IV: Equestrian Rhapsody No. 2
Chrysalis could hear her heart pounding in her chest as she gazed upon a white ceiling. She took a shaky gasp of breath. She was unable to tell if it was sweat or tears on her face. Chrysalis lay there for a moment, trying to calm her racing heart.
Was it just a dream? she pondered.
She sat up and observed her surroundings. She noted that she was on a bed in some sort of lightly furnished room. There was a small dresser next to her, on which sat a lamp and a clock slowly ticking away. There was also a bookcase with various books upon its shelves. In addition, she noted a large mirror off to the corner. Turning to the mirror, Chrysalis, instead of seeing the majestic black queen of the changelings, saw a light tan earth pony with a silvery white mane. Chrysalis’ eyes widened, and the pony in the mirror did the same. Her heart began to thump faster. She jumped out of the bed and ran to the mirror, watching in horror as the reflection mimicked each of her actions. She slowly brought a hoof up to the mirror; the mirror image did the same. Chrysalis would never have imagined that the pony she was seeing was her if it was not for the reflection’s eyes. They were a dark, rich emerald green. There was no doubt—they were her eyes.
What is going on? Why am I like this? Okay, calm down. Just change back. Focus and change forms like you have done a million times before, Chrysalis thought.
She closed her eyes and focused, trying to concentrate her magic to her horn. Nothing happened. Again she focused, trying to grasp her magic. However, to her dismay, she could not even feel her magic, let alone her horn.
“What is going on? Why can I not change forms?” Chrysalis shouted out loud.
“Simple, dear—because you are no longer a changeling,” said a familiar voice behind her.
Chrysalis instantly spun around and found herself face-to-face with Princess Celestia herself.
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“Sir, do you really think this is a good idea? The Princesses have already made a judgement. It is not wise to question them, Captain.” Lieutenant Ironhoof spoke somewhat nervously, trying to keep up with his superior.
“I do not care, lieutenant! I want to know why that thing is not buried six feet under!” Shining Armor roared back, his pace quickening as he made his way towards Princess Luna’s chambers.
“Sir, I implore you to reconsider. Princess Luna is about to retire from her shift. It is unwise to bother her. Don’t you think that you are taking this issue a little bit too personal?” Ironhoof replied nervously.
“Personal? The changelings almost took over Canterlot! Of course I am taking things personally! I am the captain of the Royal Guard!” Shining Armor said sternly.
Lieutenant Ironhoof looked around nervously. He knew his captain was headstrong, but he stood by him to make sure he did not go too far out of line. They continued walking through the castle, eventually reaching Luna’s private chamber. Shining Armor gave a quick nod and the two guards stationed there moved aside. He gave a quick series of knocks. His lieutenant gulped and braced himself.
“Yes? Do come in,” Luna replied. Shining Armor and his lieutenant opened the door and entered her room. They found Princess Luna resting on her bed, a quill and parchment floating in front of her.
“Ah, Shining Armor, what a pleasant surprise. Nice to see you too, Ironhoof. What brings you two here at this hour? I am just getting ready for the night shift,” Luna said with a soft smile.
“Captain, stop this while you have the chance,” Ironhoof whispered. Shining Armor, however, ignored him.
“I am here to talk about the recent trial of our prisoner,” Shining Armor said in a stern voice.
“Oh. You mean her,” Luna answered, her mood instantly changing as she lowered her parchment and quill. The soft smile on her face vanished, replaced with a serious and grim look. “What is the problem, Captain?”
“Why is she still alive?” Shining Armor replied flatly as he tried to hide his own anger.
Luna was shocked at first. However, her expression soon changed to sadness. Her mane and ears dropped slightly. She looked down at her forehooves for a while as a silence filled the room.
Luna turned her head away, looking outside at the night sky and sighed. “We do not wish to talk about it. If you really want to know, go ask my sister. We wish to be alone right now, so would you two please leave?”
Shining Armor was speechless. However, before he could reply, he was already pushed out of Luna’s room and into the hallway by his lieutenant.
“Her highness did not look happy about your inquiry, captain. I would again suggest you drop this endeavor. I do not think Princess Luna or her sister wants to be questioned on this decision. So please just let it go,” Ironhoof said in a soft voice.
