Chapter 6: Mending
Over the next week or so I was given therapy by Redheart and Twilight ‒ Redheart taking care of the physical part, and Twilight making sure my magic was at peak performance. Needless to say it was arduous, painful, and many times I was convinced they were trying to kill me, but the therapy did its work and made sure my extended stay in the hospital did not cause me to waste away.
Princess Celestia visited often, speaking with me about the past few years of my life and asking other questions regarding my race, but she was not hostile, merely concerned. Her stoic demeanor held firm for days until she finally let it drop, most likely because she was concerned for the wellbeing of her student...which I completely understood. Twilight was far more powerful than a “normal” unicorn and had one of the best mentors anypony could ever ask for, but even so, she was still mortal and a bit naive at times. After the first few visits from the sun princess, it was clear she loved Twilight like a daughter, and even told me so in one of our more candid conversations. I found it strange that the princess, while technically not a friend, was rather kind and friendly. She hid nothing from me if I asked, and so long as I didn’t snap at her or anything of the sort, she always regarded me with a warm smile.
It was...weird.
Not to be outdone was Spike, who apologized profusely over and over again for attempting to barbeque me. When I thought about it, he really was a sweet dragon. He was a good friend as well, and loyal to his surrogate sister to the ends of time. It was a loyalty I saw so rarely and prized so highly. Being what I was meant that loyalty would forever be hard to come by. After all, the Hive had deserted me...even when I had a personal hoof in creating most of them. It saddened me that my own children had rebelled against me...but I could not fault them. Changeling society was never big on “family connections” in the way that ponies knew them, so it was likely that none of them even thought about it that way.
Thankfully, Twilight was around whenever she could be. She had a library to run, as well as a teenaged dragon to keep occupied, but whenever she had a free moment, she was spending it with me. As the days passed, I began to understand her more and more...not only as a friend, but as a pony. I had always thought it strange that of all things, Magic was the binding Element of Harmony ‒ the one that held the six of them together.
Now, I saw why.
Twilight was not an extreme of any one of the Elements...she was the balance of all of them. Kindness, Generosity, Laughter, Loyalty, Honesty...it truly was magic. She was the harmony of what a pony should be. It would be foolish to expect a pony to always be kind, or loyal, or any of the other attributes. After all, that would be asking for perfection, and no matter how powerful or how amazing Twilight was, she was not perfect. Instead, she showed that even with the less-than-desirable attributes like selfishness, dishonesty, cruelty, and the like, she had the power to turn against them...to be the definition of Harmony. It was something I sometimes felt myself being jealous of, but over time, I had come to learn that I too had the ability to be that...to be harmonious in life.
Today was the day of my release, and while it had been a mere eight days of consciousness, it felt like an eternity. The restoration therapy had been draining physically, emotionally, and mentally, but it had done its work. I walked out of the hospital on my own hooves...or at least, Mist Ray did. I knew without a doubt that I would soon have to reveal who I was to my friends, as it was unlikely Twilight would be able to explain why both Starshine and Mist Ray disappeared, both for a month and both at the exact same time.
I just hoped that none of them could secretly breathe fire.
As I trotted of my own accord out of the hospital doors though, I could not help but let a happy smile grace my face. Many times during my days of therapy, I had questioned Twilight and Redheart’s methods, but now the fruits of our labor were clear as I stepped out into the late afternoon light on my own hooves. Twilight was by my side as I looked over the body of Mist Ray, to make sure that everything was in order.
“You’re going to have to tell them, you know.” Twilight stated sullenly, obviously just as nervous as me.
I nodded in confirmation. “I know. Even Rainbow Dash is smart enough to figure out the connection between two of her friends disappearing at the exact same time.” I then turned my eyes to her and asked, “What did you tell them? About why you were at the hospital so often, I mean.”
She shrugged. “That Mist Ray had gotten struck by lightning, and I wanted to make sure she was okay.”
I shrugged as well with a grin. “Close enough to the truth.” I then stopped as we left the hospital grounds, and placed my hoof on Twilight’s shoulder to cease her walking as well. “Twilight, wait...I need to say something.”
She halted her advance and did as I asked, her bright amethyst eyes shining in the light of the setting sun. “Yes Chryssie?”
