Chapter I (Edited 5/9/16)

I am born.

Rather, hatched.

My egg was my home, once. It is where everything starts for changelings. It was my beginning.

And in that beginning, I was alone, yet not alone. The darkness was never really dark, not since I had become aware. I could always feel something… no, sense something. Beyond my curved walls containing me within my tiny world was something else. Something soothing. Gentle. Sometimes my world would move, rolling around. Noise came beyond my walls. I could not fully understand it, nor comprehend it. It was a pleasant noise.

Time meant nothing to me. Sometimes I was awake. Mostly, I slept. And grew. There was always the Presence. Slowly, it became more and more a part of the awareness. I moved a lot. My world was becoming too small for me! I squirmed, trying to get comfortable. I tried pushing against the wall, but it was too hard for me to push through. It would give some, but I could not pierce through.

Soon.

Sound became my companion. I did not yet understand the concept of sight. Sound and feelings. Feelings were perceptions from within. They were raw, new to me. It was distinct and changed a lot. It was what I was aware of, after the sensing. As I grew, I began to associate the sound and the senses as coming from one Thing, most of the time. There were others, but they were muted, almost as if they were afraid to intrude. I could feel this… fear? Is that what it was? Feelings were utterly confusing to me. I did not know what they were and what they meant. They simply were unseen things that confused and befuddled me.

No.

It was something else. Fear made me want to run away where I could not move. My mind was slowly flooded with things. It all came from one source.

She.

It was a she... the source was She! She identified herself to me. For a long time, She tried to reach out to me, a soft touch here, a caress there. It made me feel safe. At first, I was afraid as it was something I did not know. She held my thoughts and we… Bonded? Yes! The Bond was Important. The Bond was a part of what I was. What She was. What All of Us were. It was a part of what made us whole.

Her happiness made me feel safe. She rarely left me. But, when she did, there was another Presence. It would not touch my mind. I tried to reach out to it, but it was not She and it pushed me away. Those times made me sad. I would call out to She with my thoughts. I wanted her Touch! She made me safe! She let me grow!

Always, always She would return. I would feel She before her Presence would come near. My anxiety was the first thing She would push away. The Voice which was She would take my mind into herself and make everything alright.

I became aware with the Voice came Words. What were words? She taught me as my mind would allow.

...Images. I did not understand. What where images? The gentleness from She gave me security. I was wanting to meet She! She was so nice and kind! Every caress to my thoughts, every brush of the thoughts of She to mine was something I yearned for.

Soon, She would tell me. When you are ready, we will meet. Her thoughts projected her being so I might know her when the time came. Time? Time for what? Was something going to happen?

It was a long time before I understood what the images meant. She repeated them to me, over and over again. She would put her Voice in a way that was… a song? She told me it was words in song. It made me feel sleepy sometimes. Eventually, I became Aware of something else while I slept. I could not understand the concept of words.

Dreams.

Dreams?

Dreams!

Such a strange thing, to dream. I asked She about dreams. She told me it was perfectly normal to dream. Not in words. In things I could not perceive. Visions. I had a hard time understanding. She kept trying to teach me. Sometimes she was frustrated, but usually She was amused. She taught me as much as she felt I could learn. Simple things, She assured me. It was all so confusing!

She promised I would understand when I was ready.

When I was ready? I wanted out now! I wanted to know now! I wanted… I wanted…

My Dreams were of colors. Colors? Yes, things had different colors. Colors and images I did not understand. Some were scary. I did not know what the shapes were, but they had colors. Vibrant colors! There was a tall thing. It stood on four legs. It was… blue? Dark blue. There were sparkles… and… was it She?

No! She emerged, enshrouding my mind. I did not understand the word. The thing went away, but not before reaching towards me. We touched and I felt for a moment her emotions. I did not like it. I cried out. It was so alien! There was no hurt, but it was so different! I was afraid of the thing!

After that, my dreams were uneventful. She would dream with me and show me what She was like. I could not see very well. I did not understand sight. My eyes would get better, She promised. Everything would get better and soon we would meet! Eyes, ears, nose, and other things I could not use yet. But they were there and they were parts of my whole. She was very excited to meet me. It would be a great day! It made me happy and I wanted to meet She.

Was She Everything?

She was the only thing Beyond I felt safe with. The others were there. I could sense them. She was allowing them to greet me. I could feel her protectiveness. I was guarded. Their touches were brief and reverent.

Then, I could not understand. How could I? I was still in my egg. My egg was safe. My egg was my sanctuary. What lay beyond was unknown. She was there, waiting. I wanted to meet her! Every passing moment I grew more and more excited.

I wanted to be free. My home was restrictive, no longer cozy. I wriggled more, trying to get comfortable. It was impossible. With the passing of time, I noticed a humming sound through my very being. It would ebb and flow. It felt as though there were many others like She. She bathed me in assurance.

...I was unable to move!

I tried to wriggle, but there was no wriggle to be had!

The song returned, far more intense and filled with an encouragement. It was time! Time to go to the Beyond! My world was too small now. I was too big! I pushed against the walls of my home, feeling the urge to want out. If I could not get out, surely I would die! It felt as though I had to get out. There was no other choice! Desperately, I put everything into my escape.

Stronger and stronger the song became. My battle against the wall holding me back became a war of attrition. The struggle exhausted me, but I kept pushing! I cried out, chirping as much as my little voice could, while at the same time realizing I could make sounds! The revelation spurred me on with excitement. It was even more exciting when my noise was greeted by more noise! It was not my noise, but another sound. It was She! She was awaiting me! The encouragement from her mind upon mine spurred me to go beyond my strength. The egg gave, cracked. I pushed harder as it grudgingly gave way. Cool air rushed in, bathing my snout as I inhaled my first breath.

I peeped. Something brushed my exposed snout. A soothing voice. Her Voice. The Voice of She. Right there! I was so tired! I had to rest, taking the moment to wonder at this new sensation of my lungs filling. In came the air. Out went the air. In. Out. I rested. She touched me again, speaking words. I still could not understand her words, but the meaning behind them was gentle, encouraging.

I responded, pushing again. The egg rolled, taking me with it. My snout met something with no give. I kicked with my forelegs against the slowly expanding opening. Bits of my shell fell away. One leg was out. It kicked feebly into the air. The egg rolled again. I was upright. I turned my head to one side and blinked as light invaded one of my eyes. I squeezed my eyes shut, not understanding why I could see. It was so strange! Everything was new!

In fear, I cried out, seeking She. She would not help. Why was there no help? There was only encouragement, urging me to do this myself. I was so tired! Feeling weak was frustrating. I became angry with my frustration. I took my frustration out on the shell holding me back. It weakened. Another leg popped free!

I wriggled with renewed vigor. I would win this battle! My struggles were valiant. I stopped every now and then to rest. Then the battle to freedom would resume. The song droned on, rising higher and higher. The egg ripped and I pushed with my rear legs with all of my might.

Free! Freedom was a plop into the Vast Beyond and I suddenly felt air around me, making me shiver. I curled up into a ball, exhausted and wet from what fell out of the egg with me. I trembled from the cold. It was so much warmer back in my home! But, I could not go back. I could not even imagine myself going back. I was Here.

She was waiting for me Here. I felt her nuzzle and responded, chirping. Our Bond, which I thought was strong before, became something much, much more. I needed She. She was my protection. My instincts told me I could trust her unequivocally. I was hungry!

Hunger? My stomach rumbled and I felt a vast, terrifying emptiness as I lay there. I made sounds to let She know I needed food. Something was pushed to me. It was hard and unmoving, but my nose told me it was She. A hole was there. Something oozed from it. A sweet smell found my nostrils. Inhaling deeply, I flicked my tongue out. My taste buds exploded and the sudden hunger became a ravenous beast unto itself!

I gorged on the thick substance, attacking with a frenzy. I could not eat fast enough. She sounded happy and began washing me while I ate. I was sticky and gooey from being inside my egg. She wanted me clean. I wanted to eat. Her tongue was soothing, strong. Every stroke moved my body. As I fed, she held me down gently while I was cleaned. The song died and there was only the sounds of her voice.

This food I ate had something in it my body craved. My very being screamed for it, even as I feasted. It was as though a desperation was settling in and taking a hold of my being. It would always be there. It was one of the very first things to take a grip of me. It would never leave. It could not, for it was a part of my being.

She spoke to me, understanding I was beginning my first experience with what she called the Hunger. She had tried to prepare me for it, but I was just born. She seemed not to mind my lack of comprehension. She cleaned me even after I stopped eating.

I was full, but I was not satisfied. This frightened me. I would never be satisfied.

I was gathered up, held against She.

She spoke. Her words I could not understand, but her pride was evident.

A word. A name. Her first gift to me.

“Chrysalis.”

The changeling looked up from her work, slowly setting aside her quill as she blew gently upon the pages. An irritated grimace etched itself over her features as she wondered for the thousandth time why she agreed to this. Sighing, she leaned back, lifting the page from the desk and examining it with a critical eye. She pondered tearing the paper apart and throwing it away, but she paused when there was a rustle at her side. The cushions she lay upon were comfortable, having been strewn there as she preferred writing while loafing with her legs tucked beneath her. It also made her look regal.

There were always eyes upon her.

Her annoyance faded. Glancing at the source of the noise, a smile wormed its way across her muzzle. Against her side and buried beneath a very soft downy blanket was a source of joy and pride. It moved as the dweller beneath adjusted and kicked fitfully for a more comfortable position. The lone candle with which she wrote flickered and danced, casting everything within its range in a ruddy light. For a pony, it was not enough light with which to place words on paper. For a changeling, it was just right.

She waited until the occupant of the blanket ceased moving before setting the paper down. Her attention shifted as she wondered exactly how to proceed at this point. An ear was tuned squarely to the bundle while she dipped the quill into the inkwell.

Setting the page down, a soft snort was her only display of irritation. The room she was in was small, yet comfortable. Its furnishings were simple, yet were more than enough to suit her desired comforts. It was remarkable her ‘hosts’ had seen to it she was given enough to want for nothing while at the same time reminding her she could not leave. In short, she was a prisoner. A very dangerous prisoner. Her location was a state secret. Only five ponies knew where she was. She suspected her guards did not even know where they were.

The mirror at the vanity just across the room showed the reflection of a proud mare. Her mane was straight and lustrous. Charcoal black chitin covered healthy flesh. Her eyes shone brightly, the singular light of the lone candle in the room adding to the exotic eyes ponies found to be both frightening and alluring. At the base of her horn was a metal ring of cast iron etched with runes and enchantments which cut her off from her hive. Her access to magic was severely limited and closely monitored. Her daily regimen of love was enough to keep the changeling healthy without giving her too much power.

In the months since her capture, the changeling had done several things, one of which was of a complete surprise. Not only did she set herself firmly against the interrogations of the ponies, but she had managed to lay an egg and hatch it. The changeling had never even known she was pregnant until moments before she laid it. With all the stress of becoming a prisoner and enduring the endless and repeating questions day after day, the changeling had at first passed her pregnancy as an upset stomach, no doubt from the poison the ponies had been feeding her.

Silence was her companion. Her own thoughts warring within her mind. Thankfully, she was not alone. Though she was cut off from her changelings, she still had one. Again the bundle moved beneath the blanket, snuggling against her side. A tiny chirp, muffled from the blankets caught her attention. The changeling slowly leaned over, arching her neck gracefully as her mane spilled out over her face and shoulders.

Her mane made a perfect curtain to block prying eyes.

“What are you doing?” she whispered to the object of her attention.

A tiny pale head poked up from the blanket. Another chirp pulled at her heart. The changeling smiled, unable to help herself. She nuzzled the little one softly and felt hooves grasp at her snout. Tiny nostrils sniffed at her. The little one could not quite see yet. She had hatched just the other day. Everything was still big and new. Mother and daughter were still bonding and would do so for a very long time. The hatchling was pudgy and perfect, looking very much like her mother.

Chrysalis still had her kingdom, still had her subject, even if the sum consisted of a prison cell and her only child. It was enough for her to maintain the pride she had been groomed to have. She imagined life without the link to be a maddening, lonely one.

She wondered if her subjects would rescue her. Her hive was a fickle thing, as was any changeling community. The most powerful matriarchs selected a queen to lead. Chrysalis had been chosen as the others were simply too old to lead. As a queen, she had unparalleled and unquestioned power. Her inexperience had cost her greatly. More than likely, she was shunned, stripped of her crown. Another royal would take her place.

The Equestrians wanted to know more about changelings. There were so many questions, so much fear. They were indeed afraid.

And Chrysalis had beaten their living embodiment of the Sun.

The little hatchling chirped again, breaking the imprisoned queen from her inner musings. She was hungry and service was inches away. Chrysalis was happy to oblige, lifting one of her holed forehooves and bringing it to her hungry daughter. From one of her holes oozed a jelly-like substance. It was a small dollop, perhaps no larger than a teaspoon. The hatchling’s nose caught scent and she eagerly began flailing her hooves in some sort of locomotion. It was ungainly, awkward, and adorably cute. Within moments, the little changeling latched on to the larger changeling’s hoof with her own, her toothless maw ravenously inhaling love in a jelly.

Chrysalis hid the whole scene. No doubt that miserable Twilight Sparkle was watching, taking notes, and not letting a mother enjoy a peaceful moment with her daughter! The purple paragon pony perplexed and provoked Chrysalis on sight. She had not seen Celestia's prized student for nearly a month. Chrysalis was glad for that.

Atalanta was the size of a newborn kitten. She was very small and very weak. Chrysalis was violently protective of her child. The first attempt to observe the hatching had nearly ended in serious injury. Even with her magic greatly muted, the imprisoned Queen was powerful. The guards discovered she was quite capable of shrugging off magic intended to incapacitate and stun.

Chrysalis would always cherish the moment in her life when she stood guard over her hatching egg while a group of scientists cowered in the corner of the room. The guards had been tossed aside like rag dolls. It took the arrival of Princess Luna to calm the situation down.

One look at the enraged queen protecting her young, her wings flared and fangs bared, eyes blazing with unbridled fury was enough. Luna ordered the guards out and plucked the scientists from the room. A sincere apology from the Alicorn to the changeling was barely accepted.

That was still a fresh memory. Chrysalis grinned as she produced more syrupy love for Atalanta. She leaned forward, inhaling her daughter’s scent. An adorable squeak between gulps of jelly sent wonderful motherly shivers down her spine. Despite her current state, Chrysalis found herself for the moment content.

“Mommy hates writing,” she said to her daughter. Atalanta ignored her mother, instead gorging herself on her second helping as though the first had never been. “Should Mommy write the nasty ponies the story of her life?” Her gaze shifted, eyeing the sheaf of paper on the low desk before her from between gaps in her mane.

Atalanta burped.

“I know they don’t deserve it, but Mommy finds herself bored.”

The hatchling flopped on her side, licking her lips before promptly falling asleep behind a mighty yawn. The queen took a moment to see the back of her daughter’s throat. It was such a cute thing to see.

Chrysalis sighed, adjusting her daughter with her mouth as gently as possible and repositioning her back into the blankets. A small chirp of sleepy protest was her reward. The Queen cleaned up the small mess created by her daughter’s feeding.

“Who’s going to read it? That Twilight? That girl? Cadence? The Sisters?” She hummed, rolling her lips back and forth in a rather unstately fashion. “Maybe I’ll write about how I seduced Shining Armor. Wouldn’t that be a hoot?”

She had been asked if her daughter was the product of dallying with the then future husband of Mi Amore Cadenza. Chrysalis responded with an innocent, “A lady never speaks of such things. How rude!”

Of course, the statement got under a lot of skins. There was a lot of dislike for the Queen. Chrysalis didn’t care. She was a prisoner, not a slave. There would be defiance. Oh, my yes, there would be defiance despite the odds.

Chrysalis was a prisoner, but she was far from broken. Stupid, weak ponies...

“I am Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings. I shall tell my story. Not because the ponies want to know.” She smirked, but it faded as she thought of her legacy. Chrysalis bent her neck towards her daughter, her thoughts churning with worry. Reaching down, she kissed the top of her daughter’s forehead.

“This will be for you.”Love Jelly... No matter how I think of it, it is still dirty as heck. Though, I can't think of an alternative.

Smucker's!

Chapter II

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The first vision I can clearly remember when I finally could see clearly was that of a ball. A little red ball. Unremarkable, really, but I found I enjoyed pushing that ball. It made a noise when I pushed it and I would chase it some more. The harder I pushed it, the faster it rolled. The faster the ball rolled, the noisier the sound it would make. It let me exercise my legs. My hoof-eye coordination improved. I loved that ball. I think I still have it somewhere. It had been a gift from She, whom I identified as my provider. A simple toy. It made her happy to see me play.

She was not only my provider, but she also had a name. Mother.

Mother kept an eye over me while I explored a world that every day seemed to grow larger and larger. It always seemed as soon as I thought I had found everything, realization began to dawn the world I did not know of lay beyond my small perceptions. My early days consisted of me learning how to see, how to crawl, how to fly…

Very confusing times, as I recall. There were other things going in the the world I knew nothing of. Terrible things. Pain and suffering lay beyond our hive. LIngering fear permeated from beyond the chamber which was my world. Mother repressed it, kept it away from me.

Mother was gentle. She—

There was a knock at the door, interrupting the changeling. Chrysalis rolled her eyes and let out a huff of annoyance. She had to stand and go to a spot in front of the door. Her writing was set aside; quill set down and the ink well stoppered. A paper weight was placed upon the corner of her personal writings. Pushing herself up, she growled, buzzing her still healing wings. Her joints protested and muscles threatened to tighten as she limped painfully to the designated spot. Just a couple of weeks ago, all four of her legs had been broken. That had been the least of her problems.

Shaking the memory from her mind, Chrysalis cast a longing look at her sleeping daughter. Atalanta was curled into a ball of adorable, peeping in her sleep. After her first molt, her pale and soft chitin would begin to change. The holes in her legs would begin to show. It would be a cornerstone and a bittersweet one for the mother to observe. It would be a visual reminder of the eternal hunger all changelings had. No food could satisfy it and there was never enough love.

Straightening herself, Chrysalis cast a quick look at the vanity mirror to ensure she was presentable. It simply would not due to let the ponies see her in any state of disarray. There were still bags under her eyes. It was a shame her magic was restricted to the point where she could not even apply a vanity spell or even a bit of her innate ability to do a little bit of shifting.

Apparently, she was expected to be tout naturel. At least she had a nice brush for her teal mane and tail. Her chitin was still battered and covered in scratches. Most of it was superficial, but there were some serious gashes in her natural armor from her impact with the earth. It would not fully repair itself until her next molt and that was still some weeks away. This irritated her. A lot of things lately irritated her. Being captured and imprisoned had been and currently was embarrassing. It could only mean her failure would add more meaning to the emptiness of the Hive Mind.

Once she was in her circle, runes flared to life around her hooves. A bored expression creased lines into her face as the door glowed with magic. It swung in. A lunar guard walked in. He was a massive mountain of a pony, larger than even Chrysalis. Beneath his silver armor lay a dark brown pelt, almost black. His mane remained hidden, but his tale was short and pale, almost ghostly. His leathery wings were black. She smirked as she wondered if he was the answer to her physical strength. This new pony certainly was a fresh face.

He eyed her with practiced scrutiny before saying over his shoulder, “She is clear, My Lady.” Amber slitted eyes never left the Queen.

In entered the Princess of the Night. “Thank you,” she told the guard. “Please ensure we are not disturbed.”

“As you command, My Lady.” The guard backed out of the room, his head held high, then bowing low to the Princess reverently before coming up again. His eyes never left the changeling. With the thumb on his right wing, he hooked the door handle and pulled it with him as he left. The door closed silently with only the latch clicking.

“So,” Chrysalis began with false politeness. “What brings you here on this lovely day? Or is it night? I never am sure anymore.” The runes at her hooves faded and the circle disappeared. She hobbled towards the cushions as quickly as her stiff limbs would allow her, squarely and deliberately placing herself between Atalanta and Luna.

Luna did not answer for a moment. Instead, she observed and took mental notes. Chrysalis was doing very much the same thing, her wings buzzing despite her seeming calm. Both mares swished their tails, clearly uncomfortable with each other and for different reasons.

“Are you still in discomfort? Are your legs healing well?” Luna offered.

“What does it matter to you?” retorted Chrysalis. “Crippled or not, I seriously doubt you wish to engage me in a casual stroll through a sunlit forest and talk of small things.”

“Your well-being is important to us, Queen Chrysalis.”

“Of course it is.”

The alicorn ruffled her wings and gave a small snort. “I am only asking because I am concerned. You were badly wounded when you were brought here and you have fought with the doctors appointed to healing you and understanding your physiology. We want to ensure you are well on the road to recovery.”

“Why? So you can ask more questions? Interrogate me more harshly? Remind me of my failure? Bring up the reality that my hive is most likely destroyed? Lay the blame squarely at my hooves?” Chrysalis’ temper rose. “I will tell you ponies nothing! You will never break me! You will never take my daughter from me.” Remarkably, her voice remained steady, though strained. Maintaining composure was important and she did not want to wake Atalanta.

“If I had things my way, yes,” admitted the alicorn plainly. “You violated Our sovereign nation, assaulted Our sister, impersonated and imprisoned Our niece, held the Captain of the Guard in your thrall, traumatized Our subjects, and caused countless billions of bits in damage to Our capital.” Her blue eyes were like steel. “I should like nothing more than to deal with a creature such as you as we did to such monsters a thousand years ago!”

“You mean as when you were banished to the moon for your petty jealousy?” countered Chrysalis with a smirk.

Luna did not rise to the bait. “Is the food to your liking? You may be incarcerated here, but you should at last have amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.”

“You mean to make my death sentence as comfortable as possible. I cannot foresee Equestria letting me go any time soon. I do believe you intend to let me rot in here the rest of my days. I am over a thousand years old, Princess Luna. Do you intend to keep me here for a thousand years more? Do you wish to see me imprisoned as you once were imprisoned?” Chrysalis slid to the floor and on to her stomach, wincing as her legs and joints protested. She ignored Luna and instead checked on Atalanta. She would wake soon and she would be hungry.

“We wish to understand more of your kind. We do not want to see a species we have only just begun to understand to fade into the history books as an asterisk.”

“Go look to the Zebrican Savannah,” replied Chrysalis absently. “I will tell you nothing more in regards to my kind.”

“The Savannah?” Luna blinked. “That is on the other side of the world.”

“It is nice to know you’ve at least discovered the world is round since your return.”

“You have a sharp tongue, Chrysalis,” observed Luna wryly.

“I do? I haven’t noticed. Why are you here, Princess? The false sympathy is expected, but does a poor job of masking your intentions.”

Luna gave her a steady gaze, lacking completely in emotion. Her eyes bored into the Queen’s. A battle of wills ensued. “I wish to ask about your daughter.”

Fury welled up in the Queen’s chest. “You will not have her!” she growled, arching her neck and scrambling to her hooves.

Luna did not move. “I do not intend to take her. Her needs. Is there anything you can think of to make her more comfortable? Her well being is of the utmost importance to you, I am sure.”

“You… you… you have no rights to her,” stammered Chrysalis, barely containing her rage. “You have me cut off from my hive. I will not allow you to cut me off from my daughter.”

The alicorn was unruffled. “I do not wish to take your daughter from you. We have no intentions of separating you from your daughter. I would like for the medical staff to examine her so we might better be able to provide medical treatment should the need arise. It would also help if you would cease being stubborn and assist in building up our medical knowledge in regards to your species.”

Chrysalis calmed visibly, her mane going flat. She had not realized she had assumed a protective stance, her wings, mane and tail flaring out. Silently she cursed her lack of discipline. She turned to Atalanta. The little one was awake and staring blindly up where she had last heard her mother’s voice. No, she was probably seeing blurry blobs of color by now. She had gone silent and still, waiting for her mother to reassure her.

Luna was watching her, wary and aware of what Chrysalis was capable of. She had three guards still in the infirmary because of the changeling. One of them might even have to retire from service. Maintaining a neutral expression, she dipped her head to one side as she gathered her words. “I have no intentions of separating you from your child, changeling. If you would like, you may observe the doctors while they examine your daughter. You will have a say in what they can and cannot do. We would never harm an innocent, despite the monster that bore them into this world. We cherish children and hold them dearly to Our heart.”

Chrysalis stomped a hoof. “No! Absolutely not. My daughter is perfectly healthy, thank you. She will not become an experiment for you to exploit.”

“Please, believe me.”

“NO!” roared the Changeling Queen. Atalanta woke up and began to cry. She hiccuped in fear between wails. Her anger fell away as her eyes went wide. Spinning on a back hoof, she whirled on her daughter and crouched down. Cooing noises came from her lips as she nuzzled the frightened hatchling. “Shh! Mommy’s sorry. Mommy’s sorry! Please don’t cry, my little morsel. Mommy didn’t mean to yell.”

Luna looked on, abashed and a bit ashamed. She opened her mouth to say something, but reconsidered. Sighing in defeat, the Princess of the Night turned and slowly made her way to the door. “Very well, Chrysalis. I also wish to inform you of a matter concerning your hearing. The physician who healed you says you should be fit within days.”

“How does that concern me, exactly?”

“Your hearing will be held to determine if you should be put on trial for the crimes against Equestria and the Crown. We have offered to act as your council, should you chose to accept Us to speak in your defense.”

“Ah, kangaroo court. Of course.” Chrysalis stretched out a cramping hind leg, wincing as she did so. Everything was still sore. She imagined it would be that way for some time. How inconvenient. “Everyone gets to see the horrible changeling who made them realize their world is not full of just sunshine and rainbows. I saved you all. I think you should know that.”

“It is a private hearing. Mine sister will sit in judgement. Twilight Sparkle will be sitting as the representative of the State. As We stated before, We have offered to be thy voice.” Luna turned to present her profile to the Queen as well as fix both eyes upon the changeling.

“Oh? Private? A bit biased if you ask me.” Chrysalis felt her daughter butting against her hoof. She paused long enough to start feeding her, a faint smile etching at the corners of her mouth. Once Atalanta began to slurp noisily, the Queen focused on Luna. “Ah, I am supposed to be dead. Why not simply kill me and be done with it? Your weakness sickens me.”

“A thousand years ago, We would gladly have placed thy head upon a pike and strung thy smoldering corpse above the gates of Our fair city.” Luna smiled pleasantly. “Alas, We have become civilized as the modern era frowns upon such atrocities. Instead, thou shalt have a trial befitting any citizen of Equestria. We desire to be fair and just in all things, as Our sister hath encouraged Us to become more open to the world. This includes ungrateful false queens with inflated heads.”

Chrysalis smirked. “You went medieval there, Princess. I find Olde Equestrian fascinating.”

“I suppose I did. Well?” She waited expectantly.

“Well what?”

“Wilt thou accept Us as thy public defender?”

Chrysalis pondered for a moment. Atalanta snuggled against her hoof, chirping quietly. “What was that?” The Queen tilted her head as if listening intently to her daughter. “When does this… hearing happen?” she asked Luna. Her brilliant green eyes were intent.

The alicorn’s own did not flinch from the challenging stare. “As soon as the physician declares you hale and fit to appear before the judgement of the Sun and the Moon.”

“I thought your sister was the one presiding.”

“Equestria’s symbols are both the sun and the moon.” Luna spoke with infinite patience. Chrysalis thought she caught a gleam of amusement in her eyes.

“Oh? I never noticed. I always thought it was just Sunbutt and her sidekick sister Moonbutt.”

Luna deadpanned. “So sayeth Succubutt.”

It took a moment to register in the changeling’s mind. Chrysalis glared at the Lunar Princess. “Very well, I accept your most generous offer.” Her visage assumed a more appropriate and pleasant demeanor. She even smiled graciously.

“Excellent! We shall meet with thee once the day of your hearing is set and give thee Our council as We think is best for thee. We should like to extend to thee our resolve to make thy confinement as comfortable as possible. Perhaps a bassinet for the little one? Toys? Books to read to her?” The Princess smiled down at the pale hatchling, no doubt making mental observations. “She is far different from pony foals.”

Chrysalis hooked her daughter with her leg and drew her to her chest. “She is fine sleeping with me. As for toys, I shall make a list and present it to the maid who always seems ready to wet herself every time she comes in to clean.”

“It would help her do her job if a certain occupant would stop hissing at her and making hungry eyes while slowly licking her fangs.”

“I am a cripple. I can do no such thing.”

“Yet,” Luna finished for her with a smirk.

“Yet,” Chrysalis agreed amicably. “I will make a list, as you requested.”

“Very good. Is there anything else you require?” Before the Queen could answer, the Princess added quickly with perfect professionalism. “Be sure to add it to your list. You are a prisoner, Queen Chrysalis, but you will also be treated with respect. Please be mindful and treat your caretakers with a bit more kindness. We have already had two mares step down from their positions because of your attitude.” Strangely, Chrysalis found it very interesting in the change of the alicorn’s speech pattern. It was not difficult to see what Luna was trying to do. She rather fancied the fancy dialect, to be honest.

Luna was a very good orator and might have even made a very good actress had the curse of royalty not befallen her.

“Very well, I shall leave you to your own devices. I bid you a good evening, Queen Chrysalis.” Luna inclined her head politely with a neutral expression. Her blue eyes flickered upon Atalanta and a faint smile briefly appeared. “We shall speak again and soon.”

“I shall await your return with breathless anticipation.” Chrysalis held her head high. Her daughter lost her balance, rolling on to her wingless back. Her weak legs kicked in the air and she squealed, chirped, and made an odd grunt as she struggled to right herself. “My daughter bids you a farewell, too.”

Luna departed quietly, even her silver shod hooves making no sound. The stars followed in her wake, making Chrysalis wonder how much more of a disaster Canterlot might have been if Luna had not been elsewhere. Where, exactly, had never been disclosed to the changeling.

Once she had settled Atalanta upon her withers, the Queen eased her way to her low desk, the discomfort of her aching legs causing her to grunt in an unladylike fashion. She settled down, looking down at her work which had been interrupted by Luna. The scrutiny of her memories on paper brought them forward again. For a moment, she thought of starting anew as she plucked the sheet up for closer examination.

Shaking her head slowly, she put it down and smoothed it out gently with a hoof. Chrysalis was thankful she could manipulate the quill pen with her magic, though she could do little else other than lift objects under a pound, she had discovered shortly after awakening for the first time in this room weeks?.. days?.. ago. She had meant to inquire Luna how long she had been here.

“Next time,” she muttered to herself. Her daughter shifted, moving in a tight little circle and gathering up her mother’s mane in her toothless mouth. There was a tug here, a tug there. Chrysalis giggled, not wanting to do so, but unable to help herself. The gentle yanking of her mane tickled more than anything else. “What are you doing?” she inquired of her tiny assailant.

She was greeted with a sleepy chirp. Atalanta settled down even as Chrysalis willed her mane to hold her daughter in place. Who needed blankets?

There was so much I did not know. The world was and is a cruel place. Life was only as precious as one valued it. I would soon discover a terrible fact. Not all changelings are created equal. Not all hives are viewed with the same respect, deserved or otherwise. Not all colonies had equal power. Those who had power ruled over others.

I was born into one of the weaker colonies, despite Mother being the Queen. I would discover, as I grew older, there were only two choices for Lesser changelings. Serve or die. Sometimes, death was the only answer to the question. Those who ruled were not kind. Those who ruled wielded their power without mercy.

I was born a slave.

Chapter III

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"Hmm,” said the doctor as he peered with his otoscope into a certain Queen’s ear. He had a bay coat and a short, dark mane. A white lab coat was draped over him like a last minute addition. “Looks clear. A little bit of wax, but nothing to be concerned with.” His name tag read ‘Whooves’.

Chrysalis was currently tied down in chains on her back, her muzzle muzzled, while four unicorn guards sweating profusely held her on the examining table. Her eyes bulged in fury. She could not speak, though her mouth moved in the rapid pace of one who was letting the doctor know exactly what she thought of him, his family, his pets, and anything else that sprang to mind. Machines and wires filled the room. They made noises. They smelled strange. Ponies kept putting odd patches to various parts of her body. They also had wires. Those wires went to some of the machines surrounding the bed. Chrysalis hated them.

Thank Celestia for silence spells! The words were actually mouthed from one guard to another. Naturally, Chrysalis caught that and, of course, could read lips. Her eyes flared with anger again and she struggled even harder against her bonds.

The doctor simply sighed and moved on to the next item on his checklist. Setting down his otoscope, he hefted up a small flashlight in his grip and shined it boldly in the Queen’s right eye. “Hmm,” he said again, looking absolutely professional. “Reaction is very good. Light sensitive, as expected. Most certainly a nocturnal young lady, aren’t we?” The same process was done to her other eye. Chrysalis was not a happy girl. He smiled at the temporarily blinded changeling. A stethoscope hanging around his neck was brought into use as the flashlight was set aside.

“Let’s hear your lungs and your heart. Nurse Tendermane? Are you still recording?”

An unseen voice piped up pleasantly, masking apparent irritation. “Of course, doctor.”

Chrysalis had been adamantly against the examination. However, under the horrible belief of ‘for the good of the patient’, she had to be bodily dragged from her cell, down the hall, up several flights of stairs, through another long hallway until her less than glorious journey ended in a large and sterile examination room. Her titanic struggle against having a doctor poke and prod her had exhausted the magic of four other unicorn guards and had attracted something of a crowd. She was living proof that, if angered, there were creatures who could struggle against magical bonds with some success.

Two guards had migraine headaches from overtaxing their mana pools. One had been kicked in the face when he had gotten too close to the thrashing Queen. Add one broken jaw to the tally. She noted the doctor upon being bodily hauled into the room. He was with a second team of unicorns awaiting her. Just as she thought she felt the field holding her against her will weakening, it was renewed as fresh horns took over.

Her cursing resounded throughout the building.

And made the silence spell come into play.

“Doctor, we’ll need to swap soon. She’s ungodly powerful,” commented one of the unicorn guards with growing alarm.

“Then I suggest you do something about it,” came a disturbingly calm reply. The doctor breathed on the end of his stethoscope and pressed it against Chrysalis’ ribcage. “Be a dear and breathe in deeply for for me, please.” He bedside manner was impeccable.

The Queen inhaled and unleashed an unheard diatribe in his face. It was a pity there was no sound.

“Thank you. That’s perfect!”

She jerked her head (a futile effort) and stared at him incredulously. Was he insane? Most ponies quailed in fear at the sight of her! The guards were certainly terrified of her, but they had their professionalism and duty preventing them from running away like proper prey.

“Again, please!” He smiled at her.

Chrysalis puffed her cheeks and held her breath in childish defiance.

“Now, now, my dear. Please don’t act that way. You’re a queen. Act like royalty. Just less noisy and thrashy, if you please. None of the guards really want to be here. You don’t want to be here. Just co-operate and you’ll be put back into your room as quick as you please.” The doctor’s cheerfulness made Chrysalis want to vomit. He was uncomfortably close the whole time.

Seething, she did as she was told, reminding herself it would eventually end and she could count on planning her revenge in the meantime. Chrysalis hated doctors. Especially ones with impeccable bedside manners. Anything acting nice usually wanted something, in her experience.

“Very good. Now, I am going to remove the silence spell and ask you a few questions. It’s been nearly a month since I treated you and I want to see how everything is healing up. Can I count on you to behave like a lady? Hmm?”

A deep, familiar voice joined the fray. “Do you need help with the patient, doctor?”

“Ah, Nightstorm. There you are! Yes, I think we might need you to restrain our lovely queen. She seems to be exhausting our poor unicorns. Very strong girl. I am most impressed!”

Somehow, Chrysalis was able to move her head slightly enough to notice the mountain of a thestral she had seen before. His golden and slitted eyes had narrowed upon her. She felt for his emotions and was met with a wall of black. Chrysalis recoiled mentally, her pupils dilating as her eyes went round. His willpower was a force of its own!

“I can hold her,” he said with the same sort of professionalism he had when he had escorted Princess Luna just yesterday. At least Chrysalis thought it was yesterday. “I am fully trained in restraining prisoners and will assist if needed.”

“Ah, there we go! Someone with confidence!” The doctor smiled again. “Oh, did somepony remember to bring the little one? She’ll need a looking at, too.”

“A pediatrician is looking at it now. We thought it best to leave the child in her room as it is familiar to her. We don't want to distress her more than absolutely necessary.”

Atalanta?

“Doctor, the patient is experiencing anxiety.”

“Oh? Well she shouldn’t. Nopony's going to harm a hair on that adorable little pale creation of life!” chimed the doctor. “Oh, that’s just perfect! Ten… blast! Ah, nurse...erm, what was your name again?”

“Tenderhoof. I’ve told you a thousand times before, it’s Tenderhoof.”

“Right! Right! Now, let’s see what we have here. Ah, Tendernerf, could you elevate the table? Would not be right if she could not see me without the awkwardness. There we are! Now, let me tell you something, my lovely lady. Not a single hair will be harmed in any way, shape, or form of your daughter, Chrysalis. I promise you. Now, I know all of this is against your will, but this is all for the greater good for your future health. Your daughter’s, too. Everything must be set to rights or made sure they are right. Understand? Good!”

He had completely ignored the dangerous scowl on the Queen’s face.

“He’s brilliant, but dreadfully stupid,” muttered the nurse as she raised the bed up. Chrysalis slowly became better able to see the sterile examination room and the ponies within it. “Or is he dreadfully brilliant? Ah, well.”

The Queen whimpered, and quickly discovered she could hear her own voice. “Don’t harm my daughter.”

“My dear lady!” exclaimed the doctor. “I just told you I would never harm a hair on your daughter! None of my staff would do so! She's adorable and innocent! Absolutely not! That would be wrong and I would not be much of a doctor if I went about harming my patients, now would it? The nerve! You have a lovely daughter. Her manners to this point have been a stark contrast to yours, young lady.” He pointedly looked down his muzzle at her. “I would never forgive myself. Life is precious. All life. Well, some less so, but that’s not the point!”

“Against my will!” snarled Chrysalis. The chains clinked against each other as she tried moving. Nightstorm dismissed the unicorn guards and resettled his wings. Calmly he looked at the Queen.

“Behave,” he warned. Well, threatened professionally.

The changeling glared at him, shoving her own fear aside. Why am I afraid of you?

“Leave my daughter alone,” Chrysalis pleaded. “You will not take her from me! You cannot take her from me!” She started thrashing again, trying to break free and get to Atalanta. What were they doing to her? Fear was replaced by rage and the Queen roared. Her inhibitor glowed as her horn lit up. Sparks flew from the enchanted metal.

“Oh, dear,” understated the doctor. He was backing away from Chrysalis with beads of sweat forming on his coat. “Nightnap, be a good fellow and calm the girl, if you please.”

The aggressive queen grabbed the suddenly frightened doctor with her magic, her inhibitor now sparking madly and glowing. Smoke began wafting dangerously from the base if her horn, through her mane.

“Celestia! Hold her fast!” Tenderhoof tried applying her own telekinetic grip against the Queen’s in a futile attempt to free Doctor Whooves. “Do something, you lummox!” she screamed at the surprised thestral.

Nightstorm pushed his way in front of the Queen’s field of view. His golden eyes were on fire. “You will not.” Fear laced from shadowy tendrils in his glare and into Chrysalis’ own. He flared his wings out and imposed his will upon the struggling monarch. Chrysalis hissed at him and snapped her jaws, her fangs inches from his face.

He did not flinch.

“Yield, Queen Chrysalis.” His eyes began to glow brightly, a golden color like the heart of a forest fire. “Please.”

Her own flared green in defiance. The doctor fell to the floor, gasping for air as Chrysalis focused on this new threat. Her chains were beginning to snap. Cries of alarm were going throughout the building. The Queen was stubborn. She knew the odds were stacked against her, but her daughter was alone and with one of these filthy ponies!

She shrieked with rage. One of the plates holding the chains fast to the table broke, popping the tops of bolts. Another threatened to go. The table wrenched from the force and nearly toppled over. With one hoof free, Chrysalis kicked awkwardly at Nightstorm. He deflected her blow with one of his own, but winced. He was bleeding from a shallow cut.

Chrysalis’ efforts was damaging her own limbs. Her chitin was beginning to wear against the steel holding her fast and blood was trickling down her face and neck. More unicorns flooded into the room, taking stock of the situation before firmly placing themselves between the unarmed ponies and the raging changeling.

“Stun bolts, now!” commanded Nightstorm. He broke eye contact with the Queen and flickered momentarily at the doctor and his nurse. “Get them out of here!”

Chrysalis was pelted. Again and again. At first, they seemed to do nothing more than stoke her fury, but after the fifth stun bolt, she began to waver and move with less and less violence. Eventually, she became lethargic, glaring hatefully at the ponies as she slowly slid to the floor. Tears were falling down her cheeks as her strength slowly ebbed away.

“Atalanta,” she whimpered.

The last thing she remembered hearing was, “Did anypony bother to ask the Queen if she would come willingly or did you idiots make assumptions and just rush the room and take her forcibly?”

Then, there was the awkward silence, possibly a ‘no’ squeaked out by one of those rude ponies, then blackness...

When she came to, she found her wounds were dressed and she was comfortably on her bed. Chrysalis lay on her side, her body throbbing with new aches and pains. The world at the moment was nothing but dull pain as she tried to recollect what had happened. A blanket had been pulled up to her shoulders and she clutched them to her chest tightly. Her head rested in a pillow as soft as anything she could recollect. The mattress was like a cloud. A warm, fluffy cloud.

Groggily she sat up and found her limbs uncooperative. As she collapsed back into the bed, she gave out a yelp. It felt as though her limbs had been bludgeoned by dive bombing prepubescent changelings in flight training!

A familiar and welcome chirrup sounded next to her. It was a sleepy sound, complete with the irritation of having a nice, comfortable nap interrupted by a yowling Queen.

Something bumped into the Queen’s neck. A little snout attached to a wobbly head butted against her again. Another chirp. Chrysalis focused her eyes as she rolled her head, bending her neck so she could see her daughter. The poor little thing trembled as she curled into the crook of her mother’s neck. Atalanta was traumatized and needed reassurance.

Chrysalis, as gently as she could manage, considering, forced herself into a semi curled position, wincing as she moved with aching slowness. When she wasn’t making a pained expression or muttering under her breath about the stupidity of ponies, she was running her tongue over her daughter’s head and back. Atalanta responded, slowly calming as her cries became less and less. Chrysalis offered her some love. It was more than enough. With a squeal of sudden needy hunger, Atalanta was soon feeding, her fears quickly banished away.

It took some moments of focus for the Queen to fully grasp several changes done to her room. For one, the bed was new. Secondly, more furniture had been brought in. The most prominent feature was a fancy-looking crib set next to her bed. She stared at it for a few moments, numbly wondering why it was there. Oh, right. For Atalanta. Chrysalis stared at the thing blankly. She preferred keeping Atalanta close at least until her first molt.

The second thing she noted was a gigantic white stuffed plushie seated at the foot of her bed. Chrysalis blinked owlishly. No, that was no stuffed animal. As her eyes focused, a lump of what was definitely not fear formed in her throat.

Princess Celestia, Lady of the Sun, Diarch of Equestria was smiling down at her.

“Hello, Chrysalis. How are you feeling?”

“What do you want?” the Queen croaked regally.

The alabaster beauty who sported a perpetual sunrise in all its forms in her mane ran her magenta eyes over the bed ridden form of the fallen body snatcher. “Well,” she began, pausing to watch the tiny child of Chrysalis feed. “I really wish you would cooperate with my ponies. We would like to help you and be prepared to deal with any future encounters with your kind with diplomacy instead of this.”

Chrysalis snorted. “I would rather be dead than help you ponies.”

“We don’t want you dead, Chrysalis. We want to understand and perhaps come to some sort of agreement. The idea of the hearing is to figure out how our species can establish a connection mutually beneficial for all.” Her voice had a soothing lilt to go with her smile.

“Never separate me from my daughter again,” growled Chrysalis as she came more into her senses. She thought it odd Celestia would have no guards. She thought it even odder to find herself in comfort after trying to fight her way out of... wherever she was.

“All wounds can heal. Broken bones can be mended. Buildings can be repaired and made stronger. Time can make the pain lessen and reveal in its wake the lessons we can all learn from. Life is precious to me, Chrysalis. All life. Even yours. Why can you not understand that?”

Chrysalis said nothing. She tended her daughter instead.

“Do changelings need to keep their children close to them at all times?”

“The first few months are critical,” gave in the Queen, shifted her muzzle to the Princess. “We must Bond. It begins when she is in the egg, between mother and child only. It was so with my mother and me, and so it has always been from mothers to their children. This is the only time when they are innocent, when the world is big and terrifying. We need our mothers and our mothers teach us through our minds, helping them to find the spark of what they might become. By separating a mother from her daughter, you make the mother feral and the child anxious and terrified. The Bond is only good up to a certain distance, up until the first molt. I do not think the damage is permanent, but you idiot ponies simply cannot separate a mother from her child for any reason!” She ended in a pained hiss, staring off into the past before shaking her head from it. Her cheeks felt wet.

“I did not know. If you had but told—”

“You have enslaved me! You have taken my freedom! I fought to free my hive from the true monsters in this world! None of that matters anymore because I cannot sense my children! I am responsible for them and you…you dare to lock me away. They are more than likely dead, now. If I was free, I could call for them, but it is far too late.”

“You attacked my ponies and tried to steal—”

“How many of your precious ponies died, Celestia?”

“I hardly find the question—”

“How many?” screamed Chrysalis, clutching her daughter closer to her. “I’ll answer that question for you: Far fewer than what I have lost. You think to punish me? I failed my changelings, Celestia. All of them. And now they are dead. Two thousand, four hundred ninety-seven. Their deaths are on my head, princess. There is very little you can do to make me feel any remorse for whatever transgressions I have against you.”

Atalanta had curled into a ball, going absolutely still. She was now in between the forelegs of her mother, carefully guided there. She trembled, and Chrysalis nuzzled her sadly.

“You’ll have your hearing, Celestia. Damn you for your self-righteousness. Damn you for your perfection. Damn you for your power. I escaped monsters only to fall to the likes of you.”

Celestia considered the changeling and her daughter. She was as still as a statue, her ethereal mane flowing in contrast. After a long moment of silence where the two mares stared at each other, the alicorn nodded. “Very well. I shall leave you be for now. You’ve done considerable damage to yourself and your assault did quite a bit of harm to the guards. If you were asked politely, would you do as you are requested?”

She waited as Chrysalis glared angrily, pausing in her ministrations to Atalanta long enough to give a stubborn nod. “Excellent. I want for us to reach at least an understanding, Chrysalis. You will be punished in some fashion, make no mistake about that. I have a nation to consider. I have a worldview to face. Details of what you did have trickled out, despite my best efforts to quell them. The world thinks you are dead, Chrysalis.” Celestia rose to her hooves. “Well, those who were even aware you existed.”

Chrysalis would not look her in the eye.

“I would recommend you to worry about healing. You did quite some damage to yourself. Please don't do that anymore. Write for your daughter.” —Chrysalis grew an accusatory expression, but was ignored— “And please do try to be a bit more polite. It also would not hurt for you try just a little cooperation. No harm will ever come to you and your daughter, save for what you do to yourself.”

The Queen’s visage soften just a bit.

“I will ensure the guards never again rush in and treat you as you had been. What they did was wrong and outside of proper procedure. They will be dealt with accordingly. You were to have been escorted to the infirmary for examination. Perhaps if we had them done in your room? Would that make you more amiable, Queen Chrysalis?”

A nod. Nothing more.

“Very well, then. I will take my leave and leave you and your daughter to your devices.”

Chrysalis did not even watch her leave.

After the door had closed and several minutes had passed, the changeling queen whispered, “You are a benevolent tyrant, Celestia.”

Chapter IV

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Mother kept them from discovering my existence. They always took what they wanted for their own needs. The whole hive protected their own and hid their hatchlings. Greedy queens wanted to fill their nurseries with the eggs of other changelings. They were always the most powerful of queens on the Savannah. Those who had might ruled. Those who did not have the might were slaves or made dead.

My understanding of life beyond Mother’s protection was a brutal revelation. If I wished to stay with Mother, I had to learn when to be silent and when to hide. After my first molt, I began to develop the mental and physical capacity so I was better able to do Mother’s bidding when they came to the hive to collect their...taxes.

Small changeling hives had very small reserves of love. The smaller a colony is, the less love is collected. Colonies who served under larger colonies were slaves. Slaves served their masters by providing a large portion of their love. Those who did not or could not have the required amount ready for the minions of their masters had their hatchlings snatched from them.

I was a clever girl. Mother said so and was very proud of me. I listened to Mother because she, too, was clever. Too many times did I hear the sound of a hatchling found out and taken, its cries echoing piteously throughout our home. Some mothers simply did not hide their children well enough or their children did not hide themselves properly. The Ravagers were merciless and did the biddings of their queens with brutal efficiency. Those who resisted, died.

Serve or die. That was what we lived under.

But, there was happiness. There was play. There was a sense of family and togetherness. Our hive was small, but it was also a very close-knit community. I would come to know all the changelings who served Mother. They loved her and she loved them. In our hearts, there was no room beyond those who had suffered and lost together. Every mother felt the loss of every hatchling, even if it was not hers. Mother mourned with those who no longer had their hatchlings. She sang with them and shared their pain. We all shared the loss through our Bond.

We were very close. We looked after each other. Brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, grandmothers and grandfathers… I was happy around them. Mother made sure the youngest had plenty of love. The adults could go without for long periods of time, but young ones like myself suffered terribly if we were not given the only thing which truly muted the Ever Hunger.

We were Lesser changelings, considered inferior by the Greaters. The ancient queens of the Savannah largely left us alone, but we always lived in the constant fear of the next Culling. We were smaller than them, weaker. Their magic could crush us on a whim and they flaunted their power at every opportunity. Posturing and a shows of force was how we dealt with them. To offer one’s wings to a another changeling was a means of offering peace through service. By presenting wings, a changeling was offering the delicate wings to the whim of the other, thus offering subservience.

There were several colonies of changelings who were enslaved to one Greater queen.

I suppose you are wondering how one queen can come to gather other queens to serve her. The answer was already given. Those with might ruled. Might meant a large hive. Might meant a queen who commanded more soldiers than other queens. Might meant having the power to take on several other colonies at once and crushing their forces. Might meant slaughtering the soldiers of other queens and replacing them with your own. Instead of having their own guards, Lesser queens were kept in line with the constant presence of the Greater queen’s soldiers.

And let us not forget the Ravagers.

Not only did we have to pay taxes to the queen we were slaves to, but we also had to pay her taxes to the queen she in turn served. The Ravagers did not discriminate. Many a time did a Ravager slay a Greater queen because her tithe was pitiful due to her own misuse of her Lesser colonies. If there was not enough tribute from the Lessers, the remainder was taken from the Greater.

Might was right.

Princesses like me were coveted. To the Greaters, fillies like me could be molded into broodmares for the sons of Greater queens to spill their seed within. We would quickly produce an army of soldiers if given a special jelly before their second molt. Such a life was torture. Few mares would willingly subject themselves to the thankless life of a completely enslaved broodmare. That was a life of having no other desire than to produce eggs as quickly as possible, eating when not mating or sleeping or laying clutches of eggs.

Mother did not want that for me. Broodmares were the most pitied of all changeling mares, for most never wanted a life where their worth ended the moment they failed to produce warriors suited to the taste of the Mistress. Often, the brutal pace of laying so many eggs would eventually drain the mare until she was a barely functioning husk after five seasons. They were often taken into the wilds and left to die of exposure once they were no longer of any use.

I met a broodmare once, in my later years. I will never forget how pitiful a sight she was. Changelings were never meant to breed so voraciously. If they could only be allowed to live as themselves, then there would be no need for the Cullings!

We are an ancient race, Atalanta. We are a flawed race. Accursed pride permeates our very being and we have fallen deep within our own self-perceived greatness. It drives us to make decisions normal changelings would balk at. We see things that might be impossible and talk ourselves into saying what cannot be done can be done.

Our pride breaks us.

It cost me the one thing that I held dearly above all else, before you came along.

It had been two weeks since Chrysalis woke up to the horrifying visage of Princess Celestia smiling down at her like some demented goddess. In that time since the immortal pony stamped herself permanently in the growing nightmares of the Queen, Chrysalis spent less and less time sleeping while shifting her anxious nights into her writing. She would lose herself in her feverish writing, the only sounds she heard were the scratching of pen to paper and her breathing. Every once in a while Atalanta would fuss, being either hungry or need a diaper change.

Diapers. Such a useful invention. Chrysalis never had diapers when she was a nymph. Changeling mothers would use large fronds gathered from fuzzy palm trees at the end of the monsoons to clean their nymphs with. Those without used their tongues to clean. Those moronic ponies actually invented something that was of practical use.

Chrysalis was glad she did not have to resort to using her tongue. She loved her daughter dearly, but some things were simply disgusting.

She sipped at a cold cup of coffee, mindful of her jitteriness whenever she drank too much. The bitter taste suited her and the Queen thought absently she might have developed an addiction to caffeine. Chrysalis was not at all pleased to learn coffee was the favored beverage of a certain pretty professor purple pony, but supposed as long as her nemesis did not know, no harm was done.

The Queen knew it was morning when the knock at the door soon revealed a maid pushing in the breakfast cart. Chrysalis would, as always, stand in the rune circle and sit patiently (and glowering at the maid) while holding Atalanta. The maid pointedly avoided making eye contact, as always, and asked, as always, if Chrysalis needed anything for the day. As she did this, others would stream in and begin cleaning up. Nightstorm always watched, though for some time appeared shaken in the eyes of Chrysalis.

Their staring contest had done something to him. Whatever ability he had tried to use on her had barely worked. It was as though it was meant to do something more than whatever it was that had happened. Still, he appeared to watch over the maids, making no attempt to speak with the Queen. Instead, he always told the mares to hurry up.

Chrysalis could not help but feel his resentment.

Sometimes she would tell the maid in charge if she needed something. Usually it was a request for her daughter. The maid would write the request down on a small notepad with a pencil, wait for the other maids to depart, bow politely to the Queen and depart. Nightstorm would follow, pulling the door quietly behind him.

Ten to fifteen minutes, every morning. Chrysalis would glare, fitting smoothly into the rule of the monarch ruling her kingdom as unwanted visitors traversed her kingdom. Princess Atalanta was indifferent, considering she only wanted her mother, her food, her naps, and the occasional song from her mother.

Chrysalis would sing for her daughter. It was necessary for their Bond. She wanted it strong and unbreakable. Changelings sang to reaffirm the Bond of the hive. It was a simple ritual so ancient its origins were unknown. It was an instinct, a part of what was a changeling. They sang at births, deaths, ascensions, coming of age, and sometimes simply because a song was needed.

Chrysalis had wondered if there was a song appropriate for mourning the loss of her hive. Try as she might, she could never find the words as the toll of stress from the ponies had effectively placed upon her. They were always watching! Always judging! Every move she made was questioned at every interrogation! She had been subject to none since Celestia had paid her a visit and the Queen managed to settle down internally enough.

After the last of the ponies left, Chrysalis went over to her daughter as she lay in the crib. There beneath her favorite blanket and sleeping peacefully was Atalanta. Her mother gave a small, sad smile, nuzzling her sleeping daughter. She felt at peace for the first time, relaxed and no longer encumbered by what the ponies thought of her. The hatchling would molt and soon be considered a nymph. Chrysalis knew her daughter was growing. A part of her wished she would never grow up, never see the things she knew would hurt her. The other part was determined to prepare the future queen for her own role in life, whatever it might be.

Chrysalis began to hum softly, slowly moving around the room seemingly in aimless fashion. She closed her eyes as she moved, lifting her chin as no words were suitable to describe her loss. Tears fell and she was unashamed to let them go. Gently she swayed as she walked, falling into a pattern around Atalanta’s crib. The very air around her grew cool as she mourned. Her humming grew louder and louder and she found her sorrow welling up more and more into her heart. The trickle of tears became a torrent. The grieving queen paused, sucking in a deep breath.

Then, she wailed. It was a keening sound, all the emotions she had bottled up for her changelings roared forth with the eruptive force of an exploding volcano. Throwing her head back in her cry, she screamed at the heavens beyond her stone ceiling, to her ancestors so they might hear and feel her pain. The Queen sank to her knees and wailed on and on. Her shoulders heaved with each ragged breath she took. Her misery, her failure, the chains of responsibility heaped themselves upon her shoulders.

For what seemed an eternity, Queen Chrysalis wept.

When the torrent of pain, suffering, and sorrow abated until it had fallen to a trickle, she found Atalanta cradled in her hooves. Gentle kisses were placed over her daughter’s wriggling form. Sad chirps shared her mother’s sentiments. Bonds had been broken and would never mend. The void in her heart gaped like a bottomless chasm. Atalanta had, in a sense, peered into the void and found it very, very wrong. She was so young and knew nothing more beyond the touch and feel of her mother. The hatchling also had her Bond. The emptiness she sensed through her mother only made her cling to the Bond all the more. The Bond was Important. The Bond meant never being alone.

And Chrysalis was so very alone.

The little daughter of the fallen queen felt, with her very limited understanding, her mother needed her. So, through the Bond, she held fast as though her life depended on it.

Chrysalis loved her daughter very, very much. She was so thankful to have her, she smiled through her tears. “Thank you.”

Atalanta chirped and snuggled against her neck. She was hungry and announced it in a tone that sounded almost apologetic. Unable to help herself, Chrysalis laughed, sniffled, and did as her daughter bade. As she fed her daughter, the Queen began to purr lightly. Soon after feeding, Atalanta fell asleep in her mother’s hooves. Said mother gathered up her only child and crawled into her bed. She wanted her daughter close right now. Tired, worn out, and mentally exhausted, Queen Chrysalis fell asleep the moment she closed her eyes.

She stood in a wasteland. Everything was either in grays or a dull shade of brown. White objects dotted the landscape in the distance. A cold wind whipped about her. Chrysalis walked, not knowing why, only knowing she needed to go forward. Her wings settled and resettled as her nerves were on edge. Where was Atalanta? Where was her hatchling?

“Atalanta?” she called out.

A familiar chirp sounded off in the distance in front of her. Without hesitation, she charged forward on her hooves, wondering with stark trepidation why her daughter was not at her side. She had to be at her side! She could not properly develop her mind if she was not close enough to keep the Bond growing!

She passed the skulls of dead changelings, knowing who they once were immediately. Her rage and sorrow were distant, as all she had left was her fear for her daughter.

“Atalanta!”

As she hurried along, the world around her slowed her steps against her will. The skies darkened as clouds rolled in with unthinkable speed. Rain fell like steel bolts in a blink of an eye. Lightning flashed blindingly and thunder pounded her eardrums. The night ruled now. Everything was darkness and storms.

Chrysalis felt a hoof break through something. She looked down and saw she had crushed a skull. It grinned up at her, as if part of a joke she was not aware of. It was mocking her, whispering words of failure into her mind. The Queen flinched away and shied, hissing as her fear gripped her heart. Her wings buzzed, but she found she could not fly.

They fell off and she felt numb.

As she moved forward stubbornly, she found more and more bits of herself falling away. Chitin fell away with every step she made. Her heart ached and she wanted her daughter.

“Atalanta!”

Chrysalis suffered. The blow of loss came out of nowhere and she wept as she went. She could make out something in the distance, through the sheets of rain slowly tearing her apart. Something tiny, helpless, and white. In the hooves of a familiar form.

The little form chirped. The big blue form holding it nuzzled it.

“Atalanta!” Her voice was hoarse, ragged.

She made out the form of a dark blue changeling queen feeding her daughter. No rain fell around them. The ground was dry beneath them. The sopping wet Queen pushed herself harder to close the distance. Why was it so difficult to cover so short a distance?

“Why do you mourn, Queen Chrysalis?” asked the other queen. Indigo eyes rose and met with Chrysalis’ green ones. “They are but expendable extensions of yourself, are they not?”

“No! That is not true! That was never true!”

“Then why did you kill them?” The blue changeling brushed a hoof gently over the hatchling. “Why did you forsake your changelings, Chrysalis? Did the burden of being a queen prove to be too much? Could you not stand up to your enemies? Was preying upon the unsuspecting the only way to feed your hive? Did they die because you could not lead them properly? Why, Chrysalis? Why did you fail? Why is there nothing left for you but a daughter and a prison cell? How much longer until you have nothing but a prison? What will you do then? Declare yourself forever the Lonely Queen?”

Chrysalis could not answer. Tears again fell.

“You came so far only to fall so short. How pathetic.”

“I had no choice,” snarled Chrysalis suddenly, glaring at the strange changeling. “The Ravagers were hunting us. We needed love to protect ourselves! We needed a distraction to throw at them! Nine centuries. Nine! I led my changelings! We were free! I kept them ahead of those monsters! They do not stop! They do not rest! They know only the will of their queen and carry it out until they succeed or they die! You should…”

Her anguish fell away.

“You…”

The blue changeling queen cocked her head at Chrysalis.

“You!”

“There is still time, Chrysalis.”

Atalanta was floated over to her. Chrysalis found herself reaching out for her precious daughter, not realizing she herself had become nothing more than skeletal remains.

The hatchling sensed the nearness of her mother. She chirped happily, struggling to reach for her mother. Chrysalis reached with a hoof. To her horror, her hoof fell away from her. She tried with the other forehoof. It, too fell away to dust. Atalanta wanted her mother and could not understand the rejection. She began to wail.

“It’s not too late.”

“Atalanta!”

“You can still help them. Let me help you, Chrysalis.”

Chapter V

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On the Savannah, we had to move with the animals. During certain parts of the year, dry river beds would become raging waters a mile wide. Everything would be lush and green and full of promise. The animals of the Savannah travelled in vast herds. We followed the herds. Our hunters took down game. Our gatherers were skilled in taking in the affections of animals and converting it to love we could sustain ourselves on. When the Greaters left us alone, life was good. It was hard, but rewarding with enough hard work. The days were hot and humid until the dry season rolled around. Then the heat became dry and perfect for changelings.

We love the heat.

I may have been entering my fourth or fifth rainy season. Mother told me I had been born at the end of the dry season. So, perhaps somewhere in between? Mother was teaching me my magic down by the great river we called the Winding End. It was often we would meet other colonies like ours. Lesser queens often knew each other. It was not uncommon for sister queens to have their own colonies. I met my aunt for the first time at the Winding End.

Her hive was slightly larger than ours. She was a feral Queen. Her colony had no hive. They lived out in the wilderness, constantly on the move. She and Mother were very close. Our changelings met hers completely unaware they were near the river. There was almost a fight, but at the last moment, before blows could be struck, the opposing sides detected familiar pheromones from the other. What might have become a terrible battle, instead became a sort of family reunion.

My aunt was a tall queen, easily a head taller than Mother. She was covered in scars. Her horn was chipped in several places. She had two daughters and a son. After Mother became reaquainted with her sister, there was a celebration by the river.

Changelings, as a rule, stick to their own colony unless a Greater queen commands otherwise. We are a secular species. We are also typically suspicious of those we do not know.

Aunt Cerri was suspicious of Mother. She was a slave. Slaves did things to gain favor with their masters. Cerri was not a slave. Cerri was free. I envied her. Her children and the children of her changelings played with no fear. They were fierce. They were not afraid to fight to stay free.

The celebration was short, but I would never forget the day I saw what a free changeling looked like. There was power in freedom. Freedom was intoxicating. It was them I learned there were other sapient beings such as us in the world.