“No,” Shining Armor replied, his face hardening as he turned around and trotted down the hall. Ironhoof looked at him with a worried face before quickly catching up to him.
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Chrysalis jumped in surprise, instantly turning around and assuming a defensive stance. "Celestia! Where am I? Why are you here? I cannot change; what did you do to me?" she yelled, her heart racing.
Celestia, in return, only gave a soft smile back as she sat down. "Why hello, Chrysalis," she replied cheerfully. "Well, I suppose I can answer your questions. First, you are in one of the guest rooms in my castle. Second, I thought I would give you a visit so that I can explain what has happened. Finally, you cannot change forms because you are no longer a changeling."
"WHAT?" Chrysalis shouted.
"It is as I said: you are no longer a changeling," Celestia replied.
"Lies!" Chrysalis roared back. She closed her eyes again and focused with all of her might, trying to draw in magic as she had done so many times in the past. Her face scrunched up in concentration as she desperately tried to change form. She continued to try for a couple of minutes before she tired out, panting.
"Careful now; you may hurt yourself,” Celestia said.
“SILENCE!” Chrysalis yelled. She tried once more, putting all of her mental effort into transforming before finally giving up.
“What did you do to me?” she asked once again in a strained and injured voice.
“You cannot change forms because you lack that ability now. Instead, you are now a member of the proud earth pony race,” Celestia explained.
“How could you do such a horrible thing? How could you disgrace me in such a way?” Chrysalis yelled back, stomping her hooves.
“How is sparing you a horrible thing? Also, I have not done this to disgrace you. I did it so that you will learn an important lesson. I want you to realize why your actions were wrong. My little ponies are not a food source—they are so much more than you realize. To have somepony stolen away from you is very painful. Lastly, asking for help is not a sign of weakness, Chrysalis. Maybe now you can see that accepting a helping hoof is okay,” Celestia replied with a calm face.
Chrysalis was dumbfounded. She fell to her haunches, looking at her hooves, shaking. I am stuck like this, stuck as a lowly pony. What do I do? I am a queen, damn it, not some peasant pony. How will I live like this? Chrysalis thought.
“Being a pony is not a bad thing, Chrysalis. Look, you even have a cutie mark, the theatrical mask of comedy and tragedy. It is quite fitting, if I do say so myself,” Celestia said with a hoof over her mouth, trying to suppress a giggle.
Chrysalis turned to look on her thigh. Sure enough, there were two masks as her cutie mark. She knew about cutie marks was that they were supposed to symbolize a pony’s special talent. She rubbed a hoof over it to see if it would go away to no avail. Chrysalis sat there, completely dejected. In the span of a few days, she had gone from a powerful queen to an average pony.
“Why couldn't you just have killed me? You could at least let me die as a proud queen,” Chrysalis said softly.
Celestia sighed. “Chrysalis, I do not like killing or harming anything. Being merciful is more important to me. When you were brought back here, you seemed afraid. It seemed as though you were scared of dying. It is true that many ponies around here wanted you to be executed, but to me that is just barbaric. So I decided to spare you by changing you into a pony. There are only three other individuals who know what actually happened. I am giving you a chance to redeem yourself and have a new start.”
“I do not fear death! I wanted to die; I do not need your mercy,” Chrysalis retorted angrily.
“Is that so? May I ask what your dream was about? It did not seem very pleasant, from what I heard,” Celestia said, raising an eyebrow.
Chrysalis’ eyes widened, and her head jerked up. “W—What? Were you watching me?” she gasped.
“Oh my, heavens, no. It is just that it was hard not to hear you. It seemed to be a really bad dream. Would you like to talk about it?” Celestia answered with concern.
“I do not need your pity! Why couldn’t you just kill me now and save me from any further humiliation?” Chrysalis asked, shaking a hoof at Celestia.
“Tell me this: why do you want to die?” Celestia asked, her face impassive.
“So I can be feared and remembered! At least my reputation would still be intact. I would be remembered forever as the queen that almost conquered Equestria. Ponies would fear my name. I could live forever in history,” Chrysalis affirmed, standing up and puffing her chest out.