I loved that nickname...
I smiled gently at her as I moved forward, and pulled her into a tight hug. “Thank you...thank you for being here for me...thank you for keeping me from doing something really stupid that day.”
I didn’t have to say more...she knew exactly what I was referring to. Her arms slowly snaked around my form as she stood, and she also embraced me tightly. “It’s okay, Chryssie...you’re welcome. You’re always welcome.”
‘Tell her how you feel...’
“And I’m sorry...” I voiced softly, a part of me hoping she hadn’t heard.
She had.
The soft violet unicorn pulled away from me with a shake of her head. “Why are you apologizing to me? I should be the one apologizing for dropping you in the library with Spike like that.”
I sighed and shook my head. “No...I am apologizing for how I treated you the last time you and I spent time together.”
She was silent for a moment before letting out a barely audible, “Yeah...I know.”
I planted my rump on the ground as I continued. “I was...afraid, and...and...”
“Misguided...” Twilight offered dryly.
I glared at her a bit, but conceded defeat with a nod. “Your mentor helped me to see what really mattered.”
“You always wondered why I respect her so much...well, things like that is why.” she replied with a small smile.
“She’s much wiser than I gave her credit for.” I admitted.
Twilight grinned and rolled her eyes. “She’s only been around for over four thousand years. Who’da thunk?”
“Anyway,” I shot back with a glare, my expression then softening into a smile, “she helped me to see that atoning for my sins will be a lifelong endeavor...but that does not mean I can’t enjoy happiness...or companionship.”
“You know,” the lavender unicorn began with a sigh, “I swear I told you pretty much that exact thing a few months ago.”
I shrugged. “Perhaps I wasn’t listening at the time.” Even though the atmosphere was joking and light, I still needed to make my guilt known, so I sighed and added, “I reacted hastily, Twilight...and I’m sorry. This is all still new to me.”
She grinned and shrugged back at me, replying in a soft tone, “It’s new to me too, Chryssie. You’re the first pony I’ve ever cared about this way. Sometimes I get scared, wondering if I’m going to wake up one day and find all of this has been just one long dream. Worse, sometimes I worry that one day you’ll just be gone...” Her voice trailed off as a few tears slipped from her eyes, her head lowering a bit.
Taking knowledge from a memory of mine, I knew that making a promise to always be around would not comfort her. Her intensely analytical mind would argue that the future is unwritten, and unknown forces could change such a promise. However, there was one thing I could say...a truth as much as a comforting gesture, and one that I meant with all of my heart.
“Twilight,” I began, tilting her chin up with a hoof, “I want you to listen to me.” She nodded, and I continued calmly. “I can’t promise you that I’ll always be here...we both know that the future is unpredictable. I also can’t promise that we’ll always be friends, because that too, is unforeseeable.” I let loose a soft sigh as I prepared to lay my thoughts and emotions bare before her. “However, what I can say is that right now, at this moment, there is nowhere I’d rather be...and no friend I’d rather have. Circumstances or even the world itself may attempt to pull me away from you and this place, but I will be damned if I will give in without a fight.” The slight twinkle in her eyes as I spoke caused me to smile, and a warmth filled my chest as I finished strongly. “My home is worth fighting for, this new life and my new friends are worth fighting for...” I then punctuated my statement by poking a hoof softly at her chest, “you are worth fighting for.”
I watched as a smile spread across her face, and she nodded. “Thank you, Chryssie. That means a lot to me.” The smile then brightened and she stood up straight. “So, now that you’re out of the hospital, I think we should do something fun. What do you want to do?”
I sighed and shook my head. “Gather the Elements...they all need an explanation.”
Twilight’s ears fell as she began to worry. “But-”
I shook my head. “I want to get this over and done with as soon as possible. I have lied to all of them for far too long, and I will not do so any longer. I will not reveal who I am to the town yet, but I believe those that I consider my friends have a right to know.”
“If you’re sure...” she whispered.
I nodded. “I am. Redemption must start with honesty, and I have been dishonest with those I care about for far too long already.”
Twilight still looked unsure, but nodded. “Alright then. Wait at the library with Spike...I’m sure he has a few apologies waiting for you. I’ll go get the girls and we’ll all meet you there in a bit.”
