“Yeah, they were sick. We did manage to track down the cause, though. Apparently, the pigs had somehow gotten ahold of some of Pinkie’s newest cupcake experiment. They had a hot sauce-based recipe that made those poor little animals sick. Neither of us had any idea what a case of them were doing in the pig pen.”
Twilight nodded half-heartedly.
She and Fluttershy were roaming the empty halls of Canterlot Castle. Early in the morning, patrols were still light, and the servants were still working behind the scenes to get the castle ready for a new day. As a result, the duo were able to talk unimpeded.
“Sorry. You didn’t bring me here to talk about pigs, did you?”
Whatever thought had been digesting in Twilight’s mind, Fluttershy knocked it loose.
“Huh? What was that about pigs?”
“Applejack’s pigs,” Fluttershy said cautiously. “I was just telling you about them.”
“Oh. Yeah. No, it’s fine. I like hearing what’s been going on while I’ve been away.”
“Speaking of which, I wanted to ask you about what you said last night.” Fluttershy pawed at her mane. “You said you brought me here to help an injured pony, but you didn’t tell me anything about it. What happened?”
“It’s something we can deal with this afternoon. What do you want to do this morning? There’s an animal sanctuary out near the gardens we could visit if you want to.”
Fluttershy rooted herself in place, forcing Twilight to stop.
“Twilight, your message said this was serious.”
“It is . . .“ Twilight stared at her reflection in the polished tile. “But, you know, it’s not too urgent. We don’t need to worry about it now. Besides, traffic is terrible at this time.”
Twilight started to inch forward, but Fluttershy remained anchored in place. “Twilight, I don’t think I’ve ever seen an emergency not be urgent. And the streets are empty.” She pointed out a nearby window, where they could see the main street. A few carriages bounced along, but hardly any traffic. “There’s something you’re not telling me, and I don’t know why.”
“Fluttershy, can you just--” Twilight interrupted herself. What had meant to be a stern lecture came out edging on a threat. She put a hoof to her chest and exhaled, lowering her foreleg as she did. “I just thought we could have a bit of time to enjoy ourselves. Because what’s happened . . . it’s . . .”
“Bad?” Fluttershy suggested.
“Very bad.”
“All the more reason to get started now.”
“Can . . .” Twilight bowed her head beneath the weight of her shame. “Can we at least get breakfast first? I didn’t eat dinner last night. I’m feeling a little faint.” She swallowed hard. Just a small reprieve, she told herself. Then work.
“Fine. We’ll take care of this pony after breakfast, but only under one condition.” Fluttershy raised a hoof to emphasize her point. “Tell me who’s hurt.”
Twilights shook her head.
Fluttershy opened her mouth to object, but Twilight continued.
“Not here. Too public. The Royal Dining Hall is private. We can talk there. And hopefully, Luna will be there. She can help explain.”
“Luna?” Fluttershy raised an eyebrow. “Why would she be up this early?”
“You can ask her that yourself,” Twilight said.
With their morning plans decided, the two headed for the mess hall. As she walked, Twilight kept her head low, trying her best to ignore Fluttershy’s occasional glance. Despite their likely intent, Twilight couldn’t help but feel disgusted by them, by her own guilt.
Those thoughts were forced to the back of her mind as she and Fluttershy approached the hall doors. Inside, they found a room nearly large enough to match Celestia’s throne room. High ceilings covered a space filled with long wooden tables, all lit by a trio of grand crystal chandeliers. A small army of guards were gathered there, laughing and joking over the meals. A few stood when they noticed the princess pass by, but most were too engrossed in their meal to notice. At the back of the hall, Twilight led Fluttershy through another door.
This new room appeared similar to the previous, though with only a single table, meant for a smaller party. The more colorful decor and golden gilding around the walls gave the place an air of regality only fitting for a royal dining hall.
Noting the princess’ arrival, a trio of well-dressed servants disappeared into the kitchen. The obnoxious clanging of pots and pans soon gave way to a sweet scent in the air. Twilight and Fluttershy took their seats at the table beside one another.
“Alright. Start talking,” Fluttershy said as she made herself comfortable in the plush chair.
“Shouldn’t we figure out what we want for breakfast, first? The menu is pancakes, but the kitchen will make you whatever you want.”
The pegasus tapped a hoof impatiently. “You’re stalling, Twilight.”
