It’s a chrysalis.

You know, I should have known better but somehow I did not see that coming.

I mean, I was right? Yay?

But... I don't know. I mean, yes, we can see now what Cadence is really like, but... I don't know. Something doesn't feel right, you know? Something's amiss.

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"surprisingly", it makes perfect sense that in EQG the two are one.

Of all versions of CH Chrysalis I have read, this is the most accurate to the concept of Changeling Queen: a lying, manipulative, hungering sex (and attention) addict. In other words, a narcissist.

Funny that Cadence is the one with that role. So, can we assume Chrysalis is her "Nightmare" who overtook the host in a way?

Great chapter!

Also, DAMN!

Is Rarity going to tell Shining and perhaps Twilight about her encounter with Cadance?

Holy...................well........that happened.............

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I mean, sure? It makes sense, yes, but I'm telling you, something doesn't feel right.

But that's all I've got to go from, and that's not enough to warrant changing my mind. I still have a reasonable doubt, as it were.

this has to be possession and/or magic induced split personality. You can't make Cadence and Chrysalis the same character and have them true to either of them

Well then, that escalated a bit more quickly than I expected. Earlier I'd figured that Cadence was more misguided and hurting rather than borderline irredeemable, but this version of her has gone off the deep end. Maybe there's some magical shenanigans going on, or maybe she's going through a rough patch in her life and will come to her senses, but it's getting hard to see how she could manage to unburn these bridges even with that.

Wonder if the Equestrian counterparts will get involved at some point? Could see them having Opinions about this whole debacle, involving themselves regardless if it's really prudent or their business. Did Princess Cadence have the same issues in the past but manage to find a more mature way to deal with them? Or are the two just that much different in the first place?

Wooohooo go Rarity. I half expected Cadance to tackle her to the ground

"That's a no, then. He was my first, though, and I was his. We went through our entire adolescence as a couple. He was my first kiss, the first to see me, to touch me... It's all very romantic. But there was always this part of me that wondered if I was missing out." She leaned back and arched slightly, emphasizing her robust and well-developed form. "From the moment I blossomed, I started getting noticed. But I couldn’t really take advantage of it. I was a taken woman, wasn't I? It was improper to even consider straying from the bed of the one I loved. Still… those thoughts lingered. And then it happened; the perfect storm of circumstance; a good distance away from Shiny, a cute co-worker, and enough drinks to use as an excuse later." She shrugged. "So I gave in. I'm only human, after all."

This made me think of the image of Lois Lane in bed with a sleeping Superman, his suit on a chair, while she looks at it and thinks, "Is he really the best I can get?" It's so disgustingly mercantile and callous, and this chapter captures that angle perfectly. Going with that trend, I can't help but think that Shining and Rarity will have less trouble hiding a body than dealing with Cadance in the open, especially when you can just romp over into Equestria and ditch someone in the Everfree Forest.

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I had a somewhat similar idea. And if this Cadance/Chrysalis attempts to spread those lies? Well they can always call in in Pony!Cadance to hop on over for a brief spell and confess to her lies.

Why does nobody ever think of having a recording device running with stupidity like this?
Nowadays this drama simply is stupid and does not work.
The first thing i always do upon having to deal with SOMETHING that could land me in trouble is to make sure my phone is set to record everything.

I think I figured out what it was, that thing that didn't feel right: It's Cadence herself.

Specifically, it's her repeating the notion that she and Shining are fated to be together, and that this is what Twilight told her (if in an oblique sort of way). What feels off to me is that, while it is possible that Cadence could simply be a sociopath, we haven't been given any information to suggest that she's always been like this, or that it's not a very recent development; accordingly, this whole thing reeks of Equestrian magic. Look at Wallflower Blush or Juniper Montage, or even Twilight or Sunset; when brought into the human world, Equestrian magic has a common and especially nasty habit of granting wishes in a way counter to what you actually want.

