervously, he can see that all has grown quiet again.
  95. 95.
    >Other than the sounds of the river, all he can hear is the soft sobbing of the changeling.
  96. 96.
    >’I’m going to regret this.’
  97. 97.
    A: “Are you okay?”
  98. 98.
    >Anon moves closer, lowering his bow, and returning his arrow to its quiver.
  99. 99.
    !!!: “Stay away!”
  100. 100.
    >The changeling shouts at him. Anon is surprised, but he thinks he recognizes that voice.
  101. 101.
    >It can’t be, can it?
  102. 102.
    “It’s alright, I’m not going to hurt you.”
  103. 103.
    >He tries to sound as calm and reassuring as possible.
  104. 104.
    !!!: “Y-you’re not?”
  105. 105.
    A: “No. No, I promise.”
  106. 106.
    !!!: “Are those *beasts* gone?”
  107. 107.
    >The changeling remains huddled on the ground, covering her head.
  108. 108.
    A: “One is dead. The others ran away.”
  109. 109.
    !!!: “D-dead?”
  110. 110.
    >She raises her head and looks about.
  111. 111.
    >Anon’s suspicions are confirmed.
  112. 112.
    >This isn’t just any changeling. It’s the self proclaimed Queen of the Changelings.
  113. 113.
    >Chrysalis.
  114. 114.
    C: “You killed it?”
  115. 115.
    >She looks up at Anon with a worried expression.
  116. 116.
    A: “I had to.”
  117. 117.
    >He says, more to himself than to her.
  118. 118.
    A: “You saved me.”
  119. 119.
    >Her voice calms down a bit, and her expression changes. She looks relieved, but confused.
  120. 120.
    C: “Why did you save me?”
  121. 121.
    A: “I don’t know. I heard you scream and I had to do something.”
  122. 122.
    >Anon looks away from Chrysalis, and curses his luck. Chrysalis sees something in his pained expression that calms her nerves, and she stands.
  123. 123.
    C: “Well… I… Thank you, I suppose.”
  124. 124.
    >She tilts her head and looks at him quizzically, wondering what sort of creature Anon is.
  125. 125.
    >She’s never seen a human before.
  126. 126.
    >And Anon has never actually seen a Changeling before. Not in person.
  127. 127.
    >Looking her over, her face is very much like a pony’s. Well, not like a real pony’s. It doesn’t resemble any horse or pony from back home at all. But it looks a lot like one of the magical talking ponies that live in this world.
  128. 128.
    >He’s somewhat surprised by her appearance. Somehow it’s not what he expected her to look like.
  129. 129.
    >Not that he know exactly what he expected in the first place.
  130. 130.
    >He notices that he’s been staring at her for too long, and he looks up to the sky.
  131. 131.
    A: “You’re welcome.”
  132. 132.
    >Anon is struck with the realization that the direction that Diamond Dogs fled is the same direction as the cave he was resting in earlier.
  133. 133.
    >His mind races, and he worries that the cave might be an entrance to their abode.
  134. 134.
    >If it is, his pack might be found, and even if it isn’t, it might be too dangerous to get it back.
  135. 135.
    >Especially since they’ll probably be on guard, having lost one of their own.
  136. 136.
    >Without saying another word he turns away from Chrysalis and begins walking towards the cave.
  137. 137.
    >It might be stupid, but he has to get that pack.
  138. 138.
    >He needs it.
  139. 139.
    C: “W-wait! Where are you going?”
  140. 140.
    >Chrysalis calls out to him.
  141. 141.
    C: ”You can’t go that way!”
  142. 142.
    A: “I have to.”
  143. 143.
    >Anon keeps walking. Chrysalis hesitates for a moment, then chases after him.
  144. 144.
    C: “What are you doing? Those vicious *dogs* live this way!”
  145. 145.
    A: “Figures.”
  146. 146.
    >Anon is not thinking clearly. All he is concerned with is his pack.
