//------------------------------// // The Path We Walk: Chapter 7 // Story: The Path We Walk // by Marezinger Z //------------------------------// The Path We Walk Chapter 7: Bypassing breakfast, Twilight and Aegis set out for Canterlot as soon as the sun crested above the horizon. Flying over the city and up towards the castle they landed before the front gates. “Princess Twilight, good morning.” The guard on the right hailed as they approached. “What brings you here so early?” “We must speak to the Princess, where might we find her?” Aegis asked. “She should be having breakfast with Argent.” “Thank you.” Aegis nodded as they passed through the gate. They headed for the dining hall and found the couple seated side by side. Argent was using his magic to feed Celestia pancakes while she laughed at his ridiculous lovey talk. “Princess Celestia.” Twilight called. “Twilight, Aegis.” She said in surprise as she swallowed her mouthful of food. “This is certainly unexpected.” Argent saw the look in Aegis’ eyes, a look he knew well. “What happened Aegis?” He immediately asked. “The students and I were attacked by an unknown creature in the woods yesterday.” “What?” Celestia asked with great concern as she hurried over to them. She gasped as she saw the scar across his chest and laid her hoof to it. “Are you alright?” “Yes Princess.” Aegis assured. “Any idea what it was?” Argent asked. “No, it was fast and kept to the shadows. I was able to chase it off but I could not identify it.” “Any particular powers or abilities?” Argent continued, the pair of them instantly reverting to soldiers. “Strong enough to fell tress with ease, fast enough to evade the focus of the naked eye. It refused to fully engage me, so it either lacked the power or courage to truly fight me.” “That’s too much of a coincidence.” Argent muttered. “What is?” Aegis pressed him to continue his thought. “Celestia has been beset by several ponies over the last few days, they all reported fallen livestock and other damages by something they couldn’t identify.” Argent explained. “What was the radius of the reports?” Argent took a moment to recall the conversations. “As far north as Neighagra Falls and across the plains outside of Canterlot.” “All rural areas?” “Yeah.” Argent nodded. “What happened to the livestock?” “Witnesses said they found them lifeless, like they had been completely drained but there were no signs of physical damage.” Argent twisted his lip as he looked up at Aegis. “Think it may be the same creature?” “As you said, too much of a coincidence.” Aegis agreed with his earlier thought. “We need a map of the area.” “Right.” Argent turned back to Celestia. “We’ll be right back.” “Of course.” Celestia nodded as they left the room. “Wow.” Twilight said in a bit of a stupor. “They’re completely different when they get serious.” “Yes, when it is time to act Argent’s whimsical nature and Aegis’ quiet demeanor vanish altogether.” Celestia noted as she began clearing the table. “This does concern me though, I’ve already dispatched some of the reserve castle guard to investigate the attacks. If that creature was able to harm Aegis, then they are in danger.” “Well we’ve already got the school closed for now and the students home safe.” Twilight informed. “Aegis is having the others move anypony living in an outlying area into Ponyville as we speak.” Argent and Aegis returned and Argent laid a map of the area out on the table. Aegis looked it over and hummed in thought. “Argent, place markers in the areas where the witnesses noted the attacks.” “Right.” Argent used his magic to begin placing pins in the map at the locations that were described to him. “What are you looking for, Aegis?” Twilight asked. “A pattern, Lady Twilight.” “Lady Twilight?” Argent repeated with a smile. “Blasphemy.” “I address her so at her request.” Aegis said. Celestia laughed as she looked down at a blushing Twilight. “She does tend to dislike being offered formality.” Argent put the last pin in and stepped back. “There.” He saw the arc that the pins created, an arc that ended near Ponyville. “You’re right, it’s moving in a set direction.” “Good, now I know where to head it off.” Aegis said surely. “You mean we right?” Argent asked. Aegis shook his head. “No, your place is here with the Princess. I held back last time because I was concerned for the students, next time it will not escape.” Argent let out a concerned groan. “Fine, but if I don’t hear from you in three days I’m coming after you.” “If you don’t hear from me in three days, I will likely be dead.” Aegis countered with a small laugh. “Oh now you make jokes.” Argent shook his head with a smile. “That isn’t funny Aegis.” Celestia scolded as she went to him. “Please, you’ve already been injured.” “Forgive me, Princess.” “Just be careful.” She hugged him. “I shall.” He slowly put his foreleg around her. Argent and Celestia walked them back to the castle gates. As they bid them good luck Aegis glanced back one last time to give Celestia a reassuring wave. As he and Twilight took to the sky he let out a heavy breath. Twilight saw the distracted look in his eyes and flew closer to him. “Are you okay?” she asked. “I am fine Lady Twilight, I just thought that by now it… would be easier to see them together.” Twilight felt a heavy tug in her heart. “I wish I had something more to say than “I’m sorry.”’ “It is alright, milady.” Aegis sighed lightly. “Perhaps I expect too much of myself too quickly, or perhaps it will simply remain with me for the rest of my life. Either way, that isn’t what is important right now, ending this threat is our top priority.” Twilight knew she had little to offer him on the matter so she left it alone. When they reached Ponyville he left Twilight at the castle to relay what was happening to the others while he headed out to face the monster once again. Based on what he saw on the map, the next likely feeding ground would be near Ghastly Gorge. He stayed high and used cloud cover to reach his destination unseen. As he neared his target area he found a group of farms that he deduced would be a likely target and perched upon a heavy cloud. He settled down as any attack would not likely take place till nightfall. Aegis remained still for the entire day until the sun began to sink below the horizon. As darkness washed over the area he used his wings to lower his cloud closer to the ground to maintain decent vision of the area. Another three hours passed and soon the lights in the homesteads began to go out as their residents’ retired for the night. Aegis kept his eyes trained on the surrounding tree lines for any signs of movement. Patience paid off as he spotted a form rush from the forested area and head towards the livestock pens. He could make out more of a shape but in the dark he still could not fully identify the creature. He rose and spread his wings, waiting for the perfect moment to fall from the sky. As the form neared the edge of the pens it leapt over the fencing with ease and stalked in the softer soil. Aegis saw this as his chance and leapt from the cloud, diving towards the pen with amazing speed. The creature quickly noticed him and turned to run but the loose soil of the animal pen slowed its attempt. As it scrambled over the fence and began its retreat, Aegis landed before it and stood his ground. “Not this time!” he challenged. “Your trespass in these lands ends now.” He rushed forward and swiped his wing at the creature which nimbly back flipped out of range and began galloping towards the forest. Aegis spread his wings and braced his hooves, as he threw them back he kicked off and shot forward with unnatural acceleration. He slammed into the creature and sent it flying off of its feet and rolling long and hard along the rough terrain. It skidded to a stop and lay still as Aegis flew in pursuit. He cautiously approached but lowered his guard in surprise as at his hooves lay an unconscious Chrysalis. Letting out a disoriented groan, Chrysalis returned to consciousness and found herself before a fire. With a startled cry she tried to leap to her hooves but her legs failed her and she returned to the ground. “Please be still, you’re injured.” Aegis said from across the fire. Chrysalis was able to sit upright and scowled across the flickering firelight at him. “You!” “My name is Aegis.” “Like I care!” she hissed. “I am sorry.” Aegis ignored her anger. “I am not one to strike down a female of any kind, had I known I would not have attacked you with such ferocity.” Surprised at his words she merely began to laugh. “It seems I’ve stumbled on a true knight of Equestria.” she scoffed. “You’ll regret this kindness.” “I have no desire to harm you further.” Aegis shook his head. “But if you persist in this, I will do what is necessary to keep this area safe. I think it is clear that you cannot best me as you are now. Attempting to do so again will only result in the same outcome.” His blunt assessment made her anger burn even more, but she realized he was right. “Why am I here? Why not just finish me off?” Her eyes narrowed. “Or are you planning on gifting me to that stuck up old mare Celestia.” “As I said, I do not wish to harm you.” Aegis repeated. “And for the moment, I do not intend to reveal you to anypony.” She eyed him in confusion. “Do you even know who I am?” “Chrysalis, former queen of the changelings.” Aegis said without hesitation. “You’ve set yourself on Equestria multiple times and were recently defeated by Starlight and her friends which saw to the ascension of Thorax as the new leader of the changeling hive.” “Hmph, I guess there’s a brain in that oversized body of yours after all. If you know me so well then why are we having this little talk?” “What exactly is your plan?” Aegis queried. “What?” She asked sharply. “What is the endgame to these sporadic attacks?” he clarified. “I’ve been surviving.” she growled. “Like I always have. Biding my time until I can find a way to get my revenge on Starlight Glimmer, Twilight Sparkle and all those upstart ponies who have taken everything from me!” “You have no hive, no army and you’re obviously not