Queen Chrysalis realizes the way she rules the Changelings is not good enough, and seeks out the Equestrian way to rule.
After being blasted by Princess Cadence's love spell, Queen Chrysalis comes to realize that the way she has been manipulating and ruling over the Changelings is just not right. She comes to understand that Equestria is the best example of a harmonious kingdom, and wishes to replicate that in her land. The one way to learn about Equestrian society?
First-hoof experience.
NOTE: I made the cover image myself, with the use of a base. The base can be found here: http://fav.me/d7hi9a7
They had been laying there for days. Maybe even weeks. Eruptions of groans and irritated moans echoed every once and a while. As a weakened colony with a weakened Queen, the Changelings had no hope of rekindling their, once powerful, monarchy.
After the explosion of the love spell, the Changelings were blown back to their colony grounds. Their grounds were far from Equestria, north-east of the Equestrian border on a land called The Changeland Dominion.
Many Changelings were scattered throughout Changeland, and an exhausted Queen Chrysalis was slowly making her way through the streets, healing her subjects. Her magic was slightly drained, but under her power-hungry and intimidating shell, she truly cared for her subjects' well-being. She used her magic, still fueled by the love that she drained from Prince Shining Armor and slowly but surely healed her subjects.
While she was walking through the streets, she was constantly reliving her actions. All she wanted was food for her subjects, and the love magic that the Changelings were feeding off of from the nearby lands seemed to be a finite source.
Looking around at her subjects, laying in pain on the ground, a thought struck her. What if she was not a good ruler? Before, the thought of being evil was a good thing. Doing what she must to feed her subjects meant being evil.
But looking around, and comparing her method to the way that the Equestrian society works, she felt a lingering sadness. Yes, she had fed her colony, but she had injured them in the process. The sight nearly made her sick with regret. Alas, she continued to heal the Changelings.
After many, many hours of doing what she can, she ordered her Changeling army to the center of the Changeland city. The Queen, in all her regret, stood on a tall podium above her subjects. She cleared her throat, and began to spoke.
"My... my beloved subjects," murmurs were heard throughout the crowd," as your Queen, I must take full responsibility for what has happened to our colony. I was too sure of our victory; I never second guessed. I was unaware of how strong Princess Mi Amore Cadenza's and Prince Shining Armor's love really was.
"During my stay in Canterlot, I witnessed many interesting interactions between the Princesses and their subjects. It only took me until now to realize how Equestria runs so successfully. They appreciate harmony, and have a system with neighboring lands. I will promise to you now... my citizens... we will adapt a better form of life! You will starve no more!"
There was a silence creeping throughout the crowd. Queen Chrysalis' seemingly enthusiastic demeanor was downgraded to worry. Had she not done the right thing? Was this too much for her subjects?
Suddenly, a mad pounding of hooves and buzz-like cheering sounded throughout the area. She had redeemed her subjects, and she plans to make lives better for them.
Nodding to the 2 officials that stood next to her, they entered her large, impressive castle. The castle was like a nest, with many entrances and exits. There were winding halls and many chambers that contained a lot of different things like libraries, kitchens, chambers, and other things.
Walking through the large halls, they came up to the conference room and entered. Chrysalis kept walking to the lone window on the other side of the room. She sighed, looking down at the last few remaining Changelings exiting the area, most likely returning home. "Is it wrong that I would like to model our society after Equestria?" she asked, turning around.
"Not at all, Queen. We understand you want a better life for us. We acknowledge your attempts to feed us, and we are ever grateful" the other official nodded in agreement.
"But it appears I have not done enough. When I stayed in Canterlot, I was only focused on stealing the love magic and transferring it to the colony. I did not take into real consideration how Equestian society works. Last time I remember, I think we only have geography books, roughly outlining all of Equus."
"Maybe you need to have a first-hoof experience at Equestrian society. Maybe you should really indulge into their way of life" the second official suggested. Chrysalis froze.
"That's excellent!" she spun around. "I have to immerse myself in Equestrian culture! The key to making our life better is to learn from the established working kingdom! You're a genius!" Chrysalis smiled widely, her fangs baring.
The two officials smiled at their Queen and bowed their heads. They began to leave, before Chrysalis stopped them.
"How am I supposed to enter Equestria without being seen? All of Canterlot knows who we are, and knows my face. To the ponies, I am a tall, love-sucking monstress." Chrysalis looked down at her hooves..
