The Path We Walk

by Marezinger Z


The Path We Walk: Chapter 9

The Path We Walk

Chapter 9

Chrysalis awoke to see the mid-morning sun bouncing its light off of the lake. She slid her eyes downward and saw Aegis’ heavy foreleg draped over her waist. She smiled, realizing that for the first time in a long time that she was content. Her mind felt clear and she noticed that the persistent hunger that plagued her was gone. She wriggled her body and spun around to face Aegis. He was still asleep and she watched the slow rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. She ran her hoof over his powerful shoulder and down his side, the memory of how incredibly strong yet remarkably gentle he was with her replaying in her mind. She began kissing his chest and neck until he started to stir, as his eyes opened he arched his neck down to see her looking up at him.

“Morning.” She smiled.

“Good morning Chrysalis.” He kissed the spot between her eyes. “How are you feeling?”

“Quite… satisfied.” She said languidly. “I rather like this new feeling.”

“I’m glad.” He set his nose to the top of her head.

“Are you still certain you wish to do this?” She asked.

“While my feelings for you may seem sudden, I have no desire to abandon them… or you.” He said surely. “I have fallen in love with you, and I do not regret that.”

Chrysalis laid her head to his chest; the sound of those words that she thought she would never hear caused a swell of emotion. “I… love you too.” Hearing herself say it out loud made it so much more real for her. “I love you, Aegis.” She repeated as happy tears fell from her eyes.

In Canterlot, Cadence and Shining Armor arrived by train to meet with Celestia, Luna and Twilight. Cadence was quiet for the duration of the trip, her mind dealing with her anger at the very idea that Chrysalis walked free. As they left the station and headed for the castle they came upon Twilight in the city streets.

“Cadence, brother.” Twilight hurried over to them.

“Hey Twiley.” Shining Armor greeted her with a big, brotherly hug. “How have you been?”

“Busy.” she admitted. “How’s Flurry?”

“As much of a terror as ever.” he laughed. “She’s with Sunburst.”

“Hope he knows what he’s getting into.” Twilight giggled. She looked to Cadence and could see the deep upset in her eyes and frowned a bit. “Cadence, are you okay?”

Cadence let out a heavy sigh. “I can’t say that I am Twilight. I just can’t believe that Celestia would allow something like this… for her of all creatures.”

“I’m a little confused as well.” Twilight admitted. “But I’m sure there’s a logical reason for all this.”

“That’s what we’re here for sis.” Shining Armor said as he nuzzled his unsettled wife.

“I’m sorry Shining… I know you’re trying to help.” Cadence smiled as best she could, kissing his cheek. “Let’s just go see Celestia so we can get some answers.”

The trio made their way to the castle where Celestia, Luna and Argent awaited them. The six of them assembled in the meeting hall and the guards were excused. Celestia sat at the table’s head, Luna at her right and Argent at her left. Cadence and Shining Armor sat along the left side and Twilight the right.

“Alright Celestia.” Cadence began. “Why are you allowing Chrysalis to remain free?”

“She is not exactly free.” Celestia reminded. “As I wrote in my letter, Aegis is with her.”

“Is Aegis okay?” Twilight asked.

“Yes Twilight.” she nodded. “Argent ensured that Aegis was under no type of control.”

“That hardly matters.” Cadence retorted. “Chrysalis is far too much of a threat and every moment she walks the world we are at risk.”

Luna slowly nodded. “I must admit sister, this situation does seem plagued with variables of which we have little control.”

Celestia looked to Cadence with knowing eyes. “Cadence, you and Shining Armor have every right to be angry and question this… even so, I trust Aegis.”

“Do either of you even know what he’s doing?” Cadence asked.

“Not… entirely.” Celestia admitted. “His full motivations aren’t exactly clear to us.”

“What did he tell you?” Shining Armor asked.

“Not much.” Argent said honestly. “He said he feels that the two of them are similar and that he knew that if he simply turned her in it would be worse case scenario for her. He said he wanted to offer her another choice.”

“That being?” Twilight asked.

“Finding peace.” Argent answered.

“Even if that is the case.” Shining Armor began. “If he sees some type of similarity with her, then that honestly makes me more worried. I mean, I don’t know him at all so I’m just telling you how this sounds to someone on the outside.”

“Thorax is proof that the changelings can… well… change.” Twilight interjected.

“Thorax was an aberration for their kind.” Luna noted. “The changelings had little free will under Chrysalis. They merely followed Chrysalis’ example and their reformation came at the introduction of a better one. The will of their leader is a different story entirely.”

