//------------------------------// // The Fateful Event: Melted by Children // Story: Two-Sided Prequel II: Who You Work For // by FerociousCreation //------------------------------// Ch.39 After arriving to the large Canterlot Theater, the four looked at what was showing. The only thing that was available was the Canterlot Philharmonic performance, featuring the Canterlot School of Gifted Unicorns Children’s Choir. Chrysalis decided to choose seeing the concert, knowing it will be several hours before it is finished. When they bought their tickets, the four sat near the front of the stage. A big large curtain covered the stage. Coco could hear hoofsteps staple about behind them, knowing the ones behind the red blind were hustling to get ready for the show. Coco turned to Fang who was to her right. “Have you been to a theater before?” “No, this would be a first,” he answered. To Coco’s left was Chrysalis and she looked at her and said the same thing. “Of course I have,” the changeling answered. “It has been years though…” “What about you Suri?” Coco asked looking over Fang. The pink mare sat beside the big tooth changeling. “I have, but not this one.” After finishing her typical questionmare character, Coco looked around the theater and admired its glory. A massive mural of Celestia was painted on the ceiling. She was in front of a large yellow sun and posed like any celestial being should, pun intended. Several boxes surrounded the stage, some having ponies sitting in them. Coco wished Chrysalis could have rented one to get a high view of the theater, but shrugged off the thought as a whatever. Chatter filled the large room as finely dressed ponies entered and took their seat. Most of the ponies were unicorns in fine outfits and uniforms. But a few equines stood out like a sore hoof. Though they were few, Coco could tell they were tourists by noticing that some wore large bulky cameras dangling above their breasts. Others had a colorful visor as if to keep the future stage lights out of their eyes. Despite that, they didn't bother Coco. In fact she preferred a mixed crowd anyways. Because of the city, the mare is used to everypony being rude and for themselves. And being a city mare, she knows how enthusiastic tourists can be. “I’ll admit,” Chrysalis spoke, bringing Coco’s attention to her, “I am looking forward to listening to the children’s choir.” “How come?” “Because they have innocent little voices.” Chrysalis smiled at the thought. “It's lovely.” Seeing how Coco and Chrysalis are discussing with one another, Suri looks to Fang and attempts to small talk with him. “So… What do you do for Your Majesty?” “Protect her,” the changeling answered bluntly. Fang stared forward not wanting to glance at the pink mare. He looked at Coco to see if she was free for discussion, but she was busy talking to Chrysalis. The last thing Fang wanted to do was to interrupt his queen; a fatal error that would be. Letting out a sigh, Fang finally looked to Suri and asked, “What has your last few days been like?” “Like a new me has been born,” Suri responded with a small smile. “I thought about what Coco told me and… I realize that hurting others will only cause more hurt. You know?” “Yeah…” For once, Suri saw a different emotion from the changeling. It was interesting to see him this way. So there is a soul under that skin of his, Suri pondered. Wonder why the sudden mood swing? Suddenly the lights dimmed in the theater. Just like the lights, so we're the voices of the ponies. A large spotlight flashed at the center of the stage almost blinding Coco Pommel, and perhaps anypony too close to the front. When her eyes adjusted, Coco saw a mare unicorn standing proudly, unaffected by the harsh brightness. “Greetings!” The pony boomed. “And thank you for attending this day to enjoy Canterlot’s one and only philharmonic!” *** Coco wondered how long she was sitting, listening to the concert of loud instruments. It wasn't like she was becoming board or hated any of it. She just wanted to know for the sake of knowing. Fang and Suri continued to stare forward with a liking to the music. As for Chrysalis, she was swaying her body slightly this way and that to the music as the songs went on. Coco couldn't argue that the queen was enjoying herself and was happy that she was. A crescendo from the orchestra began. The conductor shook his thin baton as the violinists and cellists quickly played the same notes, increasing in volume. Coco was expecting a sudden conclusion with a “bu-dum!” from the orchestra. But the conductor’s white stick slowly came to a stop and the music came to a mute. She was about to clap but the baton wielding unicorn swung his obnoxious wand and caused the entire philharmonic to burst in a harmonious uproar. The sound almost made Coco’s heart jump out of her chest. If there is one thing she is growing to dislike about classical pieces is