The first official was going to comfort their Queen, when the second Changleing burst into a wash of green magic. Chrysalis turned to face a lavender pony, with an indigo mane and purple eyes. Chrysalis gasped as the pony spoke. "You are a Changeling. You can use your shapeshifting magic!" the fake Twilight Sparkle said happily, before changing back into his former Changeling self.
Chrysalis smiled once again. "Of course! I just have to make myself look less Changeling and more... pony" she said before her horn lit up and she transformed into a pony. She looked like Chrysalis, but her hooves were not filled with holes and her horn was that of a regular unicorn. She was an alicorn, looking like Princess Cadence.
"Hmmm... this won't do. Another alicorn would draw so much attention, I would get caught". Chrysalis tried once more, this time tranforming into a regular mare's body form. She was a unicorn, without any holes or any bug-like features that the rest of her colony shared. One of the officials condured a mirror with his magic, and Chryalis gasped as she looked into it.
"This is perfect! I don't think anypony would recognize my color scheme... I can't thank you two enough." she said, turning to face them. At first, they were shocked to see their Queen looking so... puny. But they smiled at her.
"Not a problem, our Queen. We fully understand that you wish to make our lives better".
"Queen Chrysalis, may I ask, what is your plan? And when do you plan to leave?"
Chrysalis transformed back into her tall, former self. "I plan to get to Canterlot as soon as I arrive. Then I will spend a few days exploring the capital. Then, I will travel to all the different places in Equestria, studying all that I can.
"I also plan to speak with the Princesses, though I have to I figure out how I am going to approach that. I need to ask that we set up a system of love magic, so that our population does not starve again. You are aware that many times, we have lost memebers of our colony who have perished because of famine. Never again will that happen, so when I return, I will immediately start rebuilding the monarchy and all will be solved." she finished.
The two offcials nodded in agreement of her plan. "It is foolproof... I hope. I have learned that a plan is never a good one without thought and strategy. It is done, I will announce my plan to the colony tomorrow morning, and my departure shortly after. I will have you two and some more trusted officials to run the monarchy while I am gone. Does that sound good?"
The officials saluted the Queen. "Then you are dismissed. I will see you tomorrow morning". She said, and they exited the castle.
Shortly after, she entered her chamber, slipped off her crown and sat on her large bed. Her mind was running rampant about her adventures yet to come.
As a ruler of a kingdom, Chrysalis is responsible for her citizens. She is to look over them kindly, and make sure they are okay. Princess Celestia, along with Princess Luna, rule over Equestria. They not only raise the sun and moon for Equestria, but they raise the sun and moon for the whole planet, including the Changeland Dominion.
In a sense, everyone was under Celestia and Luna's reign. Princess Cadence now rules over the Crystal Empire, as she has defeated King Sombra. A King and a Queen were now know to Equestria as evil.
King Sombra enslaved thousands of ponies, and Queen Chrysalis took someone's identity in order for her minions to feed. Surely her intentions were not evil, were they? Yes, she realized, she did what she had to do in a cunning, sinister way. Usually she would pride herself on this, but at this point, she feels nothing but regret for what she did.
The only benefit she got was food for her subjects. But now she has the opportunity to revise her whole government, and make it better. Make peace with her fellow kingdoms.
Chrysalis chuckled to herself as she thought about how her "old" self would have reacted to that statement. Lifting the covers with her magic, she saw the moon slip over the horizon and knew it was time to rest, for she had a long day tomorrow.
Chrysalis awoke to the sun shining brightly through her bedroom window. Usually, she would groan at this, but today she appreciated the light that woke her. Trotting over to the window, she smiled upon her Changeling army, emerging into the square and tending to their lives.
Chrysalis noted how casual the citizens were, apart from looking mostly all the same. She huffed, rubbed her eyes, and levitated her crown onto her head. Lifting her chin, she walked through the large halls and exited the castle.
Two guards were already standing outside the main exit, bowing their heads to their Queen. She dismissed them, and continued down the wide staircase onto the ground. Many Changelings looked upon their Queen, who usually never left her castle this early. They bowed their heads to her, and she nodded to them all.
"Hello, hello. I am just... going for a stroll. Pay no mind to your Queen" she said, knowing that she wouldn't fit in with the tiny Changelings. Chrysalis was tall, and looked different. She remembered that over in Equestria, ponies were praised for being different, and brushed off her previous thought.
"Queen Chrysalis! What are you doing out here?" a voice called from behind her. Chrysalis turned to face the first Official, going by the name of Stinger. Stinger, who had 4 other officials standing behind him, looked up at the Queen. She looked at him judgementally, but nodded to him.
