March to the Scaffold

by Foxy Kimchi

Author's Notes (Chapter 1-16)

Chapter 1: March to the Scaffold.
March to the Scaffold the 4th movement of the musical piece Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz is one of my favorite Romantic era pieces of music. I just loved the sound of it and the really prominent brass section. I also think it is hilarious that this piece is considered one of the first famous pieces of music inspired by drugs. However if you read the program notes, it was not a pleasant trip. March to the Scaffold is where he views himself getting executed. Guess that is what opium does to you.

With that said, the first chapter tries to follow the flow and pattern of the music. That is why it sort of jumps from happy to sad moments in the story. I tried visualize the music.

Thanks to Letedwend, Ponysopher, MrMinimii, Reasonandrhyme, benxlabs, and Spabble for helping me edit and proofread.

Chapter 2: Judgement and Defiance
Like the first chapter, I tried to copy the music. The reason why I picked Beethoven's 5th, movement 1, is because the piece is so passionate and emotional. There are parts of the piece that is sad and soft then changes to powerful, angry moments. Considering what Beethoven went through, I can see why he put it in. He hated a lot of things during the time he composed it, he hated his father and he hated the world for his hearing loss. Even with that, he still composed one of the greatest masterpieces of all time.

Thanks to Letedwend, Ponysopher, MrMinimii, Reasonandrhyme, benxlabs, and Spabble for helping me edit and proofread.

Chapter 3: Dream of a Witches' Sabbath
This time I based it off of the 5th movement from Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz. Like the first chapter I tried to follow the flow of the music. This chapter was supposed to be more creepy and "darker". Hector Berlioz was probably on opium at this point. The program notes are in the link above.

Thanks to Letedwend, Ponysopher, MrMinimii, Reasonandrhyme, benxlabs, and Spabble for helping me edit and proofread.

Chapter 4: Chapter 4 is different than chapters 1-3. First I never thought I would actually be continuing the story at this point. Because of this I never had any music to inspire me. But I wanted to continue the pattern of having a piece of music associted with it. Since this chapter has scene changes and a variety of emotions, I picked Franz Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 (orchestral version). That and it is a good way to spread good music. We have all heard this piece sometime in our life as A LOT of cartoons used this. Like Tom and Jerry and Bugs Bunny.

Thanks to Letedwend, Ponysopher, Reasonandrhyme, and Spabble.

Chapter 5: I wanted to add this small chapter for a very specific reason. As we know by now, (in case you do not know please do not read this for spoilers) Chrysalis was changed into a pony against her will. Now I asked myself, "How did Celestia and Luna do that?". The obvious answer is "magic". But to me that is not sufficient enough. I believe that magic in Equestria is governed by some set of laws, just like the laws of physics. There are limitations to what they can do what it. To change a completely different and unique creature into a pony permanently seems unreasonable or extremely difficult to perform. So to explain my thought processes let me give you an analogy,

Say there are two compounds, A and B, which are COMPLETELY different from one another. Now to convert A into B would be impossible or extremely difficult to do in the lab. A lot of energy and steps would be needed if it were possible. Now let us say that instead B is a derivative of A. Changing compound A into B is much, much easier and can easily be done in the lab.

So what that being said, the only reason why Celestia was so able to change Chrysalis into a pony is because the changelings are a derivative of ponies. The first changeling was original a pony who transformed by magic. If magic was able to change a pony into a changeling, then the reveres of that should also be possible.

To me this makes thing more consistent. That is why Discord is a statue and not a pony.

As for the music for this chapter I used Camille Saint-Saens Dance Macabre for the darker undertone.

Thanks to Letedwend, Ponysopher, Reasonandrhyme, and Spabble.

And special thanks to Ponysopher for making this chapter sound older and more poetic.

Chapter 6

The Baroque era! Baroque music is characterized by its complex melodies and heavy use of ornamentation. I tired to mimic that in the story with the complex emotions and actions. For this chapter I used Bach's Unaccompanied Cello Suite No.1 as the music piece. This is the longest chapter I have ever wrote and man was it hard. Takes a lot out of you.

Thanks to Letedwend, Ponysopher, and Spabble.

