Chapter Two: The Honeymoon
Chrysalis was humming again.
Twilight looked up for a moment, staring unfocused at the far wall, trying not to grit her teeth.
She wanted to grit her teeth, but she didn't want to want to grit her teeth. Because, as she'd noticed, Chrysalis only hummed when she was feeling particularity happy and content. It was a wandering tune, never the same twice as far as she'd been able to tell, and she wasn't sure if Chrysalis even knew she was doing it.
Twilight really didn't want to feel annoyed by it because Chrysalis did it when she was happy. And she didn't want to start associating Chrysalis being happy with her own annoyance.
But she was annoyed by it, as she knew the exact reason why Chrysalis was so happy: because she was sitting here in the library of her hive next to Twilight, the pony she loved.
The last few days had been... surprisingly peaceful, aside from the occasional spine-shuddering displays of affection from Chrysalis. Twilight had been given free reign of the hive, possibly even with the option of leaving, though she hadn't dared try that since the first night. The drones had turned out to be quite friendly; they could understand her, but without shape-shifting they could only speak their own language, Hempid, which had sounded like nothing more than buzzes and clicks to her at first. It hadn't seemed fair to ask them to change forms just because she couldn't understand them, so she'd begun learning it. She'd always had a talent for languages.
Her studies had also helped with that, as she had begun going through all the changeling-written books she could find. Mostly to try and figure out exactly how she'd become married to the Queen and why Chrysalis was acting the way she was, although the temptation to look into some of the more interesting tomes had overwhelmed her more than once.
What she had found was that all changeling relationships were based on domination and conquest. There was no acrimony once the hierarchy had actually been established, but until then... yeah, they kinda seemed like they were trying to kill you.
And by seeing through Chrysalis's disguise before the wedding and calling her out, Twilight had unwittingly challenged the changeling to a contest of dominance. There were many subtleties to changeling relationships, and somehow what she had done, both before and after her accusations, had expressed her... availability, and her interest in Chrysalis. The Queen had quite obviously returned that interest, which was technically lucky since it had probably helped prevent the invasion from succeeding.
The interesting thing–well, the 'interesting thing'–was that had Chrysalis taken control of Equestria, she and Twilight would have been married on the spot. And the kingdom would have stayed firmly in the hooves of the changelings, of course, but that was almost beside the point.
Domination and conquest, that's what it was all about. The conquest of Equestria would have been the proper conclusion to a short engagement–more like an elopement–and Chrysalis would have taken Twilight as her prize.
Instead, the Queen had been defeated, but in a way that left her free to try again and again. This had initiated the longer form of courtship which, Twilight had noted with dismay, was considered much more romantic.
Instead of just one battle with a clear victor, they had clashed over and over again. Making things worse, while Twilight had had a few setbacks and defeats at the hooves of Chrysalis, she had won more often than not. Meaning she was at least as powerful as Chrysalis, if not more, and that just made her all the more desirable to the Queen–she was a strong spouse, a prime mate, one able to protect the hive and ensure its future.
And their wedding, naturally, had been another fight. Except this time it had been serious, with Chrysalis giving everything she had. Because at the end, when she'd had Twilight helpless, when she's clamped her fangs around Twilight's neck, she had proven she was the stronger of the pair. All changeling weddings ended in 'death', with the victor becoming the dominant partner.
Although it was hard to think of Chrysalis as dominant right now, given the way she was fawning over Twilight. It was almost impossible to separate herself from the Queen, and Chrysalis kept asking if there was anything Twilight wanted, anything she needed, and was constantly giving little–and sometimes not so little–displays of her affection.
Currently, Twilight figured that was just post-marriage giddiness. It would be interesting to see what Chrysalis's actual personality was like once she'd calmed down and they'd had more time to get to know one another–
No! No, that wasn't going to happen. There had to be some way to... to fix this, to break it off with Chrysalis without hurting her, and maybe even keeping her as a friend.
So, with a silent sigh, she turned back to her book. As much as she wished to browse changeling literature some more, her relationship status needed to be dealt with. So now she was going through an Equestrian book of laws. Which was surprisingly current, and unsurprisingly completely unhelpful.