  147. 147.
    >It has the gifts given to him by the kindest individuals he ever met. And it has quite a few things he needs to survive out here.
  148. 148.
    C: “Are you trying to get yourself killed?”
  149. 149.
    >Chrysalis’s voice cracks, and she stops.
  150. 150.
    >Anon stops as well, surprised by the sincerity in her voice.
  151. 151.
    >He looks back at her, and sees that her eyes are full of confusion and fear.
  152. 152.
    >The sight disarms him, and clears away some of the mental fog clouding his thoughts.
  153. 153.
    A: “I have to get my bag. I left it just inside a cave a little up this way.”
  154. 154.
    C: “A-a bag? Are you stupid!?”
  155. 155.
    >Chrysalis’s expression turns from confusion and fear to confusion and anger.
  156. 156.
    A: “I need it. It’s got all my stuff in it.”
  157. 157.
    C: “But they’ll kill you if they see you! There’s a whole pack of them in those caves!”
  158. 158.
    A: “I’ll die soon enough anyway without my pack.”
  159. 159.
    >Anon’s voice and expression are serious, and oddly calm.
  160. 160.
    >Chrysalis is clearly taken aback by his attitude, and silently stares at him in disbelief.
  161. 161.
    >After a few moments of awkward silence, Anon turns back and begins walking again.
  162. 162.
    C: “Please. Just… Wait a second.”
  163. 163.
    >Chrysalis’s voice is calmer now, but full of worry.
  164. 164.
    >Anon stops.
  165. 165.
    C: “I’ve never… Nobody has ever… Who are you?”
  166. 166.
    A: “I’m uh, my name is Anon.”
  167. 167.
    C: “*What* are you?”
  168. 168.
    A: “I’m a human.”
  169. 169.
    C: “A what?”
  170. 170.
    >Anon looks at Chrysalis with a solemn expression. What should he say? He needs to hurry and get his bag before those Diamond Dogs find it.
  171. 171.
    A: “Sorry, I have to go.”
  172. 172.
    C: “No! Please don’t leave me here!”
  173. 173.
    >Chrysalis pleads, and moves closer to Anon.
  174. 174.
    C: “I don’t have any magic left. If one of those *monsters* finds me, I…”
  175. 175.
    >Tears well up in her eyes.
  176. 176.
    >Anon never expected to see Chrysalis like this.
  177. 177.
    >Hell, he never expected to see her at all.
  178. 178.
    >He sighs.
  179. 179.
    A: “Come on.”
  180. 180.
    C: “What?”
  181. 181.
    A: “Come on. Follow me.”
  182. 182.
    C: “I’m not going any closer to those things!”
  183. 183.
    A: “Then stay here.”
  184. 184.
    >He starts to walk away again.
  185. 185.
    C: “No! Hold on!”
  186. 186.
    >He doesn’t stop. He keeps walking without turning back, and Chrysalis hurries to catch up to him.
  187. 187.
    >She follows close behind as he walks, keeping pace with him as he makes his way deliberately through the forest.
  188. 188.
    >Her footsteps are almost silent, even this close to him.
  189. 189.
    >It doesn’t take very long for the pair to reach the cave entrance.
  190. 190.
    >Anon stops at the edge of the trees, and observes the entrance.
  191. 191.
    >Chrysalis nudges his arm with her hoof, and whispers,
  192. 192.
    C: “I don’t think this is one of their caves. I don’t recognize it.”
  193. 193.
    A: “Good. Still better be careful.”
  194. 194.
    >He stands, and motions for Chrysalis to stay put.
  195. 195.
    >She nods, and he slowly creeps up to the cave.
  196. 196.
    >Silence.
  197. 197.
    >’Thank god.’ Anon thinks to himself as he finds his pack, exactly where he left it,
  198. 198.
    >Checking it over, he sees that it is unmolested, and puts it on, then makes his way quietly back to Chrysalis.
  199. 199.
    A: “Alright, let’s get out of here.”
  200. 200.
    >She nods in agreement, and they slink back into the woods.
  201. 201.
     