The way she talks about her tattoo implies - at least to me - that something like this is out of character for her. People can change, yes, but not this abruptly. The way she talks about having found the "secret to true love", particularly with her insinuations that thinking or behaving in a different way is false and not true love at all and, more critically, can't be true love is incongruent with what Rarity expects from her interactions with Cadence. It seems to be incongruent with what Shining and Twilight expect also, and while it could be expected for Rarity and Twilight not to see the reality of things, I find it hard to believe that Shining could have missed this much over so long a period of time. We don't know much about Dean Cadence growing up, but so far we haven't seen anything to suggest that she's always been this grand of a manipulator. Or that she was always this vindictive. Are we honestly to believe that this is just the way she's always been, and also that despite her clear disapproval of how Cinch was running Crystal Prep, that she either couldn't or wouldn't affect any meaningful action against her? An offhanded remark to someone on the school board, or an anonymous rumor here or there? Not even a little "dancing" to get the idea in their head, with just enough wine to be able to write it off as an unfortunate but inevitable decision while leaving them thinking straight enough to still investigate the idea later?

Something just feels off to me. Something's missing. (And yes, since I and others were so on the mark so far, spoiler tags will be used fairly liberally now, just in case)

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You would be surprised how many narcissists, psychopaths, and sociopaths are walking around right now with no one the wiser. More than a few of them holding power over others that gets blatantly abused with no one doing anything.

Also keep in mind that in white on white Shining said that Cadance told him this was her first committed relationship. So it seems that Cady is still trying to lie her way into being the good girl. Maybe it was a recent change, or maybe its her real nature creeping out enough that it finally got noticed.

Oh and +1 for Rares. High end eatery, very public scene, and pointing out that Mrs I'm known all over town bought booze for a minor? Bet less than than 24 hours before Cadance gets dragged before the board to explain that bit.

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Cadence has not said anything here that contradicts what she told Shining, and in fact, all the evidence we have so far points to that being true. It might be the only thing that is, but it nonetheless looks to be true.

As for explaining to the board, this seems unlikely, especially since it appears this behavior would be a sharp clash with her understood persona. Double especially since all Cadence has to do then it's give a sigh, say she was trying hard to keep it from becoming a big deal, and then "explain" the sad truth of the kind of relationship Shining appears to truly be interested in. She probably has enough political capital with the board that they would accept her story without a second thought, agree to not bring it up to avoid ruining lives any more than they already are being ruined, and allow her to handle it quietly, as long as it doesn't start to affect the educational environment.

Rarity is down one of her better cards, and Cadence has closed of at least one avenue of attack. And she's probably livid, too. Not a great combination.

If nothing else, however, we can confirm from this chapter that Cadence sees Rarity as an actual threat. Sketch as it might sound — and unlikely as he is to do it — Shining's best course of action will be to hire a private investigator to tail Cadence for a bit, so that if it comes down to it, he'll have a small stack of photos showing that for a distressed, snubbed lover, Cadence sure has been on a surprising number of dates with several different people. It would at least provide some insurance by casting doubt on her story.

By god that was awesome, been a while since something I first considered a clopfic to have me on the edge of my seat.
The merging of Cadance and Chrysalis is such a cool idea, and the fact that it was Twilight’s telling of Equestria makes it all the sweeter but sadder.
This is gunna be awesome, can’t wait

DANG! You got me. This whole saga is going under my favorites! Keep it up!

Please tell me Rarity recorded her, please tell me Rarity recorded her, please tell me Rarity recorded her,please tell me Rarity recorded her.

Great fucking work! I can't remember the last time I've despised Cadence this much! I also love how this all makes sense in her head, and how she thinks "destiny" plays a role in their relationship. It's something I wanted to explore in my story regarding two characters being "blessed" by a third party who they viewed as a deity, only for the audience to see one of them take it to the extreme of, "We have to make this work no matter what, even if it hurts, it's supposed to be this way."

A beautifully corrupt villain for our characters to fight against. I can't wait to see how this story progresses!