The problem was that, by long tradition, travelers from Equestria to foreign countries were bound to the laws and traditions of the lands they visited. There were exceptions–no one expected ponies to eat griffin meat dishes if they didn't want to, obviously–but by and large the tradition applied to everything. Which meant that her marriage to Chrysalis was, in the eyes of Equestrian law, completely legitimate.
There was even a precedent for 'unconventional' marriages due to ignorance of societal practices, set back during some of the earliest encounters with dragons. And seeing as how that union had produced a certain draconequus, the tradition seemed to be pretty ironclad.
Her other hope, the fact the changelings were an enemy nation, had been dashed as well. A simply hostile society didn't provide exemption to the tradition. Being at war with a nation did... except, what with one thing and another, war had never actually been declared on the changelings after the wedding.
Part of it was no one had actually known where the changelings were. No one had even known if they had a where, or if they were even technically a nation. They certainly hadn't had any kind of embassy, diplomat or capital to whom a declaration of war could be issued. And declaring war on an entire species had... issues. After what had happened to the giraffes, everypony had been hesitant to do it again.
Another reason was that there just didn't seem to be all that many changelings. Attacking Canterlot with anything less than their full strength would have been foolish, and Chrysalis had shown herself to be anything but. And yet, there had still been significantly fewer changelings than there had been Canterlot citizens. A country with the size and power of Equestria declaring war on a 'country' with roughly the population of Ponyville would, to say the least, cause foreign and public relations problems.
Resignedly, Twilight closed the book. There was no hope there. There was no hope anywhere, as far as she could tell. She was well and truly screwed. Quite literally, to judge by the looks Chrysalis had been giving her.
Although... there was one pony who'd always been able to help her.
She got up, moving out of the library while frowning in thought, not paying attention as Chrysalis suddenly noticed her absence and scrambled to her hooves, buzzing through the air momentarily in her haste to catch up.
The next day, Twilight left the hive.
Exiting the cave that marked the main entrance to the hive, she stopped, closing her eyes and turning her face up to the sun, happy just to feel its warmth on her face again. The hive wasn't bad, in fact the caverns made it pleasantly cool, but she had spent her whole life in the sun and had missed it even in the few days she had been underground.
Looking around hesitantly, Twilight walked further from the cave mouth. The hive was hidden in the southern part of Equestria, in the Macintosh Hills, and she purposefully kept her eyes to the right as she climbed to the top of one of the larger nearby hills.
Finally, she turned, and beheld all of Equestria, or at least the general region she called home, spread out before her. Ponyville was easily identifiable, being the only city on the plains near the Everfree Forest, and even if it wasn't her castle shone in the sun like a beacon. Equally noticeable was Canterlot, hanging off the side of the mountain that shared its namesake.
Twilight sat, staring at the two cities she called home equally, and felt a pit of longing opening up in her stomach. She missed her home. She missed her friends, she missed Spike, she missed her family, she missed everything that Ponyville and Canterlot meant to her.
For a moment she was tempted to leave. Just leave, teleport back to her home, or at least teleport most of the way and then fly. She could expose the changeling that was currently taking her place, report the location of the hive to Celestia, and they could have the Royal Guard on their way here within the hour. Chrysalis and the hive, or at least most of the hive, would no doubt be long gone by then, scouts, spies and the hivemind having given them ample warning about what was coming. But they would have received a message they couldn't ignore, that Equestria wouldn't tolerate their presence inside its borders. And if Chrysalis was foolish enough to stay and fight, she'd be defeated easily, and they could lock her up somewhere for real this time.
Except...
Those thoughts, to Twilight's surprise, produced similar feelings to her homesickness. She couldn't do that to Chrysalis. She couldn't break her heart like that. That wasn't even breaking her heart; that would be something so far beyond betrayal Twilight didn't even have a word for it. And the thing was... she actually liked Chrysalis.
