Chapter 11
This part of Canterlot Castle was most certainly not the dungeons and calling it such was a bit of a no-no. Oh, it might have been the dungeons at some point in the very recent past, but it had been renovated, repurposed, and given a new name to reflect its many changes. It was now the residence of their very special guest. It was one of the most secure places in all of Equestria, built to purpose and guarded by the Royal Pony Sisters themselves.
The walls were lined with sheets of thaumaturgical-infused plumbum—making it nigh-impossible for teleportation to work here—and crystalline fibre sandwiched between panes of dense glass. If one did somehow teleport here, one would find themselves in a soupy state, squished between two panes of glass. The most amazing informational factoid about this place was the cost, which was a Crown-guarded secret.
The system had already been tried and tested by an unwitting volunteer, an infiltrator.
Gosling was walled in on all sides by Celestia’s Immortal Solars, unicorns of exceptional skill, loyalty, and bravery. They were trusted by Celestia, and he trusted them as well. What choice did he have? Being a kind, decent sort, he waved at one of the free roaming changelings, and was rewarded with a wave in return. The free roaming changelings were not the enemy, so what harm was there in being nice to them?
There was a group of older students from the school down here, and Gosling guessed that they had to be studying biology. He knew from listening to his wife that there were lessons right now about thaumaturgically charged chromatophores and how they functioned as illusion projectors. Celestia had plans—big ones—that involved growing the thaumaturgically charged chromatophores on specialised sheets of chitin, and then using it as a projector screen. Things like movies and moving images could be shown in a projected three dimensional field, offering unparalleled realism. And this was just the first step. Later steps involved armor applications and military improvements once all of the bugs involved were ironed out.
Blueblood was already down here and was chattering away with a group of unicorns wearing clean, spotless white lab coats. The prince was animated, excited even, and none of his dry, cutting snark seemed present. Being the Spymaster, this was Blueblood’s baby and he had sunk a great deal of his own fortune into the project to make it happen.
“How is the Bossy Bug?” Gosling asked, and he was rewarded with a great many snickers from everypony except the Immortal Solars, who as a collective entity, had no sense of humour. Or so the rumours went, anyhow. “This is only my second time down here, and my first time down here since completion. I’m a little nervous.”
“Prince Gosling, it is wonderful to see you,” a unicorn mare said in a voice that could only be compared to claws being dragged down a chalkboard. She blushed and the cola-bottle-thick lenses in her glasses fogged over. “Hello, nice prince, could you sign my slide rule?”
“Maybe later,” Gosling replied, fighting back a smile.
“Oooh, that means I get to talk to you later!” The mare’s blush intensified and her glasses fogged over completely. “Oy vey, I’m schvitzing from my schplitzing, oooh my Ma warned me about this happening. I need air! Oy, air is needed, before the wheezing and the panting and the full-body schvitzing begins.”
Unable to stop himself, Gosling began chortling, understanding all too well the embarrassment that came with having your Ma’s warnings come true. Others too, began to laugh, and the merry mood was welcome. It was reassuring to find one of his own down in the depths of Canterlot Castle, and Gosling intended to sign her slide rule, once his wings grew back.
“Our guest is having issues adjusting,” another unicorn said to Gosling, answering his question. “We’ve been unable to make any progress in removing, uh, the, uh, hex that Discord placed upon her. With a lot of work, we’ve been able to advance her age, just a bit, but, uh, the, uh, moment that she is sarcastic, mean, or otherwise behaves in the manner that she is accustomed to, her age begins to regress and she goes backwards, uh, retreating through, uh, various life cycles.”
“It is quite traumatic for her.” The unicorn now speaking was obviously a student and appeared to be even younger than Gosling. “With the manifestation of any sort of hostility, she immediately regresses back to an infantile state. This leaves her frustrated and feeling vulnerable, meaning she is far more likely to lash out in a hostile manner.”
“And nothing can be done to help her?” Gosling asked.