that they all seem to end on some loud note. An applause came through the air, not near as loud as the philharmonic. Coco did clap out of courtesy as she did like the piece. But next time, she will have to cover her ears when she believes the song is about to conclude. “I can see the music is startling you,” Chrysalis spoke with a smirk. “I would enjoy it more if the songs did not end so loudly,” Coco grumbled. A squeaking sound came from the stage and the two mares looked back; the curtains were beginning to close. “I guess it is over,” Coco commented, ready to get out of her seat. “Not just yet,” the queen commented. “We have the children's choir left.” A wave of relief swept over the earth pony. “At least they won't be making sudden loud noises.” “Children can be loud if they shout or scream.” “You don't have to prove me wrong…” Coco’s ears pointed back with irritation. “That's what happens when you talk with Your Majesty,” Chrysalis smirked. Coco couldn't help but giggle at the joke her friend just made. It is easy for her to forget that Chrysalis was Queen Chrysalis. The same unicorn who introduced herself at the beginning of the concert flashed onto the stage. The spotlight quickly flicked on and made the mare the center of attention. “I am hoping that you are enjoying Equestira’s greatest philharmonic,” she boasted and her breast puffed outwards. Coco saw Chrysalis roll her eyes, a sign that she still does not appriciate other ponies than her own kind. “Before we begin, I would like to address something that marks this day as important.” The earth pony knew what the unicorn was going to say. She looked to Chrysalis who wore a face of anger and hatred. To the left, Coco saw a familiar face on Fang’s. Was their defeat on the siege of Canterlot that crushing? she thought. “As you know, the Grand Galloping Gala is being held at the Canterlot Castle this evening. But what makes this day even better is that today marks the day of Princess Cadence and Shining Armor’s anniversary, AND, their triumphant defeat of Queen Chrysalis and her disgusting changeling swarm!” the stage mare boasted. A large round of applause erupted from the theater. Coco clapped along, happy for the prince and princess, but couldn’t feel a bit hurt for her friends as the boastful stage mare called the changeling race ‘disgusting’. They were just… misunderstood. Coco noticed neither Fang, nor Chrysalis clapped. They just wore their still faces of bottomless anger. Coco pumped her arm into Fang’s and grabbed his attention. His expression quickly evaporated as if water was pored onto his face and cooled his hot temper. Fang frowned as his friend gave him a look of disapproval. She did the same to Chrysalis, bumping her arm and giving a disapproving look. But Chrysalis did not look to her. The queen knew if she gazed at her friend, she would feel guilty of her action. “I’m sorry,” Fang spoke low to Coco, even though his voice was easily swallowed by the still applauding crowd. “I’ll explain why the queen and I are angry later…” Coco didn’t want to hear it, but she knew Fang would tell her anyways. Besides, she would probably ask him later why the two were wearing such mean masks. After the crowd finished their clapping, the mare onstage resumed, “In fact, the lovely leaders of the Crystal Empire are here as well!” The mare gestured a box to her right and the spotlight sped over to the one closest to the stage. And there they were, both Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. The couple seemed a little blinded by the bright stage light, but waved politely back as the audience clapped loudly once more. But there was another pony sitting beside them. “Oh! And it looks like Princess Celestia has joined them as well!” the stage mare spoke over the crowd, but they heard her, causing them to cheer even louder. Princess Celestia waved a bit before resting back in her seat. As Coco stared up at the three important ponies sitting high above, she didn’t want to glance at Chrysalis or Fang. She just wanted to leave them to their angry attitudes and confront them later. Now was not the time to make a scene. As the tide of noise subsided, the unicorn on stage spoke, “But despite how crewel the Queen of Changelings has been portrayed by many who witnessed her, a child told me something about her. He said that she may be an ice queen, but there might be a way to melt away that meanness in her.” Coco couldn’t help but look to her friend. And to her surprise, Chryslais looked interested into the stage mare’s words. “So, I wish to say this: If you are here Chrysalis trying to exact revenge on this day… If you are here to feed off of us with your changeling kind… then be melted by these children. May I present! The School of Gifted Unicorns Children’s Orchestra!” It was as if the ponies of Canterlot knew of Chrysalis’ scheme. Coco looked to her friend to see if she was