//------------------------------// // 6: Chains // Story: Death of a Queen, V2. // by Arkane12 //------------------------------// While Luna led her procession through the hospital hallways, Twilight stayed at her side, ignoring the nervous glances from the ponies around them as they brushed past. Doctor Heart seemed to be struggling to keep up with their rapid pace. A complement of a half-dozen guards brought up the rear, a blend of celestial unicorns and lunar thestrals. Nurses and doctors alike cleared the path for the princesses as they moved toward a room at the end of the hall. The door opened with a flick of Luna’s horn. With only a nod, she sent half of the guards to take up positions on either side of the door. The others marched inside. Chrysalis didn’t spare a glance toward the new arrivals.  She figured they were here to check on Celestia.  Celestia grew weaker by the day. Just this morning, thin black veins had started to sprout from the festering hole in her side. And with their appearance, her vitals started to change.  Chrysalis only took notice of her guests when a dark purple aura enveloped her. Luna poured her magic into the metal restraints. With a flash, the magic coursing through the metal released. As she finished her spell, she turned to Doctor Heart. He stepped forward, a magical blue light spilling from one of his coat pockets. A small silver key levitated out from it. He slid the key into the lock and turned it, releasing the restraint.  As soon as she heard the click of the lock, Chrysalis pulled her hoof free from the cuff with a violent jerk. The squadron of guards spread out, readying their spells or their spears.             Chrysalis paid them no mind as she pulled her freed leg close to her chest, her muscles aching at the foreign movement. On her foreleg, the cuffs had carved deep gouges into her shell. Doctor Heart moved around the bed, unlocking each leg with a different key. He saved her injured leg for last.  “Brace yourself,” he said. Without further warning, he turned the mangled limb, revealing the keyhole on the back of the bracelet. Chrysalis gasped, caught off guard by the sudden movement. Doctor Heart watched Chrysalis from the corner of his eye, waiting for her to calm herself before removing the final cuff. With the obstruction removed, he started to unravel the bandages. A paper-thin layer of chitin had reformed over her skin, but it had yet to harden.  “Looks like you’re healing faster than I anticipated.” He gave the limb a few experimental nudges. “Still, better safe than bloody and broken.” As he spoke, another pony in a white cap and surgical mask approached, carrying a strange faux-leather and metal device. “What is that thing?” Chrysalis asked, leaning back. “It’s a brace,” Doctor Heart explained. “Right.” Chrysalis frowned and turned away. “And why do I need a brace?”  “If you don’t wear it, your bones will break when you try to walk. Which means my staff will have to waste time cleaning up all the blood and you’re back to being bedridden at square one.”  “Try to walk? And just where am I supposed to be walking to?” Chrysalis glanced at Twilight, her confusion giving way to a grin. “Oh, did the Littlest Princess finally decide torturing me would be fun? I’m so proud of you, Little Twilight,” Chrysalis said sarcastically. “It’s not like that.” Twilight inched back from her. Doctor Heart stepped between them and waved the brace in Chrysalis’ face.  “Focus,” he said. “Now, I’m going to need you to stay still while I put this on.”  “I don’t need your stupid brace.”  Luna stepped forward. “Doctor, this is a waste of time. Allow me.” As she finished speaking, her horn lit up. Dark tendrils crawled out of Chrysalis’ shadow and wrapped around her, immobilizing her. She fought for freedom only for a moment before realizing she couldn’t escape the princess’ grip. Instead, she stilled herself, hoping it would somehow protect what few shreds of dignity she had left. Doctor Heart nodded. While Luna held Chrysalis still, Doctor Heart slid the brace over her wounded leg. It slid on smoothly, fitting perfectly to the confines of her slender limb. She could do nothing but grimace as the doctor fixed the buckles and tightened the straps.  “A little tight, don’t you think?” Chrysalis growled.  “That’s the point.” After he finished, he stepped back to examine his work. Finding it sufficient, he dropped the rail on the side of Chrysalis’ bed and moved aside, allowing the guards to take his place. “Now come on, let’s get you on your feet.”  When Luna’s magic finally receded, Chrysalis sat up. She only had a few seconds to acclimate herself before the guards dragged her out of the bed. Her healthy legs took the bulk of her weight as she slid onto the floor. Hesitantly, she lowered the wounded leg alongside them, testing it with a few experimental steps.  “How’s it feeling?” Doctor Heart asked.  “I haven’t torn your throat out, yet, so I guess that means the pain is better.”  “Glad to hear it.”  “Now that we’re done with that . . .” Chrysalis turned toward Luna and Twilight. “Perhaps one of you would care to explain where you’re taking me and why?”  “We’re taking you to the castle,” Twilight said.  Chrysalis raised an eyebrow. “For what reason?” “You will find out when we get there. In the meantime.” Luna nodded to one of her guards. Two unicorns walked in, a chained collar floating between them. “Chain her,” Luna commanded.   “You’re joking, right?” Chrysalis asked, frowning. Luna gave the slightest hint of a smile as her answer. One of the guards, an older stallion, levitated the collar forward, aiming it for Chrysalis’ neck. With a scoff, she swatted it away. Her efforts earned her four different spears leveled at her neck.  “Let me try something,” Twilight said, slipping past Luna. Chrysalis eyed here wearily as she approached. “Listen to me. This is just a precaution.”  “I don’t care what it is,” Chrysalis snarled.  “It’s just until we get to the castle.”  “No!” Chrysalis slapped it away again. The guards moved to strike her, but Twilight stopped them. “If you continue to fight us, we’ll have no choice but to use force.” Twilight stepped forward fearlessly, standing tall as she spoke up to Chrysalis. “But if you can prove that you’re not a threat, the collar won’t be necessary for long.”  Chrysalis sneered.  “It’s your choice.” With her explanation finished, Twilight took the collar from her guards and held it forward, less as a threat, and more as an offering. “The harder you try to fight us, the harder it’s going to be for all of us.”  “If it’s causing you trouble, that sounds like a win in my book.” Chrysalis spat at Twilight’s hooves. “So come on, do your worst,” she said with a smile. Retribution arrived swiftly as one of the guards stepped around and bashed Chrysalis with the butt of his spear. The blow knocked her off balance, allowing the other guards to swarm her. They forced the collar around her neck and dragged her forward with a harsh yank.  She snarled and tried to snap at the nearest pony, but another tug dragged her down to the floor. As she lay on the polished tile, she recognized Luna’s hooves just in front of her. She glanced upward toward the alicorn.  “Keep your grip tight. Do not allow her an inch of freedom,” Luna ordered as she turned and walked back out into the hallway. Twilight followed next, then the guards, dragging an unruly Chrysalis behind them. Guards flanked her on either side, battering her whenever she stepped out of line.  Doctor Heart grimaced as Chrysalis’ chaperones prodded her forward. She shuffled out of the room, where the rest of the entourage of soldiers had formed a vanguard of sorts, clearing the hallway for their princesses and their prisoner. Luna moved swiftly. Her demanding pace taxed Chrysalis’ weakened legs, but her jailers wouldn’t allow her to lag behind.  “Has the carriage arrived?” Luna asked one of the nurses running alongside them.  “It has. It’s waiting out back for you, Princess,” the nurse answered.  “Good. Twilight?” At the sound of her name, Twilight galloped forward to Luna’s side. “Are you sure you can handle this task?”  Twilight nodded.  “Very well, then. I shall see you back at the castle.” With a bow, Luna walked off, allowing Doctor Heart to lead her to the exit. Twilight, several of the guards, and Chrysalis were instead led out back, where a royal carriage was waiting on the curb. The two soldiers in front watched the procession from the corners of their eyes.  Chrysalis was ushered inside along with the duo of guards holding her reins. Twilight climbed in after them, taking a seat on the opposite bench. As soon as they were inside, Chrysalis could hear the remaining ponies outside exchange orders.  “So what’s all this about?” Chrysalis asked, motioning to the carriage around them. Even just this simple movement was enough to get her wardens agitated. “Is Luna too good to ride with the rest of us commoners?”  “No.” Twilight leaned over and watched out the window as the carriage departed. “But she can’t really go anywhere without drawing a crowd. It’s easier for us to sneak out the back this way,” she explained.  “Ashamed that your dirty little secret might get out?” “Something like that.”  As they pulled onto the main street, Twilight kept her gaze out the window. An amateur mistake, as far as Chrysalis was concerned. The ponies holding her restraints kept their grip tight, but one quick lunge is all it would take. One quick strike. It would be over before Twilight even understood what had happened.  But months of struggle and starvation had taken their toll. What happened to Celestia had bordered on accidental. And even that had cost her dearly. Even if she could take out Twilight in the process, her guards still posed a threat. No. She would have to bide her time. The ponies would expose their throats to her soon enough. She just had to be ready to tear it out when they gave her the chance.  