Zebras. They lived in scattered tribes to the north. Their wilderness was a vast plateau. A desert separated the Savannah from their lands. Occasionally, they braved the desert and engaged in trade with various hives. They were often left alone, for the Greater queens desired the worthless trinkets the zebras brought with them.

Zebras, I discovered, could give more love than a simple minded animal. Aunt Cerri had captured him, made him her thrall, and flaunted him before Mother like a prized pet. Mother was horrified. Greater queens did not take kindly to the bringers of their shiny trinkets being made into slaves by their other slaves. Cerri did not care and laughed when Mother brought up the anger of the Greaters. Zebras were for the whims of the powerful and forbidden to the Lessers.

Aunt Cerri refused to believe any changeling should be denied love simply because they were a part of a weak hive. One zebra could sustain five changelings for a month. It took ten gazelles to sustain one changeling for three days. How could so much love be held in one creature? Was such a thing possible?

Curious, I stared at the zebra. He smiled at me. His eyes were strange. Cerri’s magic shone through his eyes. It was as if he was her slave, just as if the Greater queens controlled their minions. The other nymphs gathered with me and we looked at him. He just stood there, where Cerri had commanded him to stand. He never moved. His ears were always pointed towards her, though his eyes followed what was going on around him.

Cerri approached, followed by Mother. The former smiled while the latter hid her worry by measuring up the zebra. She had never had anything other than a changeling near her hive.

My aunt invited me to taste the zebra. Only a taste! She cautioned, adding to us nymphs to always take good care of the things that give us love. If we were ever to abuse it, there could come a point in time where the source of our love would no longer love us and we would have to take steps to force it out of him. That was a bad thing, she told us sternly. Freely given love was rich and bountiful. Love forced from the source had an aftertaste of resentment and sometimes even hate. Hate was bad for us.

With Mother’s permission, she showed us how to withdraw love from the source. The zebra seemed eager to be that source. She commanded, he obeyed. Just a taste. Just a small portion. Something less than a snack.

I lit up my horn, focused on the source of love within the zebra, as I was instructed, and had my first taste. I was used to the hum the love from my usual fare gave me. It was what our hunters brought from the local wildlife and it had a resonance about it as it was ingested. We could either absorb it through our horn in its essence form or we could eat it in a jelly form that could be produced through the holes in our forehooves. Gatherers typically used the horn to absorb love from their sources. It could be stored in cocoons within the storage chambers in the hive or stored like fat beneath our chitins. It could not be stored within us for long because the Hunger would eventually find it and devour it.

The taste of the zebra’s love was full and rich. It was like cream compared to the water I was used to. Cerri laughed and shared the zebra with Mother after us nymphs had this new and exciting new treat.

I...I...

I found I craved it.

The Hunger demanded it.

Aunt Cerri suggested there were ancient legends telling of a kingdom across the sea. A place where the Hunger could be finally satisfied. It was freedom.

True freedom is nothing but a legend, Mother declared. True freedom was not for changelings. Something had happened long ago to make us what we are today. Something terrible. It was never spoken of, but always hinted at. From the way Mother sounded, we deserved our fate. The Hunger was our burden.

Aunt Cerri disagreed. The two sisters argued that night. It would be the last night they would ever have together.

The next morning, Aunt Cerri was gone. It was the last I would see her for a very long time.

Chrysalis noted the stack of papers she had written had grown quite thick. The pages had grown in her long nights. There had been many such writing sessions. A lot of it was random things popping to mind. Some of it was meant for her daughter. Writing, she discovered, was very therapeutic. It was even more so when she had Atalanta sleeping against her chest.

For the moment, she had a troubling thought at the forefront of her mind.

Princess Luna had been visiting her in the evenings while the Queen recovered from her injuries. For the past eight nights, she went over the charges Equestria had placed at the hooves of the Queen. There were books with her. Legal tomes. Some were new. Others were old. All had to do with principles and theories of how to establish relations between the combatants. Chrysalis had some interest in the matter, mostly because she thought there were things in her favor, minescule as they were.

Somehow, Luna was behaving like a changeling. The anger Chrysalis normally had for all ponies was muted in the presence of the alicorn. She suspected manipulation magic at play, but could not detect such deceit from the alicorn. Luna always presented her wings to Chrysalis and kept her head below the Queen’s chin when she made her greetings.

She also said nothing unless Chrysalis spoke first.

The Princess was beginning to understand? Luna was making the attempt at an effort. None of the other ponies, not even Celestia had even bothered to try and understand the changeling. This confused Chrysalis at first. Such manners demanded she respond with politeness in kind. Luna had not approached her as either a slave or a master, but as an equal.

“It’s a start,” Chrysalis had grudgingly allowed the first time Luna greeted her properly.

The pony did not smile, did not frown. Proper neutrality and no show of facial expressions to match. The Queen decided to grant the Princess status as a proper guest. It was only fair and protocol demanded she meet such politeness with the same dedication.

If proper civility was to continue, then Chrysalis knew she was going to have to encourage Luna to go on behaving like a proper guest. Her room was her kingdom. Here, she was sovereign. Of all the Equestrians, Princess Luna was the only one to display a willingness to meet Chrysalis on the Queen’s terms.

But how was she able to figure it out? Was she that clever?

She shook herself from the recent memories. Chrysalis was having issues enough with her dreams. Three times already she had the same dream since the first time, waking up and screaming her daughter’s name. Her noise had awakened her daughter. Atalanta felt her mother’s fear and began crying almost immediately.

The Queen felt worse and worse every time the same dream had the same results. Atalanta did not and could not understand why her mother was filled with fear. There was a threat. A threat made the hatchling call out to her mother instinctively.

Chrysalis wondered if Luna was playing a part in her dreams. Something blurred the end of the dream, or a part of it. The only bue changeling queen she knew of was dead and had been for a very long time.

“Something amiss?” Luna asked, tilting her view of the Queen in repose. “Is there something you do not understand in regards to matter at hoof?”

Chrysalis glared at her. “I understand your Equestrian foolishness quite well, Princess Luna. I am merely distracted.”

“Curious how dreams are carried into the waking world, isn’t it? You must know such distractions are irrelevant and counterproductive. We are concerned. Dreams are Our realm. We can help you to understand them, if you are so inclined.”

“I am not inclined to share my dreams with the one who rules them. I would imagine you would already know. I cannot defend against you there.”

Luna shook her head. “That is where you are wrong. We cannot control dreams. We can only see them and offer Ourselves as a guide if necessary. Our duty is to keep nightmares from manifesting.”

Chrysalis gave her a blank look.

“Think of them as emotions let loose and without control. A nightmare can take your deepest fears and twist your perceptions until you cannot see the truth around you.”

The Queen thought about the Princess’ words. “An interesting comparison. Perhaps there is truth in your words.”

Atalanta woke up and announced her hunger.

Luna suddenly gave the changeling a sense of longing. It was directed towards the crib. Chrysalis wondered why she was using the crib. It was an Equestrian construction and therefore weak. Their laws were weak. Their culture was some horrible, fluffy joke. Yet, she allowed herself the same weakness by placing her daughter in the very comfortable looking and beautifully crafted thing her daughter had eventually found herself in when she slept. As quickly as she felt it, Chrysalis noted how rapidly Luna withdrew her emotions.

Chrysalis came to a startling conclusion. She filed it away for later use. Perhaps it would be useful. It could just be another Equestrian trick.

The Princess settled back, splaying her ears out as she went silent and expectant. Chrysalis lifted her daughter, straining yet again at the limitations the inhibitor placed. Flickering a chance glance at Luna, she brought Atalanta to herself and fed the hatchling without a second thought. With their respect for each other still filled with a deep sense of distrust mostly from the Queen’s stance, Chrysalis would have shamed herself if Luna had caught her struggling.

But no, she had control. It was there, just not with the full access to her mana. The changeling could still have show of confidence even if it was tentative. They had replaced the old inhibitor. Her own magic had nearly burned the runes off along with doing damage to the base of her horn. The headache in the aftermath plagued her for four days. Luckily for her, the ponies had not yet discovered her innate abilities were not tied to what she could do with her horn. Testing the ponies had been a chore. They were no longer baiting her.

This was good.

She suspected Luna had a hoof in this. Cold logic and sequences of events suggested this to be highly likely. They were far from friends. She doubted such a thing would ever be possible. Chrysalis would freely admit she hated Luna, but not so much as she despised Celestia or Twilight. Of all the alicorns, Luna was the one Chrysalis thought capable of purging herself of emotions.

She never even considered Mi Amore Cadenza.

Her time would come.

For now, Chrysalis realized she needed knowledge. She needed to know where she was and how to escape. Patience would be her ally. Perhaps Luna would be the key. Even if she were to pursue this plan, there was no guarantee Luna could see past her intentions. Balancing everything within her mind and keeping her emotions in check meant she had to keep her thoughts below the surface. She had to be as still as the surface of calm water while channeling her currents carefully.

Atalanta was a distraction for Luna.

Chrysalis fed her daughter while at the same time perused one of the books Luna had brought. It was useless to her. None of the books had proven useful. Equestrian laws were numerous and most of them were unnecessary. A queen’s word was law. Good changelings obeyed. Bad changelings were cast from the colony. Hives were an extension of a queen’s will.

“Your laws are foolish,” she stated, setting the book back down. “They will not help me. If anything, it only seems to make my situation worse. I attacked without a formal declaration of war.” She forced more jelly out for Atalanta to feed, sparing a quick glance. The hatchling was growing so quickly! Filled with a sense of renewed pride, she continued. “Nor has Equestria acknowledged the state of war we are technically in. No peace can be declared. No cease fire. No armistice.”

“Yes. This is true.”

“According to some of your bylaws, I could be prosecuted as nothing more than a common bandit. A thief. Your laws do not recognize me as a queen as I do not have a kingdom as you understand them. I am nothing more than a common criminal.”

“Again, you are correct.”

Chrysalis pursed her lips over her fangs and narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. A small smile appeared. “No state of war can exist if I have no nation to fit the descriptions as required by your silly laws.” A hard snort blew through her nostrils. “How did you know?”

Luna hefted a book near her with her telekinesis. “We were not sure. The laws still confound Us. We agree the laws have become more burdensome over the course of the centuries, but the unfortunate truth lies with the simple fact many old laws are not rescinded when new laws are put into effect. There is even a law stating if either Celestia or myself were to marry, then we must ascend to the rank of queen. If We were to bear foals, then we would have to take upon the same mantle.”

“Why do you not simply make yourself queen?” asked Chrysalis with genuine curiosity.

Luna sighed, giving a wistful whinny. “Some things We do not and will not feel comfortable telling you. Reasons, you understand. Let Us say We made a promise and We, along with Our sister have kept it.”

Chrysalis could accept that, though, her curiosity had been piqued. Still, she felt it odd and foolish the alicorn would so openly admit to such a private pain. She assumed the princess would be reluctant to show any weakness, especially around her enemy, albeit a captured one.

“So,” she sighed, flicking her tail and readjusting it. “What is your plan? How do you plan to represent me in this hearing?”

Luna looked at her plainly. “Simple. We declare all charges associated with your declaration of war to be unfit and untrue. As there can be no nation as the aggressor, then there can be no war. The prosecution will refute that, of course.”

“Twilight?” Chrysalis bristled.

“Indeed. Her knowledge in literature, laws, magic, and countless other things We find... excessive, will make her a most formidable opponent. She is quite intelligent, obsessive-compulsive, and has an immaculate eye for detail.” Luna flicked her own tail (Chrysalis wondered how one did that with an ethereal mane) and resettled her wings. Her posture suggested an eagerness.

“You look forward to facing her?” Atalanta mewled for more love. Chrysalis complied. Where is she putting all of it?

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“A battle of minds is still a battle. Twilight is a formidable opponent. The wars I would rather engage in involve armies. Strategy. Planning. Neigh impossible. Even chess becomes boring after one learns the strategy. It is the only game Twilight cannot defeat Us at. She lacks the killer instinct, as the saying goes.” Luna looked forlornly about the room. She wanted something.

“Princess Luna?” Chrysalis prompted.

“We should have tea brought. Do you wish to partake?”

“No. Perhaps a break is in order. We have been going at this for several hours.”

“Indeed. Do you mind if We have tea brought to your room for Our own consumption?”

Chrysalis gave a nod. “Your request is acceptable.”

“With your permission?” Chrysalis nodded again and Luna rose to her hooves. “Very well, I shall ask the guard outside to fetch some tea. Ah, is there anything you should require since We are up?”

“Nothing. I do not require food for the moment. Perhaps love. I don’t know how you are able to put it in the food you bring. It is curious how you ponies are able to do that. The little one is currently feeding more. Did you know hatchlings require nothing but pure love? They require nothing else. Not until their first molt.” Chrysalis became lost in her words, her eyes growing distant. “Never give them hate.”

Luna gave her an odd look, but the Queen’s mind had drifted. It returned to the present and the changeling seemed not to have noticed. “Very well, then.”

Chrysalis was actually feeling hunger pangs of the Hunger acutely. She needed to feed. The Hunger was never satiated. It was impossible for any changeling to rid itself of that hunger. Food was not an emotion. It could only mask the need. If only there was a cure! If only she had been given more time to search. Equestria was the key! It had more love in it than any other kingdom she had come across!

“I was so close,” she murmured to Atalanta with a voice like a cool breeze. “We were so close. I could have sworn I had felt it.”

Everything had been for nothing. Chrysalis understood that now. Her gamble had cost her everything. There was nothing more to do than go forward and hope for a second chance.

It was doubtful Celestia would allow it.

Chapter VI

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The sun has always kept the bad things away. Hunters almost always struck at night. The time for fear begins when the last rays of the sun die away. The darkness hides the things that stalk their prey until the waking hours bring about the new day. For some changelings, the past night was their last.

I had always revered the sun. Mother had always said it watched over us. Nothing watched over us in the night because the moon had grown cold and indifferent and worried only about its own pride. So the legend goes.

The Ravagers came in the night. They used no subterfuge. They required no stealth. They simply appeared, reeking of hatred. Any who resisted them were cut down. They did not belong to the queen Mother served. They bore tiger stripes. They were led by a tiger striped princess. She was easily twice Mother’s size! Her horn glowed as her orders were constantly streaming from her mind to her Ravagers. We tried to fly away, but we were inside our hive. Our hive denied us the only ability we had to allow us a chance of escape. Our magic was useless against these monsters.

Fear drove us. Hate pursued us. To feel fear is like having a cold talon grip your heart and squeeze. To feel hatred is to put a pit in your stomach that churns bile and makes you want to vomit.

They were not just after the nymphs, the hatchlings, and the eggs. No, these were invaders. They served a different Greater queen. A war had begun. We were to be a part of the statistics. Mother tried to resist. She was strong. She tore down first one, then another Ravager with her hooves, having turned them into wicked jagged sickles. Mother was leading the defense of her hive’s future. The other changelings followed her lead, meeting the Ravagers in physical combat.

They were not Mother. They tried valiantly.

They died valiantly.

Why?

All hope crumbled when the princess strode into the chamber we were in with a smirk on her face. Her mane was done up in braids and burned with magical fire. Golden eyes flared with cruel purpose as they swept over the carnage before settling on Mother.

Mother was covered in wounds. She was still fighting. Her snarl accompanied her grunts and hisses. Her fury was beyond her physical capabilities. The wounds criss-crossing her body were numerous now. Blood smeared her carapace. Each Ravager was larger than Mother. They were heavily armored. They had singular, massive claws instead of forehooves. Their horns were small. As they communicated with each other, the savagery they exhibited in combat translated to the core of their beings.

She looked at me fiercely when she could spare the chance. “Run! Take them and run!” she cried! Mother then slew her third Ravager.

A beam of magic lit the room, streaking from its source to Mother’s chest. A smoking hole appeared. She faltered on her hooves and leaned heavily against the wall. I could see she could not breathe. The fire in her eyes flickered, fell upon me. Slowly, she slid down, her legs giving way beneath her. The tiger princess approached her, oozing superiority. The smug expression was accompanied with a cruel laugh.

Mother was gasping.

No, she was dying.

I could feel it.

My heart was breaking. I cried out to her. My legs were pumping. I broke from the others even as the Ravagers went about gathering them up casually, as one might herd a warren of rabbits.

Sobbing, I reached Mother. I nuzzled her and pleaded for her to get up. She tried to mouth words, but no sound came. Mother’s light went out and she sighed one last time through a gurgling sob.

“I am the Huntress Taalia. You are mine, little one,” cooed the princess behind me. Her magic took a hold of me and I was lifted. I met her eyes and found them basking in my misery. “Your hive is mine. Your life is mine. Everything about you is now mine.”

She licked me, running her tongue up along my neck and side of my face. I was given to a Ravager who in turn tossed me with the other nymphs. Those of us old enough were ordered to pick up the eggs and hatchlings. We soon left our hive. I could smell the smoke and blood. I could hear the cries of the survivors, their spirits broken. Those too wounded to travel were left to die. I watched as a pair of Ravagers fed on a changeling. He screamed while he was eaten alive.

Despite what horrors they had done, I found myself staring at them in morbid fascination. Hate rolled off them. They hated. I could feel their hatred for other changelings. When their princess appeared, it all melted away. The awe and love they had for her made me sick to my stomach. Something was not right about it.

Until I realized they were thanking her for allowing them to hunt and kill.

She went among them, smiling like a proud trainer. Her horn lit up as she rewarded her monsters with love. Our love. The love my hive had spent so much time and effort in gathering!

The princess then looked up and beyond us gathered young ones. A grin spread across her narrow features. Her fangs gleamed in the light of the fires. Everything was burning and she basked in the hell she had created. We were not the only ones to fall.

The Savannah was burning.

Another morning of writing had did little to dispel the nervousness. This was the day. That doctor who was cheerful to the point where Chrysalis wanted to throttle him had declared her healed enough to have her hearing. She bore his prattling patiently (by glaring at him in hopes she could melt him with her eyes) until he was done listening to the sound of his own voice. It was not until after he had left Chrysalis realized he had mentioned blood samples somewhere in his test results.

Maybe revenge against him should take top priority…

No doubt they had done things to Atalanta, adding to the insult of her inability to protect her tiny, helpless daughter from the overly curious ponies.

Chrysalis checked the sling slung over her shoulder and across her chest. It was made of cloth and was designed to carry a precious bundle. The reflection in the mirror showed the plaid design of red and black to be an interesting contrast to her largely healed chitin and mane. She wasn’t sure if it looked good or not, but it felt comfortable around her. She could easily open the flap in front of her to reveal Atalanta. Unsurprisingly, the hatchling was sleeping.

“Are you certain you wish to take your daughter with you?” Luna asked. The alicorn stood a respectful distance. Nightstorm stood silently behind her.

“I will not leave her. She comes or I will not attend this farce.” Chrysalis adjusted the sling and made a face in the mirror. Maybe a bit tighter? Atalanta rolled, opened her blurry eyes for a moment, yawned, and went back to sleep.

“It is not a—” Luna stopped when Chrysalis turned from the mirror with a deadpan to show.

“Deception is my specialty, just as dreams are yours,” reminded the Queen flatly. “You ponies want something from me. I intend to find out what. Nothing about this hearing makes sense. Why won’t you simply kill me and be done with it? Do your punishment. You have all the advantages. Your laws are bad and you should feel bad.”

The alicorn matched expressions with the changeling Queen.

“Even after all this time, you are still nothing more than a puppet for your sister, Luna.”

The Princess showed no anger. “Let us make haste.”

Chrysalis made one last adjustment to the sling. Mentally she shrugged. Some things simply could not be helped. “I am ready.”

“Do not provoke my princess,” growled Nightstorm.

“Even if truth is a provocation?”

“Enough. Queen Chrysalis. Follow Us, if you please. Nightstorm will follow behind you.”

For the first time in weeks, Chrysalis left her cell. There was a sense of trepidation as the hated room she had been confined in had also been her only place of comfort. Stepping beyond it was stepping into the unknown. Still, Chrysalis was no stranger to the unknown. Going where no changeling had gone before had kept her and her hive alive for a very long time.

It had been a while, but Chrysalis thought the halls were familiar. Despite her struggling weeks ago, the Queen paid attention to the little things as best she could. At some point, she would leave this place.

She was surprised when no chains were shackled to her. If she were leading a prisoner, it would be with a blindfold and a contingent of guards, especially for a captive as dangerous as a changeling queen.

Ponies were questionable in their decision making.

The journey was short: down the hall, down the same flight of stairs. Chrysalis caught sight of sunlight filtering through windows. Though she was a creature who preferred the darkness, the sun had always seemed like a trusted companion when she was small. The irony of who raised and lowered it left a sour taste in the Queen’s mouth. There was longing in her heart to feel the sun again. She wanted Atalanta to feel the warm, welcoming rays of the sun for the first time.

Her steps faltered. Luna seemed to sense her hesitation and halted. “Queen Chrysalis?”

“It is nothing.” Chrysalis tore her gaze from the shafts of sunlight. “Lead on.”

Luna led the Queen to a set of double doors flanked by Solar Guards. Both unicorns lit their horns and bowed respectfully to the Lunar Princess, the doors swinging away from them. Momentarily, Chrysalis was blinded by light and felt warmth cascade over her head and shoulders. With each step she took, the daylight warmed her back and flanks. Chrysalis stopped and tilted her muzzle to the sky, closing her eyes and just letting her dark chitin drink up the sun’s glory. A smile threatened to emerge and she allowed it to show a little. She could feel grass under her hooves. Grass! The spongy earth beneath gave to her weight. The air was sweet and warm. Birdsong caused for twitches in her ears.

“We apologize there was no opportunity to allow you access outside. Many a night was made arguing with Our sister as we both discussed you. We were very divided and it took a great deal of persuasion to convince Celestia to allow you outside.” Luna felt as though she was very pleased in showing off her victory. Chrysalis was grateful.

“Could it not have come sooner?” she asked as she slowly brought her head level. The Queen kept her eyes closed, enjoying the sun. She guessed it was summer, perhaps just reaching its zenith. Early June, perhaps? It felt right. She did a quick mental calculation of her daughter's age. If the attack had been on the first Sunday of May, then, let’s see...six weeks? Seven? “Before the Summer Solstice?”

“National affairs became quite hectic in the aftermath of you and yours.” Luna blew out an exasperated sigh. “We still receive false reports of changelings in the countryside. Colts and fillies have nightmares of being eaten by changelings, even though most of them have not an idea what one looks like. The mere thought causes quite the stir of the imaginations. Newspaper illustrations do not help matters much.”

“I see.” Chrysalis opened her eyes. “Lead on then.” Outside! She was outside! A little nymph popped up in her mind and began to pronk for joy within her common sense and cool demeanor. The flight of fancy irritated her and she growled at herself quietly. There was no time for such foolish thinking!

It was a garden. Summer flowers were in full bloom and their scents filled the nostrils of the Queen pleasantly. She had always a fondness for flowers, allowing herself to wear a small and pleasant smile. Chrysalis decided she would adopt a reserved approach, lifting her neutrality as to show appreciation for this treat. It would be enough for decorum. And, as the old saying went, she stopped to smell the roses. Azaleas and day lilies were the nearest plants to her. A thought occurred to her as she delicately sniffed at an orange and yellow flower.

Chrysalis gently fished out Atalanta, who did not appreciate being jostled from her nap. The hatchling trilled her objections loudly. The changeling eased her rump into the grass, scooting a bit closer to the flower she was focused on. Leaning forward, she guided her daughter’s nose to the flower and gave her a moment to sniff it out. Atalanta stopped her peeping, the nubs of her ears perking as she caught a whiff of the plant. A soft and curious chirp came from her little mouth and she leaned into the center of the petals. She batted at it with a clumsy little hoof. She liked it! Then, she grabbed the plant with both hooves and tried to eat it.

“No!” Chrysalis commanded gently, extracting Atalanta from the flower. The hatchling chirped out a tantrum as she was stuffed back into the sling. Luna, she noticed, was staring at her. “I wanted her to smell her first flower.”

The pang of longing slammed into the Queen’s senses like a crashing wave. She took it gamely, thinking awkwardly she might have made a gaff. She wanted Luna’s sympathy, not her resentment. Chrysalis hoped the alicorn would not begrudge her for having what she dared not have.

“I have delayed long enough,” she sighed as she came to her hooves. Her wings buzzed as she suddenly pondered herself taking to the sky and escape. Chrysalis did not need to look up to see the dozens of pegasi guards. They were there and they were watching. “Where are we going? I thought we were going to this hearing of yours.”

“We are almost there, Queen Chrysalis.”

The garden was large, but not expansive. Chrysalis was able to make out the walls of a castle around her, with parapets and towers. Banners of the Sun and the Moon fluttered from the tops of spires. Everything was functional in design, having none of the elegance and grace of Canterlot. It was a fortress. She was unfamiliar with the mountain peaks to the south and west. They were jagged and still had snow caps.

Chrysalis had no idea where she was.

The garden wrapped around the keep Chrysalis had emerged from. The stones of the keep and walls were dark gray. She noted it too was squat and ugly. The garden was beauty in the middle of ugly. Atalanta was still fussing within the sling, still upset at having her new plaything taken from her. Chrysalis nudged her gently to quiet the hatchling. It partially succeeded and the mother had to deal with her daughter squirming feebly and making the occasional protest. Mildly irritated, the Queen slogged onwards, looking up as she rounded the corner a few feet behind Luna.

She balked. Before her lay a large white table with a glass top. Upon the table was everything needed for a tea party. There was a large and ornate teapot with gold and silver flower art upon a silver tray. Four teacups of the same design were arranged on that tray around the pot. Next to the tray was another one with neatly arranged triangle sandwiches. All of them had the crusts cut off. Four chairs were arranged around it. Before each chair was an arranged napkin, cunningly folded to look like a swan. Two of them were occupied.

The first pony Chrysalis noted was none other than Princess Celestia. The great alicorn wore a serene mask and regarded the Queen coolly. To her right sat her purple progeny, Twilight Sparkle. The unicorn was trying not to stare at the Queen, her eyes going over changeling perfection with a look of, well...everything.

Anger.

Curiosity.

Outrage.

Curiosity.

Loathing.

Curiosity.

Resolve.

Oh, look, more curiosity!

Chrysalis almost laughed as the emotions coming from Twilight Sparkle nearly matched her expressions. The unicorn shook her head and finally looked down at her hooves. She closed her eyes and appeared to be doing some sort of breathing exercise. The Queen sensed her calming and was somewhat impressed.

“I bid you welcome, Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings,” greeted Celestia respectfully. She must have taken lessons from Luna. The smile was gone, but those eyes. The moment Chrysalis locked eyes with Celestia, it was as though the intensity of the sun were behind them.

She might as well have slapped the Queen.

Celestia bore the weight of her mental fortitude down upon the Chrysalis. It was not a cruel display, nor was it meant to subjugate. The Princess established her dominance at the start. Chrysalis felt her legs wobble beneath her, but she stood fast in the maelstrom of power she had never felt before, not even from a Greater queen! That mind! That vast and boundless mind held her, scrutinized her, held judgement at the tip of a thought. Chrysalis was as a hatchling before a goddess. It was a spectacular show of force, filled with grace and deliberate gentleness. She could crush on a whim.

Despite such power, and against what Chrysalis imagined was reasonable, Celestia merely caressed her and was quite gentle as she seemingly dominated the very essence of life around her. Impossible! Chrysalis gasped and felt very, very small. She felt Celestia shift, turning her attention to Atalanta. The Queen’s fear shifted for her daughter. The intensity abruptly dropped and became a tickling whisper. Atalanta responded by poking her head from the sling, her blurry eyes wide with wonder.

It was then Chrysalis understood her folly. But...why?

“If you would join us, I would be honored. There is much to discuss.”

How could I have beaten that??

“Of course,” Chrysalis managed, steeling her resolve. Luna had already seated herself and was looking at the changeling expectantly. The Queen managed to make herself look stately as a stiff-legged walk guided her to her awaiting seat. Why did it seem so far away?

Somehow, she managed. Everything had gone numb.

“Tea?” came a disembodied voice to her left.

Chrysalis jerked and whipped her head around, her eyes round. Luna was levitating the teapot and teacup. Recovering, she offered a weak smile and a nod. “Yes, something to drink would be lovely.” Luna poured and floated the cup to the Queen. Chrysalis accepted it graciously, darting a glance at Celestia. Chamomile, she noted with the first polite sip.

“Twilight, if you would be so kind as to get us started?” Celestia asked pleasantly. “Let’s get this over with so we can move on to more important things, shall we?”

“Yes, Princess,” said Twilight, giving her teacher an odd look. She caught herself staring and cleared her throat. “Queen Chrysalis of the changelings. You have been informed of the charges against you and your swarm. Do yo—”

“We are not a swarm,” interrupted Chrysalis.

“I’m sorry?”

“A group of changelings is not a swarm. We are a hive. A hive of changelings is a group of changelings. Changelings live in colonies. Colonies live together in hives. Hives move as a group of changelings. Understand?” Chrysalis sipped her tea. She wondered if any in her hive were still alive. She faltered in her smugness, feeling so very alone.

Twilight blinked. “Erm, yes. I can amend that. One moment.” She magicked a pen and was about to go through the paper she was reading from when Celestia cleared her throat.

“Don’t worry about it now, Twilight. Please continue to read.”

“O-o-of course!” Twilight grinned sheepishly. “Do you, Queen Chrysalis understand the charges that have been levied against you or do you wish them to be explained to you this moment before we continue? The prosecution would be more than obliging in order to ensure you understand to the fullest of your capacity all charges.”

“I do. My council explained everything to me in detail.”

“How will you plead to them?”

“I refuse to plead.”

Twilight seemed about to argue, but thought better of it, firming her lips in a straight line as she repeated the Queen’s reply over and over in her head.

“A refusal to enter a plea will be considered an admission of guilt,” she warned.

“You know, my mother once told me the sun watched over all living things. She would tell me stories of how the sun would find a lost changeling and guide her home. I had loved those stories. I grew up loving the sun. It was my protector.” She stared into her teacup, then up at Celestia. Chrysalis sighed. “The lies mothers tell their children.” The Queen turned to Twilight, who was gaping at her in shock. “I refuse to recognize your legal system.” Chrysalis sipped her tea again. “This is a kangaroo court. I have told Princess Luna this is a kangaroo court. You are all kangaroos. Just kill me and be done with it. Your laws sicken me. This pathetic and heavily biased so-called hearing sickens me. Both of you princesses sicken me. You sicken me, Twilight Sparkle. I damn all of you for this farce. Let my daughter and me join our hive so we may have peace and be done with this lie I have spent almost my entire life chasing. Damn. You. All.”

She finished her tea, savoring the taste.

Chamomile. Chrysalis held her cup to Luna. “Might I have more?”

Chapter VII

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Twilight was flabbergasted, if the horrified look on her face suggested anything. “K-k-kill? Nopony said anything about killing you! What a horrible thing to suggest!” The unicorn had put both her hooves to her mouth.

Chrysalis could almost hear the young mare’s jaw creak in the wind as it hung like a porch swing. She was irrelevant. She did not matter. The Queen’s focus lay upon the alabaster Mistress of the Sun. Luna had remained quiet, her musings suggesting the blue and white mares had a connection. Perhaps telepathy? The odd and subtle movement of lips, the twitch of an ear here and there. Yes, there was some sort of mental connection between the two. Not uncommon for twin sisters. Were they twins? The eyes flicking towards each other as Celestia and Luna both absorbed the words no doubt echoing in their heads. It was possible.

Chrysalis noted Luna had refilled her teacup calmly. What sort of ‘hearing’ was this, anyway? Nothing in those insufferable (and amazingly boring) books even hinted at tea and crumpets. Nor an outdoor setting on a fine summer day. A breeze touched her cheeks and Chrysalis began to re-evaluate the insanity of these ponies.

Finally, Celestia sipped her own tea, her eyes never leaving the Queen. Her movements were delicate, each action beauty in motion. The Princess savored her drink.

Atalanta peeped.

Celestia’s gaze dropped to the pale little face staring fearlessly (and mostly blind) seemingly straight up at the alicorn. From her perspective, Celestia could only see the top of the hatchling’s bare head and her large, luminous eyes.

“No need for dramatics, Queen Chrysalis,” Celestia said firmly. “You are not here to be sentenced. This hearing is to go over the facts and details of what you and your changelings did leading up to the attack. It is rather fortunate we have the mastermind behind the assault here with us to go over the details. We just want the facts. The blame can be mulled over later.” Concern filled her eyes. “Who gave you the idea we wanted to kill you or your daughter? That is not our way.”

Chrysalis flicked an ear, keeping her focus on her forelegs folded neatly on the edge of the table. She pondered on whether it would serve any purpose to remain defiant. Still, the effort and preparation had been an impressive feat for a colony of changelings as small as hers. The hive had thrown itself into the plans she had painstakingly worked on. Everything had been as well as she could have hoped, despite the numerous near disasters.

It was a bittersweet recollection.

“Would it compromise your changelings in any way?” Luna had leaned over, her question professional. “If you do not wish to recount some details, simply inform Celestia you wish to abstain from answering. The idea is to not incriminate yourself while doing what you can to fill in where we are lacking in information. Is that acceptable?”

Chrysalis sighed and pursed her lips. Stubbornly, she glared at Celestia, then at her student before turning slowly to Luna. “Am I allowed to refuse answering questions if I feel my answers will be used against me?”

“That is your right, yes.” Luna nodded. "Remember, the spell can only be defended against if you make a quick denial. There is a delay from the moment the question is asked to when you will be compelled to answer. The duration between the asking and the compelled truth will be ten seconds. Do you understand, Queen Chrysalis?"

"I remember," said the changeling, not at all happy with the circumstances.

“I will be using a truthing spell,” announced Twilight. “Will the council for the defense please advise their client in accordance to the law? This may be an informal hearing, and therefore inadmissible in a court of law, but the truth is needed and the truth will be administered.” She sounded quite proud of herself when she was done speaking.

This whole thing was ridiculous. Celestia was looking to amuse herself and try trapping Chrysalis into admitting something damning. The Queen touched a hoof to the lump that was her daughter, still upset at being denied her first flower. Atalanta quieted and turned into the touch from her mother. A single, louder chirp accompanied the feel of two tiny hooves pushing against the sash feebly to grasp at the larger hoof.

“I understand,” grunted Chrysalis just as Luna was about to ask. “Let’s get this over with. I want to spend some time with my daughter outside after this, should my jailors permit it.” She was a bit snarky with her request. She found a plate of delicately arranged cucumber sandwiches hovering in front of her. They smelled nice with some sort of zesty sauce in the lettuce. Her stomach made her decision for her.

“I see no reason why not,” replied Celestia, who was surprised and pleased with the Queen. “Let us not go further than two hours. I shall keep the time. When I call for an end to the hearing, we can then discuss if we need to go into further discussions at the end of the day. Agreed?”

Luna and Twilight both nodded seriously. Chrysalis huffed and rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath all ponies were insane. The Queen did seem to relax a little, but a small cloud of fear hovered in the back of her mind. Surely this was some sort of trap. A tiny part of her was even disappointed no death sentence was to be doled out in the disguise of justice served.

"This hearing can be cancelled at anytime and the truthing spell removed at the request of the defendant should she wish to terminated the hearing early." Chrysalis' ears perked. She did not know this. This was an unexpected grace from her hostess.

The real question was if she was willing to tell the ponies just how she managed to fool them all. She savored the thought of making Celestia squirm when she was told just how easily the changelings had melded into their chain of command, becoming a part of the important cogs of the government, undermining the defenses and ultimately putting everything under one roof through a carefully manufactured outside threat. It had taken nearly the effort of the entire hive to pull it off. Chrysalis was so proud of them!

Was…

“It is the only way I can remember them,” she said softly, gently hugging Atalanta to her bosom. “Ravagers must have found them out by now. Gone. All gone. ” Her voice had dropped to a haunted whisper. She tried to reach through the Bond, but could feel nothing. The Queen had been trying since she stepped hoof outside. There was faint hope it was just a matter of distance preventing her from reaching. She nibbled on her sandwich, completely unaware she had taken a wedge. The Queen blinked and numbly ate.

“I beg your pardon?” Celestia asked.

No, she would not betray them. If there was a remote chance they had managed to get away from those horrible monsters, she would not give them away! “No matter. Ask your questions.”

“Very well. Twilight? You may begin. Keep in mind your questions must remain on topic and you cannot ask the same question the defendant already declined to answer. Am I clear?”

Twilight beamed happily. “Yes, Princess!”

Chrysalis wanted to gag.

“Excellent. Queen Chrysalis, are you ready? Is your council ready?”

“We are ready, sister. Your student may ask her questions.” Luna whispered for the changeling’s ears only, “I will answer for you, as it is rule of law for an informal hearing with such a small group. I act as your shield and your sword. I can only reply with words you use, but I may alter them to prevent you from incriminating yourself.”

Chrysalis stared at her with narrowed eyes. One brow twitched.

“Is something amiss?”

“Your accent. What happened to it?”

“I am trying not to sound… medieval. I have a speech therapist I see on Tuesdays. She says I am improving.” Luna sounded like a student who hated school.

“Ah.” Chrysalis wanted to just start strangling ponies. Scream in their faces. Ask them all why they were so stupid and pursued such stupid things. Instead, she wore her mask of being in control.

“We are ready!” said Luna with a smile to her sister.

“First question!” Twilight glared at the Queen with the effectiveness of a mouse staring down an elephant. “When you were monologuing shortly after you had captured Celestia on the day of the wedding, did you really expect to control all of Equestria?”

Chrysalis growled, reflexively petting the lump that was her daughter.

“My client refuses to answer,” translated Luna diplomatically.

Twilight paused, her ears swiveling up and down in the direction of Chrysalis. “Okay. Next question: How much planning went into the invasion and how long was the planning process from its inception to its initiation?”

Chrysalis began to hiss, managing to do it with a flat, almost bored expression. “Nine months. We made revisions once it was discovered a certain Mi Amore Cadenza was to be wed to Celestia’s Captain of the Guard.”

“Shining Armor?”

“No, I mean—” Chrysalis suddenly felt a powerful compulsion overcome her attempted snark. “Yes.” This made her scowl once she realized what had just happened.

Twilight wore a smug grin. “Why invade Equestria?”

The Queen drew in a slow, steady breath, closing her eyes. She exhaled, irritated, and shook her head. “Why do you think I invaded? Do you need me to explain the obvious to you?”

“For the records, Queen Chrysalis.” Celestia smiled placatingly and sipped her tea. “Everything being said at this table is being recorded for the Royal Archives. Also, in case you were wondering, the truth spell only takes affect when you attempt to answer a question.”

The changeling did wonder. She had reservations against truthing spells. Depending on the variation, they could make an intended target sing like a canary or make all night orgies a terrible idea. It depended upon how the spell was applied and what the user had in mind. Capability played an enormous rule. Any unicorn competent with spell casting could master the single target varieties, but for a group function took something beyond average skill.

“Why did you fail to mention the spell?” Chrysalis hissed at Luna.

The blue alicorn shrugged. “You did ask. Remember?”

In the meantime, the spell tugged and tugged at Chrysalis, compelling her to answer the question. She had deflected it, but it was clear the spell would not allow for her attempts to delay keep her from answering truthfully. The Queen considered the magic behind the spell, only to blurt out, “Love can be stored. With as much love ponies are capable of producing, not only could my hive gorge themselves, but there would be ten, no, a hundred times the love we could store.” She refused to lean on Luna, who was looking at her as though Chrysalis was wasting her availability.

Luna leaned into the Queen's ear. "Remember, you can turn to me if you require help," she reminded her with a whisper.

Chrysalis ignored her.

Twilight was quick to pounce. “What do you use love for?”

Again, the spell did its purpose, much smoother now. “We need love to power our spells. We do not have regenerating mana pools like you unicorns do. We need love to keep the Void from devouring us from the inside out.” To her horror, it was adapting to her mind!

"Chrysalis, what are you doing? 'Tis folly!" Luna was nudging the changeling with a hoof.

Chrysalis batted it away rudely. Luna huffed and gave pleading eyes for help from her sister.

“What is this void you speak of?”

“We call it the Hunger. All changelings are born with the Hunger and the Void.” Panicked eyes bulged as the Queen suddenly found herself unable to move from her seat. Why could she not not answer?

“So, you’re saying this Hunger, as you call it, is actually eating you alive?”

Chrysalis grit her teeth. “Yes.” Murder flared in her eyes as she bore them into Twilight’s soul. Otherwise, she was a mask of indifference. She refused to give these ponies the satisfaction of seeing her act unstately. The unicorn flinched from the changeling, looking to Celestia for support.

“Please refrain from imaginary disembowelments, if you would be so kind, Queen Chrysalis,” said the alicorn. “Or any other form of mayhem upon the person of Twilight Sparkle. Despite what personal agendas might exist, I will have the truth and the facts and nothing else. The questions are important and need to be answered.

“I have grown tired of waiting for you to see reason and this hearing pains me as your will is currently being suppressed. There is much more at stake than your pride. Thousands of lives may very well hang in the balance, be they pony or changeling. I cannot in good conscience allow your selfish desires to overcome the safety and security of my little ponies.” Celestia shook her head sadly.

“You tricked me!” accused Chrysalis. “I knew this was a trap!”

Next to her, Luna was making strangling sounds. "I am here to assist!" she said, again leaning into the Queen's deaf ear.

“I am sorry. You left us no choice. We have tried for weeks to reach you, to connect, to understand. You have rejected us at every turn. Please forgive me. It was my decision to do this.”

Chrysalis wanted to scream, but she would not give them the satisfaction. Furious, she glared at Celestia. “I hate you,” she seethed through clenched teeth. Atalanta squirmed uncomfortably.

“You will not speak to my sister thusly,” said Luna flatly. “I may be your council, but We will not tolerate such words in Our presence! We demand you apologize this instant!”

“I do not want to apologize,” Chrysalis said truthfully. Confounded pony magic!

“Then consider instead your daughter and how your emotions affect her.” The blue alicorn gave her a knowing look.

The Queen’s heart went cold. Her glare wavered. She found she could not look at Celestia. Her hiss was more than enough to convey what she thought of everything.

“Should I continue?” asked Twilight nervously. She was not enjoying the hearing as much as she would have hoped. There was an angry queen always staring at her with soul-devouring eyes and big, nasty teeth.

There was something to be said about terrorizing purple pony prodigies. For Chrysalis, she could not enjoy the moment as she realized she was at the mercy of that insufferable unicorn menace. However, she was able to read into the spell itself and understood it was also indiscriminate. "I will continue," she said, determined and full of pride.

Luna threw up her hooves and rolled her eyes.

“Please do, Twilight. You are doing fine.”

Twilight took in a deep breath, flicked her tail, and continued to question the changeling. “How were you able to infiltrate the guards and get to Princess Cadence?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.

“Do you really want to know?” Chrysalis steeled herself, fighting the compulsion to obey. If changelings had sweat glands, she would be soaked in perspiration. Thankfully, she did not sweat. Twilight was looking at her expectantly. Celestia and Luna were also wanting answers.

The Queen looked at Celestia. “When did you appoint Lovebutt’s personal guards?” Her smile was faint. What little control she had, she used.

“When she came of age,” Celestia responded softly. Her eyes went round. “She chose them herself.”

Chrysalis smiled.

“What did you do with the original guards?” Twilight demanded.

“They were the original guards.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve had changelings gathering intelligence on you ponies for nearly twenty-five years. This included looking out for newborns in hospitals born with a low chance of survival. They were replaced and parents who thought they were losing their children were instead given nymphs as replacements.” Chrysalis sighed, patting Atalanta. “Not an easy thing to do on many levels, I assure you.” For some reason, she found she wanted to tell them everything now. “Sometimes heartbreak is necessary in the name of love.”

Twilight was a mix of outrage and sadness. It took a great deal effort for her to remember what she was there to do. She muttered something under her breath before refocusing. She asked Chrysalis, “You replaced foals? What did you do with the ones you took?”

“They were loved. And their time came. Then they were mourned.” Chrysalis felt a heavy lump in her throat remembering. There had been a lot of weeping. She had personally had a hoof in participating in the decisions she had made. “I have never had anything against the innocent, be they pony or otherwise. Short lives deserve all the love that can be given to them.”

“You foalnapped sick foals?” Chrysalis felt thick pulses of disgust from three distinct ponies in varying degrees. She winced against it despite herself. Celestia glared at her, pushing aside the outrage that made the changeling want to shrivel up and die.

“Dying foals, Celestia,” corrected the Queen tiredly. “I wept for them. I wept for the mothers who gave up their nymphs to be raised by ponies. We sacrificed of ourselves so your ponies would have the children they thought they had lost forever. It was decided the best way to protect our future was to put our future in the hooves of your ponies.”

Twilight waved a hoof helplessly. “But you hate us ponies. That doesn’t make any sense!”

Chrysalis considered the unicorn before smirking. “There are some things in this world that makes us see past our hatred when survival hangs in the balance. Did you think you were the only victims in all of this?”

“Are you saying you are a victim? Of what? From who?”

“The world is full of monsters, Twilight Sparkle. You are fortunate your life is here, in Equestria, where even the weather bends to the will of the pegasi.” Chrysalis looked the elder diarch in the eye.

“You mean to tell me you have been embedded among us for years?”

“I am a changeling. I by nature adapt and change to my surroundings. All changelings, with proper training and guidance, can fit into almost any society seamlessly and while still retaining their identity. The Bond allows them this. They always know where their true home is.”

Chrysalis sighed, not from guilt, but from resignation. “In short, yes. Some of my changelings have been your citizens for more than a generation.”

"Why did I even bother?" moaned Luna, shaking her head.

Chapter VIII

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Chrysalis savored her victory. It was a small victory to be sure. The spell was an annoyance, but she also understood it could serve her just as well. It was indiscriminate. While being questioned, she had figured out the intricacies and layers of the spell. As it had come from Twilight’s magic, it obviously had her touch. There was an attention to detail which Chrysalis found quite impressive, if not overdone. She intended to use it to her advantage.

Changelings adapted by observing. By observing, they learned new ways to survive. Already the Queen had gleaned useful insights into unicorn magic by allowing herself to be subjected to it.

Adapt and evolve. Plan for the future for that was the changeling way.

Oh, those sneaky, sneaky ponies! As much as she hated them, the Queen was beginning to have a little more respect from her living love donors. They were willing to do underhanded and unsavory things. Not quite to level she was used to, but enough for her to re-evaluate Twilight. Celestia and Luna she had expected to be tyrants. Twilight, on the other hand…

Well, considering under whom she had learned from, Chrysalis found she was not altogether surprised. The children do as the adults teach them.

Adjacent to her quarters was a large bath. There was nothing spectacular about it other than it had a toilet, a sink, hot and cold running water, and a tub installed especially for her. The Queen made full use of the accommodations and was especially grateful for having the luxury of a bath.

It was curious indeed how the ponies abused the changeling while keeping her in a gilded cage.. At least they were no longer trying to put Atalanta under scrutiny. Chrysalis felt she had made her point and her feelings known.

Her bathtub was filled with delightfully hot water. A liberal amount of aromatic bath salts filled her nostrils with the scent of lilacs. With a happy groan, the changeling slowly slid into the water. More moans slipped from her throat until she settled fully into the water until only her head lay above the surface. Upon her head and clinging to her horn was her daughter.

Slowly the Queen rolled until her belly faced up. Atalanta protested, not sure at all about the water. Stubby little hooves scrabbled through the mane of the Queen.

“You’re having a bath, young lady,” she said to the white lump on her head. Chrysalis held no reservations whatsoever when it came to hatchlings and water. Atalanta made a worried sound, which made her mother giggle. “We go through this every night.”

The tiny hatchling could not know any better. Her mind was still in its early stages of development. Instinct and a scent of smell was all she had with any reliability. Already the tips of her hooves were beginning to darken and the first bits of film was beginning to harden over her eyes. Chrysalis closed her eyes as her daughter crawled over her face and on to the bridge of her snout.

Oh, the scolding Princess Luna had given her! The Princess of the Night jabbed at the changeling’s pride and tore at her stubborn will, but Chrysalis was Chrysalis. She had never intended to use Luna as her representative. Pony laws did not say specifically she required one, though it was highly recommended one was used. ‘Lawyers’, they were called.

‘The ones in the middle’, as Luna had called them as though there was a bad taste in her mouth.

Too many laws. Too much gray when it came to deciding things. Lawyers lived in that gray area like sharks, always circling, using established laws to their advantage. Far too complex and unnecessary, in the Queen’s mind. Chrysalis was a mare of simple rules and simple rewards and punishments. To her own changelings, she was harsh but fair. She held parents accountable for the actions of their nymphs. She expected all within her hive to regard each other as equals and had personally awarded or demoted her subjects as honestly as possible. The Bond made such decisions all the more easier to deal with.

“How,” Luna had asked with a strain in her voice, “could you not allow Us to aid you? We cannot step in on your behalf if you are blindly allowing magic to control your actions? The magic is specifically designed for Equestrian courts to ensure no lies can be made by either defendants or plaintiffs. It works both ways! It does not discriminate! It is a tool you allowed to expose yourself without using Us to answer for you. We went over this time and time again!” She had pounded the floor with a hoof for emphasis. The poor floor was cracked and damaged further with each blow.

Chrysalis had only shrugged, ignoring the alicorn until Luna stormed off, talking to herself darkly. Something about a prideful nag letting her bigotry control her actions. It made her slip into her old manner of speaking, which Chrysalis preferred anyways.

Still, she had mentioned the Ravagers. She was sure all three of the ponies had caught that. It was surprising they had not acted quickly. Then again, the discussion had gone towards foals and the nymphs that had replaced them.

Ata was now on her chest, firmly between her mother’s forelegs. She had plopped down, guided by Chrysalis into the water. The hatchling could not swim. Her legs were too short and too underdeveloped. She did bob in the water like a cork. Fatty tissues under her soft chitin made her remarkably buoyant.

She would molt soon, before the week was out. Chrysalis had felt her own body changing to suit the shifting needs. Soon Atalanta would no longer be a hatchling and would be considered a nymph. She would be walking and flying! And she would begin to grow her horn! She would also be getting her first taste of food other than the love Chrysalis had been feeding her. The books piling up in the small bookshelf in the corner of her room eagerly awaited a mother to begin reading stories to her daughter. Next to it was a small chest filled with all sorts of toys, courtesy of Luna. They had been donated. Ponies had a soft heart for little ones.

She took up a bottle of shampoo laying at the corner of the tub in a basket. The top was removed with telekinesis and she gave an experimental sniff. She read the label. ‘Midnight Dreams’ it said in flowery script. This was new. It smelled nice, too.

With a shrug, the changeling decided to try it. As few changelings actually grew natural hair, it was considered very important and prestigious to maintain a neat and clean appearance. An unkempt queen meant an unkempt hive, as the old saying went.

As she lathered up her mane, Chrysalis absently thought about the hearing. Celestia had mentioned changelings. The Queen replayed the moment over and over, her own mental gears turning. Celestia wanted to protect not only ponies, but changelings. Did this mean there were survivors? If there were, did the Equestrians have them in custody? They kept the Queen isolated from any news. She knew nothing of what was going on beyond her prison walls.

As she scrubbed her mane, in turn it was used to scrub her daughter. Atalanta seemed to enjoy it, sitting perfectly still with her neck stretched out. It had bothered Chrysalis she had let her hatred seep out. Surely Ata had absorbed some of it. Guilt tugged at the mother’s heart. Hurting her daughter was the last thing she would ever do. Gently she cleaned every inch of Atalanta, their snoots touching. A tiny trilling sound, like a high pitched purr came from the hatchling. Chrysalis responded with her own purring, a deeper and far more resonant sound. It came from her heart and reached for the tiny heart before her.

Celestia had said something very interesting at the end of the first day of the hearing. The Princess declared the next day Chrysalis would be allowed to ask questions of her own to any seated at the table. “In the name of fairness,” she had declared.

Twilight agreed, which surprised Chrysalis. The Queen had thought the unicorn would protest her teacher would allow a changeling to ask the questions. Celestia had told Twilight something about Equestrians not being like the Germanes. All parties involved in hearings were allowed to ask questions equal to what was asked the previous day. It would go back and forth until a consensus was agreed upon.

Pony laws were far too complicated. There was nothing particularly useful in the books Princess Luna had supplied, but it did give Chrysalis a basic understanding in how the courts worked. Her problem was her desire for simplicity was in direct conflict with the monster that was the Equestrian legal system.

Bah! Enough of such boring things!

“Overly complicated is overly complicated,” she sighed as Atalanta’s cleanliness was deemed to her standards. Her telekinesis lifted a small ball of water from the tub and brought it slowly over the hatchling’s still body. It was a strain, given the inhibitor made her work far too hard for such a simple water manipulation magic. Chrysalis willed a small series of holes to appear and rinsed off her hatchling. The purring never stopped.

After their bath, mother and daughter dried off. Chrysalis allowed herself to laugh. For once, she allowed herself a moment to forget thousands of lives were beyond her. Her responsibilities were suspended against her will. There was only her daughter. She supped to a bowl of vegetable soup, fresh bread, and baked salmon. The wine was of a middle quality, but went well with the meal. The portions were not large, but she was never hungry after.

Her attention went to her dessert. It was a ball no larger than half her head. Within it swirled pink and red love in pure form. The love tonight was of the variety collected from families and lovers, blended together with a touch of passion. there was no taste for it, but more of an explosion of soft joy jolting through her mouth and down her throat when she pierced the ball with her fangs. If a pony had asked what love tastes like, Chrysalis would not have been able to properly describe it. Taste and eating emotions were not at all similar. Nor was tasting emotions any way like eating food.

There was taste, but then there was inner taste.

One could taste the sky. Just ask a pegasus. To feel the earth simply turn to an earth pony. A unicorn could describe what it meant to feel the arcane energies of magic coursing through their veins. So too could a changeling understand emotions and how they affected the mind. The intricacies and differences were not unlike the spectrum of light. It could be argued it was a mix of everything. It was life from the inside out.

This sphere. It was different.

There was more than wonderful, sweet love in the sphere.

She fed Atalanta and ruminated on the love she had absorbed. Chrysalis was smiling by the time she prepared her daughter for bed. Her Hunger had abated. One beneficial effect of having an inhibitor on her horn limiting her magic use was how it slowed the effects of the Hunger. Oh, the Void was still there. Nothing short of the Cure would ever do anything about it. But the Hunger was controlled.

It provided a false security and the Queen was wary of it.

Tucking her hatchling into bed instead of her crib, Chrysalis knew Atalanta would fall asleep easier smelling her mother nearby. The crib was used when the Queen was awake and writing or reading. There was little else to do, really.

Having an hour outside after the hearing had done wonders.

Why such kindness after being forced to answer questions? Was it guilt? Had Chrysalis been given mercy? Pity? Such thoughts danced through her mind as she watched over the sleeping form of Atalanta. Whirring her wings gently, she tested to see if she could hover. They were still weak, but had more or less recovered from the most epic face plant never remembered.

Celestia was an enigma, as was her sister. They were the eternal symbols of Equestria in the flesh. They were to pinnacle of power and beauty. Unrivaled and reunited.

But they were far from perfect.

They wanted something from Chrysalis.

“I doubt it has anything to do with my changelings,” she said quietly to Atalanta. “At least not directly. There is more to this. I can feel it. But what? The alicorns want something. That something eludes me and they are not planning on giving me that information.”

Unless…

“If Queen Taalia has been operating in Equestria, or near the borders, there is a slim possibility they are aware of her, but do not know what to do.”

Atalanta curled up and snuggled into one of the pillows. Chrysalis smiled softly and tucked her in with the blankets. Hatchlings produced little body heat. The changeling would have to curl into bed soon or her daughter would get too cold and let her know about it. “Then again, it could have something completely different in mind. I can’t assume they are focusing solely on changelings. A large nation like Equestria has a lot of external and internal problems to deal with.”

With a sigh the changeling set such thoughts aside. It had been a long day. She was mentally drained. Time had been missed in regards to writing for Atalanta. Chrysalis imagined the ponies were looking at the pages. Unless a pony was a part of the Bond, whatever the Queen wrote down was useless gibberish to them. Deciding her writing could wait, the weary changeling carefully pulled herself into bed, nary a jostle for her daughter. A soft motherly smile hovered in place. Atalanta had gone very still. She was not quite asleep and her ears tracked the movements and sounds Chrysalis made as she settled into the bed.

It delighted a mother to see how attentive her hatchling was to her surroundings.

A troubling thought occurred to Chrysalis. The transition from hatchling to nymph was a milestone in any changeling’s life. It was celebrated by the hive through song and gifts representing looking towards a bright future for the youngster. Chrysalis faced the simple fact she had no hive to introduce her daughter to formally. There would have been a welcome song and Atalanta would have been introduced to other nymphs who would be her friends and playmates. The day would end with her molted skin being set ablaze in green flames.

Just like that, melancholy chased away a pleasant mood in the form of a sad sigh. Of all the things to happen to her recently, realizing what her daughter was going to miss out on made Chrysalis feel like a mother who failed her offspring miserably. She encircled Atalanta slowly, searching for the perfect comfy spot before sinking into the bed and forming a living wall around the hatchling. Atalanta immediately began crawling towards her favorite spot, the crook of her mother’s neck and shoulder.

Chrysalis jerked her head up some moments later. She did not even remember drifting off to sleep. She could feel Atalanta’s breathing and sensed the beating of her little heart. The Queen’s own heart thudded as though something had frightened it.

There were whispers. Everywhere, whispers. She knew them. Some made her feel at ease, others told her a tale of unrealized dreams. Still more bore an accusatory tone. Atalanta fitfully chirped, burrowing into her mother’s neck. Mother curled herself protectively around daughter.

The voices grew louder. The dead asked why she was not with them. The living asked why she had not yet paid for her sins. One voice called her pet. That voice alone grew louder and louder still, drowning out the others.

“I am coming for you, Chrysalis. You were mine the moment I found you. You were mine when I took you under my wing. You were mine when I taught you how to be a queen. You were mine when I chased you halfway across the world. You are still mine. Soon, your daughter will be mine as well. You think the Equestrians can protect you? You think your pathetic little hive will stay hidden from my lovelies forever?”

Atalanta was gone from her place. A pale form was held up in the hoof of a tiger striped beast. Red eyes glowed from deep within the shadows. Fangs flashed briefly. The voice, that voice spoke with the sibilance of a hungering serpent.

“You have led me to the greatest source of love in the world. Too bad you could not capitalize on it. Too bad you were too pathetic and your changelings too weak to take what was practically given to you on a silver platter.”

The voice dropped and the figure disappeared as wisps of bloody smoke just as Chrysalis made a move to swipe back her daughter.

“Fear for her, Chrysalis, little queen. Fear for your changelings. Fear for yourself. Fear for the power that should have been yours, but you were too hesitant to capitalize. All of that time and effort I put into making you the Huntress in the Shadows, in my deadly image, and you failed. Perhaps you meant to gift me this land of milk and honey? This land bulging with love and emotions no changeling has even tasted through their combined ancestors…

“Oh, you led me to a paradise. I shall take this paradise and make it mine. Then I shall gorge my lovelies upon those emotions until the very earth groans beneath them. The very air will crackle and sway from a mere movement of a wing. I shall go back with this power and show all changelings what true power is. I shall have the Sun and the Moon and I shall be the Goddess.

“Oh, Chrysalis, how it could have been you! Your daughter would have been heir to an empire unimagined! But you failed, as it should be. My Ravagers are coming, Chrysalis. They will come for you and they will bring you before me.”

The shadow shifted and Chrysalis found herself standing in the middle of the sweltering Savannah. She was on a small rise overlooking a dry floodplain. Behind her stood her hive, looking up to expectantly. Atalanta was in the grasp of her enemy, who leered up at her. Behind her, the floodplain was awash with changelings.

Millions of them.

“Why us, my Queen?” asked one of her soldiers. “Why us?”

Stoically, she replied, “Because we are here, and noling else.”

“We’ll die,” said another of her beloved changelings.

“As happens to all living things in time,” she replied, readying herself.

“What of your daughter?” asked a third. It was a tall, blue changeling. A queen. She felt familiar.

“She will learn. I see the path she will follow might become the one that made me what I am.” Chrysalis felt she should be worried, should be reaching for Atalanta. But she would crumble to dust, as she had always had before. “She must make her own way, forge her own destiny.”

“Without her mother?” asked the blue queen.

“I do not think I will live to see the end of it. The chase has consumed most of my life. I am tired.” Chrysalis was resigned to her fate and was willing to fight the impossible fight. She was aware she would surely die. “My fire will flicker and fade.”

“Would that be fair to Atalanta?” asked the stranger. The vast expanse of changelings took to the air before them slowly, the air trembling beneath the thrumming of millions of wings.

The hive closed ranks around the two queens. “We are watching. We are waiting. We are at your command.” A swirling sphere of red hues replaced the moon overhead.

A tigress queen approached, carrying Atalanta like a prized trophy. The hatchling cried for her mother, but her chirpings were drowned out by the multitudes around her. The host was great, an unstoppable tide. Queen Taalia led them.

“Why do they come?” The blue changeling swept a hoof at the oncoming onslaught. “What do they want?”

Chrysalis shivered, readying her magic for killing spells. Slowly she turned and regarded the blue changeling. “All changelings would slaughter the world if it meant filling the Void. To end the Hunger would end the endless suffering. It is here! This is why I came! The answer! The hope! The dream!”

“We are ready to die,” shouted her soldiers in one voice. The Bond was strong.

“We will die.” Chrysalis held her head high.

“Hope is not found in the life blood spilt upon the ground.”

The Queen again turned to the blue changeling, her magic faltering. “But it is all I know! One cannot find the answers by hiding in the shadows. The only true answer is found in death.”

The blue queen scoffed. “Then you are an idiot.”

Day shifted to night. The horde disappeared. Atalanta was in her mother’s hooves, sleeping. The Queen looked around and found herself at the shores of a great lake. A full moon bathed the land in silver. Around the lake were thousands of little fires. It was cold and snow blanketed everything. Chrysalis could smell the smoke of burnt wood and other things.

A white alicorn emerged from the heart of the lake. Not a drop of water was on her. Celestia wore no regalia, no crown. The reflection of the moon rippled as she came up through the mirrored surface. Above her, from the moon dropped Luna. Both were as elegant and beautiful as swans.

Chrysalis turned her back to them.

“Why?” queried the blue queen. “They would help you.”

“They are corrupted by the power that made them great. One of them already fell from grace because of her supreme jealousy.”

“She was redeemed!”

“She was betrayed by her sister!”

“Her sister admitted her mistake!”

“Her sister still basks in the adoration of her subjects and puts herself above reproach!”

“Luna needs time to adjust!”

“Celestia will not give her that time.”

“How do you know?”

“How do you?”

“Mommy?” Atalanta asked, waking from her nap. Her eyes were clear and focused. She had her father’s eyes. “Don’t be an idiot.” The hatchling went back to sleep after reaching up and kissing her mother on the lips.

“Am I an idiot?”

“The ponies are idiots.”

“Nobody is perfect.”

“Bah!”

The blue queen smiled at the alicorns. “Celestia and Luna will aid you if you play your cards right.”

“They have done nothing to listen. They only hear what they want. They are no better than queens like Taalia. They simply hide their true intentions through the facade of friendship and understanding. They are tyrants.” Chrysalis stared in wonder at her daughter.

“You attacked them, remember?”

“Does that make me an idiot?”

“Which of us is speaking anymore? I’ve lost track.”

“The ponies have no manners. They have no honor. They are nothing more than a source for love.”

