The Path We Walk
Chapter 8
The following day, Aegis was up before the sun. As he rose he saw that Chrysalis was still fast asleep. He let out an unsettled breath as today he knew he would have to report to Celestia. He walked to the lake to drink and sat by the lakeside to contemplate things. As the sun began to rise he started back to the campsite and saw Chrysalis smothering the remains of the fire with magic.
“Good morning, Chrysalis.” he greeted.
“It’s dry at least.” She turned to him. “So, what’s on the agenda today?”
“Actually, I need to escort you to Canterlot to let the Princess know the status of our situation.”
“Are you crazy?” she asked. “You know what will happen if I show my face there.”
“I do.” he nodded. “Even so, the next major step of our journey is to demonstrate your intentions. You will be met with doubt, suspicion and hostility but that is to be expected. You must show your resolve by accepting those things and proving your commitment through dedicated and repeated action.”
Chrysalis cocked her hip and sarcastically smiled up at him. “And what do I do when the weapons and magic come flying my way?”
“You have my word that as long as you abide by our accord, I will let nothing harm you.” he vowed.
She slowly nodded. “Alright, let’s get this over with.”
“Are you now strong enough to hold another form?” he asked.
“Yes.” She used her magic to assume the form of an average looking pegasus.
Aegis led her to Canterlot and into the castle. They traveled to the throne room and found Celestia concluding a meeting with some visiting dignitaries. Argent noticed their entry and he smiled in relief, he stepped from the side of the throne and walked the outside edge of the room to meet them.
“Aegis, thank goodness you’re safe.” He slapped his shoulder. “How did everything go?”
“Well, I can say that the attacks are over now.” Aegis said surely.
“Great news, I knew you had it under control all along.” he grinned.
“Of course you did.” Aegis laughed, recalling his earlier insistence on accompanying him.
As Celestia concluded her talk she finally took notice of Aegis. “Aegis, you have returned safely.” She smiled brightly.
“Indeed Princess.” Aegis stepped forward.
“I take it you were victorious?” she asked.
“In a manner of speaking. I was able to identify our mystery creature.” He looked back and Chrysalis approached. She shed her assumed form and stood at his side.
“Chrysalis!” Celestia gasped.
Argent instinctively leapt back and readied his magic. “Guards!” He called out and eight of the castle guard hurried into the room and took formation around them.
“Right on cue.” Chrysalis groaned.
To her surprise, Aegis immediately stood at her back and spread his wings, blocking her from the guards. “Chrysalis is here under my charge.”
“Aegis?” Celestia looked to him in sheer confusion. “What is the meaning of this?”
“I understand your concern, Princess. Suffice to say, I intercepted Chrysalis in the farmlands near Ghastly Gorge. I knew what fate was guaranteed to her should I hand her over, so I offered her an alternative. As of two moons prior, I have been working with her to help her move on from the past and seek a more positive future.”
“Aegis… are you out of your mind?” Argent asked.
“I asked him the same thing.” Chrysalis chimed in.
“Hardly, Argent. I don’t expect you to understand. In any case, I have promised that as long as she keeps her word to abstain from feeding on or committing violence against other creatures, I will not allow her to come to harm.” He looked to Argent calmly. “So please stand down.”
Argent looked to Celestia who only nodded with a heavy sigh. “Alright. Guards, stand down.”
The guards stepped back and Aegis lowered his wings. “Thank you.”
“Aegis?” Argent approached him. “Mind if we talk for a minute?”
“Not at all.” Aegis followed him into the hall leaving Chrysalis and Celestia face to face.
“Well.” Chrysalis eyed her. “This is awkward.”
“Chrysalis.” Celestia glared at her. “What game are you playing this time?”
“I haven’t done anything.” Chrysalis returned the look. “Believe me miss sunshine, I’m as surprised about all this as you are. But I intend to keep my word to him, he already warned me what would happen if I didn’t and trust me, one threat from him is enough.”
Out in the hall, Argent turned and faced Aegis. “I know I’m the last one that should be asking you this but at the same time… I’m the only one who will.” He looked hard into Aegis’ eyes. “Is this about what happened with Celestia?”
“What exactly are you suggesting?” Aegis asked in return.
