//------------------------------// // Chapter 21 // Story: Two Side // by MLPOCLucC //------------------------------// Chrysalis looked to the hive mothers that haunted her shadows. "Your purpose of being born is for the hive..." "The hive is your only family..." "Don't make friends with ponies...." "Your purpose is to the hive." "You're- You're purpose is to the hive" "You're- You're purpose is to the hive." Chrysalis walked up to the broken record and turned it off. "How...." The changeling's lip trembled angrily "HOW MISERABLE DO I HAVE TO BE BEFORE YOU'RE SATISFIED!!! YOU'RE SUCKING MY LIFE AWAY!" She screamed holding her head as the shadows latched onto her like leeches. "Mommy..." "Chrysalis..." The foal-like shadow wrapped her forelegs around Chrysalis' leg. The other shadow was a unicorn stallion that held her close. "We could be a family again... Just you and us" "But Nightmare..." "Who's that" The stallion asked kissing Chrysalis' cheek. Chrysalis felt herself fall into a daze. This was what she always wanted... A family and a companion to love her. Nightmare... Her shadows creeped in enjoying the delicious vulnerability of the changeling. "Nighty..." "Forget about her. Come on, Mommy" "We can go on a family outing just the three of us." The foal squealed happily as the stallion swung her around. Chrysalis' eyes softened "Ok..." She whispered holding her foal. "Chrysalis! Don't fall prey to their lies" Nightmare screamed walking into the dream. Chrysalis looked up at this unfamiliar alicorn "Who are you?" The foal scrunched up her face "She's trying to ruin our family" She sneered pulling Chrysalis away. Nightmare's eyes softened as she walked closer "Come back to me, My Queen" Chrysalis' eyes lit up in split second recognition before darkening again. Nightmare crept up to her only to be pinned by the stallion "Get out, Home wrecker" He snarled. Nightmare opened her wings aggressively hissing as she bared her fangs "Chrysalis belongs to me and me only! She is mine..." The shadow growled backing away with his tail tucked deeply within his legs. Chrysalis looked up at her with blank eyes "My heart feels strange..." Nightmare chuckled pulling her close with her wings. The foal shadow was trembling like a leaf in the wind. "Come back to me..." Nightmare whispered kissing the changeling deeply. The shadows screamed in agony as they were chased away by the silver light coming from Chrysalis. She opened her emerald eyes that were now a shining blue "Thank you, Nighty" Nightmare smiled but Chrysalis could see a hidden pain within her curved lips. The changeling opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by the dreamscape becoming faded and bright. "I'll see you when you wake up..." Nightmare whispered kissing her cheek as everything turned white. "I wonder what are you hiding, my beautiful Queen of the Moon..." Chrysalis woke up to see the same guard as usual but Nightmare was nowhere to be found. "You, guard. What's your name?" She called out. He stood at attention. "Private Sky Streak. My apologies for my attack upon you, Queen Chrysalis." "No need for apologies. Your job is to protect the princess and Canterlot?" He nods "Well then, you are doing your job." He smiles a bit breaking baring "Thank you." "No problem, Private." She slid out of the room and into the bathroom. There she saw Nightmare, who was preening herself in the shower. Her tail swaying back and forth giving glimpses that would make any stallion blush. "You're looking riveting this morning." Chrysalis purred softly levitating a brush as she began to brush her mane. "Thank you..." She turned to look at her lover and sighed. "We have to go to Tartarus?" "I suspect that Celestia alone did not cause this. This was done on the inside." "What?!" Chrysalis looked Nightmare deep in the eyes. There was a deep rooted sadness pooling in her irises. "I have...." She winced "Nevermind..." Chrysalis looked away "I've been thinking..." Nightmare nodded looking at her. "You're afraid... Afraid of loosing everything. You grew up with nothing..." Nightmate shuddered "We can talk about this... Later. We have a meeting to attend." Chrysalis watched as she walked away with a grimace, "You can't just run from me." Nightmare stopped and turned "I am and for the first time in my many millennias of life... I fear for something. I did not rush into a relationship with the Queen of Changelings. I fell in love with a mare out of my own violation despite the time frame." "Nightmare..." "I have but one request." The alicorn spread her long wings as the feathers shudder making her look as intimidating as possible "Never allow anyone to change you. You haven't been allowed life. You have been lead on by responsibility. Now, I request that you do what makes you happy." The alicorn's wings fell back into place of her sides as she stared. They watched each other as Chrysalis was struck with silence. "Do what makes me happy..." She whispered under her breath. "I will give you time to mull over your thoughts. This battle will be a long one. One that will be my first of many to come. Or perhaps the final to be struck down by a blade." Nightmare smiled bitterly and walked out of the bathroom. Chrysalis was left to her thoughts. What she wanted. What made her happy? She followed with a firm look of determination on her face. No longer the Queen of Changelings. No longer the Mother of Dead Dhildren or a Shadow's Widow. She walked out the bathroom determined to fight for her new freedom alongside old enemies and an old friend. She would fight for a new tomorrow alongside the mare she loved. End of Two Side Part 1