> "From Whence I Once Came"
>  by Fabella
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Rise of Curisoity
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Silent steps filled the crystal palace halls at night as guards on the afternoon shift stood in place at their designated locations. Cadance had little to fear from from the guards as reason to be expected from the princess herself. 

Still, at times she had unwillingly caused commotion among them for she had not let her presence known to them all. With the occasional 'halt' from concerned stallions who heard her suspicious steps, they eventually would apologize and let her continue. 

Seeing how they mistook her in the dark as a potential threat. After all, the princess of love typically retired to her bed by her husband's side before the sun had fully set. It was not like her to pace around the palace at night.

Hearts and hooves and the Crystal Flaire were right around the corner, two weeks to be exact. While Hearts and Hooves is considered by a many stallions to be a cheap way for mares to garnish gifts out of them and bemoan not receiving one, it was a day greatly exalted in the Crystal Empire. Unsurprisingly so as the Crystal Empire's main principle was the foundation of love. 

The Crystal Flaire was important and well renowned through out not only the empire but the entire plain of Equestria. This special event renewed the bond between Cadance's subjects and strengthen the ancient Crystal Heart. It was founded by her ancestor and the ponies sought to it that every tradition be held sacred and that every foal be bought up knowing them all.

Cadance however, had not been so well versed in Crystal Empire traditions. One would expect that the ruler would be more than able to recite every single tradition, cultural background and ritual of her subjects through generations but the poor young mare deserved some slack. 

She was destined to rule when she was merely a teen and was crowned officially ruler at the humble and rambunctious age of twenty-four. Only two years later, getting married to her stallion and being with foal.

She had little reason to pay attention to such when other workings demanded her attention, but mostly free from her royal duties, she sought that she, the ruler, should at least try and make herself well versed in the ethics of her kin. 

Tonight, done with the boring renditions of the court, retreated not to her bed chamber but to the library. Clothed in her night robe and slippers, Cadance was granted entry into the crystal library by the guards automatically. Doors closing behind her.

With a cast of her horn, the entire library lit up with the soft glow of candles. Dancing about as they came to life. Filled with books, carefully organized with care by the keeper, Cadance started in the Crystal Empire historical section to which she assumed would contain the information needed for her to expand her knowledge.

Cadance gathered a stack of books with her magic and sat down at one of the tables that was set up in the library. She flipped threw them as time passed by. Looking at them with interest that could not be told on her rather stoic face. Eventually, without warning, a sudden ring was heard that nearly startled the half asleep pink winged unicorn awoke. It was the old grandfather clock that chimed away at the striking of midnight hour.

"It's that late?"

She thought to herself.

"I better get going then. Shining gets antsy when I'm not there with him."

Cadance closed the books and took some time to place them back on the shelves. being considerate enough to place them back on in their respective order. But as she was doing such, one of the books fell off and nearly hit her on her head. She looked down and went to pick up the book and grabbed hold of it with her magic. She gazed onto the cover.

"I don't remember picking up this book."

Cadance looked at the book that was titled obviously as 'Lost Kingdoms and Lands of the World'. Such books she expected to find in the Canterlot Library but that isn't to say her library wasn't a place suited to be so. Cadance flipped through the book and unconsciously sat back down with it.

"Perhaps I can take an extra minute or two to check it out."

And so Cadance did, flipping through the book and skimming it with gathering intense interest. The book stated all types of things from information on the various alicorn kingdoms that were unearthed by archaeologists to various small nations that were overtaken by great empires. 

As helpful knowledge, the book also contained information on some cultures of said ancient civiliations and even primitive tribes as well as some information on the founding and small start of the Crystal Empire and it's practices that dates back before Celestia and Luna was even born.

While the book did not dwell on the cultural aspects long, seeking to advance itself quickly to the next subject, one topic did catch the princesses eyes. While reading through the section on the crystal Empire, the text was quick to state the practices and origins of the Crystalling and the Crystal Flaire which are hundreds of years old but when it touches upon hearts and Hooves Day the text has something quite peculiar to say about it.

"Wait, it's not a Crystal Empire holiday?"

Cadance continued reading and of course, lost track of time. Eventually, said minute became an hour...and more until she finally stood to look at the clock.

"Two o'clock?"

The library door opened.

"Uh, your majesty." one of the guards presented them self. "I am sorry to intrude but Sir Shining has requested your presence. He is worried about you."

Cadance smiled at Shining's obvious bluff.

Sure he is. If anything, he's worried I'm not beside him.

"Very then, I'll come now." Cadance grabbed the book with her magic. "Care to escort me?"

"No your majesty."

The guard happily escorted the pretty princess to her room and when they arrived at the chamber doors, Cadance thanked him and dismissed him. The guard gave a small bow of respect before leaving, allowing her to open the door in privacy.

"Cadance?"

"Hey Shining. I see your still up?"

"Um yeah. I got worried about you when I woke up."