Not liked liked her, of course, of course not. That would be... that would be ridiculous. She could never reciprocate Chrysalis's feelings for her. Even though sometimes she–no.
But the Queen was fun to be around. She was strangely silly at times, and any conversation with her was bound to turn out interesting, whether she displayed a cruelty of thought that was chilling or an amazingly considerate analysis of others' situations and feelings.
Changelings fed on emotions. For some reason, Twilight had hypothesized, this gave their Queen an utter lack of control over her own emotions. Her reaction to anything seemed to be at the maximum level of emotional investment.
Thus, a changeling who had come in to report a failure had triggered a towering rage the likes of which Twilight had never seen. Chrysalis had begun throwing around blasts of magic that had looked likely to kill the unfortunate drone, and only Twilight's intervention, it seemed, had saved him.
And yet, when several changelings had been injured in a small cave-in, Chrysalis had displayed a concern near panic. The tenderness and compassion she had given the injured had met, and possibly surpassed, anything Twilight had ever seen from a pony. Again she had had to intervene, this time to stop Chrysalis from working herself into exhaustion from caring for the changelings.
The contrast was... intriguing, to say the least.
But those two incidents had highlighted a different problem. Twilight could, to a degree, control Chrysalis now. The Queen loved Twilight so much that she'd do anything the alicorn said, even when so consumed with rage she seemed out of control. Which created a conflict for Twilight.
Her role as a Princess of Equestria meant she had to consider what was best for the kingdom. And that responsibility practically demanded she keep 'control' of Chrysalis, that she remain married to the changeling even if she couldn't return her love. Removing the threat Chrysalis posed–actually turning her into an ally instead of merely imprisoning her–should take priority over everything else.
Except she was also the Princess of Friendship. And friendship didn't mean staying in a loveless marriage in order to brainwash somepony into doing what you wanted them to do. No matter what Pinkie said.
Finally, Twilight climbed back to her hooves. Giving Canterlot and Ponyville one last glance, she began making her way back to the hive.
She sighed. Coming out here hadn't made her conflict any clearer. Still all she could see were the two options, and neither was appealing. But seeing Canterlot had reminded her again that there was one pony who always seemed to have an answer to her problems. Maybe she would be able to see a third choice where Twilight couldn't.
“You left the hive today,” said Chrysalis quietly, breaking the silence that evening as they walked through the tunnels towards the... well, Twilight had just been thinking of it as the cafeteria.
There were a number of ways she could have responded, but Twilight just settled for saying, “Yes, I did,” and letting the silence fall again.
Her nerve broke first, though, and so she broke the silence the second time. “Were you spying on me?”
“You have bodyguards, they were following you. I can't let anything happen to you.” Chrysalis looked away, not meeting Twilight's eyes. “And... yes. I want to know where you are. All the time.”
That was perfect example of Chrysalis's unique brand of creepy-sweet. But at least it gave Twilight a good opening to make a request.
“Chrysalis, there's something I want to ask of you,” she said, glancing over at the changeling. She wasn't quite sure how this was going to go down.
“Anything, Twilight,” Chrysalis replied eagerly, earlier awkwardness instantly forgotten.
Twilight took a deep breath. “I want to go to Canterlot.”
Chrysalis looked at her in surprise for a moment, then burst into an excited smile. “You do?! Excellent! I can have three legions assembled within the hour, and we can march on Canterlot by–“
“Chrysalis, we've talked about this,” said Twilight firmly, interrupting the Queen. “We are not invading Canterlot or taking over Equestria, and I am not usurping the throne.”
“B-but I would be a much better ruler of Equestria–we would be better! With us in control, soon the entire world would be–“
“I said no, Chrysalis. For one, the Princesses are my friends. That's why I want to go visit them and let them know what's happened.” She leaned over as they walked, giving Chrysalis a bump with her shoulder. “You know what friendship means to me. And a coup d'etat isn't the kind of thing you do to friends. I'm hoping I can at least get you to learn that some day.”
“That Princess wasted your potential,” grumbled Chrysalis, giving in. “If I'd gotten ahold of you first, we'd be unstoppable.”