at full strength and yet you still seek vengeance. With each conflict you lose more and more, when does it end?” His question caught her off guard and irked her already damaged pride. “I don’t have to answer to you!” she shouted. “I’ve been living in caves and feeding off the paltry love of wild animals to sustain myself. I am so weak I barely have any magic and cannot even muster the strength to fly. I’ve suffered enough indignity already so you can take your pity and choke on it!” In spite of her angry words he could see the pain of defeat in her eyes. “I am not offering you pity, I merely wish to know if you are truly satisfied with the path you walk. I believe you have reached its end and have seen what rewards it reaps. There are other paths to walk, milady.” Chrysalis laughed lightly in a sort of disbelief at this stallion before her. “What is this? Some attempt to reform me? You’re either stupid, naïve or some spectacular combination of both. I have no intention of allowing myself to become the same as those pastel colored weaklings that dare call themselves changelings.” “You do not need to change what you are to change who you are, milady.” “This world sees me as a monster, why should I not play the part I’ve been given?” Chrysalis asked with contempt. Aegis shook his head. “It is not your visage that makes you a monster, it is your actions. Do you expect anything more than fear and disdain from a world that you only attack?” “I didn’t start this!” she yelled. “I feed off of love, I cannot change that! I sought it out but was denied again and again out of that very fear and disdain. I had no choice but to take what I needed to survive.” “Everything is a choice, Lady Chrysalis; no matter how one sided that choice may seem.” “And what would you know of what it is like to walk in my hooves?” she asked. “Because I know what it is like to be seen as a monster.” His words gave her pause. “How?” “Look at me.” Aegis spread his wings. “Do you think I walk this world without bringing fear and uncertainly in my wake? I have spent my life on eggshells making sure to never be aggressive or take action that would make others think I would bring them harm. Even so, in spite of all I do and have done to only use my strength to help this world, I have never had the full trust of my own kind.” “Then why bother?” she asked. “You are clearly more powerful than nearly anypony else. Why not take what you want?” “I do have that choice.” Aegis admitted. “But I choose not to live my life that way. I long since came to terms with the fact that I will never be fully accepted, but I am happy to have those who do accept me. If I turned my back on the world out of anger, I wouldn’t have the friends and allies I do now… I would have nothing. Something is always better than nothing, which is why I am offering you something.” Chrysalis absorbed his story. “And what is this something?” “A new path, one similar to my own.” he explained. “To be honest, your path doesn’t sound very rewarding.” “It is far from ideal at times.” he admitted. “Still, I live my life as best I can in the world that exists in the now. I never had anyone to aid me when I found myself at the crossroad, but I am willing to do so for you.” “And if I refuse?” She asked, testing the boundaries of her situation. “Then I will have to take you to the Princess and let her decide your fate.” “Gee, both options sound so appealing.” she chortled. “What is it you want from me in return?” “If you accept my offer, you must give me your word that you will cease feeding on other creatures. If you do so, or if you in any way threaten the safety of my friends or the Princess, I will deal with you personally.” She saw the seriousness in his eyes and actually felt a twinge of fear. “I’ll eventually starve then.” She finally muttered. “You may use me to sustain yourself.” Aegis offered. “What?” She looked to him in shock. “I am more than capable of enduring the process.” Chrysalis slowly rose to her feet and eyed him. “And what’s to stop me from draining you dry and leaving this place?” “Nothing.” He said plainly. “Excuse me?” “Again, everything is choice, milady. With each choice you make you must accept the consequence. You could very well drain me fully, but what then? You still have no assets or place to go, you would be back to feeding off animals and once the Princess learned of my demise she would pursue you to the ends of the known world.” He closed his eyes. “Make your choice.” Chrysalis let out a hard breath as she stepped closer to him. Her horn lit with green magic and a steady flow of energy began coming from Aegis’ body. He made not a sound as she fed on him and after several moments she pulled away and severed the connection. She staggered for a moment but soon lifted her head high as her body radiated green light. Her muscles toned and tightened, the metallic sheen returned to her mane and the glow returned to her eyes. “Mmm.” she moaned. “Much better.” Aegis opened his eyes and smiled lightly. “It seems your luster has returned, milady.” She