//------------------------------// // Changing Discourse // Story: How to Have Changeling Girlfriends But Keep Discord // by Flutterflyer //------------------------------// “The gala?” Repeated Chrysalis, confusion visible all over her face as she took another sip of her tea. “That high society event in Canterlot? I had heard murmurings of it back when I was planning my ‘wedding’. So you’ve been invited again?” “Y-yep… I’ve had my invitation for a w-while now… I just didn’t know when to b-bring it up…” Fluttershy spoke quietly, trying not to show her nerves as she sat next to her mare friend. The two were sitting together in the pegasus’s cottage, enjoying each other’s company. It was a shame that moments like these were so few and far between, with both of them only seeming to get more and more busy in the months since they had first separated. The world just kept throwing more curveballs at them between the times they were able to get together in the cottage Chrysalis had learned to call a home, and the pony that made it one. Fluttershy already had her animals to look after and care for, let alone the constant misadventures her friends dragged her along on every couple days. Chrysalis for her part not only had to find the hundreds of displaced Changelings that were sent flying out of Canterlot, but also teach them of her newfound experience and Fluttershy's teachings of kindness. For a race that literally had the word change in their name, it turned out they weren’t particularly good at it. Still, the respect they had for their Queen meant that very few had objected to the notion, Chrysalis even getting the impression that a few of her subjects were excited by the idea. The old her would have despised what she saw as a weakness, but she knew better now, that the kindness they possessed made them stronger than any of the others. Naturally she put those Changelings in her new higher council, the perfect advisors for their future and those still learning. It took a few months and many secret meetings with Fluttershy for any definite progress to be made (on the Changeling front that is; they made many advances in their own relationship during that time), before a council member named Thorax’s embrace of love causing a change even greater than any of them were expecting. Unbeknownst to their race, feeding on love by force was far from the only option for them. An embrace of one’s own love could change their physical appearance dramatically, and make it so they no longer needed to feed on others to survive. By all accounts it was an upgrade, one that would hopefully be the first of many steps in their redemption in the eyes of the rest of the world, most of the hive already undergoing it since Thorax’s discovery. Chrysalis only had one issue: the new colours threatened to make her go blind from the pastel, garish shades on display. It was a small price to pay, she supposed. And even if it wasn’t to her tastes, Fluttershy’s face when she visited, her wide eyes shining in pride at all she had done, at how far she had come, made it all worth it. Which still didn’t make it any less embarrassing or frustrating that every other Changeling called Fluttershy their new queen, despite specific instructions not to do so. This had been their first meeting since that day, Fluttershy’s question coming after they had already spent a good amount of time together, the suddenness of it catching her off guard completely. “And… you want me. To come with you. To Canterlot. Where Princess Celestia herself will be attending. The city I once led an invasion directly into. Excuse me if I am slightly sceptical if they will invite me back with open arms.” Chrysalis stated drily, her expression unchanging as Fluttershy giggled to herself. “Well of course I do! You’re my marefriend! There’s nopony else in Equestria that I would want by my side.” Fluttershy spoke earnestly, smiling as Chrysalis's face turned almost completely red, the Changeling stammering as she was caught off guard by the reply. “I-it’s lovely you think so Fluttershy… but your love does not eliminate the problems I’ve already mentioned. The fact is, nopony other than you knows anything about what has happened with me and my hive since the wedding.” The Queen’s eyes briefly lowered in regret, Fluttershy giving her a comforting look as she continued. “But even then I can’t exactly transform into a random pony and go with you. If it’s somepony who lives in Ponyville, it could cause an untold number of issues. And if it’s a pony I make up… I’ll get the Pinkie Pie treatment.” The fearless Changeling queen shuddered at the thought, the Pegasus humming to herself as she grew lost in thought. “Well, Derpy knows about you! You could use her as a disguise maybe? It might make you feel better about slipping up in the first place with her too!” Fluttershy suggested.  “How was I supposed to know the mailmare checks the sender's name?! Putting “Queen of the Changelings” down in big bold letters should have made her look away!” Chrysalis grumbled, crossing her hooves and pouting while Fluttershy giggled to herself. “That’s… n-not how ponies work dear… honestly we’re lucky she’s so understanding…” Fluttershy snuggled harder against her marefriend, trying to calm her down as the Queen smiled back. “Fair enough. And that isn’t a bad idea. But not really ideal. While Derpy might be ok with it, it might cause some unnecessary questioning from your friends. Besides, you mentioned Rarity was almost certain she had a thing for that clockmaker or something.” The Changeling explained, Fluttershy frowning as she grew lost in thought once more. “Right… that w-wouldn’t be fair to them if what Rarity said was true… well I suppose it might be about time we try actually telling my friends and the princesses about everything. I’m sure Twilight will understand! W-well I suppose she might still be a little upset about the wedding…”  The pegasus trailed off, looking at her marefriend hopefully as Chrysalis sighed. “Like I keep telling you, I’m not… I’m not ready yet. I want that to happen once the Changelings are the best we can be. I need to prove to them we are deserving of their forgiveness. We need to earn their favour and show we have truly changed for the better. Not this awkward, messy adjustment period we’re stuck in…”  Fluttershy nodded in understanding, already aware of just how prideful Chrysalis and Changelings as a whole could get sometimes. She was used to dealing with it from months of experience by now. Instead she focused on alternative solutions, hoping there was something she missed, something instantly coming to mind as her eyes widened in excitement. “I’ve got it! I know a pony you can use as a disguise! One that won’t cause any issues with ponies living here and get you out of a Pinkie Pie welcome party! Tree Hugger! I met her when I was studying the Breezies on that trip that I used to visit the hive. While I was with her I asked if I could maybe use her image for some things back home, and she agreed! So she can deal with any questions that she could potentially get asked too!” The Pegasus smiled excitedly at Chrysalis, her wings pressed together in excitement, the Changeling blinking before answering. “First… why in Equestria did you ask that in the first place? You don’t advertise yourself. You don’t- wait, did you ask her that in case I needed a disguise!?” Chrysalis's mouth fell open as Fluttershy blushed and looked away. “I was preparing for a worst case scenario just in case you needed it… I get worried sometimes…” The pegasus admitted, feeling more embarrassed by the second as she blushed. “I had no idea you could be so crafty…”  “I guess y-you’re rubbing off on me…” Fluttershy meekly admitted, smiling slightly at her marefriend’s shocked expression. “...I suppose I am. I’m personally happier that you rubbed off on me more though.” Fluttershy blushed from her words, looking both incredibly embarrassed and pleased. “Now, I need to know about this pony. What she looks like. What she acts like. Anything that we can get our hooves on.” “D-does that… does that mean you’ll come with me next week?” Fluttershy asked, her hopeful tone making the Changeling smile back. “Yes. I suppose going to the gala with you wouldn’t be the worst use of my time. I’m sure the hive can last without me for a day if I make enough preparations.” Chrysalis mused, Fluttershy’s smile growing wider by the second. “Thank you so much! Oh we’re going to have such a good time! You can actually meet my friends and we can have a proper date outside of my cottage and the hive and it’s going to be so fun!” The Pegasus beamed as she rambled in excitement, her eyes shining as Chrysalis listened silently, feeling just as giddy and warm inside at the thought, imagining them both together under the moonlight in the palace gardens, her love spreading for miles while they spent time together without having to worry about the rest of Equestria.  She really was going soft if she was having thoughts like that. “I can’t wait. Now, about this Tree Hugger… how does she act? I’d hope it’s something relatively close to my behaviour…” Oh no. Fluttershy was doing her nervous shuffle now, which she always did when she was trying her best to think of a way to share bad news. “Fluttershy. She does act at least a little like me right?” Fluttershy shook her head. “Not even a bit?” Another head shake. “H-how does she act then?” Chrysalis asked with a growing feeling of dread. “She’s a little… let’s just say… open minded?” In hindsight, she knew there had to be a catch. Fluttershy shook in excitement, the train finally coming into view, stopping at the platform she had been waiting on for an hour now. The day of the Gala had come at last, the pegasus smiling wide, having to stop herself from running right to the station after finishing up in her cottage. It was hard to believe that this was happening, that she was actually able to spend time with her marefriend in public. Sure she would be disguised as another pony, and her friends didn’t know that they had been a thing for months now, but it was more than she had ever dreamed!  