“Well, Fluttershy was able to reform Discord.” Twilight continued. “I’m far from fond of Chrysalis, but shouldn’t we give her the same chance?”

“While Discord indeed posed a threat, his actions were guided more by childish whim than outright malevolence.” Luna explained.

“She’s had enough chances to learn her lesson.” Cadence said stoutly. “She only seems to grow more and more hostile.”

“Aegis has made her vow to not harm another creature.” Celestia informed. “Oddly enough, she told me she intended to keep it, she was noticeably different.”

“It isn’t beyond her to say anything necessary to save herself.” Shining Armor considered.

“We can speculate all we want.” Argent cut in. “They’ll be here tomorrow so we can evaluate the situation fully. I have faith in Aegis.”

Celestia looked to Cadence with determination. “Cadence, you have my word that if Chrysalis tries anything, or does not demonstrate that she is willing to mend her ways… I will see that she is contained. All I ask is that you allow them to say their peace and listen with an open heart.”

Cadence took a deep, controlling breath. “Only for you, Celestia.”

“Thank you.” Celestia nodded in appreciation. With that, they disbanded for the time to collect their thoughts.

After a bath in the lake, Aegis and Chrysalis returned to the campsite. Following breakfast, Aegis set about gathering more wood. Unbeknownst to him, Chrysalis had taken the form of a mouse and scurried underneath him. She quickly changed back, surprising him and flipping him onto his back. She laid on his chest, a proud and fang filled smile on her face.

“It seems I will have to further improve my skills.” Aegis said with a laugh.

She crossed her forelegs and licked her lips. “Since you’ve eaten and had a chance to rest, I do believe it’s time to please your Queen again.”

“My Queen eh?” Aegis repeated with a questioning smile.

“Well… if I’m not allowed to conquer Equestria, I’ll just have to settle for conquering you.” She used her renewed magical power to bind his forelegs to the ground; leaning forward she ran her tongue up his lips with a husky moan.

“As enticing at that sounds.” Aegis began as he started to lift his legs. “You’ll find that no simple task.”

Chrysalis let out shocked cry as he broke her magic with sheer strength. He braced his left wing on the ground and pushed off, flipping them over and reversing their position.

“Oh.” She placed her hooves on his chest. “I’m certain it will be a hard and exhausting war. But we’ll see which one of us is still standing when it’s over.” She took the form of a python and coiled around his waist, retaking her natural state atop his back. She wrapped her forelegs around his neck and lowered her mouth to his ear. “I still have all kinds of tricks to show you.”

“I look forward to them.” He glanced back at her as he spread his wings.

Chrysalis felt him lower himself and rear his wings back. “Uh oh.” She yelped as he took off into the air, gripping him tightly and laughing as she felt the rush of the acceleration. “Okay! Slow down!” She yelled as Aegis broke through the clouds and slowed to a cruise. He soared over the countryside and Chrysalis raised her head to look out over the sprawling world below. “Hmm, from up here the world seems… pretty.” She let out a thoughtful sigh. “Too bad it isn’t as pretty up close.”

Aegis understood her sentiment. “It can be Chrysalis. There is still much of the world you have yet to experience, if you would open yourself up to it.”

“What if we didn’t?” She asked as she nestled her head against the back of his neck. “We could just leave you know. Go wherever we pleased and just live as we wish without ever worrying about others.”

“Do not confuse isolation for freedom Chrysalis. Cutting yourself off from the world would yield the same feelings of exile you have carried with you for so long already. For those like us, being a part of the world is not without its hardships but there would be so much that you would miss out on if you simply refused to try. I hope you would return to Ponyville with me soon. It is quiet enough to allow for personal space while being active enough to begin your excursion into the world.”

“That sounds… doable.” She said unsurely. “So many things can go wrong from this point on.” Her grip on him tightened. “I just found you Aegis… I don’t want to lose you.”

Aegis felt a strong déjà vu as her words were eerily similar to those that Celestia had spoken to him. He descended and landed softly on the ground and Chrysalis slid off of him. He immediately turned and put his wings around her, pulling her close. “You won’t, Chrysalis. I promise you.”

She looked up at him with trusting eyes and smiled gently. “Thank you, you big sap.”