“Well, no,” one of the unicorns replied, “Discord has powerful magic and he refuses to withdraw his punishing hex.”
“There is still some debate about if it is a hex or not.”
“Well, of course it is a hex, what else could be?”
“An emotion triggered transmogrification placed upon an emovorous creature with an unstable mood—”
“Preposterous!” The unicorn now speaking pushed his glasses up his muzzle in an act of aggressive, hostile nerdery. “You’ve just described a hex!”
“Did not!” another retorted. “A hex implies malicious intent and Discord is reformed! He’s clearly trying to offer her a compelling reason to behave! This is a transmogrification that will cease to be an issue once she gets her hostile, unchecked emotions back under control!”
“So says the pony whose IQ is below average room temperature!”
“And you live in your mother’s cellar in a room stained orange with Cheese-Doodle dust!”
“Property is very expensive in Canterlot!”
“That’s enough!” Blueblood commanded as his lip curled back in a sneer. “Both of you!”
It was cold down here, or maybe Gosling was missing his insulating feathers. He pulled his cloak around him tighter, but still felt the chill. The students and scientists were all glaring at each other and Blueblood right now. That was the thing with Canterlot Castle; Celestia’s older students took up positions here, working in various places, gaining much needed experience to put on their résumé.
Wait, there was one who wasn’t glaring or bent out of shape, and that was the young mare of the First Tribes that wanted him to sign her slide rule. She was gazing at him with some kind of distracted, worshipful adoration. The tip of her snoot was moist—glistening even—from her heavy breathing and she had chapped lips. Gosling began to feel disturbed and without realising that he was doing so, retreated behind one of the Immortal Solars just a bit.
“I think I’d like to see our guest now,” Gosling announced, and in doing so, caused Blueblood’s ears to perk. “The welfare of our guest is of utmost importance to me. I want to make certain that she is being treated well, with kindness and generousity.”
Nodding his head, Blueblood replied to Gosling, “Very well, but I must warn you… she bites!”
The room almost looked like a nursery and it reminded Gosling that he would be a father soon. It was spacious enough, well furnished, and sitting in a chair, surrounded by stuffed animals, appearing to be holding court was a teeny, tiny version of Princess Celestia. But Gosling wasn’t fooled, not even for a second. He put on his best smile and reminded himself to be charming.
“Hello Chrysalis,” Gosling said in his silkiest voice.
“Queen Chrysalis!”
Gosling exchanged a glance with Blueblood, then returned his attention to their guest. “Queen no longer. With your surrender, you forfeited any titles, ranks, and or positions.”
“And you promised to keep me safe!” Chrysalis spat as her disguise melted away.
“We have.” Blueblood’s eyes narrowed.
Chrysalis, in very foalish manner, beat her front hooves against the small table. “I was not protected from Discord!”
In the most polite manner that he could muster, Gosling took a seat at Chrysalis’ table, and he was careful not to knock over or bump any stuffed animals. Some of which may or may not be changelings, or so he had been warned. It was cold, cold enough to be painful, and he wished his cloak was thicker. Chrysalis was eyeing him, sizing him up, and Gosling could see the cunning in her eyes.
“I came to make sure that you are being treated well,” Gosling said to the changeling across the table. “For my own peace of mind, I need to know that everything that is being done is done with your consent. I want to make certain that you are reasonably happy. I am also here to listen to and address any concerns that you might have.”
Eyes narrowing, Chrysalis asked, “Why would you even care?”
With a sigh, Gosling realised that some consideration was needed when he answered this one. He chose honesty, knowing full well that Chrysalis would know if he was telling the truth. “I was tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the integration of changelings into our society,” Gosling began. “It is a massive project of governance that is intended to teach me how to be an effective ruler. I have to delegate responsibility and maintain strong leadership through what is sure to be a trying and unpopular act of governance—”
“So they are setting you up to fail?” A smug sneer appeared on Chrysalis’ face.