“It just seems a tad suspicious that one of the most manipulative creatures in Equestrian history just happened to fall into the lap of a stallion getting over a broken heart. She is exactly the kind of creature that is capable of taking full advantage of somepony with a heart like yours.”
“I see.” Aegis nodded. “A fair point. Even so, do you think I would bring her here if I thought for a fraction of a second that the Princess would be in danger?”
Argent let out a hard breath. “No. You wouldn’t.” He agreed. “What is this about then?”
“Chrysalis and I are much alike, both outcasts that suffered the pain of rejection from the world around us.”
“Maybe, but you didn’t try to take over the world on two separate occasions.” Aegis pointed out.
“Quite true, I battled through my anger and held fast to my own personal code. She may have chosen a different path than mine but I believe she is capable of overcoming her anger at the world and finding peace as I did. I couldn’t simply abandon her to a certain end without at least offering her something else.”
Argent sighed and rubbed his forehead. “You’re too nice for you own good, you know that?”
“Perhaps, but I have made my choice in this matter and will stand by it.” Aegis said firmly.
Argent nodded and looked up at him. “I just want to make sure that you’re the one in control of this situation.”
“I am.” He responded surely.
“Okay.” Argent stepped back and relaxed. “That’s all I need to hear.” They stepped back into the throne room and Argent went to Chrysalis.
“Have fun talking about me?” She asked with a cocky smirk.
“Plenty.” Argent smirked back. “I had no idea you were into that kind of stuff.”
“Wh…what!?” she scowled.
“Chrysalis.” Aegis called her attention. “Do not try to out barb him, it is an uphill battle.” He then looked to Argent. “Please try to refrain from antagonizing her Argent.”
“Aegis.” Celestia gave him a concerned look. “I may not trust Chrysalis, but I do trust you. If this is what you wish then I will not stop you.”
“Thank you, Princess.” He lowered his head to her. “And my hope is that one day, you will trust us both.”
“Can we go now?” Chrysalis asked, retaking her Pegasus form.
“Yes.” Aegis nodded. “Princess, please let Lady Twilight know what is happening. For now, we will remain in the wilds.”
“Alright.” Celestia agreed. As they left the throne room she looked to Argent. “What did he say?”
“He genuinely wants to try and help her, no mind control and no magic about it.” Argent went to her side. “He sees a reflection of himself in her.”
“Chrysalis told me she intends to keep her word. I must admit, she certainly seemed… more docile.” Celestia hummed in concern at the thought of what was to come. “I will send word to Twilight, as well as Cadence… this isn’t going to sit well with either of them.”
As Aegis and Chrysalis left the castle he looked down to her with a quiet smile. “You handled that well, you should be proud.”
“Yes, it was so much fun to stand idly by while being threatened and insulted.” She said, her words drenched in sarcasm.
“I did warn you. Still, by not giving into your anger and attacking back, they will see that you are serious about amending your ways. Trust is hard to earn and admittedly you are starting out with a deficit.”
“Yes well… you kept your word and protected me so…” Her eyes rolled to the side. “Thank you.” she mumbled.
“Of course, Chrysalis.”
“Where are we going?” She asked, noticing that they were not flying out of the city.
“You said you would prefer a tent. I shall secure one for you.”
She was surprised he recalled such a casual detail of their conversations. “Better make it two, you aren’t bunking with me.”
“I would, but they tend not to make tents in my size.” He laughed.
Aegis took her to a shop owned by an old earth pony who was a former member of the castle guard. He often supplied things to members of the elite guard in times of need. He was happy to see Aegis again, having heard of his departure from the ranks of the elite guard. Aegis was able to obtain a tent as well as some other minor essentials that would make their time in the forest easier. Being familiar with the area around the lake they had stayed at previously, they returned there and found their makeshift campsite as they left it. Chrysalis used her magic to assemble her tent while Aegis went back to the lake to fill a pair of buckets with spare water. When he returned he saw that she had already started a fire for them. He set the buckets down and sat before her.
“It has been nearly a full day since you last fed, you should do so again.”
She eyed him with a hint of uncertainty. “Are you positive you can keep this up?” she asked.
“Yes, you needn’t worry.” he assured.
“I didn’t say I was worried.” She quickly retorted.