Aegis chuckled and laid his head on top of hers, squeezing her even tighter. For Aegis, having spent a bulk of his life bearing an unfulfilled love; and for Chrysalis, who long ago accepted that love would never find her; the chance to express such feelings was not only new but intoxicating. They spent the day in each other’s hooves, falling into intimacy several times. For a brief time, their pasts as well as the prospects of their futures were gone and all that existed was the intense moments of the now.

The dawn of the third day found Aegis and Chrysalis, having taken her pegasi form, on route back to Canterlot. The castle was quieter than usual, with Celestia having suspended visitation and other activities for the morning. Aegis led Chrysalis to the throne room where they came upon the four Princesses, Argent and Shining Armor awaiting them.

“Princesses.” Aegis hailed. “Lady Twilight.”

“Aegis.” Celestia smiled, glad to see that he was still okay. “Chrysalis.”

Chrysalis retook her form and stood at Aegis’ side. “Celestia.” Chrysalis looked over the group until locking eyes with Cadence, even without words a deal was communicated between the two.

“I have no doubt you have questions for us.” Aegis began. “By all means, you may ask whatever you wish.”
“Your confidence seems to imply that things are going well.” Luna responded. “Is that the case?”

“I do feel so.” Aegis nodded. “In fact, I had intended to speak on Chrysalis’ behalf but I have no doubt that she can speak for herself.” He looked down to her confidently.

“Is that so?” Celestia asked.

Chrysalis paused for a moment but felt assured with Aegis at her side. “Yes, I can.”

“Well then, what exactly have you learned during your time with Aegis?” Celestia urged her on.

“At first… nothing.” Chrysalis admitted. “I treated him as I did all others and saw his words and actions as nothing more than meaningless hyperbole. Unlike others though, he never stopped… no matter what I said, did or suggested he never wavered from ignoring my hostility. He said he understood me and in spite of how much I didn’t want to believe him, his words continually shook and haunted me. He saw through me as if I were glass and to be honest, it infuriated me. It was as if he knew me better than I did.” She looked up at him with a crooked smile. “But in spite of how infuriating I found him, I did come to find comfort in him, whether I wanted to or not.” She boldly left his side and stepped forward. “I did begin to listen to him though and found truth in what he spoke. I began to believe that he did understand me and that what he was offering was more than just words. He said I could move on from the pain of my past and now… I believe him wholly and have decided that I wish to do so.”

“Chrysalis.” Cadence stepped forward as well. “Everything about you has been defined by duplicity, deceit and lies. I have seen everything you are, more intimately than any other here; so forgive me if I find your words to be just that.”

Chrysalis angered but kept herself calm. “I have no doubt that you and Shining Armor will hate me forever and you’re welcome to, I’ve earned every bit of it. But Aegis showed me that actions dictate what we are and while I cannot undo the past, I can change my actions to make something new for the future. I’m not going to shower you with apologies that would mean nothing to you, but nor will I prostrate myself before you in penance. I wanted revenge against you, against all of you… even the world itself. Now though, I honestly don’t care anymore because I have something that has become more important to me than revenge.”

“And what is that?” Cadence challenged.

“Aegis.” Chrysalis immediately countered as she returned to his side. “I love him, and he has shown that he loves me as well.” Her words brought collective shock to the room.

“What?” Cadence asked in a near whisper.

Argent let out a hard whistle. “Well, I did not see that coming.”

“Aegis.” Celestia looked to him.

“She speaks the truth, Princess.” Aegis confirmed.

“That’s… wow.” Twilight said, lost for words.

Aegis opened his wing and held it around Chrysalis. “My goal was to give her my knowledge, wisdom and support. Rather unexpectedly though, my heart went with them.”

Twilight looked her over questioningly. “But, if she’s truly accepted love then why hasn’t she transformed like Thorax and the others?”

Chrysalis stepped from under his wing. “Aegis also taught me that I don’t have to change what I am to change who I am. I still feed off of love as I always have, the only difference now is that Aegis provides me with more than enough.” She cocked her stance and bore a sour look. “Besides.” She changed her colors to reflect the reformed changelings. “Does anypony think I honestly look good in these colors?” She quickly changed back.

“Aegis, she feeds off you without consequence?” Celestia asked.

“Indeed Princess. When I first allowed her to use me as sustenance I did feel some ill effects. However, now I feel nothing at all and she seems to gain even greater nourishment.”

Twilight surreptitiously pulled a scroll and quill out and wrote the information down. Her brother, however, voiced another concern. “If that’s true.” Shining Armor cut in. “Then what is to stop you from simply creating a new hive to control?”