"I am just walking around, yes it is odd for me to do so, I know. I see you have brought the guards I have requested".
Stinger nodded, closing his eyes. "At your command, we are ready to take on the monarchy. When is your planned annoucement?" he asked.
Chrysalis put a hoof to her chin, pondering the thought. "I think quite shortly. If I want to make the journey as quick as possible like last time, I should leave as quickly as possible" she decided.
The guards saluted, and took off, flying to where the city square was to set up the podium shortly. After walking for a bit more, Chrysalis returned to her castle. She quickly ate breakfast, and readied herself to prepare the departure speech. She paced the halls, her mind aflame with thoughts.
She was interrupted by Stinger, who reported that the square was filled will all citizens and was ready for her. She agreed, and followed Stinger through the hall. Opening the door with his magic, Chrysalis crossed the threshold and looked upon her kingdom.
For once, she was nervous. Never before has she changed her heart this quickly, never before has she been nervous before her subjects. She was afraid to leave them, she wanted to be in control. Despite her feelings, she took a deep breath and began.
"Hello, my Changelings! Today is the day I depart to Equestria. Yes... I do realize my change of heart has shocked you all. But when I- we, were defeated, I realized that love magic is very strong. I had many thoughts about fighting back, even starting war with Equestria. But I realized that my colony was weakened, and it was my fault.
"I never have felt guilt like this, and it changed my heart. As Queen of the Changelings, it is my duty to feed my subjects. We feed off of love; we have love inside of us. We are not only an army, not only a strong power, but a colony. And I realized all I want is the best..." she finished.
The Changelings felt their Queens' regret, and forgave her. For she was the one who feeds them, and tries her hardest to keep them going. Some of the Changelings did not agree, but they could not share their opinion. They knew it would hurt their Queen.
"So, shortly after this, I will be leaving the land. If you wish to see me off, you may. Not all of you have, but as a colony, it is best." she said, before stepping off the podium. Many Changelings stomped their hooves and buzzed loudly for their Queen. Chrysalis flew over her subjects, and landed just outside the crowd.
They walked for a short while, before reaching the edge of the land. below them was a fairly large cliff, and a large stretch of water that seemed to go on into horizon.
"Well, my subjects, I am leaving. I am not sure of when I will return, but I will return with a better life for you. Stinger, and others, please look after my kingdom". She said to the 5 guards that stood closest to her.
They saluted her one last time before she took flight, and leaped off the cliff.
~
Queen Chrysalis was exhausted. She had been flying for at least 3-4 hours now, probably even more; she had lost track very quickly. Her wings were tired, as they were not made for long distance flying.
During this time in the sky, she had a lot of time to think. Thoughts such as, what was she doing? She remembered her past ways,how evil she was and how powerful she felt. She felt invigorated when she terrorized towns and sucked love from beings around Equus. She paused to hover; why should she even be out here? She looked behind her in the direction she was flying, seeing nothing but water. It was too late to turn back now.
Visions of her injured subjects laying on the ground in pain flashed in her mind, and her head snapped forward. She could not turn her back on her subjects now.
She continued flying, her back aching with pain she had never felt before. After a few more minutes of strain, she spotted a lump on the horizon. Her eyes widening, she realized it was an island. She flied faster, racing up to the island. It was small, the smallest she had seen. Perfect for a nights rest.
The sun was beginning to set, the sky was ablaze with a blue-to-orange ombre. She landed on the island, her legs threatening to collapse underneath her. She found a spot under a nice tree, and immediately fell asleep from exhaustion.
The next morning, she awoke with a stiff back. Sighing, she stood up and lit her horn up. Her abdomen was briefly wrapped in a familiar green magic. "A healing spell always does the trick" she said smugly.
Looking out onto the ocean, the sun just rising, she smiled. Never before had she appreciated nature in such a way. Shaking her head, she turned to face the inner part of the small island, spotting a banana tree. She had to compensate for food, as she did not pack any. She was silly to over think such a large detail, but she ate her breakfast regardless.
Taking a moment to breathe, she conjured a map with her magic, and turned to the right direction to take off. "Roughly estimating, it should be a few more hours, maybe two or three" she monologued.
The map disappearing in a poof, and she galloped towards the shore of the island. She took off, ready to fly to Equestria.
~
After the 2 and a half hour flight, she saw a bustling city on the horizon. Breathing a sigh of relief, she recognized the city as Manehattan, a city in Equestria! She had finally made it!
