The Mane Six and Spike embark on one of their darkest missions yet when they are transported to Victorian London where a barber named Sweeney Todd is out for revenge on a corrupt judge who ruined his life.
“What?” He questioned. “Meat’s actually a part of my dragon diet. Yeah, I’m cool with eating hay and gems but it’s nice to indulge every now and again.”
“It’s not even that Spike,” Twilight cringed. “We understand your dietary needs, but she just said they’re the ‘Worst Pies in London’. Why would you even eat one?”
“Come on, how bad can they be?” Spike chuckled.
Spike proceeded to take one bite of the pie… and froze. Within a second, his tongue was completely overwhelmed by the horrible flavor within the pie. He dropped it right back onto the plate as his face started turning green and he felt himself about to vomit. All the while, Mrs. Lovett kept singing as she poured some mugs of ale.
And, that’s why you should never say “How bad can it be” you’ll immediately regret it
Whoa...okay, now that was scary and intense. And Celestia thought that Chrysalis had him under a spell? Wow, she really is cruel, and I thought the Kingdom Hearts shattered Friendship story about Celestia being a monster was heartbreaking.
I will say that when it comes to 'meat pies', the most I usually eat are my mom's Chicken Pot Pies which she'll make on occasion. Course, the thing with her pies, while they aren't my favorite, she uses as much vegetables as she does with the actual chicken. Now I have never eaten a British meat pie but I'm assuming however they use their recipe... Lovett must be doing something wrong. Somehow, I find it a miracle she's been in business despite having no customers and hardly a good pie to show for it.
Still, coincidentally our heroes and villains happened to be in the very same room yet as usual the ponies and Spike have 'no idea' that Chrysalis is even around. As for Chrysalis herself, we are also given a chance to see more of her backstory which gives some form of motive as to 'why' she despises the ponies, specifically Celestia, with a passion. Though we can neither confirm nor deny whether what we are seeing is truth or if there's more to the story that meets the idea.
That being said, sinister events are set into motion now that Todd has reclaimed his old tools and he'll soon be a man out on a mission (With a little help). As for our heroes, they found some good company in a friendly sailor who may be the key to solving this little dilemma they have with Johanna's situation.
Doesn't hurt that this chapter does feature some good songs. Unfortunately, due to... 'reasons', if you want to read the lyrics you'll have to visit Mr. E's other channel for your reading pleasure.
11636706 Yeah, and I can’t believe I’m saying this.
But, I feel really bad for Chryslias. Yeah, she did a LOT of horrible things…but no one, especially, her deserves to lose someone they love so much like that
Later that same day, the sky finally cleared, and the dark clouds began to dissipate. Granted, London was still gray and cloudy but at least one wouldn’t worry about an impending storm. The Mane Six and Spike trekked their way down the streets in search of Fleet Street Johanna told them about. As they walked, the girls and young man thought back to the poor golden-haired girl. From what they’ve seen of Judge Turpin, it was clear he was a horrible individual who didn’t treat her well. How a man like that assumed authority in this town they’d never know.
“How can she even end up living with a man as horrid as him?” Rarity asked, confused. “He’s clearly not the father, after all. Can’t imagine a parent as cruel as that man.”
“Eh… I can name maybe one or two,” Rainbow Dash shrugged.
“This is Victorian London after all,” Twilight Sparkle explained. “In these times, men held far superior rank over women, especially in the household. Even if they’re not related by blood, not to mention him being a judge, Turpin must be so corrupted by power he believes whatever he says or does is best for her.”
“All that confirms is he’s a super duper big fat stupid meanie pants!” Pinkie Pie pouted. “I said we should throw a fake party, but now I’m thinking he doesn’t deserve any sort of part. Too bad for him… still would’ve been a great bash.”
“I’m beginning to suspect our being here is to save Johanna from a clearly abusive household,” Twilight theorized. “We can clearly see how she’s being treated, and she needs to get away.”
“No kiddin’,” Applejack nodded. “That there judge is as mean as a rattlesnake. But wut are we supposed tah do?”
“Why don’t we just sneak her out of the house ourselves?” Rainbow suggested. “A few locked doors won’t keep us out.”
“That probably won’t work,” Twilight shook her head. “And even if we did, Turpin would notice she’s gone right away and have the law chasing us before we even get very far.”
“We could just wait until he’s off on business,” Spike suggested.
Me: Really, Spike?...
“Spike, if he were going far enough away, Johanna would be with him,” Twilight responded. “I wouldn’t put it past Turpin to do that.”
“Yeesh, not only is he mean but that man’s just creepy,” Pinkie Pie shuddered. “Reminds me of an unfriendly face from one of our previous adventures… actually if you dye his hair till it’s very dark and compare the voices… yeah, I can just see the resemblance.”
“Hold up y’all!” Applejack interrupted suddenly.
Coming to a quick halt, every pony and Spike turned to see Applejack looking at a nearby street sign which read, ‘Fleet Street’.
“Looks like we made it all right,” Applejack confirmed.
“Finally… now can we find a place to sit?” Spike requested, massaging his legs. “We’ve been walking all day and my legs are killing me!”
“I hear ya there little dude,” Rainbow nodded in agreement.
“I guess a break would be beneficial,” Twilight agreed. “Now, let’s see what’s around here.”
I'm full of fear for what we'll find especially with the familiar name of Fleet Street.
The group continued down Fleet Street for a while, keeping a sharp eye out for potential places to stop and rest a while. Eventually, they came to a corner of the street where a building with a few broken windows stood. It was tatty and unloved, yet it had this strange, ghostly presence to it. The building itself was imposing and dead at the same time, which made Fluttershy a slight nervous looking at it.
Its structure had a chimney that blew smoke into the sky and through one of the cracked windows they could see an exterior staircase leading to a darkened second floor room with a large skylight window on the roof that overlooked the street. They stood before the front of the shop, considering it deeply as they noticed a long sign on the outside of the building which read:
Mrs. Lovett’s Meat Pies
The name alone made the girls cringe in disgust.
“Meat… pies?” Twilight gulped, disgusted. “Maybe we should keep going.”
“Yeah… even ‘I’ wouldn’t eat that!” Pinkie Pie shook her head.
Me: Of course you wouldn't, you all live on vegetarian diets.
“Come on girls, we can’t keep walking forever,” Spike urged. “We don’t have to eat anything; we’ll just sit down for a while.”
Me: Spike, I wouldn't... aaaaand he went in...
The girls watched as Spike made his way towards the shop. After a moment of contemplation, the girls walked after Spike. As they neared the shop, they noticed two other people making their way over as well. One was a man with wild-looking hair with a white streak and the other was a young woman with golden hair. They glanced toward Spike, who had stridden his way into the shop, as their eyes darted toward the girls.
Me: *knows who it is* Sweeney Todd...
“Good day!” Twilight greeted politely.
Sweeney Todd gave no response, merely a curt nod and nothing more. Meanwhile, Chrysalis glared at the sight of the six humanized ponies. She knew that with the hair, their eyes, the voices, and especially their pigmentation, there was no mistake she could recognize those meddling ponies which means the young man that went in was none other than their dragon stooge. However, she quickly hid her hatred under her guise so as not to draw any suspicions.
“Good day,” She greeted back.
Sweeney Todd pushed the door open first and took a step into the shop following the human dragon. From behind him, the rest of the group got a good look at the shop. The place was crawling with roaches and all sorts of bugs. Every square inch of the shop looked as though it was covered with an inch of filth. Behind the dusty counter, there was one single occupant.
Me: *I secretly watch from a window while Sonata watches with me quietly*
A venal, vigorous, and slatternly woman in her forties, wearing an old looking dress. She was currently busy chopping a loathsome mess of suet with a wicked looking knife, her greasy hair hanging down over her face. This woman was Mrs. Eleanor Lovett, or just Mrs. Lovett as people called her. Upon hearing the door open -- and the bell at the door sounds -- her head snapped up and she dawned a surprised look, eyeing the group like a bird of prey.
“Customers!” She gasped. She quickly stabbed the knife into the countertop and made her way around the corner towards the startled group, who started to go. But she seemed so pleased to finally see customers in her shop, they couldn’t help but stop when she started… singing:
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): Wait, what’s yer rush? What’s yer hurry? You gave me such a -- Fright, I thought you was a ghost. Half a minute, cant’cher? Sit! Sit ye down! Sit! All I meant is that I haven’t seen a customer for weeks.
Lovett quickly pulled Sweeney Todd into the shop and quickly sat him down at a nearby table. The remainder of the group followed behind him, with Chrysalis taking a seat beside Todd at his table while the Mane Six sat with Spike at the other. Chrysalis glared venomously toward the human Equestrians before turning her attention back to Mrs. Lovett, who made her way back behind the counter.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): Did you come here for a pie, sir? Do forgive me if me head’s a little vague-- Ugh! What is that? But you’d think we had the plague--
As she sang, she plucked a cockroach running along the counter, threw it on the ground, and stomped on it a few times. From their table, the Mane Six and Spike noticed numerous cockroaches running around their feet. Rarity and Twilight shrieked fearfully while Rainbow, Applejack, and Spike stomped a few in their way.
“Sweet Celestia!” Rarity shrieked. “Disgusting!”
“The health department needs to get in and do something about this!” Rainbow complained, mid-stomp.
Me: I don't believe health departments even existed in these times...
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): From the way that people-- Keep avoiding-- No, you don’t! Heaven knows I try, sir! Tsk! But there’s no one comes in even to inhale-- Tsk! Right you are, sir. Would you like a drop of ale? Mind you, I can’t hardly blame them--
Meanwhile, Mrs. Lovett came around with two pies, which she blew the last dust off and plopped them down in front of Sweeney and Spike. Taking a single look at the meat pies, both Spike and Todd could see that these pies looked moldy and unappetizing.
Me: Yep, never would eat that.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): These are probably the worst pies in London. I know why nobody cares to take them-- I should know, I make ‘em. But good? No! The worst pies in London-- Even that’s polite. The Worst pies in London-- If you doubt it, take a bite.
Sweeney picked up his pie and took a single bite out of it. Spike too picked up his own pie, staring about when he noticed his friends eyeing him with disgust.
“What?” He questioned. “Meat’s actually a part of my dragon diet. Yeah, I’m cool with eating hay and gems but it’s nice to indulge every now and again.”
“It’s not even that Spike,” Twilight cringed. “We understand your dietary needs, but she just said they’re the ‘Worst Pies in London’. Why would you even eat one?”
“Come on, how bad can they be?” Spike chuckled.
Spike proceeded to take one bite of the pie… and froze. Within a second, his tongue was completely overwhelmed by the horrible flavor within the pie. He dropped it right back onto the plate as his face started turning green and he felt himself about to vomit. All the while, Mrs. Lovett kept singing as she poured some mugs of ale.
Me: You were warned, Spike...
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): Is that just disgusting? You have to concede it. It’s nothing but crusting-- Here, drink this, you’ll need it-- The worst pies in London.
She proceeded to place the mugs in front of Sweeney and Spike. Spike snatched his mug up and started to drink the entire mug in a single gulp. Just anything that could help rid the taste out of his mouth. Meanwhile, he swore he also saw a roach crawl from out of the pie. Sweeney, meanwhile, took a sip and swished the ale around his mouth a bit while Mrs. Lovett kept making more pies, slamming lumps of dough on the counter, rolling them out, and grunting frequently.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): And no wonder with the price of meat What it is--when you get it. Never-- Thought I’d live to see the day Men’d think it was a treat Findin’ poor animals Wot are dying in the street. Mrs. Mooney has a pie shop, Does a business, but I noticed something weird-- Lately all her neighbors’ cats have disappeared. Have to hand it to her--wot I calls Enterprise--popping pussies into pies! Wouldn’t do in my shop-- Just the thought of it’s enough to make you sick. And I’m telling you them pussy cats is quick.
“Someone… actually… makes pies… out of poor little kitties?” Fluttershy squeaked.
The very thought of it alone made Fluttershy break down in tears as her friends tried to calm her.
Me: Thanks alot, M'am...
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): No denying times is hard, sir -- Even harder than the worst pies in London. Only lard and nothing more-- Is that just revolting? All greasy and gritty? It looks like it’s molting, And tastes like--well, pity… A woman alone with limited wind And the worst pies in London!!! Ah, sir, times is hard. Times is hard!!!
As she finished her song, she noticed one more roach running across the counter and used her pin roller to smash it. The rest of the Mane Six continued to console Fluttershy while Sweeney Todd and Spike continued gulping their ales trying to wash down Mrs. Lovett’s hideous creations.
“Trust me, dearies, it’s going to take more than ale to wash that taste out,” She informed them, before eying the girls. “Any of you care to try a pie?”
“Uh… no thanks,” Twilight smiled nervously. “We really need to be going.”
“No kidding!” Spike groaned. “I need something to wash this taste out of my mouth. Water, mouthwash, mustard… anything really.”
Spike quickly hopped up and made his way out of the shop while the rest of the Mane Six followed close behind. Once outside the shop, Spike quickly raced to a nearby alley and upchucked whatever was in his stomach. Soon as he finished, he emerged with his face now entirely flushed.
“That was horrible!” He grumbled. “I’m officially never, ever, EVER eating any kind of meat… again!”
“Spike, you literally ate rotten muffins out of the garbage once,” Rainbow reminded him.
“Even they tasted better than the pie,” Spike groaned, clutching his stomach.
Me: Oh for sure...
Sonata Dusk: For realsies?! He ate that?!
Me: Sadly yes...
“It’s a miracle that place is even open,” Applejack said honestly. “Ah’ve seen mah fair share of nasty vittles in mah life, ah’m pretty sure that just topped them all.”
“Never thought I’d hear myself say this, but I’ve never been so happy to leave a bakery in my life!” Pinkie cringed.
“I think it’s high time we leave this place,” Rarity suggested.
“Couldn’t agree more, Rares,” Rainbow agreed.
“So, where are we supposed to go?” Twilight asked curiously. “How will we find a place to stay?”
“Did I hear you say you’re looking for a place to stay?”
The group immediately turned around at the sound of a new voice as a young man, Anthony, walked behind them. He had his bag slung over his shoulder and his map book in his other hand.
“Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear,” He spoke up. “Am I correct to assume you’re trying to find somewhere for the night?”
“That’s right sir, we are,” Twilight nodded.
“Well, perhaps you’d care to come with me?” Anthony suggested. “I’m on my way to Hyde Park to find a lodging house as well. Just until my next excursion to the sea.”
The Mane Six and Spike looked amongst each other as they tried to determine if this young gentleman was being honest with them. Being the Element of Honesty, Applejack decided to question him further.
“You ain’t foolin’ with us, are ya?” Applejack asked curiously.
“No ma’am,” Anthony replied.
“How do we know we can trust ya?”
“Because unlike many a man with ill laden intentions, I hold a moral sense of principals,” Anthony answered. “There’s no reason for me to lie to any of you.”
Me: He's telling the truth, AJ. We can trust him.
Applejack analyzed his words and body language to determine if there was even a faint hint of falseness to what he said. When she found absolutely none at all, she gave a nod of approval.
“Looks like he’s tellin’ the truth,” Applejack smiled.
Me: Told ya.
“So, what will it be then my ladies? Good sir?” Anthony asked the group.
“Anything’s better than sleeping in an alley,” Rainbow joked.
“Hush now Rainbow!” Rarity scolded. “Show a little curtesy. We thank you very much for your assistance, mister…”
“Anthony, ma’am,” Anthony greeted.
“Thank you, Anthony,” Twilight reciprocated. “I’m Twilight and these are my friends Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike.”
Twilight: With us are Cinema Lights, and Sonata Dusk.
Me: Good day, young lad.
Sonata Dusk: Hi~!
“Pleasure to meet you all,” Anthony bowed his head. “Shall we be on our way?”
“By all means,” Spike replied. “Lead the way, pal.”
Anthony proceeded to walk ahead and make his way down the road. The rest of the group started to follow him closely, neither of them recognizing that sinking feeling of being… watched.
*I on the other hand knew the feeling, and I had to be on the lookout for my friends, especially Sonata*
Once again Spike has to upchuck something he ate, and in this case it was something he shouldn't have eaten at all. And now I'm really sad for Chrysalis, and to see how Celestia was with her and Fire Fall. This does not do the Princess' reputation any good regardless of how different things were all those years ago
Poor Chrysalis. I had no idea that she lost so much. No wonder she hates Celestia. I wonder what happened to Fire Fall and I hope that Chrysalis finds him again. Don't get me wrong, I like a good meat pie, but that pie in the movie is revolting.
Later that same day, the sky finally cleared, and the dark clouds began to dissipate. Granted, London was still gray and cloudy but at least one wouldn’t worry about an impending storm. The Mane Six and Spike trekked their way down the streets in search of Fleet Street Johanna told them about. As they walked, the girls and young man thought back to the poor golden-haired girl. From what they’ve seen of Judge Turpin, it was clear he was a horrible individual who didn’t treat her well. How a man like that assumed authority in this town they’d never know.
“How can she even end up living with a man as horrid as him?” Rarity asked, confused. “He’s clearly not the father, after all. Can’t imagine a parent as cruel as that man.”
“Eh… I can name maybe one or two,” Rainbow Dash shrugged.
Hitch: It sickens me that a man like Turpin holds so much power.
Misty: Poor Johanna.
Opaline: (in secret) I can admire a man like Turpin. He knows just what to do in any given situation.
“This is Victorian London after all,” Twilight Sparkle explained. “In these times, men held far superior rank over women, especially in the household. Even if they’re not related by blood, not to mention him being a judge, Turpin must be so corrupted by power he believes whatever he says or does is best for her.”
Me: It’s the grim truth, and to be honest a man like Turpin is really a product of his environment.
Zipp: Corruption and greed.
“All that confirms is he’s a super duper big fat stupid meanie pants!” Pinkie Pie pouted. “I said we should throw a fake party, but now I’m thinking he doesn’t deserve any sort of part. Too bad for him… still would’ve been a great bash.”
“I’m beginning to suspect our being here is to save Johanna from a clearly abusive household,” Twilight theorized. “We can clearly see how she’s being treated, and she needs to get away.”
“No kiddin’,” Applejack nodded. “That there judge is as mean as a rattlesnake. But wut are we supposed tah do?”
“Why don’t we just sneak her out of the house ourselves?” Rainbow suggested. “A few locked doors won’t keep us out.”
“That probably won’t work,” Twilight shook her head. “And even if we did, Turpin would notice she’s gone right away and have the law chasing us before we even get very far.”
Sunny: You guys just have to get Johanna out of there!
Izzy: Yeah! She really needs friends like you!
“We could just wait until he’s off on business,” Spike suggested.
“Spike, if he were going far enough away, Johanna would be with him,” Twilight responded. “I wouldn’t put it past Turpin to do that.”
“Yeesh, not only is he mean but that man’s just creepy,” Pinkie Pie shuddered. “Reminds me of an unfriendly face from one of our previous adventures… actually if you dye his hair till it’s very dark and compare the voices… yeah, I can just see the resemblance.”
“Hold up y’all!” Applejack interrupted suddenly.
Coming to a quick halt, every pony and Spike turned to see Applejack looking at a nearby street sign which read, ‘Fleet Street’.
“Looks like we made it all right,” Applejack confirmed.
Zipp: If they’re on Fleet Street already, then Sweeney Todd and Chrysalis are not far behind.
“Finally… now can we find a place to sit?” Spike requested, massaging his legs. “We’ve been walking all day and my legs are killing me!”
“I hear ya there little dude,” Rainbow nodded in agreement.
“I guess a break would be beneficial,” Twilight agreed. “Now, let’s see what’s around here.”
The group continued down Fleet Street for a while, keeping a sharp eye out for potential places to stop and rest a while. Eventually, they came to a corner of the street where a building with a few broken windows stood. It was tatty and unloved, yet it had this strange, ghostly presence to it. The building itself was imposing and dead at the same time, which made Fluttershy a slight nervous looking at it.
Its structure had a chimney that blew smoke into the sky and through one of the cracked windows they could see an exterior staircase leading to a darkened second floor room with a large skylight window on the roof that overlooked the street. They stood before the front of the shop, considering it deeply as they noticed a long sign on the outside of the building which read:
Mrs. Lovett’s Meat Pies
The name alone made the girls cringe in disgust.
Zipp: (cringes) Ugh, gross!
Hitch: Humans actually make pies out of meat?!
Izzy: Ew! Why would they?!
Me: On the plus side, Mrs. Lovett’s Meat Pie shop is an important set piece for our titular barber, and home to another important character in this story.
“Meat… pies?” Twilight gulped, disgusted. “Maybe we should keep going.”
“Yeah… even ‘I’ wouldn’t eat that!” Pinkie Pie shook her head.
“Come on girls, we can’t keep walking forever,” Spike urged. “We don’t have to eat anything; we’ll just sit down for a while.”
The girls watched as Spike made his way towards the shop. After a moment of contemplation, the girls walked after Spike. As they neared the shop, they noticed two other people making their way over as well. One was a man with wild-looking hair with a white streak and the other was a young woman with golden hair. They glanced toward Spike, who had stridden his way into the shop, as their eyes darted toward the girls.
Sunny: Uh oh! Sweeney and Chrysalis are here too!
Me: This is actually brilliant! Talk about dramatic irony!
“Good day!” Twilight greeted politely.
Sweeney Todd gave no response, merely a curt nod and nothing more. Meanwhile, Chrysalis glared at the sight of the six humanized ponies. She knew that with the hair, their eyes, the voices, and especially their pigmentation, there was no mistake she could recognize those meddling ponies which means the young man that went in was none other than their dragon stooge. However, she quickly hid her hatred under her guise so as not to draw any suspicions.
“Good day,” She greeted back.
Sweeney Todd pushed the door open first and took a step into the shop following the human dragon. From behind him, the rest of the group got a good look at the shop. The place was crawling with roaches and all sorts of bugs. Every square inch of the shop looked as though it was covered with an inch of filth. Behind the dusty counter, there was one single occupant.
A venal, vigorous, and slatternly woman in her forties, wearing an old looking dress. She was currently busy chopping a loathsome mess of suet with a wicked looking knife, her greasy hair hanging down over her face. This woman was Mrs. Eleanor Lovett, or just Mrs. Lovett as people called her. Upon hearing the door open—and the bell at the door sounds—her head snapped up and she dawned a surprised look, eyeing the group like a bird of prey.
“Customers!” She gasped.
Pipp: Uh…she uh, looks down on her luck.
She quickly stabbed the knife into the countertop and made her way around the corner towards the startled group, who started to go. But she seemed so pleased to finally see customers in her shop, they couldn’t help but stop when she started… singing:
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): Wait, what’s yer rush? What’s yer hurry? You gave me such a— Fright, I thought you was a ghost. Half a minute, cant’cher? Sit! Sit ye down! Sit! All I meant is that I haven’t seen a customer for weeks.
Sunny: How has she not had a customer for weeks?
Hitch: How is she still in business is my question. I guess meat pies aren’t really popular among humans.
Lovett quickly pulled Sweeney Todd into the shop and quickly sat him down at a nearby table. The remainder of the group followed behind him, with Chrysalis taking a seat beside Todd at his table while the Mane Six sat with Spike at the other. Chrysalis glared venomously toward the human Equestrians before turning her attention back to Mrs. Lovett, who made her way back behind the counter.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): Did you come here for a pie, sir? Do forgive me if me head’s a little vague— Ugh! What is that? But you’d think we had the plague—
As she sang, she plucked a cockroach running along the counter, threw it on the ground, and stomped on it a few times. From their table, the Mane Six and Spike noticed numerous cockroaches running around their feet. Rarity and Twilight shrieked fearfully while Rainbow, Applejack, and Spike stomped a few in their way.
“Sweet Celestia!” Rarity shrieked. “Disgusting!”
“The health department needs to get in and do something about this!” Rainbow complained, mid-stomp.
Sunny: (green) Does she actually put those in her pies?!
Pipp: I’m…feeling a little light headed. I think I’m gonna be sick.
Zipp: For Mom’s sake, Pipp, please hold it in!
Me: Yeah, well, the health and safety department didn’t exist at this time.
Hitch: It didn’t?!
Me: Unfortunately not. It took years for the factory reforms to start rolling out of legislation. More years after that for them to be put into effect.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): From the way that people— Keep avoiding— No, you don’t! Heaven knows I try, sir! Tsk! But there’s no one comes in even to inhale— Tsk! Right you are, sir. Would you like a drop of ale? Mind you, I can’t hardly blame them—
Meanwhile, Mrs. Lovett came around with two pies, which she blew the last dust off and plopped them down in front of Sweeney and Spike. Taking a single look at the meat pies, both Spike and Todd could see that these pies looked moldy and unappetizing.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): These are probably the worst pies in London. I know why nobody cares to take them— I should know, I make ‘em. But good? No! The worst pies in London— Even that’s polite. The Worst pies in London— If you doubt it, take a bite.
Sweeney picked up his pie and took a single bite out of it. Spike too picked up his own pie, staring about when he noticed his friends eyeing him with disgust.
“What?” He questioned. “Meat’s actually a part of my dragon diet. Yeah, I’m cool with eating hay and gems but it’s nice to indulge every now and again.”
“It’s not even that Spike,” Twilight cringed. “We understand your dietary needs, but she just said they’re the ‘Worst Pies in London’. Why would you even eat one?”
“Come on, how bad can they be?” Spike chuckled.
Spike proceeded to take one bite of the pie… and froze. Within a second, his tongue was completely overwhelmed by the horrible flavor within the pie. He dropped it right back onto the plate as his face started turning green and he felt himself about to vomit.
Hitch: Oh…oh lord…if it makes Spike sick, it’s no wonder her business is failing.
Pipp: Why does she even advertise them as the Worst Pies? That’s basically telling potential customers to walk on by and find the Best Pies in London!
Sunny: Ugh…I hope no one else eats those disgusting pies!
Me: (aside) Well, not yet at least.
All the while, Mrs. Lovett kept singing as she poured some mugs of ale.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): Is that just disgusting? You have to concede it. It’s nothing but crusting— Here, drink this, you’ll need it— The worst pies in London.
She proceeded to place the mugs in front of Sweeney and Spike. Spike snatched his mug up and started to drink the entire mug in a single gulp. Just anything that could help rid the taste out of his mouth. Meanwhile, he swore he also saw a roach crawl from out of the pie. Sweeney, meanwhile, took a sip and swished the ale around his mouth a bit while Mrs. Lovett kept making more pies, slamming lumps of dough on the counter, rolling them out, and grunting frequently.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): And no wonder with the price of meat What it is—when you get it. Never— Thought I’d live to see the day Men’d think it was a treat Findin’ poor animals Wot are dying in the street. Mrs. Mooney has a pie shop, Does a business, but I noticed something weird-- Lately all her neighbors’ cats have disappeared. Have to hand it to her—wot I calls Enterprise—popping pussies into pies! Wouldn’t do in my shop— Just the thought of it’s enough to make you sick. And I’m telling you them pussy cats is quick.
“Someone… actually… makes pies… out of poor little kitties?” Fluttershy squeaked.
The very thought of it alone made Fluttershy break down in tears as her friends tried to calm her.
Hitch: K-k-k-k-k…KITTENS?!!!
Zipp: THIS WOMAN’S INSANE!!!
Pipp: I’m gonna throw up!
In no time flat, she zoomed straight out of the theater and into the restroom stall, just in time to hurl out her breakfast and lunch.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): No denying times is hard, sir— Even harder than the worst pies in London. Only lard and nothing more— Is that just revolting? All greasy and gritty? It looks like it’s molting, And tastes like—well, pity… A woman alone with limited wind And the worst pies in London!!! Ah, sir, times is hard. Times is hard!!!
As she finished her song, she noticed one more roach running across the counter and used her pin roller to smash it. The rest of the Mane Six continued to console Fluttershy while Sweeney Todd and Spike continued gulping their ales trying to wash down Mrs. Lovett’s hideous creations.
“Trust me, dearies, it’s going to take more than ale to wash that taste out,” She informed them, before eying the girls. “Any of you care to try a pie?”
Sprout: (pale as a ghost) Suddenly, I don’t like pies anymore!
Me: Now you’ve ruined the dessert itself! Thanks a lot, Lovett!
Pipp then reentered the theater.
Me: Pipp, if you feel uncomfortable with this movie, you can always leave.
Pipp: (excited) Are you kidding?! I can’t remember the last time I threw up watching a movie! I can’t wait to watch what happens next!
Hitch: (shakes head) I’ll never understand how she can even stomach these kinds of movies.
“Uh… no thanks,” Twilight smiled nervously. “We really need to be going.”
“No kidding!” Spike groaned. “I need something to wash this taste out of my mouth. Water, mouthwash, mustard… anything really.”
Spike quickly hopped up and made his way out of the shop while the rest of the Mane Six followed close behind. Once outside the shop, Spike quickly raced to a nearby alley and upchucked whatever was in his stomach. Soon as he finished, he emerged with his face now entirely flushed.
“That was horrible!” He grumbled. “I’m officially never, ever, EVER eating any kind of meat… again!”
“Spike, you literally ate rotten muffins out of the garbage once,” Rainbow reminded him.
“Even they tasted better than the pie,” Spike groaned, clutching his stomach.
Hitch: He ATE…ROTTEN…MUFFINS…out of the GARBAGE?!!! Why would you do that?!
“It’s a miracle that place is even open,” Applejack said honestly. “Ah’ve seen mah fair share of nasty vittles in mah life, ah’m pretty sure that just topped them all.”
“Never thought I’d hear myself say this, but I’ve never been so happy to leave a bakery in my life!” Pinkie cringed.
“I think it’s high time we leave this place,” Rarity suggested.
“Couldn’t agree more, Rares,” Rainbow agreed.
“So, where are we supposed to go?” Twilight asked curiously. “How will we find a place to stay?”
“Did I hear you say you’re looking for a place to stay?”
The group immediately turned around at the sound of a new voice as a young man, Anthony, walked behind them. He had his bag slung over his shoulder and his map book in his other hand.
Sunny: Oh, thank hoofness! A friendly face to help our heroes!
Me: He-hey! Anthony! Maybe this time he will be more active in the story.
“Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear,” He spoke up. “Am I correct to assume you’re trying to find somewhere for the night?”
“That’s right sir, we are,” Twilight nodded.
“Well, perhaps you’d care to come with me?” Anthony suggested. “I’m on my way to Hyde Park to find a lodging house as well. Just until my next excursion to the sea.”
The Mane Six and Spike looked amongst each other as they tried to determine if this young gentleman was being honest with them. Being the Element of Honesty, Applejack decided to question him further.
“You ain’t foolin’ with us, are ya?” Applejack asked curiously.
“No ma’am,” Anthony replied.
“How do we know we can trust ya?”
“Because unlike many a man with ill laden intentions, I hold a moral sense of principals,” Anthony answered. “There’s no reason for me to lie to any of you.”
Me: Good thing they’ve got Applejack to scrutinize, just in case, you know?
Sunny: They can trust Anthony.
Applejack analyzed his words and body language to determine if there was even a faint hint of falseness to what he said. When she found absolutely none at all, she gave a nod of approval.
“Looks like he’s tellin’ the truth,” Applejack smiled.
“So, what will it be then my ladies? Good sir?” Anthony asked the group.
“Anything’s better than sleeping in an alley,” Rainbow joked.
“Hush now Rainbow!” Rarity scolded. “Show a little curtesy. We thank you very much for your assistance, mister…”
“Anthony, ma’am,” Anthony greeted.
“Thank you, Anthony,” Twilight reciprocated. “I’m Twilight and these are my friends Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike.”
“Pleasure to meet you all,” Anthony bowed his head. “Shall we be on our way?”
“By all means,” Spike replied. “Lead the way, pal.”
Anthony proceeded to walk ahead and make his way down the road. The rest of the group started to follow him closely, neither of them recognizing that sinking feeling of being… watched.
Zipp: I get the feeling that those other guys left in the shop are watching them leave. It’s not just me, right?
Hitch: Considering that Chrysalis is there as well, most definitely.
Me: (to reader) With the length of these songs, I’ll have to call it part one right here, otherwise I would severely disrupt the flow of the songs in the story. >>next
Back in the pie shop, Mrs. Lovett watched from the window as the Mane Six and Spike made their way down the street. As she walked away, Chrysalis took a seat beside Sweeney Todd, who took another swig of ale to rid himself of the horrible taste in his mouth.
“They certainly were a nice lot,” Mrs. Lovett commented.
“Nice isn’t the word I would use,” Chrysalis scoffed, with a huff. “They’re pretentious, arrogant, and underhanded that’s what.”
Sunny: No they’re not!
Izzy: Yeah! Stop being evil to them!
Zipp: That sounds like her worst nightmare.
“Seemed nice to me,” Mrs. Lovett shrugged, walking back.
“Trust me, I know them,” Chrysalis replied. “They act nice and pure to everyone else. But deep down, they’re as corrupt and immoral as the lot of them.”
Me: Something happened a long time ago. Far enough where there wouldn’t be any records.
Suffice to say, Mrs. Lovett didn’t exactly know how to properly respond to that. She merely turned her attention back to Sweeney, who still struggled to get the taste out.
“Come with me and we’ll get you a nice tumbler of gin,” She suggested.
“Got anything stronger?” Chrysalis sighed.
Mrs. Lovett chuckled under her breath as the two individuals stood up from the table and followed her through the curtains at the back of the pie shop into the connecting living space. Her parlor was a wonder of seedy faux-middle class Victorian. Little knickknacks, dusty plants, and dingy doilies lined the walls and furniture. There was a threadbare mauve sofa in front of a comfortable fire. Passing by a faded postcard of a lovely seaside beach on the wall, Mrs. Lovett approached a nearby cabinet and pulled out a few glasses along with a bottle of gin.
“Isn’t this homey now?” Lovett asked, mid-pour. “Me cheery wallpaper was a real bargain too; it being only partly singed when the chapel burnt down…”
“Yes… lovely,” Chrysalis replied.
“Here you are dear,” Mrs. Lovett handed Chrysalis a drink. “Drink it in good health.”
Hitch: I can’t stand the taste of alcohol.
Me: Eh…so long as you don’t become addicted. (drinks martini, then sings) I’m addicted~!
Chrysalis looked down at the small glass of clear liquid in her hand for a moment. Eventually, she lifted it to her lips and drank half of it. It burned down her throat, but she had to admit it had quite a taste to it. Mrs. Lovett handed a drink to Sweeney as he sat on the couch.
“There’s a good boy, now you sit down and warm your bones,” She told him. “You look chilled through.”
Me: He’s been on a ship bound for London from Australia. The Atlantic’s ruthless like that.
Sunny: Why would he be in Australia?
Me: In the old days, the UK would send their prisoners to Australia for manual labor, which is where Sweeney has been for the past fifteen years.
As Todd sat before the fire, he looked past Lovett to the stairs leading up to the second floor.
“You’ve a room over the shop don’t you?” He questioned. “If times are so hard, why don’t you rent it out?”
“Up there?” Mrs. Lovett responded, glancing up. “Oh, no one will go near it… people think it’s haunted.”