“Mommy, Celestia is going to throw you into a wall because you are being an idiot.”

“Taalia might do it first. Hush. I’m going to die so you can live.”

“Mommy, I would be very sad if you died like grandma died.”

“That was Taalia’s doing.”

“Then do something about it so you don’t die. I love you, Mommy.”

The blue changeling queen turned to Luna and nodded. She did the same for Celestia. She frowned. “We need to do better. She is bitter. Give her room. Give her a chance. No more strings. Ask her what she wants. You’ve squandered opportunity time and time again through ignorance and fear.”

Chrysalis stared at her. “To whom are you speaking?”

“All of us.”

Chapter IX

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When what was left of my hivemates were herded towards our destination, we came into contact with many, many other types of changelings. We realized there was more to our kind than simply the haves and have nots. The diversity of the changeling race was and is astounding, leaving little doubt why our side of the world is dominated by our kind. We wept in silence as we left the deaths of our families in our wakes.

Princess Taalia took special interest in me. I was made to sleep with her at night. She treated my like her own, trying to coax me out of the trauma of my mother’s death. A far cry from the gentleness of Mother, Taalia showed she had little patience and a quick temper. Her idea of coaxing me was a quick zap of her magic or a swat of the hoof upon me.

“I am your mother. I am your father. I am your world. Accept it or die, little one,” were her words. Inevitably, I chose to live.

Taalia was a monster. She was cruel. She had her Ravagers, nourishing them with hate. That hate made me shake beneath my chitin. To the other changeling types we came across in our travels to her mother’s hive, she looked down upon them with disdain. She hated all other changelings, I learned. She hated my kind. We were not complete predators, she believed. Then why did she take me under her wing? Why did she want me? I asked her.

I was beaten for asking questions.

I was to be taken before the pinnacle of changeling power and presented as a prize before the two most powerful queens in all the world. They were spoken of in reverence and awe. For as the ponies had their princesses, changelings had the Twin Queens.

They might be as old or older than Celestia or Luna. I do not know. Back then, when Mother used to speak of them, she would offer an apology in the form of a quiet prayer as though to stave off their ire. Tappis and Tappaz were not queens to be trifled with, even with the simple utterances of their names. Even Taalia, in her fervent disregard for other changelings, held a spark of fear whenever they were mentioned.

Eventually, the remnants of my hive were dispersed and traded off to other hives with stronger queens. I saw none of them ever again. As I mentioned, there were other changelings out there, other types. I was categorized as a ‘medium type’ changeling. Taalia was eager to begin my instruction as to her deconstruction of the changeling sub races. All were inferior to her, save those who were purely predatory by nature. Even then were viewed with skepticism, derided through the belief tiger changelings were the apex changelings of the race.

Taalia was a tiger changeling. Her stripes matched those of the great cats of distant jungle lands. The open Savannah suited her fine. She preferred jungles.The tall grasses hid her Ravagers well, but on the same token, she preferred being under a vast canopy of leaves, the shadows, and the darkness of the forest floor. Open skies made the princess nervous. I caught her glancing up into the sky more often as we traveled.

Tiger changelings are one of the few changeling sub races who do not have large hives or colonies. They move around in small family groups or, as in Taalia’s case, alone with her pack of savage semi-intelligent monsters who did her bidding. Other changeling queens came, or representatives of queens, and bought my hive out one nymph at a time or in bunches.

I saw my first lion changeling. It was a male. He was huge. Taalia was wary of him. Lion changelings were notoriously territorial and the only ones where the males could stand on par with a female in terms of size and strength. The lion changeling preferred claws and carried massive jaws filled with sharp teeth. Their wings were like those of a dragon’s and their massive horns were built for impaling. The edges of their chitin were razor sharp when they chose them to be. Their tails ended in jagged whips. The muscles in those tails could generate enough force to slice a hapless victim in half.

How do I know this, my dear, sweet Atalanta?

A young princess, perhaps on her first journey from her hive, got into an argument with this leonine male over who was going to purchase a group of nymphs. The short tempered monster decided he had enough of her shrill voice, spun around on his hind legs and brought his tail to bear. The princess became two halves of one princess, living long enough to see her bottom half was no longer a part of her. She screamed...or tried to...before first shock, then death overcame her.

The lion offered her remains to the tigress. They feasted together while I and the other slaves looked on in horror. As they ate, Taalia looked at me and grinned a bloody smile at me. Gobbets of flesh hung from her mouth and fangs. She offered me some. I vomited. She laughed at me and resumed her feast.

Then, the lion and the tiger mated before the eyes of any who happened to glance. They struck a bargain. He got the remaining nymphs of my hive. We went our separate ways. Taalia gathered me up and commanded her Ravagers to follow. We went north.

My world was utterly shattered. What kindness I once experienced was in the past. Tears meant nothing and brought only pain. I was not to feel sorrow or pity. I was only to become mighty and powerful; a weapon of stealth and treachery. Taalia repeated this mantra over and over. Her cruel tutelage included depriving me of sleep, giving me little food and water. She wanted to see what I was made of, to see if my survival instincts were of any use to her. My fortitude mattered. My mind mattered. My potential mattered.

“I will one day be hunted and killed. I need to prepare you to take my place one day,” she once told me under a starry night. “I have no delusions I will live as long as the Twin Queens. Nor do I harbor thoughts of exceeding their power. But I will leave my mark upon this world, Chrysalis. My mark will be through how you are molded, how I will create you into my deadly image. You will, in turn, pass this to your daughters and they in turn upon their daughters. Thus will I live forever.”

Before she could do any of these things, there was one place we had to go. Princess Taalia had to present me before the Twin Topaz Queens. I was to be recognized as the daughter to the Tigress. My past would be expunged from my memory and I would know nothing of my old life as though it had never been.

The prospect terrified me.

The Queen looked up from her work and over the sparse stationary not cluttering her desk. She liked having a cluttered desk. It meant things were being done. It gave her a sense accomplishments were in the works. Irked and irritated, she sighed before sipping a cup of cold coffee. It had been hours since the dream had her waking up, breathing heavily with her heart pounding painfully in her chest. Most of it had faded, but the Queen looked in on Atalanta just to be sure.

Even though she was satisfied her daughter could not possibly have the capacity to speak, her mind still raged with old fears and new ones. Why was Luna observing? That much was made clear. Chrysalis wondered if there was a way to block the alicorn from invading her dreams, even if the Princess of Dreams could do little more than play a bit part in them. What was Luna doing, anyway? The Queen lifted her tired eyes towards the door and snorted derisively.

“I do believe I will fire my counsel,” she muttered as the quill was set aside. The candle flickered, having never burnt out since it was given to her. Of course it would have a magic enchantment. Chrysalis imagined Celestia no doubt used the single flame to look in on her, to see what the pesky little queen was doing!

No matter. Very little Chrysalis did went unobserved. She was confident she could make out the runes and wards throughout the walls of her accommodations, despite the restraining ring on her horn. She gently blew on the paper of the last page she had written. The stack of writing was growing. Many hours had been poured into them since she decided to write for her daughter everything she could remember about her life. So much of it was a blur.

Taalia could not have followed her halfway around the world. It would have taken her too far from her mother as well as support. Taalia was a huntress, a tracker. She was not an explorer. She was territorial. Had she angered the tigress so much as to provoke her into following? If so, how did she know Chrysalis was on the other side of the world?

Such questions already had answers. Ravagers had been spotted. Everything had been rushed. Whispers of a threat wormed their way into Canterlot’s military circles and eventually to the ears of Princess Celestia. It was kept vague; a threat aimed at Equestria’s capital. Chrysalis tried to keep it vague. Revelation of Taalia and her Ravagers would have led to panic, disrupting the Queen’s plans and forcing her to ground again. Point the Equestrian military in the direction she thought Taalia might come. Perhaps hope she would give pause before entering Equestrian territory.

Ravagers unleashed in Canterlot?

Even Chrysalis would not wish such a fate on the ponies. Chrysalis knew the embodiment of horror. She knew it far too well. She would be damned before letting that horror come across her changelings and especially her daughter! Even the Equestrians deserved to know what Taalia was capable of. The tiger changeling was remorseless, ruthless, and fed on fear as easily as if it were love.

And fear was a path to hate. Hate made monsters.

Like Ravagers.

So close! She had come so close! Had Canterlot fallen, then Chrysalis would have had a base of power from which to consolidate and turn the tables on the huntress and her menagerie of horrors. There would have been enough empowered love in her soldiers to finally turn on the Tiger Queen. But, everything had gone horribly wrong and the might of her military had been shredded to almost nothing. All that was left of her soldiers were guarding the rest of the hive.

Sorrow and bitterness filled her heart. Such a waste! Such loss! The cusp of victory was there, in her hooves! Everything had gone right! Better than she could have dared hope! It was as though a horribly written story had unfolded before her eyes, when that pink bubble of doom cast her and her army out. Someone beyond the cosmos and in the realm of the Gods had deemed her struggle worthy of a vast, soul-shattering joke in the form of taking everything from her in the form of one Twilight Sparkle.

Oh, my, the bitterness was still there. No hate, Chrysalis surprised herself as she looked inwards reflectively. The circumstances were too ridiculous to believe anything other than Divine Intervention had played some hoof in guiding the unicorn, the Queen was certain. Something odd about that mare struck Chrysalis with the belief great things would follow her. Perhaps it was destiny? Something preordained? Though Chrysalis never considered herself a mare of superstition, she was aware there were forces at play far greater than anything she could even dream of.

Atalanta squirmed against her side, breaking her mother’s thinking. With a smile, she craned her neck and bent down, giving a gentle nudge to the little sleeping form. A tongue flicked out and kissed a chubby cheek. Already the legs were getting too long for their chitin. Atalanta was growing more and more uncomfortable every day as she was outgrowing her skin. Already she was nearly twice the size she had been when she first hatched. Her white skin was going gray. The tips of her hooves were charcoal black. Wing buds were starting to show. Hints of a mane and a suggestion of a tail were becoming apparent. The Queen heaved a great sigh, rolling the hatchling in the process. The chubby hatchling, fat from her mother’s love, rolled away in the inhale, then rolled back to its original position on the exhale. Her own body was adapting to meet the needs of her child. Chrysalis was growing teats.

Chrysalis giggled. “I love you,” she told Atalanta.

Atalanta kept right on sleeping, kicking one little leg reflexively in the air.

“I miss my changelings,” she went on with a sad sigh. “I hope the nymphs are safe. There are so many orphans now. I made a mistake and I am paying for it. They are paying for it.” Chrysalis kept her voice low, as if only her daughter could hear here. It would not do to speak so loudly with walls that had ears. “I did the right thing. I know I did the right thing. I just wish—”

The Queen interrupted herself with sudden anger at herself for her self pity. She snorted, tossing her mane and snapping at the air with her jaws. Atalanta squirmed, sensing her mother’s ire and frustration. She opened her eyes. They were already clouding over as her own moulting drew nearer. And uncomfortable grunt confirmed what was obvious.

“Soon, my dear. Soon the confinement will end and you’ll have a new shell to grow into,” she cooed. “Then your learning will begin. Your mind will be able to think beyond simple instinctive needs. You will take your first steps. You will say your first words. You will begin to look like your mother.” Chrysalis held up a holed foreleg and frowned sadly. “I had hoped, no, still hope to end the Curse.” The impossible dream.

There was a knock at the door.

The Queen huffed, rising to her hooves carefully while keeping her daughter as undisturbed as possible. A squeak of protest came anyways as the hatchling’s source of heat was leaving her with nothing more than thick, soft blankets to nestle in. Life was simply not fair.

It was probably the morning cleaning maids, along with her breakfast. Chrysalis supposed it was close enough for the night to give way to the day. She needed sleep. The nightmare was not cooperating with her. Stupid dreams. Stupid ponies. Stupid princesses of dreams. It was aggravating. Chrysalis thought these things as she moved into the circle and waited, tapping an impatient back hoof as she stood.

As per usual, the door opened and in was pushed a cart and the three maids who always came in to clean. There was also Nightstorm, always the first guard she would greet every morning. Chrysalis knew they would not approach Atalanta. There was an unspoken agreement the hatchling was not to be approached. If the bed needed to be made or the sheets changed, the Queen was politely asked to take up her daughter. If there was any moment where Chrysalis cooperated, it was when the maids cleaned her room.

She hated a pigsty.

“Good morning, Queen Chrysalis,” greeted the lunar pegasus politely. What else were they called? Thestrals! Chrysalis gave him a curt but polite nod in return. “Princess Luna will be arriving shortly and asks respectfully if you would agree to having breakfast with her.”

“Very well. I will agree. When is my hearing?”

“The schedule has you meeting the princesses at noon today, your Majesty.”

The maids went about their business, having learned long ago to not look the Queen in the eye. Something about her harlequin eyes made them shudder. Chrysalis remembered fondly the first maid weeks ago who had locked eyes and was last seen screaming bloody terror down the hallways. It was priceless. The howling laughter of the changeling haunted the hallways. Chrysalis wondered if she helped give some ponies nightmares. Part of her wondered if her current nightmares were a sort of payback.

The Queen was a bitch and loved being one.

She was also quite intelligent. Sensible, not so much. However, as the weeks had passed on, Chrysalis was already aware she was running out of time. Her changelings were running out of time. Pride was proving to be working against her. It seared her soul to know her hive was in danger. It had to end. Battling her instincts along with common sense was far more difficult to come to grips with than the Queen would have liked to admit. Sensibility was beginning to worm its way into her mind. Chrysalis was beginning to think she had been acting the fool.

“Very well. When should I be ready to meet Princess Luna? There are some things I wish to go over with her.”

Nightstorm tilted his head to one side. “I can let you know when she arrives. It should not be too long. Within the hour.”

“Very good. Ladies,” Chrysalis flicked her tail. “I am low on stationary for my desk. Ink. Spare quills. Paper. Coffee. Everything else. Check and fill, if you would be so kind.” Her smile was genuine. The common ponies were simply doing their duties and these mares seemed to take their job seriously, if their attentiveness to her words were any indication. She ignored the sound of knocking knees. Fear happened when it came to ponies interacting with changeling war criminals who also happened to be powerful royalty.

“O-o-of course, Queen Chrysalis,” stammered one of the mares through a nervous smile reeking of fear. She was a brave one! “May I change the sheets and make the bed?” A hard swallow followed.

“Nightstorm?” Chrysalis quirked an eyebrow at the guard.

He flicked an ear towards the door. It had already closed, but there was a small portal where another guard was peering in. There was a nod between the two. The runes around Chrysalis’ hooves faded and she went to scoop up Atalanta. Then, she went back to her circle, offering a patient faux smile. Patience… always the patience. Her eyes did not betray the annoyance. Atalanta squirmed, pressing herself against her mother’s warm belly as she was placed between the Queen’s legs.

The mares spoke quietly amongst themselves, working and cleaning. Chrysalis ignored them, instead staring at the massive lunar pegasus. She admired his professionalism. Closing her eyes, she concentrated, looking as though she were lost in thought.

When she next opened her eyes, she could see herself from a much different point of view. Inwardly, she smiled.

Patience...

Chapter X

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It was a start, she decided as she released her hold. So long as she was like a shadow in the mind, the host would never know she was ever there. Chrysalis had many, many years of practice. Her art was second to none, so far as she was concerned. It was even more important to her than her shape changing abilities, which were currently curtailed thanks to the ring at the base of her horn. Changelings could assume almost any form they wished, but there were rules, as there were rules in any form of magic.

She brought her head up, peering through the locks of her mane at Nightstorm. As always, he watched her like a hawk. A small smile graced her lips as she bent and tended to Atalanta. The hatchling was beginning to fuss and her chirps were beginning to draw attention from the maids.

“Nobody told you to stop working, ladies,” said the thestral in a monotone. “Do your duties quickly. The Queen has a busy day ahead of her.” He cut an imposing figure which brokered no argument.

They were started by his voice and quickly resumed their work in varying states of embarrassment. Chrysalis worked on quieting her daughter, whispering and cooing. The poor thing was very uncomfortable in her slowly shrinking skin. Naturally, motherly instinct told her to do what she could to comfort her offspring. Pulling Atalanta out from under her belly, the Queen loafed, placing the squirming hatchling on top of her folded forelegs. Then, with her mane serving as a curtain, she began to bathe her daughter with her tongue. A very wet and slobbery tongue. After several strokes along her daughter’s length, Chrysalis pulled her head up to see her work. Already the pale, almost translucent chitin of her daughter was absorbing the saliva, stretching it out and hopefully making Atalanta a little more comfortable.

The maids finished and quietly departed the room. “I will give you fifteen minutes,” Nightstorm told Chrysalis. Without waiting for a response, he followed them out, leaving the Queen alone with her daughter. Rising to her hooves, she sauntered over to her vanity mirror and plucked up her brush. Atalanta had quieted by now and was making innocuous sounds as her mother busied herself to look presentable.

Chrysalis only needed half of her allotted time to get ready. The remaining time she simply sat in the circle and waited, Atalanta in her sling and still making adorable little noises. The Queen kept her eyes closed as she made another connection. Her host was unaware. Testing her hold, she kept everything simple, using only sight and allowing the host to keep full control of their faculties. She smiled.

It was a good start. As much as Chrysalis wanted to simply take control, there was not enough information for her to go on. She had to know the layout of the castle, its strengths and weaknesses, the number of guards, the patterns to the patrols, shifts, and so much more! Even the civilians working in the castle need to be watched. More importantly, Chrysalis did not know where in Equestria she was. Somehow, she needed to get a message to her hive. The excitement within her had to be contained. She had a sliver of an opening and somehow, she had to turn it into something feasible.

Patience…

There was the expected knock at the door. Chrysalis drew herself up, tall and proud. It was time to meet a princess for breakfast and break the news to her.

“Ah, Chrysalis, I am pleased you could join me for breakfast,” said Luna the moment she saw the changeling escorted into the dining hall. The Princess was seated at the head of a long table, looking very regal as she was almost hidden between the shafts of sunlight coming through the window. Chrysalis could only make out the alicorn’s eyes and the reflective silver on her crown and torc. The sun poured in through the open windows, bathing everything in a cheerful light. An assortment of foods were laid decoratively and in modest amounts. There was even a bowl filled with the love spheres.

“I was not expecting an invitation, but I accepted for the sake of the burgeoning relations between our peoples,” Chrysalis said with a slight sneer. She could sense hidden guards watching her, ready to spring to the defense of their princess.

Princess Luna did not flinch, but smiled and indicated a chair to her right. “Please. Sit. Help yourself. I take it you have not fed Atalanta yet?” Her smile was the smile of the perfect hostess, though wafts of irritation had already touched Chrysalis.

“Thank you.” Chrysalis moved past Nightstorm. The thestral adjusted his leathery wings and bowed to Luna. She dismissed him with a nod before focusing back on the changeling.

Chrysalis settled into her seat, her eyes roving over the food. She was hungry. She noticed something. “No meat?” she asked with a pout.

Luna smiled pleasantly.

The Queen checked on the lump in her sash. Atalanta had fallen back asleep. Content, she began placing food on her plate, having noticed Luna waiting for her to begin. As soon as the first hash brown hit her plate, Luna dug in.

“Princess Cadence and Shining Armor have been asking about your daughter,” Luna began conversationally. “Cadence, especially, considering.”

Chrysalis chewed her bite thoughtfully, keeping her eyes on her plate. “Interesting.”

“I should think so. Shining Armor refuses to admit anything happened.”

“Is that so?”

Luna gave her an annoyed glare, then smiled pleasantly. “Cadence would like to see your daughter. She is curious.”

“I would imagine so. We changelings guard our children and hide them from outsiders. The only reason you are able to see my daughter is because you leave me little choice. This is the stage of her life where her only contact is me, her mother so we can make our Bond.” Chrysalis sipped her orange juice. It was freshly squeezed. “Our hatchlings are kept in dark, secure places, in the heart of our defenses. They are the most precious things to us. We would die to the last changeling to protect them.” A bitter expression soured her complexion. “It sometimes isn’t enough.”

“Perhaps—”

“Perhaps nothing,” interrupted Chrysalis sharply. “If she sees my daughter, blood relations or not, she will want to take her from me because of the monster I know she sees me as. Mark my words and mark them well, princess, I will fight to the death to protect my blood. No magic power on this world or any other will stop that. No immortal being will have the strength to stop me. If my legs are broken, I will bite. I will bite until my jaw is broken. I will not stop protecting the most precious thing the world to me even if Death should come to take me to her breast.” She munched on a slice of apple. It was sweet and crisp.

“Chrysalis, she does not want to separate your daughter from you. She simply wants to see her. She also wants to speak with you, despite her husband’s protests.” Luna took a bite from her own plate.

“Why?”

“As the Princess of Love, she feels she is in a position to offer help if you will accept it.”

“And why should I trust her? I already have a strong distrust for you, Celestia and her stronghoof tactics, and Twilight Sparkle. You have all the advantages and you flaunt them mercilessly at me.” Chrysalis found she was enjoying the banter as it was flustering Luna. She helped herself to a strange yeast bread she could only describe as a muffin, slathering it with liberal amounts of butter and topping it off with strawberry jam. Motherhood had given her a bit of a sweet tooth. She bit into the muffin and encountered buttery heaven. The Queen moaned.

Luna rolled her eyes. “You are impossible.”

Chrysalis swallowed her bite. “That I am. I must be stubborn, for I am in the land of my prey and my prey has placed me in a gilded cage. Even my dreams are no longer a refuge for me.” She glared pointedly at the alicorn.

“I altered nothing. I can do no such thing.” Luna munched on a salad of sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Bits of cheese was sprinkled on it. “Though I am the Mistress of Dreams, I must follow certain rules and guidelines. The more powerful the being, the more rules come into play. Responsibility becomes heavier and heavier. I shirked my duties once and it nearly plunged the world in eternal darkness. I merely observed your dreams. I spoke when I was permitted and I was careful not to pry too deeply into your subconscious.” She spoke as though she were giving a lecture to a student who had potential but suffered from a severe case of procrastination.

“Is that so?” Chrysalis finished the marvelous muffin and hungrily hunted down something else with her eyes on the table. “Far be it for me to assume the role of a victim in the light of what you and your sister believe me to be.” She found some honey dew melons mixed with watermelon and in bite-sized pieces.

“And what exactly are you?” prompted Luna. A cup of coffee now hung near her muzzle and on her right.

“Hungry,” replied the Queen airily. She seized one of the love balls with her hooves and pulled it up to her mouth. Smirking over it, she sank her fangs into it and began to suck slowly and loudly, her eyes never leaving the alicorn.

“And immature, it would seem,” huffed the alicorn. She slurped her coffee.

“When the mood strikes, yes.” The changeling set aside the empty ball. Bits of love had dribbled down her chin. Daintily she dabbed at it with her napkin. “Why am I conversing with you?”

Luna set down her cup. “I would imagine because you yearn to speak to someone closer to your intellectual level than to a child who can perhaps drool you into an adoring stupor. You are more comfortable speaking to me because you see me as an equal in power. I was also not a visible figure at the wedding. Celestia you look down upon because you see yourself as having bested her in single combat, though in fairness she held back as there were hundreds of innocent ponies who would have been in the way. Then there is Twilight Sparkle. You do not care much for her because she was the instrument of your fall. It was she who suspected you and you fostered her distrust by turning her friends, her brother, and her mentor against her. Very clever, by-the-by. I should add you feel some sort of connection to me because of my own attempts at conquest, though the culprit was a creature who stole my body and suppressed my mind. In short, you need a friend.”

Friend? Chrysalis gave Luna a look as though the alicorn had just suggested elephants married mice for their ability to fly to the moon. She started to laugh, a cackling, evil laugh villains in storybooks did when the hero or heroine said something along the lines of ‘love conquers all’. Then she realized love had kicked her flank hard enough to leave a crater. The laughter abruptly died and she was suddenly staring vacantly at her plate.

“Friend?” she parrotted the thought, the word sounding funny coming from her mouth. “I suppose I could use a friend.” The Queen looked blankly at the wall across from her. “How was life for you growing up, Luna?”

Startled by the sudden question, Luna asked, “How do you mean?”

“It is a simple question. You ask plenty of me. Would it hurt to answer one of mine?”

Luna considered before selecting a peeled hard boiled egg. Dusting it lightly with salt, she considered for a moment. “I would imagine my fillyhood was much as any other pony should have, sans a mother and father. It was just my sister, really. Even she does not know who her mother and father was. We were moved between the tribes, sharing time with each of them. We were loved and always seemed welcomed wherever we went.” The mare focused on the egg before taking a bite. “All of Equestria raised us, I suppose you could say. It would be a fair assessment. So very long ago. So very different than the world is today, I might add.”

“A partial answer, but good enough.”

“Just as you do not enjoy sharing full divulgence, I am reluctant to reach into the past and tell you more of myself than I deem you worthy of knowing.” The alicorn popped the egg into her mouth and chewed slowly.

Chrysalis snorted. “Fair enough.” She nodded to herself. “Fair enough.” Chrysalis resumed her meal in silence. The sound of clinking utensils on plates went on for several minutes as the changeling and the pony focused on their food.

Luna lit up her horn. The Queen felt a weight lift from her horn. Startled, found herself watching her inhibitor float off towards Luna. It came to rest on top of the table next to her plate.

“What is this?” she demanded, more curious and even a little afraid. Very suddenly afraid. “What are you up to, Luna?”

“You have access to your magic. You may contact your hive and check their well-being. I will allow it for a few minutes.”

“Oh, you expect me to trust you? No.”

The alicorn snorted and sighed, shaking her head. “Chrysalis. Your hive is in danger. The Guard searches for them to save them. What are these Ravagers you mentioned yesterday at the hearing?”

Buzzing her wings fitfully, the Queen hugged her daughter to her. “They are death given life. They are relentless hunters. They exist to hunt other changelings.”

And so she told Luna about Queen Taalia, with her shoulders slumped and her head bowed in defeat. She told nothing of herself or her hive.

“But what of your changelings?” Luna asked quietly when she had some time to digest this revelation of a new, more vicious queen.

“They know how to hide. With their numbers dwindled and their protection a fraction of what it should be, they can blend into the shadows and become as a forgotten memory.”

She could feel eyes upon her. Wary, unseen eyes. Some were hostile. Chrysalis had nearly forgotten the guards. They wanted her to do something stupid. With a quirk of a smile, her form shimmered through a rising sheet of green flames hugging her body. She appeared as a perfect copy of Princess Luna.

“No itchy trigger hooves,” she commented, looking up at the ceiling. “Nice to know your Night Guard follow orders.”

“That was foolish, Chrysalis. They could have shot you!”

“But they didn’t,” the Queen countered. She flared out an indigo blue wing and examined it closely. “I like this color. It makes me feel deep and mysterious. It’s more hawkish than those swan wings of your sister.” She peered down at the fur on her chest and noted Atalanta was peeking up at her from the sash. The hatchling discovered the feel of fur and promptly rubbed her face fully into her mother’s chest. “See? Even my little morsel approves! Soft. Supple. Weak.” Chrysalis smiled mirthlessly. She already was feeling a pang of jealousy with how much Atalanta loved the feel of pony fur.

Luna was not amused. “The ring was not removed so you can amuse yourself,” she chided, clucking her tongue against the roof of her mouth. “If you are unwilling to contact your hive, then you leave me with no reason to believe you need to remain unfettered.” The horn ring disappeared in a flash of magic, only to settle heavily at the base of the changeling’s crooked horn. The false Luna’s form flickered green, then faded away, revealing the Queen’s true form beneath.

Even Atalanta seemed disappointed. With a sad chirrup, she slid into the depths of her sash, leaving Chrysalis staring at a lump assuming a ball shape.

She gathered her thoughts, thinking of the returned weight upon her head. With a sigh, she pushed her plate away. “I do believe I am full. Was there anything else you wished to discuss before the continuation of the farce?”

“I have nothing further to add. Do you wish to disclose anything on your behalf? I am still vexed you did not include me in the proceedings. You made me look the fool and made my sister seem the overbearing tyrant. However, she did discover something you might find interesting.”

“Oh?”

The alicorn sighed. “Unfortunately, Twilight used a part of the truthing spell to incorporate a mind spell that removes the desire for the target to move if the question asked is not something they wish to answer. Truthing spells used on an official capacity are supposed to allow for the target to move and help against self incrimination. The purpose of yesterday was only to establish the spell and to understand how strong your mind was. Twilight also applied too much compulsion to the spell, as she either ignored the base setting required and applied her own estimation of your mental fortitude, or simply had overlooked it. As much as I would like to believe she did not do it on purpose, I question the reasons for allowing a biased party to assume the role of prosecutor.”

“So, you did not think for a moment Celestia’s prized pet would alter the rules to benefit herself? Her brother and her sister-in-law were directly affected by me. Why would Celestia want to include her in the hearings?” Chrysalis snorted.

“It was a test. One of many my sister has set before Twilight.” The Princess shook her head. “One of the few she has failed. Celestia was quite disappointed in her. As am I.”

Chrysalis balked. “I beg your pardon?”

“In short, Twilight Sparkle violated the law.”

“You mean she broke one of your own laws.”

“Ah, yes.”

“And you did nothing about it?”

“I was not aware at the time, no.” Luna paused as she refilled her coffee cup. She sipped, sighed, and looked decidedly unhappy. “I have tried to see if there was any way I could have detected it, but she was very subtle. Magic is her strength, after all. In time, I do believe she could be as formidable as Star Swirl the Bearded was.”

Chrysalis gave a flit of her wings. She was irritated. She was angry. “As I mentioned: Kangaroo court. The odds were against me and you were naïve enough to not see it. Or you trusted your sister and your unicorn friend so much as you were blind to the obvious. Celestia is determined to get me to break and give her what she wants. All for the sake of your precious ponies. Well, the way I see it, my changelings will get the short end of any deal, or those Ravagers will find them. Do you see the position I am in? If you could but sit in my hooves for a day while I sit in my cell and think of ways to save my hive!”

“I do sympathize, Queen Chrysalis—”

The changeling interrupted her with a raised hoof, her words fading, then abruptly ending. “No. I don’t think you do. It is with great pleasure I inform you your services as my counsel are no longer required. Thank you for the lackluster effort you have given me. I shall be sure to let the next changeling queen you ‘defend’ know of your dedication to the mediocre.”

“Now see here!” Luna rose to her hooves, the table clattering from her sudden movement. She was livid.

“Princess Luna, Mistress of the Night, Lady of the Stars, and my newly acquired friend. Though I do not see the merits of having an equine friend, I will humor you. Breakfast was wonderful. Oh, and you’re fired, just in case you did not understand the first time.”

Luna started to say something, but Chrysalis interrupted her.

“I know what you are going to say. ‘It is unwise to go before any court without representation’. Is it also my prerogative if I so choose to represent myself in any court setting, be it formal or informal?” Chrysalis cocked her head to one side. Atalanta gurgled hungrily in her pouch.

“It is,” admitted the alicorn. “However, I feel I must advise strongly against such a decision, even if you chose, as you clearly have, to not use the counsel provided to you. Should you still desire your own counsel—” Words failed her and she decided to resume her seat. Chrysalis maintained a perfectly straight face. In moments, she recomposed herself. “Should you desire your own representation or have somepony else in mind to represent you in the hearing, it can be postponed so you might prepare yourself. You are allowed to make one request for a counsel of your choosing, so long as it is within reason.”

“None.” Chrysalis helped herself to coffee. “It is somewhat not personal, Princess Luna, but I have doubts of your allegiance, given the ridiculousness of everything.”

The alicorn scrunched her muzzle and rolled her eyes. “We take this most seriously, Queen of the Changelings!”

“As do I. I have some questions to ask Twilight Sparkle and I do request I ask them under the exact same circumstances to which she interrogated me. Am I allowed at least that?”

A ragged sigh escaped Luna. Whether or not it was for show eluded Chrysalis. Shrewdly she wondered exactly how much she had witnessed at the table had been acting and how much was genuine. Luna was a crafty creature. She was far older than Chrysalis and was used to dealing with beings like the Queen. She was also clearly not Princess Celestia, to which Chrysalis approved.

“I am certain my sister will allow this.”

“Good. Are we done here?”

“We are, Queen Chrysalis.” Luna hid her disappointment well.

The changeling took wing and hovered slowly, mindful of the eyes watching her. “Very well then. There are some hours before the hearing. Atalanta will need her breakfast soon. I will need time to finish preparing. It will be a very busy day. Thank you again for breakfast. It was delicious...friend.”

Chapter XI

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There was enough time to feed Atalanta and put her down for a nap. Chrysalis worried through the rest of her morning, wondering if she was pushing her luck. There was a very good chance she was, but the ponies had to understand she would not be broken. If she caved and gave in to the demands of the princesses, then her hive would be lost and more than likely indentured, or even enslaved. Nightstorm appeared furious. His anger at Chrysalis was thick and uncomfortable to bear, yet he was thankfully gone now. His voice had been curt and cold. The loyalty he had towards his Princess of the Night was commendable, but what impressed Chrysalis the most was his strict adherence to duty and honor.

She believed he had a weakness towards mothers with small children. At least he seemed to gentle whenever his eyes roamed to Atalanta. Chrysalis hoped to discover why and perhaps use it to her advantage sometime down the road. Perhaps he had a family of his own. Dare she believe he had a mate? Foals who called him father? Discovering the life of the stallion beyond the cell might prove fortuitous.

While she had been gone, more visitors had come to her room and restocked everything non perishable she had asked for. Her inkwell had been refilled. Spare quills stood at the ready in a tall tin cup. Reafs of paper were stacked in neat bundles on the floor next to her desk. Her work to date had been untouched, but there was no doubt in the Queen’s mind the ponies had gone through her writing, using copy spells to take from her everything she had put to pen.

Suspicious as she was, Chrysalis imagined she was right. The ponies were desperate to know about changelings and she was their only connection to them. Thankfully, they had not used tactics she would consider harsh. Annoying, most certainly. Their methods were confusing to the changeling. She had expected more exotic means, painful at least, to get information from her. Here, she was treated more or less with respect, as though she were a viper and kept at a distance. Luna was attempting to get to know her, in her own way. Chrysalis expected future visits in her dreams in the near future.

Celestia and her ponies were confusing. They were determined to have the Queen reveal the location of her hive, yet they seemed unwilling to do what was necessary. Yet the young unicorn, that student of Celestia’s seemed willing to take the first steps down a dark path. Chrysalis was very familiar with dark paths. Twilight showed she could be underhoofed. Grudgingly, the changeling had some respect for the unicorn.

Mentally, Chrysalis prepared herself for what she wanted to do. Naturally, she could not antagonize the alicorns and she also had to show she could beat them at their own game. A position of strength is what she needed. Setting her lips in a firm line, she looked down at the list she had quickly written down since she had returned from her enlightening breakfast with Luna. There was much to think on and little time to decide.

Lifting her voice, she sang. It was a sad song, as she still hated not being near her changelings. The worst part was simply not knowing how they were, if even they were still alive. If Taalia and her Ravagers got to them, there certainly would be nothing left to mourn.

She finished, her eyes staring at the ceiling as her wings had spread imploringly. Chrysalis was on her haunches, her hooves spread wide open and to the heavens. With a heaving sigh, she dropped her hooves to the floor and slumped forward, her neck bent in defeat.

There was little she could do for the moment. Her emotions were in turmoil. Revealing what she did to Luna might have been too much, she feared. At the same time, Chrysalis wondered if it was enough to shift the attention of looking for her hive on to the changelings hunting her own.

There was no worry if her song had been heard. The language was ancient, perhaps even dead. It was certainly unknown on this side of the world. With a huff and a flick of her tail, Chrysalis rose on her legs and stretched in a catlike fashion, her wings flaring out as far as she could stretch them. With a mighty and undignified yawn, she smacked her lips. Her belly was still full and her mind was digesting her conversation with Luna. She had an inkling there was much going on she was not aware of.

Twilight had done something illegal? Perhaps even amoral? The Queen grinned in spite of herself. The little goody-four-shoes had slipped, proving to be not as perfect as she was made out to be. All the more the better. It only proved Celestia was capable of making mistakes when it came to trust. Such a delicious revelation!

Humming to herself, the Queen checked in on Atalanta. The hatchling was full and was curled up in her crib, fast asleep. She was buried in thick blankets. Softly Chrysalis bent in and kissed her daughter gently on the forehead. The little nub of a horn could be seen growing from the center of the little one’s head. Suddenly Chrysalis wanted her daughter to molt, become a nymph, so she could teach her things.

She wondered if the Gods had forsaken her. They had spoken to her, long ago, placing upon her the quest to find the Cure. They made her promise in exchange for freedom. Chrysalis had found changelings who would follow her, adopt her Bond as their own, become the foundations of her hive. Loyal and faithful, they followed her. In the generations since, their children, their children’s children, and so on had believed in their Queen and believed in her quest.

The failure still stung. The losses left her with a hollow feeling. Yet, they would still have her as their Queen. The Bond she shared with them —when it was intact— gave them a faith in her that was almost fanatical. They loved her and she loved them. They were her family. Each one was like a child to her. Her touch was on each and every one of them.

There was a knock at her door. Sighing, she assumed her position, but only after she gave her daughter another kiss. Her emotions were in a roller coaster. It was difficult for her to keep them in check. She wondered if the isolation was getting to her. Being apart from her changelings was the loneliest feeling she could remember ever having. She missed their touch, their voices. She simply missed her hive terribly. It was as bad as when her mother’s hive had been nearly wiped out.

Nightstorm again made his usual appearance. “Are you ready, Queen Chrysalis?” he asked.

“I am.”

He noted. “When you are ready, then.”

The Queen nodded and went to her sash where it lay at the end of her bed. She put it on, then went to the crib to fetch her daughter. The hatchling protested with some chirping, but settled once she was plopped into the sash. She nestled down and was soon asleep before Chrysalis was out the door. Four guards waited for her outside and fell in place around her. Nightstorm followed.

They took the same path as the day before. Ponies went about their jobs, pausing long enough to stare at the changeling as she strode smoothly through. They were still afraid of her and even a few flashed anger in her presence. Chrysalis ignored them. The walk never seemed as long as the first time. She welcomed the sun when she stepped outside, though did not pause to bathe in it as she had before.

The table was there, but this time there was no tea. The garden was eerily silent and the wind uncharacteristically still. There was Luna, of course, but seated in a neutral position on the left of the changeling. To her right sat Twilight, who could not bring herself to look up from staring at the tabletop in front of her. In between Luna and Twilight sat, of course, Princess Celestia. The white alicorn seemed impassive, her ethereal mane undulating slowly as if to reflect her calm. Chrysalis noted Luna’s mane flowed a bit more rapidly. The younger sister of Celestia was also avoiding eye contact, but for different reasons.

The changeling sat down. She noted, as before, other ponies kept their distance from the table. There were no visible guards nearby.

“I understand you have removed my sister as your council. Is that correct, Queen Chrysalis?” Celestia was expectant, her ears perked forward. She sat tall and regal, as beautiful as the definition of the word.

Chrysalis’ own long, mulish ears perked forward as she absorbed the words. Inhaling deeply, she nodded. “Yes. That is correct.”

“Luna has told me why she thinks you dismissed her. May I know why you did this in your own words?”

“I believe her to be biased and I do not believe I can have a fair hearing given the circumstances.” Her words were thrown pointedly at Twilight. “I feel if I can represent myself, I will be able to retain some dignity in the face of the odds you have so conveniently stacked in your favor. I cannot in good conscience believe you intend to be fair. You have not been fair at all.”

“No,” Celestia admitted. “I have not. I have a nation to think about and ponies to protect. Your changelings are a threat to them. They must be stopped. Then we can deal with these Ravagers and this Queen Taalia you described to Luna. I am in a position to offer them protection and am willing to extend that protection to you if you would but let me.”

Chrysalis flicked an ear. “I will not allow my changelings to be subjugated by anyone. Now, cast your spell upon yourself, Twilight Sparkle. It is time to even things between us, if even just a little.” She clucked her tongue against the roof of her mouth and hissed menacingly. “I am told you broke one of your precious laws. I am told you believed yourself above that law. How pathetic. You could not even control your own hatred towards me.”

“Enough, Chrysalis,” warned Celestia. “She knows what she did was wrong.”

Twilight cringed, hiding her eyes beneath her bangs. “It is true. I was upset.” She sniffled. “I wanted answers. I was not sure if the spell would be effective, so I altered it. You have such a strong mind, Chrysalis.”

“Queen Chrysalis, child,” reminded the changeling coldly. “I have ruled longer than your bloodline has even existed. Do remember that.”

“Actually,” Celestia chimed in with an almost embarrassed tone, “that remains to be seen. Twilight Sparkle’s family line is very old. I can attest personally it has lasted since the unification of the Three Tribes.”

The Queen snorted. “I could care less. I suppose it does not matter. Can I ask my questions or are you as false as your smile, Celestia?”

“Mind your tongue!” snapped Luna.

“Luna, Chrysalis,” Celestia interrupted sternly. “Both of you behave like the ladies I know you both to be: dignified and proud. Do not sink to the level of barbarity.”

“But she’s evil,” Twilight murmured helplessly. “Chrysalis is evil. She is against everything you have ever taught me, Princess Celestia!”

“No, Twilight. Inherently, Chrysalis is not evil. What she did to us was evil, but it was as an act of desperation.”

The unicorn hung her head. “Yes, Princess.”

“I’m right here,” Chrysalis deadpanned. “Can we get this going? I have a daughter to raise and a life in prison to look forward to.”

“Of course. There is no need to delay this any further.” Celestia gave a single nod. “Twilight, cast the spell upon yourself and make no alterations upon it. It must be exactly as what you cast yesterday.”

Twilight inclined her head and her horn lit up. It was simple in appearance and simple in execution. Three seconds later, she relaxed, the aura surrounding her horn fading away. “The spell is cast, Princess Celestia.”

“Thank you, Twilight. Chrysalis, you may ask your questions. Be warned: there will be no deliberate attempts to belittle or insult the pony you question. If she choses to step away or immediately declines the question before the compulsion affects her, you cannot ask the same question again. Am I clear?” The alicorn looked perfect and beautiful as she gave her instructions.

“Very clear, Celestia, and thank you.” Chrysalis focused on Twilight, her grin almost maniacal. “Oh, I do have some very good questions.”

The unicorn flinched under her gaze.

Relaxing, Chrysalis resettled herself. Atalanta shifted at her chest. Taking a hoof, she gave a gentle stroke to the sash before focusing on the unicorn. “Twilight Sparkle,” she said in a voice surprisingly gentle. “Do you love Celestia?”

The question confused Twilight. “Yes.”

“Do you love Equestria?”

The unicorn stared at Chrysalis. “I don’t understand the line of questioning, but yes.”

“Would you do anything to protect it?”

Twilight nodded. “Yes. Of course I would!”

“Where are you going with these questions, Chrysalis?” asked Celestia curiously.

“Begging your Sunniness’ pardon, I will be getting to the point.” The Queen smiled at the Princess. It was a dazzling, yet disturbing smile. “Twilight Sparkle,” she began again, focusing on the pony in question, “Why did you break the law by casting an illegal truthing spell upon me?”

Confused, the unicorn shook. Her emotions were in turmoil. “I…” She faltered. Chrysalis witnessed the compulsion begin to overcome the pony. “I was afraid of you. I am afraid of you. I was also very angry. You hurt so many ponies and you embarrassed me in front of my friends and especially in front of Princess Celestia. You hurt my family. You took my brother against his will. You imprisoned Cadence.”

“Was embarrassing you in front of Celestia the worst of the offenses I committed?”

She hesitated, looking up at her teacher. “Yes.” A spark of confusion flickered.

“Even more so than nearly losing your friends?”

She shot to her hooves, debating, glaring at Chrysalis. She sat back down with determination.“Yes.” Twilight was beginning to tear up.

“Even more so than knowing your brother was in my thrall?”

Tears began to fall. “Yes.”

“Would you say you love Celestia more than you love your own mother?”

There was more than one gasp of surprise around the table. “Yes.”

“Would you say Celestia has replaced the mare that gave birth to you as your ideal mother figure?”

Luna hissed. Chrysalis felt the alicorn’s scorn and ire directed at her, but not completely. Though the anger lingered, it shifted, was directed elsewhere. Celestia’s eyes had gone round and she reared back her head in shock. Twilight was staring at her, eyes red and cheeks already bathed in her tears. With shame, the unicorn bowed her head, unable to look at Celestia.

“Yes,” she sobbed.

Smiling, the Queen went in for the kill. “Would you do whatever it takes to make your teacher, Celestia, proud of you?”

Twilight blurted something in the affirmative as she broke down.

Queen Chrysalis settled back on her haunches, her smile fading to something more composed. Regarding the crying unicorn, she wondered if she should feel sympathy. She certainly felt it from both Celestia and Luna. The great white alicorn was also awash with guilt. Again, this caught the changeling off guard. It was as though this revelation had revealed an unintended truth.

“Kettle, meet pot. No further questions.” The changeling was acutely aware she had to maintain some decorum of civility. Nor did she want to invoke the ire of two very powerful beings that may or may not be immortal. The line she walked was undefined and she was unsure of the level of patience either possessed. She was certain Princess Celestia’s own patience was legendary, but even that was questionable right now.

Celestia was currently gazing down at her student. Her face was blank and her mane seemed to have frozen in place. Then, after an eternity of silence, she spoke. “Twilight, you may leave the table. Go to your quarters and get some rest. You and I will have a talk later.” Her voice was gentle, even encouraging. The unicorn nodded and dragged herself off somewhere, sniffling miserably.

More silence fell over the table. A bird chirped nervously from a nearby bush. Chrysalis could taste the tension in the air as two pairs of alicorn eyes shifted and bore down upon her.

“What were you trying to prove?” asked Celestia coldly.

“Truth hurts,” came the reply.

Luna cleared her throat. “Is this why you removed me as your council? To make a mockery of Twilight and Celestia?”

“I merely used the tools made available to me to my advantage. Is that not what you did yesterday? Same spell. She could have walked away. But she did not. She did not because she could not. To walk away would have been an admission of weakness in front of her mentor. Twilight Sparkle has spent years trying to do things so she might get praise from you, Celestia. Just like a good little puppy, she only wants to please you. In her attempts to please you, things can go awry. When things go awry, she does what she can to retain your good graces. Even though she achieved a victory at Canterlot, she felt she was still behind on the score. Twilight has a neurosis, namely some sort of obsessive-compulsive disorder. You have done nothing more than enable that disorder. It is a quite common one among changelings, especially queens. I recognized it shortly after meeting her for the first time. It was not difficult to detect and her emotions…”

She smiled sadly, feeling pity for the mare she had just torn apart. “She lives for praise from you. I was once like that, but under far different circumstances. Congratulations, Celestia, you not only had a hoof in making her the way she is today, but you did little to guide her away from her compulsions.”

Clearly, the alicorn was not used to being chided. Exchanging looks with her sister, she rose to her hooves.

“There is much to think about, I think,” she declared softly. “Today’s proceedings are done. What was brought up was unexpected, but perhaps necessary. Chrysalis, you may return to your quarters or you may choose to have an hour outside before returning to your room. I bid you good day.” With that, she turned and walked off, her mane and tail trailing behind her as if in the act reflecting her thoughts.

Which left Luna and Chrysalis looking each other eye-to-eye. They studied each other.

“How well do you know Twilight Sparkle?” asked the Queen.

The alicorn hesitated, as if debating an answer. “Well enough to consider her a friend.”

Chrysalis flicked an ear. “Did you know of her compulsiveness?”

“It was not brought to my attention, no. I simply assumed she was enthusiastic.” Luna became guarded.

“Do you think I would mislead you or Celestia with this matter?”

Luna pursed her lips. “I would not put it past you. Yet I also sense no deception coming from you. This was a startling revelation to say the least. Using her own spell against Twilight in such a fashion was unexpected. It might have also been necessary and for Twilight’s benefit.”

Chrysalis tilted her head to one side, cocking an eyebrow in confusion. “I don’t follow.”

Luna eyed the changeling suspiciously, pursing her lips. “My sister believes Twilight Sparkle is destined for great things. She is a Prodigy. I have touched her potential and I am inclined to agree with my sister on the promise Twilight shows. As I have spent my time relearning everything about my kingdom, I have had little time to spend with Twilight. I am not sure as to how my sister could miss such a thing. The truthing spell was done exactly as it was before and I could detect no flaws in it.” She quirked an eyebrow and then shrewdly added, “Yet you were able to detect it so quickly and easily. How?”

“I’m a changeling. I am also a queen. You must know these sort of things if you’re going to be a queen.” Chrysalis wore a smug expression, buzzing her wings.

Luna was clearly unhappy with her. “Still. I think you were wrong to attack Twilight thusly. She deserved no such treatment.”

“Hypocrisy must run rampant between you sisters,” the Queen snarked. “Everything here is against my will. I have no freedom. I have no magic. I cannot communicate with my hive. Or must I spell it out to you in small words?”

“We think our conversation is at an end,” announced Luna with very much the same authority as Celestia had mustered just moments ago. “We bid you a good day, Queen Chrysalis. Enjoy the out of doors while as it is presently available for your enjoyment. Remember: thou art always under keen observation.” As she departed, her tail flicked, reflecting her annoyance.

How amusing the princess would backslide and revert to the royal We! With a smirk, Chrysalis watched her go and saw she was the only one at the table. Rising to her hooves, she casually glanced around to mark the locations of all the guards. There were a few pegasi in armor lazily flying in circles high above her and she thought she spotted a unicorn or two by the glint of sunlight off their polished armor. The air was sweet and the soft breeze promised there were flowers nearby. For a moment, she reached into her mind to see where Nightstorm was lurking.

She only saw darkness. Must be asleep.

Moving slowly, she rotated her neck as she swiveled her eyes about, searching for a nice, grassy spot to lay down and let Atalanta get the feel of the ground. Sunshine would do wonders for her skin, she surmised.

Spotting a location pleasing to her eyes, the Queen moved with a bit more purpose. A rather large rose bush full of blooming flowers appealed to her and its shade was just large enough to accommodate her long and slender frame. With a contented sigh, she lay down on her belly, folding her legs beneath her. Her tail flicked and came to rest like a meandering river behind her rump.

Oh, the grass felt wonderful! Chrysalis gave out an uncharacteristic whinny. Changelings don’t whinny, she noted to herself wryly. Maybe the ponies were starting to rub off on her. Gods, she hoped not! Repressing a shudder, she fished out Atalanta and placed her gently on the grass. The hatchling chirped in protest at being woken up from her nap, none the worse for wear from the events of the hearing. Her first encounter with the ground caused a bit of a panic. Chrysalis laughed a little, then soothed her daughter with a quiet, reassuring chirp. It was a very changeling sound. When she discovered the grass was not going to eat her, Atalanta responded with her own chirps. She was hungry and demanded to be fed.

Smiling at her daughter, Chrysalis obeyed and offered a hoof seeping with syrupy love from her holes. This was a happy moment, and one she needed after fraying her nerves while questioning Twilight Sparkle. The emotions from Celestia had been kept in check, by Chrysalis realized she had been treading on very thin ice with the alicorn. The legendary patience of the Princess amazed the changeling. By all rights, Chrysalis felt she should have been reduced to changeling goo, or at least been made a pasty substance under somepony’s hoof.

It only served to prove the weakness of the ponies!

A triumphant smirk formed and she flopped on her side, mindful of her feeding daughter. Closing her eyes, she simply lay there, listening to Atalanta as she slurped away at lunch. It felt good to be out of her cell. It was a false sense of freedom. The thought made Chrysalis think of her changelings who had impersonated ponies, especially herself. Creating that false sense of security, pointing the Equestrians at Taalia and the Ravagers and using that opportunity to use the wedding to her advantage.

“So close,” she murmured to herself. “I was that close! Stupid ponies.”

The Queen lay there for a while, simply enjoying everything. She could feel Atalanta wriggle up along her foreleg until she found a spot in between both of them and against her mother’s chest. A tiny, broken purr could be heard. The hatchling was very happy. This reflected warmly upon her mother. A nap sounded nice. With a great heave of a sigh, Chrysalis decided to keep her eyes closed until a guard came to fetch her.

For what seemed far too short a time to constitute an hour, Chrysalis soon felt the presence of somebody approaching. Perhaps it was time? She cracked an eye open and noted a pair of armored legs moving towards her stealthily. She sensed something muted from the owner of those legs. Alarm bells rang in her head. She should have been able to feel the pony’s emotional state!

Snapping her eyes open, she jerked up, knocking Atalanta from her grasp and to the grass, suddenly fearful. She looked squarely at the pony. It was a guard, a unicorn, to be precise. It was also a mare, and her eyes were filled with dreadful purpose. Her horn was aglow. It was a pale blue aura, quite pretty, really. What it held, however, was not at all pretty. Behind her, there were five more, equally determined ponies. Two of them were earth ponies, as well as three more unicorns.

“Those who assault the Lady of the Sun must suffer the ultimate penalty! DEATH!!” cried the mare with zealous righteousness.

A broad-bladed dagger was at the ready, floating near her head. As Chrysalis scrambled to get to her hooves, it came down in a flash. Biting pain ripped through the chitin. The dagger came up and quickly down again. Chrysalis kicked, shrieking in rage and pain. Atalanta sounded off even louder as hatred smashed against both her senses and her mother’s. The changeling was already moving, keeping her body firmly between the knife-wielding unicorn and her daughter.

Again and again the knife flashed. Chrysalis screamed, her own fangs flashing as she retaliated. She managed to land a blow with a hoof, sending the unicorn flying. The mare slammed through a nearby lilac bush, shearing off branches as her journey ended abruptly when the wall stopped her. The unicorn crumpled to the ground. She did not move.

“Calm Shade! She killed Calm!”

“Hurry up and kill her! We don’t have much time before we attract attention!”

Chrysalis stumbled, trying to stay focused on her next attacker, an ear at the threat while the other sought out Atalanta. She felt something grab her tail. It was small, tiny and helpless. She could feel her own blood escaping from her. The changeling hissed, sorely in need of access to her magic. Curse the ring! Curse all ponies!

The next attacker also carried a dagger, though in his mouth. The earth pony charged in, snarling at the Queen’s left. The unicorns were fanning out at range. Alarms were beginning to sound throughout the castle. Where was the other earth pony? With what magic she had, she plucked Atalanta up and placed her squarely between her shoulder blades and base of her wings. They buzzed furiously, preparing to lift the changeling and her daughter up and to safety.

A searing bolt of magic blurred over her neck. Her fragile wings were suddenly gone halfway up their length and Chrysalis fell heavily on her hooves. Her adrenaline was surging through her body and she whirled head on towards the charging earth pony. Rearing, she lashed out with both hooves. He dodged, slashing with his dagger and managing to cut into her left leg. She could see the slash, but did not feel anything more than a prick. The Queen kicked again, slamming a hoof into his face. His snout made a dull, wet cracking sound, his neck snapping from the violent impact. As the pony fell away, bolts of magic began pelting into Chrysalis. She turned into them, flaring her own horn. Smoke sizzled and popped as her aura battled with the repression runes on the ring. It was supposed to contain her unfathomable power, but her rage and fear for her daughter fueled her.

“Damn you, Celestia!” she seethed under her breath as she did her best to dodge the bolts. From her right, the other earth pony barreled into her. She caught his movement at the last moment as the firing had stopped, tearing apart the ground with her hooves as she spun.

Atalanta cried out loudly as she was flung from her mother’s body. Chrysalis could not see where she had gone as she had a pony breathing on her neck, the blade of his dagger hilt deep into her neck. She glared at him balefully, hissing with renewed fury. The Queen bit deeply into his exposed neck, sawing with her jaws and doing far more damage than a mere blade!

The pony screamed and let go of his weapon. Chrysalis did not release him and was dragged along as he tried to backpedal away from her. Seeing she was not going to let go, he began kicking her neck and chest in full blown panic. The changeling felt each and every blow. She knew she was getting weaker and weaker. There was a serious wound in her neck. There were deep cuts beneath her chitin from the unicorn’s dagger. Searing marks from fire magic scorched her front and shoulders. Smoke trailed from some of her impact wounds. Blood was everywhere.

Finally, the stallion was able to kick himself free of her. Her teeth had left a terrible wound. The coppery and warm taste of blood in her mouth was something she had not experienced in a long time. Old memories of past battles flashed through her mind. Chrysalis staggered to her hooves. The stallion fell off of his. A grim smile stretched across her battered muzzle. Bending down, she casually gored him with her crooked horn, tearing it away from his body even as he squealed bloodily. Twitching, his body went still and the Queen could feel the shock and fear from her would-be assassins. She spied out her daughter. Atalanta was not hard to miss as she was quite loud. Sidestepping cautiously, she moved over to the bushes where her daughter chirped in full blown panic, keeping her horn lowered and pointed at the unicorns.

She heaved a huffed sigh of relief when she saw Atalanta was safe and relatively unharmed. The bush was comprised of very soft leaves that were blue and velvety to the touch. The name of the plant escaped her. A more pressing concern was present and needed to be addressed.

“You’re not guards,” she hissed to the unicorns.

“She’s a demon!” one of them cried. “Kill her!” They fired simultaneously at the changeling queen, each one openly showing their hatred. She felt them as keenly as she felt their magic bite into her chitin and erupt against her flesh.

The Queen protected her daughter, standing boldly over the bush where Atalanta continued to cry. If she fell, then surely they would kill her daughter. That must not pass!

“No!” she cried in defiance, even as her strength began to fail her.

Chrysalis fell, despite her mind pleading with her body to stay upright. She simply could not. There was simply no more left in her. At least she fell protectively over her daughter. They would have to move her corpse before getting to Atalanta! Gasping, she found it hard to breathe. She gurgled, gasped, and spat up blood. It was red. So very red and dark. It was warm, too, she noted numbly.

“ENOUGH!!” Thundered the world around her.

Her last thoughts were of her daughter before the world went black, only to explode with the fury of the sun. Chrysalis heard her name called out, then nothing.

Chapter XII

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I'm sorry.

Chrysalis floated. She felt nothing but numbness. Beneath that numbness was pain. Beyond the pain was a creeping cold slowly overtaking her. Fear gripped her soul in a vice and she felt helpless. She could feel nothing with her body. Her nose detected no scent. Immobile ears could not detect sound. The Queen was helpless.

I’m so sorry.

She could hear nothing but the sound of her pride breaking apart all around her. It had all been for nothing. The ponies had finally done something they should have done weeks ago, in her opinion. Celestia had been too weak to do it herself.

Vaguely, she was aware of movement around her as she groggily came to. She moaned in agony. It hurt to even turn an ear towards the sounds around her. Tracking was impossible. The commotion refired her instincts and they clashed with her desire to simply stop caring.

This had to be Celestia’s doing. This was her way of showing her contempt by throwing common riffraff at a Queen to kill her and her daughter. This was a new low. Celestia wanted to look perfect and clean and immutable in her image as the perfect ruler, above reproach. There was a lot of shouting and it was muted to Chrysalis. She felt something wriggling against her belly. It was something very familiar to her, very dear.

I’m so very sorry.

The Queen could not move. Her body refused to obey her commands. With a pained sigh, she surmised poison had been added to the blades for good measure. Why not? What a very changeling thing for the ponies to do! For a moment, her eyes focused and she noted Celestia was standing over her, her eyes wide with shock and outrage, shifting to concern as she looked down at the fallen Queen. She would look up, the anger would return and she would command in a voice that brokered no argument. Then, the alicorn would bend her neck to a floppy ear and say something reassuring. Chrysalis did not know what she was saying, only that it seemed odd the concern was seemingly sincere.

There must have been a great deal of confusion. Chrysalis felt all sorts of emotions. Upset ponies were bare with how they felt in stressful situations. There were covered bodies where they had fallen. From the Queen’s angle, it was as though one of the uncovered hooves was beckoning her to join the ponies she knew would feel no more.

She was so tempted to simply give in. Chrysalis was tired. She was tired of fighting. Tired of struggling. Throughout her long life, nothing had come easy. She knew she was scarred both physically and even more so internally. Why bother the fruitless struggle any further?

The White Changeling would come and take her soul to be judged before the goddesses. Tappis and Tappaz would receive it and judge her accordingly, as it was their duty to all changelings even beyond life.

Or so Chrysalis had been taught. She found herself morbidly curious to see if the Immortal Queens could indeed pass judgement upon her soul. Slowly, she began to slip away, embracing the darkness reaching for her.

I’m sorry. I am ready.

A golden aura filled her vision, sharpening her vision. A voice softly pleaded to her to stay. She was needed. She was wanted. There was a little one depending on her! Multitudes awaited her, for her to resume her position! The hive! Her hive! Her changelings…

What did it matter? They would select another queen.

Chrysalis was tired. So very tired. She just wanted the pain to go away, the worries to cease. Her burdens were great, the weight upon her shoulders the very world itself. The Queen smelled her daughter as Atalanta cried out. The hatchling was being lifted — gently — and placed at the Queen’s muzzle.

Suddenly, Chrysalis no longer wanted to die. But, was it too late?

Darkness overcame her.

She was being moved. Celestia kept speaking soothing words to her. The Queen moaned in agony. Her body felt constricted. Other ponies kept looking over her. She could barely make them out in her peripheral vision. Celestia took up most of her line of sight. Encouraging sounds came from the alicorn. She kept floating Atalanta in front of the Queen’s eyes and in front of her nostrils. Chrysalis inhaled her daughter’s scent. Her hatchling was safe. The chirping sounds from the little one tugged at the mother’s heart. Chrysalis wanted to do something to comfort her wailing child, but she found she had no strength. She managed a smile and a gurgling purr.

Atalanta reached for her mother with stubby little legs and pleading in her chirps. It was loud and heartbreaking. Chrysalis wanted to reassure her only child, but she could not move.

Something was in her body. She felt so numb and her limbs were as if they had turned into granite. What did those ponies do to her? Groggily, she tried to reason with herself and failed miserably. Everything was in turmoil. She was hurt, angry, and confused. Her daughter was calling for her. Chrysalis felt very cold and very alone despite her daughter’s presence.

Again, her world was enveloped in shadows.

“So, tell me, is this going to be the end of the mighty changeling queen?” The voice was all around her, bringing Chrysalis to a sense of awareness. She tried to open her eyes, but found her lids sealed shut. She tried to turn her head in the direction of the speaker, but the voice seemed to change locations with every word uttered. “Laid low by halfwits? Brought down by simpletons controlled by an insane and heartbroken lunatic?”

Chrysalis could not move. She felt alone and vulnerable. A frightened shiver ran down her body. No voice could form in her throat. The words she wanted to speak crumbled in her addled mind.

She fought to open her eyes as panic began to overcome her. Another shiver ran up and down her spine. The Queen could not even cry out her terror. As much as she had demanded death from Celestia, she knew deep down inside she craved life. Chrysalis wanted to live! She wanted to see her daughter grow! She wanted to be with her changelings! They were her children and they saw her as their mother, as all she had offered their ancestors a choice so long ago. The Bond reflected the openness in which she had allowed a small group of changelings to decide their own fates: follow her willingly or stay and remain subject to the whims of ruthless queens.

“I am probing your memories, Chrysalis. I know you won’t like it, but we need to know how to heal you. You have sustained quite a bit of damage and you were poisoned. By all rights, you should be dead. You have a remarkably resilient body.”

Chrysalis was deathly afraid. As a creature who worked best in the night and the shadows, the darkness touched at her deepest fears at a primordial level. As much as she wanted to fight her fear, a part of her simply wanted to curl up like an abandoned nymph and make herself as small and insignificant as possible.