Chapter 7

So after a long stretch of time I got the chapter done. I was busy with work. But here is chapter 7. This time the music is Chopin's Waltz Op.64 No.2. It is a very nice piano piano piece. Enjoy!

Thanks to Letedwend, Ponysopher, and Spabble.

Chapter 8
Ah this brings back memories of when I was younger. When I first thought of using music to inspire this story, I instantly remembered this scene from Cowboy Bebop. Now I am not an anime fan, but Cowboy Bebop is a great show regardless. The scene that was in my head was from the episode Ballad of the Fallen Angels where Spike (not the dragon) falls out the window and the song Greenbird plays. It was just so well done that I had to try and mimic the feeling from it. So that is what I tired to do. Here is the clip from the episode.

Thanks to Letedwend, Ponysopher, and Spabble.

Chapter 9

For the demon that always hides in the shadow, waiting to strike. I think I finally figured out how I want the story to end. For the music piece I used Franz Schubert's Erlkönig (Alder king). I felt it was fitting. Hopefully I will be able to finish this as I get into school.

Thanks to Letedwend, Ponysopher, and Spabble.
Art by AssasinMonkey on DA: http://assasinmonkey.deviantart.com/art/Changeling-Behemoths-321921574

Chapter 10
Yes I am aware how long the delay is. I have been busy. Hopefully I can work on it more now that I have taken care of some things. For the music I chose Beethoven, Symphony 7, Allegretto, mvt 2, a nice somber piece.

Thanks to Letedwend, Ponysopher, and Spabble.

Chapter 11
The Song of Shylex, written by The Descendant is the story that makes me view Celestia they way I do. I view her as a powerful being, who's power is unmatched. I am aware of the season 2 finale. However I purposely think she was holding back. Celestia is a hands off kind of teacher, she rather let her subjects solve their own problems to show them what they are capable of. So she held back, confident that her ponies could do it themselves. In addition, I think if Celestia fought at full strength, Canterlot would be destroyed. If she fought at full strength, ponies would be so horrified at her that they would treat her as some vengeful god. Thus they would fear her even more.

Celestia to me wants to be viewed as a mother more than anything, someone that is available for comfort, love, and wisdom. She wants to be viewed like this, even if she looks weak.

For this chapter I picked Mozart, Requiem in D minor.

Thanks to Letedwend, Ponysopher, and Spabble.

Chapter 12:

Ah finally, getting a chapter done feels great. Already 12 chapters at this point, wow. I never thought I would get this far but thanks to everyone reading it. For this chapter I picked the music piece Pachelbel's Cannon in D. Celestia is trying to soothe Chrysalis, so I thought some relaxing music would be fitting. After all, after what she has been through she needs a break. And Mortar too. I cannot believe the ride is almost over.

Thanks to Letedwend, Ponysopher, Spabble, and surprise help by AnonymousMaterials!

Chapter 13

I am going to slightly different here. See when I first wrote this story, I had planned that Mortar would die. But after writing and creating him, I too grew attached to him. I did not want him to have sad ending, and the same thing with Chrysalis. They suffered so much and just wanted them to get something good in life. Funny isn't it. But then I was thinking on what am I going to do now with the story. That is luckily when I got an update for Mort Takes a Holiday by AnonymousMaterials that I knew I had an idea. So I asked him if I could use Mort and he agreed to help me! I hope you enjoy this chapter, as it took much longer for me to do. That is it is way longer than most of my chapters.

Mort and Forma belong to AnonymousMaterials. Mort is from the amazing story Mort Takes a Holiday. If you have not read it, then please go read such a great story regardless.

Special thanks to my editors
Spabble
Ponysopher
Letedwend

And a special thanks to AnonymousMaterials for not only letting me use his fantastic characters, but also helping me edit this chapter, and the one before this.

Chapter 14
A bonus chapter made from deleted scenes from chapter 13.

Chapter 15
Wow, I can't believe I made it this far. 15 chapters. Chrysalis, now Silver Skip, has come a long way. I think there will just be one more chapter for this story. Thank you guys for everything.

