//------------------------------// // Epilogue: Aftershocks // Story: Desperate Devotion // by Leafdoggy //------------------------------// So, time went on, and Twilight and Chrysalis fell into a new normal. Twilight found that she quite liked stepping away to focus on the bigger picture. So long as she could trust her friends with the smaller things, which she always knew she could, she was comfortable diving into her work as a princess and doing all she could to make Equestria a better place. Chrysalis had more trouble finding her place, but she spent the time searching for it by Twilight’s side, encouraging her in her own ways. With her guidance, Twilight always felt confident in herself. Eventually Chrysalis branched out, made friends, and truly became more to the ponies of Ponyville than just Twilight’s girlfriend. Their lives had their ups and downs, as all lives do, but one thing never changed. They were happy together. “Where are you taking me?” Twilight asked. She was blindfolded, riding on Chrysalis’ back, and had been for some time. Long enough for the sun to start setting, she thought, because the air around them was getting cool and damp. “You’ll see soon enough,” Chrysalis told her. “It is a surprise.” “Couldn’t you have just, like, teleported us?” “Well, I could have,” Chrysalis said, “but where’s the fun in that? What, would you like to spend less time together?” Twilight hit Chrysalis playfully. “I just want to spend more time actually seeing you.” “Well, that’s understandable.” Chrysalis laughed. “I am quite glorious. Anyway, we’re here.” As Chrysalis set Twilight on the ground and lifted off the blindfold, Twilight realized that it wasn’t sunset after all. Rather, the air was cool and damp because they had gone into a cave. A familiar, massive cave, with gems in the walls and a river flowing through it. They were on the clifftop Twilight had brought them to on their first date. Beside them Chrysalis had set up a picnic, and beckoned Twilight to join her as she sat down. “Okay, I know we didn’t walk that far,” Twilight said as she took a seat. “I admit, I may have transported us some of the distance with magic.” Chrysalis grinned. “I assumed that several days of walking would have been a bit much.” “A bit,” Twilight agreed. She looked out over the scenery and sighed. “It’s just like it was back then.” “It’s a wonder more ponies don’t come down here,” Chrysalis said. “I don’t think Equestria has many spelunkers.” “Their loss.” Hungry from the trip, Twilight cracked into their picnic. They quieted down as they ate, gazing out and just enjoying each other’s company. They both knew they didn’t have to talk to enjoy the time spent together. Being together was enough. They did talk a bit. About their friends, Twilight’s work, all sorts of mundane things. All the little thoughts that came to them, they shared with each other. Then they would banter and laugh and sigh and kiss. They sat together after the food was gone, soaking in each other’s warmth in the comfortably cool air. “I hope you approve of my choice of date,” Chrysalis said at one point. Twilight laughed. “It’s perfect. There’s not a single thing that could make it better.” “Well,” Chrysalis said, “I can think of one thing.” “And that is?” Chrysalis looked into Twilight’s eyes, gazing in a blissful silence for a few moments before speaking. “Twilight… I think I’d like to marry you.” Twilight’s eyes went wide and her cheeks went red. “Oh, I can’t believe I didn’t see that coming,” she muttered under her breath. “I-I mean,” she said nervously, “I… Yeah.” “Yeah?” “Yeah.” Normally the castle in Canterlot was a bustling place. Whether it be ponies waiting to meet Celestia or tourists from the edges of Equestria, ponies usually packed the halls. Today, though, as Twilight and Chrysalis made their way to the throne room, they hardly even saw any guards. There wasn’t anything off with the guards they did run across, they were perfectly cordial and pleasant, but they were few and far between. For some reason, the day just felt off. “Does today feel off to you?” Twilight asked Chrysalis idly. “I suppose,” Chrysalis replied. “I feel as though that’s bound to happen on any day you get a surprise summons from Celestia, though.” “I mean, yeah,” Twilight agreed. They paused outside the massive doors leading into the throne room for a moment before going in. “Today feels extra off, though.” “It’s probably just nerves,” Chrysalis said. “You know how you get with Celestia.” “Or maybe Pinkie Sense is contagious.” Twilight shrugged and pushed open the heavy doors. Muffled voices leaked out for just a moment, but the creaking of the wood made the room fall silent. Twilight and Chrysalis both froze in the doorway. As expected, Celestia was here to greet them, but she wasn’t alone. Standing near her, equally as dumbfounded, were Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. Cadence couldn’t keep herself from sneering at Chrysalis. “What is she doing here?” “I’m simply answering a summons from our dear princess,” Chrysalis said snidely as she walked inside. Twilight followed soon after, and the doors crashed shut with a thunderous bang. “Ladies, please be civil,” Celestia said. “I’ve brought you all together for a very important conversation.” “Aw geez,” Twilight muttered under her breath, “here we go.” Across the room, Shining Armor was showing similar apprehension. Cadence, meanwhile, was still glaring at Chrysalis, who was looking down her nose back at her. Celestia coughed to regain their attention. “I won’t mince words. As I’m sure you have all expected for some