sighed and rolled her eyes. “Th…thank you.” “Of course, Lady Chrysalis.” he nodded. “So what now?” she asked. “It’s late, we should rest before dawn.” He lowered his head to the ground and closed his eyes. “Oh.” She laid back down beside the fire. Her mind raced with thoughts on her situation as she watched him sleep. She was still angry and considered making a run for it but his words continued to hang over her. She knew he was right and admitting that to herself only made her angrier. As the dissonance in her head continued she eventually fell asleep. The sound of hoof steps made Chrysalis wake and she jumped to her hooves again, spreading her wings and bearing her fangs. Aegis stood before her, putting out the fire and eying her calmly. “Good morning, Lady Chrysalis. I hope you slept well.” Chrysalis lowered her guard and caught her breath. “I suppose.” she murmured. “What of your injuries?” “I’m fine.” She harshly insisted. Aegis looked her over and sighed. “You are fully governed by your anger.” Chrysalis growled in irritation. “I have a lot to be angry about.” “I understand.” Aegis nodded. “But if you are to move forward in any meaningful way, you are going to have to let go of that anger.” “You expect me to just forget what has been done to me?” She asked bitterly. “No, we never forget, but nor should we let those things dictate who we are.” He looked into her eyes with a deep understanding. “I am no stranger to anger. Still, I have always strived to not let that anger be my guide.” “Sorry, but I’m not as “at one with the universe” as you seem to be.” Aegis laughed at the idea. “I am no such thing, in fact, I have just recently had to deal with a hard and drastic change that overwhelmed me with an aimless anger.” “Is that so?” She hummed in interest. “What might that have been?” Aegis took a long moment to decide whether to speak of the matter. “To put is simply, my closet friend secured the love of the mare I cherish more than all else. I couldn’t be angry at either of them as they did nothing wrong, I merely wasn’t the stallion she wished to pursue that type of relationship with. My anger was at myself and the seemingly endless circumstance that seems to haunt my life. It came close to rotting me from within and it was only by the grace of friendship that I was able to climb back out of that pit.” He nodded solemnly. “Even with all my resolve I wasn’t able to find my way alone, which is why I am willing to help you.” Chrysalis closed her eyes and thought back over the years. “I can’t remember not being angry.” She finally spoke. “I don’t even recall what it feels like to be at peace.” She opened her eyes and stared into his. “I can accept that you might have some understanding of how I feel. Still, I doubt there is much you can do to change me.” “Change cannot be made for you, only by you.” Aegis stated. “I have no intention of forcing you to do anything. I can only try to help you reevaluate your view of the world and hopefully choose to make the change yourself.” She laughed to herself. “Is everything out of your mouth philosophy or are you just trying to impress me?” She asked, cracking a smile. Aegis smiled back. “I’ve been told I am a stallion of few words, I try to make them count.” He pointed his wing to the north. “Would you care to head for the lake?” “Might as well.” Chrysalis shrugged. Not wanting to draw attention, they hiked through the wooded area to reach the lake. The morning sun sent sparkles across the still water. As they approached the lakeside, Aegis lowered his head to the water and took a long drink. As he looked up and out over the pristine waters he reflected on what Chrysalis had said to him thus far. “Lady Chrysalis, what is it you wish for yourself?” He finally asked. “You already know the answer to that?” She responded dryly. “Do I?” He looked back to her. “My goal was to conquer Equestria and subjugate the ponies to my will, using them as a perpetual food source for my changelings.” “That, as you said, was your goal for your hive. What is it you want?” Chrysalis felt herself agitate but merely sighed heavily. “To make everypony pay for the way they’ve treated me.” “Say you did manage to conquer Equestria, what then?” He asked, pressing her to explore the idea. “What’s that supposed to mean? If I conquer Equestria then I win.” She said bluntly. “Win what, milady?” Chrysalis huffed in frustration. “Win… well… having control over everypony means they would have to obey me, they would have to…” “Accept you?” Aegis interrupted. Chrysalis froze, his words striking a chord deep within her. “I… I don’t…” “All anger stems from pain, Lady Chrysalis. Last night you told me that you originally sought out love but was denied because the world would not accept you. The pain of that rejection ignited your anger and guided your choices in life to seek revenge and control over the world in order to force it to accept you.” He matched eyes with her. “In order to move on from your anger, you must deal with that pain and make peace with it.” Chrysalis felt wildly uncomfortable