Special thanks to my editors
Spabble
Ponysopher
Letedwend

Chapter 16
Alas, the curtains come to a close as the story comes to the end. Chrysalis has gone through a lot, some bad and some good, but she is stronger because of it. There will be no music for the last chapter, as it has come to the end.

Thank you all for reading and liking my story. It means a lot to me to know that there are people out there who enjoyed it. It has been a ton of work, but I am glad that I finished it.

A few people have asked me about a possible sequel to this story. I will admit that I am conflicted on this issue. One reason I don't want to do is I don't know how many people are interested in a sequel. I have 850 favs but only 540 likes. So there is a large sum of people who appear to still be on the fence about this story. I know some did not agree on how I portrayed Chrysalis in this setting. Another reason why I don't want to do it is because the story will be fluffy compared to this. I mean Chrysalis has accepted her new life, and does not want to upthrone anyone. So the story will mainly be just Mortar and Chrysalis just living a normal life. Next, I don't know if my editors, who have helped me so much, would want to work on something else. Lastly, there are other ideas that I want to try out.

On the other hand, I also want to make a sequel. There are things that I can still do. One of the things I wanted to write is a possible meeting of Silver with Shinning Armor and Princess Cadence/ or Twilight Sparkle. This can be a nice conflict to have, and a good spot to put interesting drama and dialogue. A stand off between the now Silver Skip and Shinning Armor/Twilight Sparkle. How will the act?

I just don't know how many people are interested. I am afraid that if I do write one, not many people will read it. But if there are a lot of people out there who want a sequel, then I feel like I should give it to them

Tell me what you guys think, and Ill see what I can do.

Again, thank you guys for reading and liking this story.

Special thanks to my editors
Spabble
Ponysopher
Letedwend

And a huge thanks to Ardial who graciously drew the picture for this story. Please go to his DA page and view his other work!

Comments

[Foxy Kimchi]

Well edited chapter three a little bit, almost final product (I hope so).

And woot 502 views.

Now if only I could get more comments and opinions. I find that low number rather boring.

I WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU PEOPLE ARE THINKING!

[Shader]

667855

Defiantly interested to see where this goes. Closest I can guess is that she's been changed into a pony.

[Foxy Kimchi]

668100

Now I dont have to read your mind....

I wish I had mind reading powers

[Foxy Kimchi]

668447

Wow thanks, nice to know that someone people really like it so far. Um yeah I was hoping the chapter to be 2k words, since the song is twice as long as the 4th movement. But I did not know how I can add more. My mind is thinking on how I am going to set up the next chapter and waiting for EqD's pre-readers response. I am really hoping this can get on there. Though short chapters are nice, as I heard a saying about how much to write...

"Think of it as a girl's skirt, short enough to keep it interesting and long enough to cover the important parts."

Also Luna is best pony. (saying that cause of your avatar)

[Foxy Kimchi]

671504

I tried that, describing a little bit about the battle.

Too many people did not like it so I scrapped it.

[Foxy Kimchi]

Thanks to everyone who has favorited and liked the story. I am crossing my fingers and hoping I can get this on EqD. I am currently having a slight writers block on 4th chapter. I know what to do, just not how I am going to do it.

[Foxy Kimchi]

680979

Thank you for the help.

I have found out that grammar is killing me here. Pretty much my review on Ponychan was

plot: 9/10
Grammar: yeah I dont want to talk about it. This is my ACT all over again.

The hard part about this is that I cannot see these grammar mistakes. I am hardwired for numbers and science. Grammar eludes me.

[the dobermans]

Excellent. Everypony seems IC. One vote for continuing in the sad/dark vein.

[Letedwend]

681831
Grammar is ultimately a system, when you get right down to brass tacks, so an analytical mind is actually pretty well equipped to tackle it. With that in mind, do what I did: read up on grammar from a variety of sources on the interwebs and try to systematically deconstruct it. You'll probably discover a lot of errors that you were making heuristically; that alone will be a big step in improving. I started this about a month ago and I've improved my grammar skills tenfold. 100% satisfaction or your money back!

[An Unimpressive]

A unique, interesting piece. I look forward to seeing where this goes.

[Foxy Kimchi]

726827

Sweet Celestia! Thanks.