Chrysalis soon realized that she would easily be seen very shortly, and she had to disguise herself as soon as possible. She flew closer to the water, and scouted out the most hidden place. She saw a pier, that nopony was seen to be occupying. It was fairly hidden from the pony public, so she flew as low as possible until she reached the pier.
Quickly landing, her horn lit up and she was engulfed in magic. After the light had faded, Chrysalis looked at her hooves, and to her back.
She had a normal horn, a cutie mark, no wings, and looked to be a normal pony. The spell had once again worked, and she was ready to explore.
Chrysalis reaches the bustling city, seeing ponies all throughout the streets. She had never been in this environment before, where ponies were acting so nonchalantly towards her. She stopped to think about her actions; she needs to get a train to Canterlot! And with that, she trotted to the nearby station.
~
"Twilight, darling! Can't you just get enough of Canterlot culture? The fashion, the lovely activities, the shops, and the food!" Rarity exclaimed.
"Yeah, I love snobby ponies." she replied sarcastically.
"I'd say the food is awesome! Those ponies know how to cook!" Pinkie said loudly. The group laughed, and continued to munch on their lunch.
"Twilight, what did you say the Princess had called you here for?" Fluttershy asked, looking to Twilight.
"Oh, it's just some business with a new spell she wanted to teach me. Y'know, the usual" she said, smiling.
"I think egghead just wants to fill her shell with more yolk!" Rainbow Dash laughed.
"I am not an egghead!" the group laughed again. They grew silent, until Pinkie piped up.
"Wow, who is that?" she pointed to a pony across the street. She was a dark grey, with a green mane. They all squinted their eyes at the pony.
"Hey girls, you don't think that's..." Applejack trailed off.
"Queen Chrysalis!?" Rainbow finished.
"Now girls, we can't be so sure. Yeah, she has the same colors, but it could be just a coincidence. Maybe we should follow her, just in case". Twilight suggested. They all nodded, and set off to follow to odd pony.
After about 45 minutes or so, the group got tired, for they didn't see any odd actions except for a look of cluelessness. "I don't think this pony is a big scary Queen who wants to suck the love out of us" Fluttershy peeped.
The group was interrupted by a familiar, yet clear voice speak.
Seemingly isolated in an alleyway, the odd pony spoke. "Everyone in Canterlot is either kind, or snobby. Maybe that is just the wealthy ponies. I believe I should stay here for a day or two more, but I have no place to sleep..." she trailed off. She patted the ground, "here will have to do for now".
The mane 6 backed away from the alley. "Okay, is it just me, or did that sound like Queen Chrysalis without sounding all bug-like?" Rainbow asked. The girls all nodded.
"Maybe we should tell Princess Celestia about our suspicions" Twilight said, and the girls all agreed. They trotted back to Canterlot castle together, discussing theories on what the heck Queen Chrysalis could be doing here.
Princess Celestia is a wise pony. She is level-headed, and will defend her ponies at all costs. After the defeat of the Changelings, Princess Celestia had been making sure her security was at its highest, and no intruder was to be detected, or even entering the land.
She took the highest precautions for not only the 3 princesses, but all of her ponies. But when the Elements of Harmony stood before her, telling her a Chrysalis-lookalike has appeared here in Canterlot, she was shocked. Confused. Concerned.
But as a Princess, she had to keep a composure.
"So, you're saying you saw her walking through the streets of Canterlot? Without causing anypony harm?"
"Precisely, Princess! Why, she didn't even look much like Queen Chrysalis! She was only our height, no holes or anything. She was a regular unicorn! Except for an interesting cutie mark and color scheme, I might say" Rairty described.
"But we are sure it's her. We heard her talkin' about how she has nowhere to sleep, and that 'ponies didn't even take much of a glance at her'. But we are sure it is that Chrysalis" Applejack said, tipping her hat down.
There was a pause.
Celestia contemplated her next action. The situation was... confusing. Queen Chrysalis? The Queen that tried to suck the love from every pony in Canterlot? In Equestria? The Queen that now could be roaming the streets without a place to sleep? Celestia seemed it was quite odd, and her curiosity got the best of her. She had to find out who she was, just in case.
But the Princess of the Sun roaming about in the streets of Canterlot would strike some ponies confused.
"Well, if you truly believe it is her, and you saw her doing no harm, why don't you try befriending her?" Celestia suggested.
Everypony except for Twilight gasped, and began complaining about how it's Queen Chrysalis, and they should take more drastic measurements.