Cadance lifted an eyebrow. "Or your worried that you didn't have your cuddle pillow beside you?"

A blush overcame Shining. "Yeah yeah, whatever. I sent a guard to go retrieve you considering how you were up so late. It's two thirty."

"Yeah, I'm aware."

"Where were you?"

Cadance crawled into bed after placing the book on the night stand. "I went to the library since I couldn't go to sleep."

"So you tried to bore yourself to sleep?"

His wife rolled his eyes. "No. Not at all. I went to go check out some books on the Crystal Empire's holidays and some of the cultures. Remember I've only been a ruler for a few years. Exactly four and I hardly know much of anything about much of the empire's customs!"

"So? Your subjects don't seem to mind to much."

"Perhaps so Shining, but I am the princess. Their ruler. Of all ponies, I should know every single one of their traditions, practices and cultural practices by heart! I figured the least I could do was be well verse in some of that stuff."

Shining Armor shrugged his shoulders as he returned to read his comic book. "Seems bothersome to me. Perhaps I just don't understand but you choose the middle of the night to do that?"

"Its only at night where I'm free to do such a thing. remember, we have a kingdom to run? Court holdings, noble visits, foreign affairs..."

"You do have a point but you shouldn't stay up so late. Especially when you got all that stuff on your plate. Don't want you falling asleep at court meetings."

"Please, like it hasn't happened before." Cadance mumbled underneath her breath.

The cozy up next to each other and spent some time indulged in their own affairs. Shining continued to read his comic and Cadance continued to be engrossed in the seemingly interesting book.

"Is that the book you were talking about?" Shining asked. Leaning over towards Cadance a little to peep on what was written inside.

"Uh yeah." She answered him. Turning the book a little to his view. "A few things caught my eye in particular."

"Oh yeah? What were they?"

"Well for starters the book details all types of lost kingdoms and nations that had been unearthed by archeologists. Even some of their known culture and traditions. The crystal Empire is in it too and it talked about some obvious ones like the Crystal Flaire and Crystalling."

"Really?" Shining said with genuine curiosity.

"That's not all though. as I was flipping through the book skimming it, I came across one passage stating about an ancient race of ponies."

"An ancient race of ponies? Like the alicorns?"

"Actually...no. They had a few things to say on ancient alicorn kingdoms when they were plentiful but it wasn't on them only. The second and last one were on a race of ponies remembered only as insect pegasi."

"Insect pegasi? That ancient race of ponies?"

"You know of them Shining?"

The blue maned stallion scratched his head. "Well, I know a little. Lets just say that I wasn't all to wide awake in history class..." he mumbled. "but anyway, the insect pegasi was a race of ponies known as...flutterponiesI believe? They thrived during the time of the alicorns reign but suddenly disappeared."

"There has to be some record of them shouldn't there?"

"No. From what I understand it's like the Crystal Empire. It was there and in a blink of an eye boom it was gone. There's no record of them. Nothing has truly survived during the time between the great war and Discord's reign."

"Is that so..." Cadance's head was down. Looking to the floor in bitter disappointment.

Shining noticed this. "Perhaps there's some more books containing more information on the flutterponies in the library. You just have to look for them at most." He comforted Cadance.

"Yeah your right."

"Come and get some sleep. The sun will be up if we stay up any longer."

Cadance give a small chuckle. "Your right at that."

Cadance scooted over near Shining and the two embraced for the night as Luna swooped in the background on her Gothic carriage. They both slept peacefully, getting some hours of sleep in before the day broke through the night.
> Feeding On Ones Questions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It had been a tiresome two weeks after Cadance spent time in the library. Two special and very important events were to come into place all in a single day and week, the Crystal Flaire and the sappiest of all holiday's, Hearts and Hooves. Both events drained the poor princess of her power. 

With the help of Twilight, she managed to get everything organized between the meetings of the royals and nobles of Saddle Arabia, Germaneigh and even Prance and still be able to setup the festivities for the two demanding holidays.

But while the hard work was off of her back, Cadance was force to deal with the long conversations about politics and foreign arrangements and alliances between the empire and said royal's nations.

Such things took up her time and Shinning could offer absolutely no help. He was in charge of the entire crystal guard and his efforts, focus and energy was put into managing, training and supervising soldiers who were to serve and protect not just him and his wife but the entire kingdom.

But one thing bothered her during those long conversations, that same question would pop up:

Just what was the flutterponies?

Cadance tried to make sense of why such a thing disturbed her. She typically would leave such things alone. She wasn't like her sister-in-law who fed into her curiosity until every single book, manuscript and archive was searched and analyzed til there was not a bit of information left to obtain.

As per Shining's recommendation, she went back to the library while she was free. Searching book after book for more information on said ponies but it bought her to no avail. She even spoke to the librarian who was well versed on a range of topics within the giant collection but when she was questioned by the Crystal princess on information regarding the lost race of ponies the mare merely shook her head:

"I am sorry princess. I only know so much that this library or life itself contain. Perhaps you'll do better going to another?"

