//------------------------------// // Pretty Changeling // Story: King Of The Changelings // by Bluecatcinema //------------------------------// A couple of months after Red Eclipse's defeat, a Pegasus stallion of the Royal Guard touched down outside the hive's borders. He was a little nervous, despite the recent peace treaty between the two species. Putting his duty above his worries, he approached the hive. "Who goes there?" The soldier at the hive's entrance demanded. "State your business." "I-I come with a message for Queen Chrysalis from Canterlot." The stallion declared. "And what is this message?" The soldier asked. "It is... for the Queen's eyes only." The stallion held up a letter. "Important royal business, you understand?" "Yes, I do." The soldier nodded. "I shall take the message from here." "As you wish." The stallion agreed, secretly grateful that he could depart quicker than he thought. The soldier went into the hive, and straight to Chrysalis' tower. The Queen was in the throne room, alongside Sleight. They were discussing the results of Chrysalis' most recent brood. "We didn't get nearly as many soldier-class larva this year." Chrysalis declared. "What's the problem?" Sleight asked. "With Red Eclipse gone, we won't be needing them." "Perhaps." Chrysalis nodded. "But this hive could always use more protection. You never know what kind of threat is lurking around the corner..." "Don't be so paranoid, Chryssy." Sleight told her. "If there's any trouble, I'll deal with it. Trust me, I won't let anything harm this hive. Not while I'm King." "Oh, you are sweet." Chrysalis smiled. Just then, the soldier entered. "My Queen, I have a message for you from Canterlot." The soldier declared. "It was just dropped off by one of Princess Celestia's Guards." "A message?" Chrysalis frowned. "What could it be?" "Maybe she heard about our betrothal, and wants to congratulate us." Sleight joked. Chrysalis took the letter from the soldier and opened it. Her face fell as she read the contents. "What?!" She snarled. "She can't be serious! Celestia, how could you?!" "What is it?" Sleight asked, worried. "Is the peace treaty off, or something?" "No, worse." Chrysalis scowled. "There is something called a 'Summer Sun Celebration' at Canterlot this weekend, and I have been invited." "...That's it?" Sleight snorted. "That's the big problem? Going to some fancy party?" "It is for me." Chrysalis scowled. "I despise events like this. A lot of royal peacocks, strutting around for all to see... It is most undignified." "I don't know, a little publicity never hurts." Sleight shrugged. "Really?" Chrysalis frowned. "I came to Canterlot not long after we agreed to the peace treaty, to make it 'official', as Celestia said. The second I stepped into that city, all I got were stares and fearful whispers. And of course, it didn't help that there are at least two stained glass windows in the castle, chronicling my most humiliating defeats..." "Isn't that just adding insult to injury?" Sleight joked. "You have no idea." Chrysalis scowled. "I just don't fit in with them. And I have no interest of going to a place where I will be judged and ridiculed again.." "Whoa, hold up a sec." Sleight frowned. "Maybe it won't be so bad this time." "I highly doubt that." Chrysalis snorted. "Celestia clearly wants you there." Sleight pointed out. "She, at least, has buried the hatchet, and I doubt it would be polite to just snob her invitation. Besides, it wouldn't hurt for this hive to reach out a little, and connect with our neighbors." "I suppose not." Chrysalis admitted. "And what better way to show all those naysayers that you've really changed your ways then by showing up with your new hubby?" Sleight smirked, gesturing to himself. "That'll really show 'em all that you've turned over a new leaf." "Well, I admit it would be easier if you were by my side..." Chrysalis acknowledged. "And it wouldn't hurt for us to get out of the hive for a day." Sleight admitted. "No offense, but I used to travel for a living, and I hadn't left the territory for months now. I would like to see how civilization is doing since I left." "Very well then." Chrysalis sighed. She turned to the soldier. "Have word sent to Canterlot that I shall be attending... with my new husband." "As you wish, my Queen." The soldier bowed. "There, see?" Sleight smiled. "Things won't be so bad. In fact, it might actually be fun!" "I shan't hold my breath." Chrysalis said bluntly. Over the next couple of days, Sleight and Chrysalis made preparations for departure. They elected to leave Wizel and Sazh in charge during their absence. "You really think we can handle it?" Sazh fretted. "Sure you can, pal." Sleight smiled, wearing his favorite waistcoat and a brand new top hat, which he had one of the scouts buy him from a tailor's in the nearest town. "Besides, we'll barely be gone a day. What could happen?" "Famous last words..." Wizel sighed. "We'll be gone for as little time as possible if I can help it." Chrysalis frowned. "Still can't believe you talked me into this, Sleight..." "Hey, it'll be okay." Sleight smiled. "Don't forget, I know all about appealing to crowds. I think I can keep them from staring and whispering." "I hope so." Chrysalis sighed. "Very well then. Let's go. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can leave." "That's the spirit." Sleight said sarcastically. Taking a carriage pulled by two of the soldiers, they landed just outside the castle of Canterlot. It was the early evening by the time they arrived. Several other delegates were also arriving. "Wow." Sleight gazed up at the castle. "Pictures really don't do this place justice. It's incredible..." The two Changeling soldiers who had pulled the carriage (having been born after the attempted invasion of Canterlot) were similarly awestruck. "Amazing." One gaped. "Makes our hive look small..." The other declared. "I suppose it does." Chrysalis shrugged. "Size isn't everything, though..." Shining Armor and Princess Cadance landed nearby. Cadance glanced at Chrysalis, gave her a cold, angry, glare, then turned away, following her husband inside. "Friend of yours?" Sleight joked. "Hardly." Chrysalis snorted. "I imagine she still holds a grudge over the time I trapped her in the caves beneath this city, and impersonated her at her wedding." "Eh, that was a long time ago." Sleight shrugged. "I'm sure she's cooled off a little since then." "Don't hold your breath." Chrysalis scowled. "I also invaded her kingdom, remember? And let's not forget that she humiliated me, and scattered my precious hive across Equestria. I think it's safe to say we'll never be the best of friends..." "Never say never." Sleight smiled. "My old dad used to say I'd never make something of myself, but look at me now." "We still have time to just turn around and go home, you know." Chrysalis declared. "Come on, Chryssy." Sleight urged. "We came all the way here. We might as well go inside." "...Okay." Chrysalis sighed. "Let's get this over with." "And that on note..." Sleight offered his hoof. "Shall we?" "Yes, we shall." Chrysalis smiled in spite of herself. Sleight and Chrysalis walked to the castle. As they neared the main entrance, Sleight was stopped by Caboose. "Sorry, pal." Caboose said firmly. "No hobos in the castle." "Hobo?!" Sleight spluttered, outraged. "This is my best outfit!" "Really?" Caboose frowned. "Wow. Sucks to be you..." "This fine fellow happens to be with me." Chrysalis said curtly. "Oh, why didn't you say so?" Caboose smiled. "Go right in, sir!" "I will." Sleight scowled. "Hobo, seriously?" "Hey, I calls 'em like I sees 'em." Caboose shrugged. "Let it go, dear." Chrysalis led him inside. "What kind of hobo has custom-stitched clothes from the best tailor in Trottingham?" Sleight pouted. "Cost me a month's wages, this did..." Inside were many delegates, and several of Canterlot's influential elite. As Chrysalis expected, her arrival drew many gazes, running the gamut from fearful to angry to just plain disturbed. "It begins..." Chrysalis scowled. "The stares. Always the stares." "Then let's give them something else to stare at." Sleight smirked. Sleight walked into the center of the room. "Hello, ladies and gentlecolts!" He declared, doffing his hat. "Boy, are you in for a treat! For I am the one, the only, Sleight the Mystifying and Extraordinary!" Suddenly, a fanfare ensued. "...Did somebody hear that?" One of the guests asked as they frowned and muttered amongst themselves. "Who is this?" "Did Celestia hire a magician?" "Magician? You insult me." Sleight smirked. "I am far more than just a single magician. I am a master of the cards, an illusionist beyond compare, and on top of that, I am the freshly-minted husband of Queen Chrysalis herself!" Chrysalis cringed slightly, as the crowd looked from Sleight to her and back to Sleight. "That's right, folks!" Sleight smiled. "I am the very first Changeling King! I am living proof that Chrysalis has changed her ways! Would the old Chrysalis have married a pony? I don't think so!" "They are married?" Jet Set spat in disgust. "How revolting!" Upper Crust grimaced. "A pony and a Changeling? It's... it's unnatural!" "Now, now." Fancypants stepped in. "Who are we to discriminate?" "I think it is beautiful." Fleur Dis Lee smiled. "Love truly is blind." "Or insane." Upper Crust snorted. "Who's to say Chrysalis isn't just manipulating him?" "To what end?" Fancypants asked. "She already has a peace treaty. What could pretending to be married to a pony possibly accomplish?" "I don't know... but it's probably nothing good." Jet Set sneered. "How did I earn the love of the Queen of the Changelings, you may ask?" Sleight continued. "Why, by saving her hive from a monstrous villain by the