“And what if you were not remembered or feared? Then what would your death mean? Or what if history decides to mock you for your failure? My sister got much closer than you did to taking over Equestria, yet her name was shortly forgotten, even when her image was plastered on the moon. I am glad most ponies have forgotten her past; that means she can have the clean slate she deserves. If the Nightmare Moon incident was forgotten, what makes you think your failed attempt will not be?” Celestia mused.
Chrysalis chest deflated as she fell to her haunches. The memories of her previous dream came flooding back—the way the ponies mocked her and what they were doing to her body. She shivered at the thought. Doubts began to creep in; she was not as confident as was previously. Much had happened to her in a short amount of a time, leaving her confused and disoriented. Before she had time to gather her thoughts, she heard a ‘pop’. Looking up, she saw a opened scroll and quill floating before Celestia.
“Ah, good. It is here,” Celestia remarked. Using her magic, she opened the scroll and lifted the quill as she began to write. “Hmmm...”
Chrysalis was even more confused. Looking up, she asked, “What is that? What are you writing?”
Celestia lowered the scroll, her eyes meeting Chrysalis. “Just finishing your documentation. You are now a citizen of Equestria; as such you need the proper paperwork. Let’s see. ‘Coat:’ light brown or tan. ‘Mane:’ white/silver. ‘Eyes:’ green—which look great with your coat color, if I may add. ‘Birthplace:’ I’ll just put down Canterlot. ‘Date of Birth:’ hmm, just about to make one up here. ‘Name:’ what should your new name be?”
“Why can’t I use my name?” Chrysalis demanded, disgusted at the thought of being called anything else.
“Well, given your history, I doubt that will be a good idea. We do not want anypony to figure out who you are. I am rather sad to admit, but some ponies are just not as forgiving as they should be. I cannot guarantee your safety if your true identity is revealed. So for your best interest, a new name will be given,” Celestia replied, her expression more serious.
Chrysalis turned away, unable to look Celestia in the eye. Thoughts of Shining Armor’s hatred came to mind. She was afraid of what Shining Armor would do to her if he had the chance. She did not want to think about what would happen should she fall into the hooves of a mob that harbored the same hatred for her.
“Now let’s see. We need a name. Any thoughts?” Celestia inquired.
Chrysalis was silent, looking at the ground while her ears flicked with annoyance. The thought of cooperating with Celestia sickened her.
“Aha! From here on out, your new Equestrian name will be Silver Skip,” Celestia remarked cheerfully while writing it down.
Chrysalis rose an eyebrow, looking at Celestia with suspicion. “What kind of name is that?” Chrysalis asked. “That sounds nothing like any name I have ever heard.”
“There is a species of butterfly called the silver-spotted skipper. It is very fitting if I do say so myself. From chrysalis to butterfly—it is a very poetic idea. You can consider it your metamorphosis.” Celestia said cheerfully. With a flash of her horn, the scroll she had been writing on teleported away.
She jumped up and pointed her hoof at Celestia. “What do you want from me? You capture me, and instead of granting me my rightful death, you shame me by forcibly turning me into a pony. How am I supposed to live like this? How is this a new start? To me, this seems more like torture than a lesson. Why can’t you just put me out of my misery now?”
Celestia sighed. “As I have already said, I want you to learn the value of friendship. You need to realize that ponies are more than a food source, so I have decided that you will live in Canterlot like a normal pony so that you may have a chance to learn the importance of friendship. You need to build real relationships if you want to live. You can no longer fake them.”
“And what happens if I refuse to make friends or relationships? Then what?” Chrysalis retorted.
“Then you will live a very lonely and sad life. I am giving you a chance to have a happy life. However, that does not mean there are not restrictions. You are not allowed to leave the city, and you will be on constant surveillance by the Royal Guard. I have already set up an apartment with the first month paid for and enough bits to last the month. It is up to you to secure bits after that. Hopefully you will learn the value of other ponies and friends.” Celestia slowly stood and made her way to the door. “With that said, I will take my leave as I have other things to take care of. A guard will come later and escort you out of the palace and give you your supplies,” Just before she left the room, she turned her head back towards Chrysalis.
“Remember what I told you earlier, Chrysalis. I will crush any threat against my little ponies. If you harm one, I will not be so lenient next time. This is your first and only warning,” Celestia said with a stern voice. With that, she exited the room and closed the door behind her, leaving an astonished Chrysalis alone with her thoughts.
