//------------------------------// // 48: Back Again // Story: Death of a Queen // by Arkane12 //------------------------------// “How much did you hear?” Twilight repeated. “H-How much of what?” Quartz stammered, suddenly enraptured by the sight of his own hooves. “Our conversation. Our private conversation.” “I’m not sure what you’re talking about, Princess. We didn’t hear anything.” Dusti cleared her throat, reforging her usual unimpressed expression. “Did we, Quartz?” “Nope. Not a thing,” His words were quick enough that they barely understood him. “Did you find something interesting down there on the ground?” Chrysalis asked, slipping out of the cabin doorway. She advanced on the cowering Quartz, but the Lieutenant stepped between them. “He said we didn’t hear anything,” Dusti explained. “Take it down a notch, you two,” Twilight lay a hoof on Chrysalis’ shoulder, restraining her. “We’ve done enough damage to the ship without starting a fight in the hold. If she says they didn’t hear anything, I believe her.” “They’re obviously lying,” Chrysalis argued. “They didn’t hear anything. Right?” “Not a thing, Ma’am,” Dusti answered. “And since they didn’t hear anything, they won’t be telling anyone about it. Right?” “Right, Princess,” Quartz agreed, his speech still alarmingly fast. “So then why are you here?” Chrysalis inquired. Dusti addressed Twilight directly. “Canterlot is in sight. The Captain ordered us to spread the word and start packing up. Everyone else is already waiting up on deck.” As if triggered by her message, the ship slowed immensely, nearly toppling the group gathered in the hallway. Even from here, they could hear the engines hiss as they released their steam into the night sky. “And that’s our cue to get moving.” Eager to escape, Quartz made a break for one of the far rooms. He reemerged less than a minute later, laden with both Dusti’s luggage as well as his own. He didn’t bother waiting for her permission before vanishing up the stairs to the main deck. “You really should teach him to lie better,” Chrysalis said. Dusti groaned. “I can’t believe we actually agree on something. Well, I’d better go after him before he winds up losing my luggage. And don’t worry, Princess, your secret is safe with me.” She winked toward Twilight as she left. Chrysalis waited for the Lieutenant to trot out of earshot before saying, “You certainly have a type, don’t you?” “Apparently.” Twilight shook her head. “Come on. We should be on our way, too.” “Don’t look at me. I’m already packed and ready to go.” “Right. Let me grab my saddle.” Twilight poked her head back into the cabin. Using her magic, she retrieved her bags and hefted them onto her back. This time, with her magic once again at her disposal, the straps presented no obstacle. “Alright. Let’s go.” “Lead the way.” Chrysalis stepped aside, motioning for Twilight to go first. The duo made their way up toward the helm. Preoccupied with gathering their instruments, none of the navigators noticed them as they slipped out onto the deck. The ship had been secured with over half-a-dozen ropes. The skeleton crew of the shipyard were inspecting the chips that resulted from the hail. Another team of pegasi were hovering nearby, taking measurements of the torn armor. “They don’t look happy,” Chrysalis joked. Wisps of condensation emanated from her lips, fluttering off into the icy breeze as she spoke. “I don’t blame them. We kind of made a mess of this thing.” Most of the soldiers had already taken the gangplank down to the docks. From here, Twilight could see the line of armored ponies leading into the barracks at the edge of the castle grounds. Although she searched for Dusti or Quartz among the sea of metal, she never found them. “Can we get inside, Twilight? It’s cold out here,” Chrysalis urged. The frost already gathering on her chitin convinced Twilight to hurry. “Welcome back,” A familiar voice called to them as they traveled down the gangplank. Standing on the docks, still dressed in his heavy uniform, stood the bulky figure of Shining Armor. If Twilight didn’t know any better, she might have guessed he had been standing in the same spot since their departure. “Shiny!” Twilight squealed, rushing forward to tackle her brother with a flying hug. “Easy there, Sis.” Shining took a second to steady himself. “I’m not the spry young stallion I used to be.” “That’s what the armor’s for, silly.” “This is adorable and all, but do you think we could take this reunion inside?” Chrysalis begged. Shining glanced toward the shivering changeling. “Enjoy your vacation?” Chrysalis slumped her shoulders. “Let’s just say that I don’t plan on taking another anytime soon.” “I’ll hold you to that. She’s right, though. It’s too cold out here.” Now a trio, they scurried up the same worn path the soldiers had used. As they passed through the barracks, the rousing sound of revelry echoed through the halls. “They normally celebrate a mission like this?” Twilight asked. “Only successful ones. So yeah, usually,” he boasted. Shining accompanied them through the winding corridors. Once they finally arrived at the main hall of the castle, he stopped. Twilight continued a few steps further before realizing how far behind he fell. Glancing back over her shoulder at