with how well he summed her up, she backed away and glared at him. “Shut up! Don’t think you can read me like some cheap book!” She turned and stormed off into the woods. Aegis watched her off but did not immediately follow. He remained by the lake for near half an hour before going after her. He headed back towards their campsite and found her seated on a log. “Lady Chrysalis, I apologize if I upset you.” Chrysalis sat silent for several moments. “How do you know all this?” She finally asked. “As I said before, I know what it is like.” He went to her side and saw that she was struggling to hold her tears. “I am sorry you have had to feel this way for so long. It was wrong of those ponies in the past to spurn you and although I cannot speak for them, I can say this. When I come across anycreature who fears me, I do not hold that against them because I understand why they feel that way.” He laid his wing to her back. “It does not make it hurt any less, but it does let me accept the situation and not allow myself to succumb to anger. Hating those that fear or mistreat you won’t change anything. In turn, lashing out will only serve to prove them right.” He smiled down at her. “Don’t prove them right, Lady Chrysalis. The best way to get back at them is to prove the contrary and remain above their ignorance. If you do that, then eventually they are the ones that will be seen as monsters.” He stepped in front of her and sat down. Chrysalis looked away from him, he could tell she was trying to not show him weakness. “Your pain has been a part of you for so long now, but you refuse to deal with it directly. If you wish to know any semblance of peace you must let the pain run its course and stop suppressing it with rage.” Chrysalis’ breathing grew erratic, she grit her teeth and let out a muffled growl. “It isn’t fair.” “No, it isn’t.” Aegis shook his head. “Creatures like us have to try so much harder in life than others, for half the reward. Still, there are rewards for us to find if we endure, and whether you believe me or not they are worth the struggle.” Her tears finally broke free but she slammed her eyes shut, he held his wing out and set his feather to her cheek. She opened her eyes and looked back up at him. “It is alright, milady; let it run its course.” He opened his wings and wrapped them around her. Chrysalis slumped forward and rested her forehead against his chest. He heard her begin to cry and felt a bittersweet joy at knowing that she had crossed this first and perhaps largest hurdle. He sat there with her for well over an hour, not saying a word. When he felt that she had calmed he withdrew his wings and sat back. Chrysalis sniffled and wiped her cheeks dry, she felt a bizarre mixture of relief and embarrassment. In less than a day this complete stranger had made her feel so much and seemed to understand her like no creature else ever had. A part of her was impressed by this while another remained upset and uncomfortable with the idea. “Are you alright, milady?” Aegis asked. Chrysalis remained silent for a good minute. “Can you just… leave me alone for now?” “As you wish.” he nodded. “I need to find something to eat, I will return soon.” He left her to her thoughts and went in search of food. He returned close to an hour and a half later only to find that she hadn’t moved an inch. He noticed heavy, gray clouds beginning to move in and started preparing another fire. As he filled the pit with dried logs, sticks and leaves a green blast struck the pile, igniting it. He looked up to see Chrysalis slowly approaching. “I’ve got enough power now to use some magic at least.” She said quietly, sitting before the rising fire. “Thank you, Lady Chrysalis. That is a deal easier than using stones.’ He sat across from her. The sound of thunder soon came followed by a strengthening wind. The treetops above them began to rustle and a light cascade of rain began to fall through the branches onto them. “Lovely.” Chrysalis looked up with a heavy sigh. “You didn’t happen to bring a tent for this little camping trip did you?” Aegis laughed lightly, noting that while her tongue was still sharp her tone was much more peaceful. “Regrettably not, Lady Chrysalis.” She grumbled to herself and raised her brow at him. “Listen, will you knock of the ‘lady’ stuff. I don’t know what century you think this is, but Chrysalis is good enough.” “As you wish, Chrysalis.” The rain began to intensify and Chrysalis raised a barrier around herself. She glanced over at Aegis and saw that he was slowly getting soaked although he merely sat still with his eyes closed. She huffed and stood up, slowly walking around the fire to his side and sitting beside him. She increased the barrier’s size to encompass them both. Aegis looked up as he felt the rain stop and noticed the cover. He smiled down at her gently and she quickly looked away. “Don’t get any stupid ideas. I just don’t need my only source of sustenance getting sick.” Aegis nodded and the pair sat silently as they watched the sky and waited for the storm to pass.