in any way worried. But the queen clapped along with the others as the stage curtain was pulled away, revealing the children that stood behind it. How could she be calm!? The mare just practically called you out! Coco looked to see if Fang was concerned by the comment, but he too wore a still facade as his queen. Realizing that they could care less about their call out, the cream pony turned to face the tiny unicorns. The adorable children were fitted into cute, formal dresses. They sang several songs, none of which seemed to "melt" Chrysalis. But the children’s voices did make Coco’s eyes tear up. Fang did notice her glassy eyes, but held back on comforting her; he didn't want to make his queen think he was falling in love with her. After the fourth song had concluded, as well as another cheer from the audience, a small filly walked forward from the grouped children. And the child was very small by comparison to the other unicorns. But still, the girl walked with pride in her steps. Her light-blue body glittered like the sun on a lake bed and her sapphire mane did the same. That's when Coco realized that the unicorn was a crystal pony. Standing at the front of the stage and spotlight on top of her, the filly began to sing. And the moment Chrysalis heard the filly’s voice, she froze… And her heart began to melt. As I lay in bed, Prayers are now said, My mother sits near me, She says, “Fear not dear, Darkness won’t come near, For when the daylight comes,” “You’ll rise your little eyes, Your head will face the skies, Spread your wings wide And do not hide, For I’ll watch you from high.” Coco saw at the corner of her eye Chrysalis crying. Her composed face was cracked and wounded with sadness. The pony reached for her friend’s hoof and grasped it. The queen turned her head to Coco and whispered with a smile, “I sung this lullaby to Beauty Fly many times.” Coco took a breath to reply, but the filly resumed her singing: “I come home one day, Hiding in the hay, Scared of her scolding. When she finds me there, I hear not a swear, Only these sweet words: ‘Please rise your little eyes, Your head will face the skies, Spread your wings wide And do not hide, For I’ll watch you from high.’ ‘I’ll will never leave you to be cold, I’ll stand up for you brave and bold, I’ll keep you safe until you’re old, I’ll love you until…’, As you lay in bed, Heaviness and dread, For you are close to pass, As you look to me, And smile with glee One final breath you say… ‘Goodbye…’” The filly paused briefly, projected her voice to a higher tone, breaking even Coco. “I’ll rise my little eyes, My head will face the skies, Mom spread your wings wide And I will not hide, So you’ll watch me from high.” There was no sound when the girl finished her singing. She looked out to the crowd expecting a cheer. Clapping. A sound. But everypony was in mute. Until… “Bravo!” Chrysalis called to the performer as tears fell from her eyes and a grin of white teeth that could only be described as a bright smile. “Bravo!” she repeated. In an instant, the entire theater cried out in a loud applause. Every equine was standing, cheering, whistling, clapping, stomping, doing anything else that could be considered a cheerful and loud noise. Overwhelmed by the positivity, the little filly’s eyes filled with tears and her mouth writhed into a flustered smile. She bowed with pride, and that caused the cheering ponies to grow cry even louder. Coco looked around to see not a dry face. Everypony had a streak of water running down their face. Even Fang couldn’t evaporate his own tears. Coco bumped into him and took an arm without the changeling’s content, wrapping hers around his. But Fang didn’t care. In fact he needed it. It was a sad song, but it reminds him of his own mother and how much she loves and cares for him and his brother. The curtain closed in front of the child before she could react. After a few moments pass and the entire philharmonic, along with the children’s choir, stood on stage, taking their bows. Finishing their clapping, Chrysalis spoke to Coco, “If I didn’t know any better, I might assume you might be the queen of changelings.” After sniffling and wiping her tears, the pony asked, “What makes you say that?” “Because you look like the melted ice queen.” Coco rolled her eyes as she knew the truth to Your Majesty. No longer having to sit in their seats, ponies began to get up from their seats, leaving the theater. Looking to the stage, Coco noticed Princess Celestia speaking to the musicians, along with Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. She wondered if Chrysalis would get upset because of her presence. But instead, the changeling stood up with a smile. “I will be right back,” she said. Fang’s ears perked up as his leader walked out of their aisle and toward the stage. “Where is she going?” “I… don’t know…” Coco answered calmly. Standing up from her own