The intense probing nature of Lovett’s gaze seemed to get Chrysalis’s attention, enough to look up from her glass.
“Did you say ‘haunted’?” She asked.
“Yes,” Mrs. Lovett nodded. “And who’s to say they’re wrong? You see, years ago, something happened up there… something not very nice.”
Pipp: A haunted room? Awesome!
Zipp: Wait…how would Sweeney know about the room?
Sunny: What happened to Sweeney?
Chrysalis turned back to eye Sweeney Todd, who now had his back turned on both of them. Though she couldn’t see his face, she could feel the negative energy radiating off of him. No doubt he was still reeling from the pain of losing his wife and child, something she understood very well. Staring at the tormented man, as the flickering flame from the fire cast a more intense red glow upon her face, Mrs. Lovett continued to explain… through song.
Mrs. Lovett (sings) There was a barber and his wife, And he was beautiful, A proper artist with his knife, But they transported him for life. And he was beautiful…
As she sang, Lovett looked at Todd, again with that rather intense gaze.
“Barker, his name was,” Mrs. Lovett informed them. “Benjamin Barker.”
“Transported?” Sweeney asked. “What was his crime?”
“… Foolishness.”
Again, Lovett turned toward the fire, the red glow bathing her face as she lost herself in her memories. Deciding a further understanding was in order, Chrysalis once more channeled her magic to enter the twisted, disturbed minds of these people in search of some measure of ‘truth’.
Me: This is an addon from what Sweeney said earlier. This is what happened to his wife, Lucy after Turpin sent him to Australia…
Flashback… Fifteen years ago…
Chrysalis once more opened her eyes and found herself standing in the room above the pie shop. Everything was bright and vibrant, with striped wallpaper and an assortment of furniture. She turned over and noticed Barker’s wife, Lucy, sitting in a chair with their infant daughter in her arms as she looked out the large window to the city below. Her face was so downtrodden and sad following her husband’s wrongful exile, still recalling the love of her life stripped away from her.
Mrs. Lovett: (sings) He had this wife, you see, Pretty little thing, silly little nit Had her chance for the moon on a string— Poor thing! Poor thing…
Sunny: (sad) Poor Lucy…
Zipp: Turpin sent away her husband so he could have her himself!
Eventually, Lucy stood from the chair, pacing, holding the baby closely to her. She was beyond distraught, strained even, tears flowing down her eyes. She paced toward a nearby table littered with dead and dying flowers, dozens of bouquets tossed aside and ignored. With a small shake of her head, she cradled her daughter closer as she walked back toward the window. Looking out into the streets, she noticed the all too familiar sight of Judge Turpin and Beadle Bamford standing there, looking up at her. As he had done every day since her husband’s exile, the Judge stood there holding another bouquet of flowers for her. Letting a single tear fall from her face, Lucy moved away from the window, sobbing.
Mrs. Lovett: (sings) There was this Judge, you see, Wanted her like mad, Every day he’d send her a flower, But did she come down from her tower? Sat up there and sobbed by the hour, Poor fool. Ah, but there was worse yet to come, poor thing…
Zipp: “Worse yet to come”? Oh, ponyfeathers…
Sunny: Why? Wh-what happened?
I knew exactly what was to come.
Me: I…I need to step outside for a moment!
A sudden blinding flash caused Chrysalis to shield her eye as she felt a strong wind envelop her. When the wind died and the light dissipated, she opened her eyes to see the entire street had changed. Now she stood in the street near Turpin’s house, practically in the middle of the night. The sound of footsteps approaching caused her to turn around, seeing the Beadle leading a nervous Lucy alone on this exclusive street of dark stone mansions, grand but somehow menacing. Lucy was wearing her best dress that night.
Mrs. Lovett: (sings) The Beadle calls on her, all polite, Poor thing, Poor thing. “The judge,” he tells her, “is all contrite, He blames himself for her dreadful plight, She MUST come straight to his house tonight!” Poor thing, poor thing.
Pipp: Wow! It’s like the Manesquerade Ball, Zipp!
Zipp: It’s more like the Ball scene in Phantom of the Opera. Pipp: Oh, yeah, I see what you mean. That was a great musical!
Izzy: So, Turpin wants to apologize to Lucy for sending away her husband?
The Beadle ushered Lucy into the house and Chrysalis followed closely behind. The entire house was filled to capacity with people dressed in the finest clothing, all of them wearing masks for a Masquerade Ball. Lucy, and an invisible Chrysalis, are shocked to see a fancy-dress ball in progress as they made for the ballroom. Masked couples swirled around the ballroom; their numbers sinisterly multiplied by the distorting mirrors that frame the room. The hanging chandeliers, draped in red cloth, cast a disquieting incarnadine glow on the proceedings. Beadle handed Lucy a drink and pushed her forward into the crowd. Lucy wandered lost through the swirling dancers, they buffed her, confusing her so as she proceeded to drink and continued to scan the area for Judge Turpin.
Mrs. Lovett: (sings) Of course, when she goes there, poor thing, poor thing. They're havin' this ball all in masks. There's no one she knows there, poor dear, poor thing. She wanders tormented, and drinks, poor thing. The judge has repented, she thinks, poor thing. "Oh, where is Judge Turpin?" she asks. He was there, all right—Only NOT so contrite!
Hitch: She’s…not looking so good.
Zipp: Where’s Turpin?
Sunny: I hope Plymouth’s alright. He suddenly got up and left.
In truth, I was hiding in my office with the door closed. The movie was still playing in my mind, and I could hear the audio from the theater.
I was bracing myself for when it happened…
Soon enough, Lucy found herself getting dizzy from the drink and decided to rest on a nearby couch. As she laid there in a daze, Judge Turpin, dressed in a crimson red suit and bird mask walked up alongside her and removed his mask. Lucky looked up into his face, even in her drunken state she could see the coldness in his eyes.
Mrs. Lovett: (sings) She wasn't no match for such craft, you see, And everyone thought it so droll. They figured she had to be daft, you see. So all of 'em stood there and laughed, you see. Poor soul! Poor thing!
Then Judge Turpin proceeded to commit such a horrendous, malicious act that made even Chrysalis’s black heart break, making her sick to her stomach. As Turpin proceeded to have his way with her, descending upon the woman, the other guests crowded around ravenously, laughing, and enjoying the malicious spectacle. Aside from laughter, the only other sounds to be heard were Lucy’s bloodcurdling screams…
Far out of sight and mind from the audience, inside my office, I was screaming just as loudly and as painful as poor Lucy. For a complete total of ten seconds, it was like being raped by a ghost, until it all suddenly ended with the bursting of the light above my desk.
Everything stopped.
Will I get no rest from this curse?
“NOOOOOOOOOO…!!!”
The audience was in a shocked silence, until…
Zipp: (raging) HE FUCKING RAPED HER!!! IN FRONT OF ALL THOSE PEOPLE!!!!
Hitch: (likewise) AND THIS MAN IS ALLOWED TO BE A JUDGE?!!!! WHAT, THE ACTUAL, FUCK IS WRONG WITH THIS CITY?!!!
Sunny:STOP IT!!! PLEASE, STOP!!!
All went quiet.
Sweeney Todd’s wild howl shattered the memory and tore Chrysalis back to the present. The man bolted from the sofa, tormented over Mrs. Lovett’s story. Turning her back to the two individuals in the room, she couldn’t help but send the tears streaming down her face. The first time meeting Mr. Todd, she thought the two of them had similar situations befall them. Only now she realized how very wrong she was. Sweeney Todd had it worse… far worse.
“Does the cruelty of men know no bounds?” She whispered to herself.
“Would no one have mercy on her?” Sweeney asked somberly.
Mrs. Lovett looked toward the man as a sudden sense of realization turned on like a light.
“So, it is you—” She gasped, amazed. “Benjamin Barker.”
“Where’s Lucy?!” Sweeney asked her. “Where’s my wife?!”
“She poisoned herself,” Mrs. Lovett confessed. “Arsenic from the apothecary round the corner. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn’t listen to me.”
Sunny: Sh…she killed herself?!
Izzy: Why is the world so evil to good people?!
Hearing the news made Sweeney Todd freeze in place, torment growing upon his face. His precious wife, the only person he looked most forward to seeing upon his return from exile, was now dead. All thanks to that immoral judge who sent him away, who stalked and raped his wife, and ruined his entire life. Chrysalis slowly approached his side and did something most uncharacteristic of the former changeling Queen. She wrapped her arms around Sweeney, leaned her head into his chest… and hugged him.
Hitch: (shocked)…Is she hugging him?
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Todd,” She spoke genuinely. “Part of me understands what you’re going through, but there’s another part that has no idea of the pain you’re suffering.”
But Sweeney didn’t return the hug, he was dead to the world right now. The next thing he learned, however, really set him off.
“You think that’s bad, wait till you hear this,” Mrs. Lovett continued. “He’s got your daughter.”
Chrysalis pulled away from Sweeney, who stiffened upon hearing this news. Instead of a face of sorrow, he now had in place blind rage.
“He?” Sweeney snarled. “Judge Turpin?”
“Adopted her, like his own,” Mrs. Lovett nodded.
Zipp: So, Turpin sent him away on false charges, stole his wife, raped her, and then stole his child and raised her as his own?! (blank) I don’t think Chrysalis would do something like that!
Opaline: (in secret) Tsk, every judge has their faults, and yet…what a disgusting creature he is.
Misty said nothing, for she was weeping to herself in the corner.
It was here that I returned to the theater, with a fresh drink of iced water in hand and my feathered head in a mess.
Sunny: Plymouth! Are you alright?!
Me: Yeah, yeah, I’m alright. (drinks) I just…needed to step out, that’s all.
Todd absorbed this sickening news, his face contorting further with anger.
“Fifteen years of sweating in a living hell on a false charge,” Todd growled, removing his coat. “Fifteen years dreaming that I might come home to find a loving wife and child…”
He stepped beside the fire, gazing into the flames as madness and purpose crept in. Chrysalis wanted to calm him down, but she knew that within this state she couldn’t predict how dangerous he was. Of course, she always had her dark magic to protect herself. But even she knew that madness within one’s head can be just as dangerous.
“Well, I can’t say the years have been particularly kind to you, Mr. Barker, but you still…”
“No!” Sweeney interrupted Lovett. “Not Barker. That man is dead. It’s Todd now. Sweeney Todd… and he will have his revenge.”
Me: This is a man who is consumed by hatred. It can happen even to the best of us.
Sunny: That’s not fair!
Todd continued with a chilling, quiet resolve as he stared with unblinking eyes into the fire. Seeing the twisted, yet determined look upon his face, Chrysalis stepped up alongside him.
“I will help you achieve it,” She volunteered.
Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd looked at her with such confusion.
“What are you on about dear?” Mrs. Lovett asked.
“I will help Mr. Todd achieve his vengeance by any means necessary,” Chrysalis emphasized, with determination.
“Why?” Sweeney asked lowly.
“What the Judge did to you, and your family is…”
“No!” Sweeney said loudly, stopping Chrysalis. “There’s more to it than that.”
Chrysalis’s face dawned a surprise look, as she tried to turn her face away from his menacing gaze.
“W-What do you m-mean?” She stammered nervously.
Sweeney squinted his dark eyes at her, slowly advancing upon her. Chrysalis slowly backed away until she hit a nearby wall, trapped in a corner with nowhere to go.
Me: Even Chrysalis is intimidated by Sweeney. This never happened with Scarecrow.
“When we met on that ship, you said what happened to me happened to you,” Todd replied, leaning closer. “There’s more to you than meets the eyes. What exactly did you mean by that? Who are you exactly?”
Chrysalis’s eyes shot back and forth a million miles an hour, realizing she both literally and figuratively had been backed into a corner. She couldn’t possibly reveal who she truly was to these people… right?”
“I… I… I can’t tell you,” She stammered.
“Why is that?” Todd glared.
“You’d look at me differently,” Chrysalis replied in earnest. “You’d see me as a monster like everyone else who looked upon me.”
Sweeney merely leaned too close for comfort, their faces only inches apart. Chrysalis couldn’t avoid the deepening gaze piercing deadly into her eyes.
“Try me,” He challenged.
Eventually, Todd backed away granting Chrysalis the forum to explain herself. The changeling couldn’t believe someone actually called her bluff, putting her on the spot. She didn’t wish to reveal her true nature, but in that moment, she realized she had no choice. Taking a deep breath, letting out the hot air from her throat, she stepped toward the middle of the room and engulfed herself in green flame. Once more, she regained her original changeling form, much to the surprise of the two others in the room with her. Mrs. Lovett fell back on the couch, shocked yet staring with awe.
“Well… you certainly don’t see that every day, do you?” Lovett asked, shocked.
Hitch: How are they not scared?
Me: Too much time spent in the shithole of Industrial London.
While Lovett was shocked, Mrs. Todd merely stared at Chrysalis with interest though his face wouldn’t show it.
“What are you?” He asked her.
“My true name… is Chrysalis,” Chrysalis responded honestly. “I used to be queen of a race of creatures known as changelings.”
“What are changelings?” Mrs. Lovett asked, curious.
“In the land of Equestria, from which we hail, we’re a race of insectoid equines who feed off love.”
“What are you doing here?” Sweeney asked her. “Why are you so determined to see I get my vengeance?”
A lone tear streaked down Chrysalis’s dark face before she responded.
“I was a youngling like you… like you, I too loved another,” Chrysalis explained. “Back then, changelings were always taught that love was weakness for the enemy but strength for us. Then one day, I met a young colt, Fire Fall by name. One of the only creatures who refused to see me as a monster.
“The day we met, we got to know each other. We’d sneak out at night just to play when no pony else was watching. Being a changeling, I couldn’t let any pony else know a thing about me… I couldn’t even let my own hive know the real reason for sneaking away. Many years of this went by, then things between us became more… serious. We’d share romantic picnics, the occasional kiss here and there, things were wonderful for a time… but we were growing tired over having so little time being together… a brief period of being free to be ourselves.”
“What happened?” Mrs. Lovett asked.
Taking a deep breath, Chrysalis continued her story… even though she knew how it would end.
“One day… I decided I didn’t want to be a changeling princess any longer. The two of us agreed to run away together, a million miles away from Equestria, and start a new life for us. We always imagined what it would be like, every hour of everyday dreaming of just taking off and never looking back. We met in the forest, at the very spot where we met, we were two kids excited for where the future would take us. And then… it happened…”
Sunny: What happened to Chrysalis that made her hate ponies so much? Who was Fire Fall?
Zipp: Somehow, I get the feeling that it won’t end well.
Flashback… A thousand years ago…
A teenage Chrysalis ran through the Everfree Forest as fast as her legs could carry her. She had a worn saddlebag on her back, filled with as many supplies as she could bring with her. As she ran, she spotted her true love, Fire Fall, waiting at the edge of the forest. The two had certainly grown over the years from the young foals they used to be, and their relationship had certainly evolved immensely. Chrysalis smiled as she ran faster, skidding to a stop just before Fire Fall. The young stallion smiled upon her arrival.
“I’m sorry I’m late…” Chrysalis gasped, catching her breath.
“Don’t be sorry, you’re right on time,” Fire Fall smiled, with assurance. “There’s no stopping us now. I’ve got it all figured out.”
Pipp: Wow. He is handsome. It’s no wonder she fell in love with him~
Zipp: (rolls eyes) Oh, brother.
Fire Fall proceeded to reach into his own saddlebag and pulled out a rolled-up parchment which he carefully spread along the tree. Using his wings to hold the map in place, he placed a hoof along the north edge of the map.
“Exactly! To the untrained eye there isn’t, so no pony will think to look there, Chrysalis,” Fire Fall explained. “I know of a caravan who makes deliveries to lands beyond the map, the kind that counts on the stars as their guides and asks no questions in return. We’ll join them tonight, vanish completely out of sight, and go where the road decides. We’ll have no obligations…
“Or mothers to obey,” Chrysalis smiled tearfully. “Maybe we can travel on the sea?”
“Sure! I’ll tend the sails and you can steer,” Fire Fall added. “We’ll watch the waves roll on endlessly till all of Equestria disappears. Until there’s just the two of us… on top of the world.”
“We’ll leave all thoughts about the future to some future day. Follow wherever the wind starts blowing. The kind of life we’ve dreamt of.”
“Tonight… we’re never looking back,” Fire Fall declared. “I may not know exactly where we’re going, but we’ll keep going forward. We’ll vanish from all eyes in view, become a pair completely new. We’ll find our own country, we’ll elope, and find a spot that lets a pony like me own a house, raise a child, and build a life… with you.”
Chrysalis looked upon him, tears streaming down her face as she smiled toward the pony. He then proceeded to put the map back into his back and stretched out his limbs with a groan.
“Are you ready to go?” Fire Fall asked excitedly.
“With you, I’m ready for anything,” Chrysalis replied.
The two shared a quick passionate kiss before taking off through the forest. They fan for a good while before the sound of approaching hooves caught their attention. Their eyes widened with horror as royal guard ponies, Unicorns, pursued the pair.
“There it is!” One guard yelled. “I knew there was a changeling in this forest!”
“Get them!” Another guard yelled.
Hitch: Uh oh. This is not good.
Shocked upon the discovery of their presence, Chrysalis fired a few blasts of magics toward the guards, who managed to dodge them expertly.
“Hurry! We can cut through the trees and lose them!” Fire Fall yelled.
The two lovers broke off the path and darted through a series of thick trees. Though they could still hear the guards following behind, eventually their hooves grew more and more distant.
“I think we’ve lost them!” Chrysalis exclaimed in relief.
“There’s a field just at the end of this path,” Fire Fall explained. “We just need to stay ahead of them until we…”
Suddenly, bolas were hurled through the air and wrapped themselves around Chrysalis legs. Fire Fall stopped and turned as the changeling fell to the ground.
“Chrysalis!” Fire Fall yelled.
Sunny: They’ve been caught! No!
Chrysalis tried to break free but found she couldn’t. The bolas were made from a special material both incredibly strong and impervious to magic. No matter how much she struggled, she couldn’t break free. The royal guards burst through the trees, surrounding the princess.
“We got her now!” One guard declared. “Keep her still till Princess Celestia arrives!”
“Get your bloody hooves off her!” Fire Fall yelled.
The Pegasus stallion leapt into the fray, fighting off the guards in an effort to save his love. He nicked one guard back and struck another into a tree. But soon enough, the remainder of the guards piled upon him until they had him restrained. Suddenly, a blinding white light enveloped the entire forest. All eyes stared into the sky as Princess Celestia herself lowered herself from the sky toward the open ground. The Princess of Equestria was still as tall and regal back then as she was now. Except her mane wasn’t a glowing rainbow, rather a soft pink. The princess walked toward Chrysalis, who still struggled to break free, and the princess looked down upon the changeling with disappointment.
“Princess Chrysalis, I presume?” Celestia spoke. “You know your kind isn’t welcome in Equestria.”
Sunny: C-C-Celestia?!
Me: Oh, shit! This just went from zero to a hundred in five seconds flat!
“What do you think I’ve done?!” Chrysalis cried, tearfully. “I haven’t done anything!”
“You know the rules,” Celestia responded, firmly. “Your mother and I agreed that her subjects would stay on their grounds, while we stay on ours. Then I hear word of a Changeling roaming in the woods upon pony grounds and I cannot cast aside my concerns any further. Do you know how many rules you’ve violated just being here? And now I find you with one of ‘my’ subjects in your clutches.”
“She didn’t hold me against my will!” Fire Fall cried out, struggling. “I wanted to be with her; she’s my best friend!”
“Changelings will say and do anything to make you ‘think’ such thoughts, young Fire Wall,” Celestia spoke calmly. “We keep our races separated for each other’s survival; you cannot ignore a thousand years of tradition.”
“I don’t want to survive!” Fire Fall argued. “I want to live! WE want to live!”
“Listen to me Fire Fall,” Celestia spoke, slightly raising her voice. “You are not well; you’re not thinking clearly. I cannot ignore my duties to the ponies first. If her mother ever knew what happened tonight… no… no, I cannot risk my subjects in another world. The princess must remain with her people, and you are to remember who you are and where you stand. You must let her go… and be a pony.”
Sunny: She’s…she doesn’t know what she’s talking about! This isn’t true!
Fire Fall looked up toward the towering gaze of Princess Celestia herself, then slowly turned toward Chrysalis, seeing her hooves bound and cuffed. She eyed Fire Fall, tears streaming down her face, silently begging for him. He looked upon her for a moment, reading her face for any hint of deceit or deception, just as his princess implied. But then his gaze changed to determination, as he slowly closed his eyes to think for himself.
“No…” Fire Fall muttered.
All the guards gasped, as they nervously faced their princess, who seemed just as surprised.
“What?” Princess Celestia responded.
“No… I’m not doing it!” Fire Fall answered louder. “My name is Fire Fall; I am a Pegasus of Cloudsdale! And for the first time in my life, I ‘am’ thinking clearly. I’ve spent my whole life afraid of what ponies think of me, but I will NOT give up the only good thing I’ve ever had just because YOU’RE scared of the Changelings!”
Fire Fall forced himself up against the guards, who struggled to keep him down. But the princess, instead, made one gesture with her wing and on silent command the guards backed away so the pony could speak for himself, standing in defiance against his own ruler.
“Her name… is Chrysalis!” Fire Fall addressed Chrysalis. “She may not be a pony, but she’s ‘good’… better than I deserve, but nothing scares me more than hurting her. We are leaving Equestria tonight, Princess Celestia… we are leaving, together! I just want you to accept us!”
All the ponies in the forest that night were understandably shocked by Fire Fall’s choice of words. Never before had there been a pony who would defy the sacred laws bestowed upon them by the almighty alicorns themselves, yet here was a single Pegasus who dared challenge Celestia’s authority and willingly casting aside his own ponyhood… just to be with a changeling. And for a moment, all Celestia could do was look at this pony in the eye, her own subject determined to destroy his own life just to be with some pony else… and not even a pony.
‘Accept them?’ she thought. How could she possibly accept this? A union between a pony and a changeling. She knows her mother all too well, could she deny everything that the Changeling Queen would threaten to do… just for one pony’s belief? On the other hoof, could she deny her own subject… a pony’s love for this one princess. On the other hoof, how can Princess Celestia turn against generation upon generation of pony faith, her own people. If she tried to bend that far… she’ll break. On the other hoof…
No… there was no other hoof.
“Take Fire Fall and arrange for his transport,” Princess Celestia ordered the guards.
“NOOO!!!” Chrysalis cried out.
Izzy: NOOOO!!!
Sunny: DON’T DO IT!!!
The guards suddenly ganged up on Fire Fall, who struggled to fight back but the bonds limited him. They pulled him away, as he was forced to watch the other guards lift Chrysalis onto her feet and the Changeling cried out for his name, as she tried to pull free. All the while Princess Celestia stood her ground, watching the guards drag the Pegasus away.
“I’m doing this for your own good, Fire Fall,” Princess Celestia spoke, keeping a straight face. “Until your mind is clear, we are taking you to a place where you will be treated. You will not be allowed to return home until this spell goes away.”
“You’re wrong! There IS no magic! I love her!” Fire Fall yelled. “CHRYSALIS!!!”
“Have him arranged to be on the next boat,” Celestia instructed her guards.
“CHRYSALIS…!!!”
“YOU MONSTER!!!” Chrysalis shouted toward Celestia. “GIVE HIM BACK TO ME! GIVE HIM BACK!!!”
“As for ‘you’… Chrysalis,” Celestia addressed the princess. “You step hoof upon our grounds, submitting yourself to judgment. On this very night, I pass it now…
“EXILE!!!”
“NOOOOOOO!!!” Fire Fall shouted.
“If you or your other Changelings dare to step foot upon our lands again, the consequences will be disastrous,” Celestia continued. “You are to return to your kingdom, right now… and you are NEVER to set foot here… ever. Take her to the boundaries of the badlands… but do not harm her.”
The guards proceeded to drag the crying princess into a chariot with magically embedded bars to prevent an escape. They proceeded to thrust the princess inside and sealed the doors, as Chrysalis tried to bang her way against the iron prying her inside. Two Pegasus guards proceeded to take off with their captive at hand, slowly approaching the sky as Chrysalis tried to break free.
“CHRYSALIS!!!”
And the princess looked down as Fire Fall somehow managed to pry his way from the guards and raced toward the departing chariot while the other ponies followed, among them… the princess Celestia herself.
“Fire Fall!” Chrysalis shouted, reaching out.
“Fire Fall… stop!” Celestia begged.
“CHRYSALIS!!!” Fire Fall cried out, tearfully.
“FIRE FALL!!!”
“Stop him!” The captain of the guards ordered.
Fire Fall kept shouting for Chrysalis, as the guards eventually caught up to him. They lifted him up while his hooves hung over the ground beneath him, he vainly reached his front hooves for the chariot as it flew higher into the sky. All while Princess Celestia could only look on, as her pink mane flew in the night breeze.
“Chrysalis! Fly back to me!” Fire Fall begged. “Chrysalis! I love you! Fly back to me!”
And Chrysalis could only look down, eyes streaming like rainfall as the ponies below her disappeared from view. The guards dragging Fire Fall away resembling nothing but tiny ants. And among them, the Queen Ant… Celestia… somehow looking up toward the chariot yet the princess couldn’t read her face. All Chrysalis could do was look… and could still hear Fire Fall’s cries of desperation, the last words she ever heard… before he vanished forever…
“Fly back to me, Chrysalis!”
Me: And just like that…he’s gone.
Once again, there was a painful silence.
Me: Fuck me, that was a whirlwind to watch.
Zipp: I…don’t know what to think about that. Did Celestia actually do that?
Sunny: (close to tears) It’s…it’s not true. She…she wouldn’t do that, ever…right?
Hitch: I mean…now we know why she hates ponies, and Celestia personally, but…it doesn’t excuse her previous actions either.
Me: I can imagine that all those watching the movie with Celestia will have some very, very, very heated questions for her, and Heaven forbid that Twilight ever finds out
Present…
“For months… I searched all across Equestria,” Chrysalis continued, holding back tears. “But I never found him… all I found was the wreckage of the boat they took him in. I tried to fly to him… just like he asked me to… but I was too late.”
Mr. Todd and Mrs. Lovett listened intently to the story this poor changeling Queen told them. Though their faces didn’t show, they felt sorry for her. Naturally Sweeney hid his emotions too well, but Mrs. Lovett couldn’t help but wipe away some stray tears off her eyes.
“I’m sorry to hear of your troubles dear,” Mrs. Lovett told her. “Can’t imagine how that must’ve felt.”
“That’s why you want to help me,” Sweeney said.
“If I don’t help you get your revenge, then I know I never will,” Chrysalis choked out. “I want Judge Turpin and the Beadle to pay for what they did to you, the same way that I want Celestia to pay for what she did to me!”
Pipp: (unsure) Does…Celestia even remember what happened? I mean, it was a thousand years ago, so…
Zipp: Honestly, I’m not willing to take Chrysalis’ word at face value. So far, we’ve seen her proven to be a good liar.
Mr. Todd looked over at Mrs. Lovett, who only gave him a simple shrug. Sweeney then turned back toward Chrysalis, contemplating his decision. As far as his revenge was concerned, he really wanted no one in his way… he’d stand alone. Then again, having aid in this venture would help him. Making his decision, he simply gave a simple nod of approval which earned one from Chrysalis as well.
“First… I must have my shop back,” Todd declared.
“Right… certainly won’t make headway out there in the streets,” Mrs. Lovett pointed out. “Let’s see about getting you two some accommodations.”
Me: And now, the unholy trinity has been formed.
Hitch: (scared) I don’t like where this is going…!
Me: I can imagine that Alastor is enjoying every moment of this.
I looked over at his holographic memory.
Me: What a joker, that dude is.
Mrs. Lovett led Sweeney and Chrysalis out the back door of the pie shop to the open outdoor dining area. Thankfully, the entire area was completed deserted which made it easier to sneak a demented barber and a changeling out of the shop. She proceeded to scale the exterior staircase to the darkened second floor room. Unlocking the door, which hadn’t been opened in years, she pushed it open and led them inside.
“Come along,” She urged them.
Without hesitation, Chrysalis climbed up the stairs as Sweeney Todd slowly followed. A macabre shroud of dust and spider webs blanketed the entire room, old furniture was covered in sheets and peeling paint. A broken mirror hung on one wall. As they entered, the door creaked like a living thing. Looking around, Chrysalis and Todd could see the place had been let go these last fifteen years.
“I suppose this will do,” Chrysalis said, looking around. “At least there’s a roof over our heads.”
“Not to worry, a touch of oil will put that right,” Mrs. Lovett assured her. “Nothing to be afraid of, love, come in.”
Izzy: (grimaces) It…could use some *gulps* unicycling, I think?
As the ladies moved into the room, Todd hesitated at the door, looking into the room. For him this was truly a haunted place. As he slowly walked around what was once a family room, so many ghosts of memories came flooding back to him. He walked over to a corner of the room where a sheet covered something, and he slowly pulled it off revealing his daughter’s old crib and her doll. How he wished he could have been here to watch her grow up. Now instead, she’d only ever know him as a complete stranger.
Sunny: Poor, Todd. He never got a chance to see his own daughter grow up.
Me: (aside) I’m starting to get concerned with Sunny and all her “Poor Todd” mentions. Just wait till the killings begin.
The sound of creaking drew his attention once more. Mrs. Lovett knelt over and pried loose a floorboard. Underneath there was a hidden area. From there, she pulled out a box covered in a dusty velvet cloth. Both Sweeney and Chrysalis walked over, kneeling down beside her as she removed it and carefully unwrapped the cloth. Her touch was particularly gentle and respectful. Before their eyes was a fine leather case. Lovett looked at it for a moment, then turned to Todd while dusting it off.
“I don’t believe it…” Todd gasped silently.
“When they came for the girl, I hid them,” Lovett informed. “I thought, who knows? Maybe the silly blighter’ll be back again. Could have sold them but I didn’t.”
Zipp: What are they?
Sweeney Todd slowly reached out and took the box in his hands, as though he’d just been handed the most precious treasure in the world.
“What is it?” Chrysalis asked.
No response was forthcoming though. Sweeney just opened the box, slowly, seeing it contained a beautiful set of silver barbed razors. Sweeney stood for a long moment, gazing down at his beloved razors. Gently and slowly, he traced his fingers over the metallic shaving instruments as Chrysalis stared in amazement.
“They’re beautiful,” Chrysalis gasped, with admiration.
Me: His prized collection of razors. A barber’s most cherished tool of the trade.
Hitch: Wow. They…look sharp, alright.
“Those handles are chased silver, ain’t they?” Mrs. Lovett asked.
“Silver, yes…” Sweeney nodded, picking one up.
Sweeney Todd: (sings) These are my friends, see how they glisten. See this one shine, how he smiles in the light. My friend. My faithful friend…
He held the razor to his ear, feeling the edge with his thumb, as if he could hear the voice of the tool speaking to its old master.
Sweeney Todd: (sings) Speak to me, friend. Whisper…I'll listen. I know, I know—you've been locked out of sight All these years, like me! My friend… Well I've come home to find you waiting. Home, and we're together! And we'll do wonders, won't we…?
Zipp: You what I think? I think he’s gonna kill someone.
Hitch: (gulps) Yeah, I see what you mean.
Mrs. Lovett proceeded to lean over him, in her own kind of trance as well. Chrysalis stood idly watching them sing simultaneously as Todd now held ‘two’ razors.
Sweeney Todd (w/Mrs. Lovett): (sings) You there, my friend, (I'm your friend too, Mr. Todd) Come, let me hold you (If you only knew, Mr. Todd) Now, with a sigh (Ooh, Mr. Todd) You grow warm in my hand. (You're warm in my hand.) My Friend! (You've come home!) My clever friend. (Always had a fondness for you, I did…)
Pipp: Did you guys catch what Lovett was singing about?
Izzy: Mmhmm!
Hitch: Yep.
Sunny: That’s…well, what will it mean?
Todd proceeded to put one of the razors back in the box.
Sweeney Todd (w/Mrs. Lovett): (sings) Rest now my friends, (Never you fear, Mr. Todd) Soon, I'll unfold you. (You can move in here, Mr. Todd) Soon you'll know splendors you never have dreamed all your days (Splendors you never have dreamed all your days—will be yours!) My lucky friends (I'm your friend—) 'Til now your shine (And now you're mine! Don't they shine beautiful?) Was merely silver (Silver's good enough for me, Mr. T.) Friends you shall drip rubies, you'll soon drip precious Rubies…
Izzy: Uh…how can silver razors drip rubies?
Sunny: (gulps) Izzy…it, uh…
Hitch: It’s a metaphor…for…
Me: Todd means to kill with his razors, and when he sings of rubies, it’s a metaphor for spilling blood.
Izzy: (pale)…oh. Well, I guess r-rubies are the color of b-b-b-blood.
Sweeney Todd gazed into the reflection of the silver razor; a sick twisted smirk spread over the thought of what he could do with them. He also saw Chrysalis in the mirror alongside him, seeing the trace of her own troubled past in her gaze. How it just seemed to make it fit that much more. The only part of the reflection he felt shouldn’t be in the picture… was Mrs. Lovett. He turned slightly to look at the woman, leaning too comfortably into his shoulder.
“Leave us, now!” He ordered her.
Chrysalis looked toward the woman as well, for she had a good idea of what Mr. Todd was on about.
“Mr. Todd and I have planning to do,” She concluded.
Mrs. Lovett merely gave a shrug as she stood back up and made her way out of the room, closing the door behind her. Sweeney Todd stood back up to his full height, holding his biggest razor out before him with a smirk on his face. Chrysalis could swear she actually saw a white light shining down on him and his instrument of destruction.
“At last, my arm is complete again!” Sweeney smirked.
“And with it, we will do such wonderful… terrible things!” She grinned wickedly.
And thus, Chrysalis and Sweeney Todd stood side by side, staring out the large window overlooking Fleet Street and all of London exalted. Gazing out toward distorted images of every able body walking his streets… gentlemen, the bankers, and generals alike. He would lift his razor high, sinking it upon every rosy skin in his pursuit of devilish righteousness. For he had seen how ‘civilized men’ behaved, this Chrysalis could see clearly. Someone who never forgot… who never forgave… a Demon Barber of Fleet Street… with the most horrific demon of them all.
With their combined efforts, these two unhinged individuals standing side-by-side, one thing was absolutely certain…
Mayhem is coming…
Me: (sings) Swing your razor wide, Sweeney. Hold it to the skies! Freely flows the blood of those Who moralize!
Me: (speaks) Sondheim’s music in this movie is absolute genius.
Hitch: (cringes) Well, so births the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. And now Chrysalis is working with him.
Zipp: Somehow it doesn’t look like she would betray him. I think she’s genuinely helping this man exact his revenge.