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As Celestia quietly closed the door behind her, she began to walk down the hallway. I hope that Chrysalis would see the magic of friendship. If she could make a friend, she would know how wonderful ponies are, and she would realize what she did was wrong. If she does not, though, she will be miserable. My sister could find friends—I think she can too. Oh, Luna, you have no idea just how happy I am to have you back. It has been too long, Celestia thought to herself.
Her train of thought was interrupted when she saw Shining Armor and Ironhoof waiting at the end of the hall. “Captain, Lieutenant—what brings you here today?” Celestia asked.
“We need to talk,” Shining Armor answered flatly.
Celestia could tell by his expression that he was serious and not in a pleasant mood. She sighed quietly. “Very well. We shall discuss this in my chambers,” Celestia said.
They walked silently to Celestia’s private chambers. The guards stationed there opened the doors for them and then closed them quietly behind them. Celestia walked to the middle of the room and sat on a pillow. Shining Armor stood there, his face cold and hard. Ironhoof, however, looked even more nervous than before. Silence pervaded the room.
“What would you like talk about, Shining Armor?” Celestia finally asked.
“We need to talk about that,” Shining Armor replied.
“You need to be more specific, Shining Armor. I have a lot of things going on right now,” Celestia said.
Shining Armor finally snapped, his anger and hatred finally getting the better of him as he took off his helmet and threw it to the ground. Ironhoof looked mortified. Shining Armor, however, showed no signs of fear, his face contorted in anger. “Stop playing games with me, Celestia! You know damn well what I am talking about! Why is that thing still alive and not buried in the ground? She invaded our city and almost took control of it! Her crimes demand that she be executed on the spot!” Shining Armor roared.
Celestia composure remained unchanged, however. “Tell me, Captain, is that the only reason you want her dead?” Celestia asked, her tone more serious.
Shining Armor was startled by the question, but it was short-lived as his hatred came flaring back. “Fine! I will admit it that I want her dead for what she did to me, but personal feelings do not matter. She broke the law and threatened the safety of Equestria, so she must be executed!”
“So let me get this straight. If someone threatens the safety of Equestria, they should be killed? Personal feelings should not be involved, is that correct?” Celestia said.
“Yes. Personal feelings do not matter. If something threatens the safety of Equestria and its citizens, it should be executed,” Shining Armor asserted.
“So tell me, Captain, should have I killed my sister a thousand years back?” Celestia asked sternly.
Shining Armor was shocked, his stance faltering by Celestia’s question. “Of course not! She is your sister,” he replied quickly.
“But as you said, Captain, personal feelings do not matter. By your logic, I should have killed my sister for her actions,” Celestia said back.
“B—But that was different! It was Nightmare Moon, not Luna, who wanted eternal night,” Shining Armor stammered.
“Nightmare Moon was the physical manifestation of Luna’s anger and jealousy. Luna let her anger and jealousy consume her. Nightmare Moon was Luna, Captain,” Celestia replied, her voice unchanging.
“Chrysalis attacked the city; she wanted to conquer Equestria,” Shining Armor mentioned, his voice faltering.
“Luna was much closer to conquering Equestria than Chrysalis. Luna and I destroyed the old capital in the Everfree Forest in our battle. She and I did much more damage than Chrysalis ever did,” Celestia answered back.
“But Chrysalis harmed other ponies. She harmed me,” Shining Armor said weakly. He could not look at Celestia anymore; he could only stare at the ground.
“And Luna hurt me and a lot of other ponies too,” Celestia said.
Shining Armor fell to his haunches, defeated. “I—I...”
