Chrysalis is dying, and her suffering is unbearable.
Chrysalis is very ill, and her condition worsens as time goes on. Stuck in such a state is a terrible fate for a changeling, especially if they're of royal heritage. Can anypony help her in time? Or will she end up giving her last breathe reflecting on her own sorrow?
It was a rainy night in the Everfree forest as former queen Chrysalis had stumbled into her cave with only a small saddlebag of food that could last her about 4 months, as soon as she stepped inside however. She set her saddlebag on a rock she always used as a table with a loud [thud], which echoed through the cave itself. "D-Damn it, this pain is unbearable." She groaned to herself as she held her side in pain. She wasn't bleeding there, but it was an illness that was causing her so much pain.
"If I am going to die like this, then I wish to be forgotten." She continued, speaking to merely herself.
"Not if I can help it my queen." Spoke somepony behind her, which made her turn around in confusion. But who she saw wasn't a mere pony, it was another changeling. She believed she was hallucinating, because all of her subjects had left her rule to live lives of peace and prosperity. And those who stayed loyal to her had since disappeared, gone without a trace.
"V-Villex?! I-Is that you!?" Chrysalis asked in shock, wondering if she was seeing anything other than the real former second in command of hers.
"Yes my queen, in the flesh. And I wish to reaffirm my rightful place under your rule, even if you're not keen on ruling over one subject." Villex spoke with pure honesty before bowing in honor in front of the ill former changeling queen, his loyalty had faltered before. But he never wished to abandon the only queen who has been watching over her kind for centuries, only to die alone and ill.
"I'm afraid I have given up my title of queen when you all left. And ever since, I have been in my own self-loathing and self-hatred for abusing my rule over you all. And-..." Was all Chrysalis could say before she fell to the ground on her side and puking up a green liquid like a volcanic eruption, her pain growing in the process. As soon as her pain ebbed, and her puking came to a stop, she wiped her mouth and coughed hard. "Ugh... That one hurt worse than the others, and was more intense than I could fathom."
_meanwhile in Canterlot_
Princess Celestia was leaning on her balcony feeling for any signs of danger or unusual energy spikes, until she felt somepony's magic start to flicker and fade. Which made her eyes shoot up in horror as she realized what was happening, and who she felt. "I-It can't be... Can it? She-She's not... She's... Dying? Oh mother of me." Was all Celestia could say before she rushed to her desk, and swiftly wrote a letter to the mane 6 with urgency. She hadn't always agreed to putting her differences with Chrysalis aside, but she felt like leaving her to die in pain would be dishonorable.
_Back with Chrysalis_
"My queen? Are you okay?"
Villex asked Chrysalis with worry on his face, remaining by her side. He was not used to seeing his queen in such pain and illness before he left. Yet his sworn duty was to keep her alive, even if it meant sacrificing himself for her.
"The Enophage has sadly been the worst struggle I have been going through since my rise to be queen, yet now I struggle to find reason not to join the well of souls."
Chrysalis said in sorrow, her head slowly leaning downward as she closed her eyes. She remembered her mother, the queen of the Changelings before her. And how she died in an act of bravery, and how powerless she felt to save the one pony who could have made life worth living for 2 more centuries.
"D'Var and the others knew that this scenario would happen, yet none of us would have assumed you of all ponies would be afflicted my queen."
Villex said in sorrow, knowing the danger of such a severe and unresearched illness. The thousands of Changelings affected, the deaths had in the old caves, and the friends and family lost over time.
For so long, he believed that his queen would never have to suffer such a condition. Nor did he wish it upon another Changeling, unless they abandoned her. But now that he had returned from what he felt like was a munity against his only worthy leader, he wished he was infected instead. So that way, his queen could not suffer. And his punishment would be served justly.
"For the many that abandoned your cause, I will remain loyal to you for all the time you have left my queen."
He said to her comfortingly, trying to give the soul he believed needed it most, a brighter sight before she died.
"Thank you Villex. I may have little time left, but I am proud to call you my first ever friend."
Chrysalis said as she raised her head to look at her second in command in the eyes, tears starting to form in her eyes. And a smile starting to form on her lips. Despite dying by an illness, she knew she did not have the choice to simply fake her death. As the Enophage had also affected her magic, forcing her into going in a more traditional form of survival. The way of ancient explorers, whom gave their lives to found magic and society as each Changeling knows today.
_Back in Canterlot_
"We had received your message princess Celestia, and want to save her as best we can."