“Or, they have this great fruit topping that is just divine with whipped cream.”
“You’re still doing it.”
Their conversation came to an abrupt end as Luna arrived through a well-hidden door at the far end of the room. Given the messiness of her mane and her sour demeanor, it appeared her double shifts were already wearing on her. Still, she handled herself with the confidence and pride expected of a princess.
“Good morning, girls.”
“Good morning, Princess Luna,” Fluttershy greeted her. If she noticed the princess’ condition, she hid her surprise well.
Luna’s expression brightened at the sight of her guests. “Fluttershy. Twilight. I was not sure you two would be up early enough to join me. Seems I was the late one, though.” She claimed her usual spot near the head of the table. Though the table could fit nearly two dozen diners, the three of them were gathered at one end in an intimate huddle.
And in that intimate huddle, none of them said a word. Instead, they sat in a heavy silence. Luna was the first to speak, starting off with an authoritative clearing of her throat.
“So, Fluttershy, how are you finding the castle?” she asked, tilting her head.
“Less hospitable than I thought,” Fluttershy bemoaned.
“Oh. Well, that is unfortunate.” Luna flicked her gaze back and forth between the two other ponies. “Did I miss something?”
“Twilight told me somepony was hurt. But she won’t tell me anything more until after breakfast,” Fluttershy explained, folding her hooves over her chest.
Twilight ignored the accusation, turning instead to focus on Luna. “Did I tell you that Fluttershy has been working on an animal sanctuary back in Ponyville? She’s modeling it after the one you built in the garden.”
“Twilight?” Fluttershy asked, letting her frustration seep into her voice.
Twilight continued. “Honestly, it’s quite impressive. It might even surpass yours.”
“Twilight!”
“Fluttershy.” Luna’s calm voice eased the tension. The pegasus looked to Luna. She suddenly didn’t seem too interested in arguing. But Luna only nodded toward the kitchen doors. As though waiting for her signal, a waiter stepped out.
“Breakfast is ready whenever you are,” a stallion dressed in a chef’s apron announced
“Bring it now. We’re ready,” Luna commanded.
The chef disappeared into the kitchen, but before the door could close fully, a whole group of servants arrived, carrying silver domed trays. They weaved through one another with ease. Their actions synced flawlessly.
One by one, they set their trays before the guests before removing the lid with a dramatic flourish. Luna, Twilight, and Fluttershy found themselves staring down a pile of pancakes, topped with butter, syrup, whipped cream, and a fruit medley.
Fluttershy remained unimpressed.
The trio of servers bowed and returned back through the door from which they came.
Twilight poked at her plate with a fork, spearing through a ripe strawberry.
Again, Luna was the first to speak.
“Twilight. You invited her here. It is rude not to tell her why.”
“I know!” Twilight slammed her fork down beside her plate. Suddenly, she struggled to catch her breath. Panic set in almost immediately. She turned to Luna and Fluttershy. They both wore a softer expression than she’d expected. “I’m sorry,” Twilight continued. “I know I should tell her. I just . . . I just . . .”
Luna sighed. “Fluttershy. Eat. I will do my best to explain.”
Fluttershy looked at Luna. Then down at her plate. Then at Twilight. Then at the empty chairs around her.
“Shouldn’t we wait for Celestia?”
The question seemed to echo endlessly through the high ceilings. Twilight’s fork clattered against her plate as she buried her head in her hooves and pressed it down on the table.
Fluttershy winced. She turned toward Luna, her shoulders slumped. “It’s Celestia, isn’t it?”
Luna stared down at her plate, watching a drop of syrup pool at the edge of her plate.
“I’m sorry, Twilight,” Fluttershy said quietly, taking her friend’s hoof.
“What are you apologizing for?” Twilight felt a pang of guilt in her ribs. This time, Fluttershy stayed quiet. “I just wanted some time to relax. To stop thinking about all this for at least a short time. But you’re right. That was selfish of me. Once you finish eating, I’ll take you to the hospital to see her.”
“The hospital? How serious is it?” A note of alarm raised in Fluttershy’s voice.
“Quite serious,” Luna said.
“Her vitals are weak,” Twilight said, “and fading every day. It’s slow, but consistent. She’s been unconscious since we found her.” She skewered a berry and watched its juice dribble onto the plate. “Doctor Heart’s best guess is that she has until the end of the month.”