"That's a no, then. He was my first, though, and I was his. We went through our entire adolescence as a couple. He was my first kiss, the first to see me, to touch me... It's all very romantic. But there was always this part of me that wondered if I was missing out." She leaned back and arched slightly, emphasizing her robust and well-developed form. "From the moment I blossomed, I started getting noticed. But I couldn’t really take advantage of it. I was a taken woman, wasn't I? It was improper to even consider straying from the bed of the one I loved. Still… those thoughts lingered. And then it happened; the perfect storm of circumstance; a good distance away from Shiny, a cute co-worker, and enough drinks to use as an excuse later." She shrugged. "So I gave in. I'm only human, after all."

"I can't believe I'm hearing this." Rarity shook her head. "You're so... cavalier about the whole thing."

"Why shouldn't I be?" Cadance’s eyes glazed over as she looked away. "Sex is wonderful. You know that. I thought I knew, but after that first time with Sunburst? It was like a whole new world had opened up. I had been missing so much. Shiny's no slouch in bed, don’t get me wrong, but after all these years? I know all of his tricks. All of his moves.” She held up a hand to stop Rarity’s next comment. “I wouldn't call him boring. Just… predictable. And variety's the spice of life, isn't it?" She stopped speaking when the server arrived with her wine and a fresh glass of water for Rarity. She watched him leave and openly leered at his retreating form. "Take that one for example. He's cute. Don't you wonder if he's submissive in the sack? Or maybe he has a hidden dominant streak. Does being a waiter give you amazing stamina? Or maybe he would be more receptive to a five minute quickie in the kitchen before anyone notices he’s gone?"

Rarity couldn't believe she was hearing any of this. "You're shameless."

"I'm liberated. I've discovered the secret to true love, Rarity. Your heart? That can belong to one and one alone. But your body? It's not in our nature to share it with only one. My one mistake in all of this was in not telling Shining Armor sooner. But this break we've been on? It's really shown me how lost I truly was. I know he'll understand. It's what he does. And he'll be happy. After all, I imagine he'll be quite receptive to the fact that he can also sleep with whoever he wants now. Just so long as he comes home to me at the end of the day." She sipped her wine and fanned herself. "Goodness. Is it hot in here?" She shed her coat, revealing the thin straps of her dress... and a strange dark splotch on her shoulder.

I...kind of empathize with Cadence here.

As a sex-positivist, I think monogamy isn't a realistic or healthy. I think people should be allowed to have other relationships with other people.

But here is Cadence's problem: she clearly sees Shining as a toy she can put in the drawer when she is bored, not as a person with his own feelings and wants. If she wanted that kind of relationship, she should've been honest.

Free love doesn't mean you treat others like a toy. You have to show them caring and compassion.

And Cadence proves she has none of that for Shining. If she really cared about Shining's feelings, she would let him keep his relationship with Rarity, or offer a polyamorous relationship, in which she and Rarity can both be in love with Shining. Threatening to destroy Shining's relationship is downright abusive and controlling.

"My apologies for the mess. Dean Cadance of Crystal Prep will be paying." She glanced back before leaning in conspiratorially. "I really shouldn't be saying this, but that wine she ordered? I'm afraid that was for me. I don't know what your policy is for providing those underage with alcohol, but I simply must be honest." She looked back at the still dripping woman and winked. "It’s the best policy after all. Ciao, darling."

Which is what makes this part so enjoyable. Never underestimate someone based off their age, Cadence.

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Yeah, I think "destiny" is an idiotic way to build a relationship.

"Destiny" is the words of someone who sees you as a prize to be won, and not someone who you have to love and care for.

You say this story dislike a soap opera, but you demean yourself.

Granted, I haven't watched soap operas, just heard them when my mom watched them, but there is a overly dramatized kind of thin to them. This feels less General Hospital and more Marriage Story.