  202. 202.
    >Roughly an hour later the two have made it a good distance away from the territory of the Diamond Dogs, and crossed the river at a shallow point.
  203. 203.
    >They walked in silence, cautiously, but with haste.
  204. 204.
    >Now, believing that they’re far enough away, and having not heard any signs of their enemies giving chase, Anon stops and sits down on the dirt.
  205. 205.
    A: “Let’s rest here a moment.”
  206. 206.
    >Chrysalis sighs and lays down where she stands, clearly exhausted.
  207. 207.
    >Seeing her like that, Anon sympathizes. She must have been through a lot.
  208. 208.
    >Even if she is a villain, it’s not like she’s done anything bad to him.
  209. 209.
    >He doesn’t know her at all.
  210. 210.
    >Her eyes are closed, and if it weren’t for the labored breathing and dishevled mane, she might appear pretty.
  211. 211.
    >’Wait, what am I thinking?’ Anon kicks himself in his mind. He’s been out here alone for too long.
  212. 212.
    A: “You okay?”
  213. 213.
    >He asks.
  214. 214.
    C: “Yes.”
  215. 215.
    >Chrysalis opens her eyes, and looks at him with an odd expression that he can’t quite understand. It looks almost sad, but there’s something else there.
  216. 216.
    >Rather than dwell on it, he rummages through his pack, trying to distract himself.
  217. 217.
    >Then his stomach growls.
  218. 218.
    >He’d forgotten that he hadn’t eaten yet today.
  219. 219.
    A: “Damn.”
  220. 220.
    >He pulls a small green book from his pack and opens it.
  221. 221.
    >’Forager’s Guide ; Edible Plants & Fungi’
  222. 222.
    >This little book has saved him on multiple occasions. It’s one of the most valuable possessions he has.
  223. 223.
    >By this point he knows quite a few plants he can eat by appearance alone, but he still likes to consult the book to be safe.
  224. 224.
    >Chrysalis stares at him as he reads.
  225. 225.
    A: “I’ll be right back.”
  226. 226.
    >He takes the book with him, but leaves his pack with Chrysalis.
  227. 227.
    >Maybe he shouldn’t trust this evil changeling he just met, but he really doesn’t expect her to do anything at this point.
  228. 228.
    >She looks damn near helpless.
  229. 229.
    >After a few minutes he finds what he’s looking for.
  230. 230.
    >Wild blueberries.
  231. 231.
    >’That’s another great thing about this place.’ He thinks. ‘It never takes me long to find some fruit.”
  232. 232.
    >He takes off his shirt and uses it to carry more than a few handfuls of them.
  233. 233.
    >On the way back to Chrysalis he notices some chanterelles and oyster mushrooms growing in the underbrush.
  234. 234.
    >He picks as many as he can carry in his shirt, and walks proudly back to where he left his pack and new companion, popping a few blueberries in his mouth along the way.
  235. 235.
    >When he gets back, he sees his pack sitting right where he left it.
  236. 236.
    >But Chrysalis is gone.
  237. 237.
    >He looks around, worried, but then sighs and relaxes.
  238. 238.
    >Why does he feel so disappointed? What did he expect?
  239. 239.
    >’More for me I guess.’ He thinks to himself.
  240. 240.
    >But as he sits down next to his pack he can’t help but feel incredibly lonely.
  241. 241.
    C: “Oh, you’re back.”
  242. 242.
    >Anon looks up with a start.
  243. 243.
    >Chrysalis stands a few yards away from him, levitating a cloth sack beside her, a bit of green magic shimmering around it.
  244. 244.
    >One of his sacks, from his bag.
  245. 245.
    >He’s so surprised to see her that he doesn’t even think about the fact that she must have plundered through his things.
  246. 246.
    A: “Hey, I found some berries and mushrooms. Should probably cook the shrooms first, though.”
  247. 247.
    >Without speaking she gently places the sack in front of him, and it opens to reveal a few dozen large, spiky chestnuts.
  248. 248.
    A: “Oh wow, that’s awesome!”
  249. 249.
    >Anon excitedly looks into the bag and gently lifts one of the spiky morsels.
  250. 250.
    A: “I love these things.”
  251. 251.
    >Pulling a small knife from his pocket he pries it open and discards the spiky husk.
  252. 252.
    >Chrysalis watches him, silently but intently observing his movements.
  253. 253.
    A: “Help yourself to some berries.”
  254. 254.
    C: “I can’t eat them.”
  255. 255.
    >She speaks flatly, staring at Anon.
  256. 256.
    A: “Huh?”
  257. 257.
    C: “I don’t eat that kind of food.”
  258. 258.
    A: “Oh, uh, let me make a fire real quick and I’ll make you some of these chestnuts.”
  259. 259.
    C: “I don’t eat those either.”