“What happens at the end of the month?” Fluttershy asked. But she already knew the answer. She turned to Twilight. “You said something attacked her?”
Twilight hadn’t expected any pony in Equestria to handle such news with unbroken poise, much less Fluttershy. And while the look plastered on her innocent visage certainly contained traces of horror and sadness, Twilight could see determination burning behind her sky-blue eyes.
She certainly handled it better than Twilight did.
“Some thing indeed,” Luna grumbled, plunging her knife into her meal.
Fluttershy muttered a list of dangerous creatures under her breath, just barely loud enough for Twilight to hear. “A manticore? A scorpion? A hydra?”
“A Changeling,” Twilight said.
“A Changeling?” Fluttershy frowned. “One of Thorax’s changelings? I thought they were our friends.”
“No.” Twilight plucked a berry from the prongs of her fork with her teeth. “Chrysalis.” The name left a sour taste in her mouth, forcing her to spit the food back down into her plate.
Fluttershy’s eyes widened. “Q-Queen Chrysalis?”
Twilight nodded. “I should have told you earlier.”
“I know you didn’t want to worry me, Twilight. I’m your friend. Here, I was so happy to see you and hang out with you. The whole time you were probably worried sick about Celestia. I should’ve noticed.”
“Truthfully . . .” Twilight smiled at her friend. “I enjoyed spending time with you. It felt nice to focus on something else for a while.”
“Twilight . . .” Luna sighed.
“But you’re right. I’ve been terrified. For the last few nights, I’ve been researching whatever magic I could find in the castle library. Every book opens a whole new world, but none of them say anything about magic like this.”
“What about Thorax?”
“He didn’t know anything about it. We’ve kept him here to take care of Chrysalis, though.” Twilight realized what she said only after she said it.
“Chrysalis is here?” Fluttershy asked, glancing around the room as if the changeling queen would swoop down at any moment.
“She’s upstairs in her room, under heavy guard,” Luna said. “You’re safe here.”
“Twilight.” Fluttershy scooted her uneaten breakfast away, her appetite thoroughly extinguished. “I want you to take me to Celestia.”
Twilight pulled herself together and rose from her chair. “Alright. I’ll send for a carriage.”
“That will not be necessary, Twilight,” Luna piped in. “We moved Celestia here.”
“What? When?” Twilight turned quickly enough to make her head spin.
“Last night.”
Twilight and Fluttershy shared a look.
“Why did you move her?” Twilight raised her voice, though she didn’t know why this upset her. “Isn’t that going to be dangerous? What if she--”
Luna calmed her with a raised hoof.
“This was done at Doctor Heart’s recommendation. Apparently, they have spotted a few press ponies snooping around. I do not know how they found out so quickly. But, if that info makes it to the press, we would have chaos.” Luna shook her head. She loved her subjects about as much as they loved to panic. “The news of a dying monarch and arrival of Chrysalis would be disastrous to Equestria. The Doctor assured me he will take every precaution to keep Celestia safe and her condition secret.”
“Take me to Celestia.” While it wasn’t the first time Twilight had heard Fluttershy take charge, it always sounded strange to hear her gentle voice giving orders. Under the present circumstances, she found her friend’s confidence inspiring. And a little sickening.
Luna, meanwhile, looked on with a cocked eyebrow.
Without further distraction, Twilight did as she was commanded. Fluttershy followed, on guard. She scanned each room they walked into, likely trying to find the changeling queen waiting in ambush. When they arrived at Chrysalis’ door, the two guards stepped aside, allowing Twilight to enter.
“This doesn’t look like Celestia’s room” Fluttershy said from her hiding spot behind one of the taller, armored stallions.
Twilight shook her head. “It’s not. I need to speak to Chrysalis first. You can wait out here.”
“Be careful, Twilight,” Fluttershy pleaded.
Puffing out her chest, Twilight pressed forward into the darkness of the guest room. Her hoof flipped the switch, but the lights didn’t turn on. A second attempt. Nothing. The light from the hall would suffice.
“Chrysalis?” she called. “Come out. We have work to do.”
From outside, Fluttershy watched between the feathers of her wing. Movement in the dark caught her eye. A shadow uncurled from the ceiling. She panicked. Nearly knocking the guard onto his flank, she zipped past him, galloping fast enough that she lifted off the ground.