I can’t believe how despicable Celestia appears at this moment, turns out her wrongdoing is not just the borderline damnation and execution of a de-powered prepubescent child, but I digress. My heart seriously breaks for poor Chrysalis who had her love snatched away by that pompous, cowardly, hypocritical, phony and possibly bigoted sun-flanked alicorn. Now I’m starting to see why Celestia was okay with a racist like Neighsay as Equestria’s Educational Chancellor. How dare Princess Celestia keeps Twilight Sparkle and her subjects in the dark about this, she really has some explaining to do! Not to mention it makes the stone petrification of Chrysalis less justified.
Yeah I'm having an idea that Crystalis isn't providing the whole story. Lovett's reaction to her reveal is priceless. Also the Queen's reaction to what the Judge did shows she at least has some standards on what's truly repulsive.
Filming began on February 5th 2007 at Pinewood Studios, and was completed by May 11th, despite a brief interruption when Depp's daughter was taken seriously ill. Burton opted to film in London, where he had felt "very much at home" since his work on Batman in 1989.
Production designer Dante Ferretti created a darker, more sinister London by adapting Fleet Street and its surrounding area. Burton initially planned to use minimal sets and film in front of a green screen, but decided against it, stating that physical sets helped actors get into a musical frame of mind
"Just having people singing in front of a green screen seemed more disconnected". - Tim Burton
Depp created his own image of Todd. Heavy purple and brown makeup was applied around his eyes to suggest fatigue and rage, as if "he's never slept".
"We always saw him as a sad character, not a tragic villain or anything. He's basically a dead person when you meet him; the only thing that's keeping him going is the one single minded thing which is tragic. You don't see anything else around him." - Tim Burton of the character Sweeney
"He makes Sid Vicious look like the innocent paper boy. He's beyond dark. He's already dead. He's been dead for years." - Johnny Depp
The idea was that he'd had this hideous trauma, from being sent away, locked away. That streak of white hair became the shock of that rage. It represented his rage over what had happened. It's certainly not the first time anyone's used it. But it's effective. It tells a story all by itself. My brother had a white spot growing up, and his son has this kind of shock of white in his hair." - Johnny Depp on the streak of white in Sweeney's hair
Burton insisted that the film be bloody, as he felt stage versions of the play which cut back on the bloodshed robbed it of its power.
"Everything is so internal with Sweeney that [the blood] is like his emotional release. It's more about catharsis than it is a literal thing." - Tim Burton
"Burton had a very clear plan that he wanted to lift that up into a surreal, almost Kill Bill kind of stylization. We had done tests and experiments with the neck slashing, with the blood popping out. I remember saying to Tim, 'My God, do we dare do this?'" - Richard D. Zanuck
On set, the fake blood was colored orange to render correctly on the desaturated color film used, and crew members wore bin liners to avoid getting stained while filming. This macabre tone made some studios nervous, and it was not until Warner Bros., DreamWorks and Paramount had signed up for the project that the film's $50 million budget was covered.
"The studio was cool about it and they accepted it because they knew what the show was. Any movie is a risk, but it is nice to be able to do something like that that doesn't fit into the musical or slasher movie categories." - Tim Burton
After the filming, Burton said this of the cast and singers.
"All I can say is this is one of the best casts I've ever worked with. These people are not professional singers, so to do a musical like this which I think is one of the most difficult musicals, they all went for it. Every day on the set was a very, very special thing for me. Hearing all these guys sing, I don't know if I can ever have an experience like that again."
"You can't just lip synch, you'd see the throat and the breath, every take they all had to belt it out. It was very enjoyable for me to see, with music on the set everybody just moved differently. I'd seen Johnny (Depp) act in a way I'd never seen before, walking across the room or sitting in the chair, picking up a razor or making a pie, whatever. They all did it in a way that you could sense."
"He's not what I expected. I didn't look at those characters and think, 'This will be the sweetest guy in the world'. He's incredibly nice. A real gentleman, kind of elegant. I was impressed with him. He's kind of today's equivalent of Peter Sellers." - Johnny Depp on working with Baron Cohen
“At last, my arm is complete again!” Sweeney smirked.
“And with it, we will do such wonderful… terrible things!” She grinned wickedly.
And thus, Chrysalis and Sweeney Todd stood side by side, staring out the large window overlooking Fleet Street and all of London exalted. Gazing out toward distorted images of every able body walking his streets… gentlemen, the bankers, and generals alike. He would lift his razor high, sinking it upon every rosy skin in his pursuit of devilish righteousness. For he had seen how ‘civilized men’ behaved, this Chrysalis could see clearly. Someone who never forgot… who never forgave… a Demon Barber of Fleet Street… with the most horrific demon of them all.
With their combined efforts, these two unhinged individuals standing side-by-side, one thing was absolutely certain…
Mayhem is coming…
Me: Umm, Everyone in the theatre from different multiverses and in the future, Permission to say "Gulp"?
Was definitely not expecting that from Celestia, she got explaining to do to Twilight and the girls if the subject ever comes up again, I have a deep sympathy for Chrysalis now, its gonna be a major bloodbath *sigh* lord give me strength
Later that same day, the sky finally cleared, and the dark clouds began to dissipate. Granted, London was still gray and cloudy but at least one wouldn’t worry about an impending storm. The Mane Six and Spike trekked their way down the streets in search of Fleet Street Johanna told them about. As they walked, the girls and young man thought back to the poor golden-haired girl. From what they’ve seen of Judge Turpin, it was clear he was a horrible individual who didn’t treat her well. How a man like that assumed authority in this town they’d never know.
“How can she even end up living with a man as horrid as him?” Rarity asked, confused. “He’s clearly not the father, after all. Can’t imagine a parent as cruel as that man.”
“Eh… I can name maybe one or two,” Rainbow Dash shrugged.
Arctic: I can name a few other parents who are worst like him. (He said with a glare)
Rarity: How can anyone be so rude to their own daughter!
Juniper: A parent who doesn’t care, that’s who.
“This is Victorian London after all,” Twilight Sparkle explained. “In these times, men held far superior rank over women, especially in the household. Even if they’re not related by blood, not to mention him being a judge, Turpin must be so corrupted by power he believes whatever he says or does is best for her.”
“All that confirms is he’s a super duper big fat stupid meanie pants!” Pinkie Pie pouted. “I said we should throw a fake party, but now I’m thinking he doesn’t deserve any sort of part. Too bad for him… still would’ve been a great bash.”
“I’m beginning to suspect our being here is to save Johanna from a clearly abusive household,” Twilight theorized. “We can clearly see how she’s being treated, and she needs to get away.”
“No kiddin’,” Applejack nodded. “That there judge is as mean as a rattlesnake. But wut are we supposed tah do?”
“Why don’t we just sneak her out of the house ourselves?” Rainbow suggested. “A few locked doors won’t keep us out.”
“That probably won’t work,” Twilight shook her head. “And even if we did, Turpin would notice she’s gone right away and have the law chasing us before we even get very far.”
Fluttershy: T-there has to be something they can do.. right? (She asked hopefully)
Sci-Twi: That’s gonna be hard, he is the judge after all.
“We could just wait until he’s off on business,” Spike suggested.
“Spike, if he were going far enough away, Johanna would be with him,” Twilight responded. “I wouldn’t put it past Turpin to do that.”
“Yeesh, not only is he mean but that man’s just creepy,” Pinkie Pie shuddered. “Reminds me of an unfriendly face from one of our previous adventures… actually if you dye his hair till it’s very dark and compare the voices… yeah, I can just see the resemblance.”
“Hold up y’all!” Applejack interrupted suddenly.
Coming to a quick halt, every pony and Spike turned to see Applejack looking at a nearby street sign which read, ‘Fleet Street’.
“Looks like we made it all right,” Applejack confirmed.
“Finally… now can we find a place to sit?” Spike requested, massaging his legs. “We’ve been walking all day and my legs are killing me!”
“I hear ya there little dude,” Rainbow nodded in agreement.
“I guess a break would be beneficial,” Twilight agreed. “Now, let’s see what’s around here.”
The group continued down Fleet Street for a while, keeping a sharp eye out for potential places to stop and rest a while. Eventually, they came to a corner of the street where a building with a few broken windows stood. It was tatty and unloved, yet it had this strange, ghostly presence to it. The building itself was imposing and dead at the same time, which made Fluttershy a slight nervous looking at it.
Its structure had a chimney that blew smoke into the sky and through one of the cracked windows they could see an exterior staircase leading to a darkened second floor room with a large skylight window on the roof that overlooked the street. They stood before the front of the shop, considering it deeply as they noticed a long sign on the outside of the building which read:
Mrs. Lovett’s Meat Pies
The name alone made the girls cringe in disgust.
Rainbow Dash: Yikes, not the best place for them to stop at
Applejack: Eeyup
“Meat… pies?” Twilight gulped, disgusted. “Maybe we should keep going.”
“Yeah… even ‘I’ wouldn’t eat that!” Pinkie Pie shook her head.
“Come on girls, we can’t keep walking forever,” Spike urged. “We don’t have to eat anything; we’ll just sit down for a while.”
The girls watched as Spike made his way towards the shop. After a moment of contemplation, the girls walked after Spike. As they neared the shop, they noticed two other people making their way over as well. One was a man with wild-looking hair with a white streak and the other was a young woman with golden hair. They glanced toward Spike, who had stridden his way into the shop, as their eyes darted toward the girls.
Fluttershy: I-It’s Sweeney a-and Chrysalis
Arctic: And, they don’t even know it’s Chrysalis. They, have to be careful
“Good day!” Twilight greeted politely.
Sweeney Todd gave no response, merely a curt nod and nothing more. Meanwhile, Chrysalis glared at the sight of the six humanized ponies. She knew that with the hair, their eyes, the voices, and especially their pigmentation, there was no mistake she could recognize those meddling ponies which means the young man that went in was none other than their dragon stooge. However, she quickly hid her hatred under her guise so as not to draw any suspicions.
“Good day,” She greeted back.
Sweeney Todd pushed the door open first and took a step into the shop following the human dragon. From behind him, the rest of the group got a good look at the shop. The place was crawling with roaches and all sorts of bugs. Every square inch of the shop looked as though it was covered with an inch of filth. Behind the dusty counter, there was one single occupant.
A venal, vigorous, and slatternly woman in her forties, wearing an old looking dress. She was currently busy chopping a loathsome mess of suet with a wicked looking knife, her greasy hair hanging down over her face. This woman was Mrs. Eleanor Lovett, or just Mrs. Lovett as people called her. Upon hearing the door open—and the bell at the door sounds—her head snapped up and she dawned a surprised look, eyeing the group like a bird of prey.
“Customers!” She gasped.
She quickly stabbed the knife into the countertop and made her way around the corner towards the startled group, who started to go. But she seemed so pleased to finally see customers in her shop, they couldn’t help but stop when she started… singing:
Pinkie Pie: Song Time!
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): Wait, what’s yer rush? What’s yer hurry? You gave me such a— Fright, I thought you was a ghost. Half a minute, cant’cher? Sit! Sit ye down! Sit! All I meant is that I haven’t seen a customer for weeks.
Arctic: That..doesn’t sound promising.
Sci-Twi: Her pies probably aren’t that great if she didn’t have a customer in weeks.
Rainbow Dash: How the heck is she still running her store then? (She questioned)
Lovett quickly pulled Sweeney Todd into the shop and quickly sat him down at a nearby table. The remainder of the group followed behind him, with Chrysalis taking a seat beside Todd at his table while the Mane Six sat with Spike at the other. Chrysalis glared venomously toward the human Equestrians before turning her attention back to Mrs. Lovett, who made her way back behind the counter.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): Did you come here for a pie, sir? Do forgive me if me head’s a little vague— Ugh! What is that? But you’d think we had the plague—
As she sang, she plucked a cockroach running along the counter, threw it on the ground, and stomped on it a few times. From their table, the Mane Six and Spike noticed numerous cockroaches running around their feet. Rarity and Twilight shrieked fearfully while Rainbow, Applejack, and Spike stomped a few in their way.
The Equestrian Girls and Juniper felt disgusted seeing this as they started to feel sick, while Arctic felt himself getting sick too.
Rarity: OH MY WORD! (She shouted)
“Sweet Celestia!” Rarity shrieked. “Disgusting!”
“The health department needs to get in and do something about this!” Rainbow complained, mid-stomp.
Sci-Twi & Juniper: YOU THINK?!
Arctic: There is definitely a lot of health issues there
Applejack: Eeyup.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): From the way that people— Keep avoiding— No, you don’t! Heaven knows I try, sir! Tsk! But there’s no one comes in even to inhale— Tsk! Right you are, sir. Would you like a drop of ale? Mind you, I can’t hardly blame them—
Meanwhile, Mrs. Lovett came around with two pies, which she blew the last dust off and plopped them down in front of Sweeney and Spike. Taking a single look at the meat pies, both Spike and Todd could see that these pies looked moldy and unappetizing.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): These are probably the worst pies in London. I know why nobody cares to take them— I should know, I make ‘em. But good? No! The worst pies in London— Even that’s polite. The Worst pies in London— If you doubt it, take a bite.
Arctic: The worst pies in London?
Juniper: Ok, now I’m really wondering how she kept the store running this long
Rainbow Dash: You and me both. (She said towards Juniper)
Pinkie Pie: I love me some pies, but I wouldn’t eat that pie.
Sweeney picked up his pie and took a single bite out of it. Spike too picked up his own pie, staring about when he noticed his friends eyeing him with disgust.
“What?” He questioned. “Meat’s actually a part of my dragon diet. Yeah, I’m cool with eating hay and gems but it’s nice to indulge every now and again.”
“It’s not even that Spike,” Twilight cringed. “We understand your dietary needs, but she just said they’re the ‘Worst Pies in London’. Why would you even eat one?”
“Come on, how bad can they be?” Spike chuckled.
Arctic: His gonna immediately regret that.
Spike proceeded to take one bite of the pie… and froze. Within a second, his tongue was completely overwhelmed by the horrible flavor within the pie. He dropped it right back onto the plate as his face started turning green and he felt himself about to vomit.
Arctic: And, that’s why you should never say things like that.
Pinkie Pie: Poor, Spikey
Rariry: Please, let it end soon. (She said looking green)
All the while, Mrs. Lovett kept singing as she poured some mugs of ale.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): Is that just disgusting? You have to concede it. It’s nothing but crusting— Here, drink this, you’ll need it— The worst pies in London.
She proceeded to place the mugs in front of Sweeney and Spike. Spike snatched his mug up and started to drink the entire mug in a single gulp. Just anything that could help rid the taste out of his mouth. Meanwhile, he swore he also saw a roach crawl from out of the pie. Sweeney, meanwhile, took a sip and swished the ale around his mouth a bit while Mrs. Lovett kept making more pies, slamming lumps of dough on the counter, rolling them out, and grunting frequently.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): And no wonder with the price of meat What it is—when you get it. Never— Thought I’d live to see the day Men’d think it was a treat Findin’ poor animals Wot are dying in the street. Mrs. Mooney has a pie shop, Does a business, but I noticed something weird-- Lately all her neighbors’ cats have disappeared. Have to hand it to her—wot I calls Enterprise—popping pussies into pies! Wouldn’t do in my shop— Just the thought of it’s enough to make you sick. And I’m telling you them pussy cats is quick.
“Someone… actually… makes pies… out of poor little kitties?” Fluttershy squeaked.
The very thought of it alone made Fluttershy break down in tears as her friends tried to calm her.
Fluttershy: K-Kitten?! (She said having tears of her own)
Both Arctic and Rainbow looked towards Fluttershy and starts to comfort her
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): No denying times is hard, sir— Even harder than the worst pies in London. Only lard and nothing more— Is that just revolting? All greasy and gritty? It looks like it’s molting, And tastes like—well, pity… A woman alone with limited wind And the worst pies in London!!! Ah, sir, times is hard. Times is hard!!!
As she finished her song, she noticed one more roach running across the counter and used her pin roller to smash it. The rest of the Mane Six continued to console Fluttershy while Sweeney Todd and Spike continued gulping their ales trying to wash down Mrs. Lovett’s hideous creations.
“Trust me, dearies, it’s going to take more than ale to wash that taste out,” She informed them, before eying the girls. “Any of you care to try a pie?”
Everyone minus Fluttershy: NO!
Arctic: Please, No. we don’t need to lose are lunch. (He said as he continues to comfort Fluttershy with Rainbow)
Rarity: I think, it’s too late for that. (She said looking green before she rushes off towards the bathroom)
“Uh… no thanks,” Twilight smiled nervously. “We really need to be going.”
“No kidding!” Spike groaned. “I need something to wash this taste out of my mouth. Water, mouthwash, mustard… anything really.”
Spike quickly hopped up and made his way out of the shop while the rest of the Mane Six followed close behind. Once outside the shop, Spike quickly raced to a nearby alley and upchucked whatever was in his stomach. Soon as he finished, he emerged with his face now entirely flushed.
“That was horrible!” He grumbled. “I’m officially never, ever, EVER eating any kind of meat… again!”
“Spike, you literally ate rotten muffins out of the garbage once,” Rainbow reminded him.
“Even they tasted better than the pie,” Spike groaned, clutching his stomach.
Juniper:He eats from the garbage?! That’s just disgusting!
“It’s a miracle that place is even open,” Applejack said honestly. “Ah’ve seen mah fair share of nasty vittles in mah life, ah’m pretty sure that just topped them all.”
“Never thought I’d hear myself say this, but I’ve never been so happy to leave a bakery in my life!” Pinkie cringed.
“I think it’s high time we leave this place,” Rarity suggested.
“Couldn’t agree more, Rares,” Rainbow agreed.
“So, where are we supposed to go?” Twilight asked curiously. “How will we find a place to stay?”
“Did I hear you say you’re looking for a place to stay?”
The group immediately turned around at the sound of a new voice as a young man, Anthony, walked behind them. He had his bag slung over his shoulder and his map book in his other hand.
Pinkie Pie: Ooo~! A new face!
Fluttershy: P-Please, be someone nice.
“Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear,” He spoke up. “Am I correct to assume you’re trying to find somewhere for the night?”
“That’s right sir, we are,” Twilight nodded.
“Well, perhaps you’d care to come with me?” Anthony suggested. “I’m on my way to Hyde Park to find a lodging house as well. Just until my next excursion to the sea.”
The Mane Six and Spike looked amongst each other as they tried to determine if this young gentleman was being honest with them. Being the Element of Honesty, Applejack decided to question him further.
“You ain’t foolin’ with us, are ya?” Applejack asked curiously.
“No ma’am,” Anthony replied.
“How do we know we can trust ya?”
“Because unlike many a man with ill laden intentions, I hold a moral sense of principals,” Anthony answered. “There’s no reason for me to lie to any of you.”
Applejack analyzed his words and body language to determine if there was even a faint hint of falseness to what he said. When she found absolutely none at all, she gave a nod of approval.
“Looks like he’s tellin’ the truth,” Applejack smiled.
Arctic: Ah, you can always trust Applejack to tell when someone really means what they say. (He said and looked over to equestrian girl AJ)
Pinkie Pie: And, that’s why she makes the perfect person for the element of honesty.
Applejack: Aww, shucks. That’s mighty kind of you both.
“So, what will it be then my ladies? Good sir?” Anthony asked the group.
“Anything’s better than sleeping in an alley,” Rainbow joked.
“Hush now Rainbow!” Rarity scolded. “Show a little curtesy. We thank you very much for your assistance, mister…”
“Anthony, ma’am,” Anthony greeted.
“Thank you, Anthony,” Twilight reciprocated. “I’m Twilight and these are my friends Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike.”
“Pleasure to meet you all,” Anthony bowed his head. “Shall we be on our way?”
“By all means,” Spike replied. “Lead the way, pal.”
Anthony proceeded to walk ahead and make his way down the road. The rest of the group started to follow him closely, neither of them recognizing that sinking feeling of being… watched.
Sci-Twi: At least, things are looking up for them.
Juniper: For now, there is still Sweeney
Arctic: Don’t forget, Chrysalis aswell. (He said as he slowly starts letting go of Fluttershy)
Soon the sound of the doors opening can be heard as Rarity was coming back as she sits back down in her seat.
Sci-Twi: Hey, Rarity. Feeling better?
Rarity: Yes, I believe so darling.
The group nods their heads happy too know she’s alright and begins to feel her in on what she missed
11636706 Like a child, they started out innocent, but when they get older and starts having things they love and those things get taking away from them for no reason, that with turn into negative emotions in more ways than one.
Later that same day, the sky finally cleared, and the dark clouds began to dissipate. Granted, London was still gray and cloudy but at least one wouldn’t worry about an impending storm. The Mane Six and Spike trekked their way down the streets in search of Fleet Street Johanna told them about. As they walked, the girls and young man thought back to the poor golden-haired girl. From what they’ve seen of Judge Turpin, it was clear he was a horrible individual who didn’t treat her well. How a man like that assumed authority in this town they’d never know.
“How can she even end up living with a man as horrid as him?” Rarity asked, confused. “He’s clearly not the father, after all. Can’t imagine a parent as cruel as that man.”
“Eh… I can name maybe one or two,” Rainbow Dash shrugged.
“This is Victorian London after all,” Twilight Sparkle explained. “In these times, men held far superior rank over women, especially in the household. Even if they’re not related by blood, not to mention him being a judge, Turpin must be so corrupted by power he believes whatever he says or does is best for her.”
Ahsoka Tano: Is she serious?
Sunset Shimmer: Afraid so.
Postwar: Trust me, human history's always complicated, that's why they kept changing laws and everything else every one hundred years or so. Especially during the Industrial Revolution, where kids were also being forced to work in labor.
Mando: Reminds me of the Emperor when he came into power.
Leia Organa: That's why I try to help people instead of turning my back to them.
“I’m beginning to suspect our being here is to save Johanna from a clearly abusive household,” Twilight theorized. “We can clearly see how she’s being treated, and she needs to get away.”
“No kiddin’,” Applejack nodded. “That there judge is as mean as a rattlesnake. But wut are we supposed tah do?”
“Why don’t we just sneak her out of the house ourselves?” Rainbow suggested. “A few locked doors won’t keep us out.”
“That probably won’t work,” Twilight shook her head. “And even if we did, Turpin would notice she’s gone right away and have the law chasing us before we even get very far.”
“We could just wait until he’s off on business,” Spike suggested.
“Spike, if he were going far enough away, Johanna would be with him,” Twilight responded. “I wouldn’t put it past Turpin to do that.”
“Yeesh, not only is he mean but that man’s just creepy,” Pinkie Pie shuddered. “Reminds me of an unfriendly face from one of our previous adventures… actually if you dye his hair till it’s very dark and compare the voices… yeah, I can just see the resemblance.”
Postwar: *shivers*Yeah, no kidding.
Sunset Shimmer: Speak from experience?
Postwar: In my early days before they assigned me to this branch after Phantom was kidnapped.
“Looks like we made it all right,” Applejack confirmed.
“Finally… now can we find a place to sit?” Spike requested, massaging his legs. “We’ve been walking all day and my legs are killing me!”
“I hear ya there little dude,” Rainbow nodded in agreement.
“I guess a break would be beneficial,” Twilight agreed. “Now, let’s see what’s around here.”
The group continued down Fleet Street for a while, keeping a sharp eye out for potential places to stop and rest a while. Eventually, they came to a corner of the street where a building with a few broken windows stood. It was tatty and unloved, yet it had this strange, ghostly presence to it. The building itself was imposing and dead at the same time, which made Fluttershy a slight nervous looking at it.
Its structure had a chimney that blew smoke into the sky and through one of the cracked windows they could see an exterior staircase leading to a darkened second floor room with a large skylight window on the roof that overlooked the street. They stood before the front of the shop, considering it deeply as they noticed a long sign on the outside of the building which read:
Mrs. Lovett’s Meat Pies
The name alone made the girls cringe in disgust.
“Meat… pies?” Twilight gulped, disgusted. “Maybe we should keep going.”
“Yeah… even ‘I’ wouldn’t eat that!” Pinkie Pie shook her head.
“Come on girls, we can’t keep walking forever,” Spike urged. “We don’t have to eat anything; we’ll just sit down for a while.”
Galen Marek: Something tells me things won't end well.
Leia Organa: So I'm not the only one.
C-3PO: I'm more concerned about the whole meat pie situation. *R2 beeping in agreement*
Postwar: People enjoy their foods in different ways. Not to mention pies like those are good for good to go types of foods, and when they first started it out it was frowned upon, but it changed overtime when others tried to perfect it where the previous ones have failed.
“Good day!” Twilight greeted politely.
Sweeney Todd gave no response, merely a curt nod and nothing more. Meanwhile, Chrysalis glared at the sight of the six humanized ponies. She knew that with the hair, their eyes, the voices, and especially their pigmentation, there was no mistake she could recognize those meddling ponies which means the young man that went in was none other than their dragon stooge. However, she quickly hid her hatred under her guise so as not to draw any suspicions.
“Good day,” She greeted back.
Sweeney Todd pushed the door open first and took a step into the shop following the human dragon. From behind him, the rest of the group got a good look at the shop. The place was crawling with roaches and all sorts of bugs. Every square inch of the shop looked as though it was covered with an inch of filth. Behind the dusty counter, there was one single occupant.
A venal, vigorous, and slatternly woman in her forties, wearing an old looking dress. She was currently busy chopping a loathsome mess of suet with a wicked looking knife, her greasy hair hanging down over her face. This woman was Mrs. Eleanor Lovett, or just Mrs. Lovett as people called her. Upon hearing the door open -- and the bell at the door sounds -- her head snapped up and she dawned a surprised look, eyeing the group like a bird of prey.
Sunset Shimmer: Uh, I don't like the look she's giving.
Leia Organa: Glad I'm not the only one.
Postwar: To quote a certain villain, "She must have some crazy backstory".
Mando: Doesn't anyone in any universe?
She quickly stabbed the knife into the countertop and made her way around the corner towards the startled group, who started to go. But she seemed so pleased to finally see customers in her shop, they couldn’t help but stop when she started… singing:
Lovett quickly pulled Sweeney Todd into the shop and quickly sat him down at a nearby table. The remainder of the group followed behind him, with Chrysalis taking a seat beside Todd at his table while the Mane Six sat with Spike at the other. Chrysalis glared venomously toward the human Equestrians before turning her attention back to Mrs. Lovett, who made her way back behind the counter.
As she sang, she plucked a cockroach running along the counter, threw it on the ground, and stomped on it a few times. From their table, the Mane Six and Spike noticed numerous cockroaches running around their feet. Rarity and Twilight shrieked fearfully while Rainbow, Applejack, and Spike stomped a few in their way.
“Sweet Celestia!” Rarity shrieked. “Disgusting!”
“The health department needs to get in and do something about this!” Rainbow complained, mid-stomp.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Lovett came around with two pies, which she blew the last dust off and plopped them down in front of Sweeney and Spike. Taking a single look at the meat pies, both Spike and Todd could see that these pies looked moldy and unappetizing.
Sweeney picked up his pie and took a single bite out of it. Spike too picked up his own pie, staring about when he noticed his friends eyeing him with disgust.
“What?” He questioned. “Meat’s actually a part of my dragon diet. Yeah, I’m cool with eating hay and gems but it’s nice to indulge every now and again.”
“It’s not even that Spike,” Twilight cringed. “We understand your dietary needs, but she just said they’re the ‘Worst Pies in London’. Why would you even eat one?”
“Come on, how bad can they be?” Spike chuckled.
Postwar: As Discord would say, "As the Lord of Chaos, I'd advise against saying things like that".
Sunset Shimmer: He actually said that.
Postwar: Yeah, back when those two tried to help Big Mac to ask Sugar Belle to marry him.
Leia Organa: Really? What happened.
Postwar & Sunset: Long story.
“Uh… no thanks,” Twilight smiled nervously. “We really need to be going.”
“No kidding!” Spike groaned. “I need something to wash this taste out of my mouth. Water, mouthwash, mustard… anything really.”
Spike quickly hopped up and made his way out of the shop while the rest of the Mane Six followed close behind. Once outside the shop, Spike quickly raced to a nearby alley and upchucked whatever was in his stomach. Soon as he finished, he emerged with his face now entirely flushed.
“That was horrible!” He grumbled. “I’m officially never, ever, EVER eating any kind of meat… again!”
“Spike, you literally ate rotten muffins out of the garbage once,” Rainbow reminded him.
“Even they tasted better than the pie,” Spike groaned, clutching his stomach.
“It’s a miracle that place is even open,” Applejack said honestly. “Ah’ve seen mah fair share of nasty vittles in mah life, ah’m pretty sure that just topped them all.”
“Never thought I’d hear myself say this, but I’ve never been so happy to leave a bakery in my life!” Pinkie cringed.
“I think it’s high time we leave this place,” Rarity suggested.
“Couldn’t agree more, Rares,” Rainbow agreed.
“So, where are we supposed to go?” Twilight asked curiously. “How will we find a place to stay?”
Postwar: Trying to find a place to stay in London in the Victorian Era is like trying to find a home in Mandalore. *Looks at Mando*Uh, no offense.
Mando: None taken.
The group immediately turned around at the sound of a new voice as a young man, Anthony, walked behind them. He had his bag slung over his shoulder and his map book in his other hand.
“Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear,” He spoke up. “Am I correct to assume you’re trying to find somewhere for the night?”
“That’s right sir, we are,” Twilight nodded.
“Well, perhaps you’d care to come with me?” Anthony suggested. “I’m on my way to Hyde Park to find a lodging house as well. Just until my next excursion to the sea.”
The Mane Six and Spike looked amongst each other as they tried to determine if this young gentleman was being honest with them. Being the Element of Honesty, Applejack decided to question him further.
“You ain’t foolin’ with us, are ya?” Applejack asked curiously.
“No ma’am,” Anthony replied.
“How do we know we can trust ya?”
“Because unlike many a man with ill laden intentions, I hold a moral sense of principals,” Anthony answered. “There’s no reason for me to lie to any of you.”
Applejack analyzed his words and body language to determine if there was even a faint hint of falseness to what he said. When she found absolutely none at all, she gave a nod of approval.
“Looks like he’s tellin’ the truth,” Applejack smiled.
“So, what will it be then my ladies? Good sir?” Anthony asked the group.
“Anything’s better than sleeping in an alley,” Rainbow joked.
“Hush now Rainbow!” Rarity scolded. “Show a little curtesy. We thank you very much for your assistance, mister…”
“Anthony, ma’am,” Anthony greeted.
“Thank you, Anthony,” Twilight reciprocated. “I’m Twilight and these are my friends Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike.”
“Pleasure to meet you all,” Anthony bowed his head. “Shall we be on our way?”
“By all means,” Spike replied. “Lead the way, pal.”
Anthony proceeded to walk ahead and make his way down the road. The rest of the group started to follow him closely, neither of them recognizing that sinking feeling of being… watched.
Sunset Shimmer: At least someone was willing to take them in.
Galen Marek: Yet something tells me that something bad will happen as things go south.
Postwar: Glad you caught on quickly.
Leia Organa: We've had our fair share of things going south too.
Back in the pie shop, Mrs. Lovett watched from the window as the Mane Six and Spike made their way down the street. As she walked away, Chrysalis took a seat beside Sweeney Todd, who took another swig of ale to rid himself of the horrible taste in his mouth.
“They certainly were a nice lot,” Mrs. Lovett commented.
“Nice isn’t the word I would use,” Chrysalis scoffed, with a huff. “They’re pretentious, arrogant, and underhanded that’s what.”
“Seemed nice to me,” Mrs. Lovett shrugged, walking back.
“Trust me, I know them,” Chrysalis replied. “They act nice and pure to everyone else. But deep down, they’re as corrupt and immoral as the lot of them.”
Postwar: Thorax thought the same way too, and yet he gave it a chance.
Sunset Shimmer: He's right, you're so caught up with power, you never give anything a chance.
Mando: And I thought the Dazzlings were tough cases to crack.
Suffice to say, Mrs. Lovett didn’t exactly know how to properly respond to that. She merely turned her attention back to Sweeney, who still struggled to get the taste out.
“Come with me and we’ll get you a nice tumbler of gin,” She suggested.
“Got anything stronger?” Chrysalis sighed.
Mrs. Lovett chuckled under her breath as the two individuals stood up from the table and followed her through the curtains at the back of the pie shop into the connecting living space. Her parlor was a wonder of seedy faux-middle class Victorian. Little knickknacks, dusty plants, and dingy doilies lined the walls and furniture. There was a threadbare mauve sofa in front of a comfortable fire. Passing by a faded postcard of a lovely seaside beach on the wall, Mrs. Lovett approached a nearby cabinet and pulled out a few glasses along with a bottle of gin.
“Isn’t this homey now?” Lovett asked, mid-pour. “Me cheery wallpaper was a real bargain too; it being only partly singed when the chapel burnt down…”
“Yes… lovely,” Chrysalis replied.
“Here you are dear,” Mrs. Lovett handed Chrysalis a drink. “Drink it in good health.”
Postwar: Pff, yeah right, the only health they'll really need is their mental one.
Some couldn't help but chuckle by that statement.
Chrysalis looked down at the small glass of clear liquid in her hand for a moment. Eventually, she lifted it to her lips and drank half of it. It burned down her throat, but she had to admit it had quite a taste to it. Mrs. Lovett handed a drink to Sweeney as he sat on the couch.
“There’s a good boy, now you sit down and warm your bones,” She told him. “You look chilled through.:
As Todd sat before the fire, he looked past Lovett to the stairs leading up to the second floor.
“You’ve a room over the shop don’t you?” He questioned. “If times are so hard, why don’t you rent it out?”
“Up there?” Mrs. Lovett responded, glancing up. “Oh, no one will go near it… people think it’s haunted.”
The intense probing nature of Lovett’s gaze seemed to get Chrysalis’s attention, enough to look up from her glass.
“Did you say ‘haunted’?” She asked.
“Yes,” Mrs. Lovett nodded. “And who’s to say they’re wrong? You see, years ago, something happened up there… something not very nice.”
Chrysalis turned back to eye Sweeney Todd, who now had his back turned on both of them. Though she couldn’t see his face, she could feel the negative energy radiating off of him. No doubt he was still reeling from the pain of losing his wife and child, something she understood very well. Staring at the tormented man, as the flickering flame from the fire cast a more intense red glow upon her face, Mrs. Lovett continued to explain… through song.
As she sang, Lovett looked at Todd, again with that rather intense gaze.
“Barker, his name was,” Mrs. Lovett informed them. “Benjamin Barker.”
“Transported?” Sweeney asked. “What was his crime?”
“… Foolishness.”
Again, Lovett turned toward the fire, the red glow bathing her face as she lost herself in her memories. Deciding a further understanding was in order, Chrysalis once more channeled her magic to enter the twisted, disturbed minds of these people in search of some measure of ‘truth’.
Postwar: And here comes the backstory.
Sunset Shimmer: Everyone has them. Whether good, bad, or somewhere in between.
Postwar: *Playfully* Remind me again why you didn't become a therapist like your counterpart?
Flashback… Fifteen years ago…
Chrysalis once more opened her eyes and found herself standing in the room above the pie shop. Everything was bright and vibrant, with striped wallpaper and an assortment of furniture. She turned over and noticed Barker’s wife, Lucy, sitting in a chair with their infant daughter in her arms as she looked out the large window to the city below. Her face was so downtrodden and sad following her husband’s wrongful exile, still recalling the love of her life stripped away from her.