Celestia got up and knelt in front of Shining Armor, her expression and voice softening. “Shining Armor, you must not let your anger and hatred consume you. I have seen what it has done to other ponies. I have seen what it has done to my sister. I knew my sister’s actions were wrong, and I could have punished her more severely, but I knew, deep down, that she was good. That is why I sent her away until she could be saved. I know what Chrysalis did was wrong, and I know she hurt you. We need to ask ourselves what kind of country we want to be. Do we want to be a country that strictly follows every rule to the letter, or do we want to be a country that shows mercy and kindness? Yes, I could have punished Chrysalis more severely, but instead I chose the lesser punishment so that she could have a chance to redeem herself. You must learn to forgive others even when they have harmed you. I know it is hard, but you cannot let your anger and hatred consume your being. What would your wife—the very symbol of love—think? Can you live a life of hate and love her as well? What about your sister Twilight, the embodiment of the magic of friendship? Should Twilight hate my sister for trying to harm her and her friends? Did she hold a grudge for the rest of life, or did she offer her hoof in friendship at the first opportunity, even after the trials she underwent? Should I hate my sister for the pain she has caused me, or should I forgive her transgressions? You are Captain of the Guard of Equestria, the very nation that I have worked so hard to symbolize peace and love—yet here you are, consumed by hatred.”
Shining Armor froze. He opened his mouth and then closed it. His shoulders and head slumped. He had shamed Celestia and both his beloved wife and little sister. His head sank lower as tears began to form, rolling down his face. Cadence, Twily, what have I done? I have let my anger get the best of me. I have shamed you both. I am sorry.
“I—I am deeply sorry, Your Majesty. I have brought dishonor to you and Equestria. I will put my letter of resignation on your desk by morning,” Shining Armor said weakly.
“Oh Shining Armor,” Celestia said softly as she gently lifted Shining Armor’s head with a hoof. Her soft magenta eyes met Shining Armor’s tear-filled eyes. “I do not want you to resign. I know you are a good pony, and I know just how much Chrysalis has hurt you. I did not want to see you consumed by your emotions; I have seen that too many times. How about we make a deal? You do not have to resign if you promise me that you will not let your emotions consume you and that you will give her a chance at redemption. You do not have to like her, but you can at least show her mercy. How does that sound?”
“P—Princess... Thank you. I promise that I will not disappoint you again,” Shining Armor stuttered.
“My little pony, I know you will not, because I know you have a good heart,” Celestia said softly. She gently brushed away his tears with her hoof. Her horn glowed as she levitated Shining Armor’s helmet back on his head.
“Come on, Captain, let’s get you some water,” Ironhoof said gently as he helped Shining Armor to his hooves.
As the two made their way out the door, Ironhoof turned around and gave a deep bow to Celestia. “Your Highness, thank you for your mercy. I was afraid I was going to lose my captain. Thank you,” Ironhoof said. Celestia gave him a soft nod and a smile. Ironhoof got back up to help Shining Armor out of the room.
As the doors slowly closed behind them Celestia was left to her thoughts. Now I wonder if another pony will take the chance that she has been given.
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So unlike the previous chapters, this one was not inspired by music. However I wanted to keep the same pattern and associate it with a piece of music. Since this chapter has scene changes and a variety of emotions, I decided to use Franz Liszt'sHungarian Rhapsody No. 2 (orchestral version). It was the closest thing I could find that would fit with this chapter. That and it gives me an excuse to spread a very famous musical piece. One that I am sure we have all heard at some point in our life.
Here is the piano version if you prefer that.
In addition, I am going to leave the authors notes where it is right now. It messes up view count and messages if I alter it.
Feel free to answer ask any question, I will try to answer all of them.
Yeesh.
Talk about a possible fate worse than death.
Once a proud queen, now is naught but a pet.
793522
Hehehe lol.
But no her mind is not changed, she is still the bitchy queen from before. She did not act as such because well her mind is a tad scattered at the moment. A lot has happen and her brain has not processed it yet, hence why she is not acting as bitchy. So yeah her mind is still there. To change her mind that is something else. Celestia is being merciful. As she said she is doing what she did so she will learn a lesson.
I'm impressed that Shining Armor actually offered to resign his post after being (gently) rebuked by Celestia. An honorable pony, yes.
I feel bad for Chrysalis, truth be told. I have read one fanfiction featuring her changing into a mortal pony. Only she changed voluntarily, and that made me smile. But the thought of her lifespan shortening. The loss of her former identity. The feel of utter defeat.... It would be interesting to see her mentally adjust. Maybe even with herself threatening suicide or musing over it. But, we'll see how this turns out.
I do have to wonder about the Changelings. Yes, ponies are not considered food, but Changelings have to eat to.
Also, poor Chrysalis, I can already tell that this is going to be hard for her.
This could easily go the way of the conversion bureau...