And so she did, going to the second largest library in Equestria which was in Canterlot. She spent an entire day, searching through it's records til dusk called her back home. But before she left, she later inquired one of the two sisters about her suspicions:

"The flutterponies?" Celestia looked slightly surprised. "Indeed me and my sister know them well. They have existed but unfortunately, my memory is funny of them. I only remember faintly an incident regarding my mother and their queen. It was a rather nasty incident but I'm afraid that is all I can tell you my dear. You can ask my sister but in truth she'll only say the same. I do apologize." 

Even the most studious pony she knew could offer her little:

"Flutterponies? Well to be honest I myself carried a small obsession about them for a little while. After all, I do have a thing for history. As for the flutterponies though, I could find very little information on them myself. From what I can remember there a race of ponies who lived during the reign of the alicorns but fell victim to the Great War. Their kingdom was completely wiped from the map and along with them in one whole night. I'm afraid that's all I can tell you which I'm sure is nothing new. But I did stumble across something interesting while looking them up. Apparently, the earliest record of the changelings doesn't appear far after their disappearance."

And that was when it hit her.

Cadance flew with desperate speed as the last drop of sunlight drew near. She knew what she was doing and she was conflicted on weather or not it was wrong. She wanted an answer and her last resort may just put her in danger. She knew that if she told Shining of her plans he would explicitly forbid it and the others would only worry for her greatly and side with him. She had to take the chance. She understood their worry but her desire for an answer ran stronger.

The last words of Twilight echoed in her head as she pieced the situations together.

Cadance ended her flight and landed on arid soil. The badlands was a rugged place where the sun of Celestia showed no mercy onto the dry landscape. Heatwaves shook the vision of those who dared to dwell in it but with the setting sun, Cadance was spared from it's radiating heat. 

In front of the crystal princess laid a grotesque castle. Black without detail and filled with holes, it laid covered on the outside with a sticky green slime. It stood as the tallest and seemingly only structure in the badlands.

Cadance looked around her and took a deep breath and walked in through a hole. It closed behind her unexpectedly and she was reminded on how the openings and exits of the building where not fixed. She sighed knowing it was going to be some time before she would be able to navigate the passageways to her designated area. In truth, she had no idea where to go only that she needed to see it's ruler. Cadance sighed again.

She was practically playing one big guessing game.

The caverns of the castle was covered in a sickly, sticky green substance. As she transverse the ragged caves she noticed the absence of changelings. Nothing hissed, nothing alarmed, and nothing sounded as she walked. The only thing she could hear was the sounding of her hooves against the ground and the occasional dripping noises of leaking water.

She went through one hole and swore up and down that when she did, she entered a cave straight from hell. The ceiling was not high up and the passage was almost circular in shape. Green, sickly looking orbs laid present around her. Covering sections of the walls and floor almost completely.

Where those eggs? she thought to herself.

She lifted a hoof in disgust and was undecided on how to move on. When she gazed into the distance and saw that a path could be made for her to go through, she progressed forward. The orbs were...empty. Not filled with any sort of substance. They were not bright but instead of a mix match of different shades of green. Many of which were not symmetrical in shape. They looked like eggs gone bad where the yolk had spilled in on itself.

Cadance peered into once curiously but what she could see made her repulse. Inside laid a changeling larvae but it looked deformed and small like a fetus. Its joints were twisted in on each other and some it's body did not look completely developed as some of its limbs were abnormally small in it's suspected age of development.

She wanted to hurl and turn back but having made it this far she refused. No more holes opened and closed for her here in the part of the castle and so she was trapped either way. She continued, paying careful mind not to defile her hooves with the slime like debris.

Til' finally she entered into the throne room of the Queen herself.

Cadance looked about the place and saw that it was the same as the passage. Covered in green orbs and sticky green slime but the area around the throne was mostly clear. Being limited to the surrounding walls. She looked towards the large throne that sat at the top. Her magic was useless here because of the black stone that made up Chrysalis's royal chair. Absorbing any and every kind of magic to protect the hive and her young.

Cadance was all to aware of this fact before hoof but that did not stop her from coming here. She approached the throne as her footsteps resounded through the very large area.

"Who goes there?"

Cadance stopped. She recognized the voice but it sounded filled with congestion.

She swallowed. "I-its is me...Princess Cadance."

Silence filled for awhile until she saw a figure turn on the bed like throne. Looking at her with eyes surrounded with green and yellowish crust. Her body was abnormally thin and her mane and tail was matted. Her wings, crinkled and bent, surely unable to do its job of flying.

"Cadance." Chrysalis hissed. "Why is it that you are here?"

Cadance was silent. Not as to be rude but because she was unsure of how to respond.

"Answer me!" Chrysalis snapped.

The princess did. "I came here because I wanted to ask you something."

Chrysalis grinned. "Ask me something? Why didn't you just ask your colorful friends? I don't have time to entertain ones like you."