Chrysalis turned her attention to him. “I couldn’t even if I wanted to.” she informed. “I require a massive amount of energy to produce eggs.” She strolled back over to Aegis, brushing up against him. “While Aegis’ love is certainly… filling.” She threw a coy smile Celestia’s way. “It is far from enough for me to do so, suffice to say I’m only eating for one now.”

Cadence struggled greatly with what she was hearing. Having a magical connection to love she should have been happy at the idea, but her personal experience continued to conflict with that knowledge. “I… I don’t see how this is possible.” She finally spoke. “Aegis, you have spent so long feeling a pure love for Celestia… how can you so suddenly find love with… with this mo…”

“Monster?” Aegis finished her sentence. “Princess Cadence, do you know of my past?”

“I do, Luna told us how you were abandoned and were shunned during your youth. Argent also said you see familiarities between yourself and Chrysalis as a result, but even so…”
“My mother did not survive my birth.” He cut her off again, his words bringing sharp gasps to the Princesses; even Chrysalis was taken aback by the news. “The head mare of the orphanage told me this after much questioning as to who my parents were. My father abandoned me because he blamed me for his loss and cursed my very existence, to him… I was a monster. I have carried that label since the day I was born and have spent my life walking the line between light and dark as a result.”

Celestia lowered her hoof from her mouth. “Aegis, you never told me that.”

“Forgive me, Princess. I always felt that story was too sorrowful to burden your ears. Till now, Argent is the only one to know that truth.”

Celestia glanced down at Argent who only shook his head. “Sorry Celestia, it wasn’t my story to tell. He made me promise to keep it between us and well... he’s a lot bigger than I am so I did.”

“In any case.” Aegis continued. “The only things that kept me on my path were my resolve, Argent’s friendship and my love for the Princess. While Chrysalis may have succumbed to the dark, she had no one there for her when she truly needed it the most. Truth be told, only a small hoof full of choices separate the courses of our lives. Hence I knew that only a small hoof full of choices could return her from that dark place.” He looked into Cadence’s eyes. “Lady Starlight told me that the word “everything” is used too often, I feel much the same about the word “monster”. Argent and I have met true monsters. Beings who sole purpose is to inflict terror and pain on the world with no logical rhyme or reason. Chrysalis’ actions are not without gravity or consequence that warrants your anger. Still, those actions are not without origin. She felt the pain of rejection and persecution and that pain led to a consuming rage that guided her from that moment on. I have helped her see that pain, accept it and begin the process of dealing with it instead of lashing out at the world.” He looked back to Chrysalis with a loving smile. “She has a long road ahead and I intend to be at her side every step of the way.”

The room sat silent at his speech for several moments. Argent saw this and took a deep breath as he headed for the center of the room. “Well, sounds good to me.” He began, commanding everypony’s attention. “Luna is going to be crushed though, I told her I set her up with you.”

Luna flustered greatly. “That is most certainly not true!” She insisted as her sister attempted to hold her laughter.

“Princess Cadence.” Argent turned to her. “I know this probably isn’t the conclusion you wanted with Chrysalis, but look at it this way. In spite of everything she has done, we’re all still standing here to have this conversation. If she’s willing to move past it then I say we should do the same.” A wistful looked came over him. “Aegis and I have seen more fighting than any other two stallions you’ll come across, so when the opportunity to not fight presents itself we take it.” He spun around and headed over to Chrysalis. “And if for some reason she does decide to try anything, Aegis is the one she’ll have to answer to.” He leaned closer to her with a grin. “Just between you and me, I don’t think you can take him.”

Chrysalis leaned closer to him in return with a wicked smile. “I already have. Twice last night in fact.” Celestia and Twilight went red at her words. Argent stepped back dumbfounded, his jaw lowered as he looked back at Aegis.

Aegis laughed in a way he rarely did. “It seems the Golden Horn’s, silver tongue has been bested.”

The tension in the room eased and Argent looked back to Chrysalis with a smile. “Oh, you and I are going to have a lot of fun.”

“I can’t wait.” She said disingenuously.

Cadence sighed heavily and approached Chrysalis. “Argent is right, and your words do seem genuine.” She matched eyes with her. “I have a good life now and a beautiful daughter. I want the world she grows up in to be peaceful.” She slowly extended her hoof. “If you are truly happy with Aegis, then I wish you the best.”

Chrysalis eyed her hoof unsurely but took it nonetheless. “Thank you.”

“This is great.” Twilight said as she went to Aegis. “Does this mean you’ll be coming back now? You’ve got a hoof full of students who I’m certain are worried about you.”