The changelings are independent, yet now Celestia made her one of her subjects, took her powers, title and people from her, changed her race and is forcing her to go against her nature. Hell, she only needs to brainwash her now... While how she done so was "evil for the ponies", it was her duty as queen to get food for her swarm. Eating emotions from ponies it's her nature, she can't help it. It's not simply justification, it's a fact.
So every enemy she can she transforms into her subjects? Why not the same to the rest of the swarm? Are they not worth redemption? Has she done this to others before?
Wouldn't be surprised if she tried to commit suicide.
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He is Captain of the guard. He had to be honorable to get there IMO.
794039
Yes it is a very big change for her and it is sign of defeat. However she was scared and dying was something that she never wanted. Yes she did earlier accepted that as he fate, but that does not mean she wanted it. She was going to make the best of a bad situation, so she wanted to go down being feared and remembered. She wanted to act tough and brave in front of her captors. But what would happen if she was not remembered or feared. Then death would mean nothing. Death is a scary thing The next chapter will introduce some bio on changelings. Hope that makes some sense.
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Indeed changelings do have to eat. But as a ruler of a nation you have to do what is best for your people. That is what Celestia did, her people come first and foremost. As she said the changelings could have asked for help and Celestia would have worked with them in finding a solution. Yes poor Chrysalis indeed.
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I do not know what the conversion bureau is sadly.
Ah yes good question and input. Yes Chrysalis action was for her people, but so is Celestia. Both are rulers and both have responsibility to their people. Celestia has to protect her subjects. So even if it is in the nature of the changelings to feed on emotion, that does not mean Celestia can let them do whatever they want. She has to protect her subjects first no matter what. So in a sense both are right. As for the rest of the changelings, 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. I have already tried to explain what happened to them in another story that I did earlier, but deleted eventually. Too many people complained so I do not want to bring it up anymore. Sorry for the trouble.
And Chrysalis and suicide, we have to wait and see about that.
794369 Well let me ruin your night. The Conversion Bureau is a TERRIBLE set of fics,
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/TheConversionBureau
This one is decent.
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Fanfic/TheConversionBureauNotAlone
Thing is that all this stories tend to move towards ponies being superior and that being a pony is the best that can happen to anyone. Have to be careful with that. I know it's an story of redemption but is she just grown into a pony it would be kinda disappointing. Transcendence already did that.
How was this not yet on my favorites?
Excellent chapter! I have faith that Chrysalis will see reason and realize becoming a pony is a far better fate then death.
My only concern for her would be that if she was immortal before she just had her lifespan cut down greatly. Other then that she has a chance for a great knew life!
Maybe once she learns the value of friendship she will be reverted and allowed to lead the Changelings so they can live in harmony with ponykind?
I like how you have written Celestia.
Anyway loving the story so far and keep up the great work!
794403 Cloudhammer's rendition isn't too awful.
794523 Skimmed over it, seems decent, but not in the mood for genocide right now.
Who could ever give thumbs down to this? Truly a great story.
794403
Well then I hope mine does not disappoint you. This is not a "Chrysalis falling in love story blah blah blah". That has been beaten to death. I am TRYING to make it different. Quite frankly in Equestria it would seem to be better to be a griffin or something with thumbs. Or a unicorn at least you got the whole magic thing
794415
I do not know sadly. Hopefully I can get this featured so that more people can see it.
794583
I dont know *shrugs*.
It's an interesting dilemma that occasionally crops up in science fiction; what to do about a sapient free-willed race that isn't "evil" per se, but whose fundamental biological functioning *requires* that they be inimical to another race. Imprisoning Chrysalis isn't really an option since she'd either starve to death or need to be fed, neither of which is morally acceptable. She can't be let go, she's an existential threat to Equestria and if Celestia let her go she'd be responsible for the harm Chrysalis would do once free. So really, I see something like this as being the lessermost evil of the options available. And If Chrysalis truly can't abide with life as a pony, it's always an option for her to end that life.
As for the notion that Chrysalis has lost her immortality in the bargain, there was never any canon indication that she had immortality to begin with.
Really looking forward to seeing more of this one. Especially if Chrysalis keeps her edge without becoming whiny.
794523 Goddammit I spent all day reading it, curses upon you!
Still while sympathetic the very team has a lot of awful implications, specially Luna and Celestia taking human souls into their herds. But that's aside from this story.