The sound of hooves stole Twilight’s attention from the figure in the bed. Before she could turn to comment on the commotion, Fluttershy tackled her. For such a little mare, she hit hard. The two of them tumbled over to the windows. The guards outside drew their weapons, reading the situation as best they could.
“Ow.” Twilight splayed out on the floor, rubbing her horn. “What was that for?”
The pegasus had landed behind her. The terrified figure gripped tight to a purple wing, curling up behind it to hide. Twilight caught her line of sight, following it to the ceiling where she spied a strange black stone latched onto the rafters. And the two green eyes it used to watch them.
“Chrysalis?” Twilight climbed to her hooves. Fluttershy repositioned herself behind Twilight, still cowering from the dark figure. The darkness writhed for a moment as Chrysalis craned her neck in a wide arc, until she found herself staring straight down at the two frightened ponies. The annoyance in her gaze, clear as day.
“What do you want? Can’t you see I was sleeping?”
“C- C- Chrysalis?” Fluttershy wrapped her wings over her head.
Twilight frowned.
The changeling rolled her eyes. She released her grip, twisting through the air to reorient herself to gravity. Before she hit the ground, her wings caught her, whining maddeningly. Now on the floor, she eyed the two of them.
“And you’ve brought another pony. Wasn’t one of you enough to torment me?”
Twilight turned to block her friend from sight.
“I’ve changed my mind. I’m ready to leave,” Fluttershy said, still cowering.
“And the cowardly one at that. Just what I wanted to listen to all day,” Chrysalis scoffed.
“Don’t talk to Fluttershy like that,” Twilight commanded.
Chrysalis rolled her eyes.
Twilight turned to the guard.
“When did her wings heal? Why didn’t we know about this?”
The guards exchanged a tense look.
“Sorry, Princess.They weren’t here last night.”
“Oh, calm yourself, would you? Those two don’t notice most of the things I do,” Chrysalis interrupted. Another dirty look from Twilight started to test her patience.
Twilight took a deep breath.
“I want a double shift of guards on her. Get a squadron of pegasi to cover the balcony exit. And I’m doubling the required reports.” Then she turned to Chrysalis. “And would you care to explain to me why you’re hiding?”
Chrysalis put a hoof to her chest in insult.
“I wasn’t hiding. I simply had trouble sleeping last night. I decided to make myself more comfortable.”
“And the bed?”
Chrysalis spared a glance in that direction. Pillows had been rearranged beneath the covers to resemble a body huddled beneath the sheets.
“For assassins,” she said plainly.
“Assassins? Here in Canterlot?” Twilight sounded amazed.
“You mean a pony town where everyone hates me or thinks of me as a monstrous villain. Remember how you felt waking up in a changeling hive?”
“I do. Come with us. We’re getting to work.”
“Excuse me?” Chrysalis and Fluttershy squawked in unison.
Twilight stood firm. “Yes. Chrysalis has offered to help me with my research.”
“I did no such thing,” Chrysalis said. “I merely said that I’d consider it.”
“And after considering it?” Twilight asked expectantly.
“I still haven’t decided yet. Still, I suppose I can accompany you. I’m getting sick of just sitting here,” Chrysalis grumbled. “And I demand breakfast first.”
“I assume you mean Thorax?” Twilight asked. Chrysalis nodded. “That can be arranged. I’ll send someone for him. Now, are you going to come with us?”
“It’s not like I have anything better I could be doing,” Chrysalis growled.
“Good. Then follow me.” Twilight turned to leave, but the guards were blocking her. They held a suit of chains at the ready, including Chrysalis’ chained collar.
“I am not putting that back on,” Chrysalis said.
Twilight looked back and forth between the two guards. “Bind her wings and cuff her. But I don’t think that will be necessary,” she said, pointing to the collar.
“Are you sure, Princess?” One of the guards asked. “She’s dangerous.”
“I’m sure.” Twilight glanced over her shoulder at Chrysalis.
The Changeling stared back, her lips curled in discontent.
“As you command, Princess.” The same guard that spoke before coiled up the chain and stuffed it into a bag at his hip. “We’ll be keeping a close eye on you, Changeling.” They slapped a pair of cuffs on Chrysalis’ legs, shortening her strides. Another chain wrapped around her middle, keeping her wings from sprouting.