seat, Suri spoke to Fang and Coco, “Well I enjoyed that a lot.” “As did I,” the cream mare responded. Coco looked at Fang and asked, “Did you?” “It was enjoyable,” he blandly commented. Feeling that there is nothing left for her to do, Suri began to make her leave. “I am off until tonight. I will see you three later.” “Okay! Goodbye!” Now Fang and Coco stood on their own. Coco took her attention to the stage and saw Chrysalis approach the stage. The moment she caught Princess Celestia’s attention, the alicorn bowed quickly and struck her forehead on the floor. Chrysalis began to laugh loudly and made onlookers gazed with confusion. Only after speaking a few words and an arm gesture, both princesses and the prince looked to Coco. The attention caught the mare off guard and she pushed herself against Fang. “Don’t worry,” Fang reassured, noticing her shocked attitude. “It’s just the two princesses and one prince.” “How could you say that so calmly?! Those three are leaders!” “I happen to guard her,” Fang gestured to Chrysalis. “I am not intimidated by other rulers.” “I suppose you are not, but you have to remember that I am just a tailor.” The changeling laughed a little. “You are more than just a tailor and you know that,” Fang smiled. Blush bled onto Coco’s cheeks and as she took the compliment. “What’s that supposed to mean?” her ears fell back in embarrassment. “Let’s not ask questions right now,” Fang responded, looking away to hide his now redder face from the mare. “Can you two come forward?” a voice spoke from the stage. To her surprise, the regal princess looked at Coco and was gesturing her forward. Cadence and Shining Armor looked to them with smiles as well with Chrysalis. The queen now stood onstage beside the other three as well. When Chrysalis got up on stage, Coco didn’t know. Aside from having important ponies staring at her, Coco couldn’t help but feel uneasy. She knows that Chrysalis was the one who invaded Canterlot with her changeling army. And now that very same changing responsible for that act is now right in front of them. And that very same changeling has a personal grudge against Princess Celestia; maybe against Shining Armor and Princess Cadence as well… But complying with the request, Coco went onto the front of the stage and Fang followed in suit. Most of the ponies that were on stage before were already gone and the theater had very few audience members left. Those who remained in the crowd stayed to continue looking at the princesses and prince. “Hello,” the earth pony shyly answered, her eyes glancing between Celestia and Chrysalis. “It’s nice to see you again.” “I can say the same, Miss Pommel,” Celestia nodded. “Did you enjoy the performance?” Princess Cadence asked Coco. “Oh very much. I couldn’t help but tear up.” “Don’t worry, I did cry myself,” Cadence admitted. The mare looked around to try and find the child who performed her solo, but had no luck in finding her. “That filly was quite the singer.” Celestia let out a soft chuckle, “I just had a thought: if Chrysalis were to be in the crowd, it would be hard to tell who she was. I didn’t see a dry eye.” Coco laughed along with the others as the princess cracked a joke about Chrysalis. But the only one who didn’t even bother to grin was Shining Armor and Coco noticed the prince’s disgruntled attitude. He just stared at their group unamused. “Oh honey,” Cadence finally noticed her husband’s grumpy expression. “It’s just a joke.” She seemed to already know what was going through his mind. “I just…” Shining Armor sounded like he had been defeated in a bitter battle. Looking away from his wife, the white equine’s ears darted back at her. “...I don’t like to remember that I lost you… I don’t like-” He cut himself short not wanting to continue and looked back to Cadence. “Can we not talk about this today? I’d rather not worry about another changeling infiltra-” Cadence was quick; quicker than Fang has ever been to Coco when she had a dark cloud looming over her head. She was right at her husband’s side and her muzzle was pressed up against Shining Armor’s own. “Don’t worry,” she whispered loud enough for Coco to hear; Coco was unsure if the others did. “I’m positive it won’t happen again.” The cream pony was having a hard time keeping a strong composure in front of the couple as Cadence spoke her words. Coco Pommel couldn’t help but feel guilty as she knowingly stood by two changelings. It hurt her to see what pain Chrysalis and her hive had done to the handsome stallion. Though she tried to hide it, Fang saw through her disturbed facade and pressed against Coco. He gave her no glance when he did but the mare looked at him with a smile. To the side, the changeling queen noticed her friend’s bothered attitude and knew what her friend was feeling. Oh Coco… Chrysalis thought to herself with a sad heart. If only you could have not befriended us and weren’t