795533
It depends. Take Animorphs since I saw one fic about it here the other day. Yeerks have to take host to interact and have senses. For them it's a necessity(more like a commodity), but they are stealing others bodies and conquering planets, using host bodies for war, so that doesn't make them sympathetic in any light.
While portrayed as villains in the show, from another perspective the changelings did what they had to survive, no different than our own species really. They never said they kill the ponies to extract their love, so the process is in the air. So what's their choice, as Celestia for help, be stripped of their species and become her subjects? Who knows, they may have their culture and identity incompatible with the ponies.
796053
Ok as I was reading that I was like WTF, but then it was about a different story lol.
Probably due to the beer.
Well when Celestia said she would have offered help, that does not mean she was going to assimilate them into Equestrian culture. They could have got assistance while keeping their identity. Who knows they could send "love" rations if needed be.
796053
797413
Huh, I thought the name Celestia gave her was fine, especially since she was being clever, and like Celestia said, she could say it was just foreign if anypony asked.
797413 If you want to continue with your metamorphosis analogy (which I recommend--I really liked it given the insectoid appearance of the changelings), how about Silver Skip? There's a breed of butterfly called the silver-spotted skipper, and I think it would fit Celestia's lesson in humility better than a name like Monarch or Viceroy.
797432
Genius.......
797441 *bows* Glad ya like it!
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Dear Readers,
After much thought I have changed Chrysalis new name from Vanessa Anabella to Silver Skip (from the butterfly called the silver-spotted skipper). Silver Skip seems much more fitting as a pony name while also keeping the metaphor intact. I really hope this does not ruin the story for you and I am sorry for the change. It just that the more I thought about the name the more it bothered me. Again I am terribly sorry for any inconvenience.
Along with the name change her mane went from just white to silvery white, so it is consistent with the name at least. (should not be TOO big of a change)
Thanks to Comma-Kazie for the brilliant suggestion. I tried so hard to find a butterfly name that would fit, and he did it in a couple of seconds.
Thanks,
Foxy Kimchi
797490 You're quite welcome! This is a good story, and I'm glad to help.
797490
OH NO!
THE STORY IS RUINED, WHAT A TRAGEDY!
OH, THE HUMANITY....
Kidding, it's fine.
797523
We are talking about ponies here,
there is no humanity here.
797534 Don't say that too loudly, ya might get mobbed by the HiE/TCB writers.
One thing to add--since her name sounds a lot more Equestrian than the previous one, you should probably ditch the bit about claiming to be from out-of-the-country. Out-of-town, yes, but unless you're referring to her needing to learn Equestrian customs she wouldn't have to claim she was a foreigner anymore.
797559
I have to agree, her name sounds more Equestrian now, so I don't think the part about it sounding foreign or out of place is needed, but you know, that's just me.
I also kinda wonder what kinda job Chrysalis would get to support herself now. The new cutie mark suggest something in theater, and yeah, I can't imagine Chrysalis doing something like manual labor even though earth ponies are more capable of doing that.
Being put into witness protection as an Earth Pony is probebly a bigger punishment for Crysalis then being executed.
798350
Unless she was afraid of dying....
800388 but she has no inventive to live as a pony.
"Hay Chrysalis you can die now or you can die in a few decades being a living testament to your failure and the failure of your race...........Sooooooo I hope make some friends!"
It's not like clestia is gonna change her back....
WOOO 100 likes!
Also expect Chapter 5 soon. It is a mini-chapter though. Just need to edit it. Also starting on chapter 6. ARG WRITING IS HARD!
Princess Celestia 2016!
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HERE'S SILVER!
However, that does not mean there are restrictions.
Missing 'not'.
And my interest for this story just died graphically. I loathe Celestia's action here. Not to mention you took a really interesting character and took away everything that made that character unique and replaced it with a damn pony. Not too mention Celestia's reasoning for doing something so cruel makes me want to leap through the fourth wall with an ax and a can of paint. I'm sure after hacking off her wings and horn and painting her green, that she'd get along so well what with the new identity crisis.
