//------------------------------// // Chapter 13 // Story: Idyllic // by lollipopchica //------------------------------// "You would've liked them..." Chrysalis murmured aloud as she stroked her belly. "Especially Jedzia... She's surprisingly amazing with younglings. Zendaya was her pride and joy..." Every day the stallion would watch and listen as she talked to the child growing within her. Mostly about things from her home, creatures she used to know. It had been a week since that night and despite the conflicted emotions he still felt in regards to her, he couldn’t stay away. "What happened to them?" Shining Armor asked causing her to halt her movements. Sometimes she forgot he was there. "They died during the invasion." Chrysalis' voice was hollow. 'They all did.' And the guilt was back. "Can I..." He made a motion to her belly not liking the heaviness that had settled around them. Chryaslis' eyes widened before she nodded somewhat hesitantly. The last time Shining Armor had touched her things had escalated very quickly. He had apologized to her over and over though the changeling had assured him he hadn’t really hurt her. He made his way over to her and sat in front of her. He reached out and cautiously placed a hoof on her growing belly. The chitin that protected her undercarriage was now malleable thanks to a mix of her magic and her unusual circumstance. He could feel the soft pulse from the life her belly housed. For the first time in a long time, a small sliver of something beautiful moved in his chest. A few days later when he moved to touch her stomach, he decided to do things different. “What're you doing?” Chrysalis asked warily, when he moved to lay down behind her. He hadn’t held her since the night they both had broken down. "I read that it’s more comfortable this way." "What?" “Just trust me.” She nodded hesitantly as she allowed him to cuddle up against her back side. “Now turn over,” he instructed. “Rest your head here.” As she laid there using his body like a pillow for hers, she'd be a liar if she said the whole thing wasn't somewhat awkward. When they finally got used to their respective positions, Chrysalis had to admit that it was kind of nice. She froze before relaxing when she felt his hoof on her belly. Her daughter was an active thing she was beginning to find. But whenever Shining Armor was close, the spirited thing calmed considerably, a revelation her innards appreciated greatly. It was still something for her to get used to given their history. "Is this better?" he asked hopefully. "Yes..." She whispered as she thought of a time from long ago. "It’s actually much better." "Good." He smiled tightly before addressing the baby. "Hey, baby, I'm your daddy..." *-*-*-*-*-* Twilight Sparkle was surprised at the change the grand city had undergone. As she made her way to Celestia’s Castle she was shocked at the hostility as well as the unhappiness displayed by the citizens. There were so many soldiers wandering around one would think the city was under siege. When she’d finally made it to her mentor’s abode, the guards received her with something like pity in their eyes. Rumors spread fast and Twilight could only speculate over what these ponies knew about her brother. Their argument felt as if it had happened forever ago and she hoped he would speak with her. It was rare, but when Shining Armor’s temper flared it was not something a pony wanted to witness. When she was finally inside and made her way to the Great Hall she noticed the room was full of angered citizens as well as the Equestrian Guard. Her eyes widened and the young mare was once again taken back. "You've kept that thing underneath our noses the entire time! We demand justice Celestia!” Shouted an elder white stallion. "Murder is not justice!" "She attacked our city!" "If you don't do something about it! We will!" "When have I ever acted without your safety as being my top priority? I have governed this city for longer than all of you have been alive!" "We don't care! We're warning you Celestia, if something is not done. You'll have bigger things to worry about!" The noble threatened. "YOU WOULD RAISE ARMS AGAINST MY ARMY?!” Eyes widened as the crowd shrunk back ever so slightly. “DO YOU NOT KNOW WHO I AM AND WHAT I AM CAPABLE OF?! I WOULD DESTROY YOU WITHOUT SO MUCH AS A SECOND THOUGHT IF YOU SO MUCH ATTEMPTED TO BE A PHYSICAL THREAT TO MY SISTER'S WELL-BEING." Luna’s voice boomed down over the room in her sister’s defense. "Luna, please! A trial will be held. If the changeling queen is guilty, the law will apply. If not she will be dealt with." Twilight’s mouth dropped as a