Cadance furrowed her eyes and ignored the rest of the queen's indignation. "Because they couldn't provide me an answer. Perhaps it was God or something that compelled me but whatever it was drove me to continue searching for an answer. And it led me to you."

The bug queen busted a laugh. "Please. Such things are a-"

She coughed and wheezed. Nearly choking on her breath.

The crystal princess didn't speak a word.

"Out with it. You want an answer correct? To what?" she asked with venom.

"Flutterponies. Do you know about them?"

Chrysalis's eyes narrowed. "And why are you insisting to know about them?"

"Because..." Cadance sighed. "Well, I'll start with the beginning.  I was searching through books on information regarding some of the Crystal Empire's beliefs and practices. Mostly their traditions and culture."

"And why would the Crystal Empire Empress be doing that?"

"Because I didn't know."

Chrysalis let out a laugh but coughed as she did. "To think..."  she wheezed as she tried to speak. "...that the very ruler knows nothing about her people!"

"Like I was saying..." Cadance spoke with annoyance. "As I was flipping through, they had an interesting passage regarding a lost kingdom and race of ponies known as flutterponies. I wanted to know more as there was nearly no information on them but I obtained nothing. I even tried talking to Celestia but all she could do was confirmed that the kingdom existed. Celestia did mention something about her earliest memory being that the queen attacked her mother but that was it."

Chrysalis stood silent for a while as Cadance merely looked at her.

"She said that?"

"...yes."

"I would have thought she had forgotten such an incident. Memory sure is a strong one is it not? Even after being alive for a millennium."

Cadance looked at her confused but acknowledged her anyway. "...I would assume so. Since they couldn't get me an answer I decided to come to you."

"And why is that?"

"Because the flutterponies as I was reading were referenced as to being insect pegasi. As I thought about it, I noticed that the creatures that fit that description closest ....are the changelings."

"So you came to me on your own accord?"

"Yes."

"Not very wise are you? The princess of the Crystal Empire comes to me without protection in an area where her magic is rendered useless to meet alone the very ponywho stole her identity and tried to not only take her husband but the entire country of Equestria. Come now Cadance what are you truly here for? Surely there is not more important matters to discuss then some old, ancient pony foal's tale is there not?"

Cadance frowned at her and stared into her eyes. She refused to speak and silence overcame them both as the other waited for a response. But when Chrysalis saw that she was serious she gave in.

"Sure enough your husband wouldn't allow for this meeting to happen wouldn't he?"

Cadance stood her ground. "He wouldn't, which is why I didn't tell him."

The Hive Queen gave a grin. "Perhaps not wise but surely is bold."

"Enough Chrysalis. Answer my question, who or what were the flutterponies?"
> Tears of Remembrance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Are you alone?"

"I told you yes."

"I need to make sure lest you have some plan waiting in store."

"I have no plan Chrysalis. The only plan I have is to get you to answer my question."

Chrysalis let out a cough. "And what if I don't? Are you going to call upon your prissy little Prince Shining to come and rescue you?" she sung.

Cadance stood silent.

"But then you might just use your sappy love for your husband to blow me and my hive to pieces, won't you Cadance?"

Chrysalis was trying the crystal princess's patience but Cadance stood firm. Later breaking the quietness between them. "No. I'll just walk away and leave. Accepting that fact."

Her opponent took some time to respond.

"Aren't you the honest one."

"Not completely. If I was trulyhonest, I wouldn't be here after telling my husband I was speaking to Twilight overnight for diplomatic relations. But even unto enemies, do I stay true to my word and right now, you are one of them."

Chrysalis merely looked at her and closed her eyes. Coughing a little before letting out a sigh.

"Leave."

"No."

"I said to leave!"

"No."

"Your determined to die aren't you?"

Cadance looked at her with determination. "If you wanted to, go ahead and attack. You said it yourself. My power will not work here and I was a fool  to come alone. Luck is on your side. Go on, use your magic and zap me away. Steal my identity and get to work. The bitterness in your tone surely shows our hatred of me."

Chrysalis remained silent. She gritted her teeth and her wings, as crinkled and ragged as they were, let out a small buzz of deep agitation. She was too weak to attack and it seemed as though Cadance knew that well. She merely kept quiet about it. Chrysalis wanted to snap the little alicorn's neck. Show her what true love was in her misery. Banish her to the crystal caves again and steal all she had.

Chrysalis got up on her throne with shaky legs and ripe eyes that was bloodshot and sleep deprived. She could hardly move as extreme fatigue over came her. Her crooked and jagged horn glowed little with her green magic and she aimed towards the princess.

She'll show her the might of the hive queen. She'll show her what it's like to lose everything and everyone. If she couldn't kill her, she'll make her into the most hideous creature the world had ever seen. She'll make her pink and beautiful fur and feathers as black as hers. She'll be a wretched abomination that none would be able to lay eyes upon lest they choke on themselves.