“Will we?” He asked as he looked to Chrysalis.

“Yes, we will.” She answered with a light smile.

Aegis looked back to Twilight with a sound nod. “But I have no intention of burdening your home further, Lady Twilight. I will find somewhere quiet for Chrysalis and I to remain, somewhere outside of Ponyville where she can grow accustomed to things slowly.”

“If that’s what you want, I’ll help in any way I can.” Twilight assured.

“Thank you, Lady Twilight.”

Shining Armor went to Cadence and hugged her. “I’m proud of you my love, and I’m glad this is finally over.”

“Me too Shining.” She kissed him tenderly.

Luna went to Celestia’s side. “Are you alright, sister?”
“Yes Luna.” she nodded. “This is just… not what I was expecting.” She smiled as she saw Aegis and Chrysalis embrace. “But I am glad to see him so happy.”

Aegis and Chrysalis remained in the castle for the day while Twilight returned to Ponyville to inform the others and begin reopening the school. Cadence and Shining Armor returned to the train station to begin their trip back to the Crystal Empire. Chrysalis was encouraged to take a look around so she disguised herself and headed out into Canterlot on her own. Celestia tended to her daily duties while Argent demanded Aegis catch him up and how things evolved with Chrysalis. By the late afternoon, Aegis found himself on his familiar balcony overlooking the city below.

“I think this balcony missed you as much as I did.” Celestia’s voice came from behind him.

He swung his head back and smiled. “It does feel like home.”

Celestia went to his side. “Is there still room for me under there?”

Aegis laughed and raised his wing. “Always.”

She took her familiar spot against him. “Between your time with Twilight and your time with Chrysalis, you have such a different air about you now.”

“These last months have truly been a journey.”

“It has been so for us all.” She smiled up at him. “But I am happy for you, I hope you know that. And as odd as it feels to say, I’m happy for Chrysalis too. You’ve accomplished something I was beginning to fear was impossible. She was lucky to find you, I can’t think of another pony who has the patience, kindness and understanding to weather the storm of her anger and hatred.”

“Thank you, Princess.” He sighed thoughtfully. “My time with her has given me some clarity on many things. Chief among them… I now fully realize why you chose to be with Argent and I see what I was blind to for so long.”

“What do you mean?”

“While I loved every moment we shared, the dynamic between you and I was drastically different than the one between you and Argent. When we were together you had to hold yourself back to match my pace in life. You told me you understood the circumstances of my life and my actions; while that understanding was welcome, it didn’t change the fact that you and I were perpetually compromising in order to spend time together. I see now that I was always trying to be with you. There sits the difference, Argent never had to try… he simply was.”
Celestia considered his words and looked back over the many years they spent together. “You know, when I decided to tell Argent how I felt I told him that my decision was based on little differences that I had started to see in my interactions with the two of you.” She saddened a bit. “You’re right… I wasn’t able to express what I was thinking and feeling but you have just summed it up better than I ever possibly could.”

“This clarity did not come easily Princess. I only came to understand it because when I am with Chrysalis, I don’t feel like I’m trying at all. My interactions with her seem as natural as a walk through an open field.” He felt Celestia physically depress at his words. He sharply looked down to see a pained look in her eyes. “Princess?”

“I’m sorry Aegis. It just seems that the thing holding you back the most in life… was me. All of these grand changes in your life only came after I…”

“Nonsense Princess.” He immediately refuted. “It is far from that simple and as I told you earlier, you have been one of the precious few positive things in my life. In spite of how things turned out I would never give up what we share.”

“Nor would I.” She set her cheek to his shoulder.

“And what is this?” Chrysalis’ voice echoed over them.

Aegis looked back and saw her heading over. “Chrysalis, did you enjoy your time in the city?”

“Don’t change the subject.” She huffed.

“Chrysalis.” Celestia called her attention. “Aegis and I share a close bond that I have no intention of abandoning. You needed be so jealous.”

“Jealous? Of you? Please.” She raised Aegis’s opposite wing with her magic and plopped down at his side. “Just make sure you keep your hooves to yourself.” They both leaned forward and peered around Aegis’ chest, locking eyes with each other. They suddenly felt Aegis’ wings hold them closer, breaking their stare.

“This is the happiest I have been in some time, I would like to enjoy it a bit longer if I may.” Aegis noted with a smile. Chrysalis and Celestia receded and got comfortable as they watched the waning afternoon.