Twilight walked out of the room. Fluttershy kept close to her, trying her best to keep Twilight between her and Changeling. Chrysalis trudged after them, frowning at her bound wings. The guards followed closely, their spears at the ready.
As she walked, Twilight leaned close to Fluttershy and whispered. “Are you alright?”
“I never wanted to see her again,” the pegasus said, driven by shame and fear of the creature trailing them. “I still have nightmares from the last time.”
With a regretful smile, Twilight draped her wing over Fluttershy.
“I shouldn’t have dragged you into this, Fluttershy. I’m sorry.”
“You should be sorry!” Fluttershy snapped. Twilight recoiled at the sudden outburst. “Were you planning on doing this all alone? You know the girls and I would come running if you asked us to. What were you thinking?”
“I’m sorry.” Twilight’s shoulders heaved with a sad chuckle, bordering on a cry. “I guess I haven’t done much thinking lately.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Although Chrysalis hummed absentmindedly as she walked, her mind raced. Last night felt like a dream. Her own words didn’t feel real. None of this did. A harsh poke with the blunt end of a spear knocked her out of her thoughts as they approached Celestia’s room. One of the sentries pulled the door open for the mares to walk inside.
The lights were dimmed, allowing the sun outside to bathe the room in natural light. A golden shine fitting for the solar princess. Lines of knick-knacks and priceless treasures lined the outer rim of the room, their continuity broken only by a fireplace. A small fire had been started by the two armored ponies sitting nearby. They jumped to attention at Twilight’s entrance.
“How is she?” Twilight asked.
“Doctor Heart left a short while ago. Said there’s no change, Princess.”
“Had he uncovered anything about this sickness?”
“Not that we were told about, Princess,” The second guard said.
“Thank you. We’re here to examine Celestia’s wounds. Keep your eye on Chrysalis.”
Twilight took her place at her mentor’s side. Fluttershy stood opposite Twilight. Chrysalis made herself comfortable by the fire, trying to ignore the small army of soldiers gathered around her. The heat of the flames licked at her chitin.
“Celestia looks peaceful,” Fluttershy observed. Her breathing grew heavier.
“She does.” Twilight’s eyes started to water. She wiped the tears away. “I’m going to show you what happened now. Brace yourself.” She drew back the covers slowly, careful not to disturb the various electronic devices tracking the princess’ life signs. Fluttershy’s wings locked at her side, her lip trembling as the reveal continued.
Chrysalis craned her neck for a better look at the wounds.
A blackened scar traveled the length of Celestia’s flank, reminiscent of mold that grew on dead animals. Dark veins stretched out from the point of impact. A few days ago, they only reached the belly and back. Now, they were starting down her legs and up her neck.
“This is horrible.” Fluttershy turned her head. “Chrysalis did this?”
“Yes . . . Fluttershy? What are you doing?”
Chrysalis tilted her head as Fluttershy marched toward her. Her eyes traveled up from her hooves, to the tail of a pink mane, then to Fluttershy’s face. The pegasus had her eyes narrowed, her lips pursed.
“Tell me what happened.”
Chrysalis’ skin crawled. She tried to turn away, but her body wouldn’t move. “What do you think you’re doing? Get away from me.”
Fluttershy leaned in closer. “Tell me what happened.” Her soft tone did little to lessen the growing fear in Chrysalis.
“I was half dead when she found me.” Her tongue moved without permission. “We talked for a moment. I lunged at her. She avoided it as best she could, but I caught her in the side. I was told my horn broke in the attack and then I woke up in the hospital.”
“Is this your magic?”
“I . . . I . . .” Chrysalis trembled. “It is.”
When Fluttershy backed away, Chrysalis managed to wrench herself away from the pegasus’ gaze. Her vision blurred as she recovered from whatever just happened. She swore she could see images of Celestia and herself in the flickering flames. The burning image of Chrysalis maneuvered the same as the real one had. She struck the little Celestia. The changeling’s throat felt dry as the little figures vanished into the embers.
Fluttershy shook her head and returned to Celestia’s bedside.
“Let me take a closer look,” she said.
Twilight scooted to the side, allowing her friend closer. “Is it a toxin?”
“It kind of looks like one. You said Chrysalis made this with her horn?”