[LittleStrongheartNyx]

GET TO IT!

[Thunderlane]

It'll definitely be interesting to see where this goes. As someone guessed, I"m guessing they changed her into a pony. Makes me wonder if all of her Changelings got changed into ponies as well, if that is the case.

[DarthMaul22]

You have my interest. I can't think of any specific critiques, though I had to fight not to glaze over Chrysalis's monologue.

[burnt-feathers]

Allow me to parrot the previous sentiments, as I, too, am quite intrigued by this tale and am quite curious to see where it goes. I try not to ponder overmuch on what is going on in a story – I find it taints my reception of what actually happens – but I still cannot help but suspect that chapter 3 is hinting at a "purgastory"-style punishment. (purgatory story).

Regardless, it is very interesting and rather well-written and conceived, good job!

[Geoduck]

I guess I'm in the target audience for this story, as when I saw the title at ED, my first thought was of Berlioz. And "March to the Scaffold" has been running in my head all day long.

I think you've done an excellent job translating the music into story form. It's an idea I'd like to try with some of the more vivid pieces of Liszt and Richard Strauss and Sibelius. I just need to think of a general story idea.

A really interesting story.

[Aves Dominari]

667855

A lack of reader feedback is usually what causes me to give up on something; when I create /anything/ and nobody notices, it gets pretty disheartening. You finally got your EqD post, though; your views and comments should skyrocket at this point.
As for the story itself, this is by and far one of the best Chrysalis redemption (at least, that seems to be the general aim of the story) fiction I've seen. The music-inspired parts so far have been really good (listening to the music and seeing how the story flows along with it is an amazing experience) and you aren't going for the 'Chrysalis finds true love' angle. You have no idea how happy I am for that q;
As everyone else is, I'm awaiting the next chapter eagerly. Good luck getting through your writer's block, eh?

[Whirlwind]

I think I'll hop on the "Now she's a pony" bandwagon. It's highly unlikely she was killed, simply because Celestia is such a benevolent ruler. Even when dealing with Discord, she only had him sealed in stone, not killed, even though he could probably cause even more harm than the Changelings.

[ArgonGlow]

Amazing story. Can't wait for the next chapter!

I, for one, hope that she isn't turned into a pony. That seems like the cruellest thing they could do.

[Flutterkiin]

This is pretty good. The fact that it mirrors a musical piece makes it cooler... I like it.

[Foxy Kimchi]

This is what happened when I got home from work.

Microwave hotpocket
Retrieve said hotpocket.
Go to fimfiction
See many many notifications

Take big bite into hotpocket
Burn self.

Wow it feels nice to see more people go over my story, it really does. It took my editors and I a while to smooth it out. This is my first EqD story.
Again thanks everyone. If you have any question feel free to ask. I am currently getting started on the next chapter. I am just busy with my new job and trying to find a good piece of music. I basically have the beginning and the end planned out in my head, but I need to fill out the middle. That and the NBA finals are on.

[Foxy Kimchi]

737956

Fret not. I am NOT planning on making this the standard "Chrysalis falls in love and is happy" story. I plan on making it different. I want it to be unique.

[Dusty Sage]

I usually avoid the dark stuff, but I was lured in by the Berlioz references, and I'm glad I was. As for Celestia's mercy, I sometimes suspect it's worse than her wrath.

[Airstream]

Tracking, definitely.

[Foxy Kimchi]

I am so excited seeing the notifications and new comments.

Broke 100 tracks!

Woot!

Yet only half as much likes, something is...ahoof

I am also debating if I should post a mini-chapter now, or after chapter 4.

If I do it now then spoilers. Decisions

[RealityCheck]

okay, all you got me doing is going 'what the hell?'

I could think of a dozen different ways Celestia and Luna could have punished Chrysalis. "Tripping balls" never crossed my mind as one of them.

[Foxy Kimchi]

740027

[Alex Warlorn]

0-0

Geeze.

Did Celestia commit genocide and exterminate the rest of the changelings leaving Chrysalis the only one left? (Sans the ones scattered throughout Equestria in pony form now likely scared out of their minds).