"Girls, girls. Girls! GIRLS!" Twilight yelled, and everyone hushed. "Princess Celestia is right. We saw that she wasn't terrorizing innocent ponies, and she was here all alone! We will get to know her, and see if she is up to anything. We have the Elements of Harmony if we need them".
The 5 others sighed, nodded, and Celestia arose from her throne. "I will always be here too, including Princess Luna and Princess Cadence. Please, seek us if you need anything".
"Okay!" the girls chimed in union. They bowed to the Princess and trotted out of the throne room.
"So, we're going to search for Queen Chrysalis?" Fluttershy asked.
"Mhm! And we're going to get to the bottom of her visit" Twilight said with a smirk.
~
The Mane 6 had been searching for at least an hour now. They were scouring streets and alleyways, shops and vendor stands, all while trying to look inconspicuous.
Rainbow Dash, while continually complaining about how they haven't found her yet, pointed out a shop that they haven't searched yet. They cantered up to the entrance, attempting to look casual.
What surprised them the most was seeing a grey pony with a bag of bits held up by her green magic inside the store. She stood at the register, levitating the cupcake in front of her. She nodded at the pony, and walked over to a table in the corner, setting down her small bag of bits and her cupcake.
Under her eyelashes, she looked up at the 6 familiar ponies that had just stepped into the shop.
Twilight was the first to approach, sitting down next to her. "Hi there, I'm Twilight Sparkle! These are my friends Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy." she said, hoping the supposed Queen of the Changelings would strike an interesting conversation.
"Uh, hello there. I'm..Chrya" she smiled. Chrysalis had not expected anyone to strike a conversation with her, and never thought of a name for herself.
"Well howdy there, Chrya. We noticed you were ne-"
"New ponies are Pinkie's friends by default!!" Pinkie Pie chimed in, smiling widely.
Chrya laughed, and bit into her cupcake.
"Well, we saw you yesterday and wanted to give you a proper tour of Canterlot!" Rarity said, putting her hoof on Chrya's shoulder.
"Well, I would enjoy that. How about I finish my treat and then we will start?" Chrya suggested.
"We'll wait here with you" Fluttershy smiled.
~
Chrysalis, on the inside, was surprised that the Elements of Harmony had stopped her in that shop and offered to take her around Canterlot. Perhaps they did not notice that it was Chrysalis, and more a lookalike. Maybe they had seen right through her, and Chrysalis was too foolish.
They had been wandering around Canterlot for a while now, and Chrysalis was absorbed in the different types of shops and ponies that were there. Some were upper-class, some were normal ponies.
They had finally come to a close of their tour, and Chrya had enjoyed herself a lot. She never thought that these 6 ponies who tried to stop her before could be so friendly, so nice to a complete stranger they had just met.
Then again, they represented the embodiments of harmony, and Chrya figured they were like this to everypony except for Discord himself.
They were approaching the castle, which Chrya felt a nervousness building inside her as they drew closer.
"Chrya, where are you staying here in Canterlot?" Applejack asked, walking beside her.
"Well, Applejack, I... don't have anyplace to stay. Last night, I slept on the ground." Chrya stated.
"On the ground? Cold and alone? Well that's not good at all! Nopony should be sleeping there" Fluttershy flew on the other side of Applejack.
"You're right Fluttershy. Tonight, would you like to stay with us here in Canterlot Castle?" Twilight asked.
Chrya paused, looking at the 6 faces awaiting her answer. "That would be very nice, thank you. But there is no need." she said.
"Now, now dear. We insist, I'm sure Princess Celestia wouldn't mind a bit. Any friend of Twilight's is certainly allowed. Right Twilight?" Rarity asked, looking over her shoulder at Twilight.
"Of couse, now let's head inside and ask. Princess Celestia may seem intimidating, but she is one of the nicest ponies I know" she said, allowing Chrya to head up the stairs first.
"Twilight, are you sure about this? I mean, it could be Qu-"
"Queen Chrysalis, yes I know Rainbow. If we let her meet Celestia and get to know all of us, it could help us figure out her purpose for coming here" Twi whispered, then trotting up the stairs.
Chrya paused at the door, waiting for the mane 6 to open it. "Come on now, don't be nervous" Rarity said as she creaked the large doors open with her magic.
The light from the outside grew larger as the door open, revealing the familiar throne room to all seven ponies. On the throne was Princess Celestia herself. They trotted up to her, Chrya trailing behind.
They bowed to Celestia, and Chrya followed the action.
"Hello my ponies. I see you've brought a friend, who might this be?"