I again nodded and smiled before the two of us separated.
”For the last time Spike, I forgive you.” I stated in an exasperated tone.
The dragon nodded, but still persisted. “I know but...I mean I set you on fire!”
I rolled my eyes with a sigh. “It’s not the worst that’s happened to me, and I don’t fault you for it. You were surprised, you thought I was going to take over Ponyville, or you thought I was enslaving Twilight...whatever the case, you’re forgiven. So, for the love of all that is good in the world, please stop apologizing.”
“Well alright.” he conceded finally, but then perked up as he noticed my empty teacup. “Can I get you some more tea then?”
I couldn’t help but chuckle a bit as I felt the warm liquid slosh within me. “I think if I have any more tea, I’ll just become a water balloon.”
Thankfully before Spike could attempt to further atone for his perceived wrongdoing, the door opened to reveal Twilight, along with the other five Elements.
‘Moment of truth...’
“...I swear Twilight, if this is a joke after all this time, I’m going to have it rain on your library for a month!” I heard Rainbow Dash threaten. The cyan pegasus stopped speaking when she saw me, and she rushed over and began inspecting me with a critical eye.
I chuckled nervously and shifted a bit on my hooves. “Umm, hey Dash.”
She stopped circling me and finally looked me in the eye before embracing me tightly, an act I never thought I would see...or feel.
She held me tightly for a few moments before letting loose a deep, shuddering sigh. “For Celestia’s sake...don’t ever scare me like that again.” The rainbow-maned pegasus then tapped me hard on the chest and glared at me as she pulled away. “I told you to avoid those thunderheads, didn’t I?”
I grinned nervously and nodded. “Hehe...yeah.” I then caught eyes with Twilight, and noticed the cautious look she had in her eye.
It was time.
“Girls,” I began, switching to a way of speech that didn’t fit Mist Ray’s normal demeanor, “I have something I have to tell all of you...something kinda crazy.”
“Well what is it, darling? We’ve all been very worried about you, so I’m sure whatever it is will be of no consequence.” Rarity assured.
“Oh, it’s of huge consequence, Rarity.” I replied softly. I then looked to the lavender unicorn and nodded. “Go ahead, Twilight.”
As planned, she cast a spell that sealed the entire library. All of the doors and windows were closed and locked, and the windows themselves were coated in her aura, making them shatterproof.
The five ponies all looked very nervous all of the sudden, and Applejack asked, “Uh, Twi? Ah know yer mah friend and all, but y’all are makin’ me more nervous than a timberwolf at a bonfire.”
“It was a precautionary measure, girls...I’m sorry.” Twilight replied with a blank face. She then looked to me and nodded. “All set.”
I sighed and looked to the gathered Element-bearers and asked, “What if I told all of you that I’m not who you think I am? That...that Mist Ray, Starshine, and Mosshoof don’t exist?”
“Well I’d say you’re crazy.” Rainbow Dash argued as she sat on her haunches and crossed her hooves. “You’re the best lightning-wrangler I’ve ever seen, Mist. You gotta be real to move clouds around.”
I nodded. “You are correct. I am real...but Mist Ray is not. I made her, as well as the other two.”
The orange farmpony looked at me curiously and asked, “Whaddaya mean? Ah ain’t got a clue what yer talkin’ about.”
I looked to Twilight, and she said, “Just show them. Simple and direct is probably best.”
Rainbow Dash noticed her friend Fluttershy seemingly shrinking more and more as this went on, and she glared at both of us as she embraced the yellow pegasus. “Twi, you’re freaking ‘Shy out here. You better have a darn good reason for it.”
I lowered my head in shame, unable to look them in the eyes for what I was about to do. “I’m so sorry I lied to you all. I hope that one day, you may find it within you to forgive me for what I’ve done.”
“Now Ah don’ rightly know what yer blabbin’ about, but even if ya lied, Ah ain’t gonna hate ya for it.” Applejack assured.
I chuckled darkly. “You won’t be saying that in a moment.”
With the atmosphere already tense, I chose not to drag it out any more. I let the ancient magic of my people flow through me, casting off the disguise I’d worked so hard on for so long. I felt as the deep reservoir of my magic flowed throughout my body, leaving a tingling, warming sensation in its wake. I closed my eyes and willed my true form to come forth, and held my breath.