“Forgive me, I didn’t mean to insinuate anything.”
Chrysalis went to him and repeated her feeding process. She watched him carefully as she finished but he seemed unfazed. “Thanks.” she muttered.
Aegis smiled lightly. “That word seems to pass your lips much easier now.”
“Oh shut up.” She gave him a hard look but a small smile graced her face.
“A smile suits you.” he noted.
She realized she was smiling and quickly pursed her lips. “I’m going to lay down.” She turned and went inside her tent. From the sheltering dark of her tent she heard Aegis say that he was going to gather more food. She stared out of the flap of the tent, her mind a chaotic chorus of conflicting thoughts. Eventually she nodded off, only waking at the sound of Aegis’ heavy hooves landing on the ground. As she opened her eyes, a small plastic bag containing and portion of cinnamon cake was placed before the tent. She lifted it with her magic and stepped out.
Hearing her, Aegis turned back and smiled. “I know you do not need to eat normal food, but I thought you might enjoy something different regardless.” He returned to bagging the remaining food and storing it in the branches of a tree.
Chrysalis eyed the confection and opened the bag. “Ha, it’s been a long time since a stallion gave me a gift.” She said in languid thought.
“I am sorry to hear that.” Aegis answered as he worked.
“Yes well, when you look like this you tend not to attract many suitors.” She took a bite and sat on the log by the fire pit.
“Do you see something wrong with your appearance?” he asked.
“Really?” she toned. “Is this supposed to be some kind of self-esteem evaluation?”
“Not at all.” He finished his work and turned back to her. “I merely asked to see if your statement is based on what you feel or on what you think others feel.”
“We are what others see us as…that’s how the world works.” She said plainly.
“So you are suggesting that an individual has no say in who or what they are; that we can only verify and validate our existences through the perceptions of others?”
“You’ve felt it too.” She looked to him sternly. “You said yourself that no matter what you do, others still only see what they want to see.”
“True. But just because they don’t see what I would like them to, doesn’t make them correct.” He walked around the pit and sat beside her. “Let me ask you this. Logically speaking, if you are 100% correct about something and the rest of the world disagrees with you, are you right or wrong?”
“What are you getting at?”
“Even against the tide of an entire society, if you are right about something you must not allow the pressure of the majority to convince you otherwise. We are not just what the majority claims us to be, we are what we know ourselves to be.”
Chrysalis allowed his words to sink in. “I see what you are trying to say.”
“In that case, I ask you again… do you see something wrong with your appearance?”
She slowly shook her head. “No.”
“Good, neither do I.” he rose. “As I said before, it is not your visage that make you a monster but your actions; and when your actions are peaceful you are indeed quite lovely, Chrysalis.”
She looked up at him sharply, not knowing what to say. Fortunately for her, a distant voice interrupted the scene. They looked up through the trees and saw Argent galloping on his magical constructs. He descended and landed before them gracefully.
“Good afternoon campers.” He cheerfully greeted.
“Ugh.” Chrysalis groaned. “How did you find us?”
“Aegis left stone markers for me.” he informed. “It’s one of the ways we communicate in the field. I figured you’d want me to be able to find you somehow if something came up. You said you found her near the gorge so I guessed you be around here somewhere.”
“Well aren’t you clever.” Chrysalis remarked.
“I try.” Argent sat and smiled over at her. “Hope you aren’t mad about the whole attempted capture thing this morning.”
“So you try to attack me and now you want to be friendly?” Chrysalis raised her brow questioningly.
“Aegis and I hashed it out. My trust in him has never been misplaced, so if he vouches for you then I’m not going to argue. Celestia feels the same way, so I hope you appreciate how much he’s putting on the line for you.”
“I don’t need reminders from an obnoxious dandy like you.” Chrysalis growled. “You two have your moment, I’m going for a walk.” She headed off into the forest.
“She seems nice.” Argent laughed.
“To be honest, she has come quite a way since our first night.” Aegis sat back down. “She has constructed a labyrinth of walls around herself and the last thing I wish to do is rush her as she navigates them.”
“Lucky for her you’re the most patient stallion in history.” Argent smiled earnestly. “Speaking of which, I’m sorry I had to jump down your neck.”