“I don’t feel that way, no.” Gosling’s response was patient and careful. “But they are throwing me to the political wolves to see if I can fight. And fight I will. I want changelings given equal rights and opportunities. I want them recognised as full Equestrian citizens now that they have been freed from your domineering influence.”
“I couldn’t keep them safe, and neither will you,” Chrysalis spat and her face took on a sour expression. “I lost them, one by one I lost them, as my hold over them was either broken by powerful magic or stolen away by those damnable bumbles!”
“Ah yes, bumble jelly.” Blueblood looked both worried and disgusted. “Completely wipes a changeling’s brain and turns them into willing, obedient drones for Queen Bumblina. We’re working on the issue and we hope that our allies, the breezies, might be able to help us.”
For a second, Chrysalis appeared to be hopeful, but then masked herself with contempt. Gosling studied her, taking advantage of everything he had learned from playing poker and other bluffing games with Raven and the others. Chrysalis was used to hiding her real face behind a disguise and was terrible with hiding her tells. The cold, calculating former Queen of the Changelings did have some emotions, some feelings for her former subjects. Subjects? Slaves? Gosling gave the issue as much consideration as he could while he studied Chrysalis’ eyes.
“It is in your best interest to help me, Chrysalis,” Gosling said while he stared at the yearling sized changeling.
Scowling, Chrysalis did not respond.
“Are you happy here?” Gosling asked, falling back on his whole purpose of coming here.
“What’s the alternative?” Chrysalis demanded as wisps of green fire danced along her body. “What choice did I have? That stupid, mouthy foal was right!”
“Well, there is an alternative,” Blueblood said in a dry deadpan. “You could get captured by our enemies, who will then cut you apart, harvest your organs, and have everything they need to craft an elixir of revival. Our intelligence indicates that this is what was planned for you. They have one of Grogar’s horns, you see—”
Her lower lip quivering, Chrysalis stared at Blueblood in wide-eyed terror.
“—and you foolishly gave away your position when you offered to bargain with them for Sumac.” A cruel, terrible smile spread over Blueblood’s muzzle and his eyes had a malicious gleam. “So, in a sense, Sumac saved your life. You are here, alive and whole of body right now because his silver tongue robbed you of your confidence. Sumac Apple scared you by telling you the truth. Such an honest little colt, that one. It’s taking an entire army to raise him right and bend him against his natural inclinations now that he is maturing a little, but the investment in time and ponypower is already paying dividends.”
“You’re monsters!” Chrysalis hissed.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk.” Blueblood clucked his tongue while shaking his head.
“Blueblood, don’t be an ass.” Gosling refrained from licking his lips and revealing his nervousness. “We’re not monsters, Chrysalis. We’re doing everything we can to protect you from those who wish to harvest you—”
“Only to save yourselves!”
“Yes, but by saving ourselves, we are also protecting the changelings… and every other sapient species that will join our cause.” Gosling leaned forwards a bit, wishing that he could somehow reach the troubled soul across the table from him. “I am trying to be your friend. I am trying to make the best of this awful situation. Our mutual interests have become entwined. I don’t care that we were enemies in the past, I am trying to help you now.”
“My needs are met here,” Chrysalis admitted in a low whisper, “but I am not happy.”
Sighing, Gosling nodded. “I’m really sorry to hear that. Talk to me, Chrysalis, so that I might help you…”
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Chibi chrysalis
That is a good exuse.
And wow, i thought Discord blank slated her. I can't decide if this is worse of not.
8082524
8082541
4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlg0JOUpNSM/VV1p_v14cmI/AAAAAAAAXiI/KpbBe81bqrU/s1600/Queen-Chrysalis-Blind-Bag-Chibi-1.jpg
MY HEAD IS NOT BIG!
8082524 Adorable death pony horse bug waifu.
Not happy, Chrysalis? Well now, you're talking to the exact right pony. Ol' Goosie-duck has a knack for making the world a happier place.
It's a good deal for the most part, help us and we'll help you, if you are with us, we are with you.