But that chance wouldn’t come soon. They were still too cautious of her. And that realization left her feeling little more than boredom as their carriage bounced down the cobblestone streets. Out the windows, she could see the city. The city that she had once brought to its knees. But now, ponies walked the streets, smiling and laughing as though the invasion had never happened. It all looked so normal. Canterlot boasted a rather plentiful population. Hardly a drop in the bucket compared to a metropolis like Manehatten, but still sizable. Unlike the bustling metropolis, though, Canterlot tended to be far grander. Its citizens preferred a more complex marble and stone architecture to the glass towers of the city. Eventually, the carriage pulled through the golden gates of Canterlot Castle and stopped, allowing the passengers to exit directly onto the castle grounds while keeping them hidden from the ponies outside. The outer gates led to a walled courtyard. As her handlers led her through, Chrysalis could see through the archways to either side. She spied hedges and stone paths that spread out into the royal gardens. Through one of the archways, she could see a plain marble fountain. Rising up from the center, a white stone pillar stood in solitude amidst a sea of green ivy. The base of a statue.  It reminded her of Doctor Heart’s story. Chrysalis had heard of the punishments that ponies could inflict. They would not kill her. Instead, they would leave her in their garden for an eternity, trapped within a stone prison. They would strip everything away from her except her thoughts and leave her to a fate more cruel than any Chrysalis could devise. And there she would remain. And there she would be forgotten. The pillar didn’t even have space for a nameplate. Chrysalis snarled. She wouldn’t let them forget her. If her legend ended here, it would have an ending worthy of the great Changeling Queen. Her bravado lasted only a moment, though. This time, even she couldn’t find faith in her lies.  The already decent gap between Twilight and her prisoner only widened as the guards surrounded Chrysalis. As soon as they noticed the object of her obsession, they stopped. Suddenly, they weren’t so keen to keep her moving. The slight smirks painted across their faces only made Chrysalis angrier.  Huffing, she pressed forward, trying her best to ignore them.  With a sturdy shove, they pressed the changeling onward. The sudden shift sent her stumbling forward onto the stone path. Twilight cast a concerned glance over her shoulder, but Chrysalis pretended not to notice. Flowers spanning every color of the rainbow had been painstakingly planted across the courtyard, taking up any space unused by the main path. A handful of gardeners were planting bulbs and pulling weeds, doing their best to focus solely on their work. An oak gate sat at the entrance of the castle, just past a statue quarried in the likeness of the ruling sisters.  Before Twilight could reach the door, a pair of sentries stepped in, opening it for her. They eyed the prisoner as she passed by.  The front entryway of the castle led to a resplendent marble hallway. Colossal pillars reached up toward the vaulted ceilings. A thin red carpet had been laid out down the center of the room. The entryway carried a striking similarity to Chrysalis’ own throne room. As she heard the doors start to creak shut behind her, Chrysalis cast a glance back over her shoulder. She caught one last sight of the glittering golden gates. Briefly, she wondered if she would ever pass through them again.  Soldiers and palace staff moved in a flurry from smaller doors down the length of the hall. Chrysalis could only imagine they led to the rest of the castle. A barracks, a mess hall, maybe a pool somewhere. Whatever whim the sisters wished added in. Twilight approached the second gate. She turned to her entourage and nodded silently.  The guards dispersed from their formation, disappearing behind the myriad of doors. In their place, two thestrals emerged from the shadows. They took up Chrysalis’ leash as they opened the way for the princess. The appearance of the shadowy, fanged ponies brought some iota of comfort to the changeling queen. If she squinted hard enough, they resembled her own guards. The group entered the throne room. The two bat-ponies shut the door behind them. This room looked much like the previous one, apart from stained-glass murals in place of windows. The shards caught the sunlight as it filtered in, painting the room with a host of vibrant hues.  Chrysalis’ new jailers moved more slowly. They allowed her the occasional moment of rest, which she spent feigning interest in the depictions down the length of the room. Twilight and her friends standing against Nightmare Moon. Against Discord. Against Chrysalis.  