sliver of dread ran up her spine. What was going on? She stood gaping as these nobles hurled insults and demands at a barely composed Celestia. Luna stood off to her sister’s side as another pony stood on the princess’ other side. Plum eyes fell on her and the unknown mare smiled softly at her. She turned and whispered to Luna whose cobalt gaze lost some of its fire once it fell on her. The two seemed to be making some kind of agreement. Once they’d finished talking, Luna whispered to Celestia who in turn blinked and zeroed in on Twilight. A gentle smile broke out on her features. Suddenly the guard was signaled and the room was quickly cleared out. Nobles groaned and complained but with the city’s newest fine introduced, no pony wanted to spark a fight. “Twilight Sparkle!” Celestia stood to receive her favorite student. “Princess!” Twilight returned excited to see her mentor but more concerned about her brother. She quickly trotted closer to the trio. “What are you doing here?” Luna asked curiously once the mare was at arm’s length. “Princess Luna and…” She’d never seen this other alicorn before. “I am Elytra,” the other alicorn smiled kindly. Twilight nodded before answering the Moon Goddess’ question. “I was hoping to see my brother.” The three exchanged glances. “Is he alright?” “About as well as can be expected,” Luna supposed almost bitterly. Twilight tilted a head at the mare’s response. What did that mean? She thought to herself. The Harmony Holder of Magic was just about to ask when Celestia spoke glaring at her sister. “Your brother is a bit stressed,” she turned to Twilight. “I’m sure you’ve seen the papers.” “I have.” Twilight agreed. “Are they true?” “Perhaps you should be the judge of that.” Luna spoke. “We’ll retrieve him for you. Wait here.” The three alicorns exited the room leaving a baffled Twilight. Where was Cadance? She thought in regards to her sister-in-law. She hoped the other was alright. She had always admired the older mare. Cadance was kind, beautiful and smart- she didn’t deserve any of this. Twilight wondered how she was coping with all that had happened and decided to see about her as she waited. Approaching one of the guards, she informed him on her intentions to visit the mare’s room in case she was still gone when the Princesses returned. She slowly made her way to pearlescent colored doors ornate with gold etching. As she passed through the halls, inhabitants of the castle hastily avoided eye contact. There was so much afoot that surrounded the eldest Sparkle, no pony wanted to involve themselves with the castle’s newest drama. When Twilight got there, the door was slightly cracked and she was about to enter when the tone of voice on the other side threw her off. It seemed the cerise mare was already in deep conversation with someone else. *-*-*-*-*-* Cadance was spread across her royal-sized bed as Faust sat at her vanity. The two talked casually amongst themselves. Her husband refused to sleep beside her or even enter their room now. The revelation stung, but on some level she knew she deserved it. She had been the one to engage in conduct unbecoming of a Princess. Shining Armor really had fought his desire despite him ultimately losing. With a sigh she continued to speak to the pegasi. "You keep me grounded...There's so much anger inside of me and sometimes I'm afraid it's going to swallow me." "I won't let it." Faust said as his dark eyes lingered on her lounging form. "I know you won't. I waited a long time to be with him and that's just not going to go away overnight.” "I would be a fool to expect such a thing. But once the fires cease and the smoke clears, I'll help you rebuild and heal everything this ruined for you." "I'll be scarred..." She sat up to stare into his face. “What if I can only be your friend?” "I won't care." He grinned. "Why..." "Because I love you... I'll give you all the time you need, and even if you never love me the way you loved him, I'll understand. The way we happened wasn't ideal at all... and I sincerely regret that." He looked down at his hooves, until he felt her presence in front of him. He hadn’t realized she had moved. She gently pressed her lips to his before planting herself in front of him on the floor. "Sometimes I think that it should be me having his child... But what's done is done. Just because we got together under less than favorable conditions it doesn't mean you're something to be ashamed of. Don't ever think that. Cause I don't." She let herself get lost in his kiss a little while longer. "I'm leaving..." "When?" "In a couple of days... I can't be here. I- I don't even know who I