She focused on the voice. It was known to her, but an addled mind tended to make identifying the owner of that voice harder than it needed to be. After whirring silently in her head, the memory clicked and she knew who it was.

Princess Luna seemed to acknowledge the recognition by appearing before the changeling. It took a moment for Chrysalis to register she was lying on her stomach, her legs splayed out. The alicorn appeared before her, standing tall and proud. Concern filled her eyes as she gazed gently down upon the fallen changeling queen.

“I beg of you, please. Please, let us help you. I swear upon my moon I wish to be your friend and your confidant. I swear upon the very spring from which all life flows I mean you and your changelings a hopeful future. I swear upon the love of my mother I wish to live in peace and harmony with you and your kind. Please!”

Chrysalis felt everything stop. She felt! Felt! With a ragged gasp, she began to sob. Nothing was certain anymore! She could feel the curtain of her mental defenses begin to fall as something gently pulled away at it, bit by bit. The Queen could not move, but she began to feel slowly, ever so slowly the slightest twinge of sensations returning to her. It burned and was like pins and needles. It was ecstasy and agony. It was fire and ice. It was so slight, she barely noticed it.

But notice it she did. Chrysalis wept.

She was enfolded in something soft and silky. Limbs snaked around her head and shoulders and she was pulled into an embrace. Her cheek found contact against something velvety. It was such a slight sensation as her nerves were still quite numb. But she could feel!

Desperately, she wanted her daughter.

Her eyes cracked painfully open, her breathing was ragged. Sight was a blurry thing to her, refusing to focus properly. A whine of pain slid from her throat and it hurt just to make the sound. The Queen took a moment to realize she was laying on her side, her legs straight out and beneath sheets and blankets. The lighting was low, she noted. Her whole body was on dull fire. It was a throbbing ache pulsating with every beat of her heart.

Atalanta was nearby. Her scent was strong and there was no distress in her pheromones. Chrysalis instinctively tried to make a sound, to call out softly to her daughter. Instead, a groan rumbled like distant thunder from deep in her chest. There was a lump on the bed with her. It moved from between her forelegs and chest in a clumsy crawl along her neck. Chrysalis managed painfully to turn an ear towards the rustling movement.

She heard a chirp right in her ear.

Chrysalis smiled. Rather, she tried to.

Beyond the bed was a great white form, blurry and seemingly lying upon another bed. The great swanlike neck was arched gracefully, wings folded elegantly against her sides. For a brief moment, the Queen could make out the form of Princess Celestia, seemingly in quiet repose. Her vision then failed her again and Chrysalis felt exhausted from the effort of simply focusing her vision. Confused at the sight, the changeling wondered just what was going on. It was difficult to think. Atalanta butted her head against her mother’s chin repeatedly, chirping. It was as though she was trying to check on her mother.

By the Maker, the hatchling was loud!

It was also the sweetest sound she had ever heard.

Chrysalis then felt eyes upon her. With a painful sigh, she tried again to look upon the great white mare and saw —briefly— magenta eyes tired and relieved absorbing a view of the changeling and her daughter. Celestia looked… exhausted.

The alicorn said something quietly, far too gently for Chrysalis to catch.

Her eyes felt heavy and she drifted off.

Chrysalis was standing in a field of clover atop a small rise overlooking a vast plain. To her left, she could make out the distant outline of Canterlot jutting from the side of the hazy mountain. To her right stretched the vast expanse of a great forest. Before her and at the bottom of a hill lay a large manor. The sun felt warm upon her back and head. At her hooves played Atalanta, her dark form that of a nymph’s. The little changeling was chasing a ball. It was red and small, just right for a little filly changeling to play with.

Behind her waited her hive, expectantly looking to her to lead them.

“This would be yours,” said Luna, appearing before her in a ghostly form. “All that stretches before you would be yours. Celestia wishes for you to be a part of Equestria, but she goes about it in a way that does not get to the point. Everything before you could be yours. The one who ordered your death was insane. He used foul and dark magic. Forbidden magic. He took the minds of his personal guard and set them against you. I still do not know how it was made known you were still alive.” She shook her head and sighed.

Chrysalis did not know what to say. She stared at the alicorn for a moment as she fought to find the words. Her mind was still addled.

“My sister and I have both worked to heal you, to mend you. Your mind is a fortress, perhaps the most formidable I have ever encountered in a long time. You might be exactly what my sister was looking for. The task she would present before you would be great and perilous. The rewards, however, would be great. But you need to work with us, Queen Chrysalis. You need to learn how to trust us.” Luna flicked her tail, then spread her wings. “We need you. There is a great task at hand and we need the unique capabilities of you and your changelings to accomplish that task. Without you, countless lives would be lost.”

For the first time in what felt an Age, Chrysalis found her voice. “What task? This confuses me! First you put me on trial, then you tell me you need me? What mockery are you attempting now, Luna?”

The alicorn sighed, looking away from the Queen. “We needed answers. You attacked us. It was not until after we had captured you that we discovered changelings convert the emotions they ingest into mana. You might be an answer to a problem that we feel needs to be addressed and soon. Otherwise, it could be too late.”

“You sent assassins—”

“They were not—”

Chrysalis snarled, “How can I trust you ponies? You tried to kill—”

“We did no such thing! We need you! Were you not listening?”

“As if I would take the word of assassins!”

Luna had enough. “I DID NOT SEND ANY ASSASSINS! MY SISTER DID NOT SEND ANY ASSASSINS! I HAVE JUST TOLD YOU AN INSANE PONY OF THE NOBILITY HAD USED FORBIDDEN MAGIC UPON HIS PERSONAL GUARDS! ARE YOU THAT STUPID?” Her eyes were aglow with fury and she had spread her wings out as she reared upon her hind legs. The stars in her mane and tail undulated madly. “MY SISTER USED HER OWN BLOOD TO PURGE THE POISONS FROM YOUR BODY, YOU UNGRATEFUL MARE! SHE LIES WEAKENED AND VULNERABLE NEXT TO YOU. YOU. DARE. ACCUSE?”

Chrysalis quailed before the might of the Princess of the Night. Atalanta continued to play are her hooves, even as the world around her shook in the face of the alicorn’s fury. The changelings behind her still waited expectantly. The proud Queen quivered. Fear gripped her heart as she stared into the Abyss that was Luna.

As quickly as her rage erupted, the dusky mare’s temper fell away. A great sigh escaped her lungs and she looked sadly upon the Queen. “Is this all you can see us as? Is this all there is to you? Just a frightened filly afraid of the world and constantly at war with it? Is this what you wish your daughter to be a part of? Is this the future you had hoped for your hive? You must be willing to change, Chrysalis. You must care about things other than yourself. You claim affection for your changelings and you daughter, yet I only see a mare hiding behind them as a coward. You use them as a shield to keep yourself satisfied in the belief that you are right and everypony else is wrong.”

The Queen worked her jaw soundlessly and found she could not look Luna in the eye. Her attention went to Atalanta, who seemed — for the first time — to notice her mother in the dreamscape. Of course, she was a part of the dream, as were the changelings behind her. Chrysalis was aware of this, yet her heart ached. She saw her daughter as she believed Atalanta would appear after her first molt: shiny teal carapace, charcoal black chitin, and a mane and tail like her mother’s. She would have blue eyes, Chrysalis was sure.

The nymph stopped playing with her ball and swiveled her ears towards the Queen, sporting a happy smile that was infectious. Chrysalis smiled back at her, only to hear Atalanta quite plainly state, “Don’t be an idiot, Mommy!” Dream Atalanta was a very blunt nymph.

“She speaks the truth,” Luna noted. The alicorn sighed deeply, settling her hooves delicately down among the clover. “I cannot even begin to fathom the abuse you sustained when you were young. What I saw in your mind… I am sorry. I only wanted to help you. I tried to avoid them, but they bubbled up on me while I tried to gain an understanding of your mind. I needed it tranquil and rested in order for my magic to help in healing you. We both healed you. We took turns. The poison had to be leeched out of you slowly. It was a burning poison and it ate away at your blood. They used more than one type of poison. All of them exotic and painful, subjecting the victim to unimaginable pain and suffering.”

Chrysalis flinched. “Am I so loathed?”

Luna looked at her plainly. “Yes. You hurt many ponies during your attack. There were deaths. One unfortunate one was a pregnant mare. Her foal survived, but the noble to whom she was married absolutely went insane. He was never stable to begin with and lived far from Canterlot. He came because Princess Mi Amore Cadenza had known his wife since they were both fillies. They were friends. The noble loved his wife very much and brought her here to see her friend get married. He loved her so. We think he sent ponies to kill you, then committed suicide. His daughter was taken by her nurse to a nearby town. The authorities were notified by her. She was in hysterics. He had killed himself before her eyes. Now there is a filly that has no mother and no father. The ripples you caused continue to spread. You have no right to assume the role of the victim. You made a foal an orphan. There are now a lot of orphans because of you.”

Chrysalis normally would have scoffed at such losses. Such was collateral damage in any war. But being told a foal had been made an orphan struck a chord with her, though it should not have. And yet…

“What did you do to me?” she asked Luna hoarsely.

The alicorn glared at her. “I put room in your heart, Queen Chrysalis.” And she disappeared.

And something stirred deep within the dreaming changeling. Something that went beyond the shell she kept her cold heart closed within. Her changelings were the only things within it she cared for, yet…

What did Luna do to me?

There was a crack in the shell.

What did that dusky alicorn do?

Remorse leaked in. Guilt followed. She could not stop it.

Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings, a feral queen by her own guile and acumen, and mother felt remorse for the deaths of ponies.

She could not understand it, but she knew, Chrysalis knew Luna had done something to her! What was it?

Once, while I was on my journey to see the Two Queens, I came across my first pony. She was an earth pony. She was a slave. I was a slave. We looked into each other’s eyes in passing while on the dusty trail of the vast Savannah. She was chained, her head hung low. The glanced we gave each other revealed to me a mare who had lost all hope and was on the verge of breaking.

I was frightened, having just lost my mother less than a week ago. My hive was gone; my hive mates either dead, enslaved, or scattered to the four winds.

She must have seen me, seen the chains around my neck. I was the smallest of my group. Taalia was off to the front of the group and speaking to the changeling who was leading the group of slaves the mare was in. They chatted. The two groups stopped.

Miserable, I sat in the dusty road, missing my mother and knowing I would never see her again.

The mare approached me. She was a dirty thing. I stared at her, too numb to care or think. Her eyes had lit up when she saw me, though I knew her mind was nearly broken. She had seen me, as I mentioned, and she came towards me, as I just said. Silently, she reached down and gathered me up into a hug and began sobbing. The mare sat in the dirt and rocked me, mumbling words over and over again I could not understand.

I fed off of her. The love she had was filled with indescribable loss. She knew I was feeding off of her, but she held me anyways. I could not understand her words. I wish I could remember to this day what it was she had said, but it was so long ago and I did not know of the Equestrian language.

She opened herself to me fully.

Her spirit was crushed, yet she could still love.

I did not understand.

Did she lose her daughter? Was her family slaughtered before her eyes? What did she lose? What was her pain? I never would find out. She was whipped back in line and I was discovered by Taalia to be full of love. It was stripped from me forcibly while I was physically pinned beneath her hoof. She drew out the love that mare had just given me and painfully so.

“Such a taste is wasted on little slaves like you,” Taalia hissed at me. “Never have room for pity, little one. Never have remorse. Remorse makes you weak. I will leech that weakness from you and I shall enjoy it. You are mine. All you have is mine, even what paltry love is given to you freely is mine. Your whole life is mine, Chrysalis. You will understand. You will learn or I will simply turn you into a broodmother. Would you like to be a broodmother? Maybe I should show you. Yes, I shall show you.” She threw me a terrifying smile.

Chapter XIII

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The home where the Twin Queens ruled was a towering black spire of changeling construction, countless generations of changeling construction constantly adding to the imposing mass. A strange energy emanated from the tower as it jutted from the flat landscape. It pulsated through the air. I could not only feel it, but to some extent see it.

Taalia took me to a small bluff overlooking a dry river bed. Beyond it was the Spire.

“That,” she told me with pride, “is the Tower of Queens. Not only do our Goddess Sisters live there, but also the most powerful and influential queens. Whole armies are always camped at the base of the tower. There are always battles between Lessers to amuse the Twin Queens. There is the place where the most arcane secrets of all queens are kept, given out to those who find favor in the eyes of our beloved goddesses.”

She smiled. It was a terrible thing to see on her face. “This is the year of the Culling, little one. This year we cull the weak from our bloodlines and purge the Lesser queens of undesirable spawn. It is here you will learn your place. I will teach you. I will break you. I will mold you. I will show you what might become of you should you displease me.”

Queen Taalia ordered one of her Ravagers to pick me up. She knew this frightened me to no end because they would always pick me up on their jaws. As they carried me, with those jagged daggers a mere flinch of a muscle away from biting me in half, I would feel their hatred for me and how eagerly they would relish devouring me alive. One particular one, ‘Fluffy' Taalia affectionately called him, seemed to have a personal agenda against me. Every time he carried me in his mouth, he would drool excessively. I think he smiled when he did it, I’m certain!

Once Taalia had foisted her prizes upon another changeling slave, our group moved with the swiftness of deadly shadow. It was a regular one, bearing her colors and an odd mark upon his flanks. It was the mark of Taalia’s own mother, a very powerful changeling queen by the name of Jerrida. Her hive was actively engaged in slave trading, no matter what species.

Here in the shadow of the Tower, I could see the slavery in full force. Entire hives were hurled at each other at a whim. War was very much a practice in the most literal of senses. Larger changelings, much like the Ravagers under Taalia’s command, battled swarms of Lesser changelings. I could not watch the slaughter as they systematically ripped apart every ‘ling hurled at them. The glee was sickening.

I could not bear to look anymore and closed my eyes as I dangled helplessly in the jaws of one of the changelings that had murdered my hive. Thankfully, we were far enough away I could not hear the screams of the dying.

Our journey continued without pause.

Our underground journey towards a particular colony was long. I discovered it had a rather dark purpose. I could feel the pain and suffering the likes of which I sensed to be ancient and ongoing. It specialized in one thing. Taalia seemed to take a great deal of pleasure at the foreboding showing on my face. I wanted to die. I had wanted to die since seeing my mother die before me. I wanted to die when Taalis ripped the love that had been given to me by that pony maliciously.

Such peace was not meant for me.

I was brought into a darkened chamber of one of the many colonies beneath the Savannah. Here was a place where monsters were made. Striped changelings of all sizes darted about, quick to do whatever duty commanded of them by their queen. They shied away from the tiger queen and her monsters when we entered the colony. Small changelings came to tend to the vicious queen, cleaning her dusty and grime-encrusted body. Taalia wore upon her visage one of cruel desire and pleasure. She cooed to her Ravagers and they gathered around her lovingly, fawning over her. Fluffy had dropped me unceremoniously at the hooves of his mistress and I had to curl up under her body to avoid being trampled to death. After she ministered to them hate (imagine having spiders crawling up and down your spine with the tips of their legs like hot little pokers...under your chitin!), they dispersed, disappearing down the scattering of corridors.

She peered down at me wolfishly. “I promised to show you something, did I not?” With a kick, she shoved me roughly in front of her. Bending down, she took me up in her massive jaws and trotted merrily down another tunnel. She hummed over my body and more than once as she adjusted her maw. I felt like I was being rolled in a bed of nails. Very large and serrated nails.

I was brought to another room. A green glow filled it. The eerie light illuminated everything to a sickly sheen. I could hear a constant hiss followed by a grunt. It repeated. Over and over, in a slow and steady rhythm. Small changelings, only slightly larger than me slowly moved around the room, each one toting an egg. I watched as they carefully placed them on the wall, using their spit to glue them in place. There were hundreds of eggs! I had never seen so many! Every inch of wall, eggs. The ceiling, eggs. The floor was kept mostly clear, but there were broken eggshells everywhere.

My attention was drawn to the middle of the room. Taalia lowered her head to my level, her fangs gleaming in the gloomy green light. I shuddered as they flashed while she spoke. “Do you see, little one? Do you see what lays before you? Tell me what you see.”

I looked. I was immediately sickened and horrified.

Before me lay a changeling. Her front appeared normal, but as my eyes trailed towards her flanks and belly, bile lurched into my mouth. She was massive, with bulbous chitin layering out from beneath her carapace. It pulsated while smaller changelings crawled over her, always cleaning and nipping at her. They chittered quietly to each other, sometimes poking at the mass of changeling flesh. I looked to the face of the grotesquely shaped mare and saw her face a mix of pain and dull awareness. Her fangs had been removed. The horn had been sheared off long ago. There were small stumps where her wings had once been. Chains held her in place. She grunted with ragged breaths. The broodmare looked horrible. Mother had two broodmares in our hive and they had been treated like queens themselves, but this…

This was a nightmare come to life. This broodmare had suffered so much it had become a dull memory, as dull as the light in her eyes. She was practically dead inside. Several changelings swarmed her backside, plucking up her eggs as she lay them steadily.

Mother had treated her broodmares like little sisters. Broodmothers were not leaders, but they were mothers to the whole hive. Every nymph loved their broodmothers, even if they were not of the same bloodline. Broodmothers bred soldiers, protectors of the hive. That was their purpose. More importantly, they chose to breed defenders for the hive.

This one clearly had not chosen this sort of life. Her agony had long passed, her soul having been shredded to near nothing.

“This will be your fate if you displease me,” Taalia hissed into my ear with a cold laugh. “This one will soon be of no use to my mother and I will need to find another strong, willful mare to take her place. She will be held down and she will be broken, just as this one was. What you see is but one tool with one purpose and one purpose only. I would rather have you as a more subtle weapon of shadow and deception, but there are other uses for you should you fail me.”

Why me?

The question itself was perhaps as old as time, having been asked innumerable times by innumerable individuals when faced with bad luck and ill fortune. Queen Chrysalis was no exception to the rule as the question greeted her the moment she had full control of her mind and was aware of it. As her senses came back under her control from her endless sleep, the changeling came to realize she was in her room and on her side. She could feel Atalanta curled up against her belly. A quick check revealed a sleeping hatchling, fitfully uncomfortable as she was very close to her first molt.

I have not missed it! Her mind gleefully proclaimed while she heaved a great sigh of relief. It was one thing to miss the hive singing her daughter’s hatching. It was completely another for a mother to miss her child’s first molt. Her own chitin was already beginning to flake off and her body itched. It was beginning. She could feel new additions to her body down between her legs, already swelling with milk. Through the dull pain and the aches caused by her healing wounds, Chrysalis felt a sort of satisfaction only surviving a near death experience could produce.

Which soured her disposition as an angry snort flew through her nostrils. Slowly, she sat up, gathering her legs beneath her and folding them as much as the still healing flesh would allow. Thankfully, there had been a lot of magic put into mending her flesh, so there was no threat of stitches breaking or skin bursting open. She felt odd on the inside, as if something alien had been put in her. She knew her body and the sensations she felt was beyond the normal pain or pleasure she was used to feeling from within herself.

Everything stopped as she backtracked the events since the attempt at her life. How long had it been? Hours? Days? Weeks? Considering her daughter’s condition, Chrysalis mentally calculated it had been four, maybe five days at the most. Atalanta would begin molting any day now. Her own molting had already begun. Which meant life was going to be miserable for the next week.

Chrysalis sighed as she began to backtrack, remembering the conversation with Luna in her dreams as well as the curious vision of Celestia in a bed next to hers. What was it the Night Princess had told her? Celestia had given her blood to the Queen? Preposterous! Imbecilic!

Luna must have lied to her, as she had lied about the mansion. Why would the night alicorn offer her enemy such a place? What was with the story about a mad noble? Why would the pony sisters continue to torment the Queen with such games? There was no point to such offers, unless…

“Why do they need me?” she mused to her daughter. Atalanta slept on. She made a gurgling sound, her discomfort darkening her little face as she squirmed. The poor thing. Chrysalis nuzzled Atalanta. “Why do they think I have some use to them?”

She ached. Oh, how she ached!

Nothing was making any sense to the Queen. The ponies spouted their need for harmony with the changeling, yet they tortured her mind and allowed assassins to do as they please. Even the other queens she had met throughout her long life did not use such confusing tactics when trying to glean information from their prey. Herbivores were such strange creatures. Perhaps their natural herding instinct affected their ability to interrogate their prisoners effectively. Everything made sense to Chrysalis as she examined her own logic.

Still, she was confused on a couple of things. Make that everything, she mused.

The door opened, which surprised the changeling. There was no disembodied voice to tell her to stand in the circle. Then again, the ponies were more than aware Chrysalis was unable to move, much less get up. Sitting up had already taxed what little energy she had.

Celestia entered quietly, her head hovering at a level to suggest she was unsure as to the Queen’s condition. Seeing Chrysalis awake and staring at her neutrally, it came up and she offered a soft smile. “Good. You are awake. I was worried for you.”

Chrysalis stared at the alicorn. Something was off about her. As the two mares locked eyes, the changeling stared, then squinted. “What is wrong with you?” she rasped despite her parched throat.

Princess Celestia produced a thick tome with her magic. It was embossed in black leather and looked very old. “Whatever could you mean?” she asked, maintaining her smile. The beautiful mare moved forward gracefully. “I ensured your daughter never left your side for as long as was physically possible. However, we did have to separate the two of you while healing magic was applied to your body. I do apologize, but Cadence arrived the other day and she was more than happy to supply love to your daughter.”

Alarmed, the Queen looked to Atalanta. She sniffed her little girl and noted a faint scent. It was an easily recognizable one. A thousand questions screamed to life in her mind as she became even more alarmed. Focusing on Celestia’s magenta orbs, she noted the slitted pupils.

Chrysalis remembered Luna’s words with sudden clarity. The Royal Voice was suddenly throbbing through her head, the dream’s memory making her groan involuntarily. Shoving it aside proving to be difficult as the image of an angry Luna filled her imagination. The Queen shuddered. Blasted alicorns and their unholy abilities! Dreamwalking? Not fair! “Your eyes,” she said pointedly, shaking her head.

Celestia paused, then sighed. “I’ll admit, they are impossible to not notice.” She made a face. “I haven’t been able to get them to go back to normal. I tried everything, but—” The Princess sighed and rolled her eyes. “I should imagine you think of this as some form of petty revenge, even if unintended.”

Chrysalis was shocked. “Don’t tell me you allowed my blood to flow within your veins.”

“I used my body to filter your blood. Most of the poisons had no known antidote. Despite my sister’s protests, I used my body as a living filter. I am completely immune to all poisons. You yourself are highly resistant, but there was enough of a dosage on those blades to kill two dozen ponies.” Celestia fluffed her wings and readjusted them. “It was not a pleasant experience, but it did save your life and gave me a new perspective on changeling anatomy.”

The changeling was dumbfounded. “Why would you do a thing like that?” she demanded, only to fall into a fit of coughing.

The alicorn saw a pitcher of water and an empty glass on an end table near the bed. Wordlessly she filled the glass using her magic, watching the pitcher intently as she poured. The Queen watched as the full glass was floated to her.

“I made a lot of mistakes,” Celestia sighed. “I made assumptions. I see you and I see a being capable of inflicting pain and suffering. I still remember quite plainly the screams of my subjects while I hung helplessly in that pod you put me in. I wanted to punish you, a part of me even wanted to hurt you.” Shame filled the room.

It was bittersweet for Chrysalis and she found the taste not to her liking. She had always hated shame. Bad memories tended to surface. This moment was no exception.

“Don’t,” she said quietly. There was no hiding the emotions. Celestia was opening herself. Chrysalis did not know why, but the alicorn was dropping her defenses. She took the offered glass and drank slowly. The water was cool and did wonders for her throat. “Don’t,” Chrysalis repeated. “Don't even start. Don’t wax poetic. Just don’t.”

Celestia watched her silently.

The Queen held out the empty glass. It was refilled without prompting. She downed that, too, in one long pull. “Words are wasted on me, you should know that,” hissed Chrysalis tiredly. “You want something from me, yet you won’t ask me directly what it is. You want to read me, to understand me, when I can simply trot circles around you and lead you nowhere. I choose to do just that because I simply do not like you. You put yourself off as being too perfect and better than all others. You let your ponies put you on an unreachable pedestal. At least your sister I respect. She does not hold back. She speaks her mind. You. You do not.”

The white mare simply watched her, the smile having faded to a ghost of a frown.

Chrysalis set the glass down, her eyes becoming heavy lidded from mental weariness. “What is it you want, Celestia? Luna promised me a kingdom. Are you aware of this?”

“I am aware.”

“And you are willing to agree?”

“It was my idea.”

“I see.” Chrysalis noted the book. “What is that?” She weakly threw a hoof at what was in Celestia’s possession. The book was floated before the changeling.

“A book.”

Chrysalis rolled her eyes. “What did I just complain to you about? What kind of book? Why do you think it would be of any interest to me?”

Celestia set it on the bed next to the Queen. “I would make a proposal to you. Your help in exchange for freedom and a place for you and your hive. You will be protected from this Queen Taalia and her monsters. We have spotted them and we are watching them.”

“You found them?” Chrysalis asked, stunned.

“Taalia approached one of our guard outposts under a flag of truce. She claims you are a wanted mare and your hive are all fugitives from her queen as well as several other queens. She claims you are a heretic.”

The news was devastating. Chrysalis reeled for a moment as she wrapped her head around this revelation. “H-how?” she demanded, mindful of Atalanta. To herself, she mused, “That means she can’t find them.” The Queen grinned wolfishly. “She can’t find them and she is frustrated!” she cackled with glee.

Then she fell into a fit of coughing.

Celestia had not moved. She merely observed as she was as still as a statue.

“I told you my changelings knew how to hide from that bitch and her pets! Ha!”

Atalanta woke up with a groggy series of chirps.

“And you let Mi Amore Cadenza hold my hatchling.” Chrysalis suddenly changed the subject, which caught Celestia off guard.

“Yes. She needed to be fed love. You were in no con—”

A harsh hiss interrupted her. “It’s fine, Celestia.” The Queen glared. “I am not happy about that, but it’s fine. There was little I could do, but you let her be in the same room as my daughter.” She was angry, but had neither the strength nor the will to pursue it. “I’m tired of dealing with you, Celestia. I am tired of dealing with you ponies. I simply want to take my changelings and leave Equestria.”

“Can I do nothing right in your eyes?” asked Celestia plainly.

“Not beating around the bush would be a damned good start,” snapped the Queen as she attended to her hatchling. She cooed gentle words into her daughter’s ear and nuzzled and licked Atalanta. The poor thing writhed as she tried to push off her undersized skin.

“You and your kind possess a unique gift when it comes to converting mana.”

“We do,” agreed Chrysalis. “We have certain advantages.”

“As ponies have certain advantages over you changelings.”

“Yes.” She was not happy to admit that fact.

“The Badlands. They are voids to ley lines. Yet you and your changelings thrived there before you invaded. Most ponies avoid it. It was once the site of an ancient battlefield. Magic was rendered useless there long ago. Magic comes from our world. It is the world’s gift to all ponies. It is our connection to life. Yet, in the Badlands, we cannot use our magic. Ponies are vulnerable. Only alicorns can tap into their magic. Yet, you changelings are still able to use magic. You are not connected to the earth. You make your own magic. You can go to places where magic cannot exist and still convert emotions to your magic. Pony magic comes from a combination of what is within us and also what is without. Changelings, I have discovered, charge all of their magic from within.” Celestia smiled again, gently and nodding respectfully. “By gathering emotions, you take them and convert them to that which gives your magic a base from which to form.”

Chrysalis blinked. “Your point?”

“I need your changelings to go somewhere magic is unawakened.”

“Unawakened?”

“It has slumbered for aeons. Its inhabitants are almost completely unaware of its existence.” Celestia gestured with a hoof at the book. “This is one of their religious works. It is but one religion of many, but they all have some origin to them and I would not bore you with the task of reading into more than one. This will give you an idea of the mindset of many of them.”

“Many of who?” Chrysalis noted Celestia was being cryptic again. Perhaps it was a chronic failing of the princess. It was infuriating. “What religion? Do they worship you?” She noted the title of the book. The Ugly Duckling. Her left eyebrow twitched. This is a religious book?

“Don’t be silly, Chrysalis. Beings such as you and I would be considered mythological creatures. I would recommend you read the book. Perhaps something you may be interested after we have dealt with the needs of you and your hive. In the meantime, I shall make arrangements for you and Cadence to make nice.”

“What?” The changeling’s eyes bulged. “No!”

“I will have peace between us, Chrysalis. I apologize for everything that has gone wrong for you. Twilight is remorseful. I had a long talk with her. I made many mistakes, but I never made the mistake of making her my student. She is meant for greatness. I am beginning to realize you, too, are meant for greatness. It would be a mistake for me to not help you realize your dreams for you and your changelings. I have decided to help you. The Hunger and Void are your greatest enemies, not me—not my ponies.” Celestia sighed and became forlorn. “I regret the choices I have made regarding you, and how I should handle you.”

“Why should I trust you?” hissed the Queen.

Celestia considered her for a moment. Then, with a flick of her horn and a flicker of magic, Chrysalis felt the weight at the base of her horn disappear. Confused, she stared stupidly at the white mare. “What are you doing?”

The alabaster epitome of perfect equine beauty straightened herself to her full regal glory. “Queen Chrysalis of the Changelings. I, Princess Celestia, diarch of Equestria, and Lady of the Sun do hereby free you. Once your wounds are healed and you are whole, you are free to go. I will leave you to face your enemies alone and will not interfere. Once you are well, you are to leave Equestria, never to return on pain of death.”

“What?” asked Chrysalis intelligently.

“You are free, is this not what you wanted?”

Chrysalis went to open her mouth, to respond with her clear and obvious answer. Yet, no words came out. Her breath came out hollow, an exhaled breath of frustration. She found there was no answer to be had. Instead, she merely nodded, blinking as she stared at Celestia. She was numb again.

Before she could utter a word, Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings, mother of Crown Princess Atalanta, and supposedly dead to the world beyond her prison, passed out.

Chapter XIV

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Dreams! Nothing but dreams! It did not take long for the queen to figure out what was going on. She felt separated from the dream, from the looming form of Celestia and her ultimatum. A sneer pranced across her muzzle and she glared about for the one she felt responsible for this.

Mirrors appeared before her. Chrysalis growled. This was her dream! This was her mind! No relic of nightmares past would ever control her thoughts and dreams! Her reflections —the multitudes of her visages sneering back at her— all became uncertain as she sought in vain for the alicorn.

Mommy, don’t be an idiot.

"Luna! Damn you! Why do you do this to me? Is this your idea of ‘friendship’? I fail to see how you grasp this as a penchant of such a relationship!” Chrysalis laughed, though it was not a very convincing one. Deep down in her heart, she was very much afraid.

“I did nothing of the sort,” replied a disembodied voice. “There are rules to walking dreams. Rules I made. Rules I abided by even when I was Nightmare Moon. I am and always have been a guide and nothing more. I am a protector of dreams. I do not control them. I will not control them. I cannot control them. To do so would be catastrophic to not only the dreamer, but any who would disturb the balance of the Realm of Dreams. There are beings beyond the waking world, horrors beyond imagining that would tear the fabric of reality should a dream be abused against the will of the dreamer.”

Chrysalis jabbed an uncertain hoof at the mirrors and shook it at them. “What are they? What do they mean?”

“You asked a question. You received an answer.” Luna appeared from behind one of the larger mirrors and tapped at it daintily with a hoof. “You are in denial, and I do not mean the river.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“My apologies,” Luna said with a faint smile and light blush. “I sometimes forget some sayings I am familiar with in other dreams have no meaning beyond confusion here and elsewhere. When I enter the Dreamscape, I am sometimes privy to other minds and other worlds. Some are fascinating. Others, horrible. Yet they are still dreams. I go where I am needed. The need is often great and not necessarily confined to my ponies.” The mare leveled a meaningful look at the changeling.

The mirrors faded away and became a vast room. It was a great hall with spiraling columns and a gracefully arched ceiling. Flying buttresses carved with great care into black marble showed off the touch of an undisputed master. The whole of the room was a work of art, a mixture of black and white blended evenly.

“Is this me?” Chrysalis asked hesitantly. “I mean, am I doing this?”

“Partially,” replied Luna as she swished her tail. “I am guiding your dream to something a little less stressful. I am here to help you. I gave you my word. I intend to keep it.”

Trembling, the queen gave the princess a hard look. Several times she tried to speak. Each time she failed. Her voice failed her and she had to fight to find it. Patiently, Luna waited, politely looking away while keeping an ear tuned to the struggling changeling. Flintiness grew in the eyes of the queen and she straightened herself. Coming to bear upon the alicorn she blinked away the weakness that had been threatening to burst from her heart.

Luna seemed to deflate when she noted the prickly pride of Chrysalis rear its ugly head once again. She decided to take a different approach. “Would you like to play a game of chess?” she queried innocently. “You do know how to play chess, do you not?” Luna tilted her head to one side as Chrysalis gave her a confused look.

“Why?” asked the queen slowly. “Of course I know how to play chess. Any strategist worth their salt could learn from the lessons the game teaches. I should imagine your sister is a master at the game. Would not surprise me if she cheated and any time she thought she could get away with it!”

“Celestia does cheat,” Luna admitted unabashedly. “Life has taught her at times she must cheat if she intends to win. I will cheat at times. You cheat.”

“I feel I must cheat if I am to win.”

The alicorn nodded. “Perhaps.”

Chrysalis chuckled darkly. “Were the circumstances different,” she lamented wryly.

"You should consider yourself lucky, given your circumstances,” Luna began, trotting past Chrysalis. Her horn ignited, a black marble table appearing out of nowhere. “Personally— well, you know how I feel about your position," Luna sighed, sitting down opposite Chrysalis. “However, Our sister had different plans for you. And, although We do not always agree with them, We respect our sister enough to follow her wishes."

Chrysalis rolled her eyes. As much as she enjoyed hearing Luna lapse into her archaic speech, this instance was trying her patience. “Your sister’s methods are a joke! ”

Luna ignored the comment, her horn lighting up once again as a chessboard appeared on the table. “Again. I will ask you: Care for a game of chess?”

The Queen raised an eyebrow. “You are serious, aren’t you?”

“It is a game of minds, something I believed that you would enjoy. You may have the first move, if you wish.”

Chrysalis was quiet for a minute, before taking a seat opposite opposite Luna. “Okay, I will play a game.” She shrugged. “It is not as if I have anything better to do. I choose white.” Her horn ignited, spinning the board until her pieces were on her side. Without hesitation, she moved her first piece, a pawn.

Luna takes out her Knight. “It is an old game, one that I had played countless times in my youth. It prepared me for war. Strategy, sacrifice, and victory.”

Chrysalis nodded, moving her pawn. “Yes, but, in real war, you can’t see all of the pieces.”

The princess moved deliberately, considering moves far ahead of her current turn. “This is also true, but—” She moved her own pawn “—I always prefer to show all of my pieces. Though my sister may puppeteer from the shadows, I prefer to look my enemy in the eyes when I strike.”

“You differ much from your sister, Luna.” Pawn took pawn. With each move, each player was making quicker decisions. The game was gaining speed.

Luna nodded, her knight taking Chrysalis’ victorious pawn.

Chrysalis picked up her fallen piece, looking it over. “My favorite piece was always the pawn. Yes, it may be weak, but, even so, it can become a queen.” She put it down, moving another pawn forwards.

Luna took a step back, looking over the board. Her lips curled into a smile. “You strike fast and hard, yet carelessly.” Her bishop struck down a pawn. “Check.”

Chrysalis growled, moving her bishop to protect her king. “Sometimes the best option is to strike hard and fast, Luna.”

The black bishop advanced. “Yes, but haste always harms the fool.”

The white bishop slid from danger, guided by its master's aura. “You speak from experience?”

Luna inclined her head, moving her pawn. “Yes, but not from my own.” She ignored the glare from her opponent, focusing intently on what was in front of her.

Queen to D5.

King to E7.

Queen takes Knight. “Check.”

Bishop to E6.

Knight to F3.

Pawn to F6.

Queen to C5. ”Check.”

Knight to F7.

Knight to H4.

Rook to D8.

Chrysalis stopped her movement, resting back and regarded the chess board with a frown. “Luna, have you ever lost a war?”

The alicorn removed her eyes from the board. They settled upon the queen, who did not meet the stare. Or could not. “What do you mean?”

Chrysalis rolled her eyes. “I meant just that: have you ever lost a war?”

Luna hesitated, pondering the question. “Well, we have lost battles when an army was under my command, but I have never lost a war, no.”

Chrysalis considered her next move. She selected her bishop. Celestia’s words were still ringing in her mind. “Have you ever retreated, running away before the battle is won to escape defeat?”

The black bishop claimed the white queen. “We have retreated when a battle is sure to be lost, yes, but only so that we can live to fight another day.”

Chrysalis Castled. “That is another difference between Changelings and ponies: Changelings never retreat. We keep fighting even when the battle is more than lost. This is why most most queens only fight those who we know we can beat. Those who flee are cowards, and there is no room for cowards in the changeling race.”

“Then why are you running?” She moves her Castle.

The white player growled, grinding her teeth. “I am not running. I have nowhere to run to. I am searching, while being followed.” She moved her knight. “There is a difference.”

“I would imagine so,” conceded Luna.

The eye of the storm passed over the two players, its absence bringing with it an uncomfortable silence. Neither could tear their eyes from the game, yet no move was forthcoming.

“Luna?” The queen’s voice wavered.

The princess gave the queen her undivided attention. “Yes?”

“Would- would your sister really expunge me from Equestria and leave my hive to die at the hooves of Taalia? Would she do that?” Fear. It burst from her heart. It put words she did not want to say on her tongue. They tumbled out unbidden and without thought. “Would she wipe out my children out of spite of me? Does she hate us? Does she hate me?” Her eyes widened as her brain caught up with her words, the expression frozen upon her face.

Luna, to her credit, did not flinch. She remained neutral. Her wings then shifted at the shoulders and she adjusted her seat ever so slightly. Hope gleamed in her eyes.

“Celestia would never turn her back on those in need,” she said quietly. “She never forgot me. She was forced to wait a thousand years to save me and she did just that. You. You have a chance to make things right in the here and now; not a thousand years from now, not when this generation must still suffer when they can find hope before the flicker of life escapes them and passes on to the future. Such bleakness can be dispersed before it can grip the hearts and break the spirit.”

The queen gave a single, wooden nod. Her eyes had never left the board. They brimmed with a wetness. Focus wavered. She was losing the battle. Thoughts drifted away from what was before her. Thoughts of her daughter, her hive, and her life. Two out of three, she felt, was well worth fighting for.

The changeling rose up from her seat, staring Luna dead in the eye. “King to E1.”

The alicorn matched steely gaze with one of her own, her expression neutral. “Queen takes castle, check.”

“King takes Queen.”

“Knight to H6, Check.”

“King to G7.”

“Knight takes castle.”

“King takes Knight!”

“King takes Bishop,” Luna announced, taking her eyes off of Chrysalis and down at the chessboard. She smiled, nodding her head. “It seems like it is almost time for you to wake up.” She rose demurely, and began to walk away. “Remember, Chrysalis. Though the King is more mightier than the Pawn, they both end up in the same box.” Her form shimmered and faded to nothingness, leaving nothing to indicate she was ever there.

Chrysalis’ cheek curled into a slight smile, before she glanced down at the miniature battlefield before her. Two kings standing alone in endless stalemate, their armies laying dead at their sides. “Well played, Luna… well played.”

She would have words with Celestia.

Chapter XV

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Fear was an infrequent companion to Queen Chrysalis. She was, of course, familiar with it intimately, and from both sides. She had often used it as a weapon, having been subjected to the power of what fear can do to a mind and even the body. The changeling liked to think she was the mistress behind the fear most of the time. The truth of the matter was more often than not the reverse. Loathe was she to admit fear had driven her halfway across the world along with the determination of finding a way to end the changeling curse.

What drove her decision was that very same fear and its odd coupling with the desire to put an end to the Hunger and at last fill the Void for all changeling kind. The answer was here, in Equestria. The key, Chrysalis felt, lay with the alicorns, or the secrets they guarded.

Celestia was a keeper of many secrets and Luna was her accomplice.

Chrysalis began to realize in her days of captivity, through her hours of isolation with nothing but her thoughts (Atalanta notwithstanding: hatchlings make poor conversationalists, Chrysalis mused), her only recourse was clear. Though she hated it, there really was no other choice she could make. The stalling was meant to buy time for her changelings to get clear of Taalia, as the commotion in the aftermath of the invasion would surely have driven the queen and her murderous Ravagers to ground long enough for Chrysalis’ hive to get free and clear of the bloodthirsty queen’s ridiculously long reach.

She trusted her brood mothers would lead the hive faithfully in her absence. They understood the risks and knew how to handle themselves. All they had to do was keep the hive moving away from Queen Taalia and her minions. The ponies would unwittingly act as screens.

The changeling queen pondered if her planning and counter planning would bear fruit.

So much was at stake. There were too many variables at play, she feared. Too many plans, too many contingencies dependant on outside influences. The ponies had proven to be as unpredictable as they were predictable. Such weak prey had proven resilient. Strong. Unbreakable.

It reminded her of an old Zebrican saying: ‘There is no such thing as a shy water buffalo’.

The way she saw it, the fly had bitten the buffalo, and the buffalo had flicked it off with its tail and had chased down the fly. Now the fly was the prisoner of the water buffalo. What confused Chrysalis was how ponies could be viewed as water buffalo. It made no sense, yet the old saying had sprung unbidden to mind, creating a rather interesting image in the mind of the brooding queen. Then again, the water buffalo could perhaps be Celestia. She ate enough cake, or so the rumors stated.

Her pride had ruled her for as long as she could remember. Taalia had insisted she be broken so long ago and had done so, rebuilding the foundation built on pride and the sense that changelings were destined to one day rule all living things. The Twin Queens had told a very young Chrysalis this long ago, when the tiger changeling queen had presented her prize before the mighty sisters.

Chrysalis let out a small breath. She was uncertain of the future. A large part of her assured her mind she was doing the wise and sensible thing. Her pride, angry and arrogant, battled against common sense. She was betraying her people, her pride said. She was going against all the things that make changelings great, her pride screamed. A lifetime of conditioned perspective steeped deeply in the prejudice and bigotry that made the very core of nearly all changeling queens including Queen Chrysalis was no small thing to set aside.

Was she going against her nature? Could she no longer consider herself a queen? Had the ponies finally broken her?

No…

Chrysalis realized she was something different. She had broken from many of the traditions by refusing to be a slave to more powerful queens. Even more importantly, she had never sought to subjugate other queens weaker than her. A task had been placed upon her. The responsibility laid at her hooves had been given to her by the very beings which made changeling law as solid and immutable as ‘Might is Right’, as Luna had once remarked.

Still, overcoming her pride and putting the needs of her hive before her own desires was something only a Lesser queen would do. Greater queens were greedy, so steeped within their desire for personal power, they became rulers who ruled for themselves. Queen Taalia was an extreme example.

The imprisoned queen did come to a realization. Though she could barely remember her mother, part of what was giving her the will to resist her own stubborn desire to refuse the ponies what they sought was in large part from the early teachings the long dead queen had instilled upon her daughter.

Chrysalis was willful against herself because Taalia had crafted her upon the shattered heart of a broken child missing her mother. Taalia believed she had broken Chrysalis. Her newest progeny established through the power of the Twin Queens was not related by blood, but by anger and hatred. Chrysalis hated Taalia with a passion and the tigress changeling had taken that hatred and molded her student around it.

Atalanta had, in effect, turned the tide within the dark queen’s heart.

Princess Luna had seen it and was quick indeed to exploit the growing bond between mother and daughter. As Chrysalis recovered from her near assassination, there were many nights when the Mistress of the Moon would visit. There would be time for negotiations later, she reasoned to the queen. Now was the time for healing and reflection.

Chrysalis had given in return the form of a means of communicating with one of her scouts. She had eyes scattered throughout Equestria, serving two purposes: watching for ponies searching for them and also watching for Taalia and her minions.

“To summon one of my changelings,” Chrysalis had told Luna with wavering resolve, “You must first know what it is that will attract his or her attention. We changelings use pheromones to communicate with each other. A particular scent will tell them many things. It can tell them where there is food, where there are enemies, if it is safe. Go to where there are thick trees. I will give you some of my scent. I have chosen what the scent will tell the changeling. My changelings will know only one is to approach. They will watch. They will wait. Bring my changeling to me. We shall see if you ponies can be trusted, Luna. Do not interfere with the changeling. If you are concerned about them discovering where I am and attempting to free me, I assure you, I will ensure they understand they are to do no such thing.”

She could not tell the alicorn how terrified she was. Chrysalis could not admit her doubts. Was she betraying her hive? Was this to be a trap?

Atalanta had cocooned herself and would soon be done with her hatchling phase. She would emerge as a nymph, looking like a tiny copy of her mother. Chrysalis felt very protective of her helpless daughter. The ponies wisely did not come between the mother and her offspring. Chrysalis was subdued in her magic, but her sheer size and strength was comparable to an alicorn. On top of that, the queen had a mean streak in her a mile wide. That was not changing anytime soon, as well has her dark sarcasm and snarky wit.

Already those stupid ponies had felt her wrath when it came to Atalanta. She was not sorry about what she did. Not one bit. Remorse was lacking when it came to her daughter’s safety. Chrysalis felt she could trust the ponies as far as she could throw them. She trusted Celestia even less. Luna, now there was an intriguing mare! She behaved like a queen. She was diabolical, sneaky, and underhoofed! Scruples were of little concern to the dark alicorn. Little things like taking into consideration the queen’s feelings would not stop her from looking away from a larger picture. It was one she shared with her sister, Chrysalis was sure, but Luna was willing to do the dirty things.

The more she interacted with the Princess of the Moon, the more she found she liked her! This pissed off Chrysalis more than anything. She liked a pony. As a friend! The horror!

Though there were striking differences between the two ladies, Chrysalis felt there was enough of a connection between herself and Luna to at least have an understanding between the two of them. It was enough for a little bit of trust to take hold. Hopefully, Chrysalis believed it might bear fruit to allow her to open up a little more. She was tired of being isolated, tired of worrying about her changelings. She wanted a safe place for her daughter to grow and be out of the influence of queens like Taalia.

Cadence, apparently had held Atalanta. She had blessed the hatchling with love. The residual potency of the alicorn’s love still clung to her daughter’s life force. It was such that Chrysalis nearly swooned at how overwhelmingly delightful pure love was when not used to hurl changeling bodies to the horizon. It had made the queen a bit tipsy and she had spent the next few days prone to bouts of uncontrolled giggling. Atalanta was happy and active (for a hatchling) and soon began taking the big step towards becoming a nymph.

Mi Amore Cadenza had declined to meet with Chrysalis, according to Celestia, as she was still greatly affected in the aftermath of the invasion. Through Celestia, she had promised to meet Chrysalis in the near future, but was not ready. Chrysalis thought the young princess to loathe any prospect of meeting her again, even if it was with more than favorable terms.

Time went on and Chrysalis found herself visited less by the royals. Luna was the most frequent of her visitors, having made a point to stop by at least once a week to see how the queen and her hatchling was doing. By the time Chrysalis was well enough to walk under her own power, Atalanta had started the stage of molting out of her hatchling skin. She had grown so uncomfortable as she had clearly outgrown her skin. Chrysalis spent a great deal of time licking her daughter and singing to the miserable little thing as she fussed and bawled. Vaguely the queen remembered her own emergence from hatchling to nymph. It had been a blur. She had remembered her hatching far more than she did the transition. There had been a great hunger afterwards, as the transformation burned through her tiny pool of stored love.

Once Atalanta finished her transformation, Chrysalis felt she would be able to begin grooming her daughter for her role in life. She would be a strong leader, with the interests of her changelings in mind. Atalanta would one day be a great queen, and more importantly, a good one. Chrysalis bitterly looked back often upon her life, cursing Taalia and cursing the Twin Queens for the burdens they had imposed upon her. But not for Atalanta! Not for her hive! Never again!

Chrysalis had swallowed her great pride at long last, and she hated herself for it.

She gazed down lovingly upon her daughter, who squirmed and wriggled between her hooves to remove her old shell and emerge anew. For now, there was nothing to do but wait and write.

And write she did.

The Twin Queens sat upon their One Throne, a great couch of black marble strewn with fine silk pillows and cushions. The throne room itself was a singular and unexpected nod to opulence; there were gems and jewels scattered across the floor, imbedded within the crystal beneath my hooves. Above, a great chandelier carved from the bones of an ancient dragon slain by the Sisters was dotted with everflames, enchanted fire that never burned out. On either side of the queens and lining path leading up to them were prone changeling queens who spoke in one voice the will of the Twins. There were fifty of them, twenty-five to each side. Behind them and along the walls stood massive warrior changelings, much like the lion Taalia had mated with. Their numbers were double that of the Voices of the Queens. They were known as The Might of the Queens. It was said both groups lived for as long as the Topaz Queens allowed them to. It was said they were immortal because they had been given immortal blood.

It was said if they marched in the name of the Goddess Sisters, nothing but death lingered in their wake. Might and magic permeated the throne room. This was the black heart of a black empire.

Taalia held me at the door leading in, bowing her head in reverence to the rulers of all changelings. Terror clung to my heart as I could feel their presence long before my eyes sought out and found them.

There were no windows to allow sunlight to fall upon the mightiest of our kind. I do not think it would have been welcomed, given from whom the sun’s light was beholden to.

“A faithful servant of the Throne awaits,” intoned the Voices of the Topaz Queens. Their unified voices buzzed and echoed in the vast room. The heart of the tower thrummed and I looked up upon hearing their voices. A pair of golden eyes blinked lazily from the center of the throne. A pair of intertwined bodies lounged comfortably. “Approach, Queen Taalia, and be recognized. Know that We are pleased with you.”

Taalia shoved me forward. My legs felt rubbery and I was shaking from head to hoof. My wings buzzed, showing how frayed my nerves were, even as my face showed my mortification. At any moment, I knew I would be crushed with the merest of thoughts. Behind her slinked her Ravagers, who had become uncharacteristically cowed in the presence of the immortals.

“Come to the dias, child, and bring the little one,” intoned the voices. As much as I tried to keep my eyes on the ground in front of me, I could feel the eyes of the Sisters boring down upon me, as though they could pierce my soul. They are judging me, I thought to myself. They will see me as unworthy and tell Taalia to make me a broodmother. Visions of the poor creature Taalia had shown me flashed in my mind. I wanted to die.

“She is as you said she would be,” said Taalia in a respectful, awed voice. It sounded so odd coming from her. I glanced over to her and saw she had lowered her belly near the ground and was crawling forward with her head down and her horn nearly touching the floor. She rose to her hooves and moved with stately grace towards the throne, keeping her head bowed.

I was dragged along like a sack of potatoes and dropped upon the first step leading up to the Throne. I squeaked in fright and was hyperventilating. My heart pounded in my chest and threatened to burst.

“Look upon Us,” commanded the Voices. “Let Us see into young eyes.”

I did just that, thinking it was The End. It was All Over. I found myself looking into pools of golden infinity, as ageless as they were ancient. Beauty and horror swirled together with those mirrors leading into a pair of souls so fathomless as to make me feel as though I would drown if I stared for too long. I tore my gaze away from them, whimpering and wishing desperately for my mother.

To look upon the Topaz Queens was to look upon the Beginning and the End of the changeling race. I had never looked upon goddesses before and if I ever saw another goddess again, I should think myself lucky. I was marked, their eyes seemed to say. I was destined to be something beyond a common queen. A distant land would soon beckon me and I would lead my hive to a new beginning. Of course, it was a possibility, a promise. But the cost would be great and I would never know rest. I would one day rise against the sun and strike her down, only to fail and fail spectacularly.

“You will find your answers in the aftermath of ultimate failure,” said the Voices. “Your true test will begin then. What would you have of her?” The question was directed to Taalia, who was now glaring at me with such hate and malevolence that I could see it around her, reaching for me as if she desired to strangle me right there and then.

“I would mold her in my image,” replied the queen respectfully. “I chose her because her potential is beyond her lesser blood. I had attempted to purchase her from the queen who owned her mother, but she refused. I took what I wanted and left nothing behind to be picked over. I have culled the weak. I claim this one as my daughter and humbly ask for the blessings of my Queens that this be so.”

There was a long moment of silence. The sitting queens began to murmur words I could not hear and their wings thrummed excitedly. Something told me to look up. I did so and found the face of a goddess right in front of me, scant inches away!

“Her bond to her birth mother is unbreakable,” said the queen in a voice that was rich and oddly harmonious. “As with all daughters to their mothers. Tell me child; what is your name?”

“Chrysalis,” I stammered, unable to tear my eyes off such changeling perfection. “I miss my mother.”

“Of course you do,” she said with a gentleness I found surprising. “But some things are necessary for the larger picture. You are young and do not understand yet, but in time, you will learn and you will see. Mind you, only you, my sister, and I are privy to these words. Queen Taalia is a vicious weapon and you would do well to learn what she has to teach. It will become invaluable to you. Do you understand?”

“No, I don’t,” I admitted. Closing my eyes, I awaited the blow to fall. Taalia hit me a lot.

Instead, a hoof gently came up under my chin and lifted my face. Our eyes locked. “You will understand. One day, the fog will clear and the sun will reveal everything to you. The moon will become your conscience. Then will your journey begin. Old ways must give way to new ones. Balance must be achieved. The Hunger and the Void must be sated and filled. Seek the land of harmony and you will meet your purpose.”

Other words filled my mind, but I could not remember them past that they were important. The next thing I knew, I was taken from the Throne, blessed by the Queens as the new daughter of Queen Taalia. She was forbidden from killing me and maiming me in ways as could stunt my growth. The command to bring out my full potential was levied upon her with the weight of doom behind it. Taalia cowed before the words as though each one struck a physical blow to her.

I had just been touched by the Immortal Queens, and Taalia hated me for it.

Chrysalis sang a wordless song to her daughter as Atalanta freed herself from her old hatchling skin. She was still pale, Chrysalis noted with little surprise, and sported a spiraled nub of a little horn. It was easy indeed to see why Cadence had doted over her so lovingly.

The queen wondered absently what Shining Armor would think of his daughter.

Chapter XVI

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“Ma!”

Chrysalis tried to pay attention to her work.

“Ma!”

A smile threatened to tug at the corners of her mouth.

“Ma-ma!” Something butted against her foreleg.

She turned her muzzle towards the owner making the adorable little sounds. A pale little face beamed up at her with huge blue eyes containing catlike irises. Chrysalis had her pen poised inches over her paper. She had been going into details about the intricacies of changeling societies and how broodmothers were integral for keeping a hive together. There were broodmothers and then there were true broodmothers. Those forced into producing eggs for a hive against their will were nowhere near the same creatures who could wield authority and respect at a level of a queen.

There had been some confusion with Princess Luna as they had one of their many discussions in regards to changeling culture and beliefs. Though a lot of writing from the pages Chrysalis churned out was still a bit confusing to the ponies (the queen was used to being cryptic and it had translated to her words almost unnoticed by herself).

A lot of misconceptions between changeling and pony were going to happen, Chrysalis realized as she set her quill down and ministered to her needy daughter.

“Ma!” chirruped Atalanta happily. It had been her first word and she had been using it almost exclusively to vie for her mother’s attention. She was also far, far, far more energetic than she had been as a hatchling. Despite her pale chitin and blue eyes, she appeared very much a healthy nymph. Chrysalis did notice her daughter had very few holes in her, mostly at the tips of her hooves. Most curious indeed!

Another thing she noticed was the Hunger did not seem to exist so strongly in the happy little nymph. Chrysalis was certain she was mistaken and often checked through her mental link with her daughter. Every time she did, there was no change. On top of that, her daughter was producing her own love.

It was too incredible to believe.

Though this put her at a loss (a rather pleasant one at that), Chrysalis was dumbfounded. She tried feeding Atalanta and found when she did, her daughter could send it right back without even thinking about it. The little princess radiated love. What her mother fed her only made the nymph stronger and sped along her mental development. She said her first word days after becoming a nymph, when normal nymphs took several weeks to form their first syllable.

Chrysalis could never be happier for the circumstances. As of yet, she had heard nothing from the father, nor did she particularly want to. Princess Cadence had made several requests to meet with the queen, only to be rebuffed. The changeling was afraid of Cadence and wanted nothing to do with her. Cadence and Shining Armor had—in one powerful explosion of love—slaughtered almost the entirety of Chrysalis’ military arm.

At least Chrysalis was certain her army had been all but wiped out.

Fortunately, for the queen, Cadence respected her wishes, though continued to ask through Luna. Chrysalis was still quite put out the Princess of Love had handled her daughter. She wondered why Atalanta had not been taken from her.

Certain thoughts had appeared unwarranted and unwanted with disturbing frequency since her daughter's true form became revealed to her. You were wrong. So very, very, and tragically wrong...about a great many things...

“Ma!” Atalanta batted her mother’s muzzle with a little hoof. Her teeny-tiny wings buzzed with overflowing energy. Her little mouth nipped and bit playfully as Chrysalis nuzzled her. For the next few minutes, the pair playfully nipped at each other. Chrysalis of course had to be careful with her fangs while Atalanta clearly showed her teeth had not even begun to bud yet.

There was a knock at the door. Chrysalis frowned as her play was interrupted. Shifting her mouth, she leaned to one side and clamped her jaws around her daughter’s neck and shoulders. Atalanta immediately stopped moving and instinctively went limp, though a little mewl of protest escaped her lips. The queen rose to her hooves and went to the rune circle, dropping Atalanta between her forehooves as she stared daggers at the door. Stupid ponies with their stupid timing. Atalanta squeaked as if in agreement, noting her mother’s stance and copying her mannerisms.

Nightstorm entered. The giant lunar pegasus’ gaze bore into the queen with professional stoicism as the door closed behind him. “Princess Luna wishes to inform you your contact was found and everything as you requested has been relayed to your hive. I have also been instructed to give you an update as to your hive’s current state.” He paused, looking around the room with a single sweep of his eyes. They settled again upon the queen.

Barely containing herself in making a demand, Chrysalis tossed her mane and flicked an ear, outwardly giving a show of coolly digesting the words. “Well, out with it.” If only she was as calm as the words slipping from her tongue!

“All is well. They are relieved to know you are safe and alive. They do not know what to make of your daughter.” Nightstorm flicked his tail and canted his head slightly to one side curiously. “Which begs the question; how did they know about you and your daughter?”

Chrysalis smirked. “Never underestimate a changeling,” she answered.

Atalanta was aware of the huge furry thing with golden eyes and strange leathery wings and her curiosity told her to go over and give it a sniff. It was shaped like Mother, but it smelled so much different. It wore armor like Mother, but it did not give off the same sort of heat her mother’s natural armor did. Peeping with curiosity, she ambled forward, her wings buzzing as she was unafraid of the giant thing now peering down at her. It was so very big, too, she noted as her eyes grew wider and wider the closer and closer she came! She lost her nerve before her mother could call her back and scrambled to the safety of the holed legs.

Nightstorm did not seem amused at Chrysalis, but did seem intrigued by the nymph. “And they did not try to free you? I find that hard to believe.”

“Why do you think they have not tried anything?” challenged the queen icily. “If they had the means or wherewithal to free me from my prison, they would have done so. I assure you, my large and intimidating companion, my hive is perfectly incapable of rescuing me. Use your brain, you oversized bat.” She ignored his glower and shifted her tone to something a little softer. “Did they send a nymph or an adult?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“It’s a simple question. Little changeling or big changeling?” Chrysalis felt her daughter playing with her mane. She had crawled up her leg and was now batting her hooves through the strands of her mother’s hair. Letting her daughter play, she went to the lone chair in the room. It was round and cushioned, like half an open egg. Chrysalis had fashioned it herself as she had plenty of time on her hooves when her daughter napped and she did not want to write. Without asking permission, she hopped up into it and flopped down, mindful of her daughter hanging from her mane like an oversized hair pin.

“A young one, I think. Princess Luna was surprised to see one so young.”

Chrysalis pursed her lips and looked off into the distance, momentarily lost in thought. “Taalia has not been sighted,” she mused to herself. “I do not know if this is a bad thing or a worse thing.” The changeling refocused herself upon the thestral. “And Luna? Why is she not here to present this information to me herself?”

The Night Guard shook his head once. “It is not my place to question the actions of my princess.”

Chrysalis smirked. She already knew. Still, seeing as one thing. Her eyes glowed emerald green as they locked onto his. Nightstorm froze, his orbs going wide. Pupils dilated, widened as Chrysalis asserted herself. The inhibitor was useless in stopping her as her eyes held the thestral in place.

“You will tell me what I want to know,” she commanded.

“I...will tell you what you want to know,” came the reply. Nightstorm sat down on his haunches, staring vapidly at the queen.

“What did Luna tell you about the meeting with the nymph?”

Without so much as a pause, the enthralled thestral replied, “She did all the things you asked of her.”

“You went with her?” Chrysalis asked, tilting her head to one side.

The pony nodded. “I did. It was at her request. As I am your warden, it falls upon me to have a fuller understanding of how to make your stay within the rules set by Their Majesties as comfortable as reasonably possible until the time comes and you are moved elsewhere.”

“Who was the nymph?”

“She did not name herself, but did deliver a list of needs for the hive. Princess Luna surmised they were expecting her and the broodmothers had taken it upon themselves to request aid. As a show of trust, it was given. Food. Medicine. Blankets. Simple fare necessary for survival.”

Chrysalis nodded absently and frowned. It would explain the nymph. “And the state of the hive? How are my children?”

“They are anxious without you.”

Chrysalis bit her lip and a shadow of worry fell over her. Atalanta snuggled into her neck, wrapping her hooves as if she felt her mother need a hug. “Ma!”

“She speaks Equestrian,” observed Nightstorm.

“The word is of my species and not the word you think it is. It is the first word all changeling children learn. It means queen in the oldest known language of my kind.” Chrysalis snorted and waved him off. She was not about to add that yes, Atalanta was saying ‘mommy’ in her own adorable way. “Where was I? Ah, yes, Luna’s meeting with the messenger. Was there any news concerning Taalia?”

“Your hive had not reported seeing her since the last time you knew of her whereabouts.”

“Curious. And there have been no reports by you ponies of unusual activity? No disappearances? No communities going silent?”

“None that I am aware of.”

Chrysalis hummed. “Very well. I should think Luna might be convinced to allow me to make direct contact with my hive. It is essential this happens. This conversation never happened. You were reporting everything Luna told you to report. Remember nothing when my eyes grasped your own. As you were, Nightstorm.”

The stallion shook his head momentarily and blinked. “I apologize. What was I saying?”

“Luna hiding things from me, of course,” Chrysali said with a smirk. She betrayed nothing and seemed for all the world to know the ponies were not going to divulge everything. “I suppose I am on a need-to-know basis.”

A brief smile flashed across that stoic muzzle. “I am sure Your Majesty understands.”

“My Majesty does not,” huffed the queen indignantly. “Anything else?”

“One question, if I may.” Nightstorm adjusted his wings. “Broodmares. You mention in your writings they are slaves to queens to produce nothing but eggs and little else. Your words say they a bred and have little value beyond breeding. When they are no longer of any use, they are discarded. Yet you have two of them yourself for your hive. Why?” His eyes screamed hypocrite through his professional demeanor.

