//------------------------------// // Chapter II: Cutie Marks // Story: Love is Changeling // by Inky Shades //------------------------------// Chrysalis didn’t get much sleep the other night, she was too excited. Cadence’s words were tormenting her. Just where did she plan on taking me? She tried to think of as many places as she could, but she still wasn’t very familiar with Canterlot. Especially since she hadn’t actually been anywhere beyond the school as of yet. What if it wasn’t in Canterlot? If it wasn’t in Canterlot then where else could it be? “You’re too cruel Cadence!” Chrysalis said to herself as she was still trying to think of a likely place for the filly to take her. How could she not tell me? Did she think that this wouldn’t keep me up at night? She let out a rather large yawn. Tomorrow I would have to make her tell me. Yes, tomorrow I will act like I am not interested in knowing where she is taking me. It is brilliant! She won’t be able to resist telling me! She yawned again; her eyes were feeling rather heavy now. Tomorrow, I’ll get her to tell… me to… morrow… She drifted off into a deep sleep. School… School was proceeding normally. The first thing she did when she arrived was put her plan into action. No matter how much she wanted to she would not show any interest in where Cadence planed to take her. It was hard for her to keep such a straight and disinterested face on. She really, really, wanted to know after all and Cadence knew this. Cadence seemed to see right through her facade, but no matter what she was going to keep it up. This only appeared to amuse Cadence, because whenever the filly looked at her she had a mischievous grin on her face. “Aren’t you going to ask me where I am taking you?” Cadence asked. “It doesn’t matter where we go,” Chrysalis said trying her best to sound as disinterested as possible. “Oh, really? You aren’t even the tiny tiniest bit curious to know where we’re going. Are you sure? Because it is really awesome!” “Nope!” It was hard for her to keep a straight face. “Huh, alright. We’ll see how long you last,” Cadence said with a smirk. They were at a stalemate for most of the school day. Neither of them would give in to the other. Unfortunately Chrysalis found herself on the losing side. After all, Cadence held all the cards. She didn’t actually have to tell her where she was taking her. I will get her to tell me. When school was finally over Chrysalis decided to change her plan. Maybe I’ll just ask her, but I will do it in a very casual way… “Where are we going? Tell me, tell me, tell me!” she exclaimed. That wasn’t casual. Cadence laughed at her completely failed display. “Okay I’ll tell you. What do you think about visiting the Royal Castle?” It was clear that she was just as eager to spill the beans, as I was to hear them. If she could’ve viewed herself in a mirror then she was sure that her eyes looked like they were about to pop out of their sockets. “The Royal Castle! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!” she squealed. “Wait… you’re not foaling with me are you?” “You silly filly did you honestly think that I would lie to you? I’m hurt,” Cadence said and gave her a little pout. “No I didn’t mean-“ Before she could finish, Chrysalis saw the pout turn into a grin in a flash. “That’s not funny. I thought that I might have upset you.” It took Cadence a moment to realize what she had almost done. “I’m sorry. I guess you aren’t use to this kind of thing where you’re from huh?” she asked. Chrysalis shook her head. “No, we don’t get this sort of thing in the hive,” she stated. “Chrysalis, what is the hive like? Is it really different from Canterlot?” You have no idea… “It would be difficult for me to explain.” This was the best answer she could think of and it was true. Compared to ponies changelings lived vastly different lives. "Do you think that I might be able to visit the hive someday?" "Umm... I don't know." This was not a question she was expecting to have to answer. Nopony besides changelings have ever been to the hive not even Princess Celestia herself, but maybe it could happen. "Someday." In truth she would very much like to show Cadence around her home. This seemed to satisfy Cadence. "Okay." "So about the Royal Castle..." Chrysalis was hesitant over what she was about to say next. She was kind of afraid of the answer. "Is it really okay for us to go there?" "Oh I'm sure that my auntie wouldn't mind. She works in the castle." "Just who is your aunt anyway?" Chrysalis asked. She could send ponies to the moon and works in the Royal Palace. I need to know who this mysterious mare is! "I'm not telling! Maybe you'll get to meet her at the castle!" Cadence said teasingly. "Now follow me!" The two fillies trotted down a major cobble stone road, lined completely with fancy shops and restaurants. Since it was mid-day there were plenty of ponies out and about enjoying their trips to the many stores. Chrysalis couldn't help but notice that a few of the ponies wore expensive looking outfits and had an air of superiority about them. With so many ponies around her, Chrysalis decided to stick close behind Cadence. She didn't want to lose her only guide through the city, because she felt that if she did, help may be difficult to come by. "Hey, Chrysalis, what do you think our cutie marks will be?" Cadence asked. "I don't even know if changelings can get cutie marks," Chrysalis sighed. "Hmm... you know there might be a book in the castle library that could help us, if you're interested. It is a really big library after