time, I am looking to… Retire. As such, I am in need of a successor.” Cadence growled. “You can’t seriously be considering handing off the crown to that snake.” Chrysalis fumed. “I am nothing of the sort! Trust me, you’ve seen nothing of the kind of snake I can be.” “Enough,” Celestia demanded. “This is why we are here. The crown is to go to Twilight. Not Chrysalis. It can’t do so, however, when it would bring such severe unrest.” “Then don’t do it,” Cadence said. “Keep the crown until—” “I’m tired, Cadence,” Celestia said. “I’m too old to let my life be put on hold because of a feud.” “A feud?” Cadence gawked at her. “I’m the only one here not falling over myself to bow down to a supervillain, and it’s a feud?” “I am not a villain!” Chrysalis said. “I’ve been here for years, you can’t just… Augh!” She growled and stomped a hoof in frustration. “Chrysalis, it’s alright,” Twilight said, but Chrysalis didn’t seem to hear her. “It isn’t fair!” Chrysalis continued. “You’re supposed to be a princess, but you treat me worse than Sombra would. Why am I the one who—” “Chrysalis!” Twilight shouted. Chrysalis clamped her mouth shut and stared at her. “That’s enough,” Twilight told her. “I understand your frustration, but you’re just throwing more fuel on the fire.” “Seriously, Twilight?” Cadence asked. “Her frustration? I don’t care if she’s frustrated that she doesn’t get to rule Equestria!” “Yes, Cadence, I am serious,” Twilight said. “Chrysalis has been by my side for so long, through so much, and that entire time she’s had to deal with knowing that her mere existence could cause a full on secession. Or worse! With how you’ve treated her, she can’t know what you might be capable of. That is why she’s frustrated!” “I-” Cadence’s voice caught in her throat. “Twilight, I would never do anything that drastic, you know that. It’s preposterous!” “We barely even speak to each other anymore,” Twilight said. “You could have changed.” “I want to talk to you more,” Cadence said, “it’s just hard because…” “Because I spend so much time with my wife?” Twilight asked.  “That’s not what I meant,” Cadence said. Deciding she was done with standing by, Celestia stepped forward. “I think that’s a good start,” she said. “The shouting seems to have stopped, at least. Now, can we talk and come up with a plan we’re all satisfied in?” Twilight could feel tears welling up as she gazed out over the cheering crowds below her. Surrounded by her closest friends, and her dearest family, the crown on her head had never felt lighter. The scene on the balcony was crowded. Celestia stood front and center, with Luna by her side, both dressed in their royal regalia. In the back stood Twilight friends, all wearing matching dresses, as well as Twilight’s family. Even standing in the widest part of the balcony, the lot of them hardly fit on the balcony. Then was Twilight, in the center taking up entirely too much room in her long, puffy black and blue dress. Rarity had toiled over it for weeks, and it showed. It was made meticulously down to the very stitching to make Twilight exude radiance, flowing over her like a sea of stars. Beside Twilight stood Chrysalis who, as always, had not dressed up. As Celestia spoke to the masses, Cadence walked up beside Twilight and Chrysalis. “I’m proud of you, Twilight,” she said softly. “And, um… Congratulations, Chrysalis.” “Thank you,” Twilight said with a sniff. “Thank you, Princess,” Chrysalis said. Celestia’s speech started to wrap up, and Twilight wiped her eyes nervously and took several deep breaths. “I didn’t expect this to be so nerve-wracking.” “Don’t worry,” Chrysalis told her, “at least you’re cute when you’re nervous.” Twilight chuckled. “You could at least pretend to sympathize.” “No I couldn’t,” Chrysalis said. “I have no doubts about how well you’ll do.” Then, Celestia stepped away, and beckoned Twilight up as applause roared out. It was more ponies in one place than Twilight had ever seen before, and she suddenly found herself grateful that this was happening on a balcony. At least that way, she was far enough away that they probably couldn’t see her eye twitch nervously. Eventually, the crowd settled down enough for Twilight to clear her throat and begin her speech. “Thank you, everypony. This really is more than I ever could have expected. This is the happiest- Well, no, it’s probably about the fourth happiest day of my life.” “Fifth!” Pinkie shouted from behind her. “Today is the fifth happiest day of my life,” Twilight continued, “and I am so glad to share it with all of Equestria. I’m not very good at acceptance speeches, but… Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.” There was another roar of applause, and Twilight smiled politely as she waited for it to calm. “I’m sure you’re all wondering what this means for Equestria,” Twilight said when she could speak over the crowd. “My hope is that, for the citizens of Equestria, nothing much will change. I don’t have the experience of Celestia and Luna, but there’s something else I have. Something I’ve always had. The friends who got me here today. They’ve helped me all my life, and they’ll continue to help me in this, either in an official capacity or, since not all accepted the positions, simply as friends. With their aid, I’m confident I can keep Equestria a wonderful, peaceful place.” During the next wave of applause, Twilight looked behind her and waved Chrysalis up. Chrysalis hesitated for a moment, but then she nodded and walked up to join Twilight. “Finally,” Twilight said, “my wife Chrysalis. The love of my life. My friends and I all trust her