The queen laughed. “There are broodmares who are forced into their labors. Then, there are those who choose to become broodmothers. One is a slave to the queen. The other serves as the support for her respective queen. One produces drones for a single minded purpose, the other produces changelings to meet the needs of the hive. Taalia’s Ravagers, for instance, are sexless killing machines. Technically, they are females, but they cannot breed. The broodmare who laid their eggs did so against her will. A mare who lays against her will always produces sterile offspring. Despair does that to a changeling. If there is no hope, then there can be no new generation. It can be easily assumed one is a false broodmare while the other is true broodmare. Does that make sense to you?”

Nightstorm blinked. “Not really,” he admitted. “It is very confusing. Perhaps Princess Luna would be intrigued to know more of your culture.”

Chrysalis gave him an unamused stare. “I will have you know my broodmares also serve as my domestic advisors. Literally half the hive is their direct offspring. They have never produced more than what the hive has needed. My own mother had two broodmares. A true broodmare is almost as powerful as the queen she serves.”

She considered the wards and runes observing her. The changeling had figured them out. Yes, they were intricate in design, but there were flaws. There was a blind spot in the room. Her chair occupied that spot. So, she could sit in it and weave as much innate magic as she desired, so long as it was within moderation. The inhibitor could only prevent certain and obvious magic, as the ponies had yet to discover the depths and versatility of changeling magic. Her only worry was if Nightstorm would give her ploy away. It was possible. She had probed every time he visited, testing the magic security of her prison. With Luna and Celestia paying her less and less of a mind, Chrysalis felt there would be perhaps just a few more meetings with the alicorns before something was done in regards to her hive. Time was running out. She feared there might even be no more to spare.

Still, Queen Taalia had gone to ground. Changelings had many subtle ways of communication. Interacting with other species without being discovered had honed their skills to a level a master spy would envy.

“Anything else of interest?” she asked Nightstorm as Atalanta crawled over her back. “If not, I my desire for my daughter to be without the influence of an outsider, if you please. Leave Us.”

He glowered at her. “Mind who your jailors are, changeling.”

“I do, captain. Believe me, I do.” She flashed an innocent smile.

Nightstorm grunted and produced a square package from one of his saddlebags. “I have here information on the estate of the former noble who had ordered the attempt on your life. The manor, the land it sits upon, its history, location...Everything that might be of interest and value to you. As ordered by Her Royal Majesties Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, the deed to the land will be given to you and your changelings pending the signing of the peace treaty.”

Chrysalis blinked. “What peace treaty?” she asked flatly.

“This one.” A bound folder was pulled from his other saddlebag. “I suppose this is where you being making counter demands to the demands within.” The stallion used his wings to place both sets of documents on the bed. “I am but the messenger, so please do not take your wrath out on me.”

The queen grunted, waving a dismissive hoof. “Fine. Next time, perhaps my jailor should not be the one to deliver my mail.”

A murderous glint briefly flashed through the stallion’s eyes, but he nodded and said no more as he turned to leave. Chrysalis eyed her bed and the contents upon it while chewing on the inside of her cheek.

“Let’s see how badly the ponies want to screw over Mommy, shall we?” she asked her daughter. Peace treaty indeed! Of all the…

A pair of eyes fell upon her. She calmed as Atalanta gave her a forlorn look. The usually quick to anger queen once again had to stymie her desire to rage and rant and rave at the ponies and their stupid little society.

“I’m sorry,” she said to Atalanta. A tiny smile creased her lips.

“Ma!” chirped Atalanta, happy again.

“Still, there is something bothering me about the meeting,” she mused, tapping a hoof to her chin in thought. As she turned her gaze to the ceiling, an ear flicked. Her daughter noticed the flicking appendage and immediately attacked with with a mock snarl of ferocity. The queen felt the weight of her daughter latching on to the aforementioned ear. The nymph dangled there, her little back hooves kicking to find purchase. Tiny wings buzzed and itty bitty growls issued from her throat.

If her hive had sent a female nymph, alone…

“No. Here? In Equestria?”

But what else could the message be? She had plucked the scents from Nightstorm’s memory from the meeting. Pheromones were important. The smells were telling.

Chrysalis felt her blood run cold. “Taalia has found another hive.”

Queen Taalia felt the best way to begin my ‘education’ was to hurl me into the middle of her work. Her queen sent her to ‘chastise’ Lesser hives who did not do as what was expected of them, which was usually the impossible. Not enough production from a mole hive? Exterminate all the young males and make the females watch.

A young queen voices her opinion on the conditions under which her hive is forced to labor? Remove her wings and devour her eggs before her eyes.

A Greater queen feels there are simply too many Lesser changelings within her territory? They were culled.

Taalia basked in the glory of bloody violence. Her Ravagers were unstoppable machines who obeyed their ‘mother’ with mindless passion. Their hatred drove them, gave them strength, and always had them in a rage. I was forced to do things that tore a little more of my soul away from me each time I had to do an atrocity. The bloody horrors I witnessed. I still hear the screams and remember the smell of hot, spilled blood.

Where was the promise made to keep me from harm? I wanted death more and more with each passing day. I wanted to be at my mother’s side, to join the rest of my fallen hive.

Taalia had a particular pleasure when it came to stumbling across rogue hives. Oh, they were few and far between. As I mentioned before, my aunt was out there, somewhere, a rogue queen of a rogue hive who fought against conforming to a life of slavery and suffering.

I was too young to do magic then, past the innate abilities all changelings possess, but I could learn to handle myself, to strengthen my limbs and become agile and deadly. I was trained in the arts of war. My lessons were brutal. I was pitted against slaves, other changelings. Zebra. Griffons. Minotaur. Other horrors, like sand jackals and dire moles. I was wounded often. I tried to get myself killed a few times, but Taalia was always there, preventing the killing blow. I was healed of my injuries and subsequently punished. I questioned Taalia why she went against the will of our living goddesses as my treatment completely baffled and confused me.

I was beaten for questioning, but only after Taalia coldly pointed out, “You are healed. You have no scars. Stop crying and do what you are told. You have been marked and it has now become my duty to make you the deadliest changeling in the world. But first, I must break you of this sentiment you carry in your heart. I will break you, child. Mark my words well.”

So, my body was broken. Many times. I think, perhaps, there was injury done to my mind, but I cannot recall. Some things I can recall with clarity, but others require asking others that had been at a certain place at a certain time what they recall. Though I might had been there, the memories of some events fail me.

I cannot for certain say what I remember can be completely accurate. I remember my mother, but not her face. I remember her voice, her eyes, but not the beauty that was behind them. I remember her soul, and the memory of the day she died is like a dream in fog. I remember the Ravagers she fought and slew, I remember seeing her blood upon the ground.

Why can I not remember her face?

Queen Taalia would not break me. My mother’s soul forbade it.

I will always remember…

Blue...

Chapter XVII

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The next day was fairly predictable, as Chrysalis’ use of magic was discovered.

A very unhappy Celestia sat at the head of a long table, her cup of tea hovering just beneath her chin as she contemplated the unrepentant changeling queen sitting at the far end. Chrysalis was busy cooing softly to her daughter as she tried to convince her to take a nap. It had thus far been a futile effort, but the distraction was an excuse to ignore the alicorn as her patience was once again tested by the seeming indifference of the changeling.

It was midmorning. The sun beamed through the tall glass windows of the great hall that dominated the heart of the keep. It illuminated the interior, casting shadows from the sunlight across a room that was mostly empty. It was typically used as a place to greet guests, hold meetings, and on occasion, various local celebrations from weddings to funerals. It also served as a throne room. Locals would come here to voice their concerns or complaints to the commander of the keep, who also served the Crown’s justice as required by law.

“You have my mages baffled,” said the Lady of the Sun just as her cup was about to touch her lips. She sipped delicately and blinked at Chrysalis. “Your magic, apparently, can ignore the inhibitor to some degree. What little trust I had in you seems to have been misplaced.”

Chrysalis was looking down at the bassinet given to her by the ponies. It had been a donation and had once seen prior used. It was still in good condition, made of oak and carved with leaves and flowers. There were a few chips in the wood here and there, but overall, it was a lovely, sturdy, and practical design. Currently, there was a nymph within it who was trying unsuccessfully in convincing her mother she was not tired. Her protests and grunts against the horrible nap had made Celestia repeat herself more than once. It was an exasperating experience for the princess and a cause for glee on behalf of Equestria’s most “esteemed” and secret guest.

The queen tossed her mane and bent deeper into the bassinet, nosing her daughter and issuing a series of warning growls. Atalanta had yet to learn how to behave and Chrysalis was going through the ancient process all mothers go through in getting their children to learn to do what they were told. The nap was important for growing young nymphs and Chrysalis needed her daughter to take a nap so she herself could have a respite from the stress of raising a child.

Celestia sighed, containing her composure. She took another sip of tea, then set the cup down on its saucer. “There is much about changeling magic that simply does not conform to the laws of magic ponies are most familiar with. Luna believes it has roots in shadow magic, but I think it may be something far older and more primeval than that.”

“Is that so?” Chrysalis asked infuriatingly, drawing her attention away from Atalanta at last and settling her attention upon Celestia as though it was the absolute last resort. “How am I to know I am forbidden from using what I was born with when it comes to me as easily as breathing the air? I should think you would be scouring your kingdom for the other changeling hive. I doubt you’ll find anything other than corpses, but at least your little guards will discover what the aftermath of true horror looks like. I’ve seen it too many times myself. I know Taalia. She is using the energy of a captured hive to regain her strength.”

“That is a matter for my sister to look into. She took it upon herself to look into your claims. I seriously doubt you are sincere, as I imagine you are playing yet another game. Whatever it is you have going on, it will not work.” Celestia refreshed her cup. “More coffee?” she asked politely.

“No thank you,” replied the changeling shortly. “I had no idea probing your magic defenses would be so easy. Is it my fault your ponies are incompetent when it comes to securing a prisoner?”

“Warden Nightstorm was compromised because of you,” Celestia said, quite displeased. “He had to resign from his post and be mentally re-evaluated. You quite possibly ruined his career.”

“I doubt that,” said Chrysalis with a roll of her eyes. “As I am sure Shining Armor was unscathed career wise after I had control over him, and that was for six months.” She paused thoughtfully, creasing her brows as an ear flicked indignantly. “Of course, it would explain why he was so...repetitive.” The changeling flashed a predatory grin.

Celestia, however, would not be baited. She clucked her tongue and shook her head sadly, shifting her wings, and sighing. “What am I going to do with you, Queen Chrysalis? Hmm? I have been generous with you. I have given you space. I have respected who you are and what you are. I have done all that I can to make you feel at ease. I do not want to confine you. I want peace with you. What must I do to gain your trust?”

“Don’t make this all about you, Celestia,” sing-songed Chrysalis airily. “I have read the treaty you gave me. How can there be trust when you have in writing one of the conditions for peace between my hive and Equestria a period of twenty-five years of monitoring every facet of my hive’s activities. I’m surprised there’s not stipulation requiring my changelings to ask permission from a pony before wiping their ass.” The queen glowered at the alicorn.

“I am not making this all about me, Chrysalis and you know it!” Celestia levelled an exasperated look at her foil, her antagonist. “You make peace so difficult. Why?”

Chrysalis barked out a humorless laugh. “Peace is a lie, Celestia. Why, even a lowly Lesser queen such as myself knows you have achieved peace through might. Look at you. The world trembles before your power. You possess the sun, the bringer of all life. It is yours to command. You do not hold peace because you are benevolent. No, Celestia. You hold on to this fantasy that all will come to know peace because you believe you are the lynchpin of harmony and goodness. Bah! Your ponies adore you because they would be afraid to rise up against you. There is no such thing as peace. There is but the calm before the next calamity. Then calm. Then again, calamity. There has been and never will be true peace. They cycle goes on and changelings strive to be prepared for the next disaster. It is what we believe. It is our way. You will never understand it.” She let out her last words with a spiteful hiss.

Celestia was silent for a few moments, looking at the changeling from a different light.

Atalanta fussed again after a long and uncomfortable silence.

Chrysalis stared into the eyes of an immortal, remembering the last time she had done so. She found herself drawn into those magenta orbs, and her heart stopped. Sadness flooded over her when Celestia blinked, and the changeling gasped. It was like an autumn breeze that rolled over her through a grove of trees, bringing with them the scent of a fading summer, reluctantly giving way before the onslaught of a deep winter. An uncomfortable shiver of guilt raced up and down her spine as she stared into those eyes.

Celestia blinked again, and Chrysalis felt the alicorn’s hope fall away and crumble to dust. The ancient mare stared right back into the changeling’s eyes, never breaking away and daring Chrysalis to be the first to do so. Celestia’s shattered hope opened into a chasm of despair, threatening to draw the queen in and consume her. Chrysalis did flinch, her eyes going wide as she felt her limbs buckle beneath her. She nearly fell out of her seat and had to slam her hooves upon the table to steady herself. A gasp followed as the air she did not know she had been holding exploded from her lungs.

“I refuse to believe you truly think that,” whispered Celestia gently. “I have gone to great lengths to establish rules and boundaries especially for myself concerning the welfare of the other kingdoms and races. I have peaceful relations with all nations and all rulers and all peoples because it is what I desire above all. I have a love of life that is a responsibility I cherish above all else. War does not preserve life, Chrysalis. War ends life. War corrupts life. War turns good hearts into evil. Strife creates heroes we should not have needed in the first place.

“I strive for balance between all the races, a better understanding and a sense of cooperation. No one race is greater than any other race. The responsibility I share with my sister when it comes to the day and the night is one that is not just for our ponies. No, Chrysalis. Our responsibility is to ensure all mortals have a future upon which they can build upon and create foundations for future generations to grow upon.”

The changeling stared at her. “What tripe!” she guffawed. “You should listen to yourself. What foolish ideals, Celestia.”

“And what, pray tell, did your immortal queens tell you?” challenged Celestia as she raised her head high. Quirking an eyebrow, she regarded the insolent queen. “I have never heard of these...Topaz Queens, as you wrote. You have them at the pinnacle of changeling society, having dictated the terms under which your culture has developed. They seem more aligned towards containing the changeling queens and their hives rather than guiding them towards a better future.”

“They are aware of you alicorns,” Chrysalis retorted. “They have watched you for generations, unsure as to the limits to your power and whether or not they should challenge you.”

“But they seek balance,” pointed out Celestia calmly.

“They demand the changeling race always work to become stronger, to prepare for the End of Days. They prepare for a time when the Hunger is no more and the Void is filled at long last. I was given the task of finding the means to end the curse that has plagued all changelings since the days of the first queens.” Chrysalis turned her attention to her daughter, plucking the now wailing little nymph from her bassinet and cradling her with her forehooves. She looked abashed at having raised her voice around her daughter.

“Is that why you do not treat your daughter so savagely, as you had been brought up?”

Chrysalis’ blood ran cold. She found herself looking at the face of her squirming daughter and remembering flashes of her past. Taalia’s furious face. Her flashing fangs. The beatings. The pain. The suffering. Unconsciously, she held her daughter to her chest and curled her neck over Atalanta.

“You rose up above what was supposed to have been your life,” Celestia went on. “I want to help you realize your dreams, Chrysalis. I want to help you establish a future for your daughter and your hive. But you do not tell me what you need. You demand things you want, but never ask for what you need. There is an enormous difference. I grow weary of the bickering between the two of us. You think of besting me as the pinnacle of what you are capable of, yet you sell yourself short. Such narrow minded thinking will lead to further suffering and the eventual downfall of not only yourself, but your hive. You have an opportunity to rethink life as you know it and try observing and living it from another perspective. When you had me at your hooves, I think you only exemplified the very thing you had fought so hard against in gaining the freedom of your hive.”

“You are prey,” Chrysalis scoffed, but no longer as confident as she used to be. She had a lot of time as of late to think about her original assessment of ponies in general. Having little to go on due to her confinement, she could only assume the ponies here supposedly represented ‘as good as it gets’ concerning the equines.

“No, we are not. You see ponies and associate them as prey animals. If you truly believe the very words you just uttered—” Celestia blurred, then suddenly had her muzzle right in Chrysalis’ ear. “—why did you not kill me then and there?”

The queen yelped and fell out of her seat, clutching Atalanta to her desperately. She never touched the floor as Celestia’ aura engulfed mother and nymph gently. A great wing swept out and around the chitinous back of the queen as she was eased upright. Celestia smiled gently at the shocked changeling.

“Why did you not take the opportunity to strike? Did you fear the fate of the sun if I were to fall? Did you believe I was unkillable? Did you think me a goddess who held back simply because she had so much power that if she were to tap into it, the whole of Canterlot would cease to exist in the blink of an eye? Was I merely playing a part of a play I had set in motion thousands of years ago, practicing my lines until the moment came when you had your big scene? Did you think my death would throw your soul into the very depths of no return?” Celestia reached out with the tip of her other wing and gently caressed Atalanta’s chin. She beamed beautifully at the little nymph, who giggled in response.

“Are you a monster? Was that the question you asked yourself as you looked down upon my fallen form? Did you hesitate at your hour of victory, only to give it away because you understood if you truly went through with your plan, then all the world would rise up against you? Did you come to realize at the last moment, your position would be untenable, your hive doomed to destruction?”

Celestia shook her head, closing her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, Chrysalis found herself looking into the pools of a very ancient soul who, perhaps, felt she knew too much and was all too aware of the rules of life and death. Chrysalis had seen those eyes before. “Oh, Queen of the Changelings, what fear drove you to this conclusion that you must topple the sun’s keeper? Was it the fear of your mother’s memory and what little you have left to remember her by? Was it the fear of what Queen Taalia did to you turning over and becoming passed on to your children and your children’s children? What is your fear, Chrysalis?”

The queen flinched, but could not tear herself from the iron hold of Celestia’s motherly gaze. A blue, chitinous face flashed within those magenta pools, with a questioning look.

“I do not seek to redeem you, Chrysalis. That is not my purpose. Your purpose is only partially laid before you. Destiny has a mark upon you the likes of which I am well acquainted with. I will aid you, because it is necessary to help your hive and give your daughter a future. I cannot say I care about you, for in our times together, you have shown me you have little respect enough for yourself to even consider peace as a possible alternative to a corrosive existence.”

Celestia sighed and released the changeling. “Twilight Sparkle is on a sabbatical from her duties as my personal student, at her request. Your little deconstruction of the culmination of her life has shattered her heart in a way I had never intended nor ever wanted. You have a penchant for cruelty I believe was taught to you by this Taalia creature.” She sighed again, giving off no emotions as she had shielded herself from Chrysalis. “As much as I place the burden of responsibility for the aftermath upon your shoulders, so I must also share the blame equally.”

Then, Celestia moved quickly, engulfing Chrysalis within her wings and pulling the immobilized mare into a tight embrace. She nuzzled the queen and whispered, “I forgive you, Chrysalis. Can you forgive me for being ignorant to who you truly wish to be?”

“What?” squeaked Chrysalis weakly. What do I want to be? A mother? A queen? Why does this feel so comfortable? Why can’t I think clearly?

The door slammed open. Celestia broke from Chrysalis, startled by the interruption momentarily, only to see who had barged in. Her eyes narrowed as one of her generals hurried towards her, his face overflowing with worry.

“Forgive the intrusion, Your Majesty!” He bowed briefly as he trotted towards the alicorn. His metal shod hooves echoed forebodingly throughout the room. The unicorn carried a satchel that hung around his neck and shoulders. As he approached, he produced a bundle of papers and photographs from it. A cursory glance to Chrysalis was all he would give the flushed and flustered changeling. “Our patrols found something. The contact from the hive provided us information of a possible lead to the location of these Ravagers we had been told about.”

“Yes?” prompted Celestia calmly, though worry was clearly showing upon her perfect features. She watched as the general placed the documents and pictures on the table. With her magic, she spread them out and immediately wished she had not seen them.

“You found the hive? The other one?” Chrysalis interrupted. Dread filled her voice. Celestia was staring blankly at the photographs. The queen had been shielding her daughter from outside emotions through the mental link she shared with her. She could easily control what Atalanta sensed. Chrysalis was grateful for the link, especially at this very moment.

Though photographs were not the same as looking at horror up close and personally, they were quite real and graphic. The only thing missing was the smell of death that lingered over such macabre things as what lay upon the table at this very moment.

He again glanced at her, uneasily before his shoulders slumped. “What was left of them,” he said, his reply hollow. “What bodies we found were drained of magic, moisture...everything. Even the li—” A sob was choked back forcibly, the stallion squeezing his eyes shut. “Even the little ones. From what we can tell from the scene, preliminary reports the hive was slaughtered to the last. Six hundred, at least. I’m sorry, Your Majesty, but in all my years in the Guard, no living creature should have ever suffered the way these changelings had. All signs point to a long, drawn-out deaths. Everything was done to the greatest of pain and suffering.”

Chrysalis felt her heart stop. She felt Celestia’s pain and discovered she was again surprised by the compassion of the alicorn.

“You asked to know what I fear?” she ventured quietly and without her bombastic attitude. Chrysalis was subdued, as what she had feared to come to pass had happened.

Celestia gave her undivided attention, her ears perked forward.

“It is what Taalia can do. If she left the remnants of a hive to be easily discovered,” she paused as the general nodded at her suggestion, “then there is little to stop that monster from unleashing her twisted horrors upon your precious ponies. She intends to attack them in order for you to expose me and my hive to her. She will do this to shock the population and cause panic and fear.”

“You mean if she does?”

“It’s not a matter of if, Celestia, but when, if it hasn’t happened already.”

“How do I know I can trust you?”

Chrysalis flicked an ear and hissed, irritated with herself. “It could have easily been my hive, princess. I offer a truce between us. To stop Taalia. She will become emboldened the longer we put this off.”

“Are you sure?” Celestia asked.

The changeling queen looked down at her daughter. Atalanta had fallen asleep despite all the commotion. “I have to trust at some point, don’t I? Besides, now it would seem I have little choice. I also seriously doubt you want what happened to this hive to happen to a community of your subjects.”

Celestia arched a brow at the changeling, her features suddenly unreadable. “You are no stranger to things like this,” she stated.

“No,” admitted the queen sadly. “It pains me to admit, but something like this is how my training under Taalia began so long ago.”

The emotion was there, but it was subtle, barely noticeable. It was an emotion that was always associated with the horror behind a singular word.

Monster.

“Do you still forgive me?” The words fell from the queen’s lips as they twisted to a self-depreciating sneer. “Am I someling that can be forgiven? Are you sure such a thing as myself warrants forgiveness, princess? After all, where I come from, being a monster is the norm.” Her smile was cold, predatory.

Celestia shrugged. “Monster is such a subjective term, Queen Chrysalis. We can discuss the merits of what makes a monster after we have taken care of Queen Taalia. I forgive you because I believe you want what is best for your changelings. You are a builder, not a destroyer. A monster is a destroyer. I will show you the difference.”

Chrysalis suddenly felt a weight taken off her horn. Metal clattered to the stone floor.

“You will not need that anymore, I think,” Celestia said crisply. “Make arrangements for your daughter. You and I are going to war.”

“What?” Chrysalis asked dumbly, blinking in confusion.

“Perhaps Cadence would be up for foalsitting,” mused Celestia as she gathered up the documents and photos in a neat stack. To the unicorn she said, “Thank you, general. Alert the staff. Advise my sister. Mobilize the Solar Guard. Request my sister to do the same for her Lunar Guard.”

He saluted. “At once, Your Majesty!” Turning smartly, he trotted back the way he came with a determined look upon his visage.

“How would we go about seeking out other hives that might be in Equestria?” Celestia asked Chrysalis.

“What?” Chrysalis parroted intelligently with the same consistency as the first time. Her brain was stuck on Cadence.

“Of course, Shining Armor should remain in the Empire. I really do not think it would be for the best if he were to know about his daughter. At least not yet.”

“Cadence?” blurted the queen.

“Do keep up, dear, we have much to do. Come along, then!”

Chapter XVIII

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In the years under Taalia’s tender care, I learned to be merciless. I learned to be quick. I learned to be an incarnation of death. My magic was powerful, very powerful. Unfortunately, such power was useless upon the Ravagers. So, I was taught to use my body as a weapon. Taalia’s magic was, as I eventually discovered, not as versatile as my own. The same malady which left her barren had also affected her ability to tap into her magical reserves and utilize them. She could not even shapeshift. An odd thing for a changeling, to be unable to shapeshift.

But she was clearly and obviously dangerous. She relished in the chaos of battle. The queen who led from the front and fought alongside her warriors was rare. Most would sit back and command their soldiers to fight in their stead, assuming a supporting role by feeding their will through the hive link. It was considered foolish for a queen to lead from the front, for if she went down and her commanders were not merely conduits of her will, then her army would become all but useless.

Taalia was believed by many queens to be unkillable. Though she was a queen, it was also believed she was far too unstable to ascend to a greater hive. No, she did not have the patience to lead many. She was not the sort to sit upon a throne and listen to the needs of her colonies. Queen Taalia had to be kept on a short leash, for she was considered far too dangerous to even consider placing her in a position of lording over even a single colony.

She had to move, much in the same fashion as the feral hives and their queens. She was a huntress and preferred to be out and about, hunting her prey and awaiting the next kill. The scale of the hunt varied. The larger the prize, the more she became excited.

Across the great Savannah I followed her, doing her bidding and learning to be as she wanted me to be. As I grew, became older, and came into my own, there came a time when she believed I was ready for my own hive. I was given changelings who no longer had queens to serve. They were broken little wretches at first, most having witnessed their most beloved thing torn apart before their very eyes. Changelings adore the queen they serve. A queen gives them purpose, guides them, protects them. Taalia was merciless.

When Taalia took a break from one of her numerous campaigns, she sent me to one of her breeding chambers. One of the tasks she gave me as a form of one of her twisted lessons was to service and care for one of her broodmares. I was confined for a year with a twisted, battered, and broken changeling, much like the first one I had seen.

She had no name of her own and was referred to as simply ‘Breeder’. Taalia’s males, carefully selected for their genetics, were tasked with mating with her. It was a horrid thing for them as it was for the mare whose mind barely registered anything anymore. She was huge and bloated, with barely a trace of the natural changeling beauty inherent in all queens. For she had been one. Her story had been one of defiance in the face of Taalia. A young queen at the time, she had come to her crown mere months before her hive fell before the Ravagers. Not wanting to waste a young and fertile body. Taalia ordered her bound, her horn broken, and her wings removed. Then vile magic was pumped into the unfortunate mare, enlarging her egg sac and ovipositor. Some years later, after countless eggs having been laid, I bore witness to a mare that had very little left to offer in the eyes of Queen Taalia.

I was there when the order was given to have her taken from the breeding chamber and thrown into the wilderness. She barely registered anything as she was moved. When she was dumped in the middle of nowhere and beneath the sweltering sun, she looked at me and said the only words I had ever heard her utter.

“I will know peace at last…”

I found myself weeping for her.

Shortly after my return from abandoning the dying changeling to her fate, I was given nymphs. I was told to train them as I had been trained, or suffer the consequences. I did not want to do this, but at first, there was no hesitation on my part. My mind was too transfixed upon the terror Taalia generated. I was morbidly afraid of her as I had borne witness to the atrocities to which she pushed the limits of acceptable changeling queen behavior.

The poor things given to me, as I mentioned, were broken. Their mothers were dead, their broodmothers were dead, even their queen was dead. Three of them. Two fillies and a colt. Taalia believed they had potential, but beneath what she believed worthy. So, she gave them to me, believing I would be content with having changelings she viewed as no threat.

After all, they were nothing more than Lesser changelings.

As was I.

The courtyard of the keep bustled with soldiers and messengers as preparations were made to join Princess Luna and her efforts to find Queen Taalia. Queen Chrysalis watched them intently, her ears swiveling to and fro as she singled out conversations in the din, dismissing them as she moved through the different voices. These ponies, she realized, were not the soft Royal Guard. These were veterans who warded off dragons, griffon raiders and the packs of diamond dogs who sought slaves for their ever expanding mines. These ponies served at the edges of the untamed wildernesses where wild animals made easy prey of unwary ponies. She could see a hardness about them, something very much lacking from their Royal Guard brethren.

But, there was one she was listening for and her entourage had only moments ago arrived. It was the one pony at that moment Chrysalis was nervous to meet again.

Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. The living, breathing embodiment of Love. Under normal circumstances, Queen Chrysalis in the past might have openly adored the young alicorn simply for the emotion she represented. In all honesty, of all the alicorns, Cadence would have been the one Chrysalis would have first approached if she had desired contact with the ponies. Instead, she opted for aggression, as it seemed the prudent thing to do at the time.

She had actually spent a few months studying the princess, taking on the guise of one of her ladies-in-waiting, after forging the right paperwork behind the identity of the mare in question. The actual pony did not exist and Equestria had a ridiculously simple means of identifying ponies. If a pony claimed to be from somewhere as someone, there was usually little more than a cursory look into his or her background. Forgeries were easy to place within public records and Chrysalis’ hive excelled at establishing false identities with weight behind them.

Duplicity on both ends was startlingly easy. Mostly due, Chrysalis suspected, to the complete lack of awareness of the existence of changelings. Put that with the trusting society Celestia had carefully built over the centuries (for the most part), it was all too easy. She had met the other hives. Most were very small, averaging five to seven hundred changelings. They were very secretive, and their queens were very much afraid of Chrysalis. It was through them she discovered the inner workings of pony society, as they had been here far longer, perfecting the art of being something they were not.

Chrysalis saw opportunity and took it, learning from these local queens. In exchange for their knowledge, she in turn left them to their own devices as attempts to subjugating them would lead to unnecessary and unwanted complications, and thus began her early planning stages for Equestria. She discovered the changelings in this kingdom to be soft, fat, and, in her opinion, lazy. They lived a life changelings only dreamed of. Love was so easy to come by. There was no need to contact the ponies because the content queens were not inclined to push the issue, nor their luck. They had a life of comparative luxury for changelings at their hooves. Chrysalis could not understand why they could possibly be afraid of a nation of (mostly) herbivores.

One other thing Chrysalis decided as prudent was to warn the other queens of Taalia. Enlisting their aid, they readily agreed to keep an eye out for the rogue maniacal queen, even as Chrysalis promised to protect them.

Another failure loomed largely in her mind.

More reports were filtering in. Her hive had attempted to help, sending a few of their badly needed soldiers to try and aid the now extinct hive Chrysalis at one time had promised to help. Her token force, however, had managed to escape. At least, this was what she pictured beyond what the Equestrians knew to this point. Anxiety gripped her and it couple with the slowly growing sense of guilt eating away at her heart.

As much as she wanted to get the answers she desperately needed, Chrysalis would first have to get past the steady and unreadable countenance of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.

Celestia had yet to leave the fortress and Chrysalis followed her, wanting answers and dwelling on a lot of things weighing upon her mind. She was free of the inhibitor ring and what lay beyond Celestia’s smile prevented her from doing something rash. It was as though the alicorn dared her to make a move—to try and leave.

The Queen had her hooves tied. She certainly could not fight her way out with Atalanta and the amounts of negative emotions could still affect the nymph’s growth, even though the most dangerous phase for her and emotional development had passed with her hatchling days now behind her. She reflected upon her choice of words to Celestia just two days ago while the Equestrians made preparations. More and more troops were filing in. Two whole wings of pegasi Guard had arrived just yesterday, fully armed and armored. Unicorn battle mages arrived in groups of quintet teams had just entered through the portcullis. Three companies of heavy earth pony infantry were slated to arrive tomorrow.

But the most terrifying thing for the changeling queen was the pretty pink pony princess who had made eye contact with her for the first time since the wedding. There was no malice in those eyes, no feelings of anger nor hatred from the Princess of Love to the queen. No, there was something far worse. Pity. Disappointment. Where was the rage? Where was…?

Atalanta had, somehow, slipped through her mother’s watchful eyes, and was sitting in front of the princess, looking up at her with curiosity.

Cadence, of course, was beautiful. Her pink fur was groomed immaculately, the purple tips of her primary feathers were in perfect placement. She was not wearing her crown nor her torque, instead opting to go with nothing past a simple white sun hat. The alicorn’s tri-colored mane of violet, rose, and gold was styled straight, hanging over her right shoulder and curling slightly at the end. Her violet eyes broke contact and shifted down to the little changeling filly gaping openly up at her with a goofy smile.

“You certainly changed, haven’t you?” she cooed gently to the nymph. Cadence lay upon her stomach so she could be at eye level with Atalanta. “So much more energetic, too! You went from a rolly-polly adorable little thing to an adorable little filly, just full of life!” Her smile was broad and genuine. Chrysalis could feel the love flowing freely from the princess as though it were the widest river in all the world. She didn’t even have to feed... her body absorbed the love as it washed over her like a wave of cotton balls.

It was glorious!

Yet, Cadence was pointedly ignoring the changeling queen, focused solely upon the tiny little changeling buzzing her wings excitedly at making a new friend!

“Ma!” chirped Atalanta, peeking over her shoulder at her mother. She then looked back to Cadence. “Ma?” It was the most serious question ever asked.

“Come to me,” ordered Chrysalis in a voice she hoped was firm. “Atalanta. Come to me.”

“Ma.” Atalanta pouted, hung her head, and made the walk of shame back to her mother. With a huff, she sat down and gave Chrysalis a pout, complete with a quivering lower lip. For effect, she made her eyes as round and manipulative as possible.

“Now is not a good time,” Chrysalis sighed, mostly to herself. It would be a while before the nymph would begin to comprehend more than the compulsions from her mother. Their bond was strong, but being able to use words in a sentence would make things so much less tyrannical. Well, maybe tyrannical is too strong a term to associate with teaching my daughter…

Finally, the princess addressed Chrysalis as she rose smoothly to her hooves. “Where is my aunt?” she queried the changeling. “I had hoped to meet her, before I saw you.”

“No idea,” Chrysalis sniffed. “Most likely meeting with her generals, or something.”

“Why are you not wearing your inhibitor?” Cadence asked tartly.

“I’m out on good behavior,” snarked Chrysalis. “How is that lovely husband of yours? I understand he is quite put out with me for some reason. Care to clarify for me?”

Cadence smiled. “He would love nothing more than to remove your head from your shoulders personally. Something about being a victim of rape and mind control. It’s a little fuzzy on the details, so I ask him every night to remind me what exactly it is he would like to do to you.” Suddenly, the love that was in the air vanished as if it had never been. “Of course, I would never allow him to stoop to your level.”

The queen’s eye twitched, but her remark went unhindered. “Oh? So he has gone from one captor to the next? I guess the old saying about marriage is true. Such the old ball and chain you have become, eh?”

“No!” cried a little voice. Both mares stopped glaring at each other to see the little nymph between them giving them both trembling stares. Tears were forming and the dam threatened to burst.

“I will put both of you in separate corners if you cannot get along,” chided Celestia as she appeared on Chrysalis’ left. Atalanta chirped when she saw the Big White Pony and immediately tackled one of her long legs in a big hug.

Chrysalis gave her daughter a deadpan stare. “Traitor,” she muttered under her breath, her scowl faltering at the adorableness of the display. The only thing Atalanta was interested in was basking in love, as not only was it food, but it was also a comfort. Love made any nymph feel safe and secure, Atalanta being no different despite her mixed heritage. Until she learned how to better express her needs and wants through more developed forms of communications, acting on her instincts would have to be the best to hope for.

At least it was an honest and open admission from the little one. She knew where the calm was when it came to the two mares and their respective clashing storms.

“How was your trip, Cadence?” Celestia asked her niece.

“Uneventful. Shining Armor wanted to come, but still did not understand why he was not allowed.”

Chrysalis canted her head slightly to the right, narrowing her eyes at the princess. “You haven’t told him, have you?” she asked.

“What does it matter to you?” shot back Cadence. “If I told him, then he would tear this place apart literally stone by stone in order to take his daughter back!”

The changeling sneered, but it faltered as she put a little more thought to what the princess had just said. She flexed her wings uneasily. “Why would he want to do that?”

“Family is important to Shining. He still doesn’t know why Twilight suddenly decided to stop being Celestia’s student, either. I read the transcripts. What you did was evil and uncalled for.”

“You kept transcripts?” Chrysalis asked Celestia flatly.

“Cadence is still an Equestrian princess. Of course she would be given the details of the hearing. It is her right, especially considering she was the center of a lot of what you did.” Celestia gave another one of her gentle smiles, as though this little chat was over tea and crumpets about tea and crumpets.

“She hurt my family, Celestia. Twilight is like a little sister to me and as for Shining..,” Cadence left it hanging, closing her eyes and inhaling deeply as she calmed herself. “I do not understand the leniency you wish to give this...mare.”

“Why don’t we take this conversation to the garden?” suggested Celestia smoothly. The arguing duo was attracting a lot of unwanted attention from onlookers. “I honestly do not think this discussion requires a few hundred pairs of eyes to formulate their own opinions over this.”

Cadence and Chrysalis glared at each other while Atalanta made sad little sounds.

To her, the tension tasted yucky.

Once again, Chrysalis found herself in a garden she was familiar with. The group had neared the tables when Celestia brought up the issue as to why Cadence was here.

“You want me to foalsit?”

“You want her to foalsit?”

A charcoal black, holed hoof was jabbing in the direction of the pink pony while the pink pony jabbed a pink hoof in the general direction of the chitin covered mare. Both wore expressions of indignation hurled carelessly at Celestia, who, as per usual, had to play mediator. It was a thankless job, Chrysalis decided.

Their combined voices had raised an octave or three. Chrysalis was far more outraged of the two. Cadence had asked in a manner of statement. The changeling noticed the younger alicorn seemed unnaturally calm and collected. Not a strand of her mane had popped out of place. If anything, Chrysalis was feeling frazzled and completely off kilter. An unusual switch between mother and daughter had Atalanta trying to console her mother by chirping in a little voice and saying “Ma!” with a worried tone.

The queen levelled a hoof at Cadence. “You meant to actually let her watch my child?” She directed her ire at Celestia. “Seriously?”

“You cannot expect to take a child with you to battle.”

The queen worked her jaw silently for a moment as she tried to refute that logic. “Fine. I won’t go, then.” Before Celestia could respond, she quickly added, “I know, I know!” It was followed by a growl of frustration.

There was a moment of silence as Celestia allowed Chrysalis to compose herself. Cadence appeared unmoved at all as she stared at the changeling queen.

“Why her?”

“Because she is Shining Armor’s wife. If something were to happen to you, then your daughter would still have a fa-”

“THE HIVE IS HER FAMILY!!” roared Chrysalis with sudden ferocity. “NOT YOU! NOT HER! AND ESPECIALLY NOT HIM!” Her horn crackled and her eyes blazed like unholy fires.

“Calm yourself, Chrysalis. Nopony is going to replace you. Despite what others might think of you, you are irreplaceable.” Celestia gestured to a table. “Let us sit and discuss this like the ladies I know we all are. So far, I would say your daughter is showing far more maturity and acumen that you to this point.”

Chrysalis looked at the table. Lunch awaited. She could smell steamed vegetables basted in melted garlic butter. Fresh rolls. Eggplant parmesan could clearly be seen. There was even some sort of bean soup that bore a spicy scent. There was even a brown butter gnocchi with spinach and pine nuts. All of those dishes were saturated with love. Chrysalis could sense them and it made her salivate. She also noted Cadence smiling at her with false innocence.

“Just for you, Chrysalis,” was all she said. “If Aunt Celestia is willing to try and make peace with you, then I shall endeavor to do the same, even if my heart tells me to reject you and everything you stand for. I am willing to do this for the sake of something far greater than my own selfish needs.”

Chrysalis inhaled deeply for a moment, closing her eyes. “So tell me,” she began, the corners of her mouth beginning to pull upwards in a malicious grin, “is your husband still a one pu—”

—and found herself staring into the eyes of profound warning and disappointment. “For your sake, Cadence’s sake, my sake, and above all, your daughter’s sake, please think very carefully the words that are trying to fall out of your mouth.”

“—ppy sort of pet owner?” Chrysalis finished lamely.

“Were you about to—” Cadence began.

“That goes for you, too, my dear niece.” Celestia let out a long-suffering sigh.

Cadence glared at Chrysalis before huffing, “Fine.”

“Good. Now, Cadence, would you have an issue watching over little Atalanta for the duration of the campaign? You are the only one I can think of who is connected enough to the little one to provide her the right amount of love and protection I think she will flourish in.” Celestia had integrated herself between the two mares and guided them with her wings over their flanks and withers towards lunch. Atalanta was levitated and deposited upon her mother’s back. She laughed happily at the sensation of being levitated.

The queen allowed herself to be guided. This was all foolishness! She could not understand why Cadence had to be chosen, of all ponies. Part of it had to be Celestia retaliating in some sort of sick and twisted way. Maybe she was trying to replace her with Cadence? That would be impossible to do, as her daughter’s link was firmly and irrevocably established.

Before she knew it, she was seated before the food and her stomach growled. Ah, food. The universal peace offering, laced with enough love to make a fat and happy changeling fatter and happier. Chrysalis was reminded painfully of what love gluttony had done as her gaze roved over towards the pink princess. Cadence was holding Atalanta between her forehooves from her seat on her side of the table.

When did…?

She glanced at her back in alarm, found it empty, then jerked her head back towards her daughter’s new chosen seat. How dare she gurgle happily! How dare she throw love at her mother! How dare she try to be the peacekeeper!

“You little traitor…” Chrysalis murmured with a sudden smile. Life simply was not fair and her rage was not being given a chance this day. The smile disappeared quickly, lest the alicorns catch her enjoying the sight of an adorable nymph in the hooves of a reputed nympho. Of course, that could have just been Shining Armor’s perception of his one and only true love, she thought.

“I’ll do it,” Cadence announced, looking up from nuzzling Atalanta. “She’s so sweet and innocent. I can’t say no to her.”

“Excellent.” Celestia beamed. “Chrysalis? Your thoughts?”

“Trampled, it would seem,” complained the changeling as she rolled her eyes.

Atalanta chirped in sympathetic agreement, “Ma!”

"I would rather be playing hostess to an irritable dragon in the midst of shedding," mused Celestia. "Unfortunately, there is not one around when a dragon is needed."

Chapter XIX

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Atalanta suckled contentedly as her mother lay on her side going over the reports. There were clues to glean and pass on to the ponies. They would not understand Taalia's motives unless the queen provided them information. She had no trouble giving over everything she knew about the beastly tiger queen. A lot of ponies were going to die when they confronted her. Every time she looked at a picture of one of the nymphs, her heart broke and she unconciously would nuzzle her daughter and give her a little extra love. Chrysalis found nursing to be remarkably relaxing, put her mind at ease and even making her feel as though she was doing something good for her daughter. The queen had been feeling for the past few days she was not doing enough to protect her daughter from the ponies. The manipulation of Princess Celestia upon her changeling guest was quite profound in the eyes of Chrysalis.

Both mother and daughter shared this intimate moment on the round chair that had quickly become a favorite spot for the queen. Chrysalis found it suited her body perfectly and allowed her to lounge on her side comfortably while giving the sensation of being in a nest. It reminded her of a brief and happier time long, long ago.

Since meeting Mi Amore Cadenza yesterday, Chrysalis had a nagging feeling in the back of her mind that she should feel guilty, even remorseful for her treatment of the Princess of Love, her husband, and even that meddlesome little unicorn Twilight Sparkle. Even more weight had settled upon her mind as the photographs flashed over and over in her memory.

She was so grateful to have Atalanta. Her momentary lapse into melancholy caused her daughter to pause in her feeding to make a worried gurgle with a mouthful of milk. It dribbled from her mouth, down her chin, and falling upon her mother’s leg and blanket beneath it.

Setting aside her study of the reports from the destroyed hive, Chrysalis regarded her daughter with a worried arch of her brows. Curling her neck inwards, the mother nuzzled her daughter reassuringly, chirping quietly and even adding a soft purr. Waves of love washed over Atalanta through her link with Chrysalis. The nymph settled down and resumed feeding, nestling tightly against her mother’s belly as she did so.

Fortunately, feeding Atalanta unerringly put Chrysalis in a rare good mood. It did wonders for the growing bond between mother and nymph. Too bad this sort of bonding could only happen between a queen and her children. Normal changelings simply went from egg to hatchling to nymph without the nursing stage. Queens, she had discovered over the years, had closer ties to their mammalian ancestors than some of the other branches of the animal kingdom changelings seemed to have inherited.

They were an ancient race, having ties to the world seven ages past. It was taught to all changelings it was they who first walked the world when it was young. It was the changeling who first established civilization. It was the changeling to brought magic into the world.

Chrysalis was no longer sure of what she knew or thought she knew.

In the years she spent on this side of the world searching for her own answers, the queen and her hive had found far too many questions instead. In a world where love was scarce and only the strongest gathered the most emotional energy, Chrysalis had found this place...heavenly.

There were no starving changelings on this side of the world. Queens were content with what they had and strived to maintain themselves hidden from the other species, more dominant species. Most of them found themselves near ponies, donkeys, yaks, minotaurs, and even griffons. They imitated them, gathered emotions with relative ease, and only had to remain hidden to reap the benefits. Their only drawback was the choice to remain hidden meant small hives. Broodmothers were unheard of on this side of the world. Changelings colonies and hives behaved in near perfect imitation of their unwitting hosts, emulating them with uncanny accuracy.

Wars were as foreign a concept for changelings as it was for ponies. Chrysalis had discovered queens who had disputes with each other in Equestria held councils, bringing other queens in to hear grievances and render innocence or guilt, as well as an agreed upon punishment.

Equestrian changelings were soft.

Chrysalis reflected the first hive she had come across so many years ago, when she was new to this part of the world and Taalia was a distant memory at the time. It was a small hive, well organized, and its members were...happy.

Content.

Peaceful.

It wasn’t fair. It simply was not fair! The queen of the hive had cowed before Chrysalis, who had come within an inch of ordering the whole colony obliterated. She could not believe it! The hatchlings were fat and full of love, the nymphs ran around, laughing and playing. The adults were comfortable in their work, going about their lives like ponies.

Ponies!

Where was the savagery? Where were the colonial wars? Where were the queens who warred in this land? Things were so different, so alien! At the last moment, without betraying her intent, Queen Chrysalis stayed her hoof from annihilating this Equestrian hive. Instead, she warned the queen of Taalia and began to inquire of the lands before her and beyond.

She was pointed in the direction of the next hive, a queen friendly to this one. All of the queens, Chrysalis discovered, were friendly if not cautious. It made no sense to the queen back then and still baffled her now.

And so, she pressed on with her nomadic hive, learning as they went and picking up on how the local changelings gathered their love. Even without a permanent colony, the hive slowly weaned itself from the brink of starvation. The journey had been a lean one, dangerous. Almost a fifth of her changelings had fallen along the way to various things: the elements, predators, age, injury and accidents.

There was a knock at her door. It was no longer warded, but the room was still under heavy detection spells and dampening fields. They were quite effective, too. The new addition to her quarters were a number of blue gems placed in each corner of the room at the ceiling. They allowed the queen to cast her magic to a certain degree, though prevented her from even attempting combat magic. She had tried once to zap one of the gems and had in turn been shocked by all four gems the moment she began charging.

It had made Atalanta cry. She had been terrified by the sudden zap and the cry of pain from her mother immediately after.

Chrysalis could leave, but she suspected the ponies were up to something. Whenever she did leave her room, six guards followed her everywhere. No longer was she escorted by just one or even two. Six! She was still a prisoner. Even with her horn free of that damnable inhibitor, she still felt as though freedom would continue to be out of her reach.

Atalanta finished feeding, smacking her lips and burping. Her belly bulged, full of milk. Chrysalis had her eyes on the door as it opened. In peeked the last pony she had expected. Such a brave fool!

“Did I come at a bad time?” asked Cadence. The alicorn blinked at Chrysalis as though she had seen the changeling grow two more heads right before her eyes. “Why is it so dark in here?” she asked as she squinted.

“Yes, you did and I love the dark.” grumped the queen moodily. So much for relaxing! “Come to throw more accusations at me?” Even though they’re mostly true. Mostly.

The princess frowned slightly, sighing and hesitated. It appeared as though she did not really want to come in, but she did, but only after visibly steeling herself. “I had a long talk with Aunt Celestia last night,” she began, closing the door behind her. “Even though I think you are a monster and you should be put away for a long, long time, I had some things explained to me in regards to you and your hive.”

Curious indeed she would dare meet the very being who had imprisoned her! Then again, Chrysalis knew she was under far more scrutiny now than she had been under lock and key. Such an interesting turn of events!..and foreboding. Cadence was after something specifically. The queen masked her apprehension carefully. It was a simple thing to do, really.

“Oh?” Chrysalis cleaned up after her daughter with her tongue. She felt the alicorn’s eyes on her as she washed up everything with her forked appendage. Her touch was gentle, especially when she went over the little wings sprouting from Atalanta’s back. The nymph leaned into her mother’s ministrations; a lazy, happy chirp escaping like a meandering song.

“I-I thought perhaps even if we can’t see eye-to-eye and considering our past, that maybe we can focus on the task before us.” Chrysalis looked up, quirking an eyebrow, her face scrunched in confusion.

Ah, so she is very much afraid! “I don’t follow,” she quipped, blinking. Chrysalis inhaled deeply, pushing down the sudden growth of frustration and irritation threatening to explode. The last thing she wanted was to go on a tirade and upset her daughter. Atalanta was impossible to settle down as it was, and feeding her until her little tummy threatened to burst was the only way to get the little one down for her nap. “As it stands, I have nothing to say to you. I took your husband, used him shamelessly, and almost took all of Equestria based on the information he volunteered only after some heavy persuasion on my part. How could you possibly forgive me for that?”

The princess frowned, biting her lower lip. “I honestly can’t forgive you for that,” she admitted. “Nor do I think I will ever forget. But I will move on, if only for the sakes of the innocent who are in the path of this monster that followed you.”

“Pony innocents?” suggested Chrysalis.

Cadence shook her head as she seated herself on the lone love seat in the room without permission. “Not just ponies. Changelings, too. Anypony who might get in her way.” She made herself comfortable, though still could not find comfort in being in the same room as the changeling queen. Chrysalis sensed her unease and tasted the little bit of fear the alicorn was fighting to contain. “What is she like?”

“No creature you would like to meet, I can assure you,” whispered the changeling with a slight shudder. Her look became distant for a moment, shifting to Atalanta, then back to Cadence. “Imagine if you would, a monster who breaks into your home, slaughters your family, your mother right before your eyes, then claims you as her daughter. Then, she raises you through pain and suffering, trying to mold you to be just like her. Any love you might have, she takes, only letting you have enough to stay sane and keep your will to live flickering, but there.”

The alicorn’s intense appearance softened just a touch. “What was your real mother like?”

The question was sudden, unexpected. Luna had never pried, having a very respectable changeling approach of not asking certain questions. Even Celestia had never asked, as she was the nosiest mare in all the world.

“She is a faded memory now,” said Chrysalis dismissively. She began looking at the reports. “Something like this happened to her.” The photos were floated towards Cadence. “Have a look, if you’ve got the stomach. This is what Taalia does. She forages. She restocks her supplies. Raiding a small changeling hive and destroying the colony is just a part of what she is. All though, she did not spare the little ones. At least, none that I am aware of. The destruction was complete. The poor things suffered greatly. Taalia needs hate and fear to feed her Ravagers. She gets it by torturing her captives.”

It was clear Cadence had been brought up in a very protected environment, as her blanched face was any indication. Horror etched itself across her pretty pony face. Her eyes went wide, then squeezed shut when she could look no more. “Take them away!” she pleaded, her eyes brimming with tears.

“The little ones,” Chrysalis droned in a monotone that could not hide her sorrow, “she fed the little ones to the Ravagers and they fed upon their blood, draining them while they were alive. Draining them so they could feed upon their fear and pain even as they sucked the very life from them. And Taalia watched and encouraged them. She considers those monsters of hers her children. The Ravagers came from a twisted broodmother and impressed upon her when they hatched. They were fed hate as eggs, then as hatchlings. Once they became nymphs, they were trained in all ways of killing. They are brutes. They are created to hunt and kill changelings. They are killing machines that know no remorse, no mercy. They fight until they win or are dead or Taalia tells them to stop. They are relentless.”

Imagine her surprise when she looked up and saw Cadence crying silently, staring at the queen with pity. Feeling suddenly awkward, she pulled back the reports and set them aside on the nightstand next to her bed. She was none too gentle when her magic tossed the carelessly. Papers slid from the folder and fell to the floor unnoticed, save for the cursory twitch of an ear at the sounds.

Chrysalis sighed. “You are too gentle for such things, princess. I have dealt with things like that for most of my life. I have too many mistakes I have committed in my wake. I cannot dwell on them, yet they hound me in my thoughts and in my heart. I never hated you.”

“What do you mean?” asked Cadence as Chrysalis floated a box of tissues to her. “Why are you being nice to me, for that matter?”

“Originally, I wanted to approach you openly, with no deception, before your wedding.”

Cadence sobered, blinking as she accepted the tissues. “I don’t believe it. What prevented you?”

“The well established belief ponies are inferior to changelings.”

“Balderdash.”

“I beg your pardon?”

Cadence was heating up. “That is so stupid!” she snapped as she wiped her eyes. She rose her head proudly. “Just because we don’t wallow in gallons and gallons of blood and wade through the bodies of countless thousands does not make ponies inferior. If anything, it makes us far more civilized than savages like you!”

Chrysalis smirked. “Savages. I like that. All predators are savage, my dear Princess of Love. We hunt. We kill. We survive. Such is the nature of predators.”

Cadence opened her mouth to say something, perhaps unpleasant based upon the scowl creasing her lovely features. Chrysalis thought she looked adorable angry. Instead, the look fell away, giving to one of pity. Chrysalis did not like having that look levelled upon her like judgement before a reckoning.

Cadence said, “Why can’t changelings be protectors? You have marvelous gifts. Why can you not use them to help everypony?”

“Everypony. That is your problem. Everypony.” Chrysalis huffed and rolled her eyes. “At least I am open about my speciesism. You hide it behind your lovely veil of Tolerance and Harmony. I have studied your government. I have seen into your citizens. Do you know twenty percent of Equestrian citizens are not even ponies? None of them are represented in almost all of your government positions. You have one griffon mayor in a town populated mostly by griffons. There is little to no integration of the species. Where is the harmony in that, princess?”

“That’s not true!” insisted Cadence.

“Then do the fact checking yourself. I spent nearly three years learning all about you Equestrians through my native changeling contacts. Do it. Prove me wrong. Your hypocrisy is astounding. Your ignorance to your own subjects disturbing.” Chrysalis carefully hid the smug expression that wanted to break through her stony exterior. “At least changelings acknowledge their speciesism. We do not shirk from the truth.”

“All Equestrian citizens enjoy the same laws and freedoms, no matter who or what they are.”

“The more laws you have, the less freedom there is,” retorted Chrysalis.

“That’s—” Cadence stopped herself, as she was becoming riled up. The queen wanted to burst out laughing. “That’s not what I came here to discuss with you. I have questions regarding you and Atalanta. I agreed to help my aunt. I think this will help me as much as it will help you. I want to learn to forgive you, Chrysalis, but you make it so hard. What memories I have with what you did make it even more so. You were and are a horrible creature, but I must be the better mare, if only to help those who cannot help themselves.”

“How...diplomatic,” murmured the queen. “Celestia never asked me if I would give up my daughter to you for any amount of time. My own thoughts were muddled and confused. I found myself in the rare state of indecision and once again, thanks to you ponies, my own choices were made limited. So,” She rounded upon Cadence through the straightening of the shoulders and the proud rise of her neck head, “what would you like to know about caring for a nymph?”

“You would allow me?”

“I have not yet decided. Nymphs are energetic, sleep all of three or four hours in the span of a day, if you are lucky. They are a full time commitment. They are the reason why queens have broodmothers. A queen’s child requires all of her mother’s time while the broodmothers handle the affairs of the hive and the colony. For the next several weeks, Atalanta will be nursing. A nymph feeds many times in a day and must have close, physical contact with the mother while feeding. It is a time of bonding and is very precious. If my dear, precious Atalanta were still a hatchling, then there would be no question the denial I would have given Celestia. Have you ever had a foal suckle from your teats, Cadence?” She smiled broadly, showing the full length of her fangs.

Cadence shook her head. “I have never had the experience. Surely a bottle—”

“Absolutely no bottles! Either you nurse my daughter with your own milk from your own teat with her latched upon it or this discussion goes no further!”

“But I am not lactating!”

“There is a spell to encourage that.”

“You want my first experience with nursing to be with a changeling?”

“She’s the daughter of your husband.”

Cadence stared at the queen helplessly. “You’re a monster.”

“So I’m often told.”

“Aunt Celestia insisted it would be impossible for you to go with her out there and take your daughter with you!”

“I was also told it was impossible to go halfway around the world to seek out an end to the malady that eats away at all changelings,” replied Chrysalis. “You are lucky Atalanta likes you and likes the Cakeslayer.”

Cadence was not a happy mare. “Oh, Auntie, what did you get me into?” she whispered.

“Changing your mind?” Chrysalis asked innocently.

The princess gave her an exasperated snort. “How can anypony hold a discussion with you? You make every conversation a war you think you have to win! You have to impose your will over everything with no compromise!”

Chrysalis sniffed, “I believe I have compromised quite a bit, thank you.”

“The only reason I am even entertaining the notion of my daughter in your hooves is because I gave my word to protect the other hives with my changelings from Queen Taalia,” Chrysalis said evenly. “Everything about the very idea of a changeling royal not at her mother’s side screams against my instincts. No pony has ever had a hoof in being a part of raising a nymph. The only reason why I am even considering is because I want to leave the life I once lived in the past. I have seen how the changelings in Equestria have become. They are fat. They are lazy.”

She sighed deeply, looking down at her daughter. “I find myself envious. This is what I want for my daughter. I want her happy. I don’t want her looking over her shoulder the rest of her life and wondering if a monster is going to take her from me. I want my changelings to have a permanent home, instead of roving the world in search of an answer that might not even exist. Even if my journey ends with my task unfulfilled, I want to ensure a future for my hive and my changelings.”

Cadence doubted her. It was plainly visible in her body language and especially in her eyes.

Chrysalis was torn. “Just...love my daughter, Cadence. I can feel the love you have for her. You love everything indiscriminately. It is in your nature. It is who you are. Don’t trust my words, but trust your own instincts in this matter.”

The alicorn could not find the words to speak.

“If anything happens to me,” Chrysalis went on, “if I don’t return—”

“Do you think you are going to die?” Cadence asked abruptly, angrily. “Just stop.”

“If I don’t return,” Chrysalis pressed through grit teeth, “introduce my daughter to her father. I should think she should know who her father is, at least. I would do it myself, but I think the anger and hatred Shining Armor would have for me would harm Atalanta. You alluded to it when you emulated his emotions through your own. You can carry the emotions of others, princess, and you know it.”

“Auntie won’t let you anywhere near anything dangerous. She just wants you to contact the other changelings and to see the site. It won’t take but a few days and you’ll be back.” Cadence flicked her tail. “Besides, even if something does happen to you, I don’t think too many will mourn your passing.”

Chrysalis gave a thin smile to the princess. “She will,” she said softly, indicating her daughter with her muzzle. “I remember what it felt like when the bond between myself and my mother was broken when she died. It felt...felt like…” The changeling heaved a sigh, one filled with loss over a future that never came to be. What might have been…

No, Chrysalis would still be a slave if her mother had lived. This path had been set long ago. Reflecting upon it did little good.

“I choose hope for my changelings, Cadence. I have had many weeks to think upon this, to think upon you and to think upon Shining Armor.”

Cadence said nothing, but nodded once in encouragement.

“I l—”

“I know. Don’t say it. You think you do. This is one of the few reasons why I even entertained the notion of watching over your daughter.” Cadence heaved a great sigh, as though a huge weight had settled over her graceful shoulders. Her wings fidgeted and she stared at the napping nymph. “I also don’t believe you truly do. I would know. It would be a one sided attachment. He hates you. He despises the very ground you walk on. Did you know my husband sometimes flinches when I touch him? He has nearly struck me out of sheer fear several times. I have to announce myself when I entered the same room as he does. There have been nights I could not share the same bed with him because of his nightmares. You broke my husband, Chrysalis. You. Broke. My. Husband.” Angry tears fell down her cheeks.

Chrysalis said nothing, showed nothing. How could she show shame and weakness before prey? Why was she feeling such remorse? The stallion was nothing to her, nothing but a tool.

Wasn’t he?

But the way he treated Cadence, the way he treated Chrysalis as she pretended to be the princess, had shown her a side of males she was rarely exposed to: a caring, gentle soul full of love and laughter, who had his whole world and heart centered upon one mare.

She tried to speak, feeling herself shrink inwardly from the intensity of the pain directed at her. It made her flesh crawl beneath her chitin.

“Ma?” warbled Atalanta weakly, disturbed by the pain of the princess. She fidgeted and whimpered, no longer comfortable as the love fell away to something unpleasant.

“He won’t touch me,” whispered Cadence, staring at the little pale nymph. A new pang came from her and Chrysalis realized her daughter had her father’s colorations. Pale changelings were rare, but not unheard of. She had never given it more than a passing thought to the changeling belief a pale child was good luck. Cadence had noticed and it was only now coming to bear. How could she have missed that? “I wanted to give him the most precious thing a mare can give her stallion, but he won’t make love to me. It’s been four months, Chrysalis! How could you do that to him or any stallion for that matter?”

An uncomfortable silence, as if it were the dead of night, in a forest, surrounded by fear inducing mist.

“It’s all I know,” whispered the queen sullenly. “Males...they are little more than disposable resources. Most of them are sterile. They are drones. Very few are consorts. Changelings do not have marriage as you see it. A female chooses a male partner and he gives her his seed. There is little past that. She may keep him if he pleases her and is good company. The little ones grow up, often not knowing who their father is. It is our way. As they mature, they are separated and trained to the task they were born to inherit. Breeding males are often officers. Perhaps princes would be the correct term to describe them. They fight for their mares, they breed with their mares when they are chosen. It is a poor excuse, but it is the truth.”

Cadence sniffled and wiped her muzzle with a foreleg. A most unladylike thing to do, especially for a princess. She glared at the queen. “That is still no excuse! You broke his will. You left a shattered mess and I have been trying to pick up the pieces. Your society beliefs do not conform to Equestrian standards of how to treat anypony with decency and respect! If this is how your race is, then I truly feel sorry for how broken a people you all are.”

There was a moment of silence as the two mares glared at each other. It stretched longer and longer as neither wanted to back down from the other. Truly an awkward choice of topics, but both knew it was inevitable. Neither had expected it to happen this soon. Chrysalis had deeply hoped to never have to have this conversation. Now steeped deep in it, she had no choice but to confront Cadence.

It was turning into a very awkward afternoon.

“I could tell you stories,” offered Chrysalis as she tried to calm down Atalanta. “But I doubt they would calm your anger nor soothe your pain. I can offer excuses upon excuses, but they would do little to dissuade the turmoil in your heart. You wage a war against your very nature. You are incapable of hating, due to who you are, but such a feeling stirs within you and you hate it. None of this was what I had wanted. I gave in to my carnal desires. I was wrong to do so. I am a wretch. I am a monster. But I am now a mother. My daughter will not become as I have. I allow her to be in your hooves because I know you have a capacity to love and give love beyond anything a mortal changeling can dare to comprehend.

“It hurts, Cadence. It hurts me to go against everything I was ever taught. I struggle against my pride and my instincts as I try to point my hive in the right direction so they can live without fear from tyrants and monsters. I do not want your forgiveness. What would I do with it? Find peace of mind? I live now for the future of my daughter.”