Fluttershy was the first to react as the change worked its way around my body, her soft gasp and whimpering impossible to mistake. Next was Rarity, who quietly pleaded to Applejack to “save her”. Rainbow Dash let out a very unusual squeak of surprise, while Pinkie giggled...because she can, I suppose.
I opened my eyes and looked upon my friends, finding two of them shaking in fear, two of them prepared to defend themselves, and Pinkie was pointing and laughing.
“Wow, that’s a good one! I had no idea!” Pinkie exclaimed through giggles.
Rainbow Dash snorted angrily at me as she lowered her stance, ready to pounce. “Queen Chrysalis...what the hay are you doing here?”
“I’m not a queen anymore, Rainbow Dash.” I replied blandly. “I haven’t been since shortly after the assault on Canterlot.”
“Answer tha question, changeling.” the farmpony spat, her words dripping venom and malicious intent.
Her words stung. In the recesses of my mind, I knew it wasn’t her fault...my form would likely always cause such a response from ponies. Still, at the forefront of who I was at the moment was my heart, and it hurt to hear such anger from my friend.
Thankfully, someone came to my rescue.
“Girls, stop.” Twilight commanded, her voice gentle, and yet firm. She then calmly cantered over and stood in between us, using her own body as a barrier. She then motioned her head to me and said, “This is our friend. True that her name isn’t really Mist Ray, Starshine, or Mosshoof, but that doesn’t change who she is.”
Rainbow Dash growled and flared her wings. “She’s got Twi under a spell!”
“No no!” Spike shouted from behind me, before also taking place next to Twilight, in front of me. He shook his head as he pointed a clawed finger at me. “I thought so too, but it’s not true. Twilight’s immune to changeling magic now. I don’t know how, but it’s true.”
“I really was in the hospital for over a month, but not because of lightning.” I added, scuffing my hooves a bit as I sat down. “It would take much more than a single bolt of lightning to do me in.” I gestured towards the teenage dragon with a holed hoof. “Spike actually set me on fire because he thought the same thing all of you are at the moment...that I’d placed Twilight under a spell.”
Rainbow Dash’s head shot up as she looked at the violet dragon. “W-wait, really?”
Spike bowed his head softly and chuckled. “Y-yeah. I kinda freaked out a little bit.”
“Wait just a apple-buckin’ minute,” Applejack growled, still keeping a fierce gaze with me, “how do Ah know y’all ain’t just makin’ this up?”
“Twilight may be immune to my magic, but the five of you are not.” I explained dryly. “Had I wanted to make you think or believe something, I could do it. The fact that I am not doing that speaks for itself, I believe.” I shook my head with a sigh. “I did this because I don’t want to hide anymore. I consider all of you dear friends, and you have no idea how hard it’s been to keep lying to you every day.”
Rarity finally stood, still wary, but willing to look me in the eye. “Then why do it, darling?”
I snorted in annoyance and gestured to my black carapace. “Look at me...what would you have done had you known who and what I was?”
The alabaster unicorn clicked her tongue and nodded. “Ah...good point.”
“W-what would the princesses s-say about this?” Fluttershy questioned carefully, still hiding behind the white unicorn.
“They both already know.” Twilight answered plainly. “In fact, Celestia made visits pretty often, talking to Chrysalis and keeping her company. She’s careful, but doesn’t hold a grudge for what happened those years ago.”
“Ah noticed ya don’ call ‘er ‘queen’ anymore.” the orange mare observed.
I nodded. “After the failed attack on Canterlot the Hive birthed and raised a new queen, and abandoned me in the wilds of the Everfree.”
Twilight sighed and added, “As per changeling society, there is actually a standing order to kill her on sight if they see her.”
“Well that is absolutely dreadful!” Rarity exclaimed in shock.
I shrugged. “Ponies and changelings have evolved quite differently. As I am sure Fluttershy knows, predators often act quite differently when compared to herbivores.” I tapped my hoof against my long fangs. “These aren’t just for show, after all. And before you ask, no...I don’t eat ponies.”
A collective sigh of relief sounded from the five gathered ponies, while Twilight smirked at me. “What’s the matter, we’re not tasty enough for you?”