“It is alright, your duty is to ensure the Princess’ safety. I would have done the same.”
Aegis nodded understandingly. “So what is it that brings you here now?”
“Celestia got word to Princess Twilight and Princess Cadence and they… well, they have their concerns.”
“Understandable.”
“Princess Twilight thinks you’re nuts.” Argent said with a laugh.
“Lady Twilight has had her dealings with Chrysalis. Still, as the Princess of friendship she has an open heart and mind.” Aegis surmised. “Princess Cadence is going to be the larger hurdle.”
“Oh yeah.” Argent nodded. “Furious is an understatement. I didn’t think she knew that kind of language.”
“Again, understandable.”
“Celestia has asked them to come to Canterlot. She wants you and Chrysalis to come in three days’ time so you can make your case to them.”
“Very well.” Aegis nodded solemnly. “Let her know we will be there.”
“Will do.” Argent leaned to the left and eyed the trees behind them. “You catch all that Chrysalis?” A startled grunt came from the trees and Chrysalis skulked out, scowling at them.
“Forgive us, Chrysalis.” Aegis said as he glanced back at her. “But we are quite adept at always knowing our surroundings.”
“Yeah, we didn’t make it into the elite guard just because of my endless charm and Aegis’ rugged good looks.” Argent noted as he stood. “I’ll see you in three days.” He stepped up into the sky on his constructs and began his trip back to Canterlot.
Chrysalis started back over to the fire pit. “So, you said all those things knowing that I was still here?”
“I will always be forthright with you, nor will I sugarcoat anything about our situation.”
“Can’t say I’m excited.” she admitted.
“I know.” he nodded. “But I will be at your side the entire time.”
While taking some comfort in his words, Chrysalis remained skeptical that he would actually stand against the Princesses for her. She sat across from him and eyed him curiously.
“So, part of the elite guard huh?” She asked, changing the subject.
“Formerly.” Aegis amended.
“I can see it, you are quite powerful for a mere pegasus. Him, not so much.”
Aegis chuckled. “Do not let Argent’s lackadaisical nature deceive you. He is a brilliant strategist and of the most powerful magic users currently walking the world. He and I have fought side by side in over a hundred battles against all manner of foe.”
“So you quit?”
“I chose to leave, yes. I had reached the end of where that path could lead me; now I serve as an instructor at Lady Twilight’s school of friendship. In fact, I have a young changeling in my class. She is a bright and gifted young lady.”
Chrysalis wasn’t certain how to respond to the news. “Is… she strong?”
“Perhaps not in the conventional way, but indeed so in many others.” Aegis said proudly. “She is from your hive, I imagine they are traits she inherited from you.”
She hesitated at his compliment. “Well, that stands to reason.”
“I have met Thorax as well. He has a good heart and an earnest desire to make the changelings a larger part of the world.”
Chrysalis looked away flippantly. “He certainly didn’t get that from me.”
“Didn’t he?” Aegis asked. “Was he not also of your hive?”
“Thorax was the first of many generations that demonstrated such… weak will.”
“I don’t see it that way.” Aegis shook his head. “I believe he inherited some long lost part of you, a part that you yourself may have even forgotten.”
“You’re chasing ghosts.” Chrysalis said curtly. “Even if what you say is true, Thorax was one in a thousand…not exactly fantastic odds for what you’re suggesting.”
“I am no gambler, but I think that would be a bet worth taking.”
Chrysalis rose and headed for her tent. “You and your wordplay.” she scoffed. “I’m tired now.”
“Rest well, Chrysalis.” Aegis tipped his head to her as she passed. She kept silent and entered the privacy of her tent, her mind mulling over his words. Aegis didn’t see much of her the rest of the day and as the sun lowered and stars filled the night sky, he began to wonder if she would be ready in time to meet with the Princesses. He saw definite improvement but she was still closed off and obviously conflicted. He spent some time considering the next day and eventually fell asleep beside the fire he had started.
With only three days remaining, Aegis decided to get her out and moving in hopes that a change of scenery would aid their conversations. After eating, he suggested they walk to the cliff sides and she agreed, if only out of boredom.
“Trading grass and leaves for rocks?” Chrysalis said as they began exiting the thinning tree line. “You certainly know how to show a lady a good time.”