The queen shifted her daughter until she was in her forehooves and facing her mother. Her legs kicked in the air as she protested and whimpered still. Chrysalis nuzzled her with a sad smile. “My ultimate fate matters little to me. Mark my words, Cadence; Taalia has a plan. It means an ambush. She may not be expecting me nor Celestia, but there will be a fight.”

The pink alicorn barked out an unseemly laugh. “Don’t change the subject! We are going to have this out. I think your daughter has a gift. A gift that calms hearts. I think this makes having discussions like this possible without resorting to shouting or fighting. Haven’t you noticed?”

Atalanta had closed her eyes, gurgling a grumpy gurgle and finishing up with a very large and long yawn. Then, she smacked her lips, pulled her legs up to her body and went grudgingly to sleep.

“Will you love her while I am gone?” asked Chrysalis, giving the alicorn an intent and almost pleading look. “Will she be here when I return?”

Emotions welled up from the princess and lapped at the senses of the changeling queen. Cadence held her eyes for a moment before nodding. “I will love her and she will be waiting for you when you return. I swear it.”

“That’ll do, princess. That’ll do.”

“Just one thing, Chrysalis. A stipulation. I insist upon it.”

“Shining Armor?”

“Yes.”

“I suppose I can’t postpone that, either.”

“Not really advisable, I’d say.”

“If I return, then yes.”

“When you return.”

“Optimistic, eh?”

“Oh, it’s not that. Not at all. I just want you to get what’s coming to you.”

And Chrysalis laughed humorlessly. It was the laugh of a maniacal madmare, which woke up Atalanta. Who promptly had enough of being jostled and assaulted with noise, her nest of emotional love constantly disrupted by the two mares, and began to wail loudly and suddenly.

Both adults shared sheepish grins, even as they pinned their ears against such a sonic assault upon them. Then Chrysalis began the impossible task of calming her daughter, so focused upon her little one to notice Cadence had slid from her seat and glided next to her, offering her own means of quieting upset foals.

Later in her life, Chrysalis would look back and see this was the beginning of the healing, even though there was still a very long and arduous journey ahead of her. Was the pain worth it?

Such a silly question.

“And Chrysalis?” Cadence asked sweetly as she rose to her hooves. She made her way to the door, throwing a measured look at the changeling.

“What?” growled the queen.

“Try to remember your mother. Your real one. She sounds like she would have been a mare worth meeting. I could feel the love you still have for her. Try to get a hold of it. Cherish it. I think it would do you and your daughter a world of good.” And before Chrysalis could reply, the alicorn was gone, the door quietly closing in her wake.

Chapter XX

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Atalanta attacked the red ball half her size with the ferocity and skill of a six week old kitten. Her little hisses and buzzing of her wings filled her mother’s ears. Chrysalis found the noise to be not bothersome and often looked up from her writing to watch her daughter play with her new toy. Changeling nymphs absolutely loved red objects. Bouncy red objects were irresistible. The young princess was no exception to the rule as she bit and scrapped with her new favorite toy.

A simple ball, much like the one Chrysalis remembered her mother giving her so long ago. A red ball could be found in the den of any mother with nymphs. They were a wonderful aid in helping developing young to hone their skills and discover their balance. A few times Chrysalis picked up the ball with her magic and tossed it to the corner of the room and grin broadly as Atalanta immediately took after it with a challenging little hiss too adorable for words.

The truth was, as the smile faded and Chrysalis pulled her emotions into herself, the ball was little more than a distraction. A bribe and a terrible one at that. Atalanta was given the red ball as a present this night before the queen was to follow the alicorn and her army the next day.

They’re all going to die. Those idiot officers haven’t listened to a thing I’ve told them. They don’t understand! Taalia knows how to hunt herds! Her Ravagers would rip through the Guard like scythes through fields of wheat. Fools! All of them, fools!

“I may have to carry the field,” she said to herself with a sigh. Atalanta heard her mother and perked her large ears as she turned from her game and stared. “Play on, my little morsel,” Chrysalis bade her daughter with a wan smile. It grew wider and more honest as the nymph grinned unabashedly at her, wagging her tail and buzzing her wings excitedly.

“Ma!”

Chrysalis chuckled. “Well, don’t look at me! The ball is right there!” She picked it up and tossed it with a flick of her horn. Atalanta squealed in delight and went after it. The little nymph found her target and assaulted it with extreme prejudice, snarling and spitting in her play. Rolling around with all of her hooves wrapped around her prey, it made her mother laugh suddenly at the display of mock ferocity.

Laughter. It had been a thing of such short supply throughout her life. Hardships and suffering had seemed to dog her every step. Was that not life? Was it nothing more than a play on survival, from birth to death? Everything that happened in between hinged on success and failure. Victory or defeat.

Kindness. Changelings knew so little of such a concept beyond their hive. They looked out for each other, for as one, a hive could be a powerful force. They cared for their own, took in the young of fallen mothers and let the elderly and infirm stay at the center of the group when they traveled. Old changelings had wisdom and the young ones were the future.

Generosity. A mostly foreign concept, if only because Chrysalis had never seen much of it, unless it was the pain and suffering given by Taalia. Oh, she could be generous, but almost always at the expense of some poor unfortunate. The Chrysalis remembered being ‘generously’ given as a reward to the Ravagers to vent their sexual frustrations. But, there had been few true examples of one of the pillars by which pony society was built upon for changelings. In Equestria, the queen noticed it had a far gentler, more noble meaning.

Loyalty. In a hive, all changelings were loyal to their queen. Rarely were her orders questioned. Broodmothers did that. It was part of their own duties to do so. But it was because they were loyal to the hive and felt responsible for the colony, if there was one. A queen’s soldiers were devoted to her, gifted through great ceremony from their brood mother to the queen when they were old enough to begin their training. Loyalty began and ended with the hive. Outsiders were never trusted and barely tolerated, if at all.

Honesty. A changeling had to be dishonest. Survival depended upon it. However, when in the colony, changelings could not help but be honest with hivemates. They were trusted. They were family. They deserved nothing less but honestly. The broodmothers were honest with their queen. They had to be, as some of her commands required questioning and sometimes overturning, if there was a chance of a risk for the safety of all the changelings of the hive.

The five pillars of pony society had led Chrysalis to believe Equestria was weak and soft. Her own observations had reinforced that belief and she felt she could have the entirety of ponykind at her hooves if she but take the heart of the nation. Take down the bringer of the sun, and the world would be hers!

But, drunk with emotions, she had lost sight of the bigger picture, the true purpose for coming to Equestria. Her own bloated ambitions had made her lose sight of finding the Cure. There was no one else to blame but herself. Her changelings had suffered massive losses, the hive’s army obliterated from existence in a matter of moments.

Her guilt weighed heavily. Broodmother Anise no doubt had felt the loss of her children. Most of them had been seeing their first action. Chrysalis had few veteran soldiers to call upon for the incursion. She was certain her more experienced warriors had a better chance of surviving the unexpected explosion of love, but for the younger changelings…

They had all been like her own children. Every moment she looked upon her own daughter, she was reminded of her own failures as a leader...and as one to whom her changelings looked upon as the perfect mother figure. Chrysalis loved her changelings deeply. She had mourned, felt the pangs of the deepest loss. Each one she had at least known their names. Even now, unbidden, they came to her thoughts, names with faces. They had followed her loyally, believed in her cause. Few had questioned. Most believed this was a part of finding and end to the Hunger, to at last fill the Void and know freedom of their souls.

With victory would come the Cure.

And she misled them horribly.

Why are my cheeks wet?

Atalanta was there, at her hooves, looking up at her mother. The ball lay forgotten behind her. The nymph gave a worried little chirp. “Ma?”

She was swept up by the queen, forehooves gathering up the little one and pulling her to her chest. The long suffering changeling sobbed uncontrollably, finding comfort in holding her daughter. Atalanta squirmed, uncomfortable with the sadness and grief, but seeming to understand her mother needed her. Such thoughts no doubt confused the nymph, as her only thoughts were of play, sleep, and food. Something deep within the recesses of her developing mind told her Mommy was very sad about something and needed her to make things better.

So, the suddenly upset changeling adult in turn upset her uncomprehending nymph who, of course, cried along with her as there seemed to be no other option available to her.

Chrysalis had led them to their deaths.

Chrysalis had broken an oath she had sworn herself to.

Chrysalis had left her hive defenseless against Taalia.

Chrysalis had opened herself to be at the mercy of prey, finding she in turn needed them to save her changelings. Changelings she felt no longer fit to rule. How could she? Her failure was catastrophic. At some point, she believed, the damned ponies would take Atalanta away from her, and it would be for the best.

The fallen queen felt her life had culminated to this failure because that was all she was good for. Queen Taalia had seen to that. In the morning, her final journey would begin. Celestia would have her revenge, the ponies would confront Taalia, die horribly, and leave the alicorns to pick up the pieces in the bloody aftermath.

“Mommy loves you,” Chrysalis managed, pulled her head up and tilting it to one side so she might fix an eye upon her crying daughter. “Mommy is so happy to have had you. You are going to be in good hooves. Maybe a better future for you.” Fate had a funny way of turning the tables on the changeling. “One day, you will be a queen. You will have your own hive. You must be a strong queen, stronger than I. I have written all the things I have done for you. All my failures. The few triumphs. I was never truly free, my little morsel, but you will be. You will keep your changelings happy and safe. Be better than me, my daughter. When I am gone, when all of this is over, you will be innocent against all the things I have done. I leave you a legacy.” One of pain and suffering, sacrifice and failure...

Atalanta stared at her mother, sniffling, not understanding. She chirped, cocking her head to one side, her ears flopping forward, locking on her mother’s voice. "Ma?"

The changeling studied her daughter, forcing her own tears away. She cooed and gently bounced the crying nymph until she began to settle down. Atalanta looked up at her mother and chirped again. For some reason Chrysalis smiled. Her daughter made her smile. Atalanta made her feel bad for making her cry. Of course seeing her daughter unhappy only added to the guilt seeping into the heart of the Queen. It took a moment of clearing the turmoil from her mind, but Chrysalis came to a startling realization as the nub in the center of her daughter’s head glowed with flickering blue light as her eyes squeezed tightly. Love flowed in itty bitty spurts from the little nymph to her mother. It came with an eager hug, as Atalanta thought one must be appropriate for this very moment.

“Oh, you dear little thing!” she exclaimed, unable to help the laugh that forced its way up her throat. She was supposed to be feeling sorry for herself! Chrysalis felt her daughter’s love brush up against her. It was a tiny, laughable amount, but the queen accepted her daughter’s love without hesitation. Atalanta did not want her mommy to feel sad.

“My life...I have never truly had control over my life.” Chrysalis sighed, nuzzling her nymph. Tiny holed hooves wrapped around her muzzle and she felt her daughter rub her cheek against her snout. “Be it Greater queens or meddlesome ponies, it seems as though I am always driven away from the direction I need to go.”

Atalanta gurgled and nipped playfully. Her mood had shifted rapidly and once again she was a happy little bug.

“I can’t give in to them,” Chrysalis whispered softly. A tiny nuzzle was the response. “But at the same time, I need them. I need them to protect my changelings. I must compromise from a position of weakness. I have thought much about how I can strengthen my position. But I am at a loss, my little morsel. What should I do? It’s not enough I must give you over to the Princess of Love. It’s not enough they demand I go with them to a potential slaughter. Her generals, they do not listen to me. I am not trusted. I am considered the enemy, even though Celestia specifically told them to listen to me. Their ignorance will be counted by the number of the dead when all is said and done.”

Sighing to herself and nestling down, she let her daughter crawl over her head and neck and let her mind wander over her day. It had been a miserable one.

She had spent the day trying to speak sense into three unicorns who represented the commanders who would be leading the expedition. Chrysalis had honestly tried to make an effort for the fools to know what they were getting themselves into. They paid her little mind. Celestia was not there, as she had gone to do other duties elsewhere. Chrysalis had not seen the princess since the day before. Cadence had made herself scarce as well, as she was not inclined to listen in on war talk. The last of the troops had arrived and they were already resting, preparing for the long march tomorrow.

Three thousand ponies. One thousand of each tribe was represented. This did not count the swarm of ponies milling around the encampment outside the fortress walls. Camp followers. Mothers. Foals. Farriers. Blacksmiths. Prostitutes. Merchants. Their number alone was comparable to the force itself. Most of them would travel with the supply train. Chrysalis had been adamant about leaving them behind. Speed and stealth was of the essence, she tried to explain.

“I know how to run a campaign,” one of the generals had told her rudely. “You may have the sympathy and protection of the Princess, but you are still nothing more than a parasitic leech who thrives on the suffering of others!”

At that point, Chrysalis stormed from the room, hissing with fury, her horn crackling with malevolent energy. Thankfully, she kept her temper in check and found solace in a cup of spiced wine and some cheese and bread. She spent the remainder of the day on the ramparts, sheathed in the form of a white unicorn, thinking.

The truth was as plain as the flash of fangs before the killing bite. They were all going to die. The Ravagers would notice them from miles away and set up an ambush. They were very good at such tactics. Queen Taalia would have her fill of blood and it would only serve to embolden her to do something worse. Chrysalis wanted to see the site of the massacre. There were some things she wanted to look for and there was still time. Not much, she surmised, but just enough. Something might still be salvaged from the loss of an entire colony and its hive.

Shortly before sunset, Chrysalis returned to her quarters, where Atalanta had been becoming acquainted more with Cadence. Naturally, the Princess of Love attracted the little nymph with her easygoing attentiveness and cheerful demeanor. The love from Cadence was intoxicating to Chrysalis, as it would be for any changeling. It was like basking in the glow of the very essence of love itself. It was pure, unbiased, and open.

Upon seeing the princess and her daughter, Chrysalis recalled what Cadence had said about the queen’s mother. No words were passed as the nymph was hoofed over to her mother with a loving nuzzle and a cool glance and nod given. No words were exchanged between the two mares, but Cadence did promise Atalanta they would play again tomorrow. The nymph was sad to see her go and sighed wistfully before her stomach told her it was dinner time. After nursing, the ball was introduced. It had been a few hours since and the hour was growing late. Atalanta had relentlessly played with her newfound toy. As Chrysalis had just noted to herself; changeling nymphs love the color red.

Bribery was a time-honored tradition among changelings, in all of its forms. Greater queens were known to have used entire lesser hives and their queens as a barter for services, depending on their reasons. Then again, something as simple as a red ball meant as a distraction felt like a preamble to a betrayal.

Chrysalis felt her mood spiraling again.

Atalanta wanted to nurse again. Her mother complied, positioning herself on her side and stretching her legs from her body. As the nymph crawled over her side and belly, Chrysalis’ thoughts wandered again, trying to focus on something positive. She tried to imagine what Atalanta would look like as an adult, picturing her with a male of her choice and surrounded by a throng of nymphs, some hers, most belonging to the hive proper. Most importantly was the smile she imagined her daughter to be wearing. Not a care nor worry etched upon her face. Just happiness and a contentment with her world Chrysalis had never been able to experience for herself.

“My pride is my weakness,” she admitted. To do so felt wrong. She knew her pride was enormous. It had also cost her a great deal of pain. Taalia had never been able to crush the queen’s pride. If there was anything positive to come from it, the queen could only think of the day she decided she had enough of Taalia and fled from the tigress’ territory with a small swarm of changelings who were slaves like her.

That had felt like another lifetime, in another world.

The chase had gone for years. Chrysalis became a magnet for those who had no hope. Broken, battered changelings came to her in all shapes and sizes, looking upon her as a final bastion of hope. The queen ascended to queenhood with no ceremony. She did not realize she had become a queen until she noticed how all eyes fell upon her with awe and reverence. As minds joined with hers, changelings began to appear as she did, becoming her hive and her swarm. They became an extension of her will and Chrysalis grew into understanding what it meant to be a queen. The burden of new responsibilities altered her, making for many sleepless nights. Her unruly mob of changelings soon began to fall under the sway of her thoughts and machinations, and she gave over to them her knowledge learned from Taalia.

Chrysalis was a far kinder teacher. She needed loyal changelings who followed out of love and duty instead of fear and terror.

Such reflections made the queen wonder.

One day, she was an escaped slave. The next, queen. And she had never even seen it coming. It simply...happened.

The Twin Queens had commanded Taalia to do no harm to Chrysalis. The tiger changeling queen had obviously ignored it. She was punished, as the opportunity for escape had been provided by the elite guards of the goddesses. The raid was punishment, and the queen under whom Taalia answered to was utterly destroyed, her hive shattered as the shadows of the goddesses fell upon them in judgement. Chrysalis thought she felt immortal eyes looking down upon her, through the smoke and confusion so many years ago, willing her to go and laughing in her mind.

It made Queen Taalia a rogue and without a leash.

Such a realization back then had easily spurred Chrysalis to make as much haste as possible. The goddesses reminded her quietly of the task they had bestowed upon her, pointing in the right direction and saying nothing more.

“So long ago,” she mused sleepily. “Feels so very long ago.” Atalanta suckled and Chrysalis felt at ease. Feeling the little hooves pressing into her belly for purchase and hearing the little sounds of a feeding royal nymph gave her world a sense of calm, if only for a moment.

Oh, the look on Cadence’s face the moment she has to let her little morsel have a teat! Chrysalis wanted a picture of that moment. It would be a petty, amusing victory. Of course, given the princess’ disposition, she would do it with little complaint, if any. Perhaps she would even enjoy it! Tapping into that maternal instinct to nurture a small one… No, Mi Amore Cadenza was the sort of pony who would love nothing more than to leap headlong into the embrace of motherhood as though she was destined to it.

Celestia had made the obvious and only viable choice.

But why?

Chrysalis sighed, eyeing the lone candle lighting the room. For several moments she gazed upon the little flame. It reflected in the pools of her large, luminous eyes as she basked in the afterglow of nursing her daughter. Atalanta had by now finished feeding and had curled up against her mother’s stomach. The changeling pulled her legs in and curled her body protectively around her daughter, pausing for a moment to snuff out the with a flick of magic from her horn. Before putting out the light, her eyes searched. She noted the forgotten red ball on the floor. The glow of her horn shifted its hue of green subtly as if to adjust her telekinetic grip from the candle to the ball. Picking it up gently, she deposited it neatly into Atalanta’s hooves. The nymph purred and grabbed her toy instinctively, adding a possessive coo.

First light the next day she would be gone. Before embarking with Celestia and her gaggle of idiots, she would place a sleeping spell on Atalanta before hoofing her over to Cadence. Chrysalis already knew her daughter would cry when she discovered her mother was gone. She nosed her daughter, feeling another pang of guilt. She did not want to go. Taking Atalanta was out of the question. If Taalia knew about her, Chrysalis was certain the tigress would make an effort to snatch the nymph.

Already the steady breathing of her daughter told the queen sleep had overtaken the nymph. Safe, warm, and happy, the nymph was oblivious to what was going on beyond the world she knew.

There would be no sleep for the queen this night, though her thoughts did drift to the blue changeling and how familiar she was.

Chapter XXI

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Chrysalis flit her wings anxiously, her eyes darting around the camp as she took dainty steps across the dusty ground. Her large, floppy ears turned this way and that as she focused to the sounds and smells around her. Her inner sense fixated temporarily on the emotions of the thousands of ponies gathered at this site, only to focus on the next strongest one as she gauged the mood of the ponies around her. The ponies who did notice her stared and she sensed some hatred and distrust, far less than she expected, in all honesty.

The tents were arranged in neat rows. The changeling had noticed this first thing when she flew from the airship and towards the camp alongside Celestia and her swarm of guards. Pegasi darted through the skies, their polished armor gleaming in the light of the midday sun. The din of noise coming from the camp was like the smoke from the numerous cooking fires set up at intervals throughout; it rose and spread out, diffusing into the sky.

She noted with a sigh the whole camp was horribly exposed. Certainly, there were plenty of patrols from what she could see. The changeling could imagine eyes were already watching the ponies and their adorable little camping expedition. What idiot thought it was a good idea to allow families to tail after a military operation? She had heard the sounds of foals before she even saw one, blinking in disbelief as she paused in mid stride as a trio of foals ran out from a cluster of tents, chasing a dog.

These ponies have no clue!

Celestia had been told of the meeting between Chrysalis and the generals during the trip from the fortress to the camp. The alicorn listened and was not happy about what Chrysalis had told her. Words would be exchanged with her generals. They had already left to prepare for their jolly little changeling chase.

The queen ground her teeth in frustration. These ponies were idiots. They were begging for it. Often she would glance over at Celestia, who looked perfectly serene yet businesslike with the mask she wore. Chrysalis had pleaded with the alicorn for much of the duration of their trip. She practically begged, something she would never have done for herself and could never have imagined herself doing for ponies.

The flickering of concern in the magenta eyes of the princess showed she was beginning to see what her dark companion had tried to explain. Celestia’s own attention swept over the expanse of the camp, focusing more on her civilians and their section where they were staying.

The bowing ponies were ignored, though Celestia still wore her patented public smile. The three foals paused in their play to gape up at her in unbridled joy and wonder. They did not have the social grace to bow before her, but they did grin openly and in wonder. Chrysalis felt their love pour out and drank in some of it, feeling a shiver of loneliness course through her heart. She missed her daughter. Separation anxiety reared its ugly head.

“I think I see,” Celestia said quietly after the crowds parted. “Let us retire to my tent. We will discuss this further.” She turned towards the officers who had turned out to greet her. Chrysalis noted the same generals who had spurned her advice. “Where is my sister and why has she not come out to greet me?”

“Princess Luna is currently at the site of the burned out changeling hive,” responded one of the generals. His military discipline was impeccable, yet Chrysalis felt his disdain for her.

“I want to see it,” Chrysalis demanded sharply. “Take me to it now. There is little time to waste.”

“Know your place!” snapped another general, openly baring his teeth at her in hatred.

Calmly, Celestia said, “Queen Chrysalis is my guest. I have brought her along as an advisor. Her knowledge is invaluable. Valuable insight to your enemy is priceless. We shall discuss this later when my sister returns. She will want to be present when I say what needs to be said. Chrysalis, if you be so kind as to come with me.” A small smile combined with a dismissive stare at the generals was a work of art to behold.

Chrysalis was intrigued. Such a subtle yet effective show of her authority! Still, mustn’t be impressed by spoiled rotten pony princesses!

The general cowed, his eyes going wide as he ducked his head submissively, his ears splaying out behind him. The chastisement was crushing, despite the gentleness in Celestia’s voice. Chrysalis could see past it. She could feel past it. Somehow, the ancient alicorn could project what she felt and upon the object of her ire and disapproval. This was an interesting point of observation for the changeling queen. She said nothing, gave away nothing, but locked this information deep within the barriers of her mind.

“O-of course, your Highness,” he stammered. “I meant no offense to you.”

Chrysalis swished her tail once, the tips of strands kicking up small dust clouds. A sneer partially appeared on her lips, but just enough to show the tips of her fangs a bit more menacingly. “We are wasting time with fools,” she told Celestia irritably. “We must move quickly. I must get to the remnants of the hive immediately. Time is precious, Celestia. There are lives at stake.”

The alicorn simply nodded. “I have told my sister we are coming. She is expecting us.” She glanced around the camp, noting the defenses and disposition of the troops. “Double the guard. Active patrols, if you please. Diligence, my little ponies. Remove all civilians from this camp and send them back. This is not a vacation nor a family outing. This is warfare, generals.”

Chrysalis winced, feeling the ire of the alicorn. The changeling noted how the ancient pony deliberately avoided using the names of her little ponies. Clearly, she was not happy with them. The generals blinked, rebuked and rebuffed before reassembling their shattered pride and carrying it off somewhere to put it back together. This was going to be a bad day for them, Chrysalis surmised.

Part of the guard contingent who had traveled with them strode forward at an unseen command and took up positions around Celestia and Chrysalis. The others turned smartly and marched off to their tents, their hooves thundering in rhythm as they announced their arrival proudly.

“Gentlestallions,” Celestia announced crisply, “I do not think I need warn you we are in a potentially hostile location. Be wary, my little ponies!” She turned her head towards a plainly garbed pegasus scout who bowed reverently to her. Chrysalis rolled her eyes at his adoration of the alicorn.

He declared in a squeaky voice, awkward in the growth from colt to stallion, “I am your escort, your Majesty.”

“Rise,” she bade with a smile. When he looked up at her adoringly, she asked, “What is your name?”

“Finder, ma’am,” he replied with a nervous crack in his voice. He was very young, it seemed and very rough in his appearance.

“Local?”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“You seem a bit young for your role as a scout,” she observed benignly.

He cleared his throat, declaring proudly, “I was drafted!”

Celestia’s expression did not change, but her eyes went flat. “Is that so? On who’s orders?” She maintained her motherly voice.

Chrysalis ignored his reply, having settled her own attention to the receding generals. She could understand using a guide familiar with the area and even applauded reluctantly somepony had some semblance of a brain. However the age of the colt irked her. He should be in training! Such a youth would never be thrust into an offensive role. Even as a scout! Scouts needed to be experienced and sure!

“Idiots,” she spat, ending the word in a hiss. Her wings buzzed in her agitation. “They send a child to do a warrior’s task.”

The young pegasus cringed from her and she did not stop glowering. But her gaze was not on him. No, Chrysalis glared daggers at the back of the departing officers. “Child, you do a service for your fellow ponies.” She tilted her head at the colt and blinked. “Never give that service with the intention to impress those who could care less if you live or die in the service of your nation.”

The poor scout squeaked as his brain registered a changeling was speaking to him. He had tried so very hard to ignore Chrysalis, focusing on Celestia. His legs became rubbery and the fear swelled around him enough to make the queen jerk her head back with a wince. Finder was terrified of her!

“Chrysalis…” Celestia warned tiredly.

“What?” She assumed the picture of absolute innocence. Chrysalis could pull it off perfectly. She was, after all, a changeling.

Humor among changelings is a dark thing. It is almost always associated with the things predators relate to; the fear from one’s prey, hunting, stalking...dark things. We are masters of our surroundings and secretly take joy in the hunt...or in some cases, being the hunted.

Taalia did have a dark sense of humor. Consider her joy of death and destruction. Her joy came from the destruction of her prey. Her laughter stemmed from the blood that flowed at her hooves. Her ecstasy grew from the sounds of the suffering and the dying. There was humor in her, and a burning world to her was the most amusing thing.

I vexed her. I refused to join her in those sick little games of orgasmic destruction she delighted in. I could never stomach excessive death and bloodshed. There was always a voice only I could hear that could stave off the urges Taalia tried to put within me. My inner struggles confused her. No matter how many times I defied Taalia, she would at first rage in her failures, then laugh as she beat me for failing her. My sanity was maintained by that other voice. A familiar voice. I trusted that voice. It was familiar to me.

It was always a moment of humor for me when it would speak and override Taalia’s demands. The twisted queen would rage and I would laugh. She would hear me laugh and rain blow after blow down upon me, in violation of the orders given to her by the Twin Queens.

I would only laugh harder, despite my fears, despite everything that made me hate my queen. Taalia was the joke and she did not understand this. I was young, yet when I had been touched by one of the Twin Queens, my eyes were opened and I had been shown a glimpse of the joke that was the core of changeling life.

The Void was a most terrible, terrible joke. It could never be filled, yet we fed to fill it as the Hunger demanded we serve the Void. It was the only thing greater than the Queens.

The flight was short, perhaps thirty minutes. Finder led them unerringly, through a small forested valley that was formed around a lazy winding river. The pegasus colt was eager to please, puffing himself up proudly after being smiled upon by Princess Celestia. No doubt he would tell his grandfoals later on in his life of the time he had once showed the Immortal Sun the way.

Chrysalis found she envied the love the ponies had for their princess. Celestia had always been a constant, had always been there for them. She ruled more as a shepherdess rather than royalty. Celestia offered advice freely and ran her nation with minimal interference from her part. Each town was independent, its inhabitants free to live as they saw fit. The Crown simply set the guidelines and standards and Celestia would rule through means as simple as looking at results presented before her. Often, she would go out amongst her subjects, hiding beneath a disguise in order to keep a hoof on the pulse what was considered an acceptable standard of living throughout Equestria. Different places had different needs, so the princess was never bored with how her subjects more or less ruled themselves.

Chrysalis pondered this as she followed the alicorn closely. She could sense her own changelings now. They had picked up on her presence and pinged for her. The queen smiled to herself and replied in kind, urging patience. She knew they were safe and they yearned for her return. They would follow and watch from a distance. Their worry for her touched Chrysalis, but her primary concern about their safety was alleviated for the moment.

Be my eyes and my ears. Stay hidden, my children. Taalia is near!

They echoed in agreement and faded into near silence in the queen’s mind. An unintended happy chirp escaped her throat, but Chrysalis ignored the stares that fell upon her.

There was a burned out clearing in the forest by the river ahead of the group. It only came in view when they rounded a jagged hill jutting into the side of the river. Chrysalis noted there was an odd charge in the air, so faint as to be almost unnoticeable. Celestia noticed the subtle perk in the queen’s ears.

“I once battled Nightmare Moon here,” she said simply, as if it explained everything.

Chrysalis nodded mutely. This was an ancient battlefield, then. One fought between goddesses. Old memories were resurfacing within the ancient pony. It was a sadness Chrysalis had only felt once before and it was not one she could easily place, if at all.

Her nostrils quivered as she caught the faint whiff of burnt wood and changeling resin. She could also smell death as she drew closer to the blackened earth with its scorched stumps and blasted tree limbs reaching to the sky, frozen in their death throes. Within moments, she could make out the moving forms of ponies sifting through the carnage. The primary entrance to the shattered hive seemed to be under the roots of a splintered oak tree. Even several days after the massacre, there were still obvious signs pointing how the battle had played out.

Almost immediately, Chrysalis realized the attack had been a complete surprise. Most of the guards had fallen within the first moments of the attack and the Ravagers had swarmed into the entrance, two abreast. Chrysalis ignored the ponies and the shouts as she landed and immediately began to study the ground. Her nostrils flared as she sniffed the burnt earth, detecting where blood had been spilt and sensing for lingering emotions left behind at the moment of death.

She growled at ponies who were in her way as she conducted her own investigation. To the untrained eye, the changeling queen seemed to be meandering around in a nonsensical pattern. Celestia watched with great interest even as her sister emerged from the hive entrance. Luna trotted to her sister’s side and the two whispered to each other as Chrysalis eventually made her way to the entrance. Lifting her head, she flicked an ear and stared down the dark hole, ignoring the corpses of the fallen.

The ponies had not touched the bodies.

Her left ear twitched and Chrysalis snorted loudly. “I need to find the brooding chamber,” she announced as she surged forward.

Celestia was on her heels. Luna was on her right flank. “Why?”

Without looking back, Chrysalis snarled, “Taalia was after the hatchlings! Queen Fern was a crafty queen. She cared deeply about the weakest of her hive. She would have taken steps to protect them. Her motherly instincts were strong, but her defenses were weak. I warned her. I warned her to move away, to find another place, yet she ignored me. I should have killed her the moment I met her.” Her voice jostled with every heavy step the queen took. “Now her hive is dead. I need to know if she protected her little ones. There might be a chance...I must know!”

“Know what?” called Celestia in the wake of the surging changeling.

Chrysalis led them around numerous bends, going around investigating ponies and stepping over body parts and blood splatters that seemed to be everywhere. Not one Ravager had fallen, Chrysalis noted. The old fear threatened to fill her heart and she fought to keep it down. Swallowing hard, she paused to regain her bearings, sniffing the air filled with lingering death. She turned and followed a corridor, stepping over more bodies. The passages were becoming narrower and narrower as they slowly wound down and deeper beneath the roots of the tree.

It ended into a chamber, large enough for twenty ponies to stand in. It had a low ceiling. The queen felt her horn scrape against the resin that supported the room and kept the world from collapsing down upon them. Along the slightly rounded walls were nests. Empty nests.

Chrysalis narrowed her eyes. She sniffed around the floor, noting there were few dead changelings. Nurses. Caretakers for the hatchlings, she surmised. None were warriors. The signs pointed to frenzied searching. Fruitless searching, Chrysalis noted with grim satisfaction.

“They’re here,” she said. “They’re still here.”

“Who?” asked Luna in confusion.

“Unhatched eggs. Hatchlings. They are hidden.” Chrysalis continued her search. Her horn lit up. “Magic hid them. The Ravagers can’t use magic. They can sense it, but that is what saved the little ones. They’re asleep. Magically induced comas. They’re here. Taalia must have gone mad. She killed those in a fit of rage who would not tell here where the little ones were. I imagine Fern was defiant to the bitter end. I can feel her death screams in the wall. Her magic was at work here. She protected them. And she’s dead. But they are here. In this room.”

The queen stopped moving, becoming as still as a statue. Her horn continued to glow. Beneath her hooves were the scuff marks of a struggle. Dry blood was everywhere. The ground before her glowed, then fell away like crumbling dirt. With telekinesis, she swept it all away, revealing a deep depression in the center of the room. Letting out a long and slow exhale, she looked down.

Her smile was gentle and relieved.

“I claim these little ones as a part of my hive. I give them my love and without reservation.”

Chapter XXII

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Chrysalis had expected Taalia to attack. The ponies were in the open and those in the bowels of the shattered hive were out of their element. Changelings were excellent fighters in underground tunnels. They could fight in pitch darkness. The queen was worried. She now had in her possession the eggs and nymphs hidden by the changelings before Taalia and her Ravagers had slaughtered them. Her discoveries were in a magically induced state of hibernation, which made them all but undetectable to invaders.

There was a hidden compartment in the center of the room. It had been cleverly hidden. Chrysalis knew where to look, or had a general idea. She had known Queen Fern long enough to understand how the queen had thought. Never a friend, Chrysalis had thought her to be barely worth the crown and the burdens that came with it. But, she was a clever queen and had learned to be very resourceful in nonviolent ways. A peaceful hive and a quiet colony, Fern’s changelings had remained hidden from the Equestrians for hundreds of years. Now, in death did Celestia and Luna come to lament not knowing this society of strange, sapient beings.

The queen lifted some eggs with her magic and with great care placed them in a basket lined with straw. Ponies tried to talk to her, but she tuned them out, her focus upon her task. She would not let them touch the little ones nor the eggs. It was enough they had found means to carry the future of the hive out and on to safety. She would not allow them any closer than necessary and she hissed like an angry viper as a warning.

Luna and Celestia did not interfere. They watched her closely. Chrysalis felt their eyes never leaving her as she worked. The changeling could feel the fear of the ponies but the princesses were neutral. This was a touch unnerving to the queen. Celestia departed to ask questions while Luna remained, hidden in the shadows. Only the glow of her eyes could be seen in the natural green glow of the cavern fungus. Nervous guards filtered in and out of the brooding chamber, bringing more baskets lined with fresh straw. Chrysalis had asked for them.

Queen Fern had given her life and her changelings had sacrificed themselves to hide their most treasured possessions. They had poured as much magic as they could into the ward. The magic itself was enhanced pheromones, sprayed throughout the hive to mislead predators from the young. Although Chrysalis had thought her fellow queen to be weak, she did admire and respect what was done for the sake of the future. The hive had stood as one until the last, leaving behind hope in a sea of death.

“Why claim them as your own?” Luna asked as she watched the queen work.

Chrysalis was levitating the eggs and nuzzling them, a mysterious look of compassion on her muzzle. Each basket held three eggs. Seven baskets lay full. Then, she moved on to the nymphs. They were cocooned, much in the same manner changelings bound their victims. these were smaller and the green glow within was of a brighter color. For a long while Chrysalis did not answer, but did cast a lingering stoned face at Luna. Her lips then moved as she faltered.

“I made a promise,” Chrysalis then said as she resumed her work. Her horn glowed and she lifted one of the hibernating nymphs up for a closer look. She tilted the cocoon to one side then the other as she scrutinized it carefully. Her horn surged and the cocoon glowed with a flash before she set it into a basket. “I made a promise to Fern. I did not follow through on my promise. This is the only proper way to make amends. That is all you need to know.” A strand of her mane fell in front of her eyes. She blinked at it, then flipped it aside with a toss of her head.

“A noble thing to take in the helpless,” Luna pressed in a quiet voice.

Chrysalis picked up another nymph and set it in the same basket as the first. “Noble? Hardly. This was how I started my hive long ago. None of my changelings came from the same place. The first children in my hive were all from shattered hives and colonies.”

The alicorn blinked in the shadows, the glow of her eyes flickering as her eyelids opened and closed. It was quite dry and warm in the brooding chamber. She studied the architecture. Her eyes were accustomed for darkness and gloomy light. There were ventilation holes spaced evenly in the elongated room, one for each nest. Her sensitive nose picked up the faint whiff of outside air as it slowly drifted in through the vents. On the other side of the room were other vents for withdrawing stale air. It was a simple air filtration system. Luna suspected she understood the engineering behind the walls. She marveled at what changelings could do with such little materials beyond what they found on hoof. They worked with what they had.

She could sense the magic Chrysalis had spoke of. It took some effort to discover the lingering changeling magic. It was an alien thing to the immortal pony. This was strange and fascinating to Luna. Changelings were a very mysterious race indeed! Her hunger for knowledge was not quite as obsessive as Twilight Sparkle’s, but Luna had spent many a long night devouring a thousand years of history in her efforts to grasp the changes in Equestria over the centuries. The same dedication she had spent on learning how her little ponies had changed, shifted, and was eager to peer into the mystery that was around her.

“There is much to learn about your kind,” Luna offered with a voice as still as the grave. It was a whisper, a suggestion on the wind.

A charcoal black ear flicked at her. Chrysalis continued her tender work without pause. “There are some secrets I shall keep. Perhaps some mysteries should remain mysterious.” Her voice was equally reserved, sounding odd in her double voice. It gave her words a sinister quality in contrast to her serene features.

In the aftermath of such destruction, Luna understood Chrysalis had managed to find something to be happy about. There was a morbid attachment, as if she was looting from the dead their future. Chrysalis was empowering herself at the misfortune of others, some would say if they were witness to this moment. The arrogant queen was not so arrogant when it came to the helpless of her own species. Luna knew she was seeing a part of the queen few ponies would even believe she had.

“Perhaps,” she conceded to the changeling. Luna was a part of the shadow now, her eyes fading to darkness. “I will leave you to your privacy. I do not think I should be here while you do what you think is best. The guards will be outside the chamber. If you need anything, tell them.”

“And where are you going?” Chrysalis asked, looking up from her task. Luna was gone, leaving pitch blackness in her wake as she shadowed away. A slight chill filled the room, sending shivers down the changeling’s spine. “Luna?”

Her ears moved, seeking out any sound from the alicorn. There was nothing.

“Fine then,” the changeling huffed.

She went back to work. The false floor only held the eggs plus a paltry eleven nymphs and hatchlings. Chrysalis sat back and considered the small number. Too few for a hive numbering four hundred changelings. There should have been at least a hundred or more young ones, not including the eggs. It did not take much thought as to what fate had befallen the others. The queen felt a heaviness settle over her heart. She thought of Atalanta. Those thoughts then went to her own hive.

Did Queen Taalia leave them behind on purpose? Not likely, Chrysalis thought, but possible. That witch might not have been enraged at all. Or—a new possible scenario came to light—she ran out of time.

“Luck,” Chrysalis spat, finding a reason in her revelation to have the ponies once again meddlesome in changeling affairs. She did not care for the ponies and their ways, but in this instance, she found begrudging them a little less palpable. “Luck and circumstance.”

Chrysalis gathered up all the eggs and young with her magic, her horn aglow. She thought it would take more effort to lift so many different objects, but her flow of energy was stronger than she remembered. Her precision and control were still the same. Magical fatigue was not setting in. This was of great interest to the queen. Perhaps the ponies were on to something with the land they chose to make their home.

Her test done, Chrysalis set everything back down. After one more close inspection of the baskets and their precious contents, she went over to the main entrance to the chamber. There were a pair of earth pony guards, one on each side.

They noticed and looked at her with professional stoicism. “They are ready to be moved,” she told them. One nodded and trotted off to get help. She withdrew back into the chamber and began to circle her prize with nervous anticipation.

Why didn’t Taalia attack? If she had been aware of this hive’s discovery, then she would still have eyes on the grounds. Her theory of the ponies stumbling upon this place began to waver. She had yet to ask for details other than what had already been disseminated to her. What if it was something as simple as a thought from her enemy that all the young were taken and there were none left to take?

Chrysalis shivered. If this was true, then the fate of the others was indeed terrible. Queen Taalia had always enjoyed the taste of young changeling flesh.

Her ears picked up the sounds of heavily shod hooves echoing through the corridors of the hive. Several guards appeared through the entrance, eyeing Chrysalis first before their attention turned to the gathered baskets. Her thoughts flew to Atalanta for a moment, only to be pulled back by the slight smell of fear in the room. It came from more than one source.

“We were told you required assistance, ma’am,” the lead unicorn stallion growled in a gravelly voice. He was quite small for having such a deep and resonant voice. “Just tell my boys what you need and they’ll do it. Within reason, of course,” he added with a straight face.

Chrysalis did not bother to offer the smile she fought to keep down. Standing tall, as a ruling sovereign, she peered down upon the unflinching stallion. “You and your soldiers are to carry these baskets to the surface. They will be placed in a safe and secure location.” The queen tilted her head a touch to one side, her mane dipping. “Tell me, soldier. Do you have children?”

“Ma’am, I do.”

She nodded. “These are changeling eggs and foals, as you might see them. Handle them with the same care you would handle a newborn foal. I am charging you with a simple but vital task. I would do it myself, but I am still but one mare.” The smile she gave all of the guards was toothy and dangerous.

The sense of fear intensified.

The little stallion did not give off any fear. “Yes, ma’am.” He turned to his fellow guards. “All right, you flea-ridden meatbags! You had all better treat these little critters like they were your kid sisters. You got that?”

“Yes sergeant!” came the broken reply.

“Sergeant?” Chrysalis called out.

He turned his head to her. “Yes, ma’am?”

“You. I like you.”

“I’ve already got three wives, ma’am,” the sergeant said without batting an eye. “I reserve my fear for them and them alone.”

Chuckling, Chrysalis shook her head. “A smart stallion indeed!” Just as quickly as the smile appeared, it disappeared. Once again, the cold and unwavering visage of the Changeling Queen loomed large in the room. “Do be careful. Consider them my children. Each and everyone of them. Do I make myself understood?”

“Ma’am, we’re professionals. We’ll get the job done.” This stallion was a rock!

He would have made a fine changeling.

The guards began to pick up the baskets. Some grumbled, but not too loudly. One by one, they carried out Chrysalis’ prize. She watched over them, an immobile statue.

One pony stumbled, tripping over his own hooves. He had the basket handle in his mouth and he cried out, losing his grip. A green glow stopped the basket from striking the ground. He looked up and found Chrysalis staring down at him, her lip curled into a small snarl.

“Fool!” she hissed. “I will take this. Get your clumsy self out of my sight!”

The terrified soldier scrambled out of the chamber, letting out a whinny as he went. His fellow guards stared at his tucked tail, then made sure they had a much surer grip on their charges.

The sergeant cleared his throat. “Ma’am, I would appreciate it if you would refrain from terrorizing my privates.” His delivery was given in a deadpan.

“I only terrorized one private, in part,” she retorted and without missing a beat.

“Of course, ma’am. I will have to inform my commander of this incident.”

“Do your duty, sergeant,” Chrysalis said with a smirk. “I will do mine.”

He nodded and bent his head to his task. The sergeant growled underneath his breath, “If any more of you embarrass me like that, so help me…” Lifting his head, he said in a loud voice, “Be careful, Blessed Celestia!”

The train of guards filed out of the hive and into the light of the sun. Other guards were in the process of cleaning up the grounds. Celestia and Luna were beneath an open tent where a table had been set up. They were watching with curiosity as the guards filed out. Celestia had her head bent as she listened to a gibbering and familiar guard. When Chrysalis caught her eye, Celestia sighed and closed her eyes while shaking her head. Luna had her attention to the map on the table while sipping at a cup of tea.

Next to it was an air carriage. A pair of pegasi guards were hitched to it. The eggs and young were being loaded on board. Chrysalis was the last to place her basket inside. When she did so, she checked everything twice, her tail flicking. It was the only betrayal of her worried state of mind. When she was satisfied all was well, she stepped back and stared at the pegasi at the front of the carriage.

She was about to open her mouth and say something when Celestia interrupted her. “Might I have a word with you in private?” asked the Alicorn of the Sun. Without prompting, she turned and walked away. Chrysalis followed, buzzing her wings and giving a hard flick of her tail.

When they were some distance away from the guards at work, Celestia turned to Chrysalis. “I will not have you threatening my ponies.”

“He nearly dropped a basket with eggs in it,” Chrysalis defended with a haughty air. “How you suffer such fools is beyond me.”

“There is no excuse for—”

“Taalis is probably watching us and waiting,” Chrysalis snapped. “I have little time to suffer the actions of the incompetent! Blood has stained this ground already, in case you were not aware, Celestia! What you see here is but an example of the levels of violence Taalia and her minions are capable of! I should imagine the presence of you and your sister is all that is preventing an attack on us right now.”

Celestia, however, would have none of it. “I have granted you freedom from chains and inhibitors in hopes you would see I do not wish to be your enemy, Chrysalis. I did not grant you such freedom so you may minister a tongue lashing from a simple mistake!”

Chrysalis, however, was thinking on her own words. Her gaze bore into Celestia’s orbs and she found unfathomable depths within them. The two mares held the stare for a moment longer before Chrysalis turned her head sharply in the direction of the base camp.

“She wouldn’t,” she whispered.

Celestia blinked as a cloud of foreboding fell over the queen. “Chrysalis?”

Sometimes, Taalia used to tell me, in order to draw out your enemies, one must feint at a soft target. I remembered this as an army of changelings swarmed past our hidden position. Some of Taalia’s Ravagers had struck at one of the colonies of this hive, a permanent settlement where love was stored and processed. It had been deemed a vital target, but Taalia was interested in more than just securing reserves of love.

As we watched, I could feel her shivering with excitement. Her fanged maw opened with eager anticipation and she shared that elation with me. I could not feel the way she could, but I matched her smile.

I did not want another beating at the end of the day. I was tired of the beatings. I was tired of the constant attempts to break me. Sometimes, I felt I was broken. Stubborn resolve refused to leave me and I remained more or less true to what my almost forgotten mother had taught me.

I was given troops. They were slaves, like me. They were given as Taalia would not dare give me one of her precious Ravagers. No, I had the typical, run of the mill changeling, little more than cannon fodder in the eyes of my slavemaster queen. Her Ravagers would not have listened to me. To them, I was nothing more than a lovely snack.

Our job was to draw out what defenders there were in the main hive while the Ravagers went in behind and destroyed everything. We did what we were told and I lost many changelings in battle. Retreat was not an option. Taalia waited and waited. And waited. When she was sure the defenders were exhausted from fighting my pathetic little army, she struck.

From the youngest changeling to the queen herself, the hive was obliterated. Those young enough to be considered prizes were carried off, to be sold to other queens or worse. Those that did survive… their fates were already decided. My surviving fighters were devastated and horrified.

Taalia was a crafty mare. She loved slaughter and bathed in blood in the most literal sense of the phrase.

“Chrysalis,” she once told me in a rare moment of solace and reflection, “War. I do so love it. By the Dark Goddesses, so help me, I do love it so! If I can make the world suffer just a bit more than I have suffered, then I shall be a happy mare indeed!” This was told to me even as the air was filled with smoke. My nostrils were tainted with the unrelenting stench of burned bodies. My tongue could taste the boiled blood with every gasp I took through my mouth in an effort to stymie the smell.

She hummed for a while longer, even as she watched her Ravagers herd selected survivors spared for just a little longer. They would be the feast that night. Fear permeated the air, thick as dirty fog. They knew. That sickening feeling of knowing they were aware of the fate that awaited them made the decision for me. It was a decision I had been too afraid to act upon.

I was twenty-one years old.

It was time to escape from this living nightmare.

Chapter XXIII

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Edited by Chapter 13, Kudzuhaiku, and TuxOKC.

The camp was unmolested. Chrysalis was certain their return would be greeted with death and destruction. This irked her. It was not to say she had hoped or even desired for Queen Taalia and her minions to fall upon the camp; far from it. Her urgent insistence to Celestia and Luna to make all haste back to camp seemed to have been for naught.

Armored pegasi fanned out in the sky on unspoken orders. They assumed search patterns and altered their approach to camp as a precaution. Scouts had reported nothing out of the ordinary. The sights and sounds of a perfectly ordinary military camp with its followers greeted her senses. There was no carnage. There was no chaos beyond what was normal. This was what worried her.

Chrysalis stayed near the carriage bearing her precious cargo. Her ears were on swivels and her eyes roamed watchfully. Her heart betrayed her outward calm, thudding against her ribs as her old friend fear preyed upon her thoughts. Where was she? Where was that monstrous bitch? A slaughtered hive was nothing more than an afterthought to the murderous queen. It was her pleasure. Her pastime!

“Chrysalis,” the voice of Celestia hissed with a crisp sharpness. The queen spun on her with a feral growl, her mane whipping around her face, making her for a memorable moment to appear leonine. Celestia was caught off guard. “Calm! There is nothing here! Look! All is well.” The smile emerging was warm and inviting, even motherly.

“No, it is not,” the queen insisted. “Taalia used the hive as a distraction. I know her! I have lived many terrible years under her shadow. You do not know! You refuse to believe!” The snarl fell away and morphed into concern. Her wings buzzed with renewed vigor. “She can seem to be everywhere. She could be anywhere!”

Luna, who had been bringing up the rear in the off chance of an attack from the rear, came up on gliding wings. With lazy flapping, she pulled up next to her sister, eyeing the changeling before shifting her attention to her older sister. “My scouts report nothing amiss,” she said, “and that worries me.”

“Where is she?” Chrysalis asked, casting her gaze over the camp. The group moved past her and towards their base. The queen moved to block the pair of pegasi hauling the sky carriage containing the future. “Assume nothing, princesses.” She glared at the alicorns, raising her head high and daring them to argue with her. The two pegasi reared in their harnesses, their eyes wide with fear as the impressive and daunting form of the changeling queen filled their visions.

“Chrysalis,” Celestia began, moving on smooth wing strokes to impose herself between the agitated changeling and the carriage. “Chrysalis, you are scaring my ponies. Calm yourself.”

“A calm changeling is a dead changeling,” was the counter. “I need my wits about me. Fear gives me insight to what is amiss.”

“All the more reason reason to remain calm.” Luna dared to move alongside Chrysalis’ left side. “She has you rattled, this Taalia. You are not thinking clearly. I know this game she is playing. She wants to wear you out mentally. She will strike when she believes you are at your weakest.”

Chrysalis opened her mouth to argue, but was interrupted.

“We have given you trust. Now, you must give us trust in return. We believe your concerns are valid. However, we also believe she will not attack Our ponies. She does not know Our strength. She does not know Our weakness.” Luna gave the queen an imperious glare. “She does not know Our wrath.”

“Wrath?” Chrysalis asked with an incredulous lift of a brow. A short laugh barked from her lips. “You ponies faint at the sight of rampaging bunnies!”

Luna sighed and rolled her eyes. “Not all of Our subjects share our nerves of steel. Civilians are not soldiers. Ponyville will never live that one down. One would consider the one township that encounters the most frequent of happenings would enjoy a more robust sense of courage.” The alicorn shook her head. “Come. Let us land and retire to Our tent. There is much to discuss. What we have witnessed today will be added to what we have learned to this point. Time is short and the initiative still lays with Our enemy.”

“You’re talking like that again,” Chrysalis snorted, looking for something to direct her ire upon.

“We speak in the Royal Voice,” Luna said with a huff. “Come. Let us adjourn.”

“Come, Queen Chrysalis,” Celestia invited, “it has been a long day. I like my sister’s suggestion. It is necessary. We need to understand what Queen Taalia is planning.”

Hissing in frustration, Chrysalis followed after the alicorns, casting a dangerous eye at the two pegasi one last time. “If any harm comes to them,” she warned with a voice as cold as ice.

One stallion shook his head in vigorous denial while his companion bobbed his up and down with enthusiasm born from pure fear. Chrysalis spat in disgust and turned her back to them. “Idiots,” she fumed.

Instead of tea, Chrysalis opted for a dry red wine. She needed a drink after today. The crystal in which the wine swirled was enchanted to keep her drink chilled. With idling thoughts, she swirled her wine even as Luna and Celestia poured over a map spread across a large, square table in the middle of the tent. To one side stood the generals, who to varying degrees, cast furtive glances at the fuming queen as she lost herself into her nursed drink. She ignored them more so than she ignored the polite squabbling Luna and Celestia had fallen into. The pair spoke to each other in hushed tones, their ears flicking at each other.

She was reclined in a field chair, feeling certain decisions were made against her will as her rage was walled up against the helplessness growing in her heart. The ponies at first ignored her, now they yearned for her knowledge. Taalia was out there, growing stronger. Her forces were moving in the shadows, poising to strike. More than likely, they had already done so. Chrysalis knew it. She understood Taalia: how she thought, what she wanted. The changeling queen knew her former mentor wanted her. Hundreds of years and a journey over half the world was more than testament enough. Taalia was probing. Taalia was seeking for a weakness to exploit.

Taalia was enjoying herself.

An ear rose when she heard her name called. Breaking from her contemplation of her wine, Chrysalis looked up, blinking her large eyes as her pupils adjusted. The world around her broke from a muffled haze to crystal clarity.

“What?” she demanded flatly. Chrysalis assumed the voice that had called her belonged to Luna. She assumed correctly.

“We need your thoughts as to what other options Taalia might consider attacking if it was not this camp,” the Princess of the Night said in a voice of tested patience.

“Hrm,” Chrysalis hrmed. She sipped from her glass once, twice, then quaffed the remainder with no hesitation. “She wants a soft target. She wants a target you assume to be safe and secure. She wants you to spread yourselves thinly. Taalia will strike where you are not. If I were her and I knew what I know, then…”

“Then?” Luna prompted, earning a concerned look from Celestia.

Chrysalis closed her eyes. “Not all of her changelings are Ravagers. She will have others in her employ. Ones that can do what her Tartarus spawn can’t. Spies. Changelings that are unchanged and can infiltrate. Perhaps even survivors from the hives she wiped out in her travels. She adapts. She learns. She does not stagger blindly into the unknown.” She inhaled from deep within her lungs and through her nostrils, then let out a slow, calming exhale through her mouth.

The generals looked at her expectantly. A servant appeared and refilled her wine, then disappeared as though she had never existed. Silence reigned like a heavy fog for a few moments as many eyes focused upon the contemplating queen.

“I should like somepony to check up on my daughter,” she said with unnerving quiet tones. “I should like to know that she is well and in good hooves. Cadenza had better be nursing her properly.”

“Consider it done,” Celestia said in placating tones. Her attention shifted to an earth pony among her general staff. “General Hard Tack, please see to it at once. There are missives that need to go out anyway.”

“Of course. Adjutant,” the general nodded to a subordinate behind him and against the tent wall. The junior officer saluted and disappeared out the door with nary a word.

“I need to see to it the eggs and little ones are safe and secure,” Chrysalis decided as she hopped to her hooves. “Right now, I do not know what to think. I am confused. I need to be around a calming environment. I want to be with my daughter, but I understand that is impossible for the moment.” Without waiting for a response, she was already moving, gliding like a shadow with purpose.

“Your Majesty, I protest,” one of the generals complained. “How can we plan if the source of our information has no desire to give us the assistance we need?”

“Surprising, considering you ignored my pleas the other day and assented to my words only after being scolded by your motherly princess,” Chrysalis noted without looking back. She emerged into the world to see the sun on its way to the western horizon. There was perhaps an hour of daylight remaining.

All Chrysalis had to do was follow her nose. None of the ponies had bothered to tell her where the eggs were being kept and she had her doubts when comparing the words of the princesses and the actions followed up by their ponies. Saying was not doing, so far as the changeling queen was concerned with matters concerning Equestrian handling of changeling affairs. It was, in her opinion, severely lacking. Few ponies were honorable and noteworthy, she had observed to this point. The memories of that awfully pleasant doctor and his accursed bedside manners still sent shivers down her spine whenever she recalled the experience.

Ponies were for the most part, useless. They were prey. They had a herd mentality Chrysalis was certain was rife with some forms of retardation.

She moved through the camp, followed by a pair of guards. Suspicious looks were cast in her direction. Chrysalis ignored them, maintaining a regal poise and making long and regal strides. She moved like flowing water, with no bounce in her step. If one were to observe, it appeared like a high prowl, her prey already sighted and focused upon. Her ears flicked and shifted from voice to voice, catching snippets of conversation. Some were directed at her while others deliberately tried to ignore her existence. They feared her, as well they should.

But, for now, Chrysalis could not afford to regard them as her enemies. She knew their place as prey in the natural order of things had to be suspended, for she knew she needed them. Where as her own hive did not have the might to confront Taalia and her ilk, Equestria had a far deeper pool of resources to draw upon. The question remained as to how far the Princesses would dip into it.

She found herself in front of a temporary structure, one made from fabricated walls and sporting an oilcloth roof. It was a portable medical facility of sorts. A pair of guards stood as silent statues, one on either side of the entrance. They regarded her curiously, but said nothing as they gripped their spears a little tighter. Giving them little more than a passing glance, she strode inside and into a gloomy interior.

The lighting was dim. The queen’s eyes adjusted with little effort. Before that happened, her nostrils caught the scent of three mares within the medical tent. She imagined they were nurses. Once her eyes caught up with her other senses, she could make out uniforms, confirming her assumptions. One of the nurses had a clipboard in her magical grip, along with a scribbling pencil as she used a delicate touch to rotate an egg nestled securely in its basket. The baskets had been set upon simple and sturdy wooden tables. The other two were quietly going about their duties, pausing only when the queen appeared. They were staring at her and wearing brave faces. The pony with the clipboard noticed their staring and followed their line of sight.

“G-good evening, Q-queen Chrysalis,” she said with a nervous hitch in her voice. “C-can I help you w-with something?”

“How are my children?” Her tone was gentle, taking into account she was in a room full of innocence. Without waiting for a reply, the changeling queen was already moving towards the first table. Her horn flared to life as she began to infuse love into the first egg she came to. The hatchling within responded. It was a positive response. Chrysalis smiled and felt a knot in her heart loosen a little.

“There is n-no visible d-damage to the eggs,” the nurse replied, backing away as the queen stepped towards her. “The foals appear to be healthy. I-I don’t understand t-the magic k-keeping them in suspended s-s-stasis.”

Chrysalis ignored her presence and her fear, focusing instead on the next egg. It too was healthy and reacted well to the love she gave it. Chancing her reserves, her horn flared again, brighter and with a brilliant flare. Love surged from her horn, arching branches launching from the tip of her crooked horn and to each of the sleeping changelings in the room. The ponies yelped at the display, staring with wide eyes at the sudden emerald glow of their charges. They pulsated like heartbeats. Chrysalis poured more of her will into the love she gave, grunting in the effort. Thirty one souls fed upon the love she bestowed upon them. The queen gasped as the effort in feeding so many at one time had the immediate effect of draining her energy. She reached through her magic and touched the hearts of the nymphs and hatchlings.

“Awaken, my little changelings,” Chrysalis crooned in a soft tone. “Awaken from your sleep. Come. Come to me, my children.”

At first, there was nothing. A cocoon cracked and split open. Then, the sound of a tiny gasp, followed by the cries of a lonely child calling for her mother. Chrysalis moved swiftly, all traces of her arrogance gone. Her snoot touched the wailing hatchling, followed by her tongue as she soothed the little changeling filly with a motherly touch. Other sounds began to fill the tent as life resumed, ending a nightmare. Chrysalis could feel their fear and she called to them. Moving to the center of the room, she lay down, folding her legs beneath her. The queen chirped, her horn never ceasing in feeding the little ones. Life went from her to them, and they responded. They freed themselves from the cocoons. Little wings and tiny legs struggled to bring them to the source of life. Reborn, reclaimed, and given more love than they had ever had before, the children came to her, chirping and crying, ever hungry. The Hunger and the Void was stymied as Chrysalis poured her soul into them through love.

She purred, inviting them. She crooned, consoling them. In response, her new children, the newest members of her hive butted against her sides and shoulders, rubbing their cheeks against her neck and face. They climbed over her, their voices falling from the fear that had terrorized them and into the sense of comfort and safety. Chrysalis claimed them as her own, her magic still pouring from her and into them. They were hers now, as many before had become. Atalanta gained brothers and sisters at this moment, and Chrysalis was happy for that.

The three mares stared, having gathered together as Chrysalis called out to her adopted children. They had no idea the infamous changeling queen could have such gentleness. They gasped as the eggs were lifted from their baskets and floated in the queen’s aura towards her. Chrysalis shifted her body, gently moving the tiny swarming changelings around her legs in an impressive display of multitasking.

At the entrance stood a pair of alicorns, having arrived just as Chrysalis sorted out her brood. There were far too many eggs and far too many wriggling little bodies around her. The form of the queen was hidden beneath the mass of chirping, hissing, gurgling children. The eggs were placed gently between her legs. Chrysalis became a brooding queen, her eyes becoming feral and protective. Her possessive gaze fell upon the nurses and she gave a warning growl. Her nostrils flared as she caught a whiff of alicorn scents, her face snapping towards them. Her eyes narrowed and a slow, don’t-come-any-closer hiss was thrown at them.

“We should hear something from the keep by morning,” Luna told her, nonplussed. A nervous smile graced the stoic mare’s visage. She had seen many strange things in her long life, but witnessing Chrysalis in Overprotective Mother Mode had been, to this point, something she had only read about in the reports. Blinking in disbelief, she found herself rethinking her personal thoughts in regards to the queen.

Celestia appeared as serene as ever, as if the event before her was old hat. “I imagine you will be spending the night here?” she asked.

Chrysalis responded with a hiss.

“Very well then!” Celestia chirped. “Ladies, please leave the queen to mind her family. Thank you very much for all of your hard work.”

The mares filed out quietly, bowing quickly to the alicorns before leaving under the air of hushed voices as they whispered to each other.

Both alicorns shared a knowing look before bowing politely to the queen and leaving her to the newest additions to her family.

Chapter XXIV

View Online

Edited by Chapter 13, Kudzuhaiku, and TuxOKC.

Taalia taught me the key to moving with a small force against superior numbers is to make your enemy believe you are in one place when you intend to strike at another place. The moment of the strike had to be perfect, the results exactly as expected. One must know one’s opponent and be prepared to act accordingly in the aftermath of the attack. The strike must be devastating, not only from a physical standpoint, but from a psychological one as well.

Strike hard, strike fast, and let the shadows be an extension of yourself.

Taalia was no fool. She carried fewer scars as my mentor than she earned in the years prior. She learned. She tested herself, pushing her limits. She in turn pressed those lessons into me in the most painful of ways. Blood flowed freely in those days. The queens of the land constantly bickered and battled with each other. Taalia went among them, making pacts at the behest of the queen she herself served.

A queen to this day I never knew the name of.

She was always referred to as ‘The Mistress’. Taalia adored her. I suspect perhaps this mysterious queen was her mother. Perhaps she was not. My recollections are of a daughter kept at a distance from a wary mother. One does not keep insanity close, no matter how deep the familial ties go.

I fought to keep the insanity she taught from scarring my mind. I hated Taalia. I escaped her and fled. I used the tactics she taught me to confuse her forces. She had always believed me a hard nosed student, a clever one! I used my lessons to great effect, I think. The centuries passed and I stayed three steps ahead of her. I dared not lay an egg during that time. My hive was growing as I took in the unwanted: orphans, the weak, feral changelings. It mattered not. They needed a queen and I needed an army.