Cadance was scared yes, but she'll stand her ground. She'll play her chances and roll the die.

Cadance closed her eyes as Chrysalis was poised to attack but when Cadance felt that nothing had happened yet, she opened one of her eyes and saw an unbelievable sight.

Chrysalis...was crying.
> A Story From the Past
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Cadance gazed upon the queen with slightly wide eyes. She didn't say a word.

Chrysalis winced as she slowly laid herself back down on her throne. Her back facing towards the alicorn of love. She took a deep breath and relaxed her aching body.

"Sit down princess of the Crystal Empire, the story I am about to tell is a long one."

Cadance looked behind her on the floor and sat down. Looking up towards the large throne.

"You asked me if I knew about the flutter ponies correct?"

Cadance swallowed. "Yes. I remember that I did."

"Indeed you have came to the right one." she sighed. "How should I begin?" she asked solemnly.

Cadance felt compelled to answer. "Well, start from where you know."

Chrysalis gave a hidden smile. Cadance unable to see it as Chrysalis did not face her. "During the time of old, where alicorns could be found throughout the world and ponies were scattered throughout all lands, to the west of what was to be the land of Equestria laid a glorious kingdom known as Eden."

"What a nice name."

"Isn't it?" Chrysalis coughed. "Certainly a better name then 'Badlands'." she groaned. "Eden was a beautiful land filled with flowers of every type. Bugs of every species made their home there, ponies and royals looked on in awe as all who visited before them did. Flowers gave off their sweet smelling nectar and birds made the place come alive as they nestled themselves on beautiful statues. In the center of the beloved kingdom laid the home of the Queen. A gorgeous honeycomb like castle that was adorned with sweet smelling flowers of all kinds. The entire kingdom was one big garden."

Chrysalis turned a little to look at Cadance. A soft and small smile adorning her face as welcoming memories came back.

"And what could be more beautiful then nature itself?"

"You seem to remember this kingdom quite well."

"Oh yes. The queen and me were very well...acquainted." she hissed. "Eden was home to a race of ponies called flutter ponies. A breed of pegasi who took care of honey making, pollination and the care of insects and tiny creatures. They had a special connection to that side of nature and most held close to their ruler. Afterall, many of them were themselves, children of the queen."

"Wait, most of the kingdom subjects were related to the queen?"

Chrysalis chuckled. "Indeed. She was much like an insect herself. Having many foals of her own to form her own colonization."

"She was a pony?"

"Yes. An alicorn to be exact. Just like your prissy princesses. She was beautiful. Unique of any alicorn to have lived. She had brilliant white fur that slowly descended into grey closer to her hooves with grey hexagon markings on her body. Her mane a golden dripping honey that disappeared as soon as it hit the ground. She was a master potion brewer. Always aiming to change her appearance with them and took pride in herself. She was...quite vane. But mostly those potions were used to her advantage."

"How so?"

"She was quite notorious in getting what she wanted. She used them to gather information on other royals or nobles for her political advantage. This made her unpopular among the other alicorns and rulers and as such, they did not approve of her much but she could care less. She minded her own and ran her kingdom with an iron hoof. I must say, her subjects were much like her. They'll welcome you with open hooves but do not cross them or annoy them. You may have an angry swarm coming after you." Chrysalis chuckled wickedly.

Cadance narrowed her eyes slightly. She felt a cold draft come over her and she laid down on the ground. Tucking her wings in by her sides to conserve body heat.

"But such potions would bring about her downfall."

Cadance looked at chrysalis with increase interest.

"My memory is foggy but if I can correctly, it started when a certain idiotic, average looking, bastardprince decided it was a good idea to mess with said pony's potions." Chrysalis spat.

Cadance was surprised at the sudden language used as eyes grew wide. Chrysalis must have been close to the queen.

Perhaps she was a relative? Cadance thought to herself.

Whatever the case, it was obvious that Chrysalis took it personally.

"I do not know how that thing got a hold of her potions but I can only suspect that she must have followed the queen down into her brewing room which was to remain secret." Chrysalis snarled as she squeezed her eyes shut. "That idiot...he managed to get a hold of one of the potions that she regularly uses on powerful individuals to obtain confidential information. If his aim was to make her fall in love with him then he succeeded. He succeeded to well."

"What happened?"

"He managed to trick the queen into drinking it by posing as one of her servants. Putting the near entire potion inside of her breakfast drink that he delivered to her. Idiot had no idea what he had done. That potion was a toxic compound. Something you can only give in small amounts and this-this idiot had pour the entire thing!" 

Chrysalis gave a sigh. "She tried hard to resist the effects of the potion and worse it came at her at full force as the idiotic prince did not dilute the mixture. But it was no use, the queen had succumbed to the effects of her own love poison."

"Love poison?" Cadance asked herself in a whispering tone. "Where have I heard that before?" She murmured.

"I do not remember exactly what happened between those incidents but I do remember well the incident between Celestia and Luna's mother and she."

This grabbed Cadance's attention.