Twilight let out a loud, melodramatic sigh and rolled her eyes, producing the wanted response from Chrysalis; namely, a soft giggle.
“Thank you,” said Twilight sincerely.
“You know I'd do anything for you,” replied Chrysalis, chitin on her face darkening slightly as she blushed. “I love you.”
Twilight remained silent, suddenly uncomfortable. Thankfully, she was saved from having to make a response by them entering the tunnel entrance to the 'cafeteria'.
“I'm thinking chicken wings today,” mused Chrysalis, then looked over guiltily at Twilight “I'm sorry, I didn't mean–“
“Do we have to go through this every time you eat meat?” Twilight rolled her eyes, for real this time. “It's not like I don't have griffin friends. And not all ponies are strictly herbivores, either. We have... omnivorous tendencies, on occasion.”
“Have you ever eaten meat?” asked Chrysalis curiously, tilting her head to the side.
“I... have,” replied Twilight hesitantly, remembering the cafeteria–a real cafeteria–in a certain alternate-universe high school. “Actually, there's something I had once that I really liked, do you think I could maybe get it here? It was called a 'hot dog'.”
Chrysalis looked at the changeling server, who shook his head, then turned back to Twilight. “Sorry, I don't think we have any dog right now. It's usually not very good, anyway.”
“No, it's not made of dog. It's pork, and it's all kind of ground up and put in this casing, and served on a bun...” Twilight made a rolling motion with her hooves, then gestured as through she were placing one object inside another. Both changelings, Queen and servant, gave her blank looks, and she let her head fall. “Never mind. I'll just have a hayburger, thanks.”
The two royals sat down at one of the tables that dotted the room, stretching out side-by-side. Like the Neighponese, changelings preferred low-slung tables that they sat on the floor in front of, rather than the chairs and taller tables of Equestria. It was one of a few details that gave Twilight the suspicion that the changelings had originated to the east, and had only recently migrated near Equestria.
One skill Chrysalis had, Twilight had to admit, was an ability to set her at ease, and by the time their food was served she was snickering and trying to smother her laughter with a hoof. Perhaps it was part of the uncontrolled emotion thing, but Chrysalis's sense of humor was wickedly funny.
So relaxed was she, in fact, that as she ate and ruminated on her problems, she leaned up against the large form next to her, wiggling herself into a comfortable position. Her burger suddenly froze partway to her open mouth and she struggled to contain a whimper, as she remembered who she was sitting beside.
It was a natural reaction, she supposed. After all, how many times over the years had she been in this exact position with Celestia, reading a book, studying magic, having a simple talk, or even eating just like this? After a certain point, snuggling up against the large form laying next to her had become an unconscious response.
On the other hoof... there wasn't much to complain about here. Aside from Chrysalis's chitin being a bit cooler that Celestia's fur, this felt just as familiar and comfortable. So, with a silent sigh, Twilight went back to eating her meal.
Only to pause once more, trying not to grit her teeth.
Chrysalis was humming again.
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Awww that's so sweet. Chrysalis would take over Equestria for Twilight.
voxgeek.fr/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/leo4.jpg
Jewraffes. I see what you did there.
I found the new chapter by chance about a minute before I got the email notification. Life is strange sometimes
There’s a novel in there.
Where the changelings were.
Aaand cue the people shouting, crying about how Chrysalis was grossly incompetent and they could’ve conquered Canterlot in their sleep.
Eh, not really doing it for me. All of Chrysalis’s post-marriage personality is off screen, so this is telling and not showing.
Uh Pinkie… is there something you want to tell us?
neat ^^
Give in Twilight. You know you want to go with the crackship.
6653494
Would...would you not?
6653547 What? Post something I feel is relevant about the chapter that I just found funny? Why yes I would do that.
Now there's an interesting setting notion I don't think I've seen before.
...this story still T-rated? Oh, good. I really hope we won't be going there, then.
This story is great. Its so adorable and fluffy and exactly what i need to balance the overwhelming amount of dark tags in my bookshelves. Its funny that Twilight knows that she is at least somewhat interested in Chrysalis but refuses to acknowledge it.