8082535 Nah, she remembers, has all her memories. It's now included with her standard foalish thinking and needs. Because secretly, she's always loved plushies. And power. Gobs of power.
8082583
Would widdle Chwysawys wike a cwookie?
8082588 Pwababwy.
8082589 and berry wubs?
8082666 Yus.
8082535
To be fair, this is why I refuse to move away from my parents. Houses are expensive as houses, you know.
I see. The hex seems to be designed to keep zapping her back to childhood as a test of will. Either she breaks and gives in, becoming reformed, or... it just continues, possibly forever.
Given that changelings definitely have an insectoid life cycle, getting constantly regressed to 'infanthood' would be REALLY traumatic, since that would involve going through pupal and larva stages, backwards and forward, every time it happened... So yeah, 'not happy' is probably the understatement of the year.
once all of the bugs involved were ironed out
Oh noes! The poor wee changelings are gonna get steam pressed! D:
I have to wonder...
Celestia said in Crystal Empire Part 1:
Twilight said curses aren't real.
Are their curses in the Weedverse? I at least don't remember the word being used before. Or was it, in relation to Zebra magic?
Could Discord's spell be a curse..?
8082970
Keep Celestia away from the students debating hexes.
Chrysalis, I think, needs a pony companion without restraint. Somepony who, on taking one good look at her, wants to smother her and love her and take her home and name her George.
8083357
NOPE! I would not wish either him, Elmyra or any other being who supposedly loves animals but abuses and tortures them with the so called love on Chrysalis. I wouldn't even throw Spoiled Rich to them
8082873
It reminds me to one of Osamu Tezuka stories from the Phoenix Saga.
Petrification while conscious, banished to the Moon, Tartarus... I wonder if at some point, villains will choose to kill themselves rather than risk capture and endure another flavor of equestrian "fates worse than death".
Speaking of which, what does Celestia have planned for Grogar when she (inevitably) gets her hooves on the overgoat ?
8084577
Don't want a fate worse than death?
Don't be a villain!
Oh, crap! I completely forgot Chrysalis! Oh, man, I'm so out of sync with the Weedverse right now.
Even in a world where magic exists, it still seems entirely possible for the immature to make up words that sound real just to look smart.
I also really like that, even though Blueblood is a good guy, he's still an ass. He's kind of like Iago from Disney's Aladdin.
8086576
That's a real word.
Is there any chance you could post a guide on what to read so I'm not lost on what has happened between perilous romance of swans and this? Or do I need to read literally everything from the weedverse, was a little jarring to open this and find them married and Celestia pregnant after they just got engaged at the end of romance.
8087371
Again, I say, check the official forum group.
I love how even though the Weedverse is alternate world, and following its own path it is still hitting major points of the show. Such at the changeling becoming integrated into equestrian society.
He needs an army you say? Found an army Gossy can use.
https://gifsound.com/?gifv=OebJFjM&v=aFOo86PDDuE&s=44
8088597 .... I'll go read the other stories then... which ones were they again?
8089357 I've only read The sun also surprises, The perilous romance of swans, the filly one Kudz suggested, and this one.
8087371 Generally it's a good idea to read everything from the Weed Verse, before starting on anything new.
Unfortunately, since Kudzu doesn't write in the most linear way, stories kind of weave in and out of the main plot. Thus if you have problems with something, chances are that you missed something in a different story. It's very easy to miss a story, unless you regularly check the Weed Verse Group.
Also if you're having problems trying to figure out what stuff to read, before continuing, you might want to check that group as well. Chances are someone else is already having problems figuring out what they need to read to catch up.
*Gives Chrissy some snuggles and pets her mane*
Now this is an interesting twist. Chrysalis is still an active player.
I could argue that what Discord did was cruel, but unlike Flam, I have no problem with what was done to her. It’s made apparent right from the get-go that she brought it on herself. I approve.
8082524
Yas
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=lyrics+i+never+promised+you+a+rose+garden&&view=detail&mid=BA608079C9305B967267BA608079C9305B967267&&FORM=VRDGAR