"Celestia and Luna's mother had came to tell her important news but she was so fixated and obsessed over the pony prince that she ignored her warning."

"What did she come to tell?"

"That the draconi had come to make war."

"Draconi? Like Draconequus?"

"Yes. Another ancient race but at least you still have one swinging his happy tail around. They were similar to discord but each like ponies, having their magic talents that suited them. But the alicorns and them had become on bad terms with one another. It was to become as such to the point a great war was to happen between them. Eventually such would come to pass, leaving only a crazed member of their kind left and two little princesses."

"Celestia, Luna, and Discord I assume?"

"Quite obvious dear~." Chrysalis mocked.

"Many kingdoms and nations fell during the time of the Great War and unfortunately..." Chrysalis sighed in defeat. "...Eden was to be one."

"What was Celestia and Luna's mother name?"

"I am afraid I do not remember well. You'll do better asking your princesses that question."

"I see. Please continue."

"The queen annoyed by Celestia and Luna's mother interfering with their...relationship." Chrysalis choked. "Attacked the empress of the dawn. In fury and rage, the empress cursed the bug queen to be tied to the palace until she returned to cast sentence but such a thing did not matter. The Queen and the prince confined themselves to the castle as both their kingdoms were left to fend for themselves. The flutterponies, the queens loyal subjects tried desperately to garnish her attention but to no avail. While war rung out around them, their queen and a measly commoner prince indulged in one another until finally the queen snapped."

"What made her snap?"

"I...can't remember clearly but it was something that the prince had said. He said that his dear did not look well and as beautiful as when she first had him to himself. Of course that is to be expected when one's obsession is past the point of caring for self-survival."

"Believing his foolish words, in her blind and deluded state, potion after potion did she drink. Hollering that she could make herself even more beautiful for her lover. The combining of all of those potions turned her into something...unrecognizable. That weaklingof a prince." Chrysalis gritted. "He couldn't take her obsessive love anymore and fled. Never to be seen again and thankfully so. Not long did one of the draconi paid the kingdom a welcoming visit and with his visit, all of her subjects, many her own children, changed into the ragged beast like her. An abomination that could turn others into stone with one look upon them."

"What did they become? Are they still around?"

Chrysalis took some time before responding to her last question. "They were...til now."

Chrysalis stood up on shaky legs that could barely contain her weight. She shook with every inch she pulled herself up with. Her stomach was sunken in and every shape of her bones could be seen. Chrysalis turned her neck a little backwards as mandibles, covered in oozing saliva that was both clear and green, stuck out to straighten her crinkled wings.

Chrysalis buzzed them a little to make sure that they were working properly enough to at least get her off of the ground. She looked towards the pink princess.

"Follow me."

Cadance said not a word as the bug queen flew outside the place through a circular opening located at the top of her throne. The princess followed and watched as Chrysalis landed down onto the arid land quite a bit away from the hivemind before she did herself.

Why are we out here?Cadance wondered.

"Cadance..." she heaved. Approaching her steadily. "May I feed on some of your love?" 

The request caught the love princess of guard. Why such the sudden request? Was she planning something?

She thought about it, unsure if she should. It was a risk. It was how Chrysalis powered herself. She had already taken risk coming here alone and without warning so she doubted if she should gather another risk upon such. But remembering how she risked it all when she taunted Chrysalis she ignored the benefit of doubt.

"Yes-but before I do so may I inquire exactly why?"

"You will see for yourself."

Cadance raised an eyebrow in suspicion but decided against interrogating Chrysalis further. Her countenance was one of gentleness but the princess knew better to so easily trust expressions. At most, they were masks to hide true intentions which often led to easy deception.

With a sigh, the princess gave in. "Do what you must."

Chrysalis's horn glowed faintly and her mouth opened a little as she absorbed some of the love from Cadance. Her eyes squeezed tight as she felt some of her energy leave her. The pink magic leaving from her horn and into the mouth of the love eating succubus. It continued for a short time but for the princess of love who was equally fueled by it, it felt like a hammer being banged onto her head.

She only hoped that she did not obtain a migraine from doing such a thing.

Chrysalis felt invigorated but just barely enough. She did not request this to extend her life but instead for the sake of Cadance.

"Are you ready?"

"Ready for what?" 

Chrysalis ignored her innocently asked question. Her horn glowed again as she closed her eyes. Cadance watched as there was a sudden bright flash of clear light as it practically blinded the alicorn. Cadance, in instinct, had raised a hoof to protect her eyes but taking a peek before fully seeing, she beheld a wonderful sight. 

The magic of Queen Chrysalis burst forth and had caused the Badlands to explode into bloom.

Giant flowers and plants and insect mounds stood in the place of the once deserted sands and soil. While there was no sounds of ponies, the aroma of nectar and sweet smelling flowers filled the air and the buzzing of bees and various insects replaced the expectant sounds of ponies and changelings alike. Dusk no longer fell upon the land but was instead, lifted up in the brightness of the sun.