am here anymore." She gave a sad chuckle as she stared into his eyes. "Come with me?" "I... Is that wise?" "Probably not... but we have an understanding him and I. And who better to protect me on my travels than my personal guard?" *-*-*-*-*-*-*-* “Shining Armor, what about our reserve forces? We could plug them in the cities, while the more experienced soldiers can conduct patrol. It’d be a good way to educate the police there on how to handle a state of emergency with use of non-lethal force. Give the guys a chance for experience without high stakes risk.” The stallion nodded his approval. Apollo Creed was a very promising soldier who’s cutie mark was a chariot encased in flames. He was known for his aerial offense and speed enhancement spells. He’d make a fine captain one day, of that Shining Armor was sure. “Sounds good to me. Talk to Crimson Lance about activating some reserve units. ” Despite his suspension, Shining Armor still aided in the defense of his nation. He checked on his soldiers and served as a local authority for the new leadership that had been appointed. When he wasn’t helping his soldiers, he was spending time with the former Queen. In spite of the return of his memories, there was still so much the stallion didn’t understand in regards to his shared past with the changeling. Even in their youth, she had been elusive. It had been such a challenge to become friends with her. And now that she carried his child his desire to be closer to her was being met with much resistance. It was his own fault he supposed. He had made the assumption that her pain was irrelevant in the face of all he had lost, but really her loss was just as valid, if not more so, than his own. How he’d make up for that, he didn’t know, but he was going to try his hardest. *-*-*-*-*-* “Changeling Queen.” There was not much to do where the Equestrian Princess kept her prisoner. Chrysalis was looked after, yes, but when her company was not around time seemed to pass slowly. The only thing that kept her sane was speaking to her child, or Triste and Felizi if they were around. As interesting as these new guests were, Chrysalis was anything but excited to hear what all three felt the need to inform her of. “Princesses. Elytra.” Celestia was the first to speak. “Chrysalis, I trust you are well given your situation?” “Given my situation, I suppose I am well enough. But I doubt my health is the reason for your visit.” Sharp as ever, the changeling wished the other would just get on with it. “Is something wrong?” “I’m afraid your presence has caused quite the stir lately. In fact, your presence had caused so much dissent, ponies have threatened to revolt. As a leader I’d rather work with my people than to oppress them.” “So what does that mean for me…. My daughter?” The expression that came over her face was the most emotive the two Princesses had ever seen. Luna felt sorry for the monarch as her panic was palpable. “I’d never harm a child, please believe that.” “Your mistrust is not unexpected, but Celestia is a fair ruler. You can trust her on that matter. I would not have allowed your capture if she were not.” Elytra stepped forward with kind eyes. “Why did you do it?” Luna spoke out. Obviously Chrysalis was capable of great emotion. Even when she was impersonating Cadance, everypony about the castle gushed over the zealously sensual couple. The two had been so in-tune with the other. And just now with the mention of her unborn child, the former queen melted with not a trace of haughtiness to be found. Luna’s gaze was burning with a need to understand this creature. Were they really so dissimilar? She had hurt ponies once upon a time too for reasons much more selfish. Chrysalis was hesitant before staring into the eyes of the moon goddess. “I thought that if I didn’t what was at stake would be worse to live with. Love was supposed to be the answer, but instead it ruined everything.” Her emotions began to turn. “I slaughtered my own people for a notion that we were never supposed to take part in.” It was all rather ironic now that she had time to look back on it. “But why?” Luna almost begged. Surely there were other ways… Other ponies she could have targeted. Why had this happened? And why had it all felt so… personal? Was Cadance’s story simply a coincidence? Or was this pony a victim of designs out of her control? “I suppose I did it because I was selfish…” Chrysalis’ mind flashed to the stallion who still had the power to bring her up or break her down. “Because I wanted more for my people than I guess we were supposed to have.” Her tone was suddenly bitter. If there was any justice