Eventually, Lucy stood from the chair, pacing, holding the baby closely to her. She was beyond distraught, strained even, tears flowing down her eyes. She paced toward a nearby table littered with dead and dying flowers, dozens of bouquets tossed aside and ignored. With a small shake of her head, she cradled her daughter closer as she walked back toward the window. Looking out into the streets, she noticed the all too familiar sight of Judge Turpin and Beadle Bamford standing there, looking up at her. As he had done every day since her husband’s exile, the Judge stood there holding another bouquet of flowers for her. Letting a single tear fall from her face, Lucy moved away from the window, sobbing.
A sudden blinding flash caused Chrysalis to shield her eye as she felt a strong wind envelop her. When the wind died and the light dissipated, she opened her eyes to see the entire street had changed. Now she stood in the street near Turpin’s house, practically in the middle of the night. The sound of footsteps approaching caused her to turn around, seeing the Beadle leading a nervous Lucy alone this exclusive street of dark stone mansions, grand but somehow menacing. Lucy was wearing her best dress that night.
The Beadle ushers Lucy into the house and Chrysalis followed closely behind. The entire house was filled to capacity with people dressed in the finest clothing, all of them wearing masks for a Masquerade Ball. Lucy, and an invisible Chrysalis, are shocked to see a fancy-dress ball in progress as they made for the ballroom. Masked couples swirled around the ballroom; their numbers sinisterly multiplied by the distorting mirrors that frame the room. The hanging chandeliers, draped in red cloth, cast a disquieting incarnadine glow on the proceedings. Beadle handed Lucy a drink and pushed her forward into the crowd. Lucy wandered lost through the swirling dancers, they buffed her, confusing her so as she proceeded to drink and continued to scan the area for Judge Turpin.
Soon enough, Lucy found herself getting dizzy from the drink and decided to rest on a nearby couch. As she laid there in a daze, Judge Turpin, dressed in a crimson red suit and bird mask walked up alongside her and removed his mask. Lucky looked up into his face, even in her drunken state she could see the coldness in his eyes.
Then Judge Turpin proceeded to commit such a horrendous, malicious act that made even Chrysalis’s black heart break, making her sick to her stomach. As Turpin proceeded to have his way with her, descending upon the woman, the other guests crowed around ravenously, laughing, and enjoying the malicious spectacle. Aside from laughter, the only other sounds to be heard was Lucy’s bloodcurdling screams…
Ahsoka Tano: That poor man.
Leia Organa: No wonder he's like that.
Postwar: That almost makes Joker look sane. Key word, almost. next>>>>
Sweeney Todd’s wild howl shattered the memory and tore Chrysalis back to the present. The man bolted from the sofa, tormented over Mrs. Lovett’s story. Turning her back to the two individuals in the room, she couldn’t help but send the tears streaming down her face. The first time meeting Mr. Todd, she thought the two of them had similar situations befall them. Only now she realized how very wrong she was. Sweeney Todd had it worse… far worse.
“Does the cruelty of men know no bounds?” She whispered to herself.
“Would no one have mercy on her?” Sweeney asked somberly.
Mrs. Lovett looked toward the man as a sudden sense of realization turned on like a light.
“So, it is you—” She gasped, amazed. “Benjamin Barker.”
“Where’s Lucy?!” Sweeney asked her. “Where’s my wife?!”
“She poisoned herself,” Mrs. Lovett confessed. “Arsenic from the apothecary round the corner. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn’t listen to me.”
Sunset Shimmer: She...did what?
Postwar: Bad way to go actually. But then again, in my experience, there are some fates worse than death.
Galen Marek: Agreed. I've been there before once long ago.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Todd,” She spoke genuinely. “Part of me understands what you’re going through, but there’s another part that has no idea of the pain you’re suffering.”
But Sweeney didn’t return the hug, he was dead to the world right now. The next thing he learned, however, really set him off.
“You think that’s bad, wait till you hear this,” Mrs. Lovett continued. “He’s got your daughter.”
Chrysalis pulled away from Sweeney, who stiffened upon hearing this news. Instead of a face of sorrow, he now had in place blind rage.
“He?” Sweeney snarled. “Judge Turpin?”
“Adopted her, like his own,” Mrs. Lovett nodded.
Todd absorbed this sickening news, his face contorting further with anger.
“Fifteen years of sweating in a living hell on a false charge,” Todd growled, removing his coat. “Fifteen years dreaming that I might come home to find a loving wife and child…”
He stepped beside the fire, gazing into the flames as madness and purpose crept in. Chrysalis wanted to calm him down, but she knew that within this state she couldn’t predict how dangerous he was. Of course, she always had her dark magic to protect herself. But even she knew that madness within one’s head can be just as dangerous.
“Well, I can’t say the years have been particularly kind to you, Mr. Barker, but you still…”
“No!” Sweeney interrupted Lovett. “Not Barker. That man is dead. It’s Todd now. Sweeney Todd… and he will have his revenge.”
Postwar: Kind of reminds me of the Joker.
Sunset Shimmer: I know what you mean.
Others: Joker?
Postwar & Sunset: Long story.
Todd continued with a chilling, quiet resolve as he stared with unblinking eyes into the fire. Seeing the twisted, yet determined look upon his face, Chrysalis stepped up alongside him.
“I will help you achieve it,” She volunteered.
Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd looked at her with such confusion.
“What are you on about dear?” Mrs. Lovett asked.
“I will help Mr. Todd achieve his vengeance by any means necessary,” Chrysalis emphasized, with determination.
“Why?” Sweeney asked lowly.
“What the Judge did to you, and your family is…”
“No!” Sweeney said loudly, stopping Chrysalis. “There’s more to it than that.”
Chrysalis’s face dawned a surprise look, as she tried to turn her face away from his menacing gaze.
“W-What do you m-mean?” She stammered nervously.
Sweeney squinted his dark eyes at her, slowly advancing upon her. Chrysalis slowly backed away until she hit a nearby wall, trapped in a corner with nowhere to go.
“When we met on that ship, you said what happened to me happened to you,” Todd replied, leaning closer. “There’s more to you than meets the eyes. What exactly did you mean by that? Who are you exactly?”
Mando: For a deranged madman, it shows he's not as dumb as he looks.
Galen Marek: sometimes the madness can make one see what the other can't.
Ben Solo: It's scary.
Leia Organa: *comforting her son* It's alright, Ben. It's alright.
“You’d look at me differently,” Chrysalis replied in earnest. “You’d see me as a monster like everyone else who looked upon me.”
Sweeney merely leaned too close for comfort, their faces only inches apart. Chrysalis couldn’t avoid the deepening gaze piercing deadly into her eyes.
“Try me,” He challenged.
Eventually, Todd backed away granting Chrysalis the forum to explain herself. The changeling couldn’t believe someone actually called her bluff, putting her on the spot. She didn’t wish to reveal her true nature, but in that moment, she realized she had no choice. Taking a deep breath, letting out the hot air from her throat, she stepped toward the middle of the room and engulfed herself in green flame. Once more, she regained her original changeling form, much to the surprise of the two others in the room with her. Mrs. Lovett fell back on the couch, shocked yet staring with awe.
“Well… you certainly don’t see that every day, do you?” Lovett asked, shocked.
While Lovett was shocked, Mrs. Todd merely stared at Chrysalis with interest though his face wouldn’t show it.
“What are you?” He asked her.
“My true name… is Chrysalis,” Chrysalis responded honestly. “I used to be queen of a race of creatures known as changelings.”
“What are changelings?” Mrs. Lovett asked, curious.
“In the land of Equestria, from which we hail, we’re a race of insectoid equines who feed off love.”
“What are you doing here?” Sweeney asked her. “Why are you so determined to see I get my vengeance?”
A lone tear streaked down Chrysalis’s dark face before she responded.
“I was a youngling like you… like you, I too loved another,” Chrysalis explained. “Back then, changelings were always taught that love was weakness for the enemy but strength for us. Then one day, I met a young colt, Fire Fall by name. One of the only creatures who refused to see me as a monster.
Sunset Shimmer: Wait...she used to be in love...with a pony?
Postwar: Huh, that's a new one. In all my life knowing her, I'd never imagined something like this.
Galen Marek: The same can be said for Darth Vader.
Ahsoka Tano: Agreed.
“The day we met, we got to know each other. We’d sneak out at night just to play when no pony else was watching. Being a changeling, I couldn’t let any pony else know a thing about me… I couldn’t even let my own hive know the real reason for sneaking away. Many years of this went by, then things between us became more… serious. We’d share romantic picnics, the occasional kiss here and there, things were wonderful for a time… but we were growing tired over having so little time being together… a brief period of being free to be ourselves.”
“What happened?” Mrs. Lovett asked.
Taking a deep breath, Chrysalis continued her story… even though she knew how it would end.
“One day… I decided I didn’t want to be a changeling princess any longer. The two of us agreed to run away together, a million miles away from Equestria, and start a new life for us. We always imagined what it would be like, every hour of everyday dreaming of just taking off and never looking back. We met in the forest, at the very spot where we met, we were two kids excited for where the future would take us. And then… it happened…”
Everyone then begins to see her lifestory.
Flashback… A thousand years ago…
A teenage Chrysalis ran through the Everfree Forest as fast as her legs could carry her. She had a worn saddlebag on her back, filled with as many supplies as she could bring with her. As she ran, she spotted her true love, Fire Fall, waiting at the edge of the forest. The two had certainly grown over the years from the young foals they used to be, and their relationship had certainly evolved immensely. Chrysalis smiled as she ran faster, skidding to a stop just before Fire Fall. The young stallion smiled upon her arrival.
“I’m sorry I’m late…” Chrysalis gasped, catching her breath.
“Don’t be sorry, you’re right on time,” Fire Fall smiled, with assurance. “There’s no stopping us now. I’ve got it all figured out.”
Fire Fall proceeded to reach into his own saddlebag and pulled out a rolled-up parchment which he carefully spread along the tree. Using his wings to hold the map in place, he placed a hoof along the north edge of the map.
“Exactly! To the untrained eye there isn’t, so no pony will think to look there, Chrysalis,” Fire Fall explained. “I know of a caravan who makes deliveries to lands beyond the map, the kind that counts on the stars as their guides and ask no questions in return. We’ll join them tonight, vanish completely out of sight, and go where the road decides. We’ll have no obligations…
“Or mothers to obey,” Chrysalis smiled tearfully. “Maybe we can travel on the sea?”
“Sure! I’ll tend the sails and you can steer,” Fire Fall added. “We’ll watch the waves roll on endlessly till all of Equestria disappears. Until there’s just the two of us… on top of the world.”
“We’ll leave all thoughts about the future to some future day. Follow wherever the wind starts blowing. The kind of life we’ve dreamt of.”
“Tonight… we’re never looking back,” Fire Fall declared. “I may not know exactly where we’re going, but we’ll keep going forward. We’ll vanish from all eyes in view, become a pair completely new. We’ll find our own country, we’ll elope, and find a spot that lets a pony like me own a house, raise a child, and build a life… with you.”
Chrysalis looked upon him, tears streaming down her face as she smiled toward the pony. He then proceeded to put the map back into his back and stretched out his limbs with a groan.
“Are you ready to go?” Fire Fall asked excitedly.
“With you, I’m ready for anything,” Chrysalis replied.
The two shared a quick passionate kiss before taking off through the forest. They fan for a good while before the sound of approaching hooves caught their attention. Their eyes widened with horror as royal guard ponies, Unicorns, pursued the pair.
“There it is!” One guard yelled. “I knew there was a changeling in this forest!”
“Get them!” Another guard yelled.
Shocked upon the discovery of their presence, Chrysalis fired a few blasts of magics toward the guards, who managed to dodge them expertly.
“Hurry! We can cut through the trees and lose them!” Fire Fall yelled.
The two lovers broke off the path and darted through a series of thick trees. Though they could still hear the guards following behind, eventually their hooves grew more and more distant.
“I think we’ve lost them!” Chrysalis exclaimed in relief.
“There’s a field just at the end of this path,” Fire Fall explained. “We just need to stay ahead of them until we…”
Suddenly, bolas were hurled through the air and wrapped itself around Chrysalis legs. Fire Fall stopped and turned as the changeling fell to the ground.
“Chrysalis!” Fire Fall yelled.
Chrysalis tried to break free but found she couldn’t. The bolas were made from a special material both incredibly strong and impervious to magic. No matter how much she struggled, she couldn’t break free. The royal guards burst through the trees, surrounding the princess.
“We got her now!” One guard declared. “Keep her still till Princess Celestia arrives!”
“Get your bloody hooves off her!” Fire Fall yelled.
The Pegasus stallion leapt into the fray, fighting off the guards in an effort to save his love. He nicked one guard back and struck another into a tree. But soon enough, the remainder of the guards piled upon him until they had him restrained. Suddenly, a blinding white light enveloped the entire forest. All eyes stared into the sky as Princess Celestia herself lowered herself from the sky toward the open ground. The Princess of Equestria was still as tall and regal back then as she was now. Except her mane wasn’t a glowing rainbow, rather a soft pink. The princess walked toward Chrysalis, who still struggled to break free, and the princess looked down upon the changeling with disappointment.
“Princess Chrysalis, I presume?” Celestia spoke. “You know your kind isn’t welcome in Equestria.”
“What do you think I’ve done?!” Chrysalis cried, tearfully. “I haven’t done anything!”
“You know the rules,” Celestia responded, firmly. “Your mother and I agreed that her subjects would stay on their grounds, while we stay on ours. Then I hear word of a Changeling roaming in the woods upon pony grounds and I cannot cast aside my concerns any further. Do you know how many rules you’ve violated just being here? And now I find you with one of ‘my’ subjects in your clutches.”
“She didn’t hold me against my will!” Fire Fall cried out, struggling. “I wanted to be with her; she’s my best friend!”
“Changelings will say and do anything to make you ‘think’ such thoughts, young Fire Wall,” Celestia spoke calmly. “We keep our races separated for each other’s survival; you cannot ignore a thousand years of tradition.”
“I don’t want to survive!” Fire Fall argued. “I want to live! WE want to live!”
“Listen to me Fire Fall,” Celestia spoke, slightly raising her voice. “You are not well; you’re not thinking clearly. I cannot ignore my duties to the ponies first. If her mother ever knew what happened tonight… no… no, I cannot risk my subjects in another world. The princess must remain with her people, and you are to remember who you are and where you stand. You must let her go… and be a pony.”
Fire Fall looked up toward the towering gaze of Princess Celestia herself, then slowly turned toward Chrysalis, seeing her hooves bound and cuffed. She eyed Fire Fall, tears streaming down her face, silently begging for him. He looked upon her for a moment, reading her face for any hint of deceit or deception, just as his princess implied. But then his gaze changed to determination, as he slowly closed his eyes to think for himself.
“No…” Fire Fall muttered.
All the guards gasped, as they nervously faced their princess, who seemed just as surprised.
“What?” Princess Celestia responded.
“No… I’m not doing it!” Fire Fall answered louder. “My name is Fire Fall; I am a Pegasus of Cloudsdale! And for the first time in my life, I ‘am’ thinking clearly. I’ve spent my whole life afraid of what ponies think of me, but I will NOT give up the only good thing I’ve ever had just because YOU’RE scared of the Changelings!”
Fire Fall forced himself up against the guards, who struggled to keep him down. But the princess, instead, made one gesture with her wing and on silent command the guards backed away so the pony could speak for himself, standing in defiance against his own ruler.
“Her name… is Chrysalis!” Fire Fall addressed Chrysalis. “She may not be a pony, but she’s ‘good’… better than I deserve, but nothing scares me more than hurting her. We are leaving Equestria tonight, Princess Celestia… we are leaving, together! I just want you to accept us!”
All the ponies in the forest that night was understandably shocked by Fire Fall’s choice of words. Never before had there been a pony who would defy the sacred laws bestowed upon them by the almighty alicorns themselves, yet here was a single Pegasus who dared challenge Celestia’s authority and willingly casting aside his own ponyhood… just to be with a changeling. And for a moment, all Celestia could do was look at this pony in the eye, her own subject determined to destroy his own life just to be with some pony else… and not even a pony.
‘Accept them?’ she thought. How could she possibly accept this? A union between a pony and a changeling. She knows her mother all too well, could she deny everything that the Changeling Queen would threaten to do… just for one pony’s belief? On the other hoof, could she deny her own subject… a pony’s love for this one princess. On the other hoof, how can Princess Celestia turn against generation upon generation of pony faith, her own people. If she tried to bend that far… she’ll break. On the other hoof…
No… there was no other hoof.
“Take Fire Fall and arrange for his transport,” Princess Celestia ordered the guards.
“NOOO!!!” Chrysalis cried out.
The guards suddenly ganged up on Fire Fall, who struggled to fight back but the bonds limited him. They pulled him away, as he was forced to watch the other guards lift Chrysalis onto her feet and the Changeling cried out for his name, as she tried to pull free. All the while Princess Celestia stood her ground, watching the guards drag the Pegasus away.
“I’m doing this for your own good, Fire Fall,” Princess Celestia spoke, keeping a straight face. “Until your mind is clear, we are taking you to a place where you will be treated. You will not be allowed to return home until this spell goes away.”
“You’re wrong! There IS no magic! I love her!” Fire Fall yelled. “CHRYSALIS!!!”
“Have him arranged to be on the next boat,” Celestia instructed her guards.
“CHRYSALIS…!!!”
“YOU MONSTER!!!” Chrysalis shouted toward Celestia. “GIVE HIM BACK TO ME! GIVE HIM BACK!!!”
“As for ‘you’… Chrysalis,” Celestia addressed the princess. “You step hoof upon our grounds, submitting yourself to judgment. On this very night, I pass it now…
“EXILE!!!”
“NOOOOOOO!!!” Fire Fall shouted.
“If you or your other Changelings dare to step foot upon our lands again, the consequences will be disastrous,” Celestia continued. “You are to return to your kingdom, right now… and you are NEVER to set foot here… ever. Take her to the boundaries of the badlands… but do not harm her.”
The guards proceeded to drag the crying princess into a chariot with magically embedded bars to prevent an escape. They proceeded to thrust the princess inside and sealed the doors, as Chrysalis tried to bang her way against the iron prying her inside. Two Pegasus guards proceeded to take off with their captive at hand, slowly approaching the sky as Chrysalis tried to break free.
“CHRYSALIS!!!”
And the princess looked down as Fire Fall somehow managed to pry his way from the guards and raced toward the departing chariot while the other ponies followed, among them… the princess Celestia herself.
“Fire Fall!” Chrysalis shouted, reaching out.
“Fire Fall… stop!” Celestia begged.
“CHRYSALIS!!!” Fire Fall cried out, tearfully.
“FIRE FALL!!!”
“Stop him!” The captain of the guards ordered.
Fire Fall kept shouting for Chrysalis, as the guards eventually caught up to him. They lifted him up while his hooves hung over the ground beneath him, he vainly reached his front hooves for the chariot as it flew higher into the sky. All while Princess Celestia could only look on, as her pink mane flew in the night breeze.
“Chrysalis! Fly back to me!” Fire Fall begged. “Chrysalis! I love you! Fly back to me!”
And Chrysalis could only look down, eyes streaming like rainfall as the ponies below her disappeared from view. The guards dragging Fire Fall away resembling nothing but tiny ants. And among them, the Queen Ant… Celestia… somehow looking up toward the chariot yet the princess couldn’t read her face. All Chrysalis could do was look… and could still hear Fire Fall’s cries of desperation, the last words she ever heard… before he vanished forever…
“Fly back to me, Chrysalis!”
Everyone watched in shock, not believing what they were seeing. But the one in shock the most...was Sunset.
Sunset Shimmer: She...she really did that to her? It's no wonder...
Postwar: *Mutters* Celestia. You did this to her? You're the reason she was like this...you turned a blind eye instead of actually seeing? You idiot.
Ahsoka Tano: She did worse things than this before?
Postwar: After actually. *sigh* I hope everyone will be prepared for this. *Sends messages to everyone to prepare themselves*
“For months… I searched all across Equestria,” Chrysalis continued, holding back tears. “But I never found him… all I found was the wreckage of the boat they took him in. I tried to fly to him… just like he asked me to… but I was too late.”
Mr. Todd and Mrs. Lovett listened intently to the story this poor changeling Queen told them. Though their faces didn’t show, they felt sorry for her. Naturally Sweeney hid his emotions too well, but Mrs. Lovett couldn’t help but wipe away some stray tears off her eyes.
“I’m sorry to hear of your troubles dear,” Mrs. Lovett told her. “Can’t imagine how that must’ve felt.”
“That’s why you want to help me,” Sweeney said.
“If I don’t help you get your revenge, then I know I never will,” Chrysalis choked out. “I want Judge Turpin and the Beadle to pay for what they did to you, the same way that I want Celestia to pay for what she did to me!”
Mando: At least we know now how all of this began.
Ahsoka: I can't believe she did that.
Leia Organa: I can't either.
Sunset on the other hand was still shocked by what she had seen.
Sunset Shimmer: I...I can't believe she did that.
Mrs. Lovett led Sweeney and Chrysalis out the back door of the pie shop to the open outdoor dining area. Thankfully, the entire area was completed deserted which made it easier to sneak a demented barber and a changeling out of the shop. She proceeded to scale the exterior staircase to the darkened second floor room. Unlocking the door, which hadn’t been opened in years, she pushed it open and led them inside.
“Come along,” She urged them.
Without hesitation, Chrysalis climbed up the stairs as Sweeney Todd slowly followed. A macabre shroud of dust and spider webs blanketed the entire room, old furniture was covered in sheets and peeling paint. A broken mirror hung on one wall. As they entered, the door creaked like a living thing. Looking around, Chrysalis and Todd could see the place had been let go these last fifteen years.
“I suppose this will do,” Chrysalis said, looking around. “At least there’s a roof over our heads.”
“Not to worry, a touch of oil will put that right,” Mrs. Lovett assured her. “Nothing to be afraid of, love, come in.”
As the ladies moved into the room, Todd hesitated at the door, looking into the room. For him this was truly a haunted place. As he slowly walked around what was once a family room, so many ghosts of memories came flooding back to him. He walked over to a corner of the room where a sheet covered something, and he slowly pulled it off revealing his daughter’s old crib and her doll. How he wished he could have been here to watch her grow up. Now instead, she’d only ever know him as a complete stranger.
The sound of creaking drew his attention once more. Mrs. Lovett knelt over and pried loose a floorboard. Underneath there was a hidden area. From there, she pulled out a box covered in a dusty velvet cloth. Both Sweeney and Chrysalis walked over, kneeling down beside her as she removed it and carefully unwrapped the cloth. Her touch was particularly gentle and respectful. Before their eyes was a fine leather case. Lovett looked at it for a moment, then turned to Todd while dusting it off.
“I don’t believe it…” Todd gasped silently.
“When they came for the girl, I hid them,” Lovett informed. “I thought, who knows? Maybe the silly blighter’ll be back again. Could have sold them but I didn’t.”
3PO: Oh my, what is it?
Mando: Something every monster needs to start their mayhem.
Sweeney Todd slowly reached out and took the box in his hands, as though he’d just been handed the most precious treasure in the world.
“What is it?” Chrysalis asked.
No response was forthcoming though. Sweeney just opened the box, slowly, seeing it contained a beautiful set of silver barbed razors. Sweeney stood for a long moment, gazing down at his beloved razors. Gently and slowly, he traced his fingers over the metallic shaving instruments as Chrysalis stared in amazement.
“They’re beautiful,” Chrysalis gasped, with admiration.
“Those handles are chased silver, ain’t they?” Mrs. Lovett asked.
“Silver, yes…” Sweeney nodded, picking one up.
Postwar: aka, murder weapons for future victims.
Sunset Shimmer: Now I'm suddenly afraid. *Gets comforted by Galen*
Ben Solo: I'm scared. *Gets comforted by Leia*
Mrs. Lovett proceeded to lean over him, in her own kind of trance as well. Chrysalis stood idly watching them sing simultaneously as Todd now held ‘two’ razors.
Todd proceeded to put one of the razors back in the box.
Sweeney Todd gazed into the reflection of the silver razor; a sick twisted smirk spread over the thought of what he could do with them. He also saw Chrysalis in the mirror alongside him, seeing the trace of her own troubled past in her gaze. How it just seemed to make it fit that much more. The only part of the reflection he felt shouldn’t be in the picture… was Mrs. Lovett. He turned slightly to look at the woman, leaning too comfortably into his shoulder.
“Leave us, now!” He ordered her.
Chrysalis looked toward the woman as well, for she had a good idea of what Mr. Todd was on about.
“Mr. Todd and I have planning to do,” She concluded.
Mrs. Lovett merely gave a shrug as she stood back up and made her way out of the room, closing the door behind her. Sweeney Todd stood back up to his full height, holding his biggest razor out before him with a smirk on his face. Chrysalis could swear she actually saw a white light shining down on him and his instrument of destruction.
“At last, my arm is complete again!” Sweeney smirked.
“And with it, we will do such wonderful… terrible things!” She grinned wickedly.
And thus, Chrysalis and Sweeney Todd stood side by side, staring out the large window overlooking Fleet Street and all of London exalted. Gazing out toward distorted images of every able body walking his streets… gentlemen, the bankers, and generals alike. He would lift his razor high, sinking it upon every rosy skin in his pursuit of devilish righteousness. For he had seen how ‘civilized men’ behaved, this Chrysalis could see clearly. Someone who never forgot… who never forgave… a Demon Barber of Fleet Street… with the most horrific demon of them all.
With their combined efforts, these two unhinged individuals standing side-by-side, one thing was absolutely certain…
Mayhem is coming…
Postwar: I wonder how Twilight and the others will handle it once they find out the truth.
Mando: I'd be more concerned about the rest of Celestia's family, friends and subjects, than them.
11637628 Me: *Receiving Postwar's message, reads and becomes shocked. I look to Twilight, fearing how she'd react if she finds out. I place my device away*
Back in the pie shop, Mrs. Lovett watched from the window as the Mane Six and Spike made their way down the street. As she walked away, Chrysalis took a seat beside Sweeney Todd, who took another swig of ale to rid himself of the horrible taste in his mouth.
“They certainly were a nice lot,” Mrs. Lovett commented.
“Nice isn’t the word I would use,” Chrysalis scoffed, with a huff. “They’re pretentious, arrogant, and underhanded that’s what.”
Rainbow Dash: You’re just saying that because you keep getting your flank handed to you.
“Seemed nice to me,” Mrs. Lovett shrugged, walking back.
“Trust me, I know them,” Chrysalis replied. “They act nice and pure to everyone else. But deep down, they’re as corrupt and immoral as the lot of them.”
Suffice to say, Mrs. Lovett didn’t exactly know how to properly respond to that. She merely turned her attention back to Sweeney, who still struggled to get the taste out.
“Come with me and we’ll get you a nice tumbler of gin,” She suggested.
“Got anything stronger?” Chrysalis sighed.
Mrs. Lovett chuckled under her breath as the two individuals stood up from the table and followed her through the curtains at the back of the pie shop into the connecting living space. Her parlor was a wonder of seedy faux-middle class Victorian. Little knickknacks, dusty plants, and dingy doilies lined the walls and furniture. There was a threadbare mauve sofa in front of a comfortable fire. Passing by a faded postcard of a lovely seaside beach on the wall, Mrs. Lovett approached a nearby cabinet and pulled out a few glasses along with a bottle of gin.
“Isn’t this homey now?” Lovett asked, mid-pour. “Me cheery wallpaper was a real bargain too; it being only partly singed when the chapel burnt down…”
“Yes… lovely,” Chrysalis replied.
“Here you are dear,” Mrs. Lovett handed Chrysalis a drink. “Drink it in good health.”
Arctic: Never tried alcohol, not planning on trying to find out what it taste like either.
Chrysalis looked down at the small glass of clear liquid in her hand for a moment. Eventually, she lifted it to her lips and drank half of it. It burned down her throat, but she had to admit it had quite a taste to it. Mrs. Lovett handed a drink to Sweeney as he sat on the couch.
“There’s a good boy, now you sit down and warm your bones,” She told him. “You look chilled through.”
As Todd sat before the fire, he looked past Lovett to the stairs leading up to the second floor.
“You’ve a room over the shop don’t you?” He questioned. “If times are so hard, why don’t you rent it out?”
“Up there?” Mrs. Lovett responded, glancing up. “Oh, no one will go near it… people think it’s haunted.”
The intense probing nature of Lovett’s gaze seemed to get Chrysalis’s attention, enough to look up from her glass.
“Did you say ‘haunted’?” She asked.
“Yes,” Mrs. Lovett nodded. “And who’s to say they’re wrong? You see, years ago, something happened up there… something not very nice.”
Fluttershy: H-Haunted. (She said a bit nervous)
Sci-Twi: Something tells me, he knows a lot about it.
Juniper: The question is, what exactly is it? (She wondered)
Applejack: Something tells me, we’re about to find out.
Chrysalis turned back to eye Sweeney Todd, who now had his back turned on both of them. Though she couldn’t see his face, she could feel the negative energy radiating off of him. No doubt he was still reeling from the pain of losing his wife and child, something she understood very well. Staring at the tormented man, as the flickering flame from the fire cast a more intense red glow upon her face, Mrs. Lovett continued to explain… through song.
Mrs. Lovett (sings) There was a barber and his wife, And he was beautiful, A proper artist with his knife, But they transported him for life. And he was beautiful…
As she sang, Lovett looked at Todd, again with that rather intense gaze.
“Barker, his name was,” Mrs. Lovett informed them. “Benjamin Barker.”
“Transported?” Sweeney asked. “What was his crime?”
“… Foolishness.”
Again, Lovett turned toward the fire, the red glow bathing her face as she lost herself in her memories. Deciding a further understanding was in order, Chrysalis once more channeled her magic to enter the twisted, disturbed minds of these people in search of some measure of ‘truth’.
Flashback… Fifteen years ago…
Chrysalis once more opened her eyes and found herself standing in the room above the pie shop. Everything was bright and vibrant, with striped wallpaper and an assortment of furniture. She turned over and noticed Barker’s wife, Lucy, sitting in a chair with their infant daughter in her arms as she looked out the large window to the city below. Her face was so downtrodden and sad following her husband’s wrongful exile, still recalling the love of her life stripped away from her.
Mrs. Lovett: (sings) He had this wife, you see, Pretty little thing, silly little nit Had her chance for the moon on a string— Poor thing! Poor thing…
Rarity: It’s so sad, she didn’t deserve to lose her husband.
Eventually, Lucy stood from the chair, pacing, holding the baby closely to her. She was beyond distraught, strained even, tears flowing down her eyes. She paced toward a nearby table littered with dead and dying flowers, dozens of bouquets tossed aside and ignored. With a small shake of her head, she cradled her daughter closer as she walked back toward the window. Looking out into the streets, she noticed the all too familiar sight of Judge Turpin and Beadle Bamford standing there, looking up at her. As he had done every day since her husband’s exile, the Judge stood there holding another bouquet of flowers for her. Letting a single tear fall from her face, Lucy moved away from the window, sobbing.
Mrs. Lovett: (sings) There was this Judge, you see, Wanted her like mad, Every day he’d send her a flower, But did she come down from her tower? Sat up there and sobbed by the hour, Poor fool. Ah, but there was worse yet to come, poor thing…
Fluttershy: I-I don’t like the sound of that. (She said worried)
Pinkie Pie: M-Me neither. (She mentioned also worried)
A sudden blinding flash caused Chrysalis to shield her eye as she felt a strong wind envelop her. When the wind died and the light dissipated, she opened her eyes to see the entire street had changed. Now she stood in the street near Turpin’s house, practically in the middle of the night. The sound of footsteps approaching caused her to turn around, seeing the Beadle leading a nervous Lucy alone on this exclusive street of dark stone mansions, grand but somehow menacing. Lucy was wearing her best dress that night.
Mrs. Lovett: (sings) The Beadle calls on her, all polite, Poor thing, Poor thing. “The judge,” he tells her, “is all contrite, He blames himself for her dreadful plight, She MUST come straight to his house tonight!” Poor thing, poor thing.
The room started to get cold, a sense of dread shivered everyone back, they couldn’t tell why, but they feel.. the worst thing is about to show itself
The Beadle ushered Lucy into the house and Chrysalis followed closely behind. The entire house was filled to capacity with people dressed in the finest clothing, all of them wearing masks for a Masquerade Ball. Lucy, and an invisible Chrysalis, are shocked to see a fancy-dress ball in progress as they made for the ballroom. Masked couples swirled around the ballroom; their numbers sinisterly multiplied by the distorting mirrors that frame the room. The hanging chandeliers, draped in red cloth, cast a disquieting incarnadine glow on the proceedings. Beadle handed Lucy a drink and pushed her forward into the crowd. Lucy wandered lost through the swirling dancers, they buffed her, confusing her so as she proceeded to drink and continued to scan the area for Judge Turpin.
[Mrs. Lovett: (sings) Of course, when she goes there, poor thing, poor thing. They're havin' this ball all in masks. There's no one she knows there, poor dear, poor thing. She wanders tormented, and drinks, poor thing. The judge has repented, she thinks, poor thing. "Oh, where is Judge Turpin?" she asks. He was there, all right—Only NOT so contrite!
Soon enough, Lucy found herself getting dizzy from the drink and decided to rest on a nearby couch. As she laid there in a daze, Judge Turpin, dressed in a crimson red suit and bird mask walked up alongside her and removed his mask. Lucky looked up into his face, even in her drunken state she could see the coldness in his eyes.
Mrs. Lovett: (sings) She wasn't no match for such craft, you see, And everyone thought it so droll. They figured she had to be daft, you see. So all of 'em stood there and laughed, you see. Poor soul! Poor thing!
Then Judge Turpin proceeded to commit such a horrendous, malicious act that made even Chrysalis’s black heart break, making her sick to her stomach. As Turpin proceeded to have his way with her, descending upon the woman, the other guests crowded around ravenously, laughing, and enjoying the malicious spectacle. Aside from laughter, the only other sounds to be heard were Lucy’s bloodcurdling screams…
NOOOOOOOOOO…!!!”
Silence was in the air, no dare to say a word. And after a few moments… the silence was broken
Applejack: THAT NO GOOD VARMIT!
Sci-Twi: THAT MAN IS NORE HORRIBLE THEN WE THOUGHT!
Rainbow Dash: AND NO ONE DID A THING!
Juniper: HOW CAN SOMEONE LIKE HIM BE A JUDGE!
Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were a crying mess as they couldn’t even say a word. Arctic and Rarity, seeing the two in tears held onto them respectively to comfort them, part of Arctic hair cover his eyes as he too felt a large amount of anger and rage seeing the horrible site that they witness
About a hour past, everyone was breathing heavily after getting anger out of them. But, Fluttershy and Pinkie were still a bit of a mess, with Arctic comforting Fluttershy still while Pinkie was being comforted by Rarity.