That conversation between Cadance and Rarity is really well written and takes the concept of romantic rivals and elevates it from something cliche to saying something about the nature of relationships and even showcases how an abuser (which is what Cadence is REALLY sounding like right now) works.

so needs to be pointed out if rarity where smart she'd talked to the people sitting around them because cadence just admitted to a blackmail plot infront of witnesses.

"I'm liberated . I've discovered the secret to true love, Rarity. Your heart? That can belong to one and one alone. But your body? It's not in our nature to share it with only one. My one mistake in all of this was in not telling Shining Armor sooner. But this break we've been on? It's really shown me how lost I truly was. I know he'll understand. It's what he does. And he'll be happy. After all, I imagine he'll be quite receptive to the fact that he can also sleep with whoever he wants now. Just so long as he comes home to me at the end of the day." She sipped her wine and fanned herself. "Goodness. Is it hot in here?" She shed her coat, revealing the thin straps of her dress... and a strange dark splotch on her shoulder.

Huh.

Reminds me of something my teacher said to us,

"Make no mistake, sexual liberation is a political tool, but first, it is a selfish reactionary excuse. A young woman once thought herself empowered in the deconstruction of societal values, found grand rationale for every mistake she made. Only later would she realize rules existed for a reason."

She used to waver between erratic, silent, brooding and miserable at the drop of a hat and she was only in her early 40's. She looked far worse.

I, would like to reference the reversal present. Women have a shelf-life. No offense meant, however research has shown that between the ages of 30-40 women undergo a rapid biological breakdown comparable to specified, old age.

I believe modern mysoginist movements call it, 'The Wall'. Quaint, but I suppose not unwarranted.

Additionally, both emotional and biological functions become damaged, worn down, in men and women who find themsleves to be promiscuous, worse so in women due to the nature of their bodies.

Just a thought. I believe myself to be rambling.

Funnily enough, in this snippet Cadence proposes she throw away Absolute Monogamy(Two-Person) for Serial Monogamy(Or Polygamy with two central partners)

Note: Know I do not refer to it as Serial Monogamy because of my ignorance as to the modern term, but instead as that is the term I learnt it under, the term which I wrote and submitted under examination duress and likely the correct label given this specific situation.

The steps as I learnt them were the initial influx of sexual debauchery, the gradual March towards Marxist Feminism and from there, the gradual decline of social normals and constructs.

We drew reference from a researcher, Irwin or Unwin, I cannot quite remember. Who presented viable research that the gradual decline in traditional values such as self-control and discipline and emboldening of 'Free Love' rationale resulted in the decline of the West, more specifically the decline of Societal Institutions.

Something we observe nowadays in the irrational eradication of subjects, topics and even language itself in the most sacred of learning institutions.

It's quite interesting.

"Respect is earned, not given." Rarity reached out and pushed the salad away. Her appetite was long gone. "And I can honestly say that I have never met someone so undeserving of respect." She took a deep, calming breath. "You speak of being liberated, but it's just the opposite. You've become a slave to your own flesh. And please don't let me be misunderstood; I'm not judging you for who you choose to sleep with. I'm a modern woman, and if you get your rocks off by spreading your legs for any man with a strong jaw and a moderately sized cock, then more power to you, sister.” She briefly held up her glass in mock salute. “My issue, my very personal issue, is this idea you have about having Shining Armor as well. You don't just want to have your cake and eat it too. You want the whole fucking bakery ." She glared at the pink woman who was darkening with anger. "And the saddest part of all this is that you can't see just how badly you've messed up. Like I said, if you'd gone to Shining Armor first, he likely would have found some way of working it out. But now? You've known him for so long, for so much longer than I have, then surely you must know that the man wears his heart on his sleeve. And that once you've injured it, you never get another chance with it."

Huh, that's quite nice.

A man, was accused of Rape. On my campus, he, got rid of the charge by using a recorder, he recorded everything because the was, obsessive, he recorded all interaction.

Worked well enough.

I don't like this Cadance, she is a cruel pitch.

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Multiple partners isn't human nature.