[Foxy Kimchi]

740213

Good question. (Sorry for delay work)
I am purposely withholding what I think actually happened to the rest of the changelings. I am going to let the reader get their own idea. This story is about Chrysalis, so I did not want to talk about the rest of the changelings.

[War brony]

Why the hell is it us bronies that find classic music still a great benefactor, while the rest of the world is falling for Justin Bever and that picse of shit MTV
Other then that, this is awsome.

[NoponySpecial]

I'm glad I threw this into my queue, I like what I've seen so far.

First and foremost, you've done an all-around SUPERB job with characterization, I'm particularly fond of the depth you've given Chrysalis. The prideful, defiant nature you've given her is very believable, not to mention fitting for her character. This strikes a nice juxtaposition with the care and devotion she expresses towards her changelings; you know what she did was wrong, but there's still a pang of sympathy to be found in there when you consider she's looking out for her people. Her arrogant pride and obsession for fame towards her supposed death isn't earning her many favors, but it's all she really has left to cling to while supposedly approaching her death. Knowing her initial plan wasn't a full-scale invasion greatly emphasizes her devotion to her people, since she was shooting for a low-risk plan until getting a bit too drunk on love.

Your take on Celestia: Caring, very forgiving, stern only when necessary/when she has to make a point, and has a bloody good pokerface. While these aren't particularly uncommon traits to give her, I wouldn't expect anything less, and you've captured her essence well. She's very wise, and clearly knows how others work; behind that poker face, you can hear the gears turning, knowing that amiable smile is hiding greater machinations. I'd call her a master manipulator, except she always pushes for altruism, and she doesn't really use any deceit/lying/tricks/whatfor. Master of benevolent coercion, maybe? Either way, you pinned her just as I like her.

Your content is great, and the over-arching setup/progression of the story is well paced. However, there's something about the writing style that bugs me a little. When you get down to the individual paragraphs and sentences, the flow seems a bit... stale, dry, cookie-cutter. This is most prominent in the first two or three chapters, though not as much in chapters four or five. Normally, this would annoy the living HELL out of me, but the ideas and moods behind the words stick out so strongly that I can look past some small-scale formatting irks. You've got a great premise, and your execution of said premise is very realistic. Well- as realistic as a land of magical talking ponies goes, you know what I mean.

Overall, good job! Keep up the good work, I look forward to seeing more.

[Horrible Onion]

Hey look! someone else who likes classical! I know where you are coming from in some respects, I too will listen to a song I like and have my writing reflect the tone.

[Foxy Kimchi]

1808593
1842313

Oh I have something planned... I am working on it right now.

1834863
Hugs really do make things better.

[bin4rym4ge]

This was an amazing story and I think there should be a squeal of some type. I have several ideas as well.

[theRedBrony]

Just finished reading it. I must say,

media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxhnhoJzMs1qdlf46.gif

[Foxy Kimchi]

1856812

We will see, first I get to finish the story first.

1890046

I guess I do not understand that view. I don't understand how that is evil. I see it as merciful and gentle.

1895238

Thank you!

Also I am currently working on the next chapter, roughly 65% if rough draft done. I am at 7k words right now. Also if you guys want something to do, you can read some of stories that I like on my user page. You may find a clue about something somewhere...

[theRedBrony]

1890046 You know, that actually makes sense. I had to google room 101 but I remember it now from 1984, yea? Interesting that Celestia was even thinking about monitoring Chrysalis in Big Brother style. And it's like... she doesn't want to be Big Brother... but... with what she did to Chrysalis... she kinda is...

Deep stuff man.

1895505

[Foxy Kimchi]

1895591

TOO be fair, Chrysalis WAS plotting the revenge of Equestria. Besides it is not like she put cameras in her room. Just watched so she does not cause a fight or something.

[theRedBrony]

1896031 I was talking more about the room 101 thing. Celestia basically brainwashed Chrysalis. Despite her good intentions, that's exactly what she did. She MADE Chrysalis like her. She broke her.

It's been many years since I read 1984, but if memory serves, the government essentially tortured whats-his-face, and afterwards showed him compassion, they patched his wounds and made him dentures after breaking his teeth. And that was their method of brainwashing deviants/rebels. In the end, he liked the government.