Ponies view their own existence as the happiest life a being may experience, and thus Celestia's decision makes sense. Chrysalis existed as a member of a species with vastly different cultural values, mental processes, and even basic metabolism. Consider that magic and flight are sources of perception and motion, respectively. Consider the analogy that removing a sentient being's horn and wings are akin to plucking out its eyes and, if you will excuse the turn of phrase, "pulling the wings off a fly." Will Chrysalis learn and grow from this experience, in terms of pony morality? Naturally. The narrative would not allow her to commit suicide or carry out revenge.
These have been my thoughts at this point in the reading. Favorited.
I'm sorry, but, well written this story may be, it is a disgrace, an insult to my Queen, and I've no desire in the slightest to continue reading.
I would personally rather die then be mocked in this manner. Stripped of her power, of magic, and of flight, Chrysalis is now nothing but a display of what would happen to those who cross Celestia. This is simply insulting.
Edit: I just read a couple more chapters, the masochist I am. Meh, not bad.
“So let me get this straight. If someone threatens the safety of Equestria, they should be killed? Personal feelings should not be involved, is that correct?” Celestia said.
“Yes. Personal feelings do not matter. If something threatens the safety of Equestria and its citizens, it should be executed,” Shining Armor asserted.
“So tell me, Captain, should have I killed my sister a thousand years back?” Celestia asked sternly.
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You sir, have created an art style, the story matched the music perfectly, the only problem was that I was too fast a reader, and that the chapter was too short
But still, this must have required a lot of work to execute properly, the artistry of it dumfounds me, this was a very new experience for me, thank you.
Well... you could always kill yourself, Chrys. One last act of defiance.
This story is wonderful. Seeing Celestia level the most terrible and horrifying punishment you can direct at a person on Chrysalis was delightfully chilling. The fact that she did this with a smile and full of obvious cheer just makes it all the more terrifying to behold.
Okay, I'm sorry, but I've come this far and feel the need to tell you what I think. I completely disagree with what Celestia is doing.
For one, it should be obvious to Chrys and the Changelings that ponies are more than food. They can generate love, can they not? That implies that they have to have a depth of emotion at least on par with that of the Changelings. Doesn't mean that they aren't food, and the Changelings still need to eat.
Secondly, Celestia states that she views the Changelings as a threat to her little ponies. That's just silly; after all, you can't mooch love off a dead thing. Dead things don't love. More likely, they'd simply force their way into Equestrian society and follow couples around.
Thirdly, Celestia implies that Chrys should have begged her aid, rather than just trying to take. While I don't agree with Chrys's methods, I don't agree with Celestia either. Following that logic, a rich person should never give to charities or homeless people they see on the street because they aren't personally begging for their help. You should give to help people, and give where help is most needed, as for however many do come to you for help, there are always a multitude more suffering in silence.
As for my fourth point, Celestia takes Chrys's horn and wings. With the horn, she has taken all of Chrys's fine motor skills, leaving her to flail about with stumps, the equivalent of hacking off a human's hand. With her wings, Celestia has removed Chrys's fastest method of transportation, the equivalent of paralysing a human from the waist down and forcing them to use a wheelchair.
Finally, Celestia places the welfare of her own ponies above that of the Changelings, despite the fact that this will undoubtably be fatal for them and would at worst be an inconvenience for the ponies from whom they would feed. This implies that she thinks the ponies so far above the Changelings that pony inconvenience isn't worth saving many many Changeling lives.
Also, consider how unbearably humiliating this must be for Chrys. The person she hates most in the world, the person that has condemned all her subjects to death, has just quite cheerfully converted Chrys into one of her own, stripping her of her status and power, and is telling her to go make some friends.
In short, what the hell, Celestia?! And if Chrys turns out to be okay with this I will be severly pissed.
Was that supposed to be italicized?
My god what celestia is doing Is more evil than Disney
I'd rather die than live the shame of utter defeat of tha magnitude
Her army defeated her changelings all killed and now she's focred to live the rest of her life under the one who did it
Pure evil and disrespect for ones enimys
Dear god, this reminds me too much of Room 101.
What she's doing is more evil than I thought possible. Merciful, but really evil. 
Also, i feel really conflicted right now.
In translation, so far, so good.
Damn this story is getting very interesting; if, by a little, unoriginal.
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Damn Celestia is one cold-hearted bitch.