I shrugged, also displaying a smirk. “I prefer my food to not talk back to me, thank you.” I then licked my lips as I leaned closer. “Although for you, I might make an exception.”
Twilight giggled and shoved me before looking back to her friends. “Girls, just because she’s a changeling doesn’t mean she’s different from who we know. She’s still our friend, and the reason she did this was because she wants to be honest with all of you, and herself. She was trusting that all of you were good enough friends with her that you could overcome this...and I believe that too. So please, prove us right.”
For long moments, all was quiet in the common room of the library, save for the sounds of whispers as the five mares discussed my fate with them, along with an occasionally loud declaration from Pinkie Pie...usually about how I was fun or that I needed to have a party. The fact that they were all conversing this long, however, gave me hope, so I waited patiently for judgement to be passed.
“At least they’re talking.” Twilight murmured. “It’s better than nothing.”
“I do detest that phrase.” I stated glumly. “One only says that something is ‘better than nothing’ during situations such as this, when the favorable result seems to be slipping away.”
Twilight rolled her eyes as she shifted back to stand beside me. “Have a little more faith in them, Chryssie.”
After a few more minutes, the five other Elements broke apart and stood before us...even Fluttershy did so with a determined expression.
Rarity cleared her throat and stepped forward. “First, we wish to apologize for how we reacted. Perhaps we should have analyzed the situation a little more completely instead of jumping to conclusions.” The white unicorn then sighed. “That being said, you must understand our caution towards you. The six of us were personally attacked by changelings, and we were forced to watch as the capital of our land was overrun by an invading force that you commanded. Furthermore, you personally had a hoof in attacking and wounding Princess Celestia herself.”
I nodded. “I understand.”
“Still,” Applejack began, relaxing a bit, “y’all are bein’ honest now...so that counts fer somethin’. Ah figure it ain’t easy bein’ what ya are, so iffin’ y’all are trustin’ us enough ta show us who ya really are, we owe ya a chance ta prove yerself.”
“But we’ll be keepin’ an eye on you.” Rainbow Dash threatened, though I could tell she was very conflicted. The cyan pegasus then made her way to me and tapped me on the forearm. “And don’t be late to work...”
“We must be going, but I would wish to keep our tea time, if you would be so kind.” Rarity announced.
I smiled and nodded. “I would not miss it for the world.”
The other four left, leaving only Twilight and Pinkie as the only Elements in the room. The pink mare seemed a little nervous as she sat oddly still, and she kept darting her eyes around the room.
“Now?” Pinkie asked the lavender unicorn.
Twilight sighed and nodded. “Okay, now.”
The earth pony then shot up into the air with a huge gasp of air as quite possibly the brightest smile I’d ever seen slapped itself on her face. “WOWIE!” The mare then landed on the ground a second later and began hopping happily around me. “A real changeling queen! Oooh, and she’s so pretty!”
I raised my brow in confusion. “Pretty? I must still be in disguise, because I fail to see how a changeling would ever be counted as ‘pretty’.”
Pinkie stopped bouncing and looked at me as if I were crazy. “What are you talking about? I mean, have you looked at yourself? Your...umm...” She pointed to my body.
“Carapace?” I offered in confusion.
“Yeah, that!” she said with a smile. “It’s so shiny, and smooth...like those shiny black rocks that volcanoes make...umm...”
“Obsidian, Pinkie.” Twilight answered. “And I’m pleasantly surprised you know what that is.”
The pink mare rolled her eyes with a giggle. “I used to be a rock farmer, Twilight.”
The lavender unicorn smiled sheepishly. “Oh, right.”
The earth pony walked around slower this time, and frowned. “Wait, don’t you usually have wings?”
I smirked and moved the chitin from my back, causing my translucent, diaphanous wings to emerge. I gave them a few flaps to fully extend them, and then stood stock still for inspection.
“Oooh...it’s like a butterfly's wings!” Pinkie exclaimed.
I looked back at my flight appendages and nodded. “I suppose they are, though it is the first time I have heard that from a pony.” I then allowed myself a smile. “I must admit, I am rather pleased that you do not shun me for what I am, Pinkie Pie.”