him, she asked, “Why did you stop?” Shining rubbed his forehead. “I completely forgot to tell you something. Luna wanted to speak with you – both of you – as soon as you got back. It sounded rather important, so we should probably take care of that, first.” “Alright, but only if we go to the mess hall afterwards,” Twilight said. “Deal,” Shining agreed. “Why does she want to talk to me?” Chrysalis moaned. “I need to go sit by a fire. It’s still freezing in here.” “I’ll have one of the servants fetch you a blanket.” Shining whistled, summoning a young mare dressed in a maid’s clothes. He sent her off with orders to find the warmest blanket she could. “I suppose that will do for the moment,” Chrysalis pouted. “Do you have any idea what she wants?” Twilight asked. “She didn’t say. She also didn’t look thrilled about it, though.” “Great,” Twilight groaned. “More bad news. Nothing happened to Celestia while we were gone, did it?” “No.” Shining beckoned her onward with a flick of his head. It took Twilight a decent way into their journey before she realized he was leading her to the War Room. “She’s still in decline, but we haven’t had any more incidents.” “Perhaps I’d better skip the mess hall, then. I’ll just have something sent up to my study.” “I may not be a scientist, but I don’t think you’re supposed to have food in a lab,” Chrysalis chimed in from behind her. “Deadly chemicals and nutrition don’t usually mix well.” “Fine. We’ll make a quick stop at the mess hall, then I’ll head up to my study. Better?” “Better.” The deeper into the castle the delved, the fewer soldiers awaited them. Eventually, the Solar Guard faded out entirely, leaving only shadow-clad thestrals to mark their path. Their winding journey finally came to an end at a solid oak door. Two brutish looking stallions bowed their heads in reverence to Twilight before throwing open the passage. “I’ll wait for you out here,” Shining decided, gesturing for the others to continue without him. Twilight and Chrysalis had barely crossed the doorway before the path closed behind them. A sparse brick hallway opened into an extravagant spire, painted gold by the sparse glow of candlelight. Luna sat alone upon a wooden throne, scrutinizing the map of the world carved out in the center of the room. Her sunken gaze snapped upward toward her the new arrivals. Upon noticing Twilight, the lines of her face softened. The subtle shift struck centuries from the lunar mare’s age. Chrysalis made her annoyance at her summons obvious, slinking past Twilight and into the darkest corner of the room to nestle down. In this case, that meant hiding among the haphazardly stacked supply crates tucked away into a nearby alcove. Twilight slid gracefully into one of the wooden seats opposite Luna. “Good evening, Princess Luna,” she said. “A good evening indeed, Twilight. And a fond hello to you too, Changeling.” The stockpiled crates muttered something in Chrysalis’ voice. “Don’t mind her.” Twilight waved it off. “She’s not in the greatest of moods right now.” Luna’s hoof circled the left half of her face, silently tracing three lines over her eyes as she cast a questioning glance in Twilight’s direction. The younger alicorn nodded solemnly. Chrysalis broke the silence. “She’s asking about the eye, isn’t she?” “More concerned whether or not you require a doctor,” Luna replied. “No, thank you. Last time I saw one of your doctors he strapped a torture device to my leg.” Luna shook her head. “I am honestly amazed that I missed you.” “Likewise, Great Princess of the Night.” Despite the sarcasm dripping from each syllable, Twilight sensed no hostility in Chrysalis’ voice. Luna rolled her eyes, throwing her hooves up in defeat, just as she used to when forced to endure Celestia’s sillier antics. The comparison brought a nostalgic warmth to Twilight’s soul. The umbral alicorn settled herself and cleared her throat before continuing. “I suppose we should move on to business, then. There are several important topics that we must cover this night. Some I wish to ask your input. Some I must warn you about. I will try not to take too much of your time, but I make no guarantees.” “Oh joy.” Chrysalis poked her head out from her hiding place. “I love being crushed beneath the wheels of bureaucracy. Alright, I’ll go ahead and start the first one for you. You want to talk about me, right? Am I to be punished for escaping the castle?” Luna hesitated briefly. “You are correct that your . . . unwelcomed leave is one of the topics that I wish to discuss. However, I have no intentions of punishing you for it.” Chrysalis raised an eyebrow. “Really?” “Yes. There can be no doubt that my actions were incredibly dangerous. I nearly cost you and Twilight your lives. I am in no position to blame you for your crimes with a reputation as stained as mine. On top of that, I remember what you did for me. You saved my life.” “D-Don’t flatter yourself. I didn’t do it for your sake,” Chrysalis grumbled. “If you died, I wouldn’t be able to spend as much time with Twilight. It’s as simple as that. Besides, what would your sister think if you got yourself killed over a stupid temper tantrum. You should be embarrassed.” She finished by puffing out her chest and crossing her forelegs grumpily. Twilight