dragged into my personal affair... In her peripheral, the queen saw Celestia staring at Cadence and Shining Armor with a warm smile, happy to see the wife comforting her lover. I swear Celestia! If Coco Pommel gets dragged into our queral and you dare threaten her, you will rue the day you stood in my presence! “I think we need to liven up the atmosphere for the prince and princess,” Chrysalis spoke aloud, grabbing all the attention she could. Looking to Celestia, the queen asked, “What do you say?” “I think that is a great idea,” Celestia agreed. “What do you say?” she questioned Shining Armor. His mood seemed to changed dramatically as several mares attempted to brighten his day. “I think that would be swell.” Shining Armor didn’t have to ask his wife if she wanted to cheer him up. She already did. “What are we going to do to make today a little brighter?” “We can all walk about the city and make a day of it,” Celestia suggested. All nodded with agreement. All except Coco Pommel. She couldn’t help but feel guilty and didn’t want to be around any of the important ponies any longer. If she did, the poor mare may snap. “I… wish to decline the offer and be on my own,” Coco spoke shyly, her ears finally showing some of her true emotion. “Are you sure?” Shining Armor asked in a handsome tone. “A lovely mare like you certainly deserves to be in the presence of royalty.” The statement made Fang clear his throat as if to make it clear that Coco was his. But Shining Armor either didn’t hear the sound or didn’t want to acknowledge the “challenge.” Trust me… you don’t want me around. “Thank you, but I just want to be off on my own for a bit,” the pony answered, trying to find a way out of her time with Celestia and other important ponies. Most mares would be more than happy to spend the day with a prince. But to Coco, that prince was bothered by her close friend and couldn’t stand being around him knowing that fact. “Besides, I may talk your ear off by and pummel you with silly questions.” “We won’t force you to join us,” Princess Cadence said in a calm tone. Looking to Chrysalis, she asked, “If your friend isn’t joining us, will you not be as well?” Chrysalis and Coco looked at each other, wanting to talk about personal matters aloud. Coco wanted to scream at her friend, telling her now is the time to befriend Celestia. But Chrysalis already knew that. She made a promise with Coco. And she was going to fulfill that promise. “I will be spending my time with you three. My friend likes to be off in her own world and ponder things.” It was a lie, but it was a nice lie that was a good enough excuse for Coco not to go. “Besides, it’s not everyday a mare like myself gets to spend time with royalty.” “And it is not everyday a princess like myself get’s to spend time with Your Majesty,” Celestia chuckled. Chrysalis couldn’t help but laugh at the alicorn’s joke. “I will be staying with Coco,” Fang finally spoke. The thought of him being alone with herself was perfect for Coco. She needed to vent to him. “Very well,” Celestia nodded. Coco looked to Chrysalis to speak but was cut off by the queen, “I will see you at the gala later tonight.” “Just look for me and you will find her,” Celestia added. A fake look of shock came from the changeling. “You wish for me to occupy your time for the rest of the day!?” “Of course Your Majesty.” Chrysalis grinned widely as Celestia spoke her fake name. She must enjoy being called that by the princess. Looking back to her friend, still holding onto her smile, Chrysalis said, “You heard her, she and I will be together until this evening. I think we are going to become close friends after tonight.” “It would be nice, yes,” Celestia commented with a nod. Coco couldn't believe how easy it was to get Chrysalis within Celestia’s vicinity. The night has not even started and fate has already found a way to get them to become friends. Maybe. Coco nodded with a happy smile. “I do hope you get along.” “Oh I don't think we have to worry about that Coco,” Celestia spoke. “I'm sure we'll be friends for a long time.” “That would be nice…” Chrysalis answered quietly. Coco noticed her friend tilt her head down slightly and a shadow fell across her face. “Let's see what happens first.” A cold shiver ran down Coco’s spine and the guilt gripped at her heart once more. Quickly she turned around, unable to look at anyone's face. “I'll be going now.” Without giving Fang time to adjust, the earth pony briskly walked off stage and to the exit. By the time Fang caught up with her, they were outside. “Is something the matter?” Fang asked caringly as Coco looked away from him. “You were acting strange back there…” It took a few quiet seconds before Coco turned to him and spoke. “Oh Fang…” The changeling gasped as he watched his friend’s face writhe with sadness. “H-how can you always tell when something is wrong?” she choked over her tears.