  260. 260.
    >Oh. OH.
  261. 261.
    >Anon had forgotten that she’s a changeling. They don’t eat normal food.
  262. 262.
    >They feed on love.
  263. 263.
    >’Crap. What am I gonna do?’ He thinks to himself. ‘Wait, that means she got these just for me?’
  264. 264.
    >He looks at Chrysalis with a curious look, and sees that she’s staring at him hungrily.
  265. 265.
    >Her gaze is intense, but she remains standing still.
  266. 266.
    >She does not blink, and Anon begins to feel slightly uncomfortable.
  267. 267.
    A: “Are you…”
  268. 268.
    C: “I never introduced myself.”
  269. 269.
    >She continues to stare, unwavering. She stands as tall and proud as she is able. Sitting down like this she’s a little taller than Anon while he’s sitting.
  270. 270.
    >He reflexively, unconsciously, grips his knife.
  271. 271.
    C: “I am Queen Chrysalis. Rightful ruler of the Changelings.”
  272. 272.
    >She speaks loudly, with regal authority.
  273. 273.
    >Then she relaxes, and summarily collapses in front of Anon.
  274. 274.
    C: “Or at least I was…”
  275. 275.
    >These whispered words bear a weight Anon can barely comprehend, but her sorrow is palpable.
  276. 276.
    >He relaxes his grip on his knife.
  277. 277.
    >She begins to sob.
  278. 278.
    >Anon, not knowing what to do, merely stares for a moment.
  279. 279.
    >Then he drops his knife and the sack of chestnuts.
  280. 280.
    >Seeing a woman cry like this is just about more than he can bear.
  281. 281.
    >Even a ‘woman’ that’s actually a strange bug-like magic pony creature.
  282. 282.
    >It’s been so long since he’s talked to anyone.
  283. 283.
    >And far longer since he’s been in any situation with someone displaying such emotions.
  284. 284.
    >’Should I?’ He asks himself. ‘No… But she…’
  285. 285.
    >Anon reaches out his hand, and places it gently on her hoof.
  286. 286.
    >She looks up, and into his eyes, tears making their way down her face.
  287. 287.
    A: “I’m sorry.”
  288. 288.
    >Not knowing what else to say, he lightly squeezes her hoof.
  289. 289.
    C: “You’re…?”
  290. 290.
    >She wipes the tears from her eyes with her other hoof.
  291. 291.
    C: “What are you sorry for? You saved me…”
  292. 292.
    >Her voice quavers and cracks as she speaks.
  293. 293.
    C: “I’m a wretched monster and you saved me.”
  294. 294.
    >Suddenly her voice is tinged with anger, and she gets louder.
  295. 295.
    C: “Why? Why did you save me? Why!?”
  296. 296.
    >She’s staring straight into Anon’s eyes. He feels like her gaze is piercing into his soul.
  297. 297.
    >He can’t think of anything to say.
  298. 298.
    >But something blurts out anyway.
  299. 299.
    A: “You have beautiful eyes.”
  300. 300.
    >Her expression instantly changes. She stares at Anon in shock, mouth hanging slightly open.
  301. 301.
    >’Fuck, why did I say that?’ Anon curses at himself.
  302. 302.
    >All is quiet. Anon is keenly aware of the chirping of the birds, and the blowing of the wind.
  303. 303.
    >Each moment that passes is like a razor blade scraping upon his psyche.
  304. 304.
    >But he cannot look away from her eyes.
  305. 305.
    >And she stares back into his.
  306. 306.
    >Inside his mind sirens blare, screaming at him to run. That he’s in grave danger. That he needs to stop this before it’s too late.
  307. 307.
    >But it’s already too late.
  308. 308.
    >She’s moving closer.
  309. 309.
    >Closer.
  310. 310.
    >She stops. Inches from his face.
  311. 311.
    >A wicked smile spreads across her own.
  312. 312.
    C: “You are a strange creature, human.”
  313. 313.
    >Her voice is little more than a whisper.
  314. 314.
    C: “I can feel it. Inside you.”
  315. 315.
    >Anon’s heart beats faster. His mouth starts to move, but she places a hoof to his lips to stop him.
  316. 316.
    C: “Love.”
  317. 317.
    >She breathes out the word with emphasis.
  318. 318.
    >Anon stands straight up, startled like something bit him.
  319. 319.
    >His breathing is heavy, and he stares down at Chrysalis, wide-eyed and confused.
  320. 320.
    >’What have I done?’
  321. 321.
    >She stares back up at him with eyes full of longing. Hey eyelashes flutter, and she slowly leans over on her side, exposing her stomach.
  322. 322.
    >She never breaks her stare.
  323. 323.
    C: “Do you want to love me, Anon?”
  324. 324.
     
  325. 325.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Heartfallen Ch. 1

by Luckybuck

Heartfallen Ch. 2

by Luckybuck

Heartfallen Ch. 3

by Luckybuck

Heartfallen Ch. 4

by Luckybuck

Heartfallen Ch. 5

by Luckybuck