There were houses as far as the pony eye can see that were giant flowers and termite mounds. Streams flowed through the place in utmost beauty and butterflies fluttered about of every shade and color. Some were like mosiacs. Changing color depending on how the light hit them.

"Where am I?" Cadance questioned as she looked around. 

Cadance turned around and before her was there no longer the ugly, black and jagged, slime filled castle that had once held the changeling brood. Instead there laid a beautiful castle made up of various clean cut boulders, stones covered in an array of luxurious flowers and sweet nectar and honey that dripped down from it's side to be lapped up by small creatures such as squirrels and hummingbirds.

"Is this...Eden?"

Cadance heard next to her the sound of a water droplet hitting a puddle and turned to look. From the leaf she gazed down into the small fish filled pond. What she saw made her speechless.

Almost enraged, she made her way quickly into the castle. The walls were adorned much like the outside with flower filled vines and honey dripping down from the ceiling as the itself was one big honeycomb.

Desperate she did not stay long to explore the elaborate place and continued on.

How could she do this?

Cadance darted all around the castle while yelling for Chrsyalis to answer. She eventually landed in a hall that reminded her much of Canterlot Castle's very own. It was lined with beautiful mosaic windows each bordered with elegant flowers. The long rug was a lovely gold color and the floor a shiny marble.

"Chrysalis! Chrysalis answer me!"

Cadance felt a twinge on her horn and as it glowed, she heard a voice.

"Stop your yelling, I have heard it through out the castle."

"Then why didn't you answer me?"

"Cause I am not in the best position to strain my force so you can hear. I simply waited for you to come closer. I am in the throne room."

"Where is the throne room? I need an explanation for this Chrysalis!"

"Continue down the hall. You will encounter two large doors. Go through them and you will receive your explanation."

Cadance did as she was told and lowered her haste but just enough to speed walk. Confronting the two large doors she lit up her long white horn and entered. The two large doors making a sound to indicate that they were closed.

Before her was a medium size throne that was made up of a beautiful velvet that was aligned with gold ornate details. It was surrounded with a beautiful fountain spilling from it that watered the small garden that sat beside the throne. A small pond was also present around it and was filled with stunning koi fish. If that was not enough, light from outside took over the throne room as giant clear windows stood in place of it's mosaic brothers. Truly it was a wonderful sight.

"It's gorgeous." Cadance thought out loud. Nature was truly much more spectacular than any man made substance.

But Chrysalis...she could not find her.

"Chrysalis?" She spoke calmly. The serene setting holding down her nerves. "Chrysalis where are you?"

"Look here. In front of you."

Cadance did and out of the beauty of all that was stood the same ragged and crooked, ill creature that stood before.

"Chrysalis...why am I'm like this?"

Chrysalis smiled. "Is it not beautiful?"

"It...is, in truth its perhaps the most beautiful pony I have ever seen."

Chrysalis smiled even more. Perhaps not out of happiness but to hold prisoner the tears that threatened to break out.

Chrysalis gazed upon the pony before her. She stood very tall and had a build cross between a pony and a full grown horse but she was of proportion. Next to Celestia herself she would not stand only taller but bigger as well. She had a beautiful and refined body that was covered in a white fur coat that grayed at the hooves and tip of her elongated horn.

Gray hexagon markings covered her fur and instead of the typical boring wings of an alicorn, they were of a beautiful giant monarch. Her mane, perhaps the precious of all. Mane and tail dripped in flowed honey. Dissapearing quickly after touching the ground. Not leaving any trace of it's mess.

Chrysalis walked towards Cadance in what had to be the happiest the crystal princess had seen the crazed and desperate ruler.

"Indeed beautiful. Full of power and wealth. If only you had not been so foolish." she stated sternly.

"Chrysalis?" Cadance asked worried. Unsure of weather or not it was directed to her.

"How fitting that the Empress of the Crystal Empire who has everything that I once had be my reflection."

"What do you mean Chrysalis?"

Chrysalis did not say a word as she closed her eyes sadly. Tears begun to leak out of her tightly closed eyelids as her teeth clenched together.

"Chrysalis...what's wrong?"	 Cadance sounded as though she was about to choke herself.

Tears fell even more.

What could she say?

Cadance stood silent with intensity as the queen opened her mouth to speak.

"Hello...Me."
> From Last to None
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Cadance stood bewildered. She thought on it for a little bit before finally opening her mouth.

"I'm...you?"

Chrysalis didn't answer.

"I look just like how you described the queen of the flutterponies though. How could I be..."

Chrysalis looked at her when she took notice on how she didn't finish her sentence. "You were the queen of the flutterponies and Eden...was your home, your kingdom."

"Wise are you."

"So everything in the story. The prince, the love potion, being turned into a horrible monster...you were describing yourself."

"Indeed."

"But why did you speak of yourself as another pony?"