6653551
Sorry, I think you misunderstood. I meant "would you not conquer equestria for Twilight?"
Huh can't help but wonder what Candace's reaction will be.
6653559 .... oh..... but it's like THE perfect Changeling gift for her! Equestria on a silver platter! She can still have it be ruled by Celestia and Luna! They just have to answer to her more often is all!
And now we wait for Twilight's friends and family to react to her marriage.
Despite the serious tone of this chapter, I still had to stop every 5 or so sentences to laugh at the sheer absurdity of the premise.
Don't worry about what to do with the next chapters, no matter what they are, I'll be reading them.
6653499 And now you have me on guard for feels.
I get the feeling Twi is starting to fall for Chrysalis.
....and her eargerness to conquer is kind of cute too.
Huh... This story is causing me to associate words not meant to go together... I like it.
Chryssy : "Like the fresh blood of a slain enemy on your blade ?"
6653551 i believe they meant, "Would you not take over Equestria for Twilight?"
A solid chapter that I enjoyed. I can't wait for the next one. Next up, telling your friends and family.
6653603 I already got the message.
6653587 That's the whole premise of the story.
A TwiChrys ship.
Durr.
6653574 I bet she's got a LOT of in-laws...
That'll be hell on Thanksgiving!
Another fine chapter. You're doing well with this, both with world building and getting Twilight's whole view on this.
I DO like that Twilight is having to think about not just herself, not JUST what is good for Equestria, but also what is good for Chrysalis too.
*chrysalis and twilight walk to the castle, guards on high alert with the princesses and element bearers in full combat guard*
"Chrysalis" spat Celestia while the changeling queen glares daggers at the ponies present
Twilight clears her throat, "Ahem, i would like you all to meet Queen Chrysalis, my wife....."
The universe can hear the implosion that was every ponies mind that heard that simple statement
6653560 Oh man that would be totally complex reaction.... I'm pretty sure she is not fond of what happened at that time... But once it was explained she is the princess of love.... And she would have this major conflict lol!!!
I am totally loving this story, please keep it up! Take your time with it but please don't stop writing for it!!!
I like this keep up the good work any chance we will get a side story with some clop of Twilight Sparkle and chrysalis?
6653551
How could you misunderstand that?! Even I understood that! My answer is no, by the way. I would not take over Equestria for Twilight.. Ever. Under any circumstances. Could you imagine all the checklists that the governments of the towns would have to follow afterwards?!
6653762 Jesus H. Christ I get it now. I don't need anymore reminders of how much of an idiot I was.
Um, Princess? We're going to need 1,274 visitor badges, please. Also, do you think the Royal Kitchens can cook up some hot dogs... although not made out of dog, it's more pork and... Why are you looking at me that way?
6653531
She is. Period. Chrysalis being incompetent is a fact, deal with it. Even in this story where she has a valid excuse for the stupidity with the cave and the victory monologue in the throne room she is still incompetent. When replacing a bride at her wedding researching the groom's immediate family, and the bride's relationship with them, is extremely basic shit. So is researching the bride's personality. You know what else anyone even remotely competent would do? Make sure the doors and curtains were closed before using blatantly obvious mind control magic on the groom. Twilight only 'saw through her disguise' because she is completely and totally incompetent as an infiltrator. Given that she had an entire army and thus had plenty of people to do that research, and likely at least one decent actor, infiltrating herself makes her incompetent as a general as well.
Oh great, even the Equestrian legal system isn't helping here. Great. Looks like the burden of helping two completely different species reach an agreement rests on our little Princess. Also, I do kinda like the whole "Best her to bed her" philosophy of the changelings, especially how it's considered romantic. It seems something that would fit their society.
"You are defeated. I have your life in my hooves. I could kill you any time I wish. Now, let me seductively feed you grapes before I belly rub you into submission."
6653513 Wow. I didn't. Nice one.
6653777
Called it! I'm not even going to bother replying to the rest. Instead I'll link you to this story and, just in case the point flies over your head as it probably will, I'll make it blatantly clear.