Her smile filled her face as the ponies emptied from the train, looking around rapidly for any sign of Chrysalis’s disguise. Tree Hugger was instantly noticeable as she trotted out last, the slight frown on her face instantly lifting into a small smile at the sight of her. “Tree Hugger! I’m so glad you made it!” She was also admittedly incredibly nervous, something that might have influenced her shout, feeling safer after the Changeling was at her side. “Fluttershy! It’s so… like… righteous? To… see you… today?” Chrysalis looked like she was cringing at every word she spoke while Fluttershy nuzzled up next to her, the two of them trotting away from the busy station and into the open streets of Ponyville. The disguised Changeling smiled, looking around to see if there were any ponies nearby before leaning into Fluttershy’s ear. “Are you sure there isn’t anypony else I can use as a disguise? Perhaps one that talks normally!?” Chrysalis whispered, before smiling at the blue pony that walked past them, trying not to draw any suspicion. “I’m sorry, but it really was the best I could do. Just try and sound more confident like we practised! Then it will all be fine…” Fluttershy said, holding her marefriend’s hoof and smiling comfortingly. Even though it wasn’t something she particularly needed at this moment, it was welcome all the same. “Thank you Fluttershy. I mean, that advice is… totally radical?” Chrysalis answered uncertainly, the pegasus’s grin of delight raising her spirits and confidence as they giggled together. “There we go. Just like that! See, I knew it would be easy for you.” Fluttershy praised the Changeling, who had to resist the childish urge to spread her wings in pride and ruin the disguise. “It’s only natural. After all, my essence and vibes cannot be disturbed by the burdens of anypony. I remain unmoved like the most steady of trees.” She let out another giggle at her own words, Fluttershy smiling happily as they walked past the ponies going about their daily lives. “Of course. You’re obviously a very good actress. Even when you're acting like a grumpy bug.” She paused, looking uncertain with herself for a moment before continuing. “If you want, I was thinking of going to a cafe together before showing you around Ponyville? Since you’ve never been able to explore it. Outside of my cottage of course… so if Derpy is available, I was thinking we could explore together! Since you always seem to enjoy talking to people who know who you are and all...” Her words warmed her heart, Chrysalis blushing through her disguise as she once again realised how good her marefriend was at reading anypony or animal she saw, noticing little details she never once shared. Her kindness was powerful like that, something she would never be able to understand, yet that alienness made it all the more beautiful to her. It was that kindness that broke through her stubborn walls, showed her and her subjects a different, better way of living, and it was that light that would drive them forwards. “I would love to.” She replied, smiling before adding some additional Tree Huggerness at the end for the nearby ponies. “Spending time with the most radical pony in Equestria is like, the best way to renew my vibes right now.” Fluttershy laughed happily, the action feeding her more than love ever could, the most wonderful noise in Equestria right above the calming noises made by her hive. “Oh my, you are funny!” Fluttershy giggled, Chrysalis’s heart beating faster, content in the knowledge that she would be able to spend an entire day with her. She didn’t have to worry about her disguise choice somehow backfiring, only needing to have faith in her acting ability and marefriend. With her by her side, this day was one she was confident in saying was going to be perfect. “I guess every being in Equestria is funny today.” Chrysalis held back her scream of alarm with every bit of her acting ability, staring at the face of the draconequus that had butted in between them and glared at her in dislike, making a mental note to really, really stop thinking those words. Hearing that the embodiment of chaos had reformed was shocking enough, but seeing it with her own eyes was a very different matter, Chrysalis hoping to whatever higher being was listening for her marefriend to take the lead this time.  Unlike her, Fluttershy was completely unfazed by the spirit’s appearance. It was understandable that she had time to get used to Discord’s antics, but the way she adapted so quickly even put her improv skills to shame. “Oh, how rude of me! Tree Hugger, this is Discord. Discord, Tree Hugger.” She spoke calmly, smiling as she gestured her hoof to the both of them, the draconequus facing away with his arms crossed in annoyance, a sharp contrast to the legends and murmurings the Changelings had of him.   