completely, and as many of you know, she has long sought after a position at the head of Equestria. Well… That dream is not happening today.” “I am not naive,” Twilight went on. “I know that public opinion of Chrysalis has not changed drastically in the past few years, and it would be irresponsible to put somepony that you all do not trust in such a high position. At the same time, I want very much to make her happy. In pursuit of this, she will be getting a position amongst us. A new position.” “Think of her as a figurehead,” Twilight explained. “She’ll be out there, with you all, getting to know you. Attending town halls, visiting schools, answering questions. A position with little actual power, yet still serving an important role for Equestria. Also, on her insistence, this new position will be known as…” Twilight coughed awkwardly and rubbed the back of her neck. “Chrysalis will hold the title of Queen. Despite being far lower in stature than the Princesses. Please, just go with it.” There was a long pause, but slowly another round of applause built up. It was quite a bit less raucous, but Chrysalis grinned and bowed for them anyway. Twilight gave a few parting remarks, then waved and left the stage to a final roar of applause. As soon as she was out of view, she let out a massive breath and started panting. “You did wonderfully out there, dear,” Rarity told her. “Mm-hm,” Twilight mumbled. “Um, Rarity, can you help me get this dress off before I throw up on it?” “Well that was fun,” Twilight said as she and Chrysalis walked out into the night. They were in Ponyville, having just attended Pinkie Pie’s monthly reunion party, and the stars above shone brightly down on them. “I suppose we should go back to Canterlot, now.” “I think Canterlot can survive one night without us,” Chrysalis said. She grabbed Twilight with her magic and lifted her up onto her back, then started walking slowly. “Let’s go to your old castle.” Twilight yawned and clung to Chrysalis. “Sounds good to me.” “It was fun,” Chrysalis said. “I’m glad we came.” “Told ya.” “I hardly needed convincing,” Chrysalis argued. “Yeah, but I still told you,” Twilight said. “Fair enough.” Chrysalis chuckled. “Right again, Princess.” Twilight nuzzled into Chrysalis’ neck, then stopped and smiled when her eyes caught on the glowing bracelet around her leg. “Thank you, Chrysalis.” “What for?” “For everything,” Twilight said. “For being with me.” “Well you made it pretty easy,” Chrysalis told her.  Twilight lifted her leg to show Chrysalis the bracelet. “Do you remember what we promised with these?” “To love each other,” Chrysalis said. “Or something to that effect.” Twilight laughed. “That was dumb. We’re never gonna get these things off.” “Twilight, we both know you’re perfectly capable of dispelling—” “Shhh,” Twilight interrupted. “Don’t be silly. We’re stuck.” “Of course,” Chrysalis said. Twilight squeezed Chrysalis tight. “Hey Chrissy?” “Yes?” “Let’s have a kid.” Chrysalis stopped in her tracks. “Really?” “Yeah,” Twilight said.  “Is that even possible?” Chrysalis asked. “Sure.” Twilight shrugged. “It might take a bit, but I can whip something up. I am the most powerful magic user in Equestria.” “Well, work on that first,” Chrysalis said, “and we’ll decide when it’s done.” “That’s probably smart,” Twilight agreed. “You think you might want to, though?” “Twilight, right at this second, there’s nothing I would love more.” “Oh, grow a spine, Thorax.” Chrysalis rolled her eyes and leaned heavily on the arm of her throne. Twilight sat beside her, listening to the changeling rulers with equal parts interest and apprehension. “We’re, um, invertebrates,” Thorax replied. “Hence the growing,” Chrysalis said. “The changelings need to know they can count on you, and until I’m convinced they can, I’m not signing off on any sort of major treatises.” “You’re always welcome to come see for yourself,” Thorax told her. “The changelings really respect how you’ve changed without, you know… Changing.” “Perhaps it is about time,” Chrysalis said. “I’ll have to visit eventually.” “Um, if you don’t mind my prying,” Thorax said, “why the sudden interest in the hive? You always seemed content with just having ambassadors in the past.” “There are countless reasons for why my interests may change,” Chrysalis said. Twilight chuckled. “We’re thinking about children.” She smirked when she saw Chrysalis flinch at the unexpected forwardness. “We’ll want them to be acquainted with changeling culture, and that means visiting the hive.” “Oh, how exciting!” Thorax said with a grin. “Of course, I’ll be sure to set everything up when the time comes. We’re truly honored. Have you thought of names?” “Well, I have,” Chrysalis said, “but Twilight shot down all my ideas.” “I’m not letting you name our child Monarch.” “I gave alternatives!” Chrysalis argued. “Brilliant Monarch sounds like a perfectly acceptable pony name to me.” Twilight sighed. “We’re working on it, Thorax.” “I quite like Monarch, actually,” Thorax said. “Let me know if you need any help, though. We’ve kept a record of all changeling names for some time now, it may give you some inspiration.” “Riveting,” Chrysalis said dryly. “The changeling empire is truly flourishing.” And so their lives continued. A lifetime of memories, of kisses and fights, of friends and of family. Their family did, indeed, get bigger, and they did not, in fact, name their child Monarch. Twilight was a beloved ruler, and eventually Chrysalis was beloved as well. They grew old together, retired together, saw all of Equestria together. And they never did get those bracelets off.