“That’s our understanding of it. A few shards of it were caught in her fur.”
“Have you tested it for poison or venom?”
“I did. Nothing showed up.”
“Is it infectious?”
“Not that we’ve seen.”
As they talked, Chrysalis stared into the fireplace. The flickering flames reflected in her eyes. She could hear a pony approaching outside the door. Sure enough, a knock followed soon after.
“Princess Twilight?” One of the guards called. “King Thorax is here.”
“Send him in,” Twilight yelled absentmindedly.
The changeling took note of the room’s occupants. “Hey Twilight. Fluttershy. Queen Chrysalis.”
“Hello, Thorax.” Fluttershy said.
“Chrysalis was asking for you,” Twilight explained, nodding her head toward the changeling queen.
Off to the side, Chrysalis didn’t bother to react to his presence, even when he set himself next to her beside the fire.
“Queen Chrysalis?” Thorax leaned forward, trying to see her face.
“What?” She groaned, finally glancing upward.
“You okay?”
“Not remotely.” Chrysalis didn’t intend on elaborating further and Thorax had no wish to pry. Instead, he remained as a silent companion. She could feel him rest his head across her back. The electric charge of love in the air caused Chrysalis to tense. Thorax jumped back, putting enough distance with his wings to avoid another bruise. But she made no such attempt. Feeling slightly more at ease, he returned to his perch.
“When was the last time we were like this?” Thorax asked. He sounded tired.
“A couple years, at least.” Chrysalis flicked him with the edge of one of her bound wings. She could feel Twilight’s gaze lingering on her.
“Any discoveries so far?” Thorax asked, rolling until he could face the two ponies without lifting his head.
“Nothing concrete yet. I’ve got some theories to try later, though.” Twilight tapped her chin with a hoof. “What about you, Fluttershy?”
“It looks kind of like a manticore sting. Still, a manticore sting wouldn’t be spreading like this. That, and it wouldn’t have lasted this long.”
“A manticore sting?” Twilight repeated to herself. “I’ll look into that. Regardless if it is venom or not, it still does have a mystical quality for it. Do changelings have venom?”
Thorax shook his head. “Not unless we transform. And even then, that would’ve just shown up as regular poison. Nothing mystical about it.” He scratched his shoulder with his antler. He twisted his head back, coming face-to-face with the queen.
“Alright, I think I’ve seen enough, Twilight. I’m ready to leave.” Fluttershy pulled the sheets back up over Celestia, granting her the visage of sleep, rather than impending death.
“We can head up to my study. That means you two as well.” Twilight motioned toward the two changelings.
“Do you have a fireplace up there?” Thorax asked, sounding a little too excited.
“No!” Twilight frowned. “The closest I’ve got is burners for my experiments.”
“Alright.” Thorax forced himself back onto his feet. He offered a hoof to Chrysalis, but her senses were lost in the fire. Sitting too close to the flames had scorched the edge of her carapace. “Chrysalis?”
She turned her head slightly toward him, not pulling her gaze from the bright, burning agony. Images swam through the blaze. Celestia. Luna. Twilight. Thorax. Fluttershy. She didn’t see herself. Perhaps that's the way things ought to be. Ponies hated her. Her changelings hated her, except for Thorax. Her trance drew her closer to the fireplace, the heat stinging her eyes. Thorax grabbed her mane in his teeth and pulled, shocking her back into reality.
“Don’t touch me!” Chrysalis snapped. She shook herself free.
“What was that?” Thorax reached a hoof toward her muzzle. She could feel the chip in her shell, the soft pink underneath burned red. Her hoof reached up instinctively, wiping the water from her eyes.
“The princess gave you an order. Move.” One of the guards prodded her with his spear.
Thorax pushed the weapon away.
Chrysalis struggled to her hooves and joined Twilight and Fluttershy outside.
Thorax sighed. He watched Chrysalis’ movements. Slow, pained, as if crushed by some unseen weight. In their old lives, the two of them never needed to speak. With the hivemind, they understood everything the other did. They shared happiness, sorrow, fear, anxiety. Now, though, he could neither read her mind nor her face.
“Thorax, will you be joining us?” Twilight tapped her hoof impatiently.
“Yeah,” Thorax muttered. Chrysalis refused to look him in the eye as they traveled upward toward Twilight’s study.