Sweeney Todd’s wild howl shattered the memory and tore Chrysalis back to the present. The man bolted from the sofa, tormented over Mrs. Lovett’s story. Turning her back to the two individuals in the room, she couldn’t help but send the tears streaming down her face. The first time meeting Mr. Todd, she thought the two of them had similar situations befall them. Only now she realized how very wrong she was. Sweeney Todd had it worse… far worse.
“Does the cruelty of men know no bounds?” She whispered to herself.
“Would no one have mercy on her?” Sweeney asked somberly.
Mrs. Lovett looked toward the man as a sudden sense of realization turned on like a light.
“So, it is you—” She gasped, amazed. “Benjamin Barker.”
“Where’s Lucy?!” Sweeney asked her. “Where’s my wife?!”
“She poisoned herself,” Mrs. Lovett confessed. “Arsenic from the apothecary round the corner. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn’t listen to me.”
Rarity: How awful!..
Juniper: That’s just more sad, he came back to find her.. only to find out she’s already gone.
Hearing the news made Sweeney Todd freeze in place, torment growing upon his face. His precious wife, the only person he looked most forward to seeing upon his return from exile, was now dead. All thanks to that immoral judge who sent him away, who stalked and raped his wife, and ruined his entire life. Chrysalis slowly approached his side and did something most uncharacteristic of the former changeling Queen. She wrapped her arms around Sweeney, leaned her head into his chest… and hugged him.
There were a few surprised looks seeing what Chrysalis was going, seeing her hugging Sweeney to comfort him.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Todd,” She spoke genuinely. “Part of me understands what you’re going through, but there’s another part that has no idea of the pain you’re suffering.”
But Sweeney didn’t return the hug, he was dead to the world right now. The next thing he learned, however, really set him off.
“You think that’s bad, wait till you hear this,” Mrs. Lovett continued. “He’s got your daughter.”
Chrysalis pulled away from Sweeney, who stiffened upon hearing this news. Instead of a face of sorrow, he now had in place blind rage.
“He?” Sweeney snarled. “Judge Turpin?”
“Adopted her, like his own,” Mrs. Lovett nodded.
Sci-Twi: Wait… so the girl we saw
Juniper: Is actually Sweeney daughter?!
Arctic: That man…keeps giving more reasons to hate him. (He said with hate in his voice)
Todd absorbed this sickening news, his face contorting further with anger.
“Fifteen years of sweating in a living hell on a false charge,” Todd growled, removing his coat. “Fifteen years dreaming that I might come home to find a loving wife and child…”
He stepped beside the fire, gazing into the flames as madness and purpose crept in. Chrysalis wanted to calm him down, but she knew that within this state she couldn’t predict how dangerous he was. Of course, she always had her dark magic to protect herself. But even she knew that madness within one’s head can be just as dangerous.
“Well, I can’t say the years have been particularly kind to you, Mr. Barker, but you still…”
“No!” Sweeney interrupted Lovett. “Not Barker. That man is dead. It’s Todd now. Sweeney Todd… and he will have his revenge.”
Fluttershy: P-Poor Sweeney.. (she said having a few tears falling her face still)
Pinkie Pie: H-He really needs all the hugs he can get. (She mentioned also having saddest)
Todd continued with a chilling, quiet resolve as he stared with unblinking eyes into the fire. Seeing the twisted, yet determined look upon his face, Chrysalis stepped up alongside him.
“I will help you achieve it,” She volunteered.
Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd looked at her with such confusion.
“What are you on about dear?” Mrs. Lovett asked.
“I will help Mr. Todd achieve his vengeance by any means necessary,” Chrysalis emphasized, with determination.
“Why?” Sweeney asked lowly.
“What the Judge did to you, and your family is…”
“No!” Sweeney said loudly, stopping Chrysalis. “There’s more to it than that.”
Chrysalis’s face dawned a surprise look, as she tried to turn her face away from his menacing gaze.
“W-What do you m-mean?” She stammered nervously.
Sweeney squinted his dark eyes at her, slowly advancing upon her. Chrysalis slowly backed away until she hit a nearby wall, trapped in a corner with nowhere to go.
Juniper: I can’t blame her for being scared, especially around this subject.
Arctic: Yeah, but it does show that even Chrysalis wouldn’t go that far or something that horrible.
“When we met on that ship, you said what happened to me happened to you,” Todd replied, leaning closer. “There’s more to you than meets the eyes. What exactly did you mean by that? Who are you exactly?”
Chrysalis’s eyes shot back and forth a million miles an hour, realizing she both literally and figuratively had been backed into a corner. She couldn’t possibly reveal who she truly was to these people… right?”
“I… I… I can’t tell you,” She stammered.
“Why is that?” Todd glared.
“You’d look at me differently,” Chrysalis replied in earnest. “You’d see me as a monster like everyone else who looked upon me.”
Sweeney merely leaned too close for comfort, their faces only inches apart. Chrysalis couldn’t avoid the deepening gaze piercing deadly into her eyes.
“Try me,” He challenged.
Eventually, Todd backed away granting Chrysalis the forum to explain herself. The changeling couldn’t believe someone actually called her bluff, putting her on the spot. She didn’t wish to reveal her true nature, but in that moment, she realized she had no choice. Taking a deep breath, letting out the hot air from her throat, she stepped toward the middle of the room and engulfed herself in green flame. Once more, she regained her original changeling form, much to the surprise of the two others in the room with her. Mrs. Lovett fell back on the couch, shocked yet staring with awe.
“Well… you certainly don’t see that every day, do you?” Lovett asked, shocked.
Rainbow Dash: Wow, not even scared.
Applejack: With what we seen so far…it only makes sense.
While Lovett was shocked, Mrs. Todd merely stared at Chrysalis with interest though his face wouldn’t show it.
“What are you?” He asked her.
“My true name… is Chrysalis,” Chrysalis responded honestly. “I used to be queen of a race of creatures known as changelings.”
“What are changelings?” Mrs. Lovett asked, curious.
“In the land of Equestria, from which we hail, we’re a race of insectoid equines who feed off love.”
“What are you doing here?” Sweeney asked her. “Why are you so determined to see I get my vengeance?”
A lone tear streaked down Chrysalis’s dark face before she responded.
“I was a youngling like you… like you, I too loved another,” Chrysalis explained. “Back then, changelings were always taught that love was weakness for the enemy but strength for us. Then one day, I met a young colt, Fire Fall by name. One of the only creatures who refused to see me as a monster.
This caught everyone off guard hearing what the Queen changelling had said
Juniper: She.. had a lover?
Sci-Twi: Do you think…it’s the same one she mentioned she lost?
Arctic: It..it sounds like it
“The day we met, we got to know each other. We’d sneak out at night just to play when no pony else was watching. Being a changeling, I couldn’t let any pony else know a thing about me… I couldn’t even let my own hive know the real reason for sneaking away. Many years of this went by, then things between us became more… serious. We’d share romantic picnics, the occasional kiss here and there, things were wonderful for a time… but we were growing tired over having so little time being together… a brief period of being free to be ourselves.”
“What happened?” Mrs. Lovett asked.
Taking a deep breath, Chrysalis continued her story… even though she knew how it would end.
“One day… I decided I didn’t want to be a changeling princess any longer. The two of us agreed to run away together, a million miles away from Equestria, and start a new life for us. We always imagined what it would be like, every hour of everyday dreaming of just taking off and never looking back. We met in the forest, at the very spot where we met, we were two kids excited for where the future would take us. And then… it happened…”
Everyone listen closely and carefully on what was about to be shown. However, Arctic was paying close attention the most.
Arctic: (in his thoughts) Did whatever happened to this Fire Fall…was that the reason why Chryslias is the person she is now.
Flashback… A thousand years ago…
A teenage Chrysalis ran through the Everfree Forest as fast as her legs could carry her. She had a worn saddlebag on her back, filled with as many supplies as she could bring with her. As she ran, she spotted her true love, Fire Fall, waiting at the edge of the forest. The two had certainly grown over the years from the young foals they used to be, and their relationship had certainly evolved immensely. Chrysalis smiled as she ran faster, skidding to a stop just before Fire Fall. The young stallion smiled upon her arrival.
“I’m sorry I’m late…” Chrysalis gasped, catching her breath.
“Don’t be sorry, you’re right on time,” Fire Fall smiled, with assurance. “There’s no stopping us now. I’ve got it all figured out.”
Rarity: My word, he is quite the handsome looking one.
Applejack: I have agree, he it a mighty catch for her
Fire Fall proceeded to reach into his own saddlebag and pulled out a rolled-up parchment which he carefully spread along the tree. Using his wings to hold the map in place, he placed a hoof along the north edge of the map.
“Exactly! To the untrained eye there isn’t, so no pony will think to look there, Chrysalis,” Fire Fall explained. “I know of a caravan who makes deliveries to lands beyond the map, the kind that counts on the stars as their guides and asks no questions in return. We’ll join them tonight, vanish completely out of sight, and go where the road decides. We’ll have no obligations…
“Or mothers to obey,” Chrysalis smiled tearfully. “Maybe we can travel on the sea?”
“Sure! I’ll tend the sails and you can steer,” Fire Fall added. “We’ll watch the waves roll on endlessly till all of Equestria disappears. Until there’s just the two of us… on top of the world.”
“We’ll leave all thoughts about the future to some future day. Follow wherever the wind starts blowing. The kind of life we’ve dreamt of.”
“Tonight… we’re never looking back,” Fire Fall declared. “I may not know exactly where we’re going, but we’ll keep going forward. We’ll vanish from all eyes in view, become a pair completely new. We’ll find our own country, we’ll elope, and find a spot that lets a pony like me own a house, raise a child, and build a life… with you.”
Chrysalis looked upon him, tears streaming down her face as she smiled toward the pony. He then proceeded to put the map back into his back and stretched out his limbs with a groan.
“Are you ready to go?” Fire Fall asked excitedly.
“With you, I’m ready for anything,” Chrysalis replied.
The two shared a quick passionate kiss before taking off through the forest. They fan for a good while before the sound of approaching hooves caught their attention. Their eyes widened with horror as royal guard ponies, Unicorns, pursued the pair.
Arctic: (his eyes widen in shock) Wait…those guards. They look like..(he begins to say)
“There it is!” One guard yelled. “I knew there was a changeling in this forest!”
“Get them!” Another guard yelled.
Shocked upon the discovery of their presence, Chrysalis fired a few blasts of magics toward the guards, who managed to dodge them expertly.
“Hurry! We can cut through the trees and lose them!” Fire Fall yelled.
The two lovers broke off the path and darted through a series of thick trees. Though they could still hear the guards following behind, eventually their hooves grew more and more distant.
“I think we’ve lost them!” Chrysalis exclaimed in relief.
“There’s a field just at the end of this path,” Fire Fall explained. “We just need to stay ahead of them until we…”
Suddenly, bolas were hurled through the air and wrapped themselves around Chrysalis legs. Fire Fall stopped and turned as the changeling fell to the ground.
“Chrysalis!” Fire Fall yelled.
Fluttershy: O-Oh no…(she said worried)
Chrysalis tried to break free but found she couldn’t. The bolas were made from a special material both incredibly strong and impervious to magic. No matter how much she struggled, she couldn’t break free. The royal guards burst through the trees, surrounding the princess.
“We got her now!” One guard declared. “Keep her still till Princess Celestia arrives!”
“Get your bloody hooves off her!” Fire Fall yelled.
The Pegasus stallion leapt into the fray, fighting off the guards in an effort to save his love. He nicked one guard back and struck another into a tree. But soon enough, the remainder of the guards piled upon him until they had him restrained. Suddenly, a blinding white light enveloped the entire forest. All eyes stared into the sky as Princess Celestia herself lowered herself from the sky toward the open ground. The Princess of Equestria was still as tall and regal back then as she was now. Except her mane wasn’t a glowing rainbow, rather a soft pink. The princess walked toward Chrysalis, who still struggled to break free, and the princess looked down upon the changeling with disappointment.
“Princess Chrysalis, I presume?” Celestia spoke. “You know your kind isn’t welcome in Equestria.”
Arctic: Celestia… they were her guards
“What do you think I’ve done?!” Chrysalis cried, tearfully. “I haven’t done anything!”
“You know the rules,” Celestia responded, firmly. “Your mother and I agreed that her subjects would stay on their grounds, while we stay on ours. Then I hear word of a Changeling roaming in the woods upon pony grounds and I cannot cast aside my concerns any further. Do you know how many rules you’ve violated just being here? And now I find you with one of ‘my’ subjects in your clutches.”
“She didn’t hold me against my will!” Fire Fall cried out, struggling. “I wanted to be with her; she’s my best friend!”
“Changelings will say and do anything to make you ‘think’ such thoughts, young Fire Wall,” Celestia spoke calmly. “We keep our races separated for each other’s survival; you cannot ignore a thousand years of tradition.”
“I don’t want to survive!” Fire Fall argued. “I want to live! WE want to live!”
“Listen to me Fire Fall,” Celestia spoke, slightly raising her voice. “You are not well; you’re not thinking clearly. I cannot ignore my duties to the ponies first. If her mother ever knew what happened tonight… no… no, I cannot risk my subjects in another world. The princess must remain with her people, and you are to remember who you are and where you stand. You must let her go… and be a pony.”
There were a series of gaps and shocked from this.
Rarity: S-She can’t really mean that!
Sci-Twi: Rarity right!… I-I can’t believe she really mean that.
Fire Fall looked up toward the towering gaze of Princess Celestia herself, then slowly turned toward Chrysalis, seeing her hooves bound and cuffed. She eyed Fire Fall, tears streaming down her face, silently begging for him. He looked upon her for a moment, reading her face for any hint of deceit or deception, just as his princess implied. But then his gaze changed to determination, as he slowly closed his eyes to think for himself.
“No…” Fire Fall muttered.
All the guards gasped, as they nervously faced their princess, who seemed just as surprised.
“What?” Princess Celestia responded.
“No… I’m not doing it!” Fire Fall answered louder. “My name is Fire Fall; I am a Pegasus of Cloudsdale! And for the first time in my life, I ‘am’ thinking clearly. I’ve spent my whole life afraid of what ponies think of me, but I will NOT give up the only good thing I’ve ever had just because YOU’RE scared of the Changelings!”
Fire Fall forced himself up against the guards, who struggled to keep him down. But the princess, instead, made one gesture with her wing and on silent command the guards backed away so the pony could speak for himself, standing in defiance against his own ruler.
“Her name… is Chrysalis!” Fire Fall addressed Chrysalis. “She may not be a pony, but she’s ‘good’… better than I deserve, but nothing scares me more than hurting her. We are leaving Equestria tonight, Princess Celestia… we are leaving, together! I just want you to accept us!”
All the ponies in the forest that night wereunderstandably shocked by Fire Fall’s choice of words. Never before had there been a pony who would defy the sacred laws bestowed upon them by the almighty alicorns themselves, yet here was a single Pegasus who dared challenge Celestia’s authority and willingly casting aside his own ponyhood… just to be with a changeling. And for a moment, all Celestia could do was look at this pony in the eye, her own subject determined to destroy his own life just to be with some pony else… and not even a pony.
‘Accept them?’ she thought. How could she possibly accept this? A union between a pony and a changeling. She knows her mother all too well, could she deny everything that the Changeling Queen would threaten to do… just for one pony’s belief? On the other hoof, could she deny her own subject… a pony’s love for this one princess. On the other hoof, how can Princess Celestia turn against generation upon generation of pony faith, her own people. If she tried to bend that far… she’ll break. On the other hoof…
No… there was no other hoof.
“Take Fire Fall and arrange for his transport,” Princess Celestia ordered the guards.
“NOOO!!!” Chrysalis cried out.
Fluttershy: W-Wait! P-Please don’t!
Pinkie Pie: you’re making a mistake!
The guards suddenly ganged up on Fire Fall, who struggled to fight back but the bonds limited him. They pulled him away, as he was forced to watch the other guards lift Chrysalis onto her feet and the Changeling cried out for his name, as she tried to pull free. All the while Princess Celestia stood her ground, watching the guards drag the Pegasus away.
“I’m doing this for your own good, Fire Fall,” Princess Celestia spoke, keeping a straight face. “Until your mind is clear, we are taking you to a place where you will be treated. You will not be allowed to return home until this spell goes away.”
Juniper: She.. She thinks his under a spell?!
Rainbow Dash: That’s that’s totally messed up! Like, you can say that without proving it! His one of your subjects and you should know and believe what’s true!
Applejack: I have to agree, this is no way to treat your own subjects
“You’re wrong! There IS no magic! I love her!” Fire Fall yelled. “CHRYSALIS!!!”
“Have him arranged to be on the next boat,” Celestia instructed her guards.
“CHRYSALIS…!!!”
“YOU MONSTER!!!” Chrysalis shouted toward Celestia. “GIVE HIM BACK TO ME! GIVE HIM BACK!!!”
“As for ‘you’… Chrysalis,” Celestia addressed the princess. “You step hoof upon our grounds, submitting yourself to judgment. On this very night, I pass it now…
“EXILE!!!”
“NOOOOOOO!!!” Fire Fall shouted.
“If you or your other Changelings dare to step foot upon our lands again, the consequences will be disastrous,” Celestia continued. “You are to return to your kingdom, right now… and you are NEVER to set foot here… ever. Take her to the boundaries of the badlands… but do not harm her.”
The guards proceeded to drag the crying princess into a chariot with magically embedded bars to prevent an escape. They proceeded to thrust the princess inside and sealed the doors, as Chrysalis tried to bang her way against the iron prying her inside. Two Pegasus guards proceeded to take off with their captive at hand, slowly approaching the sky as Chrysalis tried to break free.
“CHRYSALIS!!!”
And the princess looked down as Fire Fall somehow managed to pry his way from the guards and raced toward the departing chariot while the other ponies followed, among them… the princess Celestia herself.
“Fire Fall!” Chrysalis shouted, reaching out.
“Fire Fall… stop!” Celestia begged.
“CHRYSALIS!!!” Fire Fall cried out, tearfully.
“FIRE FALL!!!”
“Stop him!” The captain of the guards ordered.
Fire Fall kept shouting for Chrysalis, as the guards eventually caught up to him. They lifted him up while his hooves hung over the ground beneath him, he vainly reached his front hooves for the chariot as it flew higher into the sky. All while Princess Celestia could only look on, as her pink mane flew in the night breeze.
“Chrysalis! Fly back to me!” Fire Fall begged. “Chrysalis! I love you! Fly back to me!”
And Chrysalis could only look down, eyes streaming like rainfall as the ponies below her disappeared from view. The guards dragging Fire Fall away resembling nothing but tiny ants. And among them, the Queen Ant… Celestia… somehow looking up toward the chariot yet the princess couldn’t read her face. All Chrysalis could do was look… and could still hear Fire Fall’s cries of desperation, the last words she ever heard… before he vanished forever…
“Fly back to me, Chrysalis!”
Silence filled the theater room once more as everyone couldn’t believe what they heard and saw.
Arctic: I… I need to step out. (He said slowly getting up and went out of the room)
Fluttershy: You girls think…t-that all happened.
Applejack: I-I don’t know, they way she acted, the way she felt actually saddest towards Sweeney and says she knows his pain.
Sci-Twi: But..The Princess wouldn’t do something that horrible.. separate two lovers just because they’re different.. right?
Rarity: I-I don’t wanna believe that, Princess Celestia would do something like that.. but we don’t have any way of knowing if this is true or not.
Present…
“For months… I searched all across Equestria,” Chrysalis continued, holding back tears. “But I never found him… all I found was the wreckage of the boat they took him in. I tried to fly to him… just like he asked me to… but I was too late.”
Mr. Todd and Mrs. Lovett listened intently to the story this poor changeling Queen told them. Though their faces didn’t show, they felt sorry for her. Naturally Sweeney hid his emotions too well, but Mrs. Lovett couldn’t help but wipe away some stray tears off her eyes.
“I’m sorry to hear of your troubles dear,” Mrs. Lovett told her. “Can’t imagine how that must’ve felt.”
“That’s why you want to help me,” Sweeney said.
“If I don’t help you get your revenge, then I know I never will,” Chrysalis choked out. “I want Judge Turpin and the Beadle to pay for what they did to you, the same way that I want Celestia to pay for what she did to me!”
Mr. Todd looked over at Mrs. Lovett, who only gave him a simple shrug. Sweeney then turned back toward Chrysalis, contemplating his decision. As far as his revenge was concerned, he really wanted no one in his way… he’d stand alone. Then again, having aid in this venture would help him. Making his decision, he simply gave a simple nod of approval which earned one from Chrysalis as well.
“First… I must have my shop back,” Todd declared.
“Right… certainly won’t make headway out there in the streets,” Mrs. Lovett pointed out. “Let’s see about getting you two some accommodations.”
The Girls started to scared and worried not liking where things are going.
Mrs. Lovett led Sweeney and Chrysalis out the back door of the pie shop to the open outdoor dining area. Thankfully, the entire area was completed deserted which made it easier to sneak a demented barber and a changeling out of the shop. She proceeded to scale the exterior staircase to the darkened second floor room. Unlocking the door, which hadn’t been opened in years, she pushed it open and led them inside.
“Come along,” She urged them.
Without hesitation, Chrysalis climbed up the stairs as Sweeney Todd slowly followed. A macabre shroud of dust and spider webs blanketed the entire room, old furniture was covered in sheets and peeling paint. A broken mirror hung on one wall. As they entered, the door creaked like a living thing. Looking around, Chrysalis and Todd could see the place had been let go these last fifteen years.
“I suppose this will do,” Chrysalis said, looking around. “At least there’s a roof over our heads.”
“Not to worry, a touch of oil will put that right,” Mrs. Lovett assured her. “Nothing to be afraid of, love, come in.”
As the ladies moved into the room, Todd hesitated at the door, looking into the room. For him this was truly a haunted place. As he slowly walked around what was once a family room, so many ghosts of memories came flooding back to him. He walked over to a corner of the room where a sheet covered something, and he slowly pulled it off revealing his daughter’s old crib and her doll. How he wished he could have been here to watch her grow up. Now instead, she’d only ever know him as a complete stranger.
Rarity: If only his wife was still alive, she would’ve protect their daughter until he came
The sound of creaking drew his attention once more. Mrs. Lovett knelt over and pried loose a floorboard. Underneath there was a hidden area. From there, she pulled out a box covered in a dusty velvet cloth. Both Sweeney and Chrysalis walked over, kneeling down beside her as she removed it and carefully unwrapped the cloth. Her touch was particularly gentle and respectful. Before their eyes was a fine leather case. Lovett looked at it for a moment, then turned to Todd while dusting it off.
“I don’t believe it…” Todd gasped silently.
“When they came for the girl, I hid them,” Lovett informed. “I thought, who knows? Maybe the silly blighter’ll be back again. Could have sold them but I didn’t.”
Sweeney Todd slowly reached out and took the box in his hands, as though he’d just been handed the most precious treasure in the world.
“What is it?” Chrysalis asked.
No response was forthcoming though. Sweeney just opened the box, slowly, seeing it contained a beautiful set of silver barbed razors. Sweeney stood for a long moment, gazing down at his beloved razors. Gently and slowly, he traced his fingers over the metallic shaving instruments as Chrysalis stared in amazement.
“They’re beautiful,” Chrysalis gasped, with admiration.
“Those handles are chased silver, ain’t they?” Mrs. Lovett asked.
“Silver, yes…” Sweeney nodded, picking one up.
Sweeney Todd: (sings) These are my friends, see how they glisten. See this one shine, how he smiles in the light. My friend. My faithful friend…He held the razor to his ear, feeling the edge with his thumb, as if he could hear the voice of the tool speaking to its old master.
Sweeney Todd: (sings) Speak to me, friend. Whisper…I'll listen. I know, I know—you've been locked out of sight All these years, like me! My friend… Well I've come home to find you waiting. Home, and we're together! And we'll do wonders, won't we…?
Mrs. Lovett proceeded to lean over him, in her own kind of trance as well. Chrysalis stood idly watching them sing simultaneously as Todd now held ‘two’ razors.
Sweeney Todd (w/Mrs. Lovett): (sings) You there, my friend, (I'm your friend too, Mr. Todd) Come, let me hold you (If you only knew, Mr. Todd) Now, with a sigh (Ooh, Mr. Todd) You grow warm in my hand. (You're warm in my hand.) My Friend! (You've come home!) My clever friend. (Always had a fondness for you, I did…)
Todd proceeded to put one of the razors back in the box.
Sweeney Todd (w/Mrs. Lovett): (sings) Rest now my friends, (Never you fear, Mr. Todd) Soon, I'll unfold you. (You can move in here, Mr. Todd) Soon you'll know splendors you never have dreamed all your days (Splendors you never have dreamed all your days—will be yours!) My lucky friends (I'm your friend—) 'Til now your shine (And now you're mine! Don't they shine beautiful?) Was merely silver (Silver's good enough for me, Mr. T.) Friends you shall drip rubies, you'll soon drip precious Rubies…
The girls felt cold and a shivered go down their backs as they shared a look and gulped
Pinkie Pie: Y-You don’t thinks his gonna use them for …”that” is he?
Rainbow Dash: I..think he is Flutters
Sweeney Todd gazed into the reflection of the silver razor; a sick twisted smirk spread over the thought of what he could do with them. He also saw Chrysalis in the mirror alongside him, seeing the trace of her own troubled past in her gaze. How it just seemed to make it fit that much more. The only part of the reflection he felt shouldn’t be in the picture… was Mrs. Lovett. He turned slightly to look at the woman, leaning too comfortably into his shoulder.
“Leave us, now!” He ordered her.
Chrysalis looked toward the woman as well, for she had a good idea of what Mr. Todd was on about.
“Mr. Todd and I have planning to do,” She concluded.
Mrs. Lovett merely gave a shrug as she stood back up and made her way out of the room, closing the door behind her. Sweeney Todd stood back up to his full height, holding his biggest razor out before him with a smirk on his face. Chrysalis could swear she actually saw a white light shining down on him and his instrument of destruction.
“At last, my arm is complete again!” Sweeney smirked.
“And with it, we will do such wonderful… terrible things!” She grinned wickedly.
And thus, Chrysalis and Sweeney Todd stood side by side, staring out the large window overlooking Fleet Street and all of London exalted. Gazing out toward distorted images of every able body walking his streets… gentlemen, the bankers, and generals alike. He would lift his razor high, sinking it upon every rosy skin in his pursuit of devilish righteousness. For he had seen how ‘civilized men’ behaved, this Chrysalis could see clearly. Someone who never forgot… who never forgave… a Demon Barber of Fleet Street… with the most horrific demon of them all.
With their combined efforts, these two unhinged individuals standing side-by-side, one thing was absolutely certain…
Mayhem is coming…
The Equestrian and Juniper felt worried and dread and could only imagine what the two of them were planning on doing. But, as there thoughts were drifting on the teamwork, Rarity looked back a bit towards the doors.
Rarity: I hope you’re doing ok, Arctic. (She said in her thoughts)
Outside the doors, the boy was leaning against the door a bit as his thoughts were drifting toward what Chrysalis had saw
Arctic:… Was all that true? Did Celestia do that to her? Could Chrysalis not be the person she is today if she still have Fire Fall? So many questions about this with so little answers….and we only know one side of the story. Maybe, if it’s possible I can see if we can look into this when this is over. But still, I don’t think she deserves to lose someone she loved with all her heart.
Comment posted by ArcticAce01 deleted Jul 14th, 2023
11638094 Thanks for letting me know, was having a problem submitting it when I finished as it was taking awhile to fully go through, so I had to refresh page then resubmit it.
Didn’t realize it went through the first time as it didn’t say it did when I tried to upload it
Regardless about where all our opinions lie on Chrysalis’s background, there is one thing we can agree on….and that is that Phantom-Dragon is going to have quite the challenge with the commentaries due to the revelations that have just recently been revealed.
Later that same day, the sky finally cleared, and the dark clouds began to dissipate. Granted, London was still gray and cloudy but at least one wouldn’t worry about an impending storm.
Alastor: "Like they ever had a choice? Ha ha ha ha!"
“How can she even end up living with a man as horrid as him?” Rarity asked, confused. “He’s clearly not the father, after all. Can’t imagine a parent as cruel as that man.”
“Eh… I can name maybe one or two,” Rainbow Dash shrugged.
Angel Dust: "I can! My dad is one of them."
“This is Victorian London after all,” Twilight Sparkle explained. “In these times, men held far superior rank over women, especially in the household. Even if they’re not related by blood, not to mention him being a judge, Turpin must be so corrupted by power he believes whatever he says or does is best for her.”
Angel Dust: "Meh. Not big on politics." (To Vaggie) "Makes ya glad you didn't have to live in that time period, eh, Toots?"
Vaggie: (Shoves Angel Dust off) "Oh fuck off!"
“All that confirms is he’s a super duper big fat stupid meanie pants!” Pinkie Pie pouted. “I said we should throw a fake party, but now I’m thinking he doesn’t deserve any sort of part. Too bad for him… still would’ve been a great bash.”
Cheese Sandwich: "I second that notion."
Party Favor: "I third that notion!"
Loona: (Texting on her phone) "You asses wouldn't know a party until you meets Bee. She's hotter." (Looks at her photo gallery) "So is my boyfriend."
Derick: (Tries to sneak a peek at Loona's phone) "Ooh! Who's that–" (Gets punched in the face by Loona) "Ow-eth."
“I’m beginning to suspect our being here is to save Johanna from a clearly abusive household,” Twilight theorized. “We can clearly see how she’s being treated, and she needs to get away.”
Big Mac: "Eeyup."
“No kiddin’,” Applejack nodded. “That there judge is as mean as a rattlesnake. But wut are we supposed tah do?”
“Why don’t we just sneak her out of the house ourselves?” Rainbow suggested. “A few locked doors won’t keep us out.”
Big Mac: "Nope."
“That probably won’t work,” Twilight shook her head. “And even if we did, Turpin would notice she’s gone right away and have the law chasing us before we even get very far.”
“We could just wait until he’s off on business,” Spike suggested.
“Spike, if he were going far enough away, Johanna would be with him,” Twilight responded. “I wouldn’t put it past Turpin to do that.”
Big Mac: "Nope."
Husk: "Why don't you all just take a gun and blow his brain out and get it over with already?"
Angel Dust: (To Husk) "Why Husky. I didn't know you were into that kind of thing, handsome~"
Husk: (To Angel Dust) "That's not what I mean...creep."
Starlight Glimmer: (To Angel Dust and Husk) "Okay, first of all, you guys are very creepy." (To Charlie) "No offense."
Charlie Morningstar: (Shrugs) "None taken."
Starlgiht Glimmer: "And second of all, no way would Twilight and our friends go as far as killing someone! Our friends are not killers! They would never go that far..."
Charlie Morningstar: "I wholeheartedly appreciate that. Besides, if I'm being honest...Hell's got one too many sinners to go around, overpopulating and...stuff."
“Yeesh, not only is he mean but that man’s just creepy,” Pinkie Pie shuddered. “Reminds me of an unfriendly face from one of our previous adventures… actually if you dye his hair till it’s very dark and compare the voices… yeah, I can just see the resemblance.”
Silverstream: "We were just talking about that!"
Yona: "Yona agrees!"
Gallus: "Then we're all officially in agreement. Professor Snape is a big asshole!"
Silverstream: (To Gallus) "Gallus! Language!"
Gallus: (To Silverstream) "Sorry." (Points to the sinners) "Being around these guys, it's starting to rub off on me..."
“Hold up y’all!” Applejack interrupted suddenly.
Coming to a quick halt, every pony and Spike turned to see Applejack looking at a nearby street sign which read, ‘Fleet Street’.
“Looks like we made it all right,” Applejack confirmed.
Husk: (Sarcasm) "Wow! Those ponies know how to read! Smart bitches..." (Chugs his booze)
The group continued down Fleet Street for a while, keeping a sharp eye out for potential places to stop and rest a while. Eventually, they came to a corner of the street where a building with a few broken windows stood. It was tatty and unloved, yet it had this strange, ghostly presence to it. The building itself was imposing and dead at the same time, which made Fluttershy a slight nervous looking at it.
Alastor: :D "Hmmm. Looks about as quaint as the Hazbin Hotel!"
Charlie Morningstar: "Uh, actually. It's the Happy Hotel?"
Its structure had a chimney that blew smoke into the sky and through one of the cracked windows they could see an exterior staircase leading to a darkened second floor room with a large skylight window on the roof that overlooked the street. They stood before the front of the shop, considering it deeply as they noticed a long sign on the outside of the building which read:
Mrs. Lovett’s Meat Pies
Alastor: (Looks interested) "Mmmmm. Meat Pies you say? Haven't had one of those in centuries, or so."
The name alone made the girls cringe in disgust.
“Meat… pies?” Twilight gulped, disgusted. “Maybe we should keep going.”
“Yeah… even ‘I’ wouldn’t eat that!” Pinkie Pie shook her head.
Big Mac: (Cringing) "Nope."
Marble Pie: "Nuh-uh!"
Princess Luna: "I think I'm going to be sick."
Vaggie: (To the ponies) "Well, considering you ponies' appetites are all vegetarians, I don't blame you..."
Charlie Morningstar: (Covers her mouth) "Meat...and pie?"
Gilda: "Actually, color me intrigued. That's a new one."
Gabby: "Ditto! I mean, I've eaten Chicken Pot Pie before, but I wonder what meat pie is like!"
Ember: "Same. Gemstones are good and all, like nature's rock candy. But Ancalagon forbids, we've got to have meat in our diet now and then."
Alastor: (Smiles...like always) "Well, it's nice to see so that there are a select few who appreciate a good SLICE OF LIFE now and then. Ha ha! And I am rather intrigued about this Lovett's Meat Pies. I have a rather unquenchable liking for rare steaks, and I have been known to make it my business to try out every meat cuisine in the world. You never know what could become my favorite."
“Come on girls, we can’t keep walking forever,” Spike urged. “We don’t have to eat anything; we’ll just sit down for a while.”
The girls watched as Spike made his way towards the shop. After a moment of contemplation, the girls walked after Spike. As they neared the shop, they noticed two other people making their way over as well. One was a man with wild-looking hair with a white streak and the other was a young woman with golden hair. They glanced toward Spike, who had stridden his way into the shop, as their eyes darted toward the girls.
Alastor: "AH! A lovely rendezvous between the two leading stars of the story it seems!"
Sweeney Todd gave no response, merely a curt nod and nothing more. Meanwhile, Chrysalis glared at the sight of the six humanized ponies. She knew that with the hair, their eyes, the voices, and especially their pigmentation, there was no mistake she could recognize those meddling ponies which means the young man that went in was none other than their dragon stooge.
Alastor: "You know. If I were to disguise myself and not draw too many unwanted attention, first thing I'd do is change how I look. The dresses are lovely, but the hair, the eyes, the skin pigmentation, and the voices certainly don't fool anyone. I would mix it up. Become my new originality! Keeps it classic! Unlike the same boring ol' channels of Vox's playing on re-runs, remaking itself over and over and over again and again and again and again, until it loses its value..."
“Good day,” She greeted back.