“Would you prefer a café in Canterlot? I do know a rather quaint one with excellent soups.” He smiled back at her.
“Ha ha.” She laughed dryly. “Let me know when you find one that serves love essence.”
“I shall try, although I imagine such an establishment would certainly be expensive.”
That was not the response Chrysalis was expecting and she let a laugh slip. As he looked back she quickly played it off as a cough.
“So, where are we going anyway?” she asked.
“Few realize this, but this mountain was an active volcano in the distant past.” Aegis informed. “While dormant, the stored thermal heat rises to the surface which in turn heats rainfall that collects in the craters. Given the storm the other night, I thought you might like a chance to enjoy the waters.”
“Oh. That does sound interesting.” As they continued up they came upon a grove of dead trees and Aegis saw bones about. He halted and Chrysalis stopped herself before she walked into him. “What’s the problem?”
“There is a predator here.” He said as he looked about. “Please stay behind me.”
“Bah!” She ignored him and stepped up to his side. “I am not some damsel in distress, I am more than capable of protecting myself.”
As they panned the area they heard a deep growl come from above them. Aegis looked upward and saw a basilisk salivating at the sight of them. Chrysalis fired a bolt of her magic at it, but in her weakened state it did little against the thick scales. It leapt from the cliff side with intent to land on them directly. The two of them dashed in separate directions and it landed between them; it immediately turned to pursue Chrysalis who raised a barrier as it charged. Before it could reach her though, Aegis shot forward and slammed his hoof onto its tail and stopped it dead in its tracks.
“Over here!” he commanded. “If you wish her, then you must deal with me first!” The basilisk spun round with jaws opened wide. Aegis blocked his maw with his hooves, holding the beast’s powerful jaws open. He rolled backwards, bracing his hind legs against its belly and kicked it back over his head and into the dead trees. Chrysalis used everything she had left and fired wildly into the grove, peppering it with heavy blasts. The basilisk struggled to its feet and stammered back out onto the trail. Aegis flew forward and veered to the right, he rebounded off the cliff side and drove his shoulder into its side and sent it off the trail and tumbling down the mountainside into the valley below. He immediately ran back to Chrysalis who had fallen to her knees. “Chrysalis.” He knelt down before her. “Are you alright?”
“I’m… fine. I don’t… need your coddling.” She tried to rise but could not.
“You used too much energy, take mine.” She looked up at him begrudgingly and began to feed off of him again. After a few moments she regained her strength and got to her hooves. “How are you doing now?”
“Better than that stupid reptile.” She said through a calming breath. “It’s nice not being on the receiving end of you for change.”
Aegis smiled and laid his hoof to her side, steadying her. “Likewise.”
“I’m fine now.” She backed away from him. “Th… thanks.”
“Do you wish to head back?” he asked.
“No. I’ve earned a warm bath.”
Aegis laughed. “Indeed you have. I can carry you if you wish.”
“I’m fine.” She said again.
Aegis accepted her insistence but made sure to walk at her side the rest of the way. It took another hour to reach the plateau and Chrysalis was surprised at the sight of the dozens of steaming pools. The air was thick with steam and the ground was light green with blankets of moss. He led her to one of the larger pools and she stepped in, instantly enjoying the hot water. She sunk down to her neck and let out a delighted moan.
“I’m going to fly the perimeter and make sure there are no more surprises.”
“Ok.” She answered with distracted interest.
Aegis smiled at the sight of her enjoyment and took off to circle the area. He returned in a half hour and found her leaning against the side of the pool, her forelegs on the rim and her head tilted back with her eyes closed.
“Feeling better?” He asked as he landed.
“Much.” She admitted. “I guess you do know how to show a lady a good time.”
“I would be happy to bring you here whenever you like.”
She opened her eyes to see him looking down at her. They matched eyes for a long moment and Chrysalis quickly sat forward to break his gaze. He rested his forelegs on the edge of the pool and dipped his hooves into the water. Chrysalis went to the opposite edge and watched him quietly. They lounged there in relative silence for another hour before Chrysalis opted to get out of the water. As she stepped from the pool her body shone pearlescent as a result of her bath in the mineral rich waters.