name of Red Eclipse!" Sleight sent out his cards, forming them into the shape of Red Eclipse. "He and his army of bigoted racists tried to wipe out the Changelings, until yours truly came to the rescue!" The cards reshaped themselves into Sleight, striking a heroic pose. "I managed to drive Red Eclipse and his forces away, and as a reward, I was given the hoof of the beautiful Queen!" The crowd stared, shocked. Some could barely believe his words. Others refused to believe them at all, thinking Sleight was just making it up. "...So, not much for tales of heroism and glory, huh?" Sleight asked. "Well, how about some good, old-fashioned card tricks?" Sleight splayed open his deck, cut it, then flung the cards into the air. They vanished, one by one. The crowd was silent for a moment, until the cards leapt out of their pockets, flying back to Sleight. He caught them all in his hat, put the hat on his head, then reached into his waistcoat pocket. He pulled out the Queen of Heart, and passed it over to Chrysalis. After blowing her a kiss, he turned back to the crowd. "Ta-daaa!" He blared. The crowd stared, a mixture of annoyance and confusion on their faces. "Perhaps we should move on." Chrysalis said awkwardly. "Why?" Sleight asked. "I'm just getting started! I've got a new trick I've been saving for just such an occasion..." "Sleight, I love you, but this is neither the time nor the place for a performance." Chrysalis declared. "There's always time for a performance." Sleight smiled. "All the world's a stage, after all..." "But this is hardly an appreciative audience." Chrysalis noted. "Come along, dear." "Okay, okay." Sleight gave in. "It's their loss, though..." As they entered the ballroom, they saw many more guests, and a fancy orchestra playing classical music. "Whoa." Sleight smiled. "And I thought this place looked fancy on the outside." "Seems like a waste of space, if you ask me." Chrysalis snorted. "This could easily fit an entire nursery for my hatchlings..." They soon encountered Prince Blueblood and his wife, Dusty. "Greetings, Prince Blueblood." Chrysalis declared. "Q-queen Chrysalis!" Blueblood gulped, the memory of their last meeting still fresh in his mind. "I didn't insect- I mean expect to see you here!" "Blue!" Dusty hissed, nudging him. "I'm sorry!" Blueblood yelped. "I didn't mean to bug you- I mean, annoy you! I hate to be a pest- I mean, vermin! No, I mean-" "That's enough, Blueblood." Chrysalis frowned. "Please to preserve what little dignity you have left." "Y-yes, ma'am." Blueblood cringed. "It's a pleasure to see you, your Queenship." Dusty said curtly. "And you too, Mr. Gambit." "It's good to see Blueblood found somepony who actually has a little decorum." Chrysalis declared. "The pleasure is all ours." Sleight bowed. "So, how are you adjusting to being royalty?" Dusty asked Sleight. "I know it took me some getting used to." "It hasn't exactly been easy." Sleight shrugged. "But being the hero of the hive sure helps. Those guys love me." "Lucky you." Dusty snorted. "I was just the new maid around here before I met Blueblood." "I can top that." Sleight chuckled. "I was just some two-bit traveling circus act before I stumbled onto the hive." "But you became so much more, my dear." Chrysalis grinned. "So, you two are... together?" Blueblood asked. "Indeed we are." Chrysalis nodded. "...Do you have a problem with that?" "No, no!" Blueblood shook his head. "Do you, um... share a bed?" "Blue..." Dusty frowned. "I'm just curious." Blueblood defended himself. "I mean, clearly, it's not like she's like a black widow, or a praying mantis... right?" "I can assure you, I'm not." Chrysalis said humorlessly. "Lucky for me, huh?" Sleight joked. "Maybe we should talk to somepony else for a while." Dusty sighed, leading her husband away. "Well, that was... weird." Sleight admitted. "Blueblood means no disrespect." Chrysalis observed. "He just says very stupid things..." "Guess royals aren't as infallible as most ponies think." Sleight snickered. Moments later, they crossed paths with another royal pair: Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry. "Queen Chrysalis." Twilight noted. "It's been a long time." "That it has." Queen Chrysalis nodded. "And what does Celestia's former student think of the peace treaty?" "Honestly? I'm all for it." Twilight admitted. "It's better to be friends than enemies." "So you don't hold any grudges over past events? Like your sister-in-law?" Chrysalis asked, casting a glance over at Cadance, who was steadfastly keeping her distance. "I think it's best to let bygones be bygones." Twilight declared. "Obviously, I can't speak for all of us." A thought occurred to her. "Would you feel the same way if my son, Dusk, were here? After all, he was the source of your defeat in the Crystal Empire." "I harbor no grudge." Chrysalis declared. "Your son fought well, and