Sweeney Todd pushed the door open first and took a step into the shop following the human dragon. From behind him, the rest of the group got a good look at the shop. The place was crawling with roaches and all sorts of bugs.
Vaggie: "ICK! That place isn't passing the health inspection anytime soon!"
Angel Dust: "Do they even have one of those back in those days? Seriously, do they? Because I fluck in history class."
Niffty: "Oh man! That place is really filthy! It could really use a lady's touch!"
Diamond Tiara: "Voma trocious!"
Silver Spoon: "Eeyup!"
Every square inch of the shop looked as though it was covered with an inch of filth. Behind the dusty counter, there was one single occupant.
A venal, vigorous, and slatternly woman in her forties, wearing an old looking dress. She was currently busy chopping a loathsome mess of suet with a wicked looking knife, her greasy hair hanging down over her face. This woman was Mrs. Eleanor Lovett, or just Mrs. Lovett as people called her. Upon hearing the door open -- and the bell at the door sounds -- her head snapped up and she dawned a surprised look, eyeing the group like a bird of prey.
Random Dude: "AAAAAHH!!! BELLATRIX LESTRANGE! AHHHH!!!" (Runs away)
Angel Dust: (Watches random dude running for his life) "Where the fuck is he running off to?"
Mina: (To Angel Dust) "Oh, don't mind him. That's just Random Dude being...random. Does that all the time. He kinda knows his movies a lot more than, Dr. Phantom-Dragon does."
Angel Dust: (To Mina) "Really? Any chance he knows some good dicks I can fuck?"
Mina: "...Ew! No!"
Angel Dust: "Meh. Whatever."
“Customers!” She gasped.
She quickly stabbed the knife into the countertop and made her way around the corner towards the startled group, who started to go. But she seemed so pleased to finally see customers in her shop, they couldn’t help but stop when she started… singing:
Ember: "Oh no. More singing!" (Covers her ears again)
Random Demon: "Oh for fuck sake! We've already had to suffer through a shitty song about rainbows and cupcakes from the Pilot of our indie animated show on VoxTube!"
Husk: "It's Hell up here than it is down there. You'll get used to it..."
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): Wait, what's yer rush? What's yer hurry? You gave me such a -- Fright, I thought you was a ghost. Half a minute, cant'cher? Sit! Sit ye down! Sit! All I meant is that I haven't seen a customer for weeks.
Lovett quickly pulled Sweeney Todd into the shop and quickly sat him down at a nearby table. The remainder of the group followed behind him, with Chrysalis taking a seat beside Todd at his table while the Mane Six sat with Spike at the other. Chrysalis glared venomously toward the human Equestrians before turning her attention back to Mrs. Lovett, who made her way back behind the counter.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): Did you come here for a pie, sir? Do forgive me if me head's a little vague-- Ugh! What is that? But you'd think we had the plague--
As she sang, she plucked a cockroach running along the counter, threw it on the ground, and stomped on it a few times. From their table, the Mane Six and Spike noticed numerous cockroaches running around their feet. Rarity and Twilight shrieked fearfully while Rainbow, Applejack, and Spike stomped a few in their way.
“Sweet Celestia!” Rarity shrieked. “Disgusting!”
“The health department needs to get in and do something about this!” Rainbow complained, mid-stomp.
Yona: "YONA NOT LIKE ROACHES!"
Yaks: "YAKS HATE ROACHES! YAKS SMASH! YAKS SMASH! YAKS SMASH!!" (Proceeds to bounces around the theater, causing everyone to fly up in the air, repeatedly)
Random Patron: "My leg!"
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): From the way that people-- Keep avoiding-- No, you don't! Heaven knows I try, sir! Tsk! But there's no one comes in even to inhale-- Tsk! Right you are, sir. Would you like a drop of ale? Mind you, I can't hardly blame them--
Meanwhile, Mrs. Lovett came around with two pies, which she blew the last dust off and plopped them down in front of Sweeney and Spike. Taking a single look at the meat pies, both Spike and Todd could see that these pies looked moldy and unappetizing.
At the same time, the meat pies magically appeared in Discord's Theater and plopped in front of the audience's tables. Needless to say, the ponies and other vegetarians all had a disgusted look on their faces, while the carnivores, like the griffons, dragons, and their demon guests all have a rather interested look on their faces.
Gabby: "Well, it is pie day. So..."
The meat eating audience members all gave a shrug and took a bite out of their pies.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): These are probably the worst pies in London.
The poor unfortunate souls who took a bite out of the pies immediately regretted their decision, with their bloodshot eyes bulging out.
I know why nobody cares to take them-- I should know, I make 'em. But good? No! The worst pies in London
Audience Members: "EEEWWWWW!!!!" (Threw up and spitting out the meat pies they had the misfortune to eat)
Gilda: "EW!" (Spits out the pie meat she ate) "Now I know how Rainbow Dash feels!"
Ember: (Gagging and coughing) "BLECH! DISGUSTING! This is why we don't speak of Ēferno no, no, no!"
Yaks: "YAK SMASH! YAK SMASH!"
Mina: "Uh, everyone. Please! Settle down now, please!"
Charlie Morningstar: "Everyone! STOP–" (A pie gets thrown at Charlie, hitting her in the face) "Ew! Not gonna lie, but this definitely tastes like shit."
Vaggie: "Blech! Who would eat this?!" (Sees Alastor is the only one enjoying the pies) "I stand corrected."
Meanwhile, in her seat, Loona had taken one bite out of the pie, when she suddenly works up a drool. Her mouth was foaming, and she grabbed her throat, barking like a mad dog.
Derick: (Jumps into Carrie's hooves) "SHE'S GONE RABID!"
Loona then makes a grab for something to wash the horrible flavor out of her mouth.
Angel Dust: (Was just about to drink himself a liquor, when Loona stole it) "HEY!"
Loona chugs down the entire bottle of liquor, when she realizes something different about. She looked to see what she thought was liquor, was actually: VOLCANO SAUCE.
"By the powers of naughtiness, I command this particular drop of hot sauce to be really, really hot!"
Loona's whole face was boiling red, with steam flying out of her ears, as she suddenly breathes fire. And with her poor sore throat even more sore, the hellhound was running around the theater, knocking all the pies up in the air...which all came back down on Tempest Shadow.
Tempest Shadow: "I'm being punished. Aren't I?" (Gets pummeled by all the flying pies)
Even that's polite. The Worst pies in London-- If you doubt it, take a bite.
Gilda: "Oh no..." (Scrubs her tongue with a rock) "I believe it..."
Random dragon: "Lady...see...a...doctor!" (Keels over on the floor)
Meanwhile, Loona continues running around the theater, like a mad dog...because she's literally a mad dog.
Sweeney picked up his pie and took a single bite out of it. Spike too picked up his own pie, staring about when he noticed his friends eyeing him with disgust.
“What?” He questioned. “Meat’s actually a part of my dragon diet. Yeah, I’m cool with eating hay and gems but it’s nice to indulge every now and again.”
“It’s not even that Spike,” Twilight cringed. “We understand your dietary needs, but she just said they’re the ‘Worst Pies in London’. Why would you even eat one?”
“Come on, how bad can they be?” Spike chuckled.
Discord: "As the Lord of Chaos, I'd advise against saying things like that."
Spike proceeded to take one bite of the pie… and froze. Within a second, his tongue was completely overwhelmed by the horrible flavor within the pie. He dropped it right back onto the plate as his face started turning green and he felt himself about to vomit.
Discord: "Told you so."
Alastor: "That little dragon fella just couldn't help but tempt fate, now does he?"
All the while, Mrs. Lovett kept singing as she poured some mugs of ale.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): Is that just disgusting? You have to concede it. It's nothing but crusting-- Here, drink this, you'll need it-- The worst pies in London.
She proceeded to place the mugs in front of Sweeney and Spike. Spike snatched his mug up and started to drink the entire mug in a single gulp. Just anything that could help rid the taste out of his mouth.
He ain't the only one.
Loona quickly makes a grab for her phone, desperately texting to a friend.
Loona: [Texting to Bee]: "Bee! EMERGENCY! Help! SAVE ME! BAD MEAT! Need! Your! DRINK! ASAP!!"
In the blink of an eye, a portal opened up, as a pair of hands came out and gave Loona her request. Loona quickly chugs down the alcoholic drink, and sighed in relief.
Meanwhile, he swore he also saw a roach crawl from out of the pie.
Gabby: "Guess that explains the bad taste..." (Stops herself from throwing up)
Sweeney, meanwhile, took a sip and swished the ale around his mouth a bit while Mrs. Lovett kept making more pies, slamming lumps of dough on the counter, rolling them out, and grunting frequently.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): And no wonder with the price of meat What it is--when you get it. Never-- Thought I'd live to see the day Men'd think it was a treat Findin' poor animals Wot are dying in the street. Mrs. Mooney has a pie shop, Does a business, but I noticed something weird-- Lately all her neighbors' cats have disappeared. Have to hand it to her--wot I calls Enterprise--popping pussies into pies! Wouldn't do in my shop-- Just the thought of it's enough to make you sick. And I'm telling you them pussy cats is quick.
"Someone... actually... makes pies... out of poor little kitties?" Fluttershy squeaked.
The very thought of it alone made Fluttershy break down in tears as her friends tried to calm her.
Discord: "YOU MONSTER! How dare you made, Fluttershy cry?!"
Alastor: (To Discord) "Well, what can she say? It's a dog eat dog world. But cats have nine lives until their numbers are up!"
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): No denying times is hard, sir -- Even harder than the worst pies in London. Only lard and nothing more-- Is that just revolting? All greasy and gritty? It looks like it's molting, And tastes like--well, pity... A woman alone with limited wind And the worst pies in London!!! Ah, sir, times is hard. Times is hard!!!
As she finished her song, she noticed one more roach running across the counter and used her pin roller to smash it. The rest of the Mane Six continued to console Fluttershy while Sweeney Todd and Spike continued gulping their ales trying to wash down Mrs. Lovett’s hideous creations.
“Trust me, dearies, it’s going to take more than ale to wash that taste out,” She informed them, before eying the girls. “Any of you care to try a pie?”
Smolder: "NO!" (Proceeds to brush her teeth with toothpaste and a toothbrush) "That was vile!" (Points at Discord and Alastor) "YOU ARE GETTING A ONE STAR REVIEW!" (Does a spit-take, then resumes cleaning her teeth again)
“No kidding!” Spike groaned. “I need something to wash this taste out of my mouth. Water, mouthwash, mustard… anything really.”
Spike quickly hopped up and made his way out of the shop while the rest of the Mane Six followed close behind. Once outside the shop, Spike quickly raced to a nearby alley and upchucked whatever was in his stomach. Soon as he finished, he emerged with his face now entirely flushed.
“That was horrible!” He grumbled. “I’m officially never, ever, EVER eating any kind of meat… again!”
Gilda: "...I don't blame him. After this...I think I'm going to be a vegetarian for a long time."
Charlie Morningstar: "Here. Have some cupcakes." (Loona snatches it from Charlie) "Oh no, Loona! Wait! IT'S–" (Cringes) "Chocolate."
“Spike, you literally ate rotten muffins out of the garbage once,” Rainbow reminded him.
“Even they tasted better than the pie,” Spike groaned, clutching his stomach.
Big Mac: "Nope."
Derpy: "Ick! That's disgusting!"
Gabby: "Yeah. TMI, Spike. I love you, but...we're gonna have to talk about some...boundaries, when you get back."
Angel Dust: "Eating muffins out of the garbage? What was he? Homeless?"
“It’s a miracle that place is even open,” Applejack said honestly. “Ah’ve seen mah fair share of nasty vittles in mah life, ah’m pretty sure that just topped them all.”
Big Mac: "Eeyup."
“Never thought I’d hear myself say this, but I’ve never been so happy to leave a bakery in my life!” Pinkie cringed.
Little Chipmunk Girl: "Why did the scary lady kill kittens?"
Crazy Steve: "I don't know, little Chipmunk Girl! These are dark days!"
“I think it’s high time we leave this place,” Rarity suggested.
“Couldn’t agree more, Rares,” Rainbow agreed.
Alastor: "Hmmm. A little too early to end the adventure there and now. We haven't even gotten to the main climax yet. Which is a no-no in storytelling, you know?"
“So, where are we supposed to go?” Twilight asked curiously. “How will we find a place to stay?”
“Did I hear you say you’re looking for a place to stay?”
The group immediately turned around at the sound of a new voice as a young man, Anthony, walked behind them.
Cherri Bomb: "Yo, Angel! Check it! It's your twin!"
He had his bag slung over his shoulder and his map book in his other hand.
“Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear,” He spoke up. “Am I correct to assume you’re trying to find somewhere for the night?”
“That’s right sir, we are,” Twilight nodded.
“Well, perhaps you’d care to come with me?” Anthony suggested. “I’m on my way to Hyde Park to find a lodging house as well. Just until my next excursion to the sea.”
Smolder: "Well, at least SOMEONE is hospitable enough..."
The Mane Six and Spike looked amongst each other as they tried to determine if this young gentleman was being honest with them. Being the Element of Honesty, Applejack decided to question him further.
“You ain’t foolin’ with us, are ya?” Applejack asked curiously.
Big Mac: "Nope."
“How do we know we can trust ya?”
Husk: "Spoiler alert: He fuckin' fell for your bug master of disguise's damsel-in-distress. So, he's no fucker! Just stupidily nice to strangers. True story. We saw the whole thing happening. Although, he is kinda creepy just going around, picking up random chicks."
Charlie Morningstar: (To Husk) "He's just being chivalrous. All good men are like that!"
Husk: (To Charlie) "...Who the fuck even cares? And what do these 'chivalry' get for their troubles? Hugs and a kiss? Or do the bitches just screw 'em over, until they have nothing left to lose?"
“Because unlike many a man with ill laden intentions, I hold a moral sense of principals,” Anthony answered. “There’s no reason for me to lie to any of you.”
Applejack analyzed his words and body language to determine if there was even a faint hint of falseness to what he said. When she found absolutely none at all, she gave a nod of approval.
“Looks like he’s tellin’ the truth,” Applejack smiled.
Charlie simply looks at Husk with raised eyebrows, while Husk simply rolled his eyes and resumed drinking his booze.
“So, what will it be then my ladies? Good sir?” Anthony asked the group.
“Anything’s better than sleeping in an alley,” Rainbow joked.
“Hush now Rainbow!” Rarity scolded. “Show a little curtesy. We thank you very much for your assistance, mister…”
“Anthony, ma’am,” Anthony greeted.
Angel Dust: (Smiles) "That's my name! Don't wear it!"
Cherri Bomb: (To Angel Dust) "Y'know, Angel. I know that guy isn't you. But right now, I'm kinda pretending that that's actually you with the girls, and I'm pretending to hear your voice coming out of that guy's mouth. Kinda weird, don't you think?"
Angel Dust: (To Cherri Bomb) "Actually, I don't know. Hmmm. Me? As that handsome stud? You're just making me blush."
“Thank you, Anthony,” Twilight reciprocated. “I’m Twilight and these are my friends Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike.”
“Pleasure to meet you all,” Anthony bowed his head. “Shall we be on our way?”
“By all means,” Spike replied. “Lead the way, pal.”
Anthony proceeded to walk ahead and make his way down the road. The rest of the group started to follow him closely, neither of them recognizing that sinking feeling of being… watched.
“They certainly were a nice lot,” Mrs. Lovett commented.
“Nice isn’t the word I would use,” Chrysalis scoffed, with a huff. “They’re pretentious, arrogant, and underhanded that’s what.”
Angel Dust: "Did she swallow a dictionary or something? 'Cause those are some really big words."
“Seemed nice to me,” Mrs. Lovett shrugged, walking back.
Big Mac: "Eeyup."
“Trust me, I know them,” Chrysalis replied. “They act nice and pure to everyone else. But deep down, they’re as corrupt and immoral as the lot of them.”
Pharynx: "How do you like about that? That's like talking to yourself in the mirror!"
“Come with me and we’ll get you a nice tumbler of gin,” She suggested.
“Got anything stronger?” Chrysalis sighed.
The Audience: "NOOOOOOOO!!!!"
Gilda: "Those pies were definitely the worst pies EVER!"
Crazy Steve: "YOU CALL YOURSELF A PIE?!"
Loona was vigorously trying to brush her teeth with two toothbrushes, then drinks a bottle of alcohol, then repeat.
Mrs. Lovett chuckled under her breath as the two individuals stood up from the table and followed her through the curtains at the back of the pie shop into the connecting living space. Her parlor was a wonder of seedy faux-middle class Victorian. Little knickknacks, dusty plants, and dingy doilies lined the walls and furniture. There was a threadbare mauve sofa in front of a comfortable fire. Passing by a faded postcard of a lovely seaside beach on the wall, Mrs. Lovett approached a nearby cabinet and pulled out a few glasses along with a bottle of gin.
“Isn’t this homey now?” Lovett asked, mid-pour. “Me cheery wallpaper was a real bargain too; it being only partly singed when the chapel burnt down…”
“Yes… lovely,” Chrysalis replied.
Big Mac: "Eeee...I've seen better."
Marble Pie: "Mmmm-hmmm."
“Here you are dear,” Mrs. Lovett handed Chrysalis a drink. “Drink it in good health.”
Charlie Morningstar: "Uh...no thank you."
Husk: "Actually, I'd like a cup or two..." (Mrs. Lovett's bottle appears in Husk's hands, to which he immediately chugs)
“There’s a good boy, now you sit down and warm your bones,” She told him. “You look chilled through.:
As Todd sat before the fire, he looked past Lovett to the stairs leading up to the second floor.
“You’ve a room over the shop don’t you?” He questioned. “If times are so hard, why don’t you rent it out?”
“Up there?” Mrs. Lovett responded, glancing up. “Oh, no one will go near it… people think it’s haunted.”
Stygian: "Haunted?!"
The intense probing nature of Lovett’s gaze seemed to get Chrysalis’s attention, enough to look up from her glass.
“Did you say ‘haunted’?” She asked.
“Yes,” Mrs. Lovett nodded. “And who’s to say they’re wrong? You see, years ago, something happened up there… something not very nice.”
Ember: "Oh nooooooo!!!!" (Collapses on the floor)
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): There was a barber and his wife, And he was beautiful, A proper artist with a knife, But they transported him for life. And he was beautiful...
Smolder: "Ooh. That was quick."
“Barker, his name was,” Mrs. Lovett informed them. “Benjamin Barker.”
“Transported?” Sweeney asked. “What was his crime?”
“… Foolishness.”
Again, Lovett turned toward the fire, the red glow bathing her face as she lost herself in her memories. Deciding a further understanding was in order, Chrysalis once more channeled her magic to enter the twisted, disturbed minds of these people in search of some measure of ‘truth’.
Discord: "Oh hooo-hoo! I'm going to need more popcorns!"
Fifteen years ago…
Chrysalis once more opened her eyes and found herself standing in the room above the pie shop. Everything was bright and vibrant, with striped wallpaper and an assortment of furniture. She turned over and noticed Barker’s wife, Lucy, sitting in a chair with their infant daughter in her arms as she looked out the large window to the city below. Her face was so downtrodden and sad following her husband’s wrongful exile, still recalling the love of her life stripped away from her.
Charlie Morningstar: (Turns to Vaggie) "I'd be just as heartbroken too, if I ever lost you, Vaggie." (Both she and Vaggie held each other's hands)
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): He had this wife, you see, Pretty little thing, silly little nit Had her chance for the moon on a string— Poor thing! Poor thing...
Eventually, Lucy stood from the chair, pacing, holding the baby closely to her. She was beyond distraught, strained even, tears flowing down her eyes. She paced toward a nearby table littered with dead and dying flowers, dozens of bouquets tossed aside and ignored. With a small shake of her head, she cradled her daughter closer as she walked back toward the window. Looking out into the streets, she noticed the all too familiar sight of Judge Turpin and Beadle Bamford standing there, looking up at her. As he had done every day since her husband’s exile, the Judge stood there holding another bouquet of flowers for her. Letting a single tear fall from her face, Lucy moved away from the window, sobbing.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): There was this Judge, you see, Wanted her like mad, Every day he'd send her a flower, But did she come down from her tower? Sat up there and sobbed by the hour, Poor fool. Ah, but there was worse yet to come, poor thing...
Flurry Heart: "Why couldn't that man just take a hint and go away?"
Princess Cadence: "I don't think it's that simple, sweetie. Especially back in those days and ages."
A sudden blinding flash caused Chrysalis to shield her eye as she felt a strong wind envelop her. When the wind died and the light dissipated, she opened her eyes to see the entire street had changed. Now she stood in the street near Turpin’s house, practically in the middle of the night. The sound of footsteps approaching caused her to turn around, seeing the Beadle leading a nervous Lucy alone this exclusive street of dark stone mansions, grand but somehow menacing. Lucy was wearing her best dress that night.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): The Beadle calls on her, all polite, Poor thing, poor thing. 'The Judge', he tells her, 'is all contrite, He blames himself for her dreadful plight She MUST come straight to his house tonight!' Poor thing, poor thing.
The Beadle ushers Lucy into the house and Chrysalis followed closely behind. The entire house was filled to capacity with people dressed in the finest clothing, all of them wearing masks for a Masquerade Ball. Lucy, and an invisible Chrysalis, are shocked to see a fancy-dress ball in progress as they made for the ballroom. Masked couples swirled around the ballroom; their numbers sinisterly multiplied by the distorting mirrors that frame the room. The hanging chandeliers, draped in red cloth, cast a disquieting incarnadine glow on the proceedings. Beadle handed Lucy a drink and pushed her forward into the crowd. Lucy wandered lost through the swirling dancers, they buffed her, confusing her so as she proceeded to drink and continued to scan the area for Judge Turpin.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): Of course, when she goes there, poor thing, poor thing! They're having this ball all in masks. There's no one she knows there, poor dear, poor thing, She wanders tormented, and DRINKS, poor thing! 'The Judge has repented,' she thinks, poor thing. 'Oh, where is Judge Turpin?' she asks. He was there, all right—only NOT so contrite!
Soon enough, Lucy found herself getting dizzy from the drink and decided to rest on a nearby couch. As she laid there in a daze, Judge Turpin, dressed in a crimson red suit and bird mask walked up alongside her and removed his mask. Lucky looked up into his face, even in her drunken state she could see the coldness in his eyes.
Lucy.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings): She wasn't no match for such craft, you see, And everyone thought it so droll! They figured she had to be daft, you see, So, all of them stood there and LAUGHED, you see, Poor soul! Poor thing!
Then Judge Turpin proceeded to commit such a horrendous, malicious act that made even Chrysalis’s black heart break, making her sick to her stomach. As Turpin proceeded to have his way with her, descending upon the woman, the other guests crowed around ravenously, laughing, and enjoying the malicious spectacle. Aside from laughter, the only other sounds to be heard was Lucy’s bloodcurdling screams…
Gilda: (Wide eyes in disgust) "Now that's just disturbing!"
“NOOOOOOOOOO…!!!”
Sweeney Todd’s wild howl shattered the memory and tore Chrysalis back to the present. The man bolted from the sofa, tormented over Mrs. Lovett’s story. Turning her back to the two individuals in the room, she couldn’t help but send the tears streaming down her face. The first time meeting Mr. Todd, she thought the two of them had similar situations befall them. Only now she realized how very wrong she was. Sweeney Todd had it worse… far worse.
Big Mac: "Eeyup!"
“Does the cruelty of men know no bounds?” She whispered to herself.
Vaggie: "I ask myself that question many times..."
“Would no one have mercy on her?” Sweeney asked somberly.
Mrs. Lovett looked toward the man as a sudden sense of realization turned on like a light.
“So, it is you—” She gasped, amazed. “Benjamin Barker.”
“Where’s Lucy?!” Sweeney asked her. “Where’s my wife?!”
“She poisoned herself,” Mrs. Lovett confessed. “Arsenic from the apothecary round the corner. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn’t listen to me.”
Charlie Morningstar: "Oh no... The poor dear..."
Princess Cadence: "After everything that horrible judge put her through, I...I can't say I blame her..."
Hearing the news made Sweeney Todd freeze in place, torment growing upon his face. His precious wife, the only person he looked most forward to seeing upon his return from exile, was now dead. All thanks to that immoral judge who sent him away, who stalked and raped his wife, and ruined his entire life.
Gallus: "Yeah. And because he bears a shocking resemblance to Professor Snape, I'm never getting that gruesome image out of my head..."
Chrysalis slowly approached his side and did something most uncharacteristic of the former changeling Queen. She wrapped her arms around Sweeney, leaned her head into his chest… and hugged him.
Every changelings in the theater watching all had their jaws dropped.
Thorax: "I never pegged Chrysalis to be a hugger..."
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Todd,” She spoke genuinely. “Part of me understands what you’re going through, but there’s another part that has no idea of the pain you’re suffering.”
But Sweeney didn’t return the hug, he was dead to the world right now. The next thing he learned, however, really set him off.
“You think that’s bad, wait till you hear this,” Mrs. Lovett continued. “He’s got your daughter.”
The Audience: "WHAT?!"
Chrysalis pulled away from Sweeney, who stiffened upon hearing this news. Instead of a face of sorrow, he now had in place blind rage.
“He?” Sweeney snarled. “Judge Turpin?”
“Adopted her, like his own,” Mrs. Lovett nodded.
Pretty soon, it didn't take long for everyone in the theater to realize the truth.
Charlie Morningstar: "It was her! Sweet little Johanna...she's his daughter!"
Derick: "That's seriously messed up!"
Loona: [Texted on her phone]: "Welcome to my freaky adopted little world..."
Todd absorbed this sickening news, his face contorting further with anger.
“Fifteen years of sweating in a living hell on a false charge,” Todd growled, removing his coat. “Fifteen years dreaming that I might come home to find a loving wife and child…”
Angel Dust: "Yeah. Life ain't no sunshine and rainbows, that's for sure. Oh well, depending on the rainbow, I mean. I'm proud to be Gay."
“Well, I can’t say the years have been particularly kind to you, Mr. Barker, but you still…”
“No!” Sweeney interrupted Lovett. “Not Barker. That man is dead. It’s Todd now. Sweeney Todd… and he will have his revenge.”
Husk: "Now it's getting good."
Charlie Morningstar: (Shakes her head) "No it isn't!"
Big Mac: "Nope!"
Todd continued with a chilling, quiet resolve as he stared with unblinking eyes into the fire. Seeing the twisted, yet determined look upon his face, Chrysalis stepped up alongside him.
“I will help you achieve it,” She volunteered.
Audience: "WHAT?!"
Angel Dust: (Turns to Charlie) "So...what was that you said about earlier? How the two actually needed each other to cope, because they have so much in common? Because frankly, that's like completely the opposite of what you intended for every one of us sinners."
Charlie Morningstar: "That's not exactly what I had in mind..."
“What are you on about dear?” Mrs. Lovett asked.
“I will help Mr. Todd achieve his vengeance by any means necessary,” Chrysalis emphasized, with determination.
“Why?” Sweeney asked lowly.
“What the Judge did to you, and your family is…”
“No!” Sweeney said loudly, stopping Chrysalis. “There’s more to it than that.”
Mina: "There's more?"
Alastor: "Yes, indeedy! There's more to every sides of the story than meets the eyes, my dear!"
“W-What do you m-mean?” She stammered nervously.
Sweeney squinted his dark eyes at her, slowly advancing upon her. Chrysalis slowly backed away until she hit a nearby wall, trapped in a corner with nowhere to go.
“When we met on that ship, you said what happened to me happened to you,” Todd replied, leaning closer. “There’s more to you than meets the eyes. What exactly did you mean by that? Who are you exactly?”
Chrysalis’s eyes shot back and forth a million miles an hour, realizing she both literally and figuratively had been backed into a corner. She couldn’t possibly reveal who she truly was to these people… right?”
“I… I… I can’t tell you,” She stammered.
“Why is that?” Todd glared.
“You’d look at me differently,” Chrysalis replied in earnest. “You’d see me as a monster like everyone else who looked upon me.”
Sweeney merely leaned too close for comfort, their faces only inches apart. Chrysalis couldn’t avoid the deepening gaze piercing deadly into her eyes.
“Try me,” He challenged.
Eventually, Todd backed away granting Chrysalis the forum to explain herself. The changeling couldn’t believe someone actually called her bluff, putting her on the spot. She didn’t wish to reveal her true nature, but in that moment, she realized she had no choice. Taking a deep breath, letting out the hot air from her throat, she stepped toward the middle of the room and engulfed herself in green flame. Once more, she regained her original changeling form, much to the surprise of the two others in the room with her. Mrs. Lovett fell back on the couch, shocked yet staring with awe.
Alastor: "Surprised?"
“Well… you certainly don’t see that every day, do you?” Lovett asked, shocked.
Big Mac: "Ee...depends."
Atalanta: "Almost every day for me..."
While Lovett was shocked, Mrs. Todd merely stared at Chrysalis with interest though his face wouldn’t show it.
“What are you?” He asked her.
“My true name… is Chrysalis,” Chrysalis responded honestly. “I used to be queen of a race of creatures known as changelings.”
“What are changelings?” Mrs. Lovett asked, curious.
Thorax: "We are Changelings!"
Angel Dust: "Oh! I just thought you guys were some kind of horsefly sinners like us..." (To Pharynx) "And to think I wanted to suck on your dick..."
Pharynx: (Disgusted at Angel Dust) "Yeah. I'd rather you not..."
“In the land of Equestria, from which we hail, we’re a race of insectoid equines who feed off love.”
Angel Dust: (To the Changelings) "So...you're like succubi and incubi, except ya don't come from the Lust Ring in Hell? You're all flesh and blood?"
Ocellus: (A little creeped out) "Um...kinda?"
“What are you doing here?” Sweeney asked her. “Why are you so determined to see I get my vengeance?”
A lone tear streaked down Chrysalis’s dark face before she responded.
“I was a youngling like you… like you, I too loved another,” Chrysalis explained. “Back then, changelings were always taught that love was weakness for the enemy but strength for us. Then one day, I met a young colt, Fire Fall by name. One of the only creatures who refused to see me as a monster.
Charlie Morningstar: "Aw! How romantic! It sounds like a Fairytale!"
Niffty: "I love Fairytales!"
Husk: (To the girls) "Too bad like every fairytales, they come with an annoying twist..."
“The day we met, we got to know each other. We’d sneak out at night just to play when no pony else was watching. Being a changeling, I couldn’t let any pony else know a thing about me… I couldn’t even let my own hive know the real reason for sneaking away. Many years of this went by, then things between us became more… serious. We’d share romantic picnics, the occasional kiss here and there, things were wonderful for a time… but we were growing tired over having so little time being together… a brief period of being free to be ourselves.”
Audience: "AWWWWW!!!"
“What happened?” Mrs. Lovett asked.
Cherri Bomb: "Lemme guess. When things got too good, her boyfriend decided enough was enough and dropped her like a sack of yesterday's shit?"
Angel Dust: (To Cherri Bomb) "Speaking from experience?"
Cherri Bomb: (To Angel Dust) "Uh...not exactly. But...I did hear a similar sob story from Verosika Mayday. Some shitty imp she dated stole her car, took it out for a joyride until it crashed, yaddy yaddy yada! Maxed out credit card. That kind of story."
Angel Dust: (Cringing) "Yeesh! Sounds like one messed up imp..."
Loona: [Texting to herself]: "That was my dad unfortunately..."
Atalanta: (To Angel Dust and Cherri Bomb) "Oh no. It's nothing like that. It's way worse..."
Angel Dust: (To Atalanta) "And you know that how?"
Atalanta: "Because...Chrysalis is my mom."
Sinners: (To Atalanta) "WHAT?!"
Niffty: (Drops the dirty dishes she was taking to the kitchen) "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, SAY WHAT?!!!!"
“One day… I decided I didn’t want to be a changeling princess any longer. The two of us agreed to run away together, a million miles away from Equestria, and start a new life for us. We always imagined what it would be like, every hour of everyday dreaming of just taking off and never looking back. We met in the forest, at the very spot where we met, we were two kids excited for where the future would take us. And then… it happened…”
Alastor: (Laughs evilly) "Hmmmm. Hmmmm. What dark secrets are about to unfold? What could've twisted this would-be fairytale to a tragic ending worthy of the Brothers Grimm?"
A thousand years ago…
A teenage Chrysalis ran through the Everfree Forest as fast as her legs could carry her. She had a worn saddlebag on her back, filled with as many supplies as she could bring with her. As she ran, she spotted her true love, Fire Fall, waiting at the edge of the forest. The two had certainly grown over the years from the young foals they used to be, and their relationship had certainly evolved immensely. Chrysalis smiled as she ran faster, skidding to a stop just before Fire Fall. The young stallion smiled upon her arrival.
“I’m sorry I’m late…” Chrysalis gasped, catching her breath.
“Don’t be sorry, you’re right on time,” Fire Fall smiled, with assurance. “There’s no stopping us now. I’ve got it all figured out.”
Fire Fall proceeded to reach into his own saddlebag and pulled out a rolled-up parchment which he carefully spread along the tree. Using his wings to hold the map in place, he placed a hoof along the north edge of the map.
“Exactly! To the untrained eye there isn’t, so no pony will think to look there, Chrysalis,” Fire Fall explained. “I know of a caravan who makes deliveries to lands beyond the map, the kind that counts on the stars as their guides and ask no questions in return. We’ll join them tonight, vanish completely out of sight, and go where the road decides. We’ll have no obligations…
“Or mothers to obey,” Chrysalis smiled tearfully. “Maybe we can travel on the sea?”
“Sure! I’ll tend the sails and you can steer,” Fire Fall added. “We’ll watch the waves roll on endlessly till all of Equestria disappears. Until there’s just the two of us… on top of the world.”
“We’ll leave all thoughts about the future to some future day. Follow wherever the wind starts blowing. The kind of life we’ve dreamt of.”
“Tonight… we’re never looking back,” Fire Fall declared. “I may not know exactly where we’re going, but we’ll keep going forward. We’ll vanish from all eyes in view, become a pair completely new. We’ll find our own country, we’ll elope, and find a spot that lets a pony like me own a house, raise a child, and build a life… with you.”
Chrysalis looked upon him, tears streaming down her face as she smiled toward the pony. He then proceeded to put the map back into his back and stretched out his limbs with a groan.
“Are you ready to go?” Fire Fall asked excitedly.
“With you, I’m ready for anything,” Chrysalis replied.
The two shared a quick passionate kiss before taking off through the forest.
Once again, the audience were all stunned in silence.
Thorax: "Wow...I...I never knew Chrysalis was...Wow. Is that even her?"
Pharynx: "I can't tell. She's smiling. And...she's kissing..."
They fan for a good while before the sound of approaching hooves caught their attention.
"ran"
Their eyes widened with horror as royal guard ponies, Unicorns, pursued the pair.
“There it is!” One guard yelled. “I knew there was a changeling in this forest!”
“Get them!” Another guard yelled.
Gallus: "Hey! Those are...Canterlot Guards!"
Shocked upon the discovery of their presence, Chrysalis fired a few blasts of magics toward the guards, who managed to dodge them expertly.