I trained them.

I showed my changelings my way of waging war.

Death was not my mantra. I needed my prey alive. Emotions were a renewable resource. Death was a waste. It was better to harness the innate skills of our kind to their fullest abilities and enslave without letting our victims know they had become enslaved.

I molded my changelings, became a queen in my own right, growing into my role. I would not be the queen Taalia wanted me to be. She started by giving me those she herself thought were not worth her effort. My response was to mold a hive built on trust and loyalty, to be one body, with every changeling playing a vital role in keeping us strong and unshakable.

I have never considered myself a hero. Heroes are fools. I am a queen. I will always be a queen. I was born of a queen. Even as a slave, I kept myself firm to the beliefs my mother tried to teach me. Though her face faded from my memories, her lessons did not.

My mother saved me from Taalia.

I only wish I could remember her face. Would my daughter remember me if I were to fall? If my name were to ever reach her ears, would she remember it? If so, how would the syllables echo within her thoughts? How would she recall me if I were to become nothing more than a memory in her life?

Her rejection of me is my greatest fear.

Chrysalis dreamed. To some extent, she could dreamwalk. Of course, she was no mistress of dreams, as Luna was. No creature in the world had the prowess of the Night Princess when it came to the Dreamscape. At best, Chrysalis could enter the minds of her changelings through the Hive Mind as little more than a presence. She could not be seen or heard, but she could be felt.

This was how she molded changelings from outside of her hive as her own. It had taken years of stumbling through the process of creating a unique Hive Mind for her to discover how to bring them into the fold. She needed diversity, individual minds who could think for themselves as well as respond to her commands without hesitation. She needed loyal changelings, devoted to her and her goals while balancing their free will to dance along with her own.

In a way, it was a dance. Her mind led and she showed them the intricacies of her dance. Some of her changelings accepted and learned the steps while others stumbled. She accepted this and moved the changelings in her hive to positions which best suited them. The dance was gentle, a guiding hoof and stubborn will, like a stern mother who refused to accept her children were nothing more than monsters in the eyes of others.

She would be the monster the others would fear. Taalia had taught her well what it meant to be a true monster. Chrysalis played the role to perfection, her acting just that. Her dance needed a strong cast to support her and she molded a formidable one indeed.

All of her new additions were together, their minds gathered and clustered around her own, just as their physical forms were. They could feel her and she touched each and every one of them. Understandings were made and Chrysalis had a rough idea of the potential of each and every one of her new charges. She only wished her daughter was here to join, but there was a limit to the queen’s mental gifts. There needed to be close proximity for the mental link to happen.

As she worked her magic, Chrysalis became aware of another presence. It was urgent and also one she knew. Aeorix, her advisor and one of her oldest changelings pinged her through the Hive Mind. Why was he breaking the silence? The ponies could very well have the means to pick up changeling communications. Why had the blackout been violated?

The queen broke with deliberate gentleness from the young ones and centered her mind. She was still awake and she became much more aware of the pressing little bodies curled up against her own. Flexing out her thin wings, she brushed the tips over tiny backs. Her ears caught the sounds of sleepy little chirps in reply.

<What is it?> Her command was terse, yet tired. She was exhausted. Her magic reserves had plummeted in her efforts to restore the little ones. <You had your orders. Why do you disobey them?>

<Queen Taalia has moved. The Crown Princess is in danger!>

The queen’s eyes snapped open. “What!?” she hissed, her body becoming tense. Panic threatened to overcome her senses. Her tail swished upon the ground, then attempted to curl around the hatchlings and nymphs as though to cover them.

<I ordered what forces we have to move in defense of your daughter. The rest of the hive is moving away from Taalia. We are pushing deeper into Equestria. I apologize if I went beyond the orders you laid out, but the situation has become desperate. What do you want me to do, Majesty?> The voice echoing in her thoughts was almost frantic.

<Stand firm. Assist the ponies at the fortress. I will inform the alicorns. I will come, Aeorix. Hold for as long as you can! I am coming!>

<By your will, Your Majesty!>

Aeorix dropped his link, leaving Chrysalis alone in her wild thoughts and state of despair. “Atalanta!” she whimpered, sucking in air and closing her eyes. The queen looked over her swarm of little morsels and sighed in resolution. “Sleep, my children. Mother has something she needs to do. I will return for you.”

Her horn glowed and a gentle sleeping spell fell over them like a quilted blanket. The majestic queen rose to her hooves, dislodging sleeping forms from her with a gentle touch while whispering soothing words into flicking little ears. The sleeping pile of love-filled changelings was peaceful and undisturbed. Hooves clung and muzzles nuzzled as bodies shifted and made themselves more comfortable. Chrysalis surrendered a soft smile before gliding away with a growing sense of purpose. Her mask shifted, became set to determination, and she emerged from the tent a queen going to war.

“Guard them with your lives,” she commanded the same two guards that had been there earlier. Her tail snapped at the end of her command. Her wings flared out, buzzed, and she lifted off. Darting over the heads of the few startled ponies still up and about at this early hour of the morning, she went straight for the tent where Luna stayed.

“To arms! To arms!” she cried as she approached. “Queen Taalia is attacking! Get your lazy horse flanks up and moving! Equestria is under attack! Princess Luna! Damn you! Where are you? Your ponies are in danger, Celestia!” She landed with a bounce and stormed towards Luna’s tent, her eyes aglow as she had amplified her voice.

The effect of her voice over the camp was electric. Ponies fell out of their field tents, scrambling for their gear and weapons. Others blinked with owlish eyes from the flaps, trying to understand what was going on. Still others glared with open hostility at the brazen changeling telling them what they should do. Her ears caught more than a few unkind words hurled at her in spite. Most dismissed her words.

As the thestral guards moved to block the queen, Princess Luna emerged, decked in her silver and black armor, her helmet tucked under a wing. It appeared as though she had slept in her armor.

“Roust mine sister!” Luna commanded. A curt nod to Chrysalis indicated the queen should follow. The pair moved towards where the Princess of the Sun slept, Luna barking orders and sending her subordinates scrambling to waken the whole camp.

Like a grumpy juggernaut, the camp came to grudging wakefulness as sergeants kicked and cursed their troops awake. Bellowing words echoed over the predawn sky.

“Where?” Luna asked Chrysalis as the pair moved like swift predators on the prowl.

“The fortress you kept me at. My daughter is in danger. Your Cadence is in danger. My changelings ran into Taalia’s force by chance.” She briefed the alicorn as best she could, given the information Aeorix had relayed. Luna’s eyes narrowed.

“You have no reason to lie to me,” she mused, clucking her tongue. “Very well. I shall send my personal guard to the front to bolster the defenders.” Luna lifted her head. “Lieutenant Silent Moon!”

A thestral mare, dark and dangerous appeared from the shadows. Her slitted golden eyes glittered in the gloom.

“Take my guards. Go to Stonefast. Assist in the defense until relief arrives. Be swift! Be deadly!”

“On my honor!” Starry Moon replied with a bow. She sprang into the air, keening for her fellow thestrals to join her. The dark sky was filled with deadly shadows as they went to do their duty.

Chrysalis thought there was something familiar about the mare. Luna noticed this. “You have already met her brother, my friend.” Disapproval flecked the edges of her words as a reminder.

The changeling grunted and gave a single nod. “He will be among the defenders, will he not?”

“Indeed.”

Celestia had already emerged from her quarters. Servants were busying themselves with strapping her into her armor as she smiled at Luna and Chrysalis as they approached her. The alicorn lifted her wings as buckles were fastened and straps were tightened. Her armor was white and gold, a stark contrast to her darker sister. Day and night. The dawn and the dusk, always meant to be in tandem with each other.

“I have sent my thestrals,” Luna announced with pride. “They will bolster the lines and harry the enemy until the main body arrives to the field.”

“Good,” Celestia said. “Where are our generals?”

A straggling group of stallions struggling to put their own gear on stumbled through the camp, messengers and low ranking officers darting around them. Orders were given out and sleepy eyes belied the turning cogs between pony ears. One bay stallion was chugging down a large mug of steaming coffee, not even bothering with his armor. Chrysalis did not recognize this one from the haughty group that had snubbed her.

“Can you ponies hold against them?” she asked, shifting her attention between the two alicorns. Chrysalis had dismissed the generals for the fools she believed them to be. “If your leadership is any indication, I have my doubts.”

“Enough with your denouncements,” Luna snapped at her as she gave an exaggerated roll of her eyes. “It grows tiresome.”

“She’s been after my daughter the moment she discovered I had a child,” Chrysalis told the sisters. Three more approaching ponies caught her eye, but she ignored them as a familiar ping touched her mind. “I think the addition of Mi Amore Cadenza has emboldened her to the point where she has decided to make her next move. My changelings are following with their own force to protect my daughter.”

“Hive mind?” Celestia asked. Almighty and all powerful alicorn she was, sleep was still a beast to beat back with caffeine. An almighty yawn greeted Chrysalis, giving her an impressive view of the back of Celestia’s throat. “Very well. Let us proceed with all haste. Luna, join your thestrals if you please. I will bring up the bulk of the army. I want the countryside alerted. Have all militias mobilized.” She spoke to the generals and they nodded without question. Her armor was finally on now and she considered a wicked looking spiked mace being offered to her. “Heavy blunt weaponry. No blades. I do not think swords and spears can do much against Ravager armor. Chrysalis, would Taalia have regular changelings?”

“She is not stupid. Of course she would have means to infiltrate and spy.”

“I thought so. General Broken Bow, did you hear that?” she regarded the unarmored stallion who had drawn himself up next to her.

“Already got my ponies prepped with the right tools,” he told her in an unexpected soft voice. It was the unarmored pony. Chrysalis studied him with a scrutinizing gaze. “We are ready to move. It will take us until tomorrow morning to get to Stonefast Keep.”

“Get your ponies moving, general. You know what is at stake. Equestria is at war.”

Pegasi were taking to the air. The sounds of their wings beating upon the air thrummed and could be felt from head to hoof. Chrysalis had to admit she was impressed. The flying ponies were moving the air with their wings through their magic. She wondered as to the purpose, casting a questioning look at the alicorns. Luna gave her a knowing smile and a cocked brow.

The three ponies Chrysalis had seen approaching had stopped a few lengths away. They were looking at her with expectant eyes.

“Report,” she said.

Green fire engulfed them. As their disguises fell away, the trio bowed before their queen. “Aeorix moves at your command, my queen,” said a female changeling. “We have come to provide care for your children. We have brought enough love to keep them happy. We have missed you, my Queen.” She smiled adoringly up at Chrysalis. The queen returned it with one of her own.

“I am pleased. What other news do you have?” Chrysalis ignored the cries of outrage from the generals.

When one of them shouted ‘Seize them!’, she spun upon them with rage, her mane billowing about her neck and face. “You will not touch a hair on my changelings! Do so, and I will obliterate you on the spot!” Her eyes glowed with terrifying intent.

“Let them be,” Celestia commanded. “How did they get past our detection spells?”

Chrysalis snorted. Her unwavering glare brokered fear from the pony soldiers. “The spell matrix you use is primitive. It’s a good start, but you ponies need to understand changelings are probably the most adaptable creatures in the world.”

Celestia and Luna shared concerned looks. “I see,” the white alicorn noted, narrowing her eyes. “I dearly hope my general staff is not so full of pride as to dismiss changelings so foolishly. What purpose do these changelings serve?”

There was a sudden display of sputtering and excuses in response.

“They are what you consider to be wet nurses,” Chrysalis answered. “Perfectly harmless and incapable of combat. Their only concern is for the new additions to my hive. They will watch over them while I am gone.”

“Your hive must be nearby,” Luna mused, looking over the newcomers with narrowed eyes.

“It has split in order to be more difficult to find,” Chrysalis gave a crooked smile to go with her words. “It is also easier to move when it is broken into smaller groups.”

“Put General Broken Bow in overall command,” Luna suggested, her muzzle crinkling in disgust. “It would appear as though bloodlines are showing to make for poor leadership. If they can learn from him, then perhaps the nobility will learn to actually be noble.” She gave the three changelings a hard look. “I shall trust your voucher, friend Chrysalis,” Luna said to the queen. She snorted, adjusted her wings and tilted her head towards her sibling. “General Broken Bow, sister?” The alicorn’s armor rattled as she shook and settled herself into it.

“Agreed,” Celestia assented. “Gentlecolts, if you wish to redeem yourselves, I would strongly suggest you do so by following the orders given to you. General Broken Bow?”

“Yes, Highness?”

“The army is yours. Do not disappoint me.” The stallion saluted and trotted off, the outrage of his peers ignored and muted by the presence of the princesses.

“How are we going to get there?” Chrysalis asked, her tone brusque. She was worried about her daughter. Atalanta was in danger! “The fortress is a day’s flight away! It’ll be far too late for you to do anything.”

“Not necessarily,” countered Luna, her voice calm and knowing. “My thestrals can move through shadows and be there before the sun rises. There are also other means. My sister and I are capable of teleporting a vanguard ahead of the main body. We will be able to readily aid the defenders within minutes. Come, stand next to me. We are taking my sister’s personal guard.”

Chrysalis blinked. Teleportation? She was somewhat familiar with the magic, but had never experienced it herself. It was said to be very taxing on the caster. The ability to move a body or many bodies was a huge difference in the amount of magical energy required to pull off a feat. She shook her fear off and strode towards Luna, positioning herself at the alicorn’s side. Curiosity could wait. Atalanta needed her!

“Let’s do this,” she said with a shiver.

Luna nodded and lit the tip of her horn. Armored ponies had taken up a circle around the changeling queen and the alicorns, facing outwards, weapons at the ready.

Celestia raised her voice to a commanding shout, “Be ready, my ponies! We may very well appear in the middle of the enemy!”

Her ponies roared at her. Chrysalis felt whatever fears they had melt away at the presence of the alabaster alicorn.

“Afraid?” Luna asked Chrysalis in a whisper.

“I fear for my daughter,” replied the changeling.

Luna’s eyes had gone blazing white. The changeling closed her eyes. She could feel the magic charging the air. Her body experienced an uplifting sensation followed by a rolling pulse. A sound like a loud popping thumped through her ears. It was not painful, but annoying. Chrysalis’ insides churned and she could not help but gasp at the sensations she felt. It was decided in her mind she hated it.

Taalia is the living embodiment of war and destruction. Her name is the old word for War. War. How I hate her. She took my mother. She makes many children into orphans. She causes many mothers to mourn the loss of sons and daughters. She can make or break a queen. Hives crumble, wither, and die beneath the lust of War. Or they are simply wiped off the face of the earth.

War. Oh, Taalia, how I hate you, for you are War.

One day, this chase will end and and so with it my bloodthirsty War. Death may claim me, but the War will be over. Taalia must die. Creatures such as she should not exist. It is good War is terrible, lest I grow fond of her.

War. The ultimate failure of diplomacy.

Did I fail?

I wonder.

Chapter XXV

View Online

Edited by Chapter 13 and TuxOKC.

Chrysalis felt a queasiness she had never experienced before. Her stomach churned and she had the sensation of lurching through emptiness, her legs unable to find any purchase beneath her. The moment was brief, yet felt like a lifetime. The sensation made her head swim and her ears rang with dull, rolling relentlessness. If she could have staggered on her legs, she would have. She reached out with her magic on instinct to lash out at this unfamiliar and unwanted sensation. Chrysalis found her magic betrayed her and would not respond to her command. She tried to breath, but could not. She tried to cry out, but her throat was caught. She tried to see, but the magic blinded her.

She was helpless.

Queen Chrysalis was on the verge of panic when the teleportation spell was completed. She could feel a weight push up against her side. The changeling’s legs were wobbly and she stumbled, finding purchase with her own shoulder against that weight. Her nostrils filled with the mustiness of a dank cellar, as well as those ponies she despised.

“Wha—?” Chrysalis blinked, pawed at the stone floor and opened her eyes. Her stomach raged and she vomited. The sounds of her retching angered her, for ponies were now witnessing her in a moment of weakness.

“Do it, Luna.”

The changeling queen did not have time to react, but one simple thought raced through her mind: Do what?

“I am sorry, Chrysalis,” whispered the other sister. “This must be done, for your sake and the sake of many.”

More magic filled the air. Out of the corner of her eye, Chrysalis saw Luna pointing her horn at her, tip glowing. One word hissed from her throat in a spiteful tone.

“Why?”

Luna let loose with her spell and it struck the changeling queen in her head. Chrysalis reeled with a pained cry. Her body froze as all sensations fled.

So tell me, oh enlightened queen of the unwanted changelings, the hunted changelings, the changelings unfit to be. Tell me, oh queen of those damned by their greaters, tell me oh wizened lady of the shadows, mother of many and of none, tell me. Tell me what it feels like to have everything you have ever cared for, worked for, bled for, and wept for taken from you in one fell swoop.

Tell me of your betrayal to the one who made you. Tell me of the sins you have heaped upon the one who made your world. Tell me, you soulless, ungrateful bitch. Tell me!

Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings felt something familiar about the voice. Dreadful words from a dreadful tongue. One she knew oh-so-well.

“Taalia?”

You stupid mare. You foolish, stupid, bumbling fool of a female. I was molding a world for you. You were to be the greatest of my creations, and yet you turned on me. I had never before sensed such power in a changeling. I took in prey to make her a predator. I chose you because you had potential. Your mother —your stupid, foolish mother— denied me when I approached her. She had a chance to live and watch you grow. She had a chance to be a part of something greater than her pathetic little hive.

I was going to make you queen of the world, Chrysalis. I was going to give you all the things I could not have for myself. My power was not great enough. I understand I am living destruction. My legacy is death. My legacy is misery. My legacy is the sorrow found in the blood of the fallen, mourned with the tears of their offspring.

I was not stupid, Chrysalis. I knew I could not rule a world of dried blood and bleached bones. I needed an heir. I searched for centuries for one I would give my hard work to.

I chose you, child.

But, you spurned me. You ran from me. From me!

Living rage broiled around the queen. Chrysalis felt as though she was being crushed. Where was she? What was happening? Why was Taalia here? Why was she…

“My mind…?”

I have always been here, Chrysalis. Poor, poor Chrysalis. I have always been here. Did you think I would let you run about without me having a means to keep an eye on you? I am a changeling queen. I always mark my little drones, my little changelings. I am a responsible mother, you see. There are many things I never showed you, never taught you and for good reason. You ran, yet I could always see you. I could always feel your fears, your thoughts. So far away, yet always close to my heart, you traitorous little shit of a whore.

Chrysalis could feel her own fear threatening to rise and overwhelm. How could this happen? Why did she not see this coming? Why had she not foreseen? Taalia had taught her much about the mind, how to defend it, ward it from enemies.

A pity. You shall have to be discarded. You shall have to be replaced. I wonder. There is nothing from these ponies I want, but one thing, other than the one thing you have to offer me. Yes, I think I shall take what I want and leave this wretched land. The alicorns are formidable. The living embodiment of love, now there is something you do not see every day.

“You can’t have Atalanta!” Chrysalis cried out into the darkness in her mind. She whirled, spinning about in a near feverish state. Panic came, crashed over her like a rogue wave, leaving behind a gibbering mother fraught with anxiety for her child. “I can’t leave her to a monster like you! I won’t let it happen!”

You speak as though you have a choice.

The changeling could feel the sadistic grin of the Tiger Queen upon her.

“And you shall be denied, creature!” A flash of blue, starry shadow enveloped Chrysalis. “You have at last revealed yourself to me and you will know my wrath!” Luna’s wings wrapped around the changeling, becoming larger and larger until they were impossible, impregnable, and comforting. “Begone! Begone and know your doom comes! You dare bring war to Equestria? You. Dare? Begone, changeling! Begone, bane of peace!”

There was a pained cry. Taalia raged and roared. She fought against Luna’s magic. Chrysalis still could not see the alicorn beyond the feathers of her primaries. She could feel a battle of sorts raging beyond the feathers.

You cannot! She is mine! They are all mine! I will take what is mine! I will not be denied! The ground will be sullied by your entrails, alicorn! I will feast upon your heart and suck the blood from your torn throat!

“Greater things than you have tried! I say again: BEGONE!"

The battle raged on. Chrysalis’ mind roared. She felt helpless. She hated Luna, but she hated Taalia far more than any other being, living or dead. “I do not like being helpless! I do not like sitting idly by while others fight my battles! I will not have it, Luna! I will not stand for it!”

She pushed against the wings, snapping at the feathers as she tore at them. Her anger welled up and enveloped her fears. She gathered up her mind and focused. Her horn lit up. Chrysalis snarled, flaring her wings and slashed with a massive toss of her neck. The wings tore and gave away before her, recoiling. Luna flinched, not expecting Chrysalis to retaliate against her.

“This is my fight, Luna! This is my war!”

“Let me sever the link! It is how she has known! My friend, let me do this for you!”

Friend? Chrysalis sneered—or nearly did. She stopped herself. Luna had done nothing but offer herself as a friend to the changeling. The queen was undecided still as to what to make of it. Hissing, Chrysalis swished her tail back and forth in violent agitation.

A blue form materialized before her, one she felt she should have always known.

It was the blue changeling. The very one that had sometimes appeared in her dreams.

“Do you understand?” she asked the queen. Her voice was soft and seemed to drown out the raging battle all around them. Chrysalis felt her heart lurch. She inhaled sharply as the blue changeling repeated, “Do you understand?”

“I… I think I do. Why?” The words tumbled from her like crumbling flakes of snow. “Why could you not tell me?”

Taalia howled and Luna roared. A sharp pain like an blunt dagger thrust into her brain made Chrysalis lurch to one side. She raised a hoof to her head as it swam in a sea of agony. Then the battling pair reversed as the alicorn made a sudden cry of pain.

“I could not. Not with a monster in your mind.” The smile offered was sad and regretful. “I missed so much of your life. I tried to keep what was left of me hidden within your heart and your mind. She took so much from the both of us and you suffered all the more for it. The alicorn has given me a chance. It will be the only one I have.”

Chrysalis felt her eyes becoming moist.

“Avenge me. Avenge your once hive. Avenge yourself. When all is done,” the changeling whispered as she began to fade. “Remember me.” Her own horn, a crooked form familiar to Chrysalis shimmered in a faint residual glow. The body that sported it fell away to the shadows. “All that is left of me, I give to you. It is a poor final gift I can give. I am sorry it cannot be more.”

Chrysalis raised a hoof and reached out to the fading changeling.

The voice was now barely an echo. “Break your chains, Chrysalis. Break them and be free!”

The blue changeling was no more.

“No… Come back… Why..?” Chrysalis felt the tears roll down her cheeks. She could feel the last gift course from the tip of her horn, down its gnarled spiral and to the base. From there, it channeled through her body like flowing water. The queen inhaled deeply as though the crisp cold air of an alpine slope filled her lungs. The shock became an unfamiliar warmth, one she had forgotten.

Luna appeared before her, wings spread wide and an angry scowl upon her muzzle. “Why must you resist my aid?” she fumed, tossing her head and snorting. “I only wish to help you!” She appeared battered and bruised, but otherwise spoiling for battle. “I have her on the brink. You are not making it easier by resisting me!” The stars in her mane were flaring like miniature supernovas.

“My mind is not your battlefield,” Chrysalis retorted. “It is my bastion. It is my refuge. Neither you nor that tiger bitch are welcome. Get out. I am sick of those who think of themselves as my betters deciding for me what is and is not for me.”

“I only wish…”

Chrysalis let out an explosive roar. “Get out! I don’t need you!”

Startled, Luna recoiled as a surge of energy rolled with such violence as to hurl her away from the raging queen. The alicorn’s emotions conveyed hurt and confusion. Guilt tugged at Chrysalis. She tried to ignore it and focus on the threat still clawing for control of her mind.

“Taalia,” she spat. “This means you, too!”

I am the wellspring from which you flow! What would you be without me?

The changeling queen sneered and tossed her head. “Do you need to ask?” Her horn flared once again. “You took everything from me.” Taalia howled as she spoke. Chrysalis advanced towards the unseen specter of her mental torment. “You took away my life.”

Another surge and another cry of pain. Taalia refused to let go. You are mine!

“I don’t think so,” Chrysalis drawled as her steps become stronger and stronger. She was resurgent, her focus clear. “You see, despite Luna’s meddlings, her attempts at friendship with me, I’ve come to realize one thing. It’s one of those lessons you beat into me that I took and modified a bit. Without going into too much of a monologue, I’ll just sum it all up in four words: No, you are mine!”

Using the gift, she pushed with all of her might, her own mind upon Taalia’s mental attempt at domination. The two clashed like two lines of storms upon each other. She needed to reveal the tigress if she was going to cast her from her mind. Her mane danced around her head and neck with a seeming life of its own. It undulated wildly, matching her emotional state of rage and hatred.

Feed me your feelings! Taalia taunted. Give in to your hate!

Luna’s voice cut into the changeling’s thoughts, You must let go of your hate, Chrysalis. If you will not let me help you, at the least heed mine words!

“Get out of my mind, Luna!” Chrysalis shook her head, trying to focus. “You’re keeping me from finding her!”

So long as you grasp hatred, you will never purge your enemy. Luna spoke with hints of desperation. The battle rages in the world around you! You must make haste if you wish to protect your daughter!

Chrysalis snarled in frustration. Why couldn’t that meddlesome mare leave her alone? “This is none of your affair, princess!”

I know how to remove her from your mind completely. I have been aware of a presence in your mind since I first delved into your dreams. I was not sure what it was until I was able to understand you and your kind more from your actions and your writings. She feeds off of hate, does she not? She wants you to keep hating her. It gives her a firm purchase in your mind. You must let go of your hatred for her! Luna tried to make her way back into the changeling’s mind.

Chrysalis would have none of it. Surging forward, her head was on a swivel as she sought out her enemy. Her ears rotated, searching, seeking. It was odd this was her mind, yet she felt she needed all of her senses. It felt right, though the world around her was dark and strange. The familiarity of who and what she was sent her into a tizzy now that she knew another had been lurking in her thoughts, like a spider with her leg touching the string, feeling for the movements of her victim. Always knowing. Always watching. Always listening.

Chrysalis was trying to come to grips with the ramifications. If Taalia had always been able to see what she herself had seen, it made the lack of movement from the tigress all the more logical. Queen Taalia had been watching and waiting for the moment to move. She had been using Chrysalis to gauge how the ponies would react.

And like a light, the dawning of realization crowns itself upon the self-proclaimed Queen of the Changelings, and all is revealed, Taalia mocked from the darkness. You have been so entertaining, never even thinking to look within your own mind to see me there. Such a precious daughter you have. Such time invested in sharing your views of your own kind with prey. At least you have sense to see them as the only way they can be seen: food for an empire. A pity you turned your back on me. Your daughter will bear the burden of your failure.

“You will never have her! I will kill you myself!”

Bold words from one that spent so much time running from me.

Chrysalis hissed. Where was she? Where was Taalia hiding? How hard could it be to find a foreign presence within her own mind? It was becoming a frustrating operation for a changeling with little patience and a hot temper.

“Face me!”

And stop watching you flounder about? This amuses me. And while you are stumbling around in your own head, I suppose I should tell you the whole world beyond your skull is falling apart. You should see what my children are doing to the ponies! My Ravagers are feasting, Chrysalis. They find the flesh of foals especially sweet. It is so invigorating to hear the sounds of a pony dying beneath my claws, begging for its life. I love to hear them beg. You once loved to hear your victims beg. Do you not remember, my dear, sweet daughter?

“I am not your daughter!”

The world was yours for the taking. All you had to do was be a dutiful daughter to me. The Twin Queens had left their mark upon you and you even turned on them. All you had to do was be a good girl. I think they planned to ascend you. Such an honor! You would have truly become an immortal! Like me! Then we could have hunted from one end of the world to the other, bathed in the blood of our prey and feasting to our hearts content! A sigh of melancholy sloughed through Chrysalis like a wind of miasma. Alas.

“I never wanted those things!”

Oh? I seem to recall a different young princess in the past who shared my enthusiasm.

“It’s what you wanted me to be!”

Is it?

Luna’s mind was trying to push its way into Chrysalis’ again. The queen pushed back, wincing as she snarled. Her wings fanned at a maddened pace and she bared her fangs. A spitting snarl erupted from her throat. “Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!” Her horn flared and she unleashed a pulsating magic. It rippled like waves away from her, hitting everything with the full force of her frustrated fury.

"Get out of my mind!”

Poor, poor Chrysalis. Poor little queen. Poor little mother. Can’t even clean out the evil lurking in her thoughts. I should break your mind and take control. I should simply take you over and force you to kill your precious little Atalanta with your own hooves. No magic. Just a good bit of stomping. You’ve had blood on your hooves before, haven't’ you?

Chrysalis backpedaled. “You can’t do that! I won’t let you!”

Oh? You keep saying you won’t let me do things. How rude. Perhaps I have lingered in the shadows long enough. It is time, I think, to put you in your place.

Then a force struck Chrysalis, seemingly from all sides. She was spun, her hooves clacking upon the ground beneath her as she fought to stay upright. Dazed, she could only concentrate on keeping her balance and only barely saw the massive paw taking a vicious swipe at her. She flinched away, but not soon enough.

The blow sent her flying. She landed on her side and rolled before sliding to a painful stop. She coughed and gasped for air. Strange, she thought, that I would feel the need to breathe even in my own head.

Let me in, Chrysalis! I beg of thee!

“And now I see you, little one,” growled a voice from a throat. “I see pitiful little you. Such a shame to see a mind become destroyed in such a way. I feel as though I am destroying a stained glass window.” Something huge grabbed her neck and yanked Chrysalis upright. Bleary eyes, still rolling in their sockets, struggled to focus on a massive grin filled with very sharp fangs.

The face of a black tiger greeted her, with slitted pupils within blazing irises seemingly engulfed in perpetual flames. They were surrounded by a wide face covered in short black fur. The muzzle was short and scrunched as the monster peeled back her lips in her sadistic grin. Her maw was filled with teeth meant to shred and tear flesh. Fangs half as long as Chrysalis’ horn were yellowed with age save for their pearly white tips.

“I expected more of a fight from you, Chrysalis,” Taalia purred. She then ran her tongue over her teeth and gums. “Of course, I never did teach you the real strength I have. I may not have magic as you know it, but I can dominate a mind as if it were my personal plaything. Considering you have always been my plaything,” she said with a smirk, “I think it fitting to properly dispose of a toy when it no longer serves a purpose.”

Chrysalis knew she was going to lose. But something kept pounding at her mind, begging still.

Luna.

She gurgled something.

“Hmm?” Taalia asked, shaking the dangling changeling. “I can’t understand a word you’re saying, dear. You’ll have to try harder if you want my attention. Trying to make you into a vegetable. It’s not as easy as it looks. Takes finesse and a creative mind.”

Chrysalis tried harder.

The massive tiger changeling snorted and shook her head. “You are so disappointing, Chrysalis. Good—”

A blast of energy struck the changeling square in her back. She roared in pain, throwing Chrysalis aside and spinning on her rear legs. Her victim fell and watched from a painful point of view as the form of a great cat pitted with holes faced off against a pony half her size. Burning red orbs locked with white hot eyes. Taalia’s form was armored and three inch claws raked the ground. Her tail swished in her hatred.

“You must be Luna.”

"You must be Taalia.”

Both stared each other down. Taalia dropped into a crouch and hissed. Luna snorted, splayed her ears and reared, flaring her front hooves dangerously at her much larger opponent. The alicorn’s wings were flared and she carefully sidestepped towards the fallen queen.

Chrysalis, despite herself, managed a grin. “I tried to tell you there was an alicorn behind you,” she told Taalia in a raspy voice. It was followed by a racking cough. Ignoring the agony tearing through her body, she forced herself to a sitting position.

“We can face her together,” Luna assured her with a sidelong glance. “Are you fit to fight?”

“It’s all in the mind,” muttered Chrysalis with a snort. “Yet it’s still so damned painful.” Her rubbery legs decided to cooperate and she found herself upright.

“‘Tis no time for jesting, Queen Chrysalis.” Luna tossed her head and swung her body around to ensure she was between the changeling and the other, much larger changeling. “The battle must come to an end and I intend to clear your mind of this filth.”

“You are persistent,” Taalia noted. Her shoulders seemed to roll with a smoothness as she stalked towards her prey. “I will have you, too!”

Luna drew herself up to her full height, peering down over her muzzle at the approaching tiger changeling. “I think not. You made a severe error in judgement, monster.”

Taalia stopped, a notched ear flicking. “Oh? And what error in judgement is that?”

“You picked a fight with a goddess!” Luna’s eyes flared like resurgent holy fire. “BEGONE!” Her horn flared and a massive beam erupted from it, striking Taalia full in the chest and head.

The tigress screamed, clutching her head, her form wavering in and out of existence. Luna poured her magic into her attack, her wings flaring out as she rose off the ground, her legs dancing with elegance upon the air beneath her. The screaming went on as if eternity awaited. Chrysalis could not bear to hear the sound. She could not bear to hear such suffering.

And Taalia suffered, then winked to nothingness.

Luna’s magic abated, then ceased altogether as she slowly dropped to the ground. The alicorn heaved a great sigh, her eyes of steeled resolved flecked with twinges of sadness.

“The battle is not yet over,” she told Chrysalis. She settled her wings against her body. “She is clear of your mind, now. The physical battle awaits. I think we might have an advantage now. She will be disoriented.”

Princess Luna never saw the hoof strike her in the face.

“I TOLD YOU TO GET OUT!!”

Chapter XXVI

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Edited by Chapter 13 and TuxOKC.

It was a difficult feat to accomplish when one’s throat feels as though it had been in a steel vice, but Chrysalis was rather proud of that statement and the volume behind it. The punch felt good, too.

If she had time and the mental awareness at the moment to discern what was in her mind compared to the waking world, she would have taken a swing at Celestia, too. As it was, it dawned upon her that she was on her side with her head laying on what felt like a pillow. As the awareness manifested to wakefulness, the queen’s ears could pick up the sound of muffled conversation. The voices were vaguely familiar. Cracking one eye open, she found a blue face peering down upon her.

Luna appeared perturbed.

“Something vexes you?” Chrysalis asked with a croak. She was not amused the princess had barged into her head and played at being a goddess claiming a realm for herself. The changeling was also now aware her head was not on a pillow.

“I was trying to help you,” Luna retorted, her features creasing in angry wrinkles.

Chrysalis sat up, fighting a dizzying wave of nausea as she did so. “My mind is not your plaything!” Her voice carried her waspish demeanor to perfection.

“What happened? Were you successful?” Celestia appeared in Chrysalis’ field of vision. She had been conversing with one of her idiot generals. Concern was her mask, though the changeling suspected it was for her sister.

“Yes.” Luna rubbed her jaw and glowered. “But, she punched me!”

“Who? Taalia?”

“No! Her!” An accusing hoof jabbed and shook with barely concealed fury at Chrysalis.

“You ambushed me!” the changeling shot back, now on her hooves. An angry hiss followed. “You played me for a fool! Both of you! You knew and you did nothing until now! My daughter’s life is in danger because you opportunistic idiots put your own safety over hers!”

“Now see here!” Celestia flared her wings, her eyes narrowing slightly. “The safety of your daughter is paramount. Your accusations are as blind as your dismissal of ponykind. What we did was out of necessity. We had to draw Taalia out. Luna suspected months ago when you first were brought to us and she has spent what time she could spare to examine your dreams.”

“Oh, I’m sure,” snapped Chrysalis, her eyes flaring crimson. “You have all these bumbling fools who lack sense to run a proper military. I have the utmost confidence in their abilities to look down upon any who are not of pony nobility.”

“They played their roles to perfection if that is what you believe.” Luna morphed a smug expression. “We felt if you believed our commanders were inept, then so would Taalia.”

“A calculated risk, I assure you,” Celestia added. “Now, if you would calm yourself down, I would be more than happy to explain this to you on the way to your daughter’s chambers.”

Chrysalis glared at the two alicorns, switching between the two with birdlike movement.

“Highnesses, we are engaged.” The voice echoed through the vast chamber. The domed ceiling carried with it a haunting echo.

“Let us get to where we need to be,” Celestia said with a nod.

“Where are we?” Chrysalis asked, finally taking a closer look at her surroundings.

“This is a teleportation chamber. It is used to move large amounts of troops quickly and can be used as a supply line if this keep is ever besieged,” Luna answered like a tour guide. “It has stood since I first commissioned it long ago.”

“It is the oldest castle in Equestria that is still fully operational,” added Celestia as her hooves struck the stone floor with each step. “Follow me, Chrysalis. The others are waiting for us. Twilight was good enough to respond to my request. I am still upset at you for what you did to her, Chrysalis. She resigned as my student, in case you were wondering.”

“I wasn’t,” Chrysalis lied. A part of her felt bad hearing that. Twilight, for all her flaws, was a powerful unicorn. With the proper guidance, she would eventually become a force to be reckoned with. As it was, the pony was nothing more than a sheltered librarian. “What is Twilight doing here?”

“Visiting her niece.”

“Oh?” Chrysalis had to pause in her thinking as she followed the alicorns. “Oh! Why?”

“Like it or not, Atalanta is now a part of the Sparkle family. Twilight came at Cadence’s request.”

The group went up the stairs, the guards falling in step behind them. Chrysalis could hear more of them up ahead. She had considered the ramifications of her daughter being related to Twilight Sparkle, but she had not considered the ramifications. “Wonderful,” she grunted sourly.

The trip to the surface was thankfully short. There were guards everywhere and almost all of them carried fear about them. Chrysalis could feel it, but also could make out their determination. They were soldiers, after all. This is what they trained for.

As they moved, reports were voiced to the alicorns. Their pace was quick.

“Vanhoover went silent this morning.”

“Citizens of Appleloosa have fled the town. Reports of monsters attacking everypony. Casualties are high.”

“Manehatten was struck by a series of explosions. Thousands are fleeing! The police were overwhelmed and the mayor is calling for help!”

“Outposts along the border with the Badlands have reported movement. We have several that have gone dark.”

Chrysalis listened, her frown growing more and more pronounced. What was Taalia doing? This was not how she worked. Stealth and surprise was her preferred method of attack. Consolidated attacks on single targets of opportunity, for that matter. Why was she waging open war on a nation? She lacked the power for something so bold!

“They’re… Majesties… they’re—” Terrible words followed.

Chrysalis jerked from her thoughts, her head coming up high as her ears flicked, swiveled and focused on the owner of the voice. “What?” Images of screaming foals filled her thoughts. The blurted report welled forth images of crunching jaws and fangs coated with blood.

If possible, Celestia’s face was even paler than her normal alabaster color. Luna had closed her eyes, her anger suddenly spiking along with her sorrow. Both alicorns were shocked to hear this news, even though they had expected atrocities.

“Where are you hearing this, Private Flash Sentry?” One of the officers barked at the pegasus who had delivered this horrid news.

“Neighagra reports monsters almost as big as manticores attacking the city, killing everything! I saw it! I saw what they were doing!” It was a battered and bloodied pegasus, Chrysalis noted. She flicked her tongue over her fangs, her mouth suddenly going dry. “I saw one of them pick up a filly. She couldn’t have been more than five years old! She screamed and that monster ate her! Ate her alive!” He burst into tears and collapsed.

“It was a Ravager,” Chrysalis said in a numb voice. “They like eating the young of their enemies. The fear they project is intoxicating to them. Taalia knows this and encourages them to act this way. I am not surprised.” She felt… what was this feeling?

“The Third and Ninth Divisions are moving in as we speak,” said one of the generals. When had they appeared? She wished she had paid more attention. Her head was still swimming from the combination of teleporting and having a battle happen in her mind. “Private, collect yourself and report to the infirmary. Thank you for doing your duty.”

A noble, Chrysalis surmised. One she had met. One that had spurned her words just days ago, along with his snobby compatriots. His name slipped her mind, but she looked at him. Gone was the arrogance. Gone was the indifference.

“Majesties, they move much faster than anticipated.”

“Preliminary reports of skirmishes are coming through the channels.”

The waves of information kept coming. These flighty ponies… these foolish prey animals… they behaved with detached calm and conviction. These generals, these fools.

Chrysalis was staggered by this sudden shift. It was then she realized she had been played, just as Taalia had played her for years. They had used her as a tool of misinformation and without her notice.

The changeling queen felt used.

“Is that all I am to you?” she whispered, turning her eyes to first Celestia, then Luna.

“I beg your pardon?” Celestia blinked, her attention torn from one of her officers debriefing her and her sister.

Chrysalis repeated herself, slowly and with a syllabant hiss. “Is. That. All. I. Am. To. You? A tool? Something to use to root out your enemies? To do with as you please for your end results?”

Celestia adjusted her wings. “For the moment, yes.” She was unabashed. “I should caution you about casting stones, changeling. You are still considered an enemy of the state. Our treaty remains unsigned. You have remained uncooperative and resistant. Had you complied with the wishes of Equestria, then perhaps you might have been brought into the fold. There are consequences, Queen Chrysalis. You may have thought yourself the maestro of your own concierto, but here, I choose what music is played. You would do well to remember this and remember it well.”

Her voice was cold and calculating, completely unlike the creature whom Chrysalis thought her to be. “My ponies are in danger. My cities are under attack. A monster runs amok and her minions bloody their fangs with the blood of what is most precious to me. This is war, Chrysalis, and I intend to see it to an ending of my choosing and on my terms.”

“In short,” Luna added, her features unreadable until her muzzle scrunched as she recollected something, “How do the colts and fillies say it these days? Ah, yes: Equestria, buck yeah.”

Chrysalis hissed at her.

“Do not be so angry,” the blue alicorn told her with a hint of steel in her voice. “I have offered my friendship to you time and time again, yet you cannot seem to grasp the idea that you need friends. Equestria could be a powerful ally to you and your hive, Chrysalis.”

“Enough,” Celestia said in a gentle tone. “Luna, we need to get moving. I intend to go where the enemy has her greatest numbers gathered. As we discussed.” Chrysalis could have sworn she heard a hitch in the elder sister’s voice.

Luna nodded once. “Indeed. There is a good chance this is all just a diversion. Are we agreed the little one is the primary target of our enemy?”

“Logic would suggest she is obsessed with Chrysalis and her child.” Celestia turned to her officers. “Gentlecolts. You have your duties to attend to. Good luck and good hunting.”

They saluted and parted ways, the sounds of their hooves striking stone echoing into Chrysalis’ ears.

“This is where I part, sister.” Celestia walked through an archway and into the banquet hall. Chrysalis recognized it. Armed and armored ponies were everywhere. It had been converted into a command center. Guards stood at the windows. They were pegasi and they hovered in silent overwatch. Celestia swept her eyes over her ponies and flared out her wings. “Commander Shepard, is my vanguard ready to depart?”

A dusky brown pegasus with a short mane of bleached yellow snapped to attention. His helmet was under his left wing and he was lightly armored. “Yes, Princess. We only await your word.”

“Let us see to it, then,” she said crisply. Celestia looked at her sister. “Luna. Be safe.”

“You as well.” Both sisters nuzzled and entwined their necks for a brief moment.

Orders were called out and suddenly the room exploded with activity as ponies made their way out the main door and into the courtyard. Cheers and thundering hooves drowned out the apprehension and fear of impending battle.

Chrysalis watched, in awe.

They were willing to fight? They were not cowed by Taalia?

“They’re all going to die,” she whispered, not believing for a moment a mere pony could stand against a Ravager. They were immortal demons given mortal form. They were death given single minded purpose. She looked at Luna, afraid for the ponies though she could not understand why. “They’re all going to die,” she repeated to the alicorn, not sure if her words could be heard over the din of departing soldiers.

The Princess of the Night cast her own eyes at the departing soldiers, then at the ones still at their posts. “Some will, certainly. It is what they are there for. They will die and their sacrifice will keep those who cannot fight for themselves safe from harm. The training they received will give them a chance to survive. It also teaches them to work together and as one to defeat their enemy and the enemies of Equestria. Come, I wish to see my sister off.”

Chrysalis followed the alicorn outside. She watched as Luna bade her sister farewell. The contingent of pegasi launched themselves into the air and circled in layered patterns over the keep. Celestia followed, keeping herself in the center until she pointed the group in a direction. They went northwest, the sun glinting off steel.

“Mama!” cried a familiar little voice.

Chrysalis spun on a heel and felt a little form barrel into her chest. She embraced Atalanta, her mane falling over to one side like a cascading waterfall. Muzzle met muzzle and mother nuzzled daughter. The queen sat down where she was and brought her forelegs up to hug the little pale princess.

“She has teeth,” growled Cadence as she approached. Twilight was with her, ears splayed out as she glared at the changeling queen. “I’m sore, Chrysalis. Very, very sore.”

The changeling paid Twilight no mind. “So, you did nurse her.”

“I did. It wasn’t bad until she drank me dry and started trying to force more milk from me.” Cadence had her wings partially raised. “And before you ask, Shining does not know. Not yet. I have kept my promise. You will have to tell him at some point. Twilight already knows and wanted to tell him. Her friends want to tell him.”

“Her friends?” Chrysalis blinked and looked at Twilight.

“Yes, Chrysalis, the same friends you spent time and effort in trying to separate from me,” Twilight said. It was evident she was unhappy with meeting the changeling again. “They had to come and see my niece for themselves.” A smug smile, small as it was, appeared on her muzzle. It was an annoying smile.

Chrysalis glared at Cadence. The pink alicorn held up her front hooves in a placating manner. “There was no agreement past keeping my husband from his own flesh and blood,” she told the queen.

“I’ll not have a quarrel on the eve of battle,” Luna interjected. “Twilight’s friends are here on Celestia’s request. They have the Elements with them. They could prove useful against a creature like Taalia. They are invaluable assets to have and have proven they can handle themselves against changelings. They are also my friends as well. You would do well to remember that.”

Chrysalis buzzed her wings and glared at the lunar princess. “Threatening me?”

“No. Simply stating facts for you to consider carefully. You will have a part in protecting your daughter, I should assume.”

“Fine. Just keep them away from me. I’m drowning in all of this warm sentiment.” Chrysalis snorted and flicked an ear. She huffed. “Do I make myself perfectly clear?” Glaring eyes bored with meaning into Twilight’s skull. The unicorn flinched and looked away, but nodded.

“That won’t be a problem.” Twilight looked at Cadence. “I’m going to join my friends.”

“Seek shelter,” Luna told them, her eyes scanning the parapets. “Battle will be coming. The enemy is making feints all along our border, striking at our cities and inciting fear in the hearts of Our ponies. They are distractions. Thousands are suffering because we have something a monster wants.”

“Something she won’t get!” Chrysalis held her daughter close.

The alicorn turned her attention to the mother and her child. “I should tell you to join the others in safety. Stay with your daughter. She will need you.”

Chrysalis stared at Luna as though the princess had grown a third eye. “I intend to fight.”

“Facing your fears?” Luna smirked.

“No more so than you are yours.”

Twilight and Cadence shared looks. Chrysalis pried her snuffling daughter over to the pink alicorn. Atalanta did not want to let go of her mother. She began to cry, looking up at the queen with pleading, tearful eyes. “No go, mama! Stay!”

The unicorn paused mid step and peered curiously over her shoulder at the queen. She shifted her stare from Chrysalis to the little pale weeping child desperately clinging to her mother. Her eyes lifted and locked upon the changeling and she said, “I find it hard for anything to love somepony like you.” There was no malice in her voice. To Twilight, this was a fact as presented through her own experience with the queen. There was also the information gathered from questioning her friends and reading transcripts gathered during the changeling queen’s confinement. “But, I guess the love of a mother is universal, no matter how much of a monster they are.”

Chrysalis gave a half hearted chuckle. “You should try it sometime, Twilight Sparkle, if you can convince a book to father your foals.”

The unicorn sputtered in anger. Cadence stepped between the two, glaring at Chrysalis. “This is hardly the time for that!” she said in even tones. The alicorn was trying to put her best face on. “We need to work together.”

Chrysalis conceded with a smile. “Of course, of course. You’re quite correct. My apologies, Twilight Sparkle.” She was gently stroking her daughter’s mane as the little changeling chirped and burrowed the side of her face into her mother’s chest.

Cadence then smirked. “Of course, families should always stick together.” Her Cheshire grin was a faux one, masking the unease and contempt she held for the changeling.

Chrysalis stared at the alicorn, her mulish ears sweeping back and flat before perking forward. Her gaze fell upon Atalanta, who adamantly refused to let go of her mother. Misery and want came from her little throat and her longing look was filled with free falling tears.

“Just a little while longer, my little morsel,” she said to Atalanta, leaning in with a tender expression. “Take her, Cadenza. Take her now before I change my mind and leave this place to its fate. She needs her nap.” Her horn flared and she released the spell. Atalanta was her mother’s daughter, but her eyes grew heavy and sleep overcame her. Her tiny pale form shimmered in her mother’s aura as she was lifted and given over to Cadence.

A cry came down from a tower. “Smoke in the town! There’s smoke!”

Chrysalis lifted her head and stared up at the pony peeking over the wall of the tower. She noted Luna clenching and unclenching her jaw. The alicorn had remained silent. Luna was an observant mare, still adjusting to this new world after a thousand years of isolation. It was a wonder the powerful alicorn had not gone insane from the loneliness. Chrysalis could see the calculating eye of a commander out of place and trying to adjust to modern warfare.

“You’ll find her tactics more like what you remember,” Chrysalis told her. “I’ve read up on military theory and am more or less familiar with how warfare is practiced.” She paused, considering the alicorn as she matched the changeling’s stare. “This is a test for you, isn’t it? You insisted you stand before Taalia and prove yourself, haven’t you?” Her voice had dropped so it only carried to Luna’s attentive ears.

“We fought,” Luna said. “I argued with her. I have done nothing since my return. I must prove myself. She told me there was no need. The guilt still plagues her. My own guilt plagues me. I must atone in my own way, just as you must in yours.”

“So, we face a common enemy, cast her down before us, and shag in victory until the break of dawn?” Chrysalis smirked as Luna let out a weak laugh. Her eyes roamed. “I want a big stallion with muscles. I want his lust. I want him to stab me repeatedly until I scream.” She fluttered her eyelashes at the now wide-eyed alicorn. “You can watch. If you’re a good girl, maybe you can join in as well. I don’t discriminate when it comes to lust and animalistic urges.”

“Oh my,” Cadence murmured before hurrying off to join Twilight. She was sporting a furious blush for some reason. Fiddling with the sleeping changeling in her charge was suddenly top priority.

The Queen of the Changelings laughed uproariously, her cackling mirth the closest thing to genuine humor she had felt in a long while. Luna joined in with reluctance, taking a step or two away from the changeling.

“Is there a place where we can see them advancing?” Chrysalis asked at the end of her laughter. Her grin flashed her fangs like eager daggers.

“Follow me,” Luna said with a nod. She took off with bounding grace, the great strokes of her massive wings lifting her into the air. Chrysalis followed, allowing her buzzing wings the only movement of her body. Her legs dangled beneath her as she followed the spiraling alicorn.

The pair landed on top of the gates. A winding road coming up a rocky slope between the jagged cliffs opened at the bottom to a town. It existed to keep the keep itself maintained with resources and food stockpiles. Businesses existed because of the military within its walls. It was not a large town, somewhere between a village and a hamlet. A scant few hundred souls called it home and it was a very old settlement.

It was on fire.

Ponies could be seen fleeing the dying buildings, streaming towards the keep in a bid to seek safety. Chrysalis squinted and could see soldiers assisting the populace. Sending out a pulse of subtle magic, she tried to locate her own changelings. There was a very good chance they were already out there, watching Taalia’s minions as they moved.

“Can you check them?” The question was sudden as Luna addressed her.

“Check them?”

“The refugees. Is there a way you can discern changelings from ponies? There is a strong likelihood Taalia would use this opportunity to put one of her infiltrators within these walls.”

“I can. I should go ahead and root out what is already here.”

Luna frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Remember what I said before? About your detection methods?”

“I do, yes.”

“That was a day ago. Do you really think anything has changed since then?”

Chrysalis held a steady and neutral expression as Luna stared at her. “I see your point. How do we do it?” the alicorn queried.

“One of these days, you ponies will have a grasp of pheromones. Until then, you will all be easy pickings.” The changeling shook her head. “Poor little prey animals.”

“All they need is love,” chirped Chrysalis as she put on a maniacal, predatory grin. Her horn glowed and she continued to stare out over the wall and down at the village. The black smoke rising was thickening and she could faintly hear the cries of the fleeing ponies. “All they need is just a little love.”

Green fire erupted from her horn and missiles shot from the tip, twisting and turning in the air as they went hunting. Chrysalis laughed and laughed as she unleashed her unfettered power to seek, to hunt her prey. It was a spell to discern friend from foe, as she had spent many years fighting her own kind. Each individual seeker in her spell was filled with love derived from greed, for Chrysalis was selfish in her love. What she gave was green and poisoned in return.

Love borne from hatred. Hatred she had sworn never to expose her daughter to. So, Chrysalis purged it, purged the taint Taalia had sown into her soul. Oh, there would be the scars. They would always be there. The bitterness, the abuse, oh how Chrysalis hated those feelings! They made her weak. They made her pitiful.

And now she unleashed her despair. She was free of the witch!

“Luna. Luna, you must listen carefully. Your soldiers. Your ponies, they must act without hesitation.” Her laughter died as suddenly as it came, but the gleam was still in her eyes and her fangs hungered for blood. “Kill the infiltrators. Kill those I expose. Show them no leniency. They willingly serve her. They cast aside their queen and are traitors to their hives. Taalia killed their queens and instead of fleeing or fighting to the death, they chose to serve. They must be punished and the punishment must be in blood. Kill them or we are defeated from within!”

Luna nodded. She knew the cruelty of war. “I will do what must be done.”

“Good. Good!” Chrysalis nodded, then tilted her head to one side. Her magic seemed to stop in midair, as if in a hover. The queen’s eyes darted about in their sockets and she shuddered in a deep breath. “I can see them.” She rose on her hind legs and buzzed her wings.

She let loose her seeking magic. They fell towards their targets at terrifying speed. There were so many of them! They struck ponies at their posts, attending their duties. They cried out as they were suddenly engulfed in familiar green changeling fire, exposing the infiltrators beneath. They stood, stupefied as cries of shock and outrage rose up from the ranks of ponies.

“No mercy,” Chrysalis hissed. She never looked behind her. She did not have to. Her senses told her everything she needed to know. The magic had drained her, the effort of seeking out the hidden threats leaving her as weak as a foal. “No mercy, Luna. They are no longer changelings, but monsters.”

“To arms, my ponies!” Luna cried, taking to the air. She could see the confused and shocked changelings within her walls, having gotten past the defenses. They were exposed and already they moved to strike.

But Luna was now angry and filled with a terrible resolve.

“Woe to them that hath understanding the wrath of the Moon,” Chrysalis whispered to herself. “For she is an unforgiving hostess.” The rage she felt made her knees buckle and she slumped to the floor, gasping in awe at what she was feeling from Princess Luna.

She was also beginning to sense the approach of another form of rage.

The old fears were returning and Chrysalis was not sure if she could face her.

Chapter XXVII

View Online

Edited by Chapter 13 and TuxOKC.

War comes. War always comes. To lead others into conflict must be done while leading from the front. Sending others to die for your cause is vanity. Taalia was a vain queen. She was also a warrior queen. She was a confusing lesson; one moment she orders those she cares not if they live or die to fight a part of her battle while she leads her favored soldiers in another part of the battlefield. Her fodder were the troops from fallen hives, slaves who could do nothing other than do her bidding. Such traitors betrayed their former queens because they were offered life in exchange for their treachery.

It was always the weak-willed who followed her. Those with a spine had them broken. Taalia wanted willing slaves who would bend to her will and die at her whim. Her Ravagers devoured the glory in victory while her victims took up both sides of the conflict.

I never knew where I stood with her. All I knew was I hated her. I hated what she was and what she did. She was a blight to the changeling race, yet she had been granted immortality by the Twin Queens.

Why?

They warned her to do no harm to me, yet she did that.

Why?

They bestowed upon me some grand quest, one which I took on as a means to escape Taalia.

Why?

I cannot count the things taught to me that are terrible, yet I use them freely. I look upon others as tools, some more useful than others. The Hunger and the Void, I was told, forces us changelings to be cruel in the name of survival.

Why?

The ponies and their belief in Harmony confounds me. I do not understand it. They help each other. The strong lend a hoof to the weak. There are no cullings. There is love in this land. Love is such a rare and precious commodity on the Savannah. Love, it is written in words far older than my kind, can fill what is empty and make a heart bleed for others. Here, I have found one pony who is willing to love me as a friend, frustrating as I am to her. She vexes me as much as I vex her. She wants what I have. A child of her own. She… trusts me.

Why?

I don’t know what to believe anymore.

Chrysalis could feel the magic flow from her and she could hear the sounds of violence happening in the courtyard behind her. Even though her eyes were open, she could not see. Her ears twitched, but remained upright and rigid for the most part. Her breathing was heavy and labored. Exerting such power was painful, sapping her strength and making each exhale end in a painful wheeze. The Hunger grew within and the Void widened. Such power demanded sacrifice. Changeling magic was a curse.

It made Chrysalis feel alive even as it devoured her from within.

Shards of her magic streaked through the sky, seeking out more of those who pretended to be what they were not. The veil of their magic was torn away, revealing chitin and fangs. They were fallen upon almost immediately. The ponies were swift and terrible in their retribution. Soldiers took up their posts along the battlements, watching the stream of refugees move as quickly as their hooves could take them to the sanctuary of the keep.

The changeling queen was unseen, feeling her way through her magic to her targets, exposing them. She could not be seen, for she knew the panic that would come if pony eyes fell upon her. All they could see as they approached the massive gates was the throbbing green glow of magic in use.

Chrysalis could taste the fear as the mob approached. For a moment, she understood why Taalia coveted the taste. It was raw and filled the air with a heaviness enough to make a changeling’s emotional sensors throb in dull wonderment. There was hope. Chrysalis could feel it around the edges of the fear. It grew as the fleeing ponies drew closer and closer to the keep.

The changeling blocked out their emotions as the fear was adding upon the realization there was fighting going on in the very refuge they sought.

Luna landed in front of Chrysalis and she could smell the sweat and blood on the alicorn. The princess had very much gone into the fray, leading her ponies. Her voice had commanded with a crispness of one who was completely in her element. She ignored Chrysalis as the changeling continued to channel her magic, stepping forward so she might be seen by her beloved ponies.

“Come to the keep!” she cried, thundering away in her Canterlot voice. Luna rose in the air, spreading her wings in their full majesty.

Nevermind half of her body was covered in blood.

She dove down and went among her ponies, urging them along. Her winged guards swooped down to help. Patrols went along the throng of pushing and prodding ponies. Chrysalis grunted and adjusted her magic, sending it into the oncoming wave of equinity.

Chrysalis could hear the voices of frightened foals and the whinnies of the adults. She thought of Atalanta as she continued to channel her magic. Her legs buckled and she stumbled. The queen caught herself and hissed at her own weakness.

Why am I doing this? she asked herself. They are ponies! They are prey! They are nothing!

Atalanta was half pony.

Chrysalis grit her teeth and gnashed her fangs. Bah! Damn their Harmony! Damn them for wanting to give a monster a chance! Damn me for taking it!

She forced herself upright, stubborn in her refusal to bend to her weakening body’s demands. Her will was stronger and it would be done! Her mane danced around her neck and face, undulating strands in an ethereal wind. The magic billowing from within her was causing this. It was not so different from how magic flowed from the alicorns.

In that moment, Chrysalis had an epiphany.

Could it be that easy? Despite herself, she smiled. It was a weary thing, her smile, but it managed to give her a little more strength to keep up her efforts. Changelings, the traitorous fools, were suffering the cost of betrayal. This made the queen feel good and she was not ashamed of what she was doing. Death came to those who were touched by her magic and the irony to the queen stemmed from the fact an equine was dealing the killing blow each and every time.

By now, Taalia would be realizing she was losing her infiltrators.

Chrysalis felt her grin grow broader at the thought. She could hear the refugees going under the gate and gathering into the courtyard. There were hundreds of them. It would take some time for all of them to come in. Chrysalis wondered if Luna would have to sacrifice the stragglers in order to save the many.

Through her magic, she could sense the infiltrator’s numbers grow smaller and scarcer to find. She was gasping for air by now. How long she held up the changeling did not know. It was agony. Her stubborn nature refused to let her quit, and she tried to tell herself she was doing this for her daughter. Atalanta needed to be safe.

Then, her magic failed her and Chrysalis’ eyes rolled into the back of her head, the world fading away in a painful haze.

“My queen! My queen, please rest!”

Thud. Thud. Thud.

Chrysalis knew that voice. It was one of her own. One of her advisors. She tried to sit up and focus on the voice. Her body failed her and she hissed in pain.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

There were more voices. Pony voices. They were angry and frightened. Luna’s voice rose above them and they were silenced.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

“Your hive has come, Queen Chrysalis,” the alicorn’s voice reached her ears. “They came and surrendered to me. Your warriors placed their weapons at my hooves. They have pledged to defend this keep with their lives.”

Warriors? The hive was here? Chrysalis shook her head, fighting her way through the mental haze. She felt so weak! “How long was I out?”

Thud. Thud. Thud.

“Three hours.” Luna placed a hoof on the changeling’s shoulder. “You should stay down and rest. Your magic reserves are beyond depleted. Your magic began devouring your body.”

Thud. Thud. Thud.

With no energy to push against Luna’s considerable strength, Chrysalis growled and forced herself to relax. “What happened?”

“You passed out,” came the dry reply.

“Damn it, Luna, this is not the time for your wit.” The queen sighed and rolled her eyes. “Are my changelings safe?”

“As safe as the rest of my ponies behind these walls.”

Thud. Thud. Thud.

“What is that noise?”

Luna snorted. “None of your works mentioned anything of giant changelings capable of behaving like living mangonels. There are three of them and they are hurling pieces of the town at our shield. We are under siege, Chrysalis.” Her tone was grave. “I have not heard from my sister. I fear we have been bamboozled.”

“Pachylings,” Chrysalis breathed, blinking her eyes and groaning. Her whole body was filled with pain. It reminded her of her days as a terror-stricken nymph. Good times. The wry grin etching its way across her muzzle was more of a wince. “I never thought she would bring them. She’s never used them before.”

Thud. Thud. Thud.

“Three of them. They’re huge. I’d venture to guess the smallest one is at least ten tons.” Luna offered Chrysalis a glass of water. The changeling accepted it and drank greedily.

“Thoram? Thoram, are you there?” Chrysalis called out the name of her advisor. An indistinguishable changeling stepped into her line of sight. Anxiety wafted from him as he tried to maintain professional stoicism.

“My queen,” he greeted her with reverence. “We worried for you. You paved the way for us to come unharmed. The little ones have missed you. We have all missed you.” Thoram smiled, his eyes misting. As he drew closer, his age was more pronounced in the wrinkles around his eyes.

“We have been evacuating all non combatants,” Luna interjected. Chrysalis lifted her head and tilted towards the alicorn. “Your changelings will leave with them, save for those who wish to fight. We will set the trap. My sister will strike from behind while Taalia throws her forces at these walls. She will be crushed.” Was that bloodthirst in her voice?

“We have few warriors,” Thoram whispered, “but they are willing to stand with you to the end. You have led us this far, my Queen. We are all with you.”

“My daughter?” Chrysalis asked Luna.