"Princess, this is Chrya. She is new to Canterlot, and we saw she was alone in a shop. We decided to show her around Canterlot." Twilight explained, motioning for Chrya to stand at the front. She waved at the Princess, who waved back and laughed.
"She doesn't have anywhere to sleep, so.. we were wondering if she could stay with us, here in the castle for the night? " Applejack asked, looking up at Celestia.
"Is that so? Where did you sleep last night, Chrya?" Celestia asked, looking down at the mare.
"I slept in an alleyway on the ground, your highness. But I really shouldn't stay. I would like to travel to places like.." she tried to remember the places on the map, "Ponyville, and the Crystal Empire". she finished, looking to Celestia's quizzical gaze.
"We head back to Ponyville tomorrow, you can take the train with us" Fluttershy said softly.
"What a lovely idea, girls. Of course you can stay here for the night. As long as you are up for it, I'm sure they wouldn't mind you staying in Ponyville with them." Celestia said kindly.
The 6 nodded, and Chrya turned back to Celestia. "Okay, I'll stay. Thank you all so much for allowing me to stay. Thank you too, Princess" she said.
Celestia nodded, "It's not a problem. Go on, show Chrya to her room. You girls can chat, and get to know her".
They headed off to the large recreational room, and the door shut behind them.
Queen Chrysalis had experience blending in with ponies before. She fooled many into believing she was Princess Cadence. But even then, she had a character to follow.
Here, standing on the platform of the train station with the Element bearers, she didn't exactly know what to say. When she was alone, she didn't have to say much. But now, she feels obliged to speak. Her new friends were wrapped up in conversation that, to Chrysalis, had no context.
She stood a few feet away, paying attention to her own thoughts. She glanced around every so often to look at the few other ponies who shared the platform with her.
Chrysalis was "Chrya" now, and she had to follow a persona to keep her true identity under wraps. She was no longer a Queen, but a subject. A regular pony to those who did not know the truth.
Breaking the silence, a loud train horn sounded from the tracks further down.
"Hey, the train is here!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, flying beside a bouncing Pinkie Pie. The train screeched to a halt, and the conductor stepped out onto the platform.
"Hey, Chrya, we can go now" Twilight said, motioning for her to join the group on board the train. Chrya nodded, and walked towards Twilight.
They trotted to the one empty train car, and sat down together. Chrya sat further up, so she was alone. She gazed out the window, looking at the street that was slowly moving out of her vision as the train pullled away.
She was startled when she felt the seat below her sink more, indicating somepony had joined her. She turned to face Twilight, who smiled at her.
"Chrya, we never got a chance to speak very much last night" Twilight said.
"I know. I just feel.. left out. I'm not sure how to interject in conversation" Chrya admitted.
"Well, I'm pretty good at making friends now. When I first came to Ponyville, even before that, I was never good at making any friends. But others," Twilight pointed behind them to the 5 giggling mares, " showed me that friendship is the greatest thing anypony could ever have". Twilight finished.
Chrya smiled at Twilight, again lost for words.
"Chrya, where are you from? I mean, you are obviously not from Ponyville or Canterlot." Twilight asked bluntly.
"I... I've lived in Manehattan my whole life. I never really went out and interacted with friends before. I've mostly worked in shops." Chrya said, internally sighing. Great cover up!
"Where have you worked? I mean, from your cutie mark, it seems interesting" Twilight observed.
"Well, just here and there jobs. My cutie mark is from... creating crowns and regal wear with my magic!" she said with a smile, hoping Twilight had bought it.
"Hm, I bet Rarity would live to see your work sometime!" she said.
Chrya sighed, and nodded. She would have to work on spells that can conjure attire from scraps quickly.
Twilight and Chrya kept talking, getting to know each other. Chrya was surprised that Twilight was genuinely interested in listening to her. Or, maybe Twilight just wanted her to spill the beans and get her to admit that she was Queen of the Changelings.
Chrya was too far in now, and she had to keep the persona as long as possible. Though, when thinking about it, she really did enjoy talking to Twilight. Something about her made her seem... welcoming.
~
The trains horn sounded from above, and halted. "Ponyville, here we come!" Pinkie said, being the first one race off the train, along side Dash. Chrya and Twilight were the last ones to exit, meeting the group on the platform.
"So, Chrya, where do ya plan on staying?" Applejack asked, standing beside her.
"Well, I'm not sure. Princess Celestia did say I would be staying with one of you..." she trailed off.
"I'd be more than happy to have you stay in the library with me" Twilight interrupted.