She had never actually met Discord before. His reformation had taken place relatively early in her and Fluttershy’s relationship, and to this day Chrysalis held suspicions that Celestia asking her marefriend to reform a villain so soon after their relationship began was timed a bit too perfectly not to mean anything. It was because of this that Fluttershy and her had both agreed to keep her and Discord apart, unsure how he would react to her so early in his experiences of friendship. She was hardly a shining example either, so it was bound to go as well as building a chocolate fireplace.  Of course, him being the worst secret keeper in Equestria behind only Pinkie Pie was a factor too. It was then that she realised she probably needed to say something before it got weird, even if it had only been a few seconds since Fluttershy introduced her, Chrysalis only hoping her improvisation skills were as good as her marefriend’s. “Radical to meet you. Really digging your vibe.” Spoke the Changeling as calmly as she could, trying her best to keep herself together, wondering just why Discord was here. Fluttershy had mentioned she had a meeting with him that morning, but he should have been long gone by the time she got here. Still, she was confident that her acting was flawless, certain that it would avoid any issues with the draconequus. “My vibe?” Discord’s tone was very different from what she had been prepared for now, barely controlled fury lying beneath his words as Chrysalis stared into his glowing red eyes with an unflinching and unchanged expression. Said expression was in sharp contrast to her thought process though, her body frozen from the intensity. “Oh Tartarus below, I’m dead. I’m dead. He’s going to open a hole in the ground and send my body to another universe full of giant robots! Or hit me with a giant fly swatter! Or Luna knows what! What did I do to deserve this? Wait. Not the best argument. But I’m a good Changeling now! I can change! My subjects need me! Fluttershy needs me! Please whatever higher being is listening SAVE ME FROM THIS DEATH!” “It's a compliment.” While her marefriend’s thoughts of mild alarm kept her busy, Fluttershy swiftly salvaged the situation, whispering as Discord leaned forward with an unimpressed glare. “Oh, well, I'm sure it is.” Chuckled Discord, sounding more dismissive and annoyed than frustrated before continuing, his words breaking the Changeling free from her mild alarm. “Well, I must be off.”  He vanished in a poof of energy, the two left alone once more as Chrysalis turned to Fluttershy in bewilderment, about to ask for some kind of explanation when another BING echoed from in front of them, both ponies turning to see Discord facing away from them, his arms crossed again. “It has nothing to do with seeing you or not seeing you. You can be rest assured of that.” The draconequus laughed awkwardly, looking away as he spoke with the same dismissive, peeved tone as before, instantly vanishing with another BING.  It took only a few seconds for another BING to ring out, Chrysalis still as confused as ever as Fluttershy’s mouth fell open in surprise, Discord pointing finger guns at them as he forced out an annoyed. “Have fun at the Gala!” He turned around right afterwards, stretching his face before vanishing once more, the two mares left in silence as they recovered from the sudden interruption of their conversation. For half a minute they didn’t say a word, just in case Discord reappeared again, Fluttershy breaking the silence with a sigh. “So! That was… uh… Discord…” She muttered, trying hard to stay positive as Chrysalis gave her an unimpressed stare back. “You don’t say.” Chrysalis replied dryly, her mind still processing what she witnessed was real and not part of some ridiculous nightmare that involved Fluttershy being taken away from her. Not that she had those. The hive would back her up on that, they were sworn to secrecy in all matters.  “I’m sorry about him Chrysalis, he’s not usually like that. I really did think he would be gone by now, but I mentioned the gala during our Tuesday tea and he got a little… irritated that I choose someone over him. Since I thought he was invited already and-!” The pegasus hurriedly explained, Chrysalis interrupting her before she could continue any more. “Fluttershy, it’s fine! You don’t need to justify yourself to me. Sure, I wasn’t exactly expecting to see him… but it’s not like you can control him. As what happened with Tirek proves…” The thought of that made her eyes narrow in anger, fury filling her at the thought of what had happened, hating herself for not being there, the Changelings not even aware of it until Fluttershy let her know in the aftermath. And Discord had allied himself with him, put all of Equestria in danger. He was lucky ponies were so forgiving, and that she listened to her marefriend. “A-alright. And shhhhh… it’s ok.” Fluttershy’s wing wrapped around the glaring Changeling, the pegasus whispering calmly to reassure her. “It all worked out. And Discord really is sorry. He feels just awful about it now. And he’s still new to friendship, it’s natural that he might feel a little left out. But I’m sure he will realise that by himself! At least I hope so… I want you both to get along!”  