“It seems the waters here have had quite the effect on you.” Aegis noted, finding himself taken with the sight. “You look quite stunning.”
Chrysalis looked down at herself and saw what he was talking about. In hearing him, she recalled their conversation about appearance and felt a pride at what she saw. “I do, don’t I.”
“Most certainly.” Aegis agreed. “Shall we head back now?”
“Fine.” Chrysalis shook herself dry and followed after him. “I have to say.” She began as she caught up to him. “The last few days haven’t been completely horrible.”
“Sometimes that is all one can ask for.” He glanced over at her. “I’m glad you’re in better spirits though.”
They bantered lightly during their walk back. When they reached camp, Aegis took the pails back to the lake to refill their water supply. Chrysalis nestled in her tent and watched his legs vanish from view through the slit. A part of her had grown to appreciate him but as always, the nagging doubt and suspicion of the world argued against such thoughts. She couldn’t deny that he risked himself for her this day and continuously risked himself by allowing her to feed on him regularly. Even so, the answer to the question of why he continued to do this constantly escaped her. Eventually she nodded off, her troubled mind was no match for the comfort her body felt after a long, hot bath.
As evening came, Aegis started a fire and began roasting some fruit for himself. Chrysalis ventured from her tent and sat by the fire, lost in thought and now highly agitated with a sense of worry about their upcoming meeting with the Princesses. Aegis sat beside her and offered her one of the roasted apples. She quietly grabbed it with her magic and took a slow bite. As the night fully set in a cold wind stirred and began to blow through the trees. A particularly strong gust ran over them and Chrysalis shivered heavily, not being fond of any type of chill. Instinctively Aegis opened his wing and laid it over her as he often did for Celestia. Heavily surprised by the intimate move, Chrysalis bolted to her hooves and stepped away from him. Aegis realized what he had done and pulled his wing back.
“I’m sorry, I did that without thinking.” he apologized.
“Look, I’ve grown to appreciate the concern but don’t think that’s an invitation to get hoofsy.”
“That was not my intention.” He said earnestly.
Chrysalis sharply turned her head from him. “I’m beginning to wonder.”
“Are you truly upset that I would show you consideration?”
“No, but I’m getting curious as to why.”
“What do you mean?”
She cast her eyes on him again. “I don’t doubt your sincerity about all this, but it’s going a bit far at this point. You’re going to take me into the lion’s den of Equestrian royalty. Do you honestly intend to tell me that you would defy them if they don’t take to the idea of just overlooking our past transgressions?”
Aegis had been wondering the same thing ever since his conversation with Argent. “If I must.” He nodded surely.
“Why?” she asked. “Why are you willing to risk so much for me? You asked me before what my endgame was… well what’s yours?” Aegis paused at her question, seeing this she continued on. “I’ll admit, I don’t mind you at this point. In fact I’d even go so far as to also admit that you’re an impressive stallion overall. But let me make one thing perfectly clear, I am not your precious Celestia!”
Aegis was struck hard by her words. “Chrysalis, this has nothing to do with the Princess.”
“Doesn’t it?” She asked indignantly. “I’m not a fool, that little sob story you told me before was about you and Celestia. I saw how she was with you and I’m guessing that pink haired fop is the one that stole her out from under you.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “If you’re helping me just to fill some Celestia shaped hole in your heart, I think you’ll find me a poor fit!” She turned from him, waiting for some form of retaliation to come, but all that followed was the sound of crumbling leaves. She glanced back to see him disappearing into the trees. Chrysalis growled in frustration and stood in the cold silence for some time. Without conscious thought, she slowly began to walk into the woods in search of him. She headed back for the lake and found him standing by its side, his head raised and his eyes affixed to the moon. Watching him, she felt a great upset within her that she was unable to fully understand. She approached him, stopping several yards away. “You’re terrible at arguing you know.” She finally said.
Aegis looked down at his reflection. “Argent asked me the same question.”
“What?”
“He was concerned my personal feelings were guiding my actions and although I told him that was not the case, to be honest… I just don’t know anymore.” He shook his head. “I want to say my intentions for you were uncompromised but… I can’t even be certain of that. I have meant every word I have spoken to you and I know that you have the potential to find a new way in life. But if you feel that I am unsuitable to help you or that my intentions are unsound, I do understand.” He looked back to her and she could see the hurt in his eyes, seeing that made a part of her heart sink.