snickered at the infantile display. “Regardless of your reasons, there is no doubt that you saved my life. Even at great risk to your own. And I intend to reward you in kind. From this moment forward, you are no longer a prisoner in this castle, but a guest.” “Is that why you had Twilight track me down and bring me back?” “No. Which will make this next part all the more confusing. Though I obviously cannot force you to stay, I would ask that you remain here for the time being.” “It only took you this long to finally ask,” Chrysalis snarked. “There is another reason. And you should know this as well, Twilight. I understand that, during my absence, you oversaw a case in the Royal Court about ponies disappearing.” She waited for a nod from Twilight before moving on. “Several similar incidents were also reported in the days before Chrysalis’ arrival. And every few days, another town representative shows up to deliver more bad news. Twilight visibly paled. “Where exactly are these reports coming from?” “From everywhere. Equestria has had a few. Now, reports are beginning in the Crystal Empire. We have not heard from any of our other allies as of yet, so we cannot be sure if this plague will spread even farther.” “What does this have to do with me?” Chrysalis clambered out of her box. “You think I’m somehow responsible for this?” “I do not have the faintest clue who could be causing this. There are many who theorize that changelings may be behind it. Of course, there is only circumstantial evidence linking them together, but that is more than enough for some.” Chrysalis met Twilight’s worried gaze. “I do not think you responsible for this. But your presence is simply another piece of the puzzle that some unsavory elements will try to mold into their story. I know now that you truly have changed. But my citizens do not. If they learn of your presence here, or what has become of Celestia, then I fear chaos may follow.” “So, you want me to stay hidden?” Chrysalis stumbled back toward the pile, seating herself on the closest crate. Her shoulders slumped as she landed. “For now, I feel it would be best.” Twilight wound her way over the changeling, offering a tender touch. Chrysalis put her hoof over Twilight’s, offering a resigned grin in response. “I suppose there are worse places to be stuck. But what about Thorax? Has he been made aware of these accusations?” Luna nodded. “He has sent word to his hive, bearing the news. Against my advice, he ordered his own investigation into this matter. His drones were already spread across Equestria searching for you. Having them out and about now could prove dangerous, either from a scared pony, or from whatever has been framing them. Given what he has told me, he believes it possible that a rogue group of changelings may be in play.” “Rogue changelings?” Twilight inquired. “It’s entirely possible.” Chrysalis answered. “But I was never made aware of any rogue factions in Equestria. Perhaps news of my disappearance traveled farther than I expected, and they’ve come to claim my kingdom for their own.” “I see. That does put us in quite the conundrum,” Luna admitted. “Just tell us what you need us to do,” Twilight said. Luna shook her head. “No. You and Chrysalis have another task before you. If Equestria is going to bear the full force of these events, it needs a strong leader. We need Celestia.” A knock at the chamber door stilled their conversation. “Princess Luna?” Shining’s voice reverberated through the door. “May I enter?” “You may, Captain.” The hinges creaked as Shining Armor stepped inside. A thick woolen blanket had been draped over his back. The trio watched as he sauntered his way to Chrysalis, bowing his head and offering the blanket to her. “Thank you,” Chrysalis acknowledged, swiping her gift and twirling it over her shoulders like a cape. Even with the blanket warming her, she still shivered. “Is that all, Shining?” Luna asked patiently. “I’ll make it quick.” He turned to his little sister. “I’m sorry to disrupt our plans, but word is that Cadence is searching for me.” “It’s fine.” Twilight waved him off. “We can just talk over supper tomorrow.” Shining opened his mouth to respond, but couldn’t find the words. He glanced toward Luna, begging her to intercede. “I was just getting to that part.” Twilight’s gaze bolted back and forth between her brother and the princess. “Shiny? What part?” Shining Armor cleared his throat. “I don’t think our dinner plans will work out. Me and Cadence are returning to the Crystal Empire tomorrow afternoon.” He scratched at the back of his neck. “And I don’t think we’ll really have much free time between now and then.” “Oh,” Twilight muttered. “Shining Armor. I did terrible things to you and yours, but I will not allow myself to regret the things I’ve done.” Chrysalis peered at Twilight, who nodded solemnly. “Having said that, I, too, look forward to the day we might set our differences aside.” She reached out, taking his hoof in her own. The two locked together in a single, firm shake. “It’s been an interesting time, Chrysalis.” “Same to you.” Shining released his grip. Next, her moved on to his sister. “Then I guess this is goodbye for now.” “I’ll stop by in the morning. To send you off.” “Of course.” Then, he bowed to Luna. “Princess Luna.” “I shudder to think what might have happened had you and Cadence not come to our aid. Thank you, Captain Armor. I eagerly await the day we see one another again.” And with that, the armored stallion took his leave, disappearing back out into the hallway from which he came. Even after he left, Twilight simply stared at the door, as though her mere observation would drag her brother back. She didn’t turn away until she felt the soft touch on her shoulder. Chrysalis had drawn the blanket over her shoulder, pulling her tightly into the changeling’s embrace. “Thank you,” Twilight whispered. “My pleasure.” Chrysalis pulled the sheet tight, sealing the two in a robe of fluffy contentment. Luna was the first to break the silence of the moment. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, Twilight.” “It’s alright. I knew he couldn’t stay here forever.” She nodded eagerly. “Besides, I’ve got my own work to see to. While I was gone, I formed a few theories of why my cure didn’t work. I’ll begin modifying it as soon as we’re done here.” “That is great news indeed. As always, the full wealth of Equestria is at your disposal.” “If I might ask something, though?” “Ask away.” “Have any of the other groups reported anything?” Luna shook her head. “No. Nothing.” Chrysalis took it from there. “Did you expect them to, Twilight? This is Changeling magic we’re talking about. And on top of that, most changelings wouldn’t know of or be capable of such a feat.” “Which means it falls on us to get this done. Don’t worry, Luna, we won’t let you down.” “I know.” Twilight shifted the blanket off of her, rising from her seat. “Is there anything else we need to know?” Luna pursed her lips. Twilight could almost see the gears turning. “No,” The elder alicorn finally decided. “That is enough for tonight.” “Then we’ll be on our way. If you need us, we will probably be up in my study. Are you ready, Chrysalis?” The changeling groaned as she dragged herself up off her crate. “Twilight, one final bit of advice, if I may?” Luna asked. “Of course, Princess.” “Remember to take care of yourself. I know there is a great deal of pressure on you, but you must be strong. Come what may, remember that Equestria stands behind you.” “I will. Thank you, Princess Luna.” Twilight turned the handle, leading her companion back out into the hallway. The two thestrals guarding the room bowed as they passed. They continued on, side-by-side as they wormed their way through the corridors of the castle. Chrysalis studied their path as they went. The golden archways and polished marble flooring were nothing like the homes she was used to. But she could deny it no longer. Even with the short time she had spent here, there was a certain element in the air. Something that made it feel like home, though she couldn’t decide what. Perhaps it was the scent of lavender wafting from the planters that lined the walls. Or perhaps from the ornately carved stone that met her at every turn. She laughed internally. Those answers were a sham, and she knew it. No. She knew exactly what made this foreign land feel like home: The pony, standing at her side. Or at least, the one that had been standing at her side a moment ago. The realization she was alone shoved her inner thoughts to the side. She turned back to see Twilight standing still in the center of the hallway, her knees weak and head hung low. With a startling speed, Chrysalis swept back to her companion’s side. “Twilight?” “Do you really think I can do this, Chrysalis?” Rather than answering, the changeling scanned both directions. Noticing they were alone, she made her way to the wall. She pressed her blanketed back against the cold marble as she slid down onto the floor. Her chitin clicked against the tiles as she patted the empty space beside her. Twilight collapsed onto the spot. “Do you think you can’t?” Chrysalis asked, running her hoof down Twilight’s back. “I don’t know what to think anymore,” she growled. “Everyone’s relying on me. I don’t know how much longer I can hold it together.” “Then why don’t you stop trying to?” Twilight twisted her neck to meet Chrysalis’ gaze. “What do you mean?” “It’s just me here, Twilight. We’re alone. You don’t have to hide how you feel from me.” “I . . . I’m not hiding . . .” As she spoke, tears started to well in Twilight’s eyes. “I know exactly how you feel.” The changeling removed the blanket from her back, instead using it to cover Twilight. “Struggling to hold on. You worry that if you let go for just a moment, the whole world might fall apart. Well, let me tell you a secret, Twilight Sparkle. It won’t.” The little alicorn let her defenses crumble. She snuggled up against Chrysalis, sobbing into the sturdy chitin plates. “Everyone is . . . relying on me. W-What am I supposed to . . . do? W-What if I let them d-down?” Chrysalis hushed the younger mare, caressing her with a gentle touch. “It’s alright to cry, Twilight.” “I t-thought a p-princess never cried?” “And who’s going to tattle on you for breaking that rule? Certainly not me. So, cry. As long as you need to. I’ll be waiting right here.” And she cried. All the while, Chrysalis stayed at her side, humming a sweet lullaby as she held the princess in her lap.