The image depicted her as a monster. A demon that wanted to swallow the world whole. She might have found it flattering if her glass incarnation weren’t hideous. Though they preached friendship and peace, the ponies sure had a funny way of remembering history.  Chrysalis pushed forward, the pain in her leg forgotten.  Towards the back of the room, up a short flight of stairs, a raised platform held two celestial themed thrones. The ceiling above had been fitted with a skylight, allowing a shower of sunlight into the courtroom. Twilight stopped at the foot of the stairs. “So, care to explain why you dragged me out of bed for this?” Chrysalis asked.  Twilight took a deep breath. “The terms of your imprisonment have changed.” Chrysalis snorted. “I hadn’t noticed. I thought we were all just out for a midday stroll.”              “From now on, you will be staying in Canterlot Castle. We’ve set up a room for you to stay in, where you’ll remain under guard. Any attempt to leave the castle will be considered an escape. Every guard on the premises is authorized to use force if they should witness you doing so,” Twilight explained. “Oh. This should be fun,” Chrysalis chuckled. “And here I thought you were planning to kill me. I rescind my earlier comment about being proud of you, Twilight.” “Your punishment has not yet been decided,” Twilight continued. “But Luna assures me that you will face trial for the crimes you’ve committed against Equestria and her citizens.” Finally, she turned to face the changeling. “I can show you to your room, if you want.” She started toward the side of the raised platform, to a set of doors hidden from plain view. Chrysalis followed. The double doors led to a tall, thin hallway. Two ponies in polished gold armor were waiting for them. The thestral handed off Chrysalis to them.  As they continued deeper into the castle, Twilight slowed. Though Chrysalis would never admit it, her body relished the easier pace. In the back of her mind, she wondered if it was on purpose. Several times, she caught the tiny alicorn glancing back at her. The relief in her aching muscles was only rivaled by the disgust in her belly.  If the guards noticed the kind act, they didn’t say anything. Instead, they kept their focus totally on the changeling. Following Luna, Chrysalis felt like a prisoner marching to the gallows.  Behind Twilight, though, she felt more like a pet, kept close to her master with a short leash.  She couldn’t decide which option was worse. Chrysalis took her time climbing the stairs, but they eventually reached the top. Here, a T-shaped hallway held a wide variety of doors. A painting of the sun adorned the largest door. A crescent moon on the one beside it. A six-pointed star on the opposite side. The princess trotted past her own bedroom and on to the next. Unlike the others, this door had no markings.  “Here we are,” Twilight said.  The interior of the room was shaped like a cylinder. A bed large enough for two ponies had been brought in, complete with a purple and black canopy and sheets. An eyesore brick fireplace protruded from one edge of the room, its rustic décor clashing with the plain white walls. An image resembling a map spanned the ceiling, marred only by a crystal chandelier hanging in the center. An unimpressive door led to a bathroom. Black curtains had been pulled over the windows and balcony door, drowning out the midday sun. “I hope you find it comfortable.”  “Comfortable?” She snorted. “It’s a cage, Twilight. It’s no different than a cell down in the dungeon. Though, I suppose a gilded cage is at least better than an ugly rusted one. But none of that matters. I think it’s about time you explained to me why I’m here.”  “Yeah. You’re right.” Twilight dismissed the guards accompanying them. They took up their positions outside before closing the door. “I had you brought here because I’m hoping you’ll be able to help me.” Chrysalis laughed. “You say that like you honestly believe it.”             “I need help with my research in order to save Celestia.” Twilight wasn’t meeting the changeling’s eyes. “You’re the only one who knows anything about whatever magic is killing her. I think you might be the only one who can help me now.” “Give me one good reason I should even think about helping you,” Chrysalis said between fits of laughter. Each sharp cackle sent Twilight shrinking a little more.           “Because you’re my best option,” the princess said more forcefully.  “And if I refuse?” Chrysalis leaned in close enough that her warm breath ruffled Twilight’s fur. Her voice fell to a whisper. “Are you going to torture me? Is Luna going to be mad at me? Let me tell you something, Twilight Sparkle. There’s nothing you can do to me at this point. I have nothing left for you to take. But you do. You still have so much to lose. And I’m going to enjoy watching you suffer–” Her words were interrupted by a metallic clank as her collar unlatched and fell away. Her gaze fell downward, enraptured by the sudden weight loss.  