“Hurry! We can cut through the trees and lose them!” Fire Fall yelled.
The two lovers broke off the path and darted through a series of thick trees. Though they could still hear the guards following behind, eventually their hooves grew more and more distant.
“I think we’ve lost them!” Chrysalis exclaimed in relief.
“There’s a field just at the end of this path,” Fire Fall explained. “We just need to stay ahead of them until we…”
Suddenly, bolas were hurled through the air and wrapped itself around Chrysalis legs. Fire Fall stopped and turned as the changeling fell to the ground.
“Chrysalis!” Fire Fall yelled.
Chrysalis tried to break free but found she couldn’t. The bolas were made from a special material both incredibly strong and impervious to magic. No matter how much she struggled, she couldn’t break free. The royal guards burst through the trees, surrounding the princess.
“We got her now!” One guard declared. “Keep her still till Princess Celestia arrives!”
Audience: (Everyone all turned to look at Celestia) "PRINCESS CELESTIA?!"
Princess Celestia: (Confused and shocked) "What?!"
“Get your bloody hooves off her!” Fire Fall yelled.
The Pegasus stallion leapt into the fray, fighting off the guards in an effort to save his love. He nicked one guard back and struck another into a tree. But soon enough, the remainder of the guards piled upon him until they had him restrained. Suddenly, a blinding white light enveloped the entire forest. All eyes stared into the sky as Princess Celestia herself lowered herself from the sky toward the open ground. The Princess of Equestria was still as tall and regal back then as she was now. Except her mane wasn’t a glowing rainbow, rather a soft pink.
Charlie Morningstar: (To Princess Celestia) "Was that really you? Because, I have to say. I kinda like your mane when it was all pink, back when."
Princess Celestia: "Well...yes. There's no denying it. That was me. But I..."
The princess walked toward Chrysalis, who still struggled to break free, and the princess looked down upon the changeling with disappointment.
“Princess Chrysalis, I presume?” Celestia spoke. “You know your kind isn’t welcome in Equestria.”
“What do you think I’ve done?!” Chrysalis cried, tearfully. “I haven’t done anything!”
“You know the rules,” Celestia responded, firmly. “Your mother and I agreed that her subjects would stay on their grounds, while we stay on ours. Then I hear word of a Changeling roaming in the woods upon pony grounds and I cannot cast aside my concerns any further. Do you know how many rules you’ve violated just being here? And now I find you with one of ‘my’ subjects in your clutches.”
“She didn’t hold me against my will!” Fire Fall cried out, struggling. “I wanted to be with her; she’s my best friend!”
Atalanta: "It's true!"
Bulk Biceps: "YEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!" (Points to Atalanta) "What she said!"
“Changelings will say and do anything to make you ‘think’ such thoughts, young Fire Wall,” Celestia spoke calmly. “We keep our races separated for each other’s survival; you cannot ignore a thousand years of tradition.”
“I don’t want to survive!” Fire Fall argued. “I want to live! WE want to live!”
Angel Dust: "So did we until we die in our human bodies and then reborn again as demons in a motherfucking Hell hole. Since then, we just live out the rest of our hellish afterlife until the next Extermination."
“Listen to me Fire Fall,” Celestia spoke, slightly raising her voice. “You are not well; you’re not thinking clearly. I cannot ignore my duties to the ponies first. If her mother ever knew what happened tonight… no… no, I cannot risk my subjects in another world. The princess must remain with her people, and you are to remember who you are and where you stand. You must let her go… and be a pony.”
Princess Luna: (To Celestia) "Celestia! How could you say that?!"
Princess Celestia: (Holds up her hooves in defense) "I never said that!"
Fire Fall looked up toward the towering gaze of Princess Celestia herself, then slowly turned toward Chrysalis, seeing her hooves bound and cuffed. She eyed Fire Fall, tears streaming down her face, silently begging for him. He looked upon her for a moment, reading her face for any hint of deceit or deception, just as his princess implied. But then his gaze changed to determination, as he slowly closed his eyes to think for himself.
“No…” Fire Fall muttered.
All the guards gasped, as they nervously faced their princess, who seemed just as surprised.
“What?” Princess Celestia responded.
“No… I’m not doing it!” Fire Fall answered louder. “My name is Fire Fall; I am a Pegasus of Cloudsdale! And for the first time in my life, I ‘am’ thinking clearly. I’ve spent my whole life afraid of what ponies think of me, but I will NOT give up the only good thing I’ve ever had just because YOU’RE scared of the Changelings!”
Bulk Biceps: "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!"
Angel Dust: "Hmmmm. I see what Chrysalis sees in him. Guy's got balls. I like balls."
Husks: "He's got balls. Too bad it's gonna cost him..."
Fire Fall forced himself up against the guards, who struggled to keep him down. But the princess, instead, made one gesture with her wing and on silent command the guards backed away so the pony could speak for himself, standing in defiance against his own ruler.
“Her name… is Chrysalis!” Fire Fall addressed Chrysalis. “She may not be a pony, but she’s ‘good’… better than I deserve, but nothing scares me more than hurting her. We are leaving Equestria tonight, Princess Celestia… we are leaving, together! I just want you to accept us!”
All the ponies in the forest that night was understandably shocked by Fire Fall’s choice of words. Never before had there been a pony who would defy the sacred laws bestowed upon them by the almighty alicorns themselves, yet here was a single Pegasus who dared challenge Celestia’s authority and willingly casting aside his own ponyhood… just to be with a changeling. And for a moment, all Celestia could do was look at this pony in the eye, her own subject determined to destroy his own life just to be with some pony else… and not even a pony.
‘Accept them?’ she thought. How could she possibly accept this? A union between a pony and a changeling. She knows her mother all too well, could she deny everything that the Changeling Queen would threaten to do… just for one pony’s belief? On the other hoof, could she deny her own subject… a pony’s love for this one princess. On the other hoof, how can Princess Celestia turn against generation upon generation of pony faith, her own people. If she tried to bend that far… she’ll break. On the other hoof…
No… there was no other hoof.
“Take Fire Fall and arrange for his transport,” Princess Celestia ordered the guards.
Audience: "WHAT?!"
Husk: "I knew it."
“NOOO!!!” Chrysalis cried out.
The guards suddenly ganged up on Fire Fall, who struggled to fight back but the bonds limited him. They pulled him away, as he was forced to watch the other guards lift Chrysalis onto her feet and the Changeling cried out for his name, as she tried to pull free. All the while Princess Celestia stood her ground, watching the guards drag the Pegasus away.
“I’m doing this for your own good, Fire Fall,” Princess Celestia spoke, keeping a straight face. “Until your mind is clear, we are taking you to a place where you will be treated. You will not be allowed to return home until this spell goes away.”
“You’re wrong! There IS no magic! I love her!” Fire Fall yelled. “CHRYSALIS!!!”
“Have him arranged to be on the next boat,” Celestia instructed her guards.
“CHRYSALIS…!!!”
“YOU MONSTER!!!” Chrysalis shouted toward Celestia. “GIVE HIM BACK TO ME! GIVE HIM BACK!!!”
“As for ‘you’… Chrysalis,” Celestia addressed the princess. “You step hoof upon our grounds, submitting yourself to judgment. On this very night, I pass it now…
“EXILE!!!”
“NOOOOOOO!!!” Fire Fall shouted.
“If you or your other Changelings dare to step foot upon our lands again, the consequences will be disastrous,” Celestia continued. “You are to return to your kingdom, right now… and you are NEVER to set foot here… ever. Take her to the boundaries of the badlands… but do not harm her.”
The guards proceeded to drag the crying princess into a chariot with magically embedded bars to prevent an escape. They proceeded to thrust the princess inside and sealed the doors, as Chrysalis tried to bang her way against the iron prying her inside. Two Pegasus guards proceeded to take off with their captive at hand, slowly approaching the sky as Chrysalis tried to break free.
“CHRYSALIS!!!”
And the princess looked down as Fire Fall somehow managed to pry his way from the guards and raced toward the departing chariot while the other ponies followed, among them… the princess Celestia herself.
“Fire Fall!” Chrysalis shouted, reaching out.
“Fire Fall… stop!” Celestia begged.
“CHRYSALIS!!!” Fire Fall cried out, tearfully.
“FIRE FALL!!!”
“Stop him!” The captain of the guards ordered.
Fire Fall kept shouting for Chrysalis, as the guards eventually caught up to him. They lifted him up while his hooves hung over the ground beneath him, he vainly reached his front hooves for the chariot as it flew higher into the sky. All while Princess Celestia could only look on, as her pink mane flew in the night breeze.
“Chrysalis! Fly back to me!” Fire Fall begged. “Chrysalis! I love you! Fly back to me!”
And Chrysalis could only look down, eyes streaming like rainfall as the ponies below her disappeared from view. The guards dragging Fire Fall away resembling nothing but tiny ants. And among them, the Queen Ant… Celestia… somehow looking up toward the chariot yet the princess couldn’t read her face. All Chrysalis could do was look… and could still hear Fire Fall’s cries of desperation, the last words she ever heard… before he vanished forever…
“Fly back to me, Chrysalis!”
Once the flashback has ended, everyone in the theater were all shocked and dismayed at the revelation. It wasn't long before they all turned to Princess Celestia with shocked and disgusted looks on their faces. All, except for Alastor, who looked rather amused, if not intrigued.
Princess Luna: (To Celestia) "TIA! I can't believe you! How could you be that cruel?! Especially to one of our own subjects?! Even my children had a hard life than that!"
Princess Celestia: (Desperately shaking her head) "I...I didn't... I never meant to–AH!" (Ducks her head when a bottle of champagne was thrown at her)
Pharynx: (To Celestia) "THANKS A LOT! We could've had a more pleasing mother! Or a kindhearted queen! Not to mention a father! But no thanks to you...We lost our mother! We've betrayed her, because of you!"
Ocellus: (To Celestia) "I can't believe I'm saying this, since I grew up fearing Chrysalis. But now...I don't know if I can even trust you, or look at you the same way again!" (Tearing up) "I feel so ashamed now and..." (Gasps in realization) "I FROZE MY OWN MOTHER IN A STATUE!!!"
Princess Celestia: (Tearing up) "Everyone, please...I didn't know at the time. I don't even remember...I never meant–"
“For months… I searched all across Equestria,” Chrysalis continued, holding back tears. “But I never found him… all I found was the wreckage of the boat they took him in. I tried to fly to him… just like he asked me to… but I was too late.”
Charlie Morningstar: "Oh no..." (Covers her mouth)
Once again, everyone all turned to look at Celestia, who looks more ashamed as she tries to defend herself.
Mr. Todd and Mrs. Lovett listened intently to the story this poor changeling Queen told them. Though their faces didn’t show, they felt sorry for her. Naturally Sweeney hid his emotions too well, but Mrs. Lovett couldn’t help but wipe away some stray tears off her eyes.
“I’m sorry to hear of your troubles dear,” Mrs. Lovett told her. “Can’t imagine how that must’ve felt.”
Thorax: "I...can't even...believe it either..."
Atalanta: "...I know I've rebelled from mother...and I appreciate Quill Cast for...for what he did for me. But above all...I just want my mom back. I need my family together again..."
Pharynx: (Points at Celestia) "And it's all your fault!"
Charlie Morningstar: (Stands between Pharynx and Celestia) "Hey, look! I know it looks bad, and...there's no sugarcoating. What Celestia did was seriously fucked up. But...can we not right now? I'm sure she feels just as terrible now than she was back when." (To Celestia) "Right, Celestia?"
Princess Celestia: (Tearing up) "Of course I do! I never meant for it to go this far! And...I especially don't even remember doing something like this..."
Discord: (To Celestia) "Oh. Playing the amnesia routine, huh? Yeah, hmmmm, no, sorry. Yeah. No. Nobody's buying that malarky, Tia. You've buttered your bread, so you gotta sleep in it."
Princess Celestia: (To Discord) "I'm not lying! I honestly don't remember doing that to Chrysalis! Or even...Fire Fall. And besides...you know as well as I am that I'm bad a actress! How could I even pretend I have amnesia?"
Discord: (To Celestia) "Well, you tell me. You're looking very SUS right about now. So I'd be very nervous if I were you... Although, that would explain everything!"
Alastor: (To Discord) "Hmmmm? Explain what exactly, my good man?"
Discord: (To Celestia) "How Equestria's has had a lousy record of shoddy security. Think about it! Tasking a young unicorn filly to look after a baby dragon? Throwing a party that leaves everyone vulnerable to the Storm King? Or Cerberus leaving his post to let Tirek escape, and giving the villains their own castle...IT WAS ALL CELESTIA'S DOING!!! SHE'S AN IMPOSTER! SHE'S THE BENEFACTOR! IT'S HER!"
Princess Celestia: (To Discord) "WHAT?! Are you...have you gone mad, Discord?!"
Discord: (To Celestia) "Hey! You forgot who you're talking to. I'm the Master of Chaos! And on behalf of all the heartbreaks who have watched your flashback, I say, you say, 'Let them eat cake!'"
Charlie Morningstar: "Now, now. Let's not jump to conclusions, okay? I know we're all upset. But that's no reason to point fingers at someone!"
Princess Celestia: "I can take responsibility for what I did to Chrysalis and Fire Falls. But that does not automatically make me the culprit of all that bad things that's happened to us lately!"
Discord: (To Charlie) "Oh contrare. You can, if they're the prime suspect! I SAY WE VOTE CELESTIA OUT!"
Angel Dust: (To Discord) "Uh...question. Since when are we in an election?"
Discord: (To Angel Dust) "It's part of a game we play, where we decide whether or not someone should get tossed out or not."
“That’s why you want to help me,” Sweeney said.
“If I don’t help you get your revenge, then I know I never will,” Chrysalis choked out. “I want Judge Turpin and the Beadle to pay for what they did to you, the same way that I want Celestia to pay for what she did to me!”
Pharynx: "...You know what? Actually, after seeing how Chrysalis was so...angry to begin with, and after learnign the truth...why don't we just get revenge for her...right now?"
All the changelings – except for a reluctant Thorax and Ocellus – immediately turned their heads and set their sights on Princess Celestia, who finds herself backed up into a corner.
Alastor: (Laughing to himself, while enjoying some meat) "Oh ho ho ho ho! It appears we'll be having a dinner and a show! A rumble in the jungle they say! Been a long time since I've seen one of these ,since that football game in sunny Florida!"
Mina: "Uh...everyone? Can you please...no roughhousing in the Theater?"
Pharynx: (To Mina) "No problem! We'll just take the princess outside and give her a piece of our mind!"
Princess Celestia: "I'm telling you all! I had nothing to do with any of this! And I am especially sorry for what I did to Chrysalis!"
Pharynx: (To Celestia) "Why don't you tell us that...AFTER you've done some time!"
Princess Celestia tried to use her magic to fight back, when someone locked her horn with an anti-magic lock. Next she knew, she was tied up in chains, and almost everybody were ready to toss her out.
Angry Mob: "1...2..."
Discord: "WAIT! Stop! Don't throw Princess Celestia out the theater!"
Princess Celestia: (Sighed in relief) "Thank you."
Charlie Morningstar: "Exactly!"
Discord: (Opens up a portal to the moon) "TOSS HER ONTO THE MOON, LIKE SHE DID TO LUNA ONCE!"
Angry Mob: "YEEEEEEEAAAAHHH!!!!"
Charlie Morningstar: "THAT'S NOT WHAT I HAD IN MIND!"
Alastor: (Laughs out loud) "HA AHA HAHA HA HA HA!" (Points at Discord) "Oh, I wouldn't want to be you when she gets back at the end of the Cinematic Adventure!"
Discord: "Well...she may not be an imposter. But she IS still guilty for what she did to Chrysalis and her late boyfriend, so... It's still cold hard justice!"
Thorax: "Still...wouldn't that make us traitors for throwing a monarch onto the moon?"
Pharynx: (To Thorax) "Hey! She got in between Chrysalis and her one true love. That's still guilty in my book. So...She's doing some times."
Angel Dust: "Still, what's all this imposter talk going on?"
Loona: [Looks at her phone to read]: "Still 2 imposters left."
And, that’s why you should never say “How bad can it be” you’ll immediately regret it
Whoa...okay, now that was scary and intense. And Celestia thought that Chrysalis had him under a spell? Wow, she really is cruel, and I thought the Kingdom Hearts shattered Friendship story about Celestia being a monster was heartbreaking.
I will say that when it comes to 'meat pies', the most I usually eat are my mom's Chicken Pot Pies which she'll make on occasion. Course, the thing with her pies, while they aren't my favorite, she uses as much vegetables as she does with the actual chicken. Now I have never eaten a British meat pie but I'm assuming however they use their recipe... Lovett must be doing something wrong. Somehow, I find it a miracle she's been in business despite having no customers and hardly a good pie to show for it.
Still, coincidentally our heroes and villains happened to be in the very same room yet as usual the ponies and Spike have 'no idea' that Chrysalis is even around. As for Chrysalis herself, we are also given a chance to see more of her backstory which gives some form of motive as to 'why' she despises the ponies, specifically Celestia, with a passion. Though we can neither confirm nor deny whether what we are seeing is truth or if there's more to the story that meets the idea.
That being said, sinister events are set into motion now that Todd has reclaimed his old tools and he'll soon be a man out on a mission (With a little help). As for our heroes, they found some good company in a friendly sailor who may be the key to solving this little dilemma they have with Johanna's situation.
Doesn't hurt that this chapter does feature some good songs. Unfortunately, due to... 'reasons', if you want to read the lyrics you'll have to visit Mr. E's other channel for your reading pleasure.
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Yeah, and I can’t believe I’m saying this.
But, I feel really bad for Chryslias. Yeah, she did a LOT of horrible things…but no one, especially, her deserves to lose someone they love so much like that
Yikes. Celestia seemed really harsh there.
Extra Cuts
Me: Really, Spike?...
I'm full of fear for what we'll find especially with the familiar name of Fleet Street.
Me: Of course you wouldn't, you all live on vegetarian diets.
Me: Spike, I wouldn't... aaaaand he went in...
Me: *knows who it is* Sweeney Todd...
“Good day!” Twilight greeted politely.
Me: *I secretly watch from a window while Sonata watches with me quietly*
Me: I don't believe health departments even existed in these times...
Me: Yep, never would eat that.
Me: You were warned, Spike...
Me: Thanks alot, M'am...
Me: Oh for sure...
Sonata Dusk: For realsies?! He ate that?!
Me: Sadly yes...
Me: He's telling the truth, AJ. We can trust him.
Me: Told ya.
Twilight: With us are Cinema Lights, and Sonata Dusk.
Me: Good day, young lad.
Sonata Dusk: Hi~!
*I on the other hand knew the feeling, and I had to be on the lookout for my friends, especially Sonata*
Once again Spike has to upchuck something he ate, and in this case it was something he shouldn't have eaten at all. And now I'm really sad for Chrysalis, and to see how Celestia was with her and Fire Fall. This does not do the Princess' reputation any good regardless of how different things were all those years ago
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Yay! The dad jokes make an appearance!
Poor Chrysalis. I had no idea that she lost so much. No wonder she hates Celestia. I wonder what happened to Fire Fall and I hope that Chrysalis finds him again. Don't get me wrong, I like a good meat pie, but that pie in the movie is revolting.
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Future G5
Discord Memorial Cinema
Hitch: It sickens me that a man like Turpin holds so much power.
Misty: Poor Johanna.
Opaline: (in secret) I can admire a man like Turpin. He knows just what to do in any given situation.
Me: It’s the grim truth, and to be honest a man like Turpin is really a product of his environment.
Zipp: Corruption and greed.
Sunny: You guys just have to get Johanna out of there!
Izzy: Yeah! She really needs friends like you!
Zipp: If they’re on Fleet Street already, then Sweeney Todd and Chrysalis are not far behind.
Zipp: (cringes) Ugh, gross!
Hitch: Humans actually make pies out of meat?!
Izzy: Ew! Why would they?!
Me: On the plus side, Mrs. Lovett’s Meat Pie shop is an important set piece for our titular barber, and home to another important character in this story.
Sunny: Uh oh! Sweeney and Chrysalis are here too!
Me: This is actually brilliant! Talk about dramatic irony!
Pipp: Uh…she uh, looks down on her luck.
Sunny: How has she not had a customer for weeks?
Hitch: How is she still in business is my question. I guess meat pies aren’t really popular among humans.
Sunny: (green) Does she actually put those in her pies?!
Pipp: I’m…feeling a little light headed. I think I’m gonna be sick.
Zipp: For Mom’s sake, Pipp, please hold it in!
Me: Yeah, well, the health and safety department didn’t exist at this time.
Hitch: It didn’t?!
Me: Unfortunately not. It took years for the factory reforms to start rolling out of legislation. More years after that for them to be put into effect.
Mrs. Lovett (Sings):
From the way that people—
Keep avoiding—
No, you don’t!
Heaven knows I try, sir!
Tsk! But there’s no one comes in even to inhale—
Tsk! Right you are, sir. Would you like a drop of ale?
Mind you, I can’t hardly blame them—
Mrs. Lovett (Sings):
These are probably the worst pies in London.
I know why nobody cares to take them—
I should know, I make ‘em. But good? No!
The worst pies in London—
Even that’s polite. The Worst pies in London—
If you doubt it, take a bite.
Hitch: Oh…oh lord…if it makes Spike sick, it’s no wonder her business is failing.
Pipp: Why does she even advertise them as the Worst Pies? That’s basically telling potential customers to walk on by and find the Best Pies in London!
Sunny: Ugh…I hope no one else eats those disgusting pies!
Me: (aside) Well, not yet at least.
Hitch: K-k-k-k-k…KITTENS?!!!
Zipp: THIS WOMAN’S INSANE!!!
Pipp: I’m gonna throw up!
In no time flat, she zoomed straight out of the theater and into the restroom stall, just in time to hurl out her breakfast and lunch.
Sprout: (pale as a ghost) Suddenly, I don’t like pies anymore!
Me: Now you’ve ruined the dessert itself! Thanks a lot, Lovett!
Pipp then reentered the theater.
Me: Pipp, if you feel uncomfortable with this movie, you can always leave.
Pipp: (excited) Are you kidding?! I can’t remember the last time I threw up watching a movie! I can’t wait to watch what happens next!
Hitch: (shakes head) I’ll never understand how she can even stomach these kinds of movies.
Hitch: He ATE…ROTTEN…MUFFINS…out of the GARBAGE?!!! Why would you do that?!
Sunny: Oh, thank hoofness! A friendly face to help our heroes!
Me: He-hey! Anthony! Maybe this time he will be more active in the story.
Me: Good thing they’ve got Applejack to scrutinize, just in case, you know?
Sunny: They can trust Anthony.
Zipp: I get the feeling that those other guys left in the shop are watching them leave. It’s not just me, right?
Hitch: Considering that Chrysalis is there as well, most definitely.
Me: (to reader) With the length of these songs, I’ll have to call it part one right here, otherwise I would severely disrupt the flow of the songs in the story.
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Sunny: No they’re not!
Izzy: Yeah! Stop being evil to them!
Zipp: That sounds like her worst nightmare.
Me: Something happened a long time ago. Far enough where there wouldn’t be any records.
Hitch: I can’t stand the taste of alcohol.
Me: Eh…so long as you don’t become addicted. (drinks martini, then sings) I’m addicted~!
Me: He’s been on a ship bound for London from Australia. The Atlantic’s ruthless like that.
Sunny: Why would he be in Australia?
Me: In the old days, the UK would send their prisoners to Australia for manual labor, which is where Sweeney has been for the past fifteen years.
Pipp: A haunted room? Awesome!
Zipp: Wait…how would Sweeney know about the room?
Sunny: What happened to Sweeney?
Me: This is an addon from what Sweeney said earlier. This is what happened to his wife, Lucy after Turpin sent him to Australia…
Sunny: (sad) Poor Lucy…
Zipp: Turpin sent away her husband so he could have her himself!
Zipp: “Worse yet to come”? Oh, ponyfeathers…
Sunny: Why? Wh-what happened?
I knew exactly what was to come.
Me: I…I need to step outside for a moment!
Pipp: Wow! It’s like the Manesquerade Ball, Zipp!
Zipp: It’s more like the Ball scene in Phantom of the Opera.
Pipp: Oh, yeah, I see what you mean. That was a great musical!
Izzy: So, Turpin wants to apologize to Lucy for sending away her husband?
Hitch: She’s…not looking so good.
Zipp: Where’s Turpin?
Sunny: I hope Plymouth’s alright. He suddenly got up and left.
In truth, I was hiding in my office with the door closed. The movie was still playing in my mind, and I could hear the audio from the theater.
I was bracing myself for when it happened…
Far out of sight and mind from the audience, inside my office, I was screaming just as loudly and as painful as poor Lucy. For a complete total of ten seconds, it was like being raped by a ghost, until it all suddenly ended with the bursting of the light above my desk.
Everything stopped.
Will I get no rest from this curse?
The audience was in a shocked silence, until…
Zipp: (raging) HE FUCKING RAPED HER!!! IN FRONT OF ALL THOSE PEOPLE!!!!
Hitch: (likewise) AND THIS MAN IS ALLOWED TO BE A JUDGE?!!!! WHAT, THE ACTUAL, FUCK IS WRONG WITH THIS CITY?!!!
Sunny: STOP IT!!! PLEASE, STOP!!!
All went quiet.
Sunny: Sh…she killed herself?!
Izzy: Why is the world so evil to good people?!
Hitch: (shocked)…Is she hugging him?
Zipp: So, Turpin sent him away on false charges, stole his wife, raped her, and then stole his child and raised her as his own?! (blank) I don’t think Chrysalis would do something like that!
Opaline: (in secret) Tsk, every judge has their faults, and yet…what a disgusting creature he is.
Misty said nothing, for she was weeping to herself in the corner.
It was here that I returned to the theater, with a fresh drink of iced water in hand and my feathered head in a mess.
Sunny: Plymouth! Are you alright?!
Me: Yeah, yeah, I’m alright. (drinks) I just…needed to step out, that’s all.
Me: This is a man who is consumed by hatred. It can happen even to the best of us.
Sunny: That’s not fair!
Me: Even Chrysalis is intimidated by Sweeney. This never happened with Scarecrow.
Hitch: How are they not scared?
Me: Too much time spent in the shithole of Industrial London.
Sunny: What happened to Chrysalis that made her hate ponies so much? Who was Fire Fall?
Zipp: Somehow, I get the feeling that it won’t end well.
Pipp: Wow. He is handsome. It’s no wonder she fell in love with him~
Zipp: (rolls eyes) Oh, brother.
Hitch: Uh oh. This is not good.
Sunny: They’ve been caught! No!
Sunny: C-C-Celestia?!
Me: Oh, shit! This just went from zero to a hundred in five seconds flat!
Sunny: She’s…she doesn’t know what she’s talking about! This isn’t true!
Izzy: NOOOO!!!
Sunny: DON’T DO IT!!!
Me: And just like that…he’s gone.
Once again, there was a painful silence.
Me: Fuck me, that was a whirlwind to watch.
Zipp: I…don’t know what to think about that. Did Celestia actually do that?
Sunny: (close to tears) It’s…it’s not true. She…she wouldn’t do that, ever…right?
Hitch: I mean…now we know why she hates ponies, and Celestia personally, but…it doesn’t excuse her previous actions either.
Me: I can imagine that all those watching the movie with Celestia will have some very, very, very heated questions for her, and Heaven forbid that Twilight ever finds out
Pipp: (unsure) Does…Celestia even remember what happened? I mean, it was a thousand years ago, so…
Zipp: Honestly, I’m not willing to take Chrysalis’ word at face value. So far, we’ve seen her proven to be a good liar.
Me: And now, the unholy trinity has been formed.
Hitch: (scared) I don’t like where this is going…!
Me: I can imagine that Alastor is enjoying every moment of this.
I looked over at his holographic memory.
Me: What a joker, that dude is.
Izzy: (grimaces) It…could use some *gulps* unicycling, I think?
Sunny: Poor, Todd. He never got a chance to see his own daughter grow up.
Me: (aside) I’m starting to get concerned with Sunny and all her “Poor Todd” mentions. Just wait till the killings begin.
Zipp: What are they?
Me: His prized collection of razors. A barber’s most cherished tool of the trade.
Hitch: Wow. They…look sharp, alright.
Zipp: You what I think? I think he’s gonna kill someone.
Hitch: (gulps) Yeah, I see what you mean.
Pipp: Did you guys catch what Lovett was singing about?
Izzy: Mmhmm!
Hitch: Yep.
Sunny: That’s…well, what will it mean?
Izzy: Uh…how can silver razors drip rubies?
Sunny: (gulps) Izzy…it, uh…
Hitch: It’s a metaphor…for…
Me: Todd means to kill with his razors, and when he sings of rubies, it’s a metaphor for spilling blood.
Izzy: (pale)…oh. Well, I guess r-rubies are the color of b-b-b-blood.
Me: (sings)
Swing your razor wide, Sweeney.
Hold it to the skies!
Freely flows the blood of those
Who moralize!
Me: (speaks) Sondheim’s music in this movie is absolute genius.
Hitch: (cringes) Well, so births the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. And now Chrysalis is working with him.
Zipp: Somehow it doesn’t look like she would betray him. I think she’s genuinely helping this man exact his revenge.
Pipp: The scariness is just getting started!
Sunny: (lost in thought) Celestia…why?
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Discord, hope you got paper bags handy because come the next chapter, you're going to need them.
I can’t believe how despicable Celestia appears at this moment, turns out her wrongdoing is not just the borderline damnation and execution of a de-powered prepubescent child, but I digress. My heart seriously breaks for poor Chrysalis who had her love snatched away by that pompous, cowardly, hypocritical, phony and possibly bigoted sun-flanked alicorn. Now I’m starting to see why Celestia was okay with a racist like Neighsay as Equestria’s Educational Chancellor. How dare Princess Celestia keeps Twilight Sparkle and her subjects in the dark about this, she really has some explaining to do! Not to mention it makes the stone petrification of Chrysalis less justified.
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Another fanfic example with Celestia as a monster is How I Lost My Mother. This chapter is giving me the same vibes.
Yeah I'm having an idea that Crystalis isn't providing the whole story. Lovett's reaction to her reveal is priceless. Also the Queen's reaction to what the Judge did shows she at least has some standards on what's truly repulsive.
Well shit…it's a triple team up and the Mane 6 & Spike are gonna have massive problems.
Behind the Scenes: Filming
Filming began on February 5th 2007 at Pinewood Studios, and was completed by May 11th, despite a brief interruption when Depp's daughter was taken seriously ill. Burton opted to film in London, where he had felt "very much at home" since his work on Batman in 1989.
Production designer Dante Ferretti created a darker, more sinister London by adapting Fleet Street and its surrounding area. Burton initially planned to use minimal sets and film in front of a green screen, but decided against it, stating that physical sets helped actors get into a musical frame of mind
Depp created his own image of Todd. Heavy purple and brown makeup was applied around his eyes to suggest fatigue and rage, as if "he's never slept".
Burton insisted that the film be bloody, as he felt stage versions of the play which cut back on the bloodshed robbed it of its power.
On set, the fake blood was colored orange to render correctly on the desaturated color film used, and crew members wore bin liners to avoid getting stained while filming. This macabre tone made some studios nervous, and it was not until Warner Bros., DreamWorks and Paramount had signed up for the project that the film's $50 million budget was covered.
After the filming, Burton said this of the cast and singers.
Great Chapter!!
So That's how Queen Chrysalis came to be!
Me: Umm, Everyone in the theatre from different multiverses and in the future, Permission to say "Gulp"?
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Permission granted.
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GULP!!!
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Doubt it. Celestia is a lot of things, but cruel isn't one of them. And we don't even know the whole story yet.
Was definitely not expecting that from Celestia, she got explaining to do to Twilight and the girls if the subject ever comes up again, I have a deep sympathy for Chrysalis now, its gonna be a major bloodbath *sigh* lord give me strength
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Canterlot Mall Theater, Discord's Branch
Arctic: I can name a few other parents who are worst like him. (He said with a glare)
Rarity: How can anyone be so rude to their own daughter!
Juniper: A parent who doesn’t care, that’s who.
Fluttershy: T-there has to be something they can do.. right? (She asked hopefully)
Sci-Twi: That’s gonna be hard, he is the judge after all.
Rainbow Dash: Yikes, not the best place for them to stop at
Applejack: Eeyup
Fluttershy: I-It’s Sweeney a-and Chrysalis
Arctic: And, they don’t even know it’s Chrysalis. They, have to be careful
Pinkie Pie: Song Time!
Arctic: That..doesn’t sound promising.
Sci-Twi: Her pies probably aren’t that great if she didn’t have a customer in weeks.
Rainbow Dash: How the heck is she still running her store then? (She questioned)
The Equestrian Girls and Juniper felt disgusted seeing this as they started to feel sick, while Arctic felt himself getting sick too.
Rarity: OH MY WORD! (She shouted)
Sci-Twi & Juniper: YOU THINK?!
Arctic: There is definitely a lot of health issues there
Applejack: Eeyup.
Rarity: T-They aren’t really gonna eat those.. right?
Rainbow Dash: I think they are..
Arctic: The worst pies in London?
Juniper: Ok, now I’m really wondering how she kept the store running this long
Rainbow Dash: You and me both. (She said towards Juniper)
Pinkie Pie: I love me some pies, but I wouldn’t eat that pie.
Arctic: His gonna immediately regret that.
Arctic: And, that’s why you should never say things like that.
Pinkie Pie: Poor, Spikey
Rariry: Please, let it end soon. (She said looking green)
Fluttershy: K-Kitten?! (She said having tears of her own)
Both Arctic and Rainbow looked towards Fluttershy and starts to comfort her
Everyone minus Fluttershy: NO!
Arctic: Please, No. we don’t need to lose are lunch. (He said as he continues to comfort Fluttershy with Rainbow)
Rarity: I think, it’s too late for that. (She said looking green before she rushes off towards the bathroom)
Juniper:He eats from the garbage?! That’s just disgusting!
Pinkie Pie: Ooo~! A new face!
Fluttershy: P-Please, be someone nice.
Arctic: Ah, you can always trust Applejack to tell when someone really means what they say. (He said and looked over to equestrian girl AJ)
Pinkie Pie: And, that’s why she makes the perfect person for the element of honesty.
Applejack: Aww, shucks. That’s mighty kind of you both.
Sci-Twi: At least, things are looking up for them.
Juniper: For now, there is still Sweeney
Arctic: Don’t forget, Chrysalis aswell. (He said as he slowly starts letting go of Fluttershy)
Soon the sound of the doors opening can be heard as Rarity was coming back as she sits back down in her seat.
Sci-Twi: Hey, Rarity. Feeling better?
Rarity: Yes, I believe so darling.
The group nods their heads happy too know she’s alright and begins to feel her in on what she missed
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Like a child, they started out innocent, but when they get older and starts having things they love and those things get taking away from them for no reason, that with turn into negative emotions in more ways than one.