She stepped closer to him and stared into his eyes. “I... I just don’t know how to deal with you.” She said bitterly. “You’re irritatingly calm, annoyingly philosophical and no matter how much I fight you never fight back. You make me think and feel things that go against everything I know and I hate that… and yet, being around you has become comforting. I don’t know how or why but you seem to be the only one that has ever understood me and… that scares me.” She cast her eyes downward. “I don’t see what you see, and you seem so sure that it’s there.”
Aegis stepped towards her in kind. “Because it is. I have seen traces of your kindness and your heart buried beneath your angry words and actions. You’re a good…”
“You’re wrong about me!” She shouted, her eyes beginning to tear up. “Do you know how many times I’ve thought about running away!? About draining you of your life force altogether!? About finishing you off and completing my revenge!?”
Aegis went to her and placed his hoof under her chin, raising her head to look into her eyes. “Everything is a choice, Chrysalis.” he repeated. “You may have had those thoughts but you chose not to act on them, I didn’t force you do that… you did it all on your own.” He smiled. “I hope you continue to make such choices as you move forward, with or without me.”
“Without you?” She repeated questioningly.
“My confusion is not fair to you and I don’t wish to make things harder for you than they already are. If you wish to leave, I won’t stop you… and I will answer to the Princesses.”
Chrysalis finally started to cry, overwhelmed by his seemingly unending kindness towards her. “I… want to stay with you… you idiot.”
Aegis nodded with a laugh. “I would like that.” He wiped her cheeks with his hoof.
They stared into each other’s eyes for a long minute. She finally reached up and laid her hoof to his cheek, pulling him close and pressing her lips to his. Aegis hesitated at first but soon allowed himself to kiss her fully. A heavy white glow formed at the tip of her horn and flowed over body. A great warmth filled her, unlike anything she had ever experienced before and in shock she pulled back from him.
“What was that?” She laid her hoof to her chest and looked at Aegis unsurely.
“What?” He looked her over. “Are you alright?”
“I just fed off of you without even trying.” she explained.
“I felt nothing.” Aegis shook his head.
Chrysalis paced back. “This is different… this is… so warm. It feels like I’ve fed off a dozen ponies at once. Is this… is this what Thorax was trying to show me?”
“What do you mean?” Aegis asked.
“I always thought that there was no difference between taking love and receiving it freely, I didn’t see how it could matter. But you…” She looked back to him with wide eyes. “Do you… genuinely love me?”
Aegis went to her again, opening his wings and laying them to her sides. He gazed down at her with soft eyes and smiled. “It was not my original intent but… yes, I do.” He laid his head atop hers. “You may not believe me, but when I look at you I see a strong, beautiful mare who’s spirit is kindred to my own. You have suffered as I have, you have been hurt as I have and you have felt the loneliness I feel. We are cut from the same cloth, opposite ends perhaps, but the same cloth nonetheless.” He laughed lightly. “You are most certainly rough around the edges, but I have grown quite fond of those quirks. I hope one day you can look at yourself and see what I see.”
An actual smile formed on Chrysalis’ face. “Thank you.”
Aegis pulled back in surprise. “You didn’t even stutter that time.” He noted wryly.
“Shut up.” She laughed but looked up at him with remorseful eyes. “I’m sorry about what I said before, you didn’t have to tell me your story and I shouldn’t have thrown it back in your face like that.”
“It is alright. I think I needed to hear that.” He said in reflection. ‘I am sorry if I made you feel as if you were some kind of substitute for Celestia. You are no such thing.”
“It’s fine.” Her hoof danced along his chest. “But you know...” She smiled in a far more predatory manner. “Just because something doesn’t seem like a good fit… doesn’t mean it still isn’t fun to try.”
“I imagine it would be.” Aegis lowered his head and kissed the soft underside of her neck.
Chrysalis let out a soft growl. “Mmm, now this is a side of you I can get behind.” She held her hoof to his chin. “Come with me, there’s a spot not far from here that would be a lot more… comfortable.” She winked as she strode past him, Aegis gladly following.