"Because she was another pony. I am no longer who I use to be. I am no longer the once powerful ruler who once ruled over a great kingdom. I am no longer the beautiful pony who charmed all stallions. I am...this."

"The changelings...are they-"

"Yes. They were the flutterponies. They were also, at least some, my own children. This land even, the Badlands, was the home for Eden. As you saw before it is just an arid place."

"But its beautiful now."

"That...."

Chrysalis's horned lit up as she swung her head gently. Everything around them became bordered in a green hue and disappeared into clear sparkles.

"...was an illusion."

Cadance stood however, untouched.

"The flutterponies if they are the changelings...where are they? They should have been all over the hive. Why weren't they there?"

Chrysalis turned away from her and closed her eyes. Not bearing to gaze into her's any longer.

"Their dead."

"....no."

"We had gone to long without food and we made ourselves weak."

"Why didn't you come back? Why didn't you contact one of us? We could have helped you!"

"You think I wouldn't?" Chrysalis snapped. "A true queen know's her ones are fed before they sit to feast and I was prepared to give up everything for them. It's been five years since our last quarrel and unfortunately not long after you blasted me from Equestria, my little ones fell ill. That blast zapped us of nearly all our power and in our weak and feebleness we succumbed to nature. Some disease ravaged us and weak on love, our food, they gave in. The broke out into sweats, chills and hives and I knew not what to do."

"Magic-"

"Magic would not work. They were to far gone. All I could do as their queen, as their mother, was comfort them as they took their last breath. But unknowingly...." Chrysalis gave a nervous chuckle. "I was the one killing them."

"What?"

"Cadance, hopefully you've stayed in school long enough, do you know what happens when the queen of a hive dies or begins to die?"

Cadance didn't answer. Not because she didn't know  but because she knew all to well.

"The hive itself begins to die." Chrysalis sighed. "I fell ill first but the love my dear changelings were feeding me allowed me to withold the symptoms for a time. All the while they weakened themselves. I was a carrier of the disease before them. Coughing and heaving I thought it had gone pass but I was a fool. They didn't need to catch it to die. All they needed was me to die and we, I, knew none the better. That curse that draconi put on us...he made us more insect like than I thought."

"Their all gone..."

"Yes and no magic may bring them back. I have not much longer."

Chrysalis faced Cadance and touched her horn to her's. Her body morphed back into the stocky winged unicorn that she once was.

"Enjoy it now princess of the Crystal Empire. Your youth and your prestige. At any moment can life steal it away from you. The thought of some pony enjoying what had been my privilege...you have no idea how much that hurt."

"But most ponies have what I have in some form Chrysalis. Weather it be a love, a kingdom or great power."

Chrysalis gave a smile and chuckled. "You however, are a direct reflection of me. Your cutie mark, your empire, your ponies, your life. Love."

"Chrysalis have you ever loved some pony?"

"A very long time ago. What was his name? It was something beginning with sol. He was a beautiful stallion. A stallion who died in war. Her had pure white fur and a radiant mane like Celestia's that shined with the colors of fire. Waving forever in the wind. He fathered half my kingdom before perishing in the first war of the draconi which lead to their embitterment towards us alicorns."

"Weren't those eggs inside the hive?"

"Yes. I lay those when there is no love to sustain us. They are unfertilized. It works for a time to stave off hunger but nothing more. It is not enough."

"But one had a changeling in it."

"That one...that was an egg I laid while sick. It is dead now."

"But who..."

"Fertilized it? A stallion I had fell in love with while trying to find food. Naturally I changed into what he wanted but his love was to endearing. I am not one to give myself to anyone just because."

A wind of silence blew between them before Cadance broke it.

"Chrysalis...What do you plan on doing?"

"What is there left to do but return to dust? Princess, I have nothing left. I only have my pride but even that has waned. Go back to your empire. I'm sure they are waiting if not panicking your return. Do not worry your small ponies."

Cadance touched by her endearment, felt her heart soften.

"Chrysalis."

"What."

Cadance closed her eyes as she felt a gentle breeze blow over. She smiled. "Tonight it is cold. Perhaps it would be much warmer if two beheld one another."

Chrysalis took time to respond.

"Do as you wish."

And so she did. Following Chrysalis back into the hive mind they both laid upon the throne. Chrysalis curled up like a dog while Cdance rested her muzzle on her side.

"I never asked but what was your cutie mark like dear?"

Chrysalis smiled as she kept her eyes closed. "It was a heart...like your's."

"Did it stand for the same?"

"No. It stands for something stronger."

"Like what?"

"A mothers love."

And so Cadance comforted the queen as she, a mother had done her own. She stayed there, through out the night and throughout the cold. Finding solace in having her questions answered and seeing the queen for what she really was. Not a single cough, wheeze or sound of sickness was heard through out the night as Chrysalis slept. Perhaps God had taken pity on her. As her chest lifted slowly every time, Cadance felt her love grow stronger in understanding til finally, the queen and last of the flutterponies...

...had passed.