earned his victory. And besides, that was the old Chrysalis. Things are far better now that our animosity is over... even if I have to come to tedious events like these..." "So what's your story, pal?" Sleight asked Flash. "You used to be just an average Joe too?" "Actually, I was in the Royal Guard before I married Twilight." Flash declared. "The Princess and the Guard, huh?" Sleight mused. "Kind of a cliche, if you ask me..." "Can't say the same about you guys." Flash replied. "Only times I've heard of a pony and a Changeling getting together was so the Changeling could drain the pony..." "Which is definitely not the case here." Chrysalis snarled. "Flash didn't mean anything by that." Twilight stepped in. "Right, dear?" "Of course." Flash nodded hastily. "Who am I to judge, anyway?" "Who, indeed." Chrysalis nodded. "Seriously though, I couldn't be happier for you." Twilight assured Chrysalis. "Love can do wonders for you. I speak from personal experience. Flash has been a wonderful husband to me. Having him in my life has made things so much better." "Thanks, Twi." Flash grinned. "Even if he does say the wrong thing sometimes." Twilight added. "Gee, thanks..." Flash pouted. "'Scuse me for not being a diplomat..." "Relax, Flash." Twilight nuzzled him. "Believe it or not, I wouldn't want you any other way." "That's... reassuring." Flash smiled. Princess Celestia and her husband, Shine Paladin, stepped forward. "Ah, Queen Chrysalis." Celestia smiled. "I'm so glad you accepted my invitation." "Nice to see you again." Shine declared. "Didn't expect to see you with a husband, though..." "Honestly, it was a surprise to myself, too." Chrysalis admitted. "I had heard rumors about your hive being targeted by Red Eclipse." Celestia frowned. "Why didn't you ask me for help?" "I'm afraid my pride wouldn't allow it." Chrysalis declared. "Peace treaty or not, I firmly believed my kind were capable of dealing with their own problems." "I see." Celestia glanced at Sleight. "I'm guessing you don't think quite the same way now?" "Well, I didn't exactly accept Sleight's help right away." Chrysalis shrugged. "But he ended up saving us all." "So perhaps you should be open to pony assistance in the future?" Celestia prodded. "...Perhaps." Chrysalis said flatly. "But only in extreme situations. I don't want to make a habit of it..." "Well, I'm glad to see you have found love, at any rate." Celestia noted. "Especially since it wasn't with my husband..." Celestia was referring to Chrysalis' attempt to forcefully take Shine in exchange for the peace treaty. "Oh, I never really meant that." Chrysalis shrugged. "Besides, Sleight is far more appealing to me... no offense." "None taken." Celestia smiled. "So, first big formal event?" Shine asked. "Yeah, but it's no big deal." Sleight shrugged. "I know how to carry myself in polite compa- Hey, nibbles!" Sleight dashed over to where a waiter was carrying a plate of miniature carrot dogs. "Don't mind if I do! I'm starved! All we got back in the hive is berries and tea leaves!" Sleight gorged himself on the contents of the entire plate, stunning the other guests. "What?" He said through a full mouth. "Did anypony else want some?" Some carrot dog pieces fell on the floor, disgusting the crowd. Chrysalis, having no knowledge of table manners, was bewildered by their reactions. "It figures Chrysalis would bring such a savage into our midst..." Jet Set grimaced. "Some bad table manners does not make him a 'savage'." Fancypants frowned. "It does make him an uncouth lout, though..." Jet Set sneered. "Is this hobo giving anypony any trouble?" Caboose marched over. "I already told you, I'm not a hobo!" Sleight yelled. "Sorry." Caboose apologised. "I keep forgetting..." "...Would you care for something, your highness?" Another waiter asked Chrysalis. "No thank you." Chrysalis answered. "I... ate before I arrived." After Sleight finished the carrot dogs, Luna and Gothic made their way over to them. "Queen Chrysalis." Luna declared. "Princess Luna. This is the first time we've met face-to-face." "Indeed it is." Chrysalis agreed. "I imagine it's difficult to adjust to the new status quo." Luna mused. "Ponies looking at you like you're going to attack them?" "Yes, exactly." Chrysalis nodded. "I know how it feels." Luna declared. "When I was freed from being Nightmare Moon, I had to contend with the same thing from my own subjects. It is not pleasant, is it, to have others look at you like you're a monster?" "Not in the least." Chrysalis sighed. "Give them time." Luna urged. "In time, they will come to realise that you are no longer a threat to them. And the more you interact with them, the faster that will happen." "Hmm, the cure sounds worse than the disease." Chrysalis pouted. "You never know." Gothic declared. "Maybe some day, ponies will actually start admiring you." "I know one who already