Oh man, Celestia….what have you done pulling a Nimona?……
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I think I’m gonna go with double gulp!
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Discord's Theatre, Galaxy Branch
Ahsoka Tano: Is she serious?
Sunset Shimmer: Afraid so.
Postwar: Trust me, human history's always complicated, that's why they kept changing laws and everything else every one hundred years or so. Especially during the Industrial Revolution, where kids were also being forced to work in labor.
Mando: Reminds me of the Emperor when he came into power.
Leia Organa: That's why I try to help people instead of turning my back to them.
Postwar: *shivers*Yeah, no kidding.
Sunset Shimmer: Speak from experience?
Postwar: In my early days before they assigned me to this branch after Phantom was kidnapped.
Galen Marek: Something tells me things won't end well.
Leia Organa: So I'm not the only one.
C-3PO: I'm more concerned about the whole meat pie situation. *R2 beeping in agreement*
Postwar: People enjoy their foods in different ways. Not to mention pies like those are good for good to go types of foods, and when they first started it out it was frowned upon, but it changed overtime when others tried to perfect it where the previous ones have failed.
Sunset Shimmer: Uh, I don't like the look she's giving.
Leia Organa: Glad I'm not the only one.
Postwar: To quote a certain villain, "She must have some crazy backstory".
Mando: Doesn't anyone in any universe?
Postwar: As Discord would say, "As the Lord of Chaos, I'd advise against saying things like that".
Sunset Shimmer: He actually said that.
Postwar: Yeah, back when those two tried to help Big Mac to ask Sugar Belle to marry him.
Leia Organa: Really? What happened.
Postwar & Sunset: Long story.
Postwar: Trying to find a place to stay in London in the Victorian Era is like trying to find a home in Mandalore. *Looks at Mando*Uh, no offense.
Mando: None taken.
Sunset Shimmer: At least someone was willing to take them in.
Galen Marek: Yet something tells me that something bad will happen as things go south.
Postwar: Glad you caught on quickly.
Leia Organa: We've had our fair share of things going south too.
Postwar: Thorax thought the same way too, and yet he gave it a chance.
Sunset Shimmer: He's right, you're so caught up with power, you never give anything a chance.
Mando: And I thought the Dazzlings were tough cases to crack.
Postwar: Pff, yeah right, the only health they'll really need is their mental one.
Some couldn't help but chuckle by that statement.
Postwar: And here comes the backstory.
Sunset Shimmer: Everyone has them. Whether good, bad, or somewhere in between.
Postwar: *Playfully* Remind me again why you didn't become a therapist like your counterpart?
Ahsoka Tano: That poor man.
Leia Organa: No wonder he's like that.
Postwar: That almost makes Joker look sane. Key word, almost.
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Discord's Theatre, Galaxy Branch
Sunset Shimmer: She...did what?
Postwar: Bad way to go actually. But then again, in my experience, there are some fates worse than death.
Galen Marek: Agreed. I've been there before once long ago.
Postwar: Kind of reminds me of the Joker.
Sunset Shimmer: I know what you mean.
Others: Joker?
Postwar & Sunset: Long story.
Mando: For a deranged madman, it shows he's not as dumb as he looks.
Galen Marek: sometimes the madness can make one see what the other can't.
Ben Solo: It's scary.
Leia Organa: *comforting her son* It's alright, Ben. It's alright.
Sunset Shimmer: Wait...she used to be in love...with a pony?
Postwar: Huh, that's a new one. In all my life knowing her, I'd never imagined something like this.
Galen Marek: The same can be said for Darth Vader.
Ahsoka Tano: Agreed.
Everyone then begins to see her lifestory.
Everyone watched in shock, not believing what they were seeing. But the one in shock the most...was Sunset.
Sunset Shimmer: She...she really did that to her? It's no wonder...
Postwar: *Mutters* Celestia. You did this to her? You're the reason she was like this...you turned a blind eye instead of actually seeing? You idiot.
Ahsoka Tano: She did worse things than this before?
Postwar: After actually. *sigh* I hope everyone will be prepared for this. *Sends messages to everyone to prepare themselves*
Mando: At least we know now how all of this began.
Ahsoka: I can't believe she did that.
Leia Organa: I can't either.
Sunset on the other hand was still shocked by what she had seen.
Sunset Shimmer: I...I can't believe she did that.
3PO: Oh my, what is it?
Mando: Something every monster needs to start their mayhem.
Postwar: aka, murder weapons for future victims.
Sunset Shimmer: Now I'm suddenly afraid. *Gets comforted by Galen*
Ben Solo: I'm scared. *Gets comforted by Leia*
Postwar: I wonder how Twilight and the others will handle it once they find out the truth.
Mando: I'd be more concerned about the rest of Celestia's family, friends and subjects, than them.
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Me: *Receiving Postwar's message, reads and becomes shocked. I look to Twilight, fearing how she'd react if she finds out. I place my device away*
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Everyone, let's not jump to any conclusions here. We don't know the whole story. Hey, that may not even be Celestia at all for all we know.
I want to at least find out the princess's side of the story first and see if it even connected to Chrysalis's.
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Thank you!
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I'm glad you like the dresses I made and just to let you know, I'm a girl.
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I agree. We should see what happens before jumping into conclusions.
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Okay, okay you're right.
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Rainbow Dash: You’re just saying that because you keep getting your flank handed to you.
Arctic: Never tried alcohol, not planning on trying to find out what it taste like either.
Fluttershy: H-Haunted. (She said a bit nervous)
Sci-Twi: Something tells me, he knows a lot about it.
Juniper: The question is, what exactly is it? (She wondered)
Applejack: Something tells me, we’re about to find out.
Rarity: It’s so sad, she didn’t deserve to lose her husband.
Fluttershy: I-I don’t like the sound of that. (She said worried)
Pinkie Pie: M-Me neither. (She mentioned also worried)
The room started to get cold, a sense of dread shivered everyone back, they couldn’t tell why, but they feel.. the worst thing is about to show itself
Silence was in the air, no dare to say a word. And after a few moments… the silence was broken
Applejack: THAT NO GOOD VARMIT!
Sci-Twi: THAT MAN IS NORE HORRIBLE THEN WE THOUGHT!
Rainbow Dash: AND NO ONE DID A THING!
Juniper: HOW CAN SOMEONE LIKE HIM BE A JUDGE!
Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were a crying mess as they couldn’t even say a word. Arctic and Rarity, seeing the two in tears held onto them respectively to comfort them, part of Arctic hair cover his eyes as he too felt a large amount of anger and rage seeing the horrible site that they witness
About a hour past, everyone was breathing heavily after getting anger out of them. But, Fluttershy and Pinkie were still a bit of a mess, with Arctic comforting Fluttershy still while Pinkie was being comforted by Rarity.
Rarity: How awful!..
Juniper: That’s just more sad, he came back to find her.. only to find out she’s already gone.
There were a few surprised looks seeing what Chrysalis was going, seeing her hugging Sweeney to comfort him.
Sci-Twi: Wait… so the girl we saw
Juniper: Is actually Sweeney daughter?!
Arctic: That man…keeps giving more reasons to hate him. (He said with hate in his voice)
Fluttershy: P-Poor Sweeney.. (she said having a few tears falling her face still)
Pinkie Pie: H-He really needs all the hugs he can get. (She mentioned also having saddest)
Juniper: I can’t blame her for being scared, especially around this subject.
Arctic: Yeah, but it does show that even Chrysalis wouldn’t go that far or something that horrible.
Rainbow Dash: Wow, not even scared.
Applejack: With what we seen so far…it only makes sense.
This caught everyone off guard hearing what the Queen changelling had said
Juniper: She.. had a lover?
Sci-Twi: Do you think…it’s the same one she mentioned she lost?
Arctic: It..it sounds like it
Everyone listen closely and carefully on what was about to be shown. However, Arctic was paying close attention the most.
Arctic: (in his thoughts) Did whatever happened to this Fire Fall…was that the reason why Chryslias is the person she is now.
Rarity: My word, he is quite the handsome looking one.
Applejack: I have agree, he it a mighty catch for her
Arctic: (his eyes widen in shock) Wait…those guards. They look like..(he begins to say)
Fluttershy: O-Oh no…(she said worried)
Arctic: Celestia… they were her guards
There were a series of gaps and shocked from this.
Rarity: S-She can’t really mean that!
Sci-Twi: Rarity right!… I-I can’t believe she really mean that.
Fluttershy: W-Wait! P-Please don’t!
Pinkie Pie: you’re making a mistake!
Juniper: She.. She thinks his under a spell?!
Rainbow Dash: That’s that’s totally messed up! Like, you can say that without proving it! His one of your subjects and you should know and believe what’s true!
Applejack: I have to agree, this is no way to treat your own subjects
Silence filled the theater room once more as everyone couldn’t believe what they heard and saw.
Arctic: I… I need to step out. (He said slowly getting up and went out of the room)
Fluttershy: You girls think…t-that all happened.
Applejack: I-I don’t know, they way she acted, the way she felt actually saddest towards Sweeney and says she knows his pain.
Sci-Twi: But..The Princess wouldn’t do something that horrible.. separate two lovers just because they’re different.. right?
Rarity: I-I don’t wanna believe that, Princess Celestia would do something like that.. but we don’t have any way of knowing if this is true or not.
The Girls started to scared and worried not liking where things are going.
Rarity: If only his wife was still alive, she would’ve protect their daughter until he came
The girls felt cold and a shivered go down their backs as they shared a look and gulped
Pinkie Pie: Y-You don’t thinks his gonna use them for …”that” is he?
Rainbow Dash: I..think he is Flutters
The Equestrian and Juniper felt worried and dread and could only imagine what the two of them were planning on doing. But, as there thoughts were drifting on the teamwork, Rarity looked back a bit towards the doors.
Rarity: I hope you’re doing ok, Arctic. (She said in her thoughts)
Outside the doors, the boy was leaning against the door a bit as his thoughts were drifting toward what Chrysalis had saw
Arctic:… Was all that true? Did Celestia do that to her? Could Chrysalis not be the person she is today if she still have Fire Fall? So many questions about this with so little answers….and we only know one side of the story. Maybe, if it’s possible I can see if we can look into this when this is over. But still, I don’t think she deserves to lose someone she loved with all her heart.
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Uh, you know you posted this twice, right?
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Thanks for letting me know, was having a problem submitting it when I finished as it was taking awhile to fully go through, so I had to refresh page then resubmit it.
Didn’t realize it went through the first time as it didn’t say it did when I tried to upload it
Regardless about where all our opinions lie on Chrysalis’s background, there is one thing we can agree on….and that is that Phantom-Dragon is going to have quite the challenge with the commentaries due to the revelations that have just recently been revealed.
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not to mentions That Princess Celestia got explaining to do.
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Great job, Phantom!
Can’t wait to see what you have in store for the next commentary when it comes
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Red Spy:"Everyone, calm down, Give the princess a breather or 2 and she will explain, ok"?.
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Great Commentary!
PRINCESS CELESTIA IS SUS!
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SUS?
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It's Among Us gamer fans short word for: "Suspicious."
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I knew that, I played the game, man.
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Same. except it was this movie and i was in middle school
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I think you mean...
Me: (In Blooregard Q Kazoo's Voice)
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Meanwhile, back at Discord's Theater
Alastor: "Like they ever had a choice? Ha ha ha ha!"
Angel Dust: "I can! My dad is one of them."
Angel Dust: "Meh. Not big on politics." (To Vaggie) "Makes ya glad you didn't have to live in that time period, eh, Toots?"
Vaggie: (Shoves Angel Dust off) "Oh fuck off!"
Cheese Sandwich: "I second that notion."
Party Favor: "I third that notion!"
Loona: (Texting on her phone) "You asses wouldn't know a party until you meets Bee. She's hotter." (Looks at her photo gallery) "So is my boyfriend."
Derick: (Tries to sneak a peek at Loona's phone) "Ooh! Who's that–" (Gets punched in the face by Loona) "Ow-eth."
Big Mac: "Eeyup."
Big Mac: "Nope."
Big Mac: "Nope."
Husk: "Why don't you all just take a gun and blow his brain out and get it over with already?"
Angel Dust: (To Husk) "Why Husky. I didn't know you were into that kind of thing, handsome~"
Husk: (To Angel Dust) "That's not what I mean...creep."
Starlight Glimmer: (To Angel Dust and Husk) "Okay, first of all, you guys are very creepy." (To Charlie) "No offense."
Charlie Morningstar: (Shrugs) "None taken."
Starlgiht Glimmer: "And second of all, no way would Twilight and our friends go as far as killing someone! Our friends are not killers! They would never go that far..."
Charlie Morningstar: "I wholeheartedly appreciate that. Besides, if I'm being honest...Hell's got one too many sinners to go around, overpopulating and...stuff."
Silverstream: "We were just talking about that!"
Yona: "Yona agrees!"
Gallus: "Then we're all officially in agreement. Professor Snape is a big asshole!"
Silverstream: (To Gallus) "Gallus! Language!"
Gallus: (To Silverstream) "Sorry." (Points to the sinners) "Being around these guys, it's starting to rub off on me..."
Husk: (Sarcasm) "Wow! Those ponies know how to read! Smart bitches..." (Chugs his booze)
Alastor: :D "Hmmm. Looks about as quaint as the Hazbin Hotel!"
Charlie Morningstar: "Uh, actually. It's the Happy Hotel?"
Alastor: (Looks interested) "Mmmmm. Meat Pies you say? Haven't had one of those in centuries, or so."
Big Mac: (Cringing) "Nope."
Marble Pie: "Nuh-uh!"
Princess Luna: "I think I'm going to be sick."
Vaggie: (To the ponies) "Well, considering you ponies' appetites are all vegetarians, I don't blame you..."
Charlie Morningstar: (Covers her mouth) "Meat...and pie?"
Gilda: "Actually, color me intrigued. That's a new one."
Gabby: "Ditto! I mean, I've eaten Chicken Pot Pie before, but I wonder what meat pie is like!"
Ember: "Same. Gemstones are good and all, like nature's rock candy. But Ancalagon forbids, we've got to have meat in our diet now and then."
Alastor: (Smiles...like always) "Well, it's nice to see so that there are a select few who appreciate a good SLICE OF LIFE now and then. Ha ha! And I am rather intrigued about this Lovett's Meat Pies. I have a rather unquenchable liking for rare steaks, and I have been known to make it my business to try out every meat cuisine in the world. You never know what could become my favorite."
Alastor: "AH! A lovely rendezvous between the two leading stars of the story it seems!"
Ocellus: "That's...Queen Chrysalis...in disguise!"
Gallus: "We know..."
Alastor: "You know. If I were to disguise myself and not draw too many unwanted attention, first thing I'd do is change how I look. The dresses are lovely, but the hair, the eyes, the skin pigmentation, and the voices certainly don't fool anyone. I would mix it up. Become my new originality! Keeps it classic! Unlike the same boring ol' channels of Vox's playing on re-runs, remaking itself over and over and over again and again and again and again, until it loses its value..."
Vaggie: "ICK! That place isn't passing the health inspection anytime soon!"
Angel Dust: "Do they even have one of those back in those days? Seriously, do they? Because I fluck in history class."
Niffty: "Oh man! That place is really filthy! It could really use a lady's touch!"
Diamond Tiara: "Voma trocious!"
Silver Spoon: "Eeyup!"
Random Dude: "AAAAAHH!!! BELLATRIX LESTRANGE! AHHHH!!!" (Runs away)
Angel Dust: (Watches random dude running for his life) "Where the fuck is he running off to?"
Mina: (To Angel Dust) "Oh, don't mind him. That's just Random Dude being...random. Does that all the time. He kinda knows his movies a lot more than, Dr. Phantom-Dragon does."
Angel Dust: (To Mina) "Really? Any chance he knows some good dicks I can fuck?"
Mina: "...Ew! No!"
Angel Dust: "Meh. Whatever."
Ember: "Oh no. More singing!" (Covers her ears again)
Random Demon: "Oh for fuck sake! We've already had to suffer through a shitty song about rainbows and cupcakes from the Pilot of our indie animated show on VoxTube!"
Husk: "It's Hell up here than it is down there. You'll get used to it..."
Yona: "YONA NOT LIKE ROACHES!"
Yaks: "YAKS HATE ROACHES! YAKS SMASH! YAKS SMASH! YAKS SMASH!!" (Proceeds to bounces around the theater, causing everyone to fly up in the air, repeatedly)
Random Patron: "My leg!"
At the same time, the meat pies magically appeared in Discord's Theater and plopped in front of the audience's tables. Needless to say, the ponies and other vegetarians all had a disgusted look on their faces, while the carnivores, like the griffons, dragons, and their demon guests all have a rather interested look on their faces.
Gabby: "Well, it is pie day. So..."
The meat eating audience members all gave a shrug and took a bite out of their pies.
The poor unfortunate souls who took a bite out of the pies immediately regretted their decision, with their bloodshot eyes bulging out.
Audience Members: "EEEWWWWW!!!!" (Threw up and spitting out the meat pies they had the misfortune to eat)
Gilda: "EW!" (Spits out the pie meat she ate) "Now I know how Rainbow Dash feels!"
Ember: (Gagging and coughing) "BLECH! DISGUSTING! This is why we don't speak of Ēferno no, no, no!"
Yaks: "YAK SMASH! YAK SMASH!"
Mina: "Uh, everyone. Please! Settle down now, please!"
Charlie Morningstar: "Everyone! STOP–" (A pie gets thrown at Charlie, hitting her in the face) "Ew! Not gonna lie, but this definitely tastes like shit."
Vaggie: "Blech! Who would eat this?!" (Sees Alastor is the only one enjoying the pies) "I stand corrected."
Meanwhile, in her seat, Loona had taken one bite out of the pie, when she suddenly works up a drool. Her mouth was foaming, and she grabbed her throat, barking like a mad dog.
Derick: (Jumps into Carrie's hooves) "SHE'S GONE RABID!"
Loona then makes a grab for something to wash the horrible flavor out of her mouth.
Angel Dust: (Was just about to drink himself a liquor, when Loona stole it) "HEY!"
Loona chugs down the entire bottle of liquor, when she realizes something different about. She looked to see what she thought was liquor, was actually: VOLCANO SAUCE.
static.wikia.nocookie.net/spongebob/images/3/3c/Volcano_Sauce_01.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20200731000014
"By the powers of naughtiness, I command this particular drop of hot sauce to be really, really hot!"
Loona's whole face was boiling red, with steam flying out of her ears, as she suddenly breathes fire. And with her poor sore throat even more sore, the hellhound was running around the theater, knocking all the pies up in the air...which all came back down on Tempest Shadow.
Tempest Shadow: "I'm being punished. Aren't I?" (Gets pummeled by all the flying pies)
Gilda: "Oh no..." (Scrubs her tongue with a rock) "I believe it..."
Random dragon: "Lady...see...a...doctor!" (Keels over on the floor)
Meanwhile, Loona continues running around the theater, like a mad dog...because she's literally a mad dog.
Discord: "As the Lord of Chaos, I'd advise against saying things like that."
Discord: "Told you so."
Alastor: "That little dragon fella just couldn't help but tempt fate, now does he?"
He ain't the only one.
Loona quickly makes a grab for her phone, desperately texting to a friend.
Loona: [Texting to Bee]: "Bee! EMERGENCY! Help! SAVE ME! BAD MEAT! Need! Your! DRINK! ASAP!!"
In the blink of an eye, a portal opened up, as a pair of hands came out and gave Loona her request. Loona quickly chugs down the alcoholic drink, and sighed in relief.
Gabby: "Guess that explains the bad taste..." (Stops herself from throwing up)
...
*Crickets chirping SFX*
Garble: (In a high-pitch voice) "Say whaaa...?"
Discord: "YOU MONSTER! How dare you made, Fluttershy cry?!"
Alastor: (To Discord) "Well, what can she say? It's a dog eat dog world. But cats have nine lives until their numbers are up!"
Smolder: "NO!" (Proceeds to brush her teeth with toothpaste and a toothbrush) "That was vile!" (Points at Discord and Alastor) "YOU ARE GETTING A ONE STAR REVIEW!" (Does a spit-take, then resumes cleaning her teeth again)
Gilda: "...I don't blame him. After this...I think I'm going to be a vegetarian for a long time."
Charlie Morningstar: "Here. Have some cupcakes." (Loona snatches it from Charlie) "Oh no, Loona! Wait! IT'S–" (Cringes) "Chocolate."
Crazy Steve: "Chocolate?! CHOCOLATE!!!!! CHOCOLATE!!!!!"
Big Mac: "Nope."
Derpy: "Ick! That's disgusting!"
Gabby: "Yeah. TMI, Spike. I love you, but...we're gonna have to talk about some...boundaries, when you get back."
Angel Dust: "Eating muffins out of the garbage? What was he? Homeless?"
Big Mac: "Eeyup."
Little Chipmunk Girl: "Why did the scary lady kill kittens?"
Crazy Steve: "I don't know, little Chipmunk Girl! These are dark days!"
Alastor: "Hmmm. A little too early to end the adventure there and now. We haven't even gotten to the main climax yet. Which is a no-no in storytelling, you know?"
Cherri Bomb: "Yo, Angel! Check it! It's your twin!"
Smolder: "Well, at least SOMEONE is hospitable enough..."
Big Mac: "Nope."
Husk: "Spoiler alert: He fuckin' fell for your bug master of disguise's damsel-in-distress. So, he's no fucker! Just stupidily nice to strangers. True story. We saw the whole thing happening. Although, he is kinda creepy just going around, picking up random chicks."
Charlie Morningstar: (To Husk) "He's just being chivalrous. All good men are like that!"
Husk: (To Charlie) "...Who the fuck even cares? And what do these 'chivalry' get for their troubles? Hugs and a kiss? Or do the bitches just screw 'em over, until they have nothing left to lose?"
Charlie simply looks at Husk with raised eyebrows, while Husk simply rolled his eyes and resumed drinking his booze.
Angel Dust: (Smiles) "That's my name! Don't wear it!"
Cherri Bomb: (To Angel Dust) "Y'know, Angel. I know that guy isn't you. But right now, I'm kinda pretending that that's actually you with the girls, and I'm pretending to hear your voice coming out of that guy's mouth. Kinda weird, don't you think?"
Angel Dust: (To Cherri Bomb) "Actually, I don't know. Hmmm. Me? As that handsome stud? You're just making me blush."
Next>>>
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Meanwhile, back at Discord's Theater
<<Previous
Angel Dust: "Did she swallow a dictionary or something? 'Cause those are some really big words."
Big Mac: "Eeyup."
Pharynx: "How do you like about that? That's like talking to yourself in the mirror!"
The Audience: "NOOOOOOOO!!!!"
Gilda: "Those pies were definitely the worst pies EVER!"
Crazy Steve: "YOU CALL YOURSELF A PIE?!"
Loona was vigorously trying to brush her teeth with two toothbrushes, then drinks a bottle of alcohol, then repeat.
Big Mac: "Eeee...I've seen better."
Marble Pie: "Mmmm-hmmm."
Charlie Morningstar: "Uh...no thank you."
Husk: "Actually, I'd like a cup or two..." (Mrs. Lovett's bottle appears in Husk's hands, to which he immediately chugs)
Stygian: "Haunted?!"
Ember: "Oh nooooooo!!!!" (Collapses on the floor)
Smolder: "Ooh. That was quick."
Discord: "Oh hooo-hoo! I'm going to need more popcorns!"
Charlie Morningstar: (Turns to Vaggie) "I'd be just as heartbroken too, if I ever lost you, Vaggie." (Both she and Vaggie held each other's hands)
Flurry Heart: "Why couldn't that man just take a hint and go away?"
Princess Cadence: "I don't think it's that simple, sweetie. Especially back in those days and ages."
Lucy.
Gilda: (Wide eyes in disgust) "Now that's just disturbing!"
Big Mac: "Eeyup!"
Vaggie: "I ask myself that question many times..."
Charlie Morningstar: "Oh no... The poor dear..."
Princess Cadence: "After everything that horrible judge put her through, I...I can't say I blame her..."
Gallus: "Yeah. And because he bears a shocking resemblance to Professor Snape, I'm never getting that gruesome image out of my head..."
Every changelings in the theater watching all had their jaws dropped.
Thorax: "I never pegged Chrysalis to be a hugger..."
The Audience: "WHAT?!"
Pretty soon, it didn't take long for everyone in the theater to realize the truth.
Charlie Morningstar: "It was her! Sweet little Johanna...she's his daughter!"
Derick: "That's seriously messed up!"
Loona: [Texted on her phone]: "Welcome to my freaky adopted little world..."
Angel Dust: "Yeah. Life ain't no sunshine and rainbows, that's for sure. Oh well, depending on the rainbow, I mean. I'm proud to be Gay."
Lyra Heartstrings: (To Angel Dust) "I couldn't agree more!" (Embraces Sweetie Drops)
Husk: "Now it's getting good."
Charlie Morningstar: (Shakes her head) "No it isn't!"
Big Mac: "Nope!"
Audience: "WHAT?!"
Angel Dust: (Turns to Charlie) "So...what was that you said about earlier? How the two actually needed each other to cope, because they have so much in common? Because frankly, that's like completely the opposite of what you intended for every one of us sinners."
Charlie Morningstar: "That's not exactly what I had in mind..."
Mina: "There's more?"
Alastor: "Yes, indeedy! There's more to every sides of the story than meets the eyes, my dear!"
Alastor: "Surprised?"
Big Mac: "Ee...depends."
Atalanta: "Almost every day for me..."
Thorax: "We are Changelings!"
Angel Dust: "Oh! I just thought you guys were some kind of horsefly sinners like us..." (To Pharynx) "And to think I wanted to suck on your dick..."
Pharynx: (Disgusted at Angel Dust) "Yeah. I'd rather you not..."
Angel Dust: (To the Changelings) "So...you're like succubi and incubi, except ya don't come from the Lust Ring in Hell? You're all flesh and blood?"
Ocellus: (A little creeped out) "Um...kinda?"
Charlie Morningstar: "Aw! How romantic! It sounds like a Fairytale!"
Niffty: "I love Fairytales!"
Husk: (To the girls) "Too bad like every fairytales, they come with an annoying twist..."
Audience: "AWWWWW!!!"
Cherri Bomb: "Lemme guess. When things got too good, her boyfriend decided enough was enough and dropped her like a sack of yesterday's shit?"
Angel Dust: (To Cherri Bomb) "Speaking from experience?"
Cherri Bomb: (To Angel Dust) "Uh...not exactly. But...I did hear a similar sob story from Verosika Mayday. Some shitty imp she dated stole her car, took it out for a joyride until it crashed, yaddy yaddy yada! Maxed out credit card. That kind of story."
Angel Dust: (Cringing) "Yeesh! Sounds like one messed up imp..."
Loona: [Texting to herself]: "That was my dad unfortunately..."
Atalanta: (To Angel Dust and Cherri Bomb) "Oh no. It's nothing like that. It's way worse..."
Angel Dust: (To Atalanta) "And you know that how?"
Atalanta: "Because...Chrysalis is my mom."
Sinners: (To Atalanta) "WHAT?!"
Niffty: (Drops the dirty dishes she was taking to the kitchen) "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, SAY WHAT?!!!!"
Alastor: (Laughs evilly) "Hmmmm. Hmmmm. What dark secrets are about to unfold? What could've twisted this would-be fairytale to a tragic ending worthy of the Brothers Grimm?"
Once again, the audience were all stunned in silence.
Thorax: "Wow...I...I never knew Chrysalis was...Wow. Is that even her?"
Pharynx: "I can't tell. She's smiling. And...she's kissing..."
"ran"
Gallus: "Hey! Those are...Canterlot Guards!"
Audience: (Everyone all turned to look at Celestia) "PRINCESS CELESTIA?!"
Princess Celestia: (Confused and shocked) "What?!"
Charlie Morningstar: (To Princess Celestia) "Was that really you? Because, I have to say. I kinda like your mane when it was all pink, back when."
Princess Celestia: "Well...yes. There's no denying it. That was me. But I..."
Atalanta: "It's true!"
Bulk Biceps: "YEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!" (Points to Atalanta) "What she said!"
Angel Dust: "So did we until we die in our human bodies and then reborn again as demons in a motherfucking Hell hole. Since then, we just live out the rest of our hellish afterlife until the next Extermination."
Princess Luna: (To Celestia) "Celestia! How could you say that?!"
Princess Celestia: (Holds up her hooves in defense) "I never said that!"
Bulk Biceps: "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!"
Angel Dust: "Hmmmm. I see what Chrysalis sees in him. Guy's got balls. I like balls."
Husks: "He's got balls. Too bad it's gonna cost him..."
Audience: "WHAT?!"
Husk: "I knew it."
Once the flashback has ended, everyone in the theater were all shocked and dismayed at the revelation. It wasn't long before they all turned to Princess Celestia with shocked and disgusted looks on their faces. All, except for Alastor, who looked rather amused, if not intrigued.
Princess Luna: (To Celestia) "TIA! I can't believe you! How could you be that cruel?! Especially to one of our own subjects?! Even my children had a hard life than that!"
Princess Celestia: (Desperately shaking her head) "I...I didn't... I never meant to–AH!" (Ducks her head when a bottle of champagne was thrown at her)
Pharynx: (To Celestia) "THANKS A LOT! We could've had a more pleasing mother! Or a kindhearted queen! Not to mention a father! But no thanks to you...We lost our mother! We've betrayed her, because of you!"
Ocellus: (To Celestia) "I can't believe I'm saying this, since I grew up fearing Chrysalis. But now...I don't know if I can even trust you, or look at you the same way again!" (Tearing up) "I feel so ashamed now and..." (Gasps in realization) "I FROZE MY OWN MOTHER IN A STATUE!!!"
Princess Celestia: (Tearing up) "Everyone, please...I didn't know at the time. I don't even remember...I never meant–"
Charlie Morningstar: "Oh no..." (Covers her mouth)
Once again, everyone all turned to look at Celestia, who looks more ashamed as she tries to defend herself.
Thorax: "I...can't even...believe it either..."
Atalanta: "...I know I've rebelled from mother...and I appreciate Quill Cast for...for what he did for me. But above all...I just want my mom back. I need my family together again..."
Pharynx: (Points at Celestia) "And it's all your fault!"
Charlie Morningstar: (Stands between Pharynx and Celestia) "Hey, look! I know it looks bad, and...there's no sugarcoating. What Celestia did was seriously fucked up. But...can we not right now? I'm sure she feels just as terrible now than she was back when." (To Celestia) "Right, Celestia?"
Princess Celestia: (Tearing up) "Of course I do! I never meant for it to go this far! And...I especially don't even remember doing something like this..."
Discord: (To Celestia) "Oh. Playing the amnesia routine, huh? Yeah, hmmmm, no, sorry. Yeah. No. Nobody's buying that malarky, Tia. You've buttered your bread, so you gotta sleep in it."
Princess Celestia: (To Discord) "I'm not lying! I honestly don't remember doing that to Chrysalis! Or even...Fire Fall. And besides...you know as well as I am that I'm bad a actress! How could I even pretend I have amnesia?"
Discord: (To Celestia) "Well, you tell me. You're looking very SUS right about now. So I'd be very nervous if I were you... Although, that would explain everything!"
Alastor: (To Discord) "Hmmmm? Explain what exactly, my good man?"
Discord: (To Celestia) "How Equestria's has had a lousy record of shoddy security. Think about it! Tasking a young unicorn filly to look after a baby dragon? Throwing a party that leaves everyone vulnerable to the Storm King? Or Cerberus leaving his post to let Tirek escape, and giving the villains their own castle...IT WAS ALL CELESTIA'S DOING!!! SHE'S AN IMPOSTER! SHE'S THE BENEFACTOR! IT'S HER!"
Princess Celestia: (To Discord) "WHAT?! Are you...have you gone mad, Discord?!"
Discord: (To Celestia) "Hey! You forgot who you're talking to. I'm the Master of Chaos! And on behalf of all the heartbreaks who have watched your flashback, I say, you say, 'Let them eat cake!'"
Charlie Morningstar: "Now, now. Let's not jump to conclusions, okay? I know we're all upset. But that's no reason to point fingers at someone!"
Princess Celestia: "I can take responsibility for what I did to Chrysalis and Fire Falls. But that does not automatically make me the culprit of all that bad things that's happened to us lately!"
Discord: (To Charlie) "Oh contrare. You can, if they're the prime suspect! I SAY WE VOTE CELESTIA OUT!"
Angel Dust: (To Discord) "Uh...question. Since when are we in an election?"
Discord: (To Angel Dust) "It's part of a game we play, where we decide whether or not someone should get tossed out or not."
Pharynx: "...You know what? Actually, after seeing how Chrysalis was so...angry to begin with, and after learnign the truth...why don't we just get revenge for her...right now?"
All the changelings – except for a reluctant Thorax and Ocellus – immediately turned their heads and set their sights on Princess Celestia, who finds herself backed up into a corner.
Alastor: (Laughing to himself, while enjoying some meat) "Oh ho ho ho ho! It appears we'll be having a dinner and a show! A rumble in the jungle they say! Been a long time since I've seen one of these ,since that football game in sunny Florida!"
Mina: "Uh...everyone? Can you please...no roughhousing in the Theater?"
Pharynx: (To Mina) "No problem! We'll just take the princess outside and give her a piece of our mind!"
Princess Celestia: "I'm telling you all! I had nothing to do with any of this! And I am especially sorry for what I did to Chrysalis!"
Pharynx: (To Celestia) "Why don't you tell us that...AFTER you've done some time!"
Princess Celestia tried to use her magic to fight back, when someone locked her horn with an anti-magic lock. Next she knew, she was tied up in chains, and almost everybody were ready to toss her out.
Angry Mob: "1...2..."
Discord: "WAIT! Stop! Don't throw Princess Celestia out the theater!"
Princess Celestia: (Sighed in relief) "Thank you."
Charlie Morningstar: "Exactly!"
Discord: (Opens up a portal to the moon) "TOSS HER ONTO THE MOON, LIKE SHE DID TO LUNA ONCE!"
Angry Mob: "YEEEEEEEAAAAHHH!!!!"
Charlie Morningstar: "THAT'S NOT WHAT I HAD IN MIND!"
Princess Celestia: "WHAT?! NO! C'mon! HEY, hey, hey!" (Gets yeeted) "WHAAAA–"
Princess Luna: "TIAAAAAAAA!!!!"
Alastor: (Laughs out loud) "HA AHA HAHA HA HA HA!" (Points at Discord) "Oh, I wouldn't want to be you when she gets back at the end of the Cinematic Adventure!"
Discord: "Well...she may not be an imposter. But she IS still guilty for what she did to Chrysalis and her late boyfriend, so... It's still cold hard justice!"
Thorax: "Still...wouldn't that make us traitors for throwing a monarch onto the moon?"
Pharynx: (To Thorax) "Hey! She got in between Chrysalis and her one true love. That's still guilty in my book. So...She's doing some times."
Angel Dust: "Still, what's all this imposter talk going on?"
Loona: [Looks at her phone to read]: "Still 2 imposters left."
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