Twilight took advantage of the quiet. “I want to make a deal.”  “You what?” Chrysalis nearly choked.  “I’ll owe you one favor. Anything you want, so long as it’s within my power. But only if you help me save Celestia.”  Chrysalis couldn’t look away from the shackle lying on the floor. Here was her chance. Twilight had exposed her throat. Chrysalis just needed to act. But she hesitated. “You expect me to believe that? Why would I ever trust you to honor your end of the bargain?”             “All I can give you is my word, as a princess of Equestria.”             “Your word is worthless to me. I would be a fool to help you.” “Please!” Twilight pleaded. “I’m telling you that I’ll do anything for you. If you’ll just help me save her.” Her voice warbled, sounding almost on the edge of tears.  “Lies!” Chrysalis snapped back. “If you truly wish to beg, then you could at least have the decency to do it properly.” She only needed one swift and decisive cut to end this. She could be free. She could start to rebuild her old life. So why couldn’t she? Her frustration seeped into her voice. “If you really want my help, then grovel before me. Get on your knees and beg–” Twilight threw herself to the ground, bending her head bowed low enough that her horn scraped against the stone. Her body convulsed, as though it might come apart at the seams. She trembled as each word dripped through her gritted teeth. “Please, Queen Chrysalis. I’m begging you. You’re my last hope. She’s like a mother to me. I’m not ready to let go. Please?” Chrysalis stumbled back from the alicorn’s huddled form. She wanted to believe she heard spite or sarcasm in Twilight’s voice, but she couldn’t deny the alicorn’s tears crashing to the rug. Soft whimpers emanated from the prostrated figure.  “What are you doing?” Chrysalis demanded.  “You wanted me to beg, didn’t you?” Twilight wept. “Please help her. I’ll give you anything you want, I promise. I swear on my life.” Between words, she stopped to catch a shaking breath. Twilight's pleas washed over her like an ocean wave. And as the waters surrounded her, they dragged her down into the depths of her mind. And from there, it dredged up memories never meant to see the light of day. The broken form of the creature at her feet sent a shudder crawling beneath her shell. A tight knot she hadn’t even noticed twisted in her stomach as she realized that this wasn’t her memory.  Was this what she saw that day? When Chrysalis fell down at her feet?  Even after a lifetime, she remembered Iris’ words. “A princess doesn’t cry.” “What?” Twilight asked.  Chrysalis didn’t realize she’d said it aloud.  She swallowed her memories, forcing them back into the dark where they belonged.  “I said you’re pathetic,” Chrysalis barked, her voice cracking. “What sort of Princess are you to throw yourself so willingly at my feet?” She felt sick.  “But . . . you said . . .” Twilight closed her eyes. After a moment, her breathing steadied, and she glanced up toward the figure standing before her. “No. You’re right. I’m sorry.” Twilight stood, wiping the tears welling in her eyes. “You’re right. I’m a princess. I’ll figure this out.” She turned to leave.  Seeing Twilight suffer should’ve been beautiful. Chrysalis should have saved the memory, a keepsake she would admire until her dying day. She recalled all the nights she spent planning revenge and imagining the look on Twilight’s face when she finally fell before the queen. More than any other, it was this pony she saw when she dreamed of victory. She should’ve loved this.  But she didn’t. “Twilight.” Chrysalis’ bit her tongue. It was barely a whisper. The princess didn’t stop. “Twilight.” Chrysalis raised her voice this time. Twilight stopped, but she didn’t look back. “I . . . ” Chrysalis sighed. Why was she about to say this? “I’ll consider it.”  Twilight turned; her nose scrunched in anger. “Stop. Please, just stop. I can’t handle your games anymore, Chrysalis.” Her body trembled as she waited for the punchline. “It’s not a game, Twilight.” Now, the princess turned around. Chrysalis didn’t dare to meet her gaze. “You’ve made it quite clear that you’re desperate. It’s a little sad, really. I’m embarrassed for you. And if it will keep you from embarrassing yourself further, then I will consider helping you.”  “You . . .” Twilight’s eyes went wide. “You will?” “Yes. Now take my answer and leave before I change my mind again.” She yelled.  Twilight complied. Chrysalis put a hoof atop the shackle lying in the middle of her floor. With a growl, she threw it aside, smashing it into the far wall hard enough to crack the stone. Why now?  After a lifetime, this was the thing that brought those memories back? Chrysalis threw herself down into her bed, staring blankly up at the map on the ceiling.  What in Tartarus did she just get herself into?