[Foxy Kimchi]

1896302

Yes I read 1984 too. But I feel this is different. Brainwash is taking it to far. She did nothing of the sort. Yeah showing someone compassion may warm them up to the idea or liking them. First Chrysalis did have a trial, and she did commit a crime against Equestria. So something had to be done to ensure that something like that never happened again. I mean thats what any competent government should do. And she did not torture her. (if you still feel she did, well she did not do it on purpose.)

I look at this way, here is a being who, as I set it up, as been struggling for her entire life, and alone I might add. So here comes Celestia and offers her to ease the burdens she carries. I mean that has to be a huge relief for Chrysalis. Celestia just wanted to be friends. Chrysalis did not accept Celestia offer of friendship because she was brainwashed into thinking it. She accepted it because she is just so tired from fighting, tired of going at it all by herself. It is not worth to keep fighting an enemy that is trying to be kind and merciful. The one good thing she found in life, she messed it up because she couldnt stop fighting. Now that she has she can relax, let other beings ease the burden she carries.

It is a tricky situation. What is she suppose to do with someone that needs to be shown mercy while paying for the crimes she committed.

[theRedBrony]

1896557 I understand that perfectly. And I agree. But there's two sides to any coin, right? A different way to look at the same thing.

Celestia had no ill intentions at all. That's the killer part! She simply wanted to help Chrysalis. Yet Chrysalis suffered. You wrote it, you oughtta know!

And 'brainwash' is just a word. I simply meant that Chrysalis was conditioned to believe something, or think in a certain way. She was brainwashed from birth, thinking all she did was right. Now Celestia is brainwashing her with this relearning of... everything, her whole perception of reality. What was 'compassion and mercy' to Celestia, was 'insult and injury' to Chrysalis. But I'm not blaming Celestia. She only did what she thought was right. I would have done the same thing.

Now, here, check this out:

I look at this way, here is a being who, as I set it up, as been struggling for her entire life, and alone I might add. So here comes Celestia and offers her to ease the burdens she carries. I mean that has to be a huge relief for Chrysalis. Celestia just wanted to be friends. Chrysalis did not accept Celestia offer of friendship because she was brainwashed into thinking it. She accepted it because she is just so tired from fighting, tired of going at it all by herself. It is not worth to keep fighting an enemy that is trying to be kind and merciful. The one good thing she found in life, she messed it up because she couldnt stop fighting. Now that she has she can relax, let other beings ease the burden she carries.

I look at it this way, here is a being who has been struggling her entire life to make something of herself, and her people. And yet she failed. So here comes Celestia, who captures her, and robs her of a dignified death, adding insult to injury by changing her very form to that of a lowly earth pony. Celestia offers words of kindness and mercy, yet she delivers physical and emotional punishment. Chrysalis ultimately accepts it because she has grown soft by living as a pony for too long, and her resolve and spirit are finally broken when she comes to realize she has nothing left of her old life. All of it was taken from her. It is not worth it to keep fighting an enemy that has so completely overpowered her. The one thing she found in this pony life, a hopeless dependence on a weak and worthless pony, she almost managed to cut the link between them, but the pony mentality wound up getting the better of her. But now that she's been broken, she can let herself slip into the plush and protected life of her wretched enemies...

Merely another interpretation of your story. Yet, it's still the same story.

Two sides to every coin.

imageshack.us/a/img39/7168/reds2bits.jpg

Oh, and that's not to say I read it like that. Merely that persianleonidas made me think about it differently. It's actually a good thing, that your story can be read from two different ways. Means it's more complex.

[Foxy Kimchi]

1896707

Oh I do know there is two sides to every coin. I guess what I was saying is that I know some people have that view, but for me it is hard to grasp is what I am saying.

I know I could have went down that path, where Celestia just TOTALLY mind****s her.

That would been interesting. Again thanks for the comments and I am glad you enjoy the story. I am trying to finish the next chapter.