all." After Cadence had mentioned a library she was sold. "Of course I'm interested!" she said. Maybe I could find undamaged copies of my books! Besides the books she was also curious about changelings and cutie marks. Never in the history of the hive was it ever mentioned that a changeling received a cutie mark, but it wasn't impossible right? What better place to find out then the Royal Library? When the city gave way to well trimmed lawns Chrysalis realized something, they were now on the castle grounds. She judged this based on a few things. First, there were the ornate statues placed strategically along the path. Then there was an elegant three tier fountain that they went around. Second, were the guards. They had on shiny golden armor and wandered the premises, most likely on the watch for possible intruders. Lastly, there was you know, the castle itself. It stood majestically towering over the city. Everything was quite impressive especially if you were a young changeling. Two white stallions stood guard in front of the castle entrance. They seemed to be watching them approach. "Halt!" The guards' voices were booming. Chrysalis shrunk behind Cadence under their gaze. Cadence herself was undaunted by their intimidating appearance. "Oh, it is just Miss Cadence," said the guard on the left. "Would you gentlecolts mind opening the door for us?" Cadence asked in a sweet sounding voice. "Of course Miss Cadence, but I must ask, who is your friend there?" It was the guard on the right speaking this time. If they weren't about the same size then Chrysalis would have crawled right under Cadence. "This is my friend, Chrysalis! Come on, Chrysalis, say hi!" Chrysalis let out a rather undignified squeak. Did I just make that noise? Can somepony find me that rock now? Her squeak caused the guards to chuckle at her. This only made her want to hide more. After they were done having a laugh at her expense they opened the large door with their magic. "Thank you!" Cadence said. Chrysalis slinked in after her, more out of embarrassment then anything else. Once inside the guards shut them in. It didn't take her long to perk up afterwards though. The castle was just as magnificent inside as it was outside. They went down a massive vaulted hall covered with beautiful tapestries, light poured in from the arched windows. She couldn't help, but admire each and every one of the fabric hangings. Cadence let out a small cough. "Are you okay?" Chrysalis asked. "I'm fine," she responded, but shortly after she let out another small cough. "Tickle?" "No." "Are you sick?" Chrysalis put a hoof on Cadence's forehead. She couldn't feel a temperature. "I'm not sick either." Cadence moved her hoof off her head. "Then what?" "You really don't know do you? I'm trying to tell you that you're taking too long." Cadence looked like she was barely containing laughter. "Well why didn't you just say so? Is this how ponies tell somepony they're taking too long? Why are you laughing?" Muddled in the laughter Chrysalis could hear Cadence trying to say something. "I... I'm sorry! Its ju... just that you're so funny!" Cadence managed to get a hold of herself after awhile, though she couldn't quite look her in the eye. "I'm sure there is a book in the library that can help you with situations like this. Come on the library is just down the next hall." Chrysalis followed close behind Cadence and soon found herself in the library. There were so many aisles filled to the brim with books. Surely the books they sought had to be here. They split up and began the arduous task of searching. "Remember we're looking for books on cutie marks and then books to help you with interacting, but mostly cutie marks," Cadence said a few aisles away from her. "Cutie marks... cutie marks," Chrysalis repeated to herself as she pawed through her current shelf. "What's this?" She pulled out a book that didn't look like it belonged with the others. "Scrap Booking 101: Everything You Need to Know About Scrap Books." She was going to put it back, but she couldn't help being captivated by the photos on the cover. Right when she was about to flip the book open Cadence called out to her. "I found the books!" Quickly Chrysalis placed the book back when she saw Cadence approaching levitating several books in the air. What are you doing? It's just Cadence. Why are you being so secretive? Well I don't want her to laugh again... excuses! "What were you looking at just now?" "Uh, nothing!" "Uh huh." Cadence gave her a disbelieving look, but she didn't press the issue. "Come on then I found the books we were looking for." The two fillies left the library and Cadence led her to probably the pinkest bedroom she had ever seen. Okay so I've only seen one pink room, but still I can't imagine anypony with a room like this. The walls were pink, the large circular bed was pink, everything a different shade of pink! "What do you think of my room?" Cadence asked as she laid the books out over the bed. "It's very pink, but it's umm... nice?" "Really you think so? That's great!" Cadence hopped onto the bed and motioned for Chrysalis to join. She placed a book in front of each of them. "Well let's get started!" Chrysalis was only partially paying attention to the words she was reading. In the back of her mind she was still curious about the scrap booking book. Were ponies the only ones who made scrap books? Why did they make them? What was with the silly stickers on the photos? She had so many questions on her mind that there was no way she could focus on cutie marks! But she couldn't