“She will remain with Cadence. They will go to Canterlot. You and I will fight Taalia here. We will end this menace. Then we can settle the matter at hoof: the details of peace between our peoples. We will squash this roach that assails mine lands and mine ponies.” Luna’s armor rattled with a menacing din. “We grow bored of this supposed conqueror. We will mete out a proper chastisement. We will have her blood upon Our hooves and We will not be denied victory!”

Chrysalis set aside her empty glass and sat up. Thoram moved to aid her, but she waved him off with a sharp shake of her head. “So, you do have a violent side.” She flared her fangs in a grin at the alicorn.

“War never changes, no matter the age,” sniffed the princess. “How do we deal with these large siege changelings?”

“Pachylings are afraid of fire,” the changeling answered with a grunt. She was on her hooves and felt a slight wave of nausea pass through her. She grit her teeth and waited for the unpleasantness to pass. “Kill them with fire. They will burn horribly, die horribly, and cripple the moral of any changeling that is not a Ravager.”

Luna’s eyes narrowed. “I see. Very well then. If it is fire you suggest, then fire shall be delivered from the heavens.” She then addressed Thoram. “Bring your queen to the tallest tower when she is ready and able.”

Chrysalis gave her a curious look.

“‘Tis simple, friend Chrysalis. Taalia wishes to see you and see you she shall. Let her see you at the top of the highest tower, leering down at her as her forces fling themselves at these walls. Let her rage and despair when she finds you are unreachable whilst she grinds her might to dust against our unbreakable defences. And when she knows she has failed, mine sister Celestia will deal the final hammer blow against the anvil.”

After some time, Chrysalis felt she was ready to leave the room. News reached her ears that all the ponies from the town had been evacuated, as well as her own changelings. Two score of her warriors remained. It was all that was left of her army of a thousand. A pang of guilt tore at her heart when she first saw them awaiting her in the courtyard. They were in rows of four and bowed as one when she appeared before them.

The sounds of the siege assailed her ears. They twitched and turned as she tried to take in what was going on around her. Night was approaching and would soon be upon them. The setting sun had already stretched long shadows, presenting the eerie glow of changeling eyes before her. Her warriors looked upon her with fanatical devotion. They were easily as devoted to her as Taalia’s Ravagers were to their mad queen.

The changeling considered the similarities. Her warriors were fanatics. Each one had been changed by her own magic to be stronger, more aggressive than the average changeling. It was a mark Taalia had left on her. The realization struck the queen.

She did not like the revelation.

“I am sorry,” she blurted to her warriors. “I am so sorry. This is my fault. This is all my fault. I changed you all. I turned you into weapons of war. I have gone against what is natural. I have used my magic to turn you all into instruments of death and destruction.”

Thoram, who had followed behind her, hissed with worry. “My Queen? Why do you say such things?”

“I tried to not be like her. Yet, I still failed and did things to you that she taught me. I am unfit. I can’t be your queen. Not anymore. When this day is done, my daughter will be your queen. You will swear your oaths to her. This will be the last command I give you.” She took in a deep breath and closed her eyes. “Thoram, you will evacuate. Battle is no place for you.” Chrysalis offered her faithful advisor a bleak smile.

“My Queen?” He was at a loss.

“Go. While there is time. Stay with our people. Guide them until my daughter is ready.”

“We will stay with you, Queen Chrysalis,” called out one of her warriors. “To the end. We choose to stand with you to the end. Our glory goes as far as you take us.” She turned to the changeling that spoke. “My Queen, you gave us the choice. Each one had a decision. You gave us the means to decide our own fates. You let us keep our individuality. No honor is greater for any changeling in service to the Queen. You are our Queen. We gave our oaths to you. We gave our souls to you. You are our goddess, our choice to serve in this way was ours to make. You made us better to serve you and the hive. You made us this way to defend our nymphs and hatchlings, to go and do those things which the others can’t do.”

Two score voices lifted in a shout. “Through the Hunger and the Void, we Serve!”

Tears streamed down the cheeks of the proud queen. There was a hitch in her breath as she felt a surge of fierce pride. “Will you stand with me?”

“Be it death or be it glory!”

“I am not worthy of such loyalty!” she cried, her mane flaring around her head and shoulders as she bathed in the love her warriors gave her. As weak as she was, their strength was added to hers and she felt bolstered.

Several ponies had stopped and stared at the spectacle. Chrysalis ignored them, lifting her head to the highest point of the keep. She spied Luna looking down at her. Her expression too far away to make out. Chrysalis snorted. Her wings flared and buzzed as she lifted off the ground.

“To me, my stalwarts! Thoram, go, join the hive. Await for me just a little while longer,” she peered down at the changeling as she hovered. "Go be with my daughter, she is the heir. She will be eager to meet you." Chrysalis smiled at him.

“Return to us, my Queen,” he begged.

“In one form or another,” she replied. Then she lifted up to join Luna. She noted a shield had been cast over the keep. It had a familiar hue to it.

Why had she not noticed it before? The Pachylings had been hurling stones against it. Each strike made the shield shimmer and ripple, but it held fast against the pounding. Steeling herself for the inevitable confrontation, she reached the wide flat top of the keep and noted a familiar white unicorn stallion standing next to Princess Luna. She still was nowhere near full strength.

Luna turned at the sound of hooves striking the stone behind her. Her guards gave passing notice to Chrysalis and her warriors. The princess’ horn was alit with her magic. Next to her was Shining Armor.

“What’s he doing here?” Chrysalis asked in frosty tones.

“Keeping the rocks out,” the stallion replied flippantly, “as well as some nasty customers who really want you dead for some reason. I’d be more than happy to let them have you, but I have orders that explicitly tell me that you are needed alive and well.”

“This is not the time nor the place for personal squabbles,” Luna said with a snort. “I will put you both in a corner if you do not ‘play nice’, as the saying goeth.”

“Eyes to the walls,” Chrysalis ordered her warriors. They skittered off to do as they were told. “They will stay near me.”

“That is acceptable, friend Chrysalis,” Luna nodded.

Shining turned back to concentrating on keeping the shield up. “You brought this all upon us, Chrysalis. You just had to—”

“Your conduct is unbecoming, Captain,” Luna told him in a disapproving tone. “Be as what was envisioned of you when you were elevated to your rank. Your wife has come to terms with the situation.”

Chrysalis opened her mouth to say something witty, but Luna whirled upon her with flashing white eyes filled with immeasurable power. “Thou be still and stay thy waggling tongue!” she thundered. “Mine patience with thee is even less than what can be spared for a fly in mine ointment!”

Chrysalis wisely closed her trap and blinked at the princess.

“Thirty and seven infiltrators were uncovered by your magic,” Luna went on, as if her outburst had never happened. “I can understand the magic applied to undoing their false forms was quite taxing to your reserves. Will you be ready for the battle to come?”

“I can fight,” Chrysalis retorted, sullen.

“Good.”

Chrysalis stepped forward, next to Luna (and opposite from Shining Armor). “How is Taalia arrayed? I’ve never been in a siege before.”

“Sieges are boring,” Luna gave a derisive snort. “Stones and arrows are tossed about and there is a lot of sitting and waiting involved. ‘Tis a chess match and a waiting game. I doubt Taalia understands the value of siege warfare.” Her graceful neck turned her head in a slow sweep of the world before her. “She is impatient, yet I sense she is cunning enough to understand her position. I pray she does not sense the trap.”

“I can hold her assaults off easily enough,” said Shining Armor, “so long as somepony isn’t using my head as a personal plaything.”

“Among other things,” Chrysalis quipped.

Luna sighed and rolled her eyes. “Taalia has arrayed her forces in the only place she can put them. They are mostly in the town they had just razed. A token force is with those Pachylings you spoke of, guarding them, I should think.” She pointed with a hoof. “They have been using the rubble from the dwellings as ammunition.”

Chrysalis watched as a massive stone arched from the edge of the ruined and still burning town, catching the dying light of the setting sun before falling into the shadows and smashing against the shield. The magical shield rippled as if shrugging off an inconvenience.

“There were atrocities,” Luna went on. “My ponies reported terrible doings done unto them. Eviscerations. Limbs torn from their sockets. Some were fed upon while they still breathed. Eaten alive. Such violations cannot go unpunished.”

Chrysalis looked at the alicorn. “So, why don’t you just do your goddess thing and simply sweep them away? You’re an all-powerful deity, aren’t you?”

“To all things, no matter their power, there are limits. Rules to follow. My sister and I could have easily chosen to conquer all of the world with few capable of opposing us. We chose not to, as there must be a balance to maintain. To tip the scales one way or another would invite disaster. It is also imperative Our ponies show the capability of defending themselves. They cannot grow if two goddesses coddle them at all times.” The alicorn leaned forward and peered down at the ramparts where armored ponies stood at the ready.

“I see.”

“I broke the rules, once,” Luna added, blinking as she seemed to study each and every pony at their station far below. “I paid the price. My sister paid the price. Equestria paid the price. The cost was beyond measure and crippled the world for a century. My actions caused a famine a thousand years ago. I am still coming to terms with my actions. I may be a goddess, but I am also still a flawed pony, like any other.”

Thud. Thud. Thud.

“They’re picking up the pace,” Shining noted. He grunted as he adjusted his hooves beneath him. “Assault?”

“Possibly,” Luna said.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

“They appear to be concentrating their shots,” Shining nudged with his muzzle.

“Is the strike team in position?” Luna asked. “I need news.”

“The Shadowbolts are standing by,” called out a pony.

“Chrysalis, observe the large thunderhead basking in the light of my sister’s sun.” The alicorn steered Chrysalis with her eyes towards the fading light as it struck against a towering, massive column of clouds. It was darkening rapidly.

“That wasn’t there before,” Chrysalis observed.

“My minions work post haste,” Luna said with a proud smirk. “Their work goes unnoticed until it is too late. Observe.”

The thunderhead began flashing, starting from its impressive and massive anvil at the top all the way through to its dark base. Dancing bolts of lightning shimmered and flashed, bouncing through the clouds earthward. There was a flash followed by a great boom. The area of impact exploded, sending debris everywhere. The sound carried a pained cry to the ears of the changeling. It was a vast sound, as if a great living thing had been struck down.

“Target is still mobile. Advise an increase of voltage to eliminate the threat, Majesty.”

Luna nodded. “Do it.”

Again, the thunderhead broiled with impending violence. The deadly light show began anew and Chrysalis watched in fascination as another peal of death rained down upon the ruined city. This blast of lightning was far more impressive. It was so bright she had to squint and avert her eyes as it struck the ground. The shriek following it was cut short, ending in gruesome violence.

“Target eliminated.”

“Continue the operation. There are still two more to destroy. Show them no leniency.”

“Yes, Majesty.”

Again, the cloud charged up and again, death fell from the skies. Small dark forms rose from the ground as Taalia’s forces rose in response. Chrysalis amplified her vision, her irises shifting and adjusting as her eyes zoomed in. Yes, they were changelings. There were hundreds of them. Green bolts of magic darted upwards, filling the sky. In response, other dark figures emerged from the cloud and dove down upon them. An aerial battle commenced, though the Shadowbolts were wary of overcommitting. Both sides darted at each other, only to peel back before rounding again upon each other. More magic filled the skies. The skirmish was disrupting the efforts of the thunderstorm.

Luna blinked at the carnage. Chrysalis could see some limp forms falling. It was odd being so far away as to barely make out the noise of battle. It struck her as odd her old tormentor would bring an army of considerable size with her. They must have come up through the Badlands, where communities were scattered and it was easy to move a large force through. This meant Taalia had been consolidating her strength for some time. Perhaps this attack had been intended all along?

Chrysalis was not sure. What she was observing was so far out of what she knew of Queen Taalia’s tendencies, enough to give pause.

“Support the Shadowbolts,” Chrysalis heard Luna say. There was such cool, collected calm in the alicorn’s voice. “Send in the Third Night Watch.”

“This is far from over,” Chrysalis told her.

“I should hope not,” snorted the immortal mare. “If she is going to commit to a fight, I am more than happy to oblige her. They countered well.”

The storm struck again. Another massive bolt of electricity cracked into the ruins. This time, Chrysalis could see what appeared to be a massive limb arc up, smoldering and twitching as gravity took hold and pulled it back down.

“Two down. The Shadowbolts are being pressed, Majesty.”

“The Third?”

“Engaging now.”

Luna nodded. “Pull them back. Conserve the cloud. Bring it overhead. I want a rotation over the keep and a good defensive wind.”

“Yes, Majesty!”

The alicorn spread her wings and sprang into the air. Without a word, her personal guard also took to the air. “Let us see if Queen Taalia would grace us in a parlay, shall we? Would you care to join me, Queen Chrysalis? I am sure the two of you would like to have a civil discussion before we resume the butchery.”

Chrysalis nodded. She was not sure if she wanted to meet Taalia again, not after what had happened in her mind. She had still not gotten over Luna’s intrusion, either. Still, her curiosity got the better of her.

“All right, let’s do it.” She took to the air and followed Luna, her own guard mingling with the Night Guard.

“Give me a flag of truce.”

One was presented and given to one of the guards.

“Captain Armor, if you please.”

The stallion nodded and released his shield.

“Come, let us go and see if the odds favor a meeting.” Luna wore a slight smile beneath her grim demeanor.

“Changelings are approaching!” came a cry from the battlements. “A white flag!”

“Ah, it would seem she has some form of curiosity herself,” Luna mused.

“It could be a trap,” Chrysalis cautioned.

“My friend, they are changelings. Of course it could be a trap.” Luna peered ahead with squinting eyes. “Ah, there is an unusual specimen. Very feline. I suspect that is the good Queen Taalia.” She pointed with an armored hoof.

Chrysalis looked for herself and could easily make out a silhouette approaching on the ground, lit by the lights of glowing horns of minions. Those with the horns were dwarfed by the massive forms of hyena-like beasts Chrysalis knew all too well.

And at their center was none other than Queen Taalia herself.

Chapter XVIII

View Online

Edited by Chapter 13 and TuxOKC.

My first war not as a slave of Taalia was a short and brutal one. Changelings were not the only ones in the Savannah who sought to put other races under their hooves. Hyenas, terrible, unwashed, and carnivorous beasts who were a mockery of intelligence and civilization. Those barbaric creatures roamed the outskirts of changeling territories, taking those who could not protect themselves. There were always those who would risk a chance of freedom from the powerful changeling queens and flee the borders. The hyenas would be there, waiting. Few escaped and even fewer survived. Those that did were sold off to distant lands or worse.

I was just coming to understand my own power when my small hive encountered a roving band of hyenas. I knew of them. I had seen Taalia consort with several tribal chiefs. They could be used to extend a queen’s reach beyond her boundaries in ways that brought horror and fear. She was aware of what they were capable of and she readily paid whatever price they demanded for their services. It made it easy for her to deny if they failed.

We were a day beyond the known reaches of the largest hives when we encountered one of the hyena tribes. It was a small group, led by a young female. She was determined to make a name for herself. Her tribe appeared along the ridge line of a sun blasted hill, not bothering to conceal themselves as we traveled along a dry river basin. We could not fly because we had changelings in our group who had no means of flight.

I moved myself and what few fighters we had between the hyenas and the changelings who could not defend themselves. We had the advantage of being able to fly, but hyenas were notorious for countering our flight with leaping abilities and sonic cries that could disrupt the nerves in our wings, causing partial paralysis.

I did not understand exactly how powerful I had become under my hated teacher’s guidance. That day, my rage boiled over as the hyenas approached. I knew their intentions. I could hear their laughter. I had many changelings who could not defend themselves. They were too weak and many were broken spirits, no thanks to their former slave owners.

As the hyenas came, the air around me crackled with power. My power. The guards who were with me were too few to stand against the hundred or so slavers coming at us. They were confident. They had shadowed us for days. They thought they knew how weak my hive was.

They did not take into account me.

This cackle of hyenas was unaware of the rage I had in my heart. The frustration of all my years under the cruel shadow of Queen Taalia came to a boiling point. They came, they laughed, savoring the victory they believed was theirs. My own laughter joined theirs. They were confused. My own changelings fell back at my command, my laughter becoming madder and louder. My changelings were afraid, but not of me. I had worked hard to assure their faith and loyalty. My power, however, was bristling and was beyond anything they had ever comprehended. My rage was immeasurable and those poor, foolish hyenas were about to experience the culmination of my life to that point in the worst possible way.

“No more,” I hissed. I had stopped my laughing abruptly, my eyesight falling into shades of crimson. “No more will I be a victim!” The very earth shook beneath my hooves. My wings resonated through the air, shimmering it all around my body. “No more will I suffer at the whims of those who think themselves my betters!” My horn raged with the emerald aura of my magic to the point where it was becoming far too painful to bear. “I will bear the burdens of those who have turned to me to be their guide!” My heart thundered in my chest, my blood sang in my ears. “I WILL NOT BE DENIED FREEDOM!”

The hyenas had stopped laughing. They had ceased their approach. That cocksure confidence they had melted as surely as wax melts before a raging flame. They spun on their heels and tried to run away. Their fear was far more noticeable than the stench of urine they left in their wakes.

I screamed. There were no words. Just the primal urge to cut loose everything I had forced myself to endure for the sake of the fading memories of my mother. The cry of anguish followed me as I gave chase.

Oh, no, there would be no escape for them.

“I AM CHRYSALIS! I AM QUEEN OF THE CHANGELINGS! I AM DEATH IN LIVING FORM!”

I was the very thing I had been made to be and I despised myself for it, even as I crushed the life from the slavers who had thought my hive to be easy prey. I hated myself, even as I relished the blood spilling to the earth.

I wept.

I sang.

I laughed.

I cried.

I raged.

I would never be a slave again.

The setting sun was obscured by the black smoke rising up from the devastated town. Around the smoke and near the burning building was an undulating mass gathering. The dull sound of thousands of buzzing wings filled the air with dread. The steady winds slanted the smoke away from the keep, guided by the efforts of the pegasi in the air.

A wall of the flying ponies had established a perimeter. They constantly adjusted their positions, never remaining in one spot for too long. They were lightly armored, if armored at all. It was a skirmish line and most of the pegasi in their ranks were scouts. The heavy air power lay within the wall of clouds behind them, ready to strike on command. This was the quick and deadly arm of Equestria, with speed unmatched the world over.

In front of the walls of the mighty keep stood ten rows of earth ponies, bearing heavy armor and their great rectangular shields. Above them gleamed the steel of a thousand spearheads. Magnificent crests sported the prized thick manes of the stallions who owned them. No other nation could boast to have their strength and steadfast resolve.

Upon the ramparts and mixed evenly among the earth pony soldiers were the unicorns. They were battlemages, each one trained in a variety of deadly spells. Many had graduated from Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns and chose to pursue a career in Equestria’s military. Most of the nation’s officer corps came from these ponies. They prided themselves in their craft and often served with distinction. They were crafty and they were clever.

Three thousand ponies stood against a horde proving to be far larger than believed.

Chrysalis could feel the presence of more changelings, her acute senses telling her Taalia had seemingly brought all of the Savannah with her. As she flew next to Princess Luna, she scanned the enemy’s lines as more and more dark figures took up positions along the outskirts of the town she did not even know the name of.

An indistinguishable pegasi with a roan coat and white mane gave a brief, but polite, bow to Princess Luna as she approached. He gave Chrysalis a suspicious look, but nothing else. “We’ve sent an envoy to the enemy with a request for parlay, Highness,” he said in a gruff voice.

“Very good, commander,” Luna replied, casting her attention towards the center of the enemy lines. “Casualties?”

“Could be better, could be worse,” the pegasus sniffed. “Moral is good. My flyers are ready to shove those monsters out of Equestria and chase them back to whatever Tartarus pit they spawned from.” His wings bore blades concealed with his primary feathers. “I am cautiously optimistic about our chances. We can hold.”

Luna nodded and made a ghost of a smile. “Do not underestimate your foes. They were probing for weaknesses. They want to see where we are weakest, our reaction to their attacks. Be on guard. The dark host before us may be more vast than we know.”

“Perish the thought that we might underestimate them,” the pegasus commander harrumphed. “If they have enough numbers, they’ll overwhelm us for sure.”

“Pray it does not come to that. Let us speak with them so we might discern their purpose.” Luna propelled herself forward at a slow pace before stopping to hover. She narrowed her eyes as the straps of her armor creaked in rhythm with her movements.

Chrysalis was watching as a small group of pegasi had already surged ahead towards the changeling lines with a large white bed sheet festooned to a long slender pole. It flapped in the stiff breeze, unmistakable in its meaning. The changeling queen quirked an eyebrow in bemusement as Taalia sent an equal sized group of her own changelings from her lines to meet the approaching pegasi. They carried no flag.

They stopped about ten yards from each other. The changelings were narrow creatures, deerlike in appearance. Their antlers were twisted and jagged. Their lower jaws jutted forward and their mouths were fanged.

Unable to ignore the questioning look from Luna, Chrysalis offered, “Antelopes. That hive takes after the Savannah antelope. Bovidalings, if you want to be specific. The fangs you see are retractable. They only show them to make themselves look fierce. Quite docile, really. Easy to defeat in combat. Queen Taalia rarely had use for them beyond slaves doing menial tasks. They do have a gift for being difficult to anger. It can give them an edge in negotiations. More than likely my old teacher is just using them to figure out your intent.”

Luna swiveled her head towards the groups. “I see.”

Chrysalis was paying partial attention to the report. As Luna listened to the pegasus commander prattle off deployments and preparations, the changeling queen was scanning her eyes up and down the enemy lines. It was absurd to think her foe might be airborne, yet her gaze did once or twice flicker and sweep up into the skies.

Queen Taalia had yet to make an appearance. This worried Chrysalis. Taalia was one to gloat if the odds were heavily in her favor. Flaring her nostrils, she inhaled and flicked out her tongue to taste the air. The numbers before her were innumerable, yet she did not feel afraid. She was anxious and her legs fidgeted beneath her as she hovered.

“I will not be a slave, Luna,” she growled. “My hive, my daughter, they will never be slaves to her. I am a free queen. My changelings are a free hive. I will not allow Taalia to take them from me. I would rather die.”

The Princess of the Night gave the changeling a terse smile. “Nor would I allow it, friend Chrysalis.”

The changeling gave her a sour look at the mention of the word ‘friend’. Stupid pony. Why did she insist on being a friend? “Oh?”

Luna snorted. “Friendship will take time,” the alicorn noted, allowing a nod without breaking eye contact with the enemy lines. “All things worth having take time.” Her horn flared and magical weapons appeared, aetherial in nature. A trio of khopeshes, heavy short swords with curved blades. Luna examined them with a scrutinizing eye before flaring her horn again, making the magical weapons disappear.

Chrysalis snorted. “No scythe?”

Luna arched a brow and gave the queen an irritated glance. “A farmer’s instrument? I think not. All before me is chaff, as far as I am concerned.” Luna gave a derisive snort. “Ah, I do believe Taalia approaches! Look yonder at the center of the enemy’s ranks,” she cried, pointing with a hoof. As she spoke, the small group of pegasi broke from the changelings halfway between the armies and returned straightaway to the princess. They moved with urgent speed. Their counterparts, the Bovidalings also departed, heading straight for what Luna assumed was Queen Taalia.

Chrysalis squinted, ignoring the ponies as she tried to see her hated tormenter. No, she wasn’t— wait… there! A spiteful hiss came unbidden from her throat, passing through her fangs like a remembered holocaust. Her past rode upon her breath and fear raised its ugly head, unwanted but not unexpected. The feline head adorned with a jagged crown emerged above the throng of Ravagers pushing their way to the front lines. They spread out, their bloodthirsty eyes scanning the ponies and snapped their jaws in anticipation.

Taalia, the dreaded nightmare in Chrysalis’ life, strode forward. Her stride was graceful and powerful, her chitin flowing with her movements. The tigress was two shades of dark gray, her stripes shifting with the light and her own movements. She was hornless, her sharp crimson eyes glowing, noticeable even from the hundred yards separating the two forces. Her holed legs each ended in wide paws. It was not at all hard to imagine the claws tearing furrows into the earth. Behind her swished a long tail. The tigress changeling had sabre fangs hanging from her upper jaw. Each one had to be at least nine inches long, thick and heavy. No fur covered her body, making her appear grotesque as every scar upon her body was worn proudly. Like Chrysalis, she had an odd banded waist. Her back was covered in layers of natural armor, like a beetle. It clacked and shivered, with a pair of spikes jutting from each of Taalia’s shoulders.

She was massive, yet sleek. The confidence in her walk was echoed by the bloody smile she wore upon her soaked muzzle. The tigress had been feeding and she wanted the ponies before her to know it.

Had she gotten bigger? Chrysalis knew it was an absurd thought and she brushed it aside, irritated with herself for having such weakness.

“Shall we escort y—”

“Nay, good commander,” Luna interrupted the pegasus commander coolly. “We shall go upon the field Ourselves and with Queen Chrysalis at our side. There is nothing to fear from the likes of that,” she spat. Chrysalis felt the show of barbarism from Taalia had somehow vexed the Princess of the Night.

“But—”

“Commander, do as thou art commanded.” Luna did not bother to look at him as she pushed herself forward with mighty strokes of her wings. “Come, Chrysalis. There is a reckoning to be had.”

“And if she attacks you during a parlay?” questioned the worried commander.

“Pray she is that stupid,” replied Luna with a cold grin. “We do hope she is.”

Speak for yourself. Chrysalis grumbled to herself, but followed the alicorn. She took upon herself the airs of a queen who had no fear, putting such unbecoming emotions as far away from this moment as possible. “Talk is useless,” she told Luna in irritation. "My soldiers, take up positions upon the ramparts. You'll simply add to the confusion down here. Go."

The dozen changelings who had volunteered to stay behind and fight did as they were told, though their worry was evident.

The alicorn stared as the changelings did as they were told in silence. She readdressed Chrysalis. “I hardly noticed their presence. Remarkable. I would speak with her,” insisted Luna as she turned to stare at the enemy lines. “I must sate my own curiosity.”

“You’re doing it again.”

“Doing what?” They landed and began walking past the front lines.

“You can’t seem to decide on the royal ‘we’ or just speaking like most modern ponies.” Chrysalis wore a sour expression and huffed in irritation. “It’s annoying.”

“We know.” Luna doffed her helmet and winked it away with a flick and flash of her horn. “Come. We must not tarry.”

The changeling moved up and glared with suspicion at the pony. “What are you going to do?”

“Discern her frame of mind. Perhaps pick a fight. I shall challenge her in combat after she decides to reject my demands.”

“And if she refuses your challenge?”

“Then our armies battle. Simple.”

Chrysalis gaped for a moment at the alicorn. She then decided Luna was insane. “You don’t battle an army like what she has!” she hissed, aware they were drawing nearer to the approaching Queen Taalia.

“Yes I do. And I will. And I intend to win,” reassured Luna in a maddening tone. Chrysalis felt as though she were being corrected. She was jarred by the next question from the princess, “You wonder why I do this for you, yes?”

“The thought did occur to me,” Chrysalis conceded. She scrunched her brows together, keeping her eyes on the approaching monster. Taalia was boring holes into her former piece of property. “Why?”

“We ponies are more than what you have led yourself to believe, friend Chrysalis,” Luna explained, her own attention directed at the massive queen. “Equestria is a home to all and should always welcome those who would seek a better life. Mine sister believes in granting second chances. This is your second chance, Chrysalis. I would beg you consider it with all seriousness. Your pride is formidable, yet it blinds you. See past your pride and see past whatever it is that leads you to believe we ponies are nothing more than weak prey to you. Fight at my side and I will work at your side to make your changelings a part of Equestria, as equals in all things. Once this is settled, there will be time to settle things properly. Repay your debt and I would gladly have you like a sister to me.”

“That simple, huh?” Chrysalis was incredulous. “What debts?”

“Why must it be difficult?” Luna gave her an exasperated glare. “Your debts are trivial things in the face of what future awaits your hive. Do consider your actions carefully.”

“Little Chrysalis,” a voice the changeling had hoped never to hear again grated against her ears. Queen Taalia wore a terrifying mask of dripping blood and gore-stained fangs. “You have grown powerful. I can feel it. Impressive.”

“Queen Taalia,” Luna greeted with a formal voice coated in frost. “I am Princes Luna, Keeper of Dreams and the Diarch of Equestria. You will remove your armies from Equestria immediately. You will answer for the deaths of Our subjects. Your aggression is an act of war. If you so wish it, so shall it be brought down upon you.” The alicorn’s nostrils flared again and again.

Queen Taalia regarded Princess Luna. The pair sized each other up. Taalia slowly unsheathed the claws of her right paw and let them dig into the earth beneath her. “I am here to recover lost property, Princess Luna,” she began in a cheerful voice. “I have come a long way. I’m afraid I cannot return home empty-pawed. Besides,” she added with lofty airs, “I think I like this land. There’s so much love here. I can see why Little Chrysalis thought so highly of taking Equestria for herself. She could have hoarded all the power for herself and perhaps even challenged the Twin Queens for the dominion of the Savannah.”

“The terms are non-negotiable,” Luna said.

“Oh, come now, princess,” Taalia smiled. It was a terrible smile. “For you to be so stiff and unyielding. It gives the impression you don’t like me. Pity.” Her eyes narrowed. Her crimson eyes flicked momentarily towards Chrysalis before again locking with the azure orbs of Luna. “That was such an annoying thing you did in the dream realm. I had thought your prowess to be nothing more than a legend. I commend you for your skill. It would seem the ancient texts about you were true.”

“Remove yourself from Equestria,” Luna commanded. “This is the last warning. These words will not be repeated, monster.”

“Not until I have Chrysalis, her hive, and her daughter in my possession, and not necessarily in that order,” Taalia retorted in a bored tone. She was gazing down at her paw as she spoke, her claws twitching in and out in spasms. “Your subjects are tasty, by the way. Their blood is sweet. And the sounds they make! Oh, how it is such sweet music to my ears!”

Luna sucked in a deep breath, her temper at a breaking point. She then caught herself, exhaled, and spoke to the changeling tigress in a voice as still as the grave, “I challenge you in single combat, Queen Taalia. Here and now! You are an insult to life and harmony! I cannot let what you say be forgiven! I cannot let what you have done go unpunished!”

“You imply I would even consider fighting fairly,” Taalia snorted.

Chrysalis’ eyes widened. Instinctively, she grabbed Luna, her wings buzzing madly. “Fly! Up!” she screamed at the startled alicorn.

The ground beneath them exploded. Ravagers erupted from the earth, their jaws snapping at dirt and empty air where their intended victims had been. Claws reached for the rising pair. Chrysalis hissed down at them. Luna’s wings flared and pounded at the air without mercy, her horn erupting with magic.

“So be it!” the alicorn cried. “You have chosen your fate, Queen Taalia!”

Taalia watched as the pair rose, grinning with eager anticipation. She opened her great maw and roared. Her Ravagers pulled themselves from the earth and gathered around her, baying in their madness.

Behind her, the dark mass surged forward with a deafening cry that shook the air.

Chapter XXIX

View Online

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kln605W1r3E

Edited by Chapter 13 and TuxOKC.

The emotions of battle have never changed.

War left little room for love.

Chrysalis could feel the anger and fear mixing in the air. It was an oppressive sensation, pushing against her mind and her chest. The hate from Taalia echoed throughout her army, reflecting her will. The surge of changelings approaching the Equestrian defensive positions forced both Chrysalis and Luna back. The ground came alive with Ravagers, the mutated changelings hissing and snarling in frustration at the pair. Missiles, magical and physical, filled the air at the approaching horde.

“I expected as much,” Luna muttered to the changeling with a rueful smirk.

Taalia was roaring orders to her army, moving among them towards the keep, her eyes constantly going up to stare at Chrysalis. The grin on her muzzle had never left, her eyes bearing predatory intensity. The air was filled with the sounds of battle as the pegasi moved forward to provide cover for their princess. The sound of changeling wings was loud enough to resonate through Chrysalis’ body. She ignored the sounds, having heard them most of her life in one way or another. Her thoughts went towards Taalia and they were troubled at what had come with the feline changeling.

Luna voiced her thoughts as she deflected green bolts of energy directed at her with an invisible shield conjured by her magic. “How is it you changelings can sneak such a sizable force without notice?” If she was bothered by battle, she did not show it.

“Moving at night, mostly,” confessed Chrysalis as she, too, was deflecting attacks upon her. She used her natural armor as her forelegs swatted them away. An irritated scowl showed her displeasure. The changeling was backing away, facing her enemies and wary of her exposed flank. “Changelings can move in small groups, coordinating with each other through the hive link. I’m sure you noticed the Ravagers who tried to eviscerate you. All changelings can tunnel, like diamond dogs.”

“Ah, most insightful,” grinned Luna. “Come, to the lines! The earth ponies will be able to detect such attacks and act accordingly.” Her khopeshes materialized as the first wave of changelings came within range. The smile vanished and she pointed with one of her swords. “What is wrong with those changelings?”

Chrysalis did not have time to look as a snarling face suddenly filled the right side of her vision. She spun, moving her hooves and hardening them in instinct. As she lashed out, she noted the dull glow in the eyes of the changeling, its mouth frothing as it hissed. A surge of pity overcame her as she understood. Broken changelings. Not hiveless, not feral: changelings starved of love and reduced to a mad, zombie-like state. Her slashing hoof caved its skull in. Another took its place, a desperate hunger in its eyes. The Void had consumed them, the Hunger devouring their minds. She dispatched this one just as easily, her pity overcome with anger.

Taalia had done this to them. She had done the unthinkable.

“Monstrous!” she cried, leveling her fury at the tigress. “How dare you!” Taalia was for the moment lost behind the throng of her warriors. Chrysalis sought out her hated enemy, but to no avail. Where did she go? Her guards buzzed their disdain, hissing in anger.

They fell behind through an opening in the lines. A wall of shields and spears closed behind them.

“Movement in the ground!” Chrysalis heard. The words were echoed up and down the line. The ponies then did a curious thing; half of the ranks placed their shields upon the ground. The armored earth ponies then proceeded to stand on their shields, keeping one hoof touching the earth. Each pony with a shield on the ground stared intently down, spears gripped tightly in their mouths.

“Here they come!”

Ravagers were charging at the lines. Other changelings were zooming in from the sky. Broken changelings came first, canon fodder for Taalia. Chrysalis knew they were disposable soldiers, barely rated above imbeciles in the eyes of most queens. They were the pathetic wretches of changeling society; without a queen, and stripped of mind and hope. Ravenous for love, they were easily controlled by queens willing to exploit them. Taalia was no exception. But why so many? Their numbers were easily in the tens of thousands, by Chrysalis’ reckoning.

The ground erupted, interrupting her thoughts as she tried to gather her wits. Claws and snarling heads burst upwards. Some were Ravagers, most were more badger-like changelings. Above, the pegasi were engaged with the airborne changelings and were being assisted by the unicorns. Bodies fell from the skies as the noise of battle amplified as the two forces clashed. Within moments, the scent of blood thickened the air. Earth pony soldiers were stabbing the points of their spears into the ground as claws and appendages tried to reach around the shields to get at what was standing on them.

“What is with these changelings?” roared Luna, sweeping away with her swords at some of the changelings getting through the lines. Other unicorns were doing the same as she as reserve units strode forward to guard the rear of the front line. “They are mad! What is it?”

“The Hunger has consumed them!” Chrysalis cried, charging her horn. She blasted three changelings in succession as they came at her in a ragged line. There was nothing but madness in their eyes. “The Void was never filled and now it has taken their minds. They cannot be saved, Luna. Strike them down!”

Luna gave the changeling an unconvinced stare before redirecting her attention to the lines. Glancing up, she took stock of the air battle overhead, licking her lips as her swords twirled idly around her. Gathering her legs beneath her, Luna launched into the air with a fierce battle cry, her horn snapping off shots in rapid succession. Chrysalis was on her heels, as she was not keen to being left in the middle of a battle between changelings and ponies. There was a good chance, in her mind, an opportunistic pony with a grudge would decide to poke her with his spear.

“I shouldn’t be here,” she grumbled to herself, dodging a falling body as she did so. Droplets of blood splashed on her, red and still warm. Some of it fell on her muzzle. Her tongue darted out and flicked at the blood. Pony, she noted in her mind. Definitely pony. Mare. Late twenties. Recently foaled. Chrysalis lifted her head to see if she could find the pony in question.

The pony in question was indeed above her. The pegasus was using her wing blades with skill against three Broken changelings. The queen witnessed Luna casually flick her swords, decapitating all three in the blink of an eye as the alicorn passed the battling mare.

“Princess Luna!” squeaked the mare through ragged breaths.

“See to your wounds, noble subject,” Luna called to her. “Thy blood calls out most loudly!” A glance over her shoulder fell upon the changeling following her.

Chrysalis scowled and bared her fangs at the alicorn.

They passed the retreating mare, weaving through the hundreds of smaller battles erupting in the sky. The sounds were deafening to Chrysalis. She lashed out with a hind hoof at a snarling Broken changeling snapping at her underbelly, crushing its chest. It fell to the battle on the ground, flailing its hooves, unable to breathe. Another crashed into her side, biting at her chitin. Chrysalis snarled and kicked it away with a forehoof, her horn igniting in her fury. A blast left a gaping hole in the changeling’s chest and it fell, the light already snuffed from its eyes.

Her mane and tail flowed behind her like a tattered teal battle flag. Luna’s battle flag was far more impressive. The sun was already setting, making her seem like a glittering shadow of immortal violence. She moved with swiftness, wasting nothing in her movements. She was quicksilver, her commanding voice lifting spirits and driving her ponies to fight all the more harder. The alicorn’s blades were used judiciously and with final judgement. Luna was in her element, by far the more competent warrior compared to her elder sister.

With sudden abruptness, Luna stopped in midflight, surveying the raging battle all around her. Her guards rose to take their positions, finding plenty of threats coming from all different directions. To Chrysalis, it seemed the thestrals were more capable than their feathered counterparts.

It was pointless. Chrysalis huffed, casting an annoyed stare at Luna’s back. This was not a good place to make a stand. There were not enough ponies to stave off Taalia’s assault! The changeling queen was certain Luna and Celestia were making a fatal mistake. Then again, this outright frontal assault by her former master was disconcerting. Never before had Taalia used such numbers! Her hive had never been large, usually housing enough changelings to service Taalia and her beloved Ravagers. Taalia preferred being able to move quick and adjust on the fly. She was a flexible commander and needed to flow with the field of battle. The tigress was an ambush predator and her minions reflected her preferred means of winning battles.

Chrysalis swept her gaze over the chaos, trying to make sense of this madness. Where did Taalia get so many changelings? Even the total number of hives on this side of the world could not possibly have this many changelings combined! Did she bring all of these changelings with her? If so, how did she do it without attracting unwanted attention?

There was something not right about them. Narrowing her eyes, she watched as one broke through the line and impaled itself on a thestral’s spear. It hissed and spat, snapping its jaws at the pony that had just killed it. It was a gaunt thing, scrawny and mad from being love starved. The markings, though…

Chrysalis watched the body twitch. Another one broke through, followed by several others. The queen was forced to defend herself, though her mind raced as she lashed out with her hooves. Her memory was fuzzy, yet something there struggled to free itself. She dodged, her mane whipping as she spun, kicking a Broken in the belly and exploding its internal organs. Another was slashed by her jagged horn, leg and body separating. Blood splashed over her muzzle. Some of it got into an eye. Chrysalis blinked, hissing in annoyance. With one eye open, she charged up her magic and ignited her horn. A Broken changeling was going for her throat, coming from her right. She whirled to face it, curling a lip as she reached out with her magic and seized the creature.

“Hold still!” she snapped, already irritated with having to deal with mindless fodder. The Broken changeling ignored her command, hissing and spitting at her as it struggled against her telekinesis. The markings on this one intrigued her, disturbed her. There was something familiar about them.

She would not have time to press her inquiry as she heard an unearthly shriek below her. Shoving the struggling Broken away, Chrysalis peered down and saw, to her unwanted surprise, a lesser queen rising from the ground. This one was like her, equine, as were almost all of the Broken. This queen had the same look as the other Broken. She was far more powerful than her counterparts. Yet, something was wrong with this queen. She was thin, her mane unkempt. Her facial bones protruded through her chitin. Like the Broken, the same dead fire raged in her eyes.

Chrysalis was shocked.

How did Taalia make a Broken queen? Chrysalis watched as the charging changeling tore through Luna’s personal guard with ease, screeching with madness. Her eyes burned like dying coals and she paid no heed to the wounds inflicted upon her.

“You poor thing,” Chrysalis whispered, her anger fading again for a moment of pity. The wild thrashing of the mad queen was driving the thestrals back, her fangs and hooves tearing through their armor like paper.

Luna was next to her, none the worse for wear. “What is it? Is she, too, afflicted with this… madness?” she pointed with one of her swords.

“A love-starved queen,” Chrysalis assented with a numb nod. “Such a thing is unheard of. Unthinkable! It is worse than being forced into becoming a broodmother. We need to put her down, Luna. She is suffering. She knows nothing but pain and agonizing hunger.”

“Very well,” Luna said with no emotion. Several more Broken broke through and descended upon the thestrals battling the mad queen. “Let us render aid!” Flattening her ears to her skull, the alicorn surged forward with a cry.

Chrysalis again followed her, buzzing her wings and going straight for the Broken queen. She wondered what the queen had once been and why she looked so vaguely familiar. A thestral fell, flapping his wings feebly. Dozens of wounds were on him. She ignored him and focused on the Broken queen.

The Broken queen was tall and lean, her body covered with scars telling a tale of a long life fighting battles. The sight of her struck a chord in Chrysalis and the memories of her distant youth flooded back. A free changeling was made a slave. Her changelings stripped and starved of love. Queen Taalia had violated yet another unwritten law, no doubt. The sense she knew this queen grew stronger. Then, she remembered a certain day, long ago, when she had been a nymph. She and her mother had meet this other queen by a river...

“Cerri?”

The former feral queen noticed Chrysalis’ approach and cast aside another thestral with an enraged scream. Her wild eyes settled upon the other queen before going to Luna. A slow, threatening hiss rumbled from her throat. A sickly yellow glow enveloped the length of her horn. It had a shape similar to Chrysalis’ own.

“It saddens me such beings as yourself must succumb to the whims of others,” Luna said loudly. Her features were like stone. The swords in her magical grasp were still. Chrysalis could feel her anger. There were many layers to it.

Good. Good! a voice echoed in the back of Chrysalis’ mind. She shoved it away, quite frightened at what lay lurking behind those words. A monster like Taalia. A creature Chrysalis wanted no part in becoming like.

“Leave this to me, Luna.” The queen placed herself in front of the alicorn and faced the Broken queen. A Broken changeling charged at her from the right, but she swept it aside without even a glance.

“You know this one,” Luna tilted her head to one side. She fell away nodding and giving Chrysalis space.

“I do.”

Chrysalis was already surging forward, her heart a whirlwind of emotions. The Broken queen shrieked again and unleashed wild, pure magic at her. The queen spun, dodging the shot as she corkscrewed, bringing her forelegs close to her body. The other queen went for her, hissing and spitting in her insanity. The pair snapped their jaws at each other, fangs gleaming in the dying light of the day.

The Broken changeling was very strong and her insanity made her even stronger. Chrysalis nearly buckled under the flailing hooves of the queen. The other queen opened her mouth, her eyes glowing with her magic. There was desperate hunger in those orbs. Chrysalis knew what she was trying to do and nearly panicked.

“Aunt Cerri, no!” Chrysalis cried.

The once feral queen hesitated, blinking. Seeing her opening, Chrysalis counterattacked, lashing out with her hooves. She darted in with her jaws and clamped herself onto the other changeling’s throat. The Broken queen, Cerri struggled and tried to scream. Chrysalis let her fangs do the work, crushing the windpipe and cutting through the jugular. Hooves flailed wildly at first, then became weaker and weaker until the Broken queen went limp.

Tears filled her eyes as Chrysalis released her victim, catching the falling body with her magic. Her sorrow shifted, morphed, became a deadly whirlwind of rage. Throwing her head back, she shrieked a single word.

“TAALIA!”

Her horn raged with her power, her eyes living emerald flames. Rage and hatred erupted and the queen unleashed her full fury, her power at a level unseen since her battle with Celestia many months before. The will behind her magic pulsed, washing over everything within the battlefield. The pressure was enough to give pause to the fighting, as it jarred all those around her. Clutching the body of the dead queen close to her, Chrysalis raged and raged, her maw opened as the air crackled around her with wild magic. Tendrils of her energy lashed and undulated around her, cracking indiscriminately. Ponies near her shied away desperately even as their opponents were thrown for loops in the literal sense. Everything within a hundred meters of Chrysalis was shoved away from her by telekinetic force. The closer they were to her, the more they felt the wrath of the raging queen.

Chrysalis dropped down, ignoring a voice calling her name. She held on to Cerri, screaming her rage. Her eyes had gone crimson. She landed with great force, rippling the ground and knocking combatants off their hooves nearby. A Ravager recovered quickly and went after her, snarling in eager anticipation.

The queen, not releasing the body of Cerri, picked up the head of a shattered spear. She turned as the Ravager bore down upon her and with an uncaring expression, shoved the tip of the spear up and through its lower jaw, through the roof of its mouth and into its brain. Hatred for the monster flared in her eyes. For this Ravager, she would show no mercy. Her horn charged up, filling the spearhead with raw magic. She poured all of her frustrations into her magic, dancing with the Ravager and avoiding its claws. The tip of the blade protruded through the top of its skull, just piercing the skin. Its eyes went wide. Chrysalis released the spell and the metal shattered. Parts of the skull visibly expanded through the armored chitin. The monster fell and skidded past the sidestepping queen, skidding into the blood soaked ground. There it lay, twitching in its death throes.

With gentle ministrations, she lay down Cerri, brushing strands of mane from her aunt’s eyes and gazing down upon her fully for the first time since she had been a nymph. “Why?” she asked. Need I ask?

Chrysalis knew the Broken she was fighting. Taalia had made feral changelings into Broken. From wandering, hiveless changelings to mindless fodder. A proud, free queen reduced to a mad creature desperate for love.

“Chrysalis!” Luna landed next to her, outraged and confused. “What is the meaning of this?”

Chrysalis whipped her head to the alicorn. “She was family! This happened to her because of my decisions!”

“No! This happened because your enemy wants you weak and wants you unable to think! Worry about winning this fight. We’ll deal with the how when the battle is won! Fight, Queen Chrysalis, my friend! Fight for your daughter! Fight for your hive! We cannot fall here!” Luna approached and shoved Chrysalis in the shoulder with an armored hoof. “I will stand with you, but you must keep yourself above your emotions! You must think of what will happen if we do not succeed!”

Queen Chrysalis glared at Princess Luna. For a moment, she thought she might attack the alicorn. How would she know? What had she lost? When had she suffered? The retort died on her lips when she opened her mouth and she reconsidered her own thoughts. No, Luna knew what it meant to suffer. In many ways, the Princess of the Night was still coming to grips with her own past and was dealing with it in her own way.

“We have lost sight of Queen Taalia,” Luna told her. “Her aura cannot be felt. Something is wrong. None of this feels right. Is the information you gave in regards to her character flawed? I must know, Chrysalis! I am uneasy about this.”

The battle around them rejoined. The changeling forces surged forward again, having recovered from the surge of energy from Chrysalis’ emotional outburst.

“We need to find her,” Chrysalis said in a dead voice. “This must end.”

“And we will end it,” Luna promised. “Together.”

The death glare the queen leveled at the princess would have laid waste to entire armies. “She’s mine, Luna!”

“You are not of the correct frame of mind to be confronting her! Your emotions are controlling you!”

“We are in the middle of a battle! A psychiatry session is not exactly prudent at this time,” Chrysalis shot back, staring down at her fallen aunt. Her anger swelled again and she stormed towards the front lines, baring her teeth and hissing in fury. She found a discarded spear on the ground and lifted it with her magic. It had a short haft, only two meters long. The blade was short and broad. It was a sturdy piece, she decided, testing the balance. It would do. She found a large, round shield near a fallen pony and picked it up, too. Determination framed her face.

“Taalia!” she roared over the din of battle. She slaughtered the first changeling that tried to fight her. And the next one. And the next. Another. Yet another. Everything blurred and there was nothing but a radius of death in front of her. She smashed faces with her shield, using it as effectively as she used her spear.

“Taalia!” Chrysalis roared, using an amplification spell on her voice. “Show yourself!”

She ignored Luna’s imploring voice. The alicorn lingered close by, engaged in her own fights and assisting her ponies where she could. She had yet to use the fullest extent of her power. Chrysalis wondered why a being as close to a goddess as one can get would restrain using that godlike power to destroy her enemies. It made no sense to Chrysalis.

The enraged queen was obliterating everything in front of her. She used the spear as an extension of her magic, using the spear head as she would her horn. Charging it with magic, she made wide sweeps, burning away her foes with frightening efficiency. Where were the rest of the Ravagers? To this point, Chrysalis had only seen a few. Of all the changeling forces, they were, unsurprising, giving the ponies the most difficult time. Unicorns had to resort to support magic to help bring the monsters down, as direct magic spells had proven ineffective, despite the warning from the queen. Chrysalis watched as every now and then a bolt of magic would strike one of the Ravagers, only to bounce off, doing no harm.

There were few Broken now, and most of them were concentrated on battling the pegasi. Still, the defenders were hard pressed. Chrysalis thought she was doing well, but when she heard a blaring horn from the ramparts behind her, she scowled. What was the meaning of this?

“Retreat! Fall back to the keep!” came the command. It was repeated by different voices. Sergeants went up and down the lines, tapping on shoulders and issuing orders.

The withdrawal was orderly and there was no panic. There were a lot of dead on the ground. The wounded had been picked up when it was feasible and throughout the battle, taken behind the walls. Chrysalis blinked, coming to her senses. All around her were the bodies of the fallen, victims of her savagery. Thumping the butt of her spear into the ground, she raised her head and looked back and up at the top of the walls. She could see her changelings firing bolts of raw and deadly magic into the enemy. She swiveled her head with deliberate slowness. In all her years, fighting a battle like this was not quite what Chrysalis was used to. It was too orderly, too formal. The ponies were falling back in good order, falling back in small groups while others covered them. The defensive fire from the keep increased. The skies rained with the dead and dying.

Breaking her own illusions with a slow exhale, Chrysalis understood the situation and fell back with reluctance. A wounded pony covered with the body of a dead changeling struggled to rise. There were no other ponies nearby. They had given the queen a wide berth in her fighting. She paused, looked at the pony and could smell something familiar. It was the pegasus from earlier, the mare, the new mother. The ranks closed behind her as other ponies rushed to seal the gap Chrysalis had caused in the line. As there was no longer a whirling dervish of death and destruction to plug the gap, the enemy was again surging in. Chrysalis used the butt of her spear to shove the dead changeling off the pony.

“Can you get up?” she asked the pegasus in a growl. Why am I doing this?

One wing was useless, she noted, as the pegasus rose to her hooves, unsteady and in a great deal of pain. One wing hung limp, useless. The injury was severe, crippling. The mare was useless as a pegasus now. She limped, determination written upon her features. “Thanks,” she said with a gasp.

An earth pony rushed up and offered a shoulder for the mare to lean on. He glared up at Chrysalis, though his eyes were confused. Focusing on the pegasus, he guided her while Chrysalis hung back, confused herself as to what she had just done.

Why did I help that mare?

Dazed from interacting with the pony, Chrysalis turned her back to the keep and swept her gaze over the rearguard. It was steadily falling back and taking heavy losses. The black swarm of changelings seemed on the brink of overwhelming them. In the skies, the Shadowbolts could be seen tearing through Broken changelings with ease. Where had they been at the start of the battle, and when was Luna’s sister supposed to show up?

“Damn it, Celestia, where are you?” she snarled. Then she roared, “Fall back, you fools!” She lifted off the ground as a wave of changelings flew over the heads of the earth ponies, taking the intense and withering missiles through snarls and hisses. Some dropped down upon the heads of the armored soldiers while others pressed onwards towards the keep’s walls. Chrysalis swished her tail as she hovered and rolled her shoulders in anticipation. “Come! Taste the wrath of the changeling queen!”

She struck out with her spear, skewering one Broken through the throat. Chrysalis flicked her weapon, sending the flailing body to the ground. She spun in midair, gathering momentum, slashing with the blade. Another changeling was deprived of a foreleg and the horizontal slash cleaved through another’s chest. At the end of her swing, Chrysalis adjusted the grip on her spear, her eyes already locked upwards. Her next strike angled skyward, a thrust through the belly of another Broken changeling. On her other side, she bashed with her shield instinctively and was rewarded with a dull crunching sound. Leveling out her shield, she swung it like an athlete preparing to swing a discus, crushing the snapping jaws of the changeling she had struck. It fell away, making strangled noises.

Chrysalis gave ground, but at a staggering cost to Taalia’s forces. They seemed to be thinning out, and the changeling queen believed the Ravagers, as well as her enemy’s regulars would soon be committed.

“Check for infiltrators!” she commanded. “Luna! They might use this moment to put infiltrators in your ranks!” Chrysalis was looking for the princess as she yelled, spotting her some distance away covering her retreating ponies. They locked eyes. Luna gave a nod and shouted orders to her officers.

Chrysalis shifted her attention to the walls. Her own changelings were still there, still defending. Ware the enemy acting as allies!

Yes, my queen! A changeling hoof waved down at her.

A grim smile of satisfaction creased her dark features. Chrysalis landed among the ponies as they fell back. Fearful glances were thrown at her, but they were ignored. Keeping her back to the enemy, she rested her spear on her shoulder and hovered her shield over her back. “Keep moving, my little ponies,” she told them in Celestia’s voice. “You’re no good to Equestria if you’re dead.”

Nervous chuckles, few and far between, nonetheless found Chrysalis’ ears. Most were not amused and scowls were directed at her. What was a little dark humor between a predator and potential prey? No, can’t think like that anymore, the glum thought strolled through her mind. Have to play nice. Don’t want to play nice. Stupid ponies and their stupid harmony crap.

She went on, “When retreating in the face of the enemy, don’t gallop. Trot! Make them pause with your actions!” The Broken wouldn’t care, but those behind them and watching would. Not all of the changelings the ponies were facing were mindless victims. To emphasize her point, she flicked her shield, crushing yet another Broken changeling trying to attack her. It fell to the ground, one feeble leg kicking. A smirk, grim and humorless curled her lips.

Unicorns were teleporting the soldiers to the other side. Chrysalis watched teams of them gathering up troops in a circle of runes glowing with magic. Several circles were placed in front of the gates. The portcullis was closed and arrows whizzed out from the tall and narrow slits in the gatehouse.

“I had wondered,” mused the queen in fascination.

A sergeant, an earth pony by the looks of him, bellowed nearby, “Form ranks! Third Platoon, go help Ninth Platoon at Gold Circle!” He noticed Chrysalis and paled. “Sweet Celestia!”

“Sweet Queen Chrysalis,” she corrected him with a derisive sniff, “but I’ll let it go this time.”

Luna landed next to her. The alicorn was coated in sweat and drying blood. She was a grimy as Chrysalis felt. “Stop playing mind games with the soldiers,” she chided the changeling. Luna then took stock of the situation, her eyes darting about with calculated efficiency. “Mine sister should arrive to the battlefield and soon,” she growled. “Lest we are bucked.”

“Or,” Chrysalis suggested with exaggerated airs, “You could just unleash all that magic you’ve got in your stores instead of,” —she made air quotes with her hooves— “letting the ponies fight for themselves.”

“There are rules, Chrysalis!” Luna snapped, striding towards the queen. She shoved her muzzle into Chrysalis’ own. “I cannot cast them aside and let loose my terrible power! I did that once and the world suffered! There was night for six full turns of the world and countless suffered because of my power!”

Chrysalis sneered. “If that is what you must tell yourself. Look at the dead littering this field and tell me if you still think you made the right decision.” Having given her opinion, Chrysalis buzzed her wings and lifted herself up and over the wall. Her changelings cheered her as she drew near. A cup of water was presented to her while the other changelings continued to fire from the ramparts. Other ponies had made a point to avoid this section of the wall.

“Thank you,” she said to the changeling who had given her water. It was down in a single go. “How does the battle look from up here?”

“Bad, Your Majesty. Very, very bad,” informed the changeling who had given her water. Chrysalis looked at him and remembered his name.

“Thorax, what have you seen from up here?” she asked.

“They’re using the Broken to probe for weaknesses,” Thorax said, blinking and glancing over the side of the wall. He fired a bolt of magic at a target then turned his attention back to his queen. “From what we can tell, the Equestrians have already lost a quarter of their strength.”

“Any signs of reinforcements?” Chrysalis quaffed a second cup of water. So thirsty!

Thorax shook his head. “None so far, my Queen.”

Chrysalis pursed her lips. She was finally able to clear her head and take stock of the situation. Below, she could see the remnants of the Equestrians filing onto the teleportation runes. Unicorns had replaced the earth ponies, erecting shields to fend off the changelings attacking them. Seeing the constant charges by the Broken upon the shields welled up some forgotten memories. Chrysalis winced and groaned, reminded of her own brush with triumph not so very long ago.

“We have a few moments of respite,” she observed, buzzing her wings. “Fleeting moments.”

“Your orders?” Thorax looked up at her, eager to please. It was good to have her changelings around her again. “Are we to abandon the ponies and make our escape? Taalia’s forces are greater than anything we had thought possible!”

Chrysalis shook her head. “She’s been gleaning from the hives she’s conquered in chasing us,” she replied, having just now come to the conclusion. “She has been taking all of their love, turning them into Broken. Every hive we have come across over the years, she has subjugated and destroyed. Those who did not join her willingly were turned into the wretches she now hurls at us.” Thoughts of Cerri brought fresh pain to her heart. A quick change of the subject was in order. “How are the others holding up?”

“Where you go, we follow, our last breath at your whim,” Thorax said with pride.

“Check the Equestrians for infiltrators,” Chrysalis commanded. “Eliminate them. Do not be discovered. The ponies are likely to try and kill you on sight. This would be an opportune time for Taalia to try and sow confusion and break the cohesiveness of the Equestrian units.”

A furious Night Princess landed next to her.

“Ah, there you are,” Chrysalis greeted with a smile. She ignored the ire levelled at her. “There is a good chance Taalia will try to infiltrate your soldiers again, if she hasn’t done so already. I’ve ordered my changelings to seek them out and destroy them. I hope you don’t mind.” She batted her eyes at Luna, mocking her.

Luna grit her teeth. “Fine. I shall allow this. You and I will have words when this battle is done!”

“We will probably have words regardless,” shrugged the queen, nonchalant. “You sister really needs to make an appearance and soon if we’re even going to entertain the notion of a cozy little chat.”

Luna adjusted her wings, flared them halfway, the resettled them, huffing in annoyance at the changeling. “My sister will be here. We need to hold our ground until she can deal with the threats elsewhere in Equestria.”

Chrysalis peered over the wall and made a sour face. “I hate sieges.”

“We are well stocked and well supplied. We have the finest unicorns available to hold the shield. We can keep Queen Taalia at bay for a little while.”

A cry rose up from the courtyard, “The last soldier has crossed the runes! The unicorns are now within the walls! Raise the shield!” A cheer went up from the ponies, ragged and tired. It had been an exhausting battle.

“So, now what?” Chrysalis asked Luna. “Do we just sit here?”

“We must be patient, Chrysalis,” Luna replied in a tired voice.

Magic hummed through the air as the unicorns combined their power and put a dome over the keep. It shimmered, starting at the top before cascading down like water over an unseen balloon. Some Broken changelings were caught within the barrier as it was established. Short work was made of them and the only Broken that remained pounded their bodies against the unyielding wall of magic.

Chrysalis clutched her spear and shield in her telekinetic grip, sweeping her eyes at the futile efforts of the enemy changelings. She felt pity for the poor things; they had no control over their instincts. Eventually, they would burn out their life forces and die as the Hunger consumed them and they fell into the Void. Taalia had done this to them. Chrysalis reflected upon her journey from the Savannah to Equestria, a meandering journey that had been slow and at times confusing. She imagined every changeling hive she had made contact with, Taalia had followed in her wake and took out her hatred for Chrysalis upon them. Guilt by association, the queen surmised with a sigh.

“Sweep them away with the storm,” Luna commanded. Her voice sounded distant.

Chrysalis blinked and made a deep, slow intake of air, filling her lungs. The air stank of smoke and charred bodies. She was tired. A great deal of effort and energy, as well as her liberal use of magic had left her feeling sore and empty. The battle was not yet over. The ebb followed the flow. At some point, the violence would resume as Taalia no doubt would try a different tactic.

“This doesn’t make sense,” the queen whispered, sinking to her haunches. Her body cried out for rest and she needed to feed. The Hunger called. The Void needed to be filled.

“What doesn’t make sense?” Luna approached, tilting her head to one side. Worry and curiosity were in her words.

Flailing with a weak hoof, Chrysalis replied, “This battle. Attacking a fortress. These are not changeling tactics. My kind are best at ambush and surprise. This doesn’t make sense.” She flicked her tail and hung her head, feeling very weak and tired. “Attacking Equestria like this doesn’t make any sense, Luna. This is insanity.”

She could faintly hear the sound of bodies striking against the shield over and over and over again. It was as though a giant was throwing a constant barrage of stones by the hoofful.

“A distraction, perhaps?” Luna speculated, dipping her head in thought. She blinked, took a deep breath, and stared off into space. “What if… what if you were not the target? What if all of this was nothing more than a ruse?”

“What do you mean?” Chrysalis curled her lips in anger. She glared at Luna, then some things began to click in her mind. Dread filled her thoughts. “The one who tried to have me assassinated, what sort of stallion was he? How was he able to discover where I was?”

Luna took a moment to digest the questions. “Quiet. Devoted to his wife. A stalwart supporter of my sister. He did not seem the sort to believe violence was the answer.” Her eyes went wide, like a terrible dawn had come before her. “Do you suppose one was all she took?” she whispered. “She wants your daughter.”

The explosive rage was immediate. “She will not have her!” Chrysalis roared, stomping a hoof. The stone beneath it cracked. How did Taalia know? How was she able to find me? How was she able to discover I was not dead? How did she know I had a daughter?

Queen Taalia had her pawns scattered within the Canterlot nobility, she was certain.

The last rays of the sun disappeared over the horizon. The overwhelming din of the host outside the shield was terrifying to the ears. The last sliver of sunlight sank away, drifting. Luna did not light her horn to raise the moon. She closed her eyes, her ears perking forward. Her nose tilted up and she inhaled as if on instinct. Her mane undulated around her, speeding up for a moment before settling down to its normal movements. The last shaft of sunlight stopped its retreat. The light held, refusing to fall back any more. Then, slow at first, it began to advance, this single solitary ray of sunshine, towards the keep, growing brighter and brighter, gaining speed as it came. Behind the light, rose the sun, and with the sun came its mistress.

Luna smiled. “Tartarus, it is nigh time!”

“Does she have to show off?” Chrysalis demanded, rolling her eyes at the spectacle.

“‘Tis the only way mine sister can burn off all the cake she consumes.”

Despite herself; her mood, and her worry, Queen Chrysalis chuckled with little humor. All she could think of was being with her daughter at that very moment.

I, Chrysalis

by Scarheart

Chapter I (Edited 5/9/16)

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIV

Chapter XV

Chapter XVI

Chapter XVII

Chapter XVIII

Chapter XIX

Chapter XX

Chapter XXI

Chapter XXII

Chapter XXIII

Chapter XXIV

Chapter XXV

Chapter XXVI

Chapter XXVII

Chapter XVIII

Chapter XXIX