The warmth of her marefriend’s kindness brought a smile to her face even when she wasn’t planning to, the two ponies nuzzling their cheeks together as they walked past some ponies, the Changeling slipping back into her disguise’s persona just to be safe.  “That’s so totally righteous of you Fluttershy! Even if his vibes are… less than pleasant right now. He’s sure to be, you know, totally cooled the next time I see him. Besides, it will just be the two of us at the gala.”  “And the friends you’ve probably posted around the palace just in case? All dressed for the occasion?” Fluttershy whispered before giggling at the Changeling’s shocked expression, Chrysalis pouting and muttering back. “Radical. Which one of the rocking volunteers told you? It was Pharynx wasn’t it? He’s been grooving for some action for a while now. Even the chance of invasion was good enough for him.” She grumbled, Fluttershy smiling at the fondness that slipped in despite her efforts, her marefriend continuing soon after. “After all, if the mighty and unstoppable Changelings could break through, who knows what horrid beasts could attack?” “Dear? You're fretting. Calm down. The princess and all my friends are all coming. It will be fine. Not everything in Ponyville ends in disaster!” Chrysalis raised an eyebrow. “Not with that attitude at least…” Chrysalis giggled at Fluttershy's grumpy reply, her good mood slowly restoring as she smiled, speaking freely now they had reached the cafe, All of the ponies were far too engrossed in their own food to notice what they were saying, the two sitting down at an empty table. “I know, I’m sorry for being like this. You know what I’m like. Discord just kinda threw me a little. It’s stupid.” The Changeling admitted, looking sheepish as Fluttershy gave her a comforting stare, both of them looking down at the menus laid out in front of them. “Awwwww, don’t say that! That’s just something that takes a while to get used to. Being chaotic is in his nature. I remember what happened when I went away to study the Breezies and see you…” She paused in remembrance, silently thanking the pony that kindly brought them some water while they decided their order. “He ended up totally throwing the day Twilight and Cadence planned out of the window… I hear it was quite the mess…”  “Oh did he? At last, justice. Karma has finally struck. After all these months! Me and Cadence are finally equal!” The Changeling exclaimed excitedly, chuckling to herself while the waiter entering the building gave them a confused glance, along with the other ponies staring for a moment before rolling their eyes and returning to their food, Flutterrshy smiling as she settled into the comfort of talking to her marefriend. “You say that every time something goes wrong with her! Have you still not let it go?” The pegasus asked playfully, the Changeling rolled her eyes as she made her point for what felt like the hundredth time. “She knows what she did. And so does the universe! I will only let it go when the universe does. She has no idea of the pain I went through planning that honeymoon!” She muttered angrily. “I know, grumpy bug. Don’t worry, I’m sure she’ll apologise when you eventually explain it to her.” Chrysalis pouted, blushing a little from the nickname while silently sulking about it.  “I know… but I’m still going to be annoyed about it. At least she won’t be at the gala. Which will prevent me from doing anything… impulsive about it. And since Discord was clearly left in the cold, we won’t have to deal with anything too unpredictable.” She spoke warmly, feeling her worries slip away under Fluttershy's kindness. “See? There we go. Let’s focus on the positives. With Twilight organising, I’m sure everything will be fine. Now let’s just order our meals and destress before we find Derpy and I show you around. Then we can rest up back home before we head out to the gala tonight.” The pegasus cheerily stated, looking thrilled at the idea, the Changeling smiling at the sight. “I’ll be happy too. Although, this food won’t be as good as yours. I don’t think anypony in Equestria can put as much love into baking as you.” She paused to smirk, seeing her marefriend go red from the slightest compliment or praise as usual. “But you're right. I’ll try not to worry and stress so much. We will just have to make this the best night ever!” Her words were supposed to set the tone for the night. But annoyingly, it felt like the slight cringe Fluttershy made at the last words would set the tone for the gala far more than she would have liked.