Chrya looked around the group, pondering if it was a good idea. Finally, she nodded. "That would be great. Thank you Twilight, and thank you all too. I would be sleeping on the ground again if it wasn't for you" she said, looking to the ground.
"That's what loyal friends are for!" Rainbow Dash said, flying higher into the sky. The girls shook their heads at the confident mare, and laughed.
Soon after their depart, Chrya and Twilight made it home. Entering the library, Chrya was taken aback by the amount of books. Sure, it was a library, but the one back at her castle was nothing compared to Twilight's stacked shelves.
"A good amount of these are from my own collection. You're free to read any that you like!"
"Hey Twilight, you're ho-" Spike cut himself short when he laid wide eyes on the new pony. "Twi, that looks li-"
"Hey, Spike! Chrya, I have to speak privately with Spike about something... princesses orders! We'll be one moment" she said quickly, before pulling Spike into the next room.
"Twilight, that looks like Queen Chrysalis if you ask me." Spike said cautiously, hoping the look-a-like in the other room didn't hear.
"I know Spike, that's why she's here. Me and the girls plan to find out what she could be doing here. But you have to address her as "Chrya", and you can't act weird around her. Okay?" Twi explained.
Spike sighed, "Yeah, alright. Just be careful with her. We don't know what she could do!"
Twilight exited the room, and found Chrya oogling at the books.
"Chrya, do you read often?" the lavender mare asked from behind.
"Not really, I never delve into any books" she said vaguely. A purple magic enveloped the book in front of Chrya's face.
"How about I give you some of my best recommendations. What are you interested in? Magic? Fantasy? Adventure?" She asked.
"All 3, and probably more" Chrya said, following the multiple books that levitated from the shelves with her eyes. A pile began to form on the floor beside Chrya, forming her activities for the next few hours.
"These are some great ones. Let me show you to your room, so you can start there" Twilight said, smiling.
Chrya levitated the books with her own magic, following behind Twilight.
~
Many hours had passed, and Chrya had gone through at least 3 books, all being quite lengthy. She head read about magic, and the first 2 Daring Do books. Never before had she been so interested in such common hobbies, but she loved it.
The door to her left creaked slightly, and Chrya noticed the lavender ear emerging thought the crack.
"Come in Twilight" she said, resting the book face-down.
"Hi there Chrya, are you enjoying your books?"
"I am. I've never taken the time out to read a lot, except for spellbooks of course" she said softly.
"Well, I'm here to ask you a question. I remember you saying you wanted to travel around Equestria," Chrya nodded, "how about we plan some trips? Where would you like to go?" Twilight revealed a quill and ink, along with parchment paper and a map levitating behind her.
Resting the objects on the desk, Twilight sat down to listen.
"Well, I would like to visit all the places I haven't been before and experience everything"
"Let's make a list" Twilight smiled, resting the map in front of Chrya.
Chrya scanned the map, recognizing familiar regions. "How about... the Crystal Empire, Rainbow Falls, Appeloosa and maybe try Canterlot one more time" Chrya smiled. All the major points where major events happen. Good thinking, Chrysalis.
Twilight finished jotting down the locations and glanced at the eager grey mare.
"I've been to all of those places before, and I loved them all. There are lots of great things that happen in those regions! How about we prepare some of those trips soon?" Twilight asked.
Chrya smiled wider, "that would be awesome!"
Twilight gathered her supplies, "I know you'll like it" she said calmly.
Crossing the threshold, Chrya called out before Twilight could fully close the door.
"Good night Twilight"
Twilight paused, "Good night, Chrya." she said, before closing the door.
Drowsily opening her sleep-caked eyes, glancing around the room, she remembered where she was. She was in Twilight Sparkle's guest room, and she must have fallen asleep while reading a book.
Using her magic, she placed a nearby bookmark softly in between the pages, and closed the book. Daring Do and the Sapphire Stone.
Wow, thought Chrya, Twilight surely knows how to pick some good books.
Placing the book aside, Chrya stood up and gathered her thoughts. The clock behind her read 10:12 AM, just late enough to recover her lost sleep over the last few days.
Shaking her head, she opened the door, which creaked loudly, and stuck her head across the threshold. Scanning the room, she noticed Spike in the living room, setting up the table with plates and cutlery. A crash sounded from the kitchen, startling him.
"Twilight? Are you okay?"
"Yes Spike, I'm alright. Just dropped a pan... or two" she admitted, laughing. Spike giggled and continued on with his work. Chrya hesitantly started down the stairs, catching Spike's attention.
"Good morning... Chrya" he said, delaying her name.