[ImpossibleReflection]

There is an amazing PMV for ballad of the fallen angels that was custom animated from that scene, it involves chrysalis

[Ardail]

Wow this really makes me admire you as an author, most of the time authors just try to tell some story not base the emotion on some orchestral piece like this.
The way how you wrote this is just so... I can't explain! I'm not good at describing things. I just felt so moved by all your main characters that you give emotion to. I usually haven't taken much notice of Celestia and like most bronies like Luna more, but the way your write her makes me really start to like Celestia a lot. I mean I've thought of most of this in my own head cannon of the show, but your basically giving voice to the type of person/pony I want to see these characters being.
Or maybe I'm just rambling and still recovering from getting teary eyed over the last chapter

[Foxy Kimchi]

2535426

Thanks for the comment. Now as I said before in my earlier comments, if there was a word to describe Celestia, it would be "motherly." Now for me, personally, one thing about mothers is that if they believe something is right, they are going to do it regardless of what other people thing. In their world, they have the right idea and others don't. If they feel something is right, they are going to do it (this is speaking on some personal experience XD).

Now, in Celestia's mind, due to her experience, is that happiness is not from power, but by relationships. Dosent matter if in reality it is right or not, to her it is the right way. So when she saw Chrysalis, alone and not having a relationship, she decided to do what she did. She feels that the only way Chrysalis will be happy is by having a relationship. Doesn't matter if she was a queen or not. Technically, she not a queen anymore because well, all her subjects are dead (yes Equestria did do it, but they did offer a way out. Chrysalis refused and decided to do a last stand, planning on dying along with her subjects. So Chrysalis is not without fault on that part.)

In addition, Celestia is head of state. Regardless what the reason why Chrysalis attacked Canterlot, she still threatened the state and its citizens. Let us say Chrysalis did succeed, what we should do the citizens of Equestria? Feed and farm them of their emotions? It is true that at first Chrysalis motivation was not out of malice, but she did hurt other ponies. In Equestria eyes, she has to be punished. In addition, Celestia has to ensure that such a thing never happens again. But Celestia does not like killing, she hates the idea of it. Turning Chrysalis into a pony was in her eyes, the correct and merciful thing to do. (Dosent meant she picked the right one, but to her it is the right way.) Also, Chrysalis did not have the best of intentions when was turned into a pony, hence why Celestia is watching her. Like I said, just because Celestia did it does NOT mean it is the right way, Ill let the reader decide.

And lastly, for Luna. The difference is that NMM was much more powerful than Chrysalis. Celestia could not simply tear away NMM from Luna. In addition, Luna did rightfully claim her spot in Equestria. She did help defeat Discord and free Equestria from his grasp, and did help in taking down. So in Celestia's eyes, a 1000 year banishment was more than enough. Is she biased, perhaps. I am not showing what is right or wrong, the reader can decide that.

Hope that helps.

[Foxy Kimchi]

2545754

Why thank you for your comment. I am glad that my story was enjoyable. For me, the moral of the story when I see it (and this is up to each person) is that happiness comes from the relationships we have with one another. Not from power, wealth, status, etc.

But yes there are certain grey areas in it. I portrayed Celestia as a person who is somewhat controlling. Controlling in the sense that she has everything planned out, she has an answer. Like the invasion, she could of done something, but thought it was best for her own little ponies to solve it on themselves. Like I said, I want this Chrysalis fic to stand out from the rest. I want a more darker/realistic approach.

As for any type of sequel. As I mentioned in my blog I want the story to end, to have a definitive conclusion. Silver and Mortar have a life together. I don't need or want to add with that. But there is somethings that I could do. Right now, I am working on a epilogue or sorts, where Chrysalis meets one of the other characters and has a conversation with them. So I am hoping that is something in your ballpark.

Well thanks for reading on of my stories, I do appreciate it
Foxy Kimchi

[SCP Pinkamena]

All in All, a very good story, though I'm not sure if you would make a follow up or not...

[Foxy Kimchi]

2176791

Well thanks. Right now i am working on epilogue. In the meantime you can read my other fic.

[Foxy Kimchi]

2580573

Well thanks!

Actually I am making a small little follow up. Just a conversation between Silver and someone else :D.

[ArthurPearson]

fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/144/4/a/march_to_the_scaffold_18___twilight___by_arthurjeremypearson-d66epu3.jpg