Instead of assuming others are idiots, first wonder if maybe they know some things you do not.
It's nice to see this has updated fairly soon and of course, encourage you to take your time with what comes next. This was a good chapter to tie us over.
Of course, I enjoyed the world-building here, with Twilight asking the questions I and many others have asked about how the changelings work compared to what we normally expect of a supposedly civilized species. From what I've gathered over the episode, comics and this story, they come across more as a nomadic race of warriors akin to the Huns. Twilight's mention how she thinks they have originated from the East may help support this.
I also enjoyed the explanation more into how changeling relationships work, particularly the part about dominance. And since you've established that changelings beyond Chrysalis have these kind of relationships, then who knows? Maybe Twilight can go seek advice from some other changeling couples and this sort of thing works. For some reason, I can always see the female (or the stronger female in lesbian couples) changelings being dominant.
And I can appreciate you wanting to get the bulk of the world-building done in this chapter, though I still think there are more questions that could be answered throughout the following, more character-driven chapters; how are changeling children raised? (bonus comedy points if it turns out the changeling education system is almost nonexistent and most nymphs cannot even read -- cue Twilight having a freakout!) Are there other changeling hives out there aside from Chrysalis'? Etc.
This could work well with the naturally intellectually curious Twilight asking her new wife questions (of course at fitting times), especially if she really is to be the co-ruler of this 'kingdom' of sorts. Or maybe they can be explored through showing Twilight interact with other changelings aside from Chrysalis on a personal level.
Regardless, this chapter was a good continuation and look forward to seeing where you go next with it, especially if Twilight does get to return home and explain this complicated and very awkward situation to her friends and family.
I wasn't sure about this... Then I read it. Now I want to see Flash Sentry react to the Newly-weds
6653614 I was thinking more of her side of the family. Things could get pretty awkward, especially with Chrysalis having been intimate with Shining.
6653763 Welcome to the internet, where your past sins will be hounded by others until it stops being amusing to see you being nettled.
As to the actual chapter? I love the world-building. Very well done.
... It's also a fact that horses will eat meat, so good job on that, too.
All in all... Still, I want more.
6653909 This is literally the first time I've encountered a group that's just solely focused on ONE misunderstanding.
6653844
From a COMPLETELY tactical perspective, Vates is correct. However, you are also correct in that there might be other circumstances, so that things may not be what they appear.
In that sense you are both right and both (potentially) wrong.
6653889 That isn't canon. However, it'd still be awkward.
6653951
Absolutely not canon. Quite possible given a more realistic take on the situation (fanfiction)? ... Yes. Also the fallout could be hilarious or horrifying.
only complaint is that Twi's change in opinion feels a little fast. But, yeah - liking how Twilight's debating leveraging this whole thing to her advantage vs. how thats a HORRIBLE way to manipulate somepony, with a helping of 'when she's not trying to invade Equestria, she's kinda nice.'
I think I'll read it again.
6653918 Well. I'm sure it won't go on for too much longer.
Although, you do know the original statement was asking if you also wouldn't conquer Equestria for Twilight, right?
Personally, I wouldn't conquer it for Twi. Chryssi, maybe, but not Twi.
Not even if she used puppy dog eyes on me. I've had dogs, I'm immune.
6653977 That's the problem. You're never TRULY immune.
6653494 We know that isnt the only thing Chrysalis would conquer~
6653978 Bah. To puppy and pony faces, yes.
But adorable bug-ponies with sexy raspy voices and the cutest laugh?
Can't help it. Nope.
6653988 BOW CHIKA WOW WOW.
6653989 You never know. Twilight makes adorable faces.
Is it wrong for me to want to hear a very abbreviated 'birds and bees' talk from Chrysalis?
"Twilight dearest, we are changelings. Shapeshifters." The hoof pointed to herself. "We can change gender like clothing. Now I don't expect to try now, but in a few years we should really see if our races are compatible."
Twilight silently wonders if her new wife is screwing with her or not.