Pinkie smiled wide and shook her head. “You were a meanie-pants when you tried to take over the world and everything, but if Twilight thinks you’re okay, then I think that’s worth something. Besides, I didn’t get any bad feelings from you, so I don’t think you’re mean anymore.”
“Bad feelings?” I questioned in confusion.
The pony giggled and nodded. “Yeah! Y’know, bad feelings. Like it didn’t get all cold when we saw you, my hair didn’t stand on end or anything, and there wasn’t any weird music playing in the background!”
I looked to Twilight for help, but she just shook her head. “It’s Pinkie. Don’t try and figure it out...you’ll just end up with a headache, and more confused than when you started.”
I shrugged. “Works for me.” I then turned my eyes to the pink pony and smiled. “Well I appreciate your acceptance. Perhaps, when this all calms down, you could organize a party for Mist Ray?”
Pinkie Pie nodded furiously. “That’s a great idea! I never had a ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party for any of your...well, you’s. Twilight told me they were really recl- reclas- recluorif...”
“Reclusive.” Twilight corrected with a giggle.
“Yeah, that!” the party pony exclaimed. She began bouncing away before calling over her shoulder, “Let me look at my schedule, and I’ll be back to tell you more when I have a better idea of when I’ll be free for one. Be ready soon!”
I nodded as the mare left, leaving only Twilight, myself, and Spike remaining.
“So...anyone hungry?” the dragon asked, which was answered by all three of our stomachs answering the call. He chuckled and began to walk away. “I’ll whip something light up for us then.”
The unicorn by my side looked pleadingly at me. “Not to say I’m not okay with you being a changeling, because I am, but for safety reasons, you might want to change back into Mist Ray at least...can’t risk a pony walking in and seeing you just yet.”
I smiled and nodded, quickly changing my form before looking Twilight in the eyes. “Only for you, my friend.”
The unicorn said nothing, but offered a grateful smile.
The day came to an end, and I found myself within my own home up in the clouds. Thankfully, I was clean by nature, so there was not much to tidy up, even with the home being deserted for nearly a month and a half. Still, I did a quick run-through of my home to be sure that all was in order and that no structural flaws of the home itself had sprung up. To my relief, all was well, and so I quickly cleaned myself and headed to the wonderful cloud bed I had missed so much.
As I collapsed upon my bed with a soft *poof*, I allowed my wings to stretch out and for the comfort to take me. It was a novel feeling as a whole, because for the first time in my life, things seemed to be taking an unprecedented positive direction. The princesses knew who and what I was, and yet had chosen to place their trust in Twilight on the matter. My friends were wary, but did not outright shun me...which considering the situation, was wonderful. I had healed nearly completely from my injuries, leaving only a few scarred areas of my carapace visible. And last, but certainly not least, I had forgiven myself to a degree, allowing the budding bond I felt with Twilight to begin to grow further.
Twilight had been patient and understanding with me, though after getting to know who her mentor was, I understood where she learned such traits from. Truth be told, it was one of the things I had come to treasure the most about the young unicorn. She judged me not by my past deeds or my physical form, but by the quality of my character. The unicorn had come to care for me deeply on a level I had never experienced before, so I assumed I must be redeeming myself well. While it was true that emotional attachment was nothing new to me, this would make the first time a living thing was affectionate towards me...towards Chrysalis. Where once I had fled from the idea, I now relished it.
Twilight...
I saw great potential for the two of us. She was unnervingly intelligent and wise, well beyond the common capabilities of one her age. Had I not known better, I would have assumed she was much older for the wisdom she possessed...and yet she was barely a few months over twenty. Her youth compiled with her wisdom, power, and understanding made for a formidable foe to enemies, but a stalwart and fiercely loyal friend for me and others she cared for.
Like many other times, the unicorn’s face dominated my mind’s eye, but I no longer shied away from it. Instead, I allowed thoughts and visions of her fill me, causing a pleasant warmth to spread through my stomach, along with the sensation of what felt like fluttering within my belly. It was true affection I felt for Twilight, and I no longer had to hide it from myself.
As sleep began to drag me into its warm embrace, I realized that I had been foolish for running for so long. Another truth had been uncovered in my heart, and it was one I felt with my entire being as I spoke it aloud.
“I think I love you, Twilight.”