does." Sleight nuzzled Chrysalis. "Oh, Sleight..." Chrysalis grinned. "And did I mention how having a loving partner helps?" Luna smirked. "No." Chrysalis declared. "But I'm starting to see that." As the orchestra finished its song, they started another; a slow, romantic number. "Hey Chryssy, wanna hit the dance floor?" Sleight asked. "Changelings don't dance." Chrysalis shrugged. "Until now." Sleight grinned, offering his hoof. "But... I have no idea how." Chrysalis insisted. "Just follow my lead." Sleight urged. "Please, Chryssy?" "I suppose one dance wouldn't hurt." Chrysalis gave in, taking her husband's hoof. "That's my girl." Sleight smiled. "Have fun, you two." Gothic grinned. Sleight led Chrysalis out to the dance floor. Slowly, he led her into the dance. Chrysalis was more than a little ill at ease. The only Changelings who even considered learning to dance were though who had chosen to pose as ponies with reputations for dancing (to make their disguises more perfect). Chrysalis was not one of those Changelings. Sleight knew this, so he eased her into the moves, going slowly and steadily. "That's it." He smiled, as they weaved in time to the music. "You're getting there..." "This is... actually quite enjoyable." Chrysalis admitted. "And you're quite good at this." "What can I say?" Sleight shrugged. "I'm a stallion of many talents." The other guests looked on at their performance. "Ugh, what a disgusting display." Upper Crust scowled. "I think it's beautiful." Fleur smiled. "So do I." Celestia proclaimed. "Love like that can't be faked. Wouldn't you agree, Cadance?" "I suppose..." Cadance said grudgingly. "As long as Sleight keeps her mind off any rematches, I can't complain." As the orchestra reached the end of their song, Sleight twirled Chrysalis, then dipped her downward. The two gazed into each others' eyes as the final chord was played, ignorant of everything else. Celestia started to clap her hooves together. Shine joined her, then Luna and Gothic, Blueblood and Dusty, and Twilight and Flash. The majority of the crowd followed, enchanted by the pair's dancing. "Guess we've got some fans." Sleight chuckled. "It would appear so." Chrysalis nodded. "Yet another surprise you've brought me." "I aim to please." Sleight grinned. The rest of the evening went quite well. Chrysalis actually saw smiles on the guests when she passed by them. She even found herself conversing with one or two (such as Fancypants and Fleur). "My, what a fascinating species Changelings are." Fancypants declared, after sharing a conversation about hive life. "So true." Fleur nodded. "Hopefully, there are more ponies like you out there." Chrysalis mused. "Look at us, hob-nobbing with the social elite." Sleight chuckled. "Not bad, eh?" "Not bad at all." Chrysalis nodded. "Queen Chrysalis?" Sassy Saddles came over. "I have to say, your mane looks fabulous! I have the perfect dress to accentuate it! Perhaps you could come by Canterlot Boutique for a fitting sometime?" "I'll definitely keep that in mind." Chrysalis nodded. "We Changelings don't usually wear clothes, but I suppose trying something new wouldn't hurt..." "And I can think of a few dresses you'd look good in." Sleight chuckled. "Hubba-hubba..." "Oh, stop." Chrysalis gushed. Moon Dancer crossed paths with them a few moments later. "Wow." She smiled. "I've never been this close to a Changeling before." "And does that... disturb you?" Chrysalis asked. "No, actually." Moon Dancer admitted. "You are quite a fascinating creature, your highness." "Well, nopony's ever called me that before." Chrysalis smiled. "It's true, though." Moon Dancer declared. "If anything else, this peace treaty will enable us to learn more about our respective races..." "That does sound good all of a sudden." Chrysalis declared. "There is indeed much we can share with each other..." "Tell me about it." Sleight smirked. Celestia and Shine watched from nearby. "Looks like our new friends are really starting to fit in." Shine declared. "Indeed, they are." Celestia nodded. "A very promising sign..." As the night came to an end, Sleight and Chrysalis made their way back to the hive. Sazh and Wizel were there to greet them upon their return. "Welcome back." Wizel smiled. "Thanks, Wiz." Sleight beamed. "How was it, my Queen?" Sazh asked. "Not too awful, I hope?" "Actually, it was somewhat enjoyable at points." Chrysalis admitted. "Having Sleight with me really helped." "I wouldn't be much of a King if I weren't there to support my Queen, would I?" Sleight grinned. "In your own special way..." Chrysalis smiled. "So... would you be up for more royal events in the future?" Sleight smirked. "Perhaps." Chrysalis shrugged. "As long as you're by my side." "Consider it done, m'lady." Sleight nuzzled her. "Consider it done." "Then I definitely will make room on my social calendar." Chrysalis joked, as she nuzzled him back.