in this world then she’d be with her kind right now. Not wasting away dreading the future. “How did you get so privileged? Who made that decision that your kind should be so lucky?” Her eyes shone with defiance as she looked up at the three majestic beings in front of her. “But what would you know of that? What would any of you know about that?” “I don’t agree with anything you've done, and I most definitely don't agree with what you did to my niece. She’s a different mare now because of your plot, but I can’t say I don’t understand because I do. I feel empathy, but I cannot say you are free from guilt because you aren't.” Luna recognized an ailing soul when she saw one. There was more she wanted to know, but somehow she felt asking in front of the others would not get her the answers she wanted. “None of us are,” Elytra agreed. “My father… locked me away inside myself for 2,000 years. There was never supposed to be a difference between any of you. Your pain is mine, Chrysalis. It is because of me that you have suffered, and for that I am truly sorry.” “All of us have done things we are not proud of.” Celestia spoke. “What’s going to happen to me?” Chrysalis asked after schooling her expression into something more neutral. All these mood swings were making her sick. “Once you’ve given birth to your child, you will be brought to trial before the people of this country and they will decide if you are guilty or not.” Celestia watched as the other processed her words. “And if I am guilty?” Chrysalis managed. “Then the punishment is death.” *-*-*-*-*-*-* Twilight wandered the halls of her mentor’s castle in a daze. Cadance… and that stallion. What was going on? Tears came to her eyes as she realized she was losing her family. As much as she loved the pink mare, the anger she felt towards her was overwhelming. How dare Cadance betray her brother like that? Shining Armor who was the most loyal and loving stallion she knew. A part of her was tempted to go back and give the other a piece of her mind and maybe her hoof. Her indigo eyes swirled with a deep regret for her brother. Was this why he wanted to know about Chrystal? Because- Her thoughts came to a crashing halt as she spotted a flash of cerulean against white at the end of the walkway. “Shining Armor!” She called hopefully. Twilight no longer cared if he was still upset. He needed her, and she needed to know that he would be okay. The unicorn stopped and squinted, “huh?” "Shining I'm sorry!" "Twilight..." The lavender unicorn crashed into her brother with tears in her eyes, throwing her arms around him. Without thinking, the older Sparkle returned the embrace as his sister buried her face in his chest. "I'm so sorry! I hated her when I was younger, and I felt like you were choosing her over me and with Cadance it was never like that! She stole you away from us! Like she was doing before." “Twilight, slow down.” He held her at arm’s length as he stared into her teary hues. “What're you talking about?" "Chrystal, Chrysalis- whoever she is! I thought such horrible things about her and then Justyx died and she was the only one you would let in!" He pursed his lips in a thin line as he let her continue. "You loved her! And she was so concerned about you...” He didn’t stop her as she burrowed her face into his chest again. “I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier! Please don't hate me! I didn't think you could miss what you didn't remember." “Twiley...” Is that what she thought? He hugged her tightly as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I don't... I could never hate you. “ "It's just after the accident the doctor told us not to rush you and when you never asked we all sort of forgot about it. We were just so happy to have you safe." She broke away from him for good as she finally took the time to observe him. She could tell he was turning her words over in his head. “It's okay, Twilight. I'm not upset anymore. I promise.” Shining Armor gave her a weak smile as he processed what she’d just told him. "I'm sorry about Cadance... I wanted her to be my big sister for so long..." "It's okay... It's okay." "No it's not- she cheated on you!" She exclaimed with wide eyes. "How do you know that?" "I overheard her talking..." Twilight looked like a scolded child in response to the look on his face. “I wasn’t eavesdropping!” "Well... I might've deserved it." He scowled as he seemingly deflated. "How could you-" He waved away her disbelief. "Just leave it alone Twilight. It's complicated." Despite her desire to disagree, the younger mare was quiet as she allowed her brother to nudge her down the hall.