"Hello Spike. What event is taking place here?" she asked, her eyes looking over the utensils and napkins.
"Twilight said we should have breakfast together. She's actually making it right no-" Spike was interrupted by the kitchen door swinging open.
"Chrya! I'm just finishing up breakfast, just give me one moment" she smiled awkwardly, hiding away back into the kitchen.
Chrya smiled weakly, and sat down at the table. Spike had also taken his seat, to the left of Chrya. Moments later, Twilight emerged with a pan levitating in front of her. She took a spatula, and scraped the fried vegetables onto the plate. Twilight returned the pan to kitchen, and took her seat across from Chrya.
"I rarely make breakfast, so you can thank Spike for helping me" she said kindly.
"Thank you Spike" Chrya smiled, closing her eyes.
"So Chrya," Twilight said with a mouthful, "the girls and I want to start taking you to all of the places we listed yesterday night"
Chrya stopped the fork a few inches away from her mouth. "Really? This early?"
"I hope it's not a problem..." Twilight said, lifting her glass of juice.
"No, not at all! In fact, I am quite eager!" she said, smiling brightly.
Twilight returned the gesture, "I am too!"
~
Approaching Sugar Cube Corner, the two mares heard the laughing of the rest of their friends resounding from the interior of the welcoming building. Smiling at Chrya, Twilight headed up the stairs and pushed the door open for her.
5 faces turned around to greet them.
"Hey there Chrya, Twilight!" Pinkie shouted, frantically waving her hoof in the air.
"Chrya, Twilight told us about how you want to visit a whole bunch of places you have never been" Fluttershy said softly.
"I do. I have never traveled... and the thought of journeying and seeing the different types of culture is quite exciting" she admitted.
"Well let me tell you, it's pretty neat to travel to different places in Equestria. I don't know much about geography, but every place we go, we always make new friends!" Rainbow explained while nonchalantly hovering over the group.
'Well girls, it seems we have some packing to do. Our first stop, Rainbow Falls!" Twilight announced.
Pinkie clapped her hooves together, prancing around.
"Twilight dear, when do we leave?" Rarity asked, standing from her seat.
"Well, I was thinking sooner than later. How about in a few hours? We'll be there by nightfall" she said.
"Sounds wonderful!" Rarity replied, sipping her tea.
"Can... can I say something to you all?" Chrya spoke up.
Twilight's ears perked, waiting intently for Chrya to continue. The rest of the girls did the same.
"Frankly, I want to thank you all. Thank you for accepting me without second judgement. Thank you for supplying me with my first taste of what friendship can do. Thank you for giving me a home and support" she trailed off, closing her eyes...
Suddenly, Chrya felt warm. She felt fur on fur. Wait... she was being hugged! The mane 6 had surrounded her and hugged her, "awwing" and cooing all the while. Chrya was surprised at first, but embraced the group hug. Maybe, maybe these mares weren't so bad. Maybe... she could tell them the truth.
No! Not yet. It was too risky. Considering the wrath Twilight and Celestia wished to wreak on Queen Chrysalis, and her determination to expose her... she could do it again. Maybe they wouldn't understand at all.
Maybe.... maybe they would think Chrysalis is stupid for wanting to create a second Equestria. For wanting to merge colonies and trade supplies peacefully. Maybe Princess Celestia would lock her away, so she would never see her subjects again. Maybe she would be banished by law back to her kingdom, so her and her army would starve, and die off.
After the six mares let go, Chrya shook her head. Those last thought were ridiculous, of course! Twilight doesn't hate Chrya... but she might hate Chrysalis. Chrya decided then, that her identity would not be revealed until she cleared Queen Chrysalis' name.
"Alright ladies, how about we get ready for that train ride, shall we?" Rarity suggested, leading the way outside Sugarcube Corner.
A collective "mhm, yep!" sounded behind Rarity, and they exited. Chrya, once again, was last to exit. She joined the girls outside, said their temporary goodbyes, and headed off to grab a few things.
~
Meeting at the train station, Twilight and Chrya were the first ones there.
"So Chrya, do you know anything about Rainbow Falls?" Twilight asked.
"No, but I know that there is a trading exchange there. Many ponies gather to trade their items, and it's quite famous." Chrya replied, searching for more knowledge.
Their conversation was surely interrupted by 5 mares, chatting and laughing.
"Hello again!" Pinkie said, bouncing up to Twilight and Chrya.
Twilight giggled, greeting the pink party pony.
The train shortly arrived afterwards, and they all boarded the train, taking off to Rainbow Falls.