just leave her friend here. She watched Cadence as she casually turned a page with her magic. Her eyes were scanning each line of the page intently while her back legs just swayed gently in the air. Maybe if it was just for a few minutes. That should be okay right? That way I could check out the book and see if it is any good! Now how do I leave? That's when the perfect idea hit her. "Cadence where is the little fillies room?" "Huh? Oh! It is down the hall and to your right." "Thank you!" "Sure." Now she was back in the library. She didn't like lying to Cadence, but if she made it quick then everything would be fine. However, in her haste she bumped into something. She looked up, or somepony in this case. The mare she'd hit looked surprised to see her. Chrysalis shrunk away from her. She was the tallest pony she had ever seen! Physically she appeared similar to Cadence only instead of pink she was a pure shade of white. The mare looked regal with a golden crest around her neck and crown on her head. Then she saw the mare's cutie mark, a sun, and then it dawned on her. Much to her horror she had just bumped into Princess Celestia! If she could have made herself appear any smaller she would have. "P... Princess Celestia!" Chrysalis said her voice sounding similar to that of a mouse. "Somepony's in a hurry aren't they? Are you alright?" Celestia asked. She then put the book that she had back on the shelf. "Princess I... I..." "What is your name my little changeling? And what brings you to my library?" Celestia smiled at her. It looked almost as warm and sunny as her cutie mark. This did absolutely nothing to calm Chrysalis's nerves down however. She could hear her mother's voice in her head telling her to answer the Princess. No matter how much she tried her words would remain stuck on her tongue. Chrysalis, tell her your name is Chrysalis. Then apologize for bumping into her. Say it come on! She had almost built up enough courage to speak when she heard Cadence's voice behind her. "Chrysalis! Chrysa- oh there you are! I was looking for you! I forgot to tell you that the bathroom door was the third door. How come you didn't come back to the bedroom when you couldn't find it? Hi Auntie Celestia!" Did she just say Auntie Celestia? Celestia is Cadence's aunt! Ce... Celestia sent somepony to the moon! I bumped into her. She is going to send me to the moon too! Wait if she sends me to the moon then I won't be able to spend time with Cadence, please don't take me away from her! Chrysalis had fully convinced herself that she was going to be sent to the moon. This terrifying prospect caused her to blurt out. "I'm sorry that I hit you! I... I didn't mean to! Please don't send me to the moon! Please don't take me away from Cadence!" She shut her eyes tightly expecting to be sent away any moment now, but that moment never came. When she opened her eyes and peered upwards she could see that Celestia had a completely shocked expression on her face and... Did she look sad? Isn't she going to send me to the moon? "Child, where did you hear such a thing?" Celestia sounded aghast. "It's my fault, Auntie. I told her about what all the other fillies were saying," Cadence confessed. Chrysalis found herself on the receiving end of another embrace by a certain pink filly. It was so sudden, so unexpected, and so appreciated. She could feel herself calming down. It was still hard for her to speak, but she hoped that Cadence knew what she'd say if she could. Thank you. "After almost 1000 years they're still saying this about me." While Celestia smiled at them there was a deep sadness in her eyes. It looked like she was recalling a distant memory. "Princess Celestia are you okay?" Chrysalis managed to ask her voice small. Celestia sighed, "Yes, my little changeling. I was just remembering somepony I lost a long time ago." After what seemed like a few minutes Celestia's smile returned. "You are a curious example of your species-" "Chrysalis." "Chrysalis, I believe I made the right decision by sending you that invitation. Do not worry child I will not take you away from your friend. I have only sent one pony to the moon before and she did a little more than bump into me and even then I didn't want to do it. Perhaps there is still a chance... hmmm." "Princess?" "It's nothing. Now I believe there was a reason you came here. Is there a book you needed?" "A book on... scrap booking." "I'm sorry I didn't catch that last part. Don't be shy speak up." "I said a book on scrap booking." Celestia gave her an inquisitive look. "Did you say a book on scrap booking? What an interesting choice." With her magic she pulled out a book. Chrysalis recognized the cover it was Scrap Booking 101! "Is this the book you seek?" "Yes, Princess!" "A good choice, I think that you two will have fun with this one." "Hey, Auntie Celestia," Cadence began. "Do you have any advice on how we could earn our cutie marks?" "I do, patience. A cutie mark only appears when it's owner realizes their gift themselves." "But that is basically what our teacher said!" "Your teacher is right, but you could always try out different things to see what you enjoy doing." "We could quest for our cutie marks! It would be so fun! Chrysalis, do you want to try it?" Cadence sounded excited. "Of course I do!" Chrysalis replied. "Just don't do anything to dangerous okay? Now did anypony else need anything before I head back to the throne room?" Celestia looked at each of them. "Umm... Do you think you could help me find a few more books before you go?" Chrysalis asked.