Twilight Sparkle said to her former teacher, with a serious expression on her face, knowing the urgency of the matter. She still has certain distrust for the Changeling queen, after the incident at her brother's wedding. But when the royal leader of her land requested her and her friends to fine a way to heal her to full health, there was no time to argue or turn back. Regardless of who they were, all life was precious in her opinion.
Celestia knew she could count on Twilight and her friends on such an urgent yet sensitive matter, as such a situation would require a more deft touch.
"As doubtful as I am about the Changeling queen will be about making amends for her transgressions, I cannot sit idley and watch somepony else suffer such a grim fate."
Twilight said to Princess Celestia, giving her former teacher a report on her opinion regarding the Queen of Changelings. Remembering the incident at Shining's wedding, and how the invasions begun happening each time since.
"This time is different. With no allies or followers to aid her in her time of need, she will die a slow and painful demise. And so, I call upon all of you to try and save her life. Whether she wants it or not, it would be dishonorable to simply leave her to die alone."
Celestia said as she looked into the outskirts of Canterlot, feeling out faint Chrysalis's magic is becoming. Her student and her friends needed to act swiftly, otherwise it'd be too late.
"This is where I turn to you Twilight. We know nothing about her illness, or if it is communicable with other species. Not only will you and your friends have to find and save her, but you must learn about her disease as much as possible."
Twilight thought about what she was being asked to do, and simply nodded in response. She knew deep down that her scientific curiosity would nag at her for simply ignoring such a medical hazard Chrysalis could possibly be, and she also knew better than to simply disobey the princess of the sun.
"We'll get it done Princess Celestia."
Twilight said with a calm tone of voice, before turning to face her friends. Only to find some confliction. Rainbow Dash simply shook her head, not saying a word. Rarity and Applejack also did the same. Fluttershy nodded her head, knowing it was important. While Pinkie Pie was smiling, and somehow eating popcorn that she had surprisingly stored in her mane.
"No way, Twilight. I ain't risking my neck for Bug-face. She's probably trying to juke us all out, so she could kill us all in a single surprise attack."
Rainbow Dash said with anger, holding a grudge against the Changeling queen, and how evil she had been until now.
"You read too much Daring Do, Rainbow."
Twilight said to Rainbow Dash.
_Back with Chrysalis_
Chrysalis stumbled and wobbled over to the grieving room, where a statue was held in honor of her mother. And in that moment, her memories of what happened 100 years ago had come crashing in her mind.
_100 years ago, Sentinel City_
Princess Chrysalis, the youngest changeling of them all, found herself in the midst of chaos as Sentinel City, the home of the changeling empire, was invaded by the Centaurs. The Centaurs, driven by a desire to seize the capital, unleashed overwhelming force upon the city.
"M-Mommy! Where are you?"
cried Princess Chrysalis, her voice filled with fear and desperation. She had been chosen to inherit the title of Queen from her mother, Queen Eclipse, who was known as the most powerful and feared Changeling to have ever lived.
"Chrysalis, run! Go to Heboth!"
Queen Eclipse shouted to her daughter, her voice filled with urgency, just before being struck out of the sky by a spear thrown by the Centaur King.
Terrified and heartbroken by the loss of her mother, Princess Chrysalis obeyed her command without hesitation. With tears streaming down her face, she spread her delicate wings and took flight, desperately trying to escape the chaos consuming Sentinel City.
The city burned behind her as she flew, the sounds of battle and destruction echoing in her ears. She could hear the clash of weapons, the screams of the wounded, and the thunderous hooves of the Centaurs. Chrysalis glanced back one last time, her eyes filled with sorrow, before focusing on the path ahead.
Guided by her instinct for survival, Chrysalis flew through treacherous skies, determined to reach Heboth, a distant sanctuary known for harboring those in need. She flew over dense forests, crossed rushing rivers, and soared over towering mountains, her wings straining with each beat.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Princess Chrysalis spotted the shimmering walls of Heboth in the distance. The city stood as a glimmer of hope in the darkness, protected by powerful enchantments and hidden from the prying eyes of invaders. With renewed strength and determination, she pushed forward, her wings carrying her closer to safety.
As Chrysalis landed within the city's protective walls, she was greeted by other changelings who had sought refuge there. They had heard rumors of Sentinel City's fall and the loss of their beloved Queen Eclipse. Sympathetic eyes met hers, and wings reached out to comfort her.
In Heboth, Chrysalis found temporary solace from the horrors of war. She mourned the loss of her mother and sought guidance from the city's elders, who shared stories of the changeling empire's glory days. She learned about her people's rich history, their struggles, and their resilience.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Chrysalis grew stronger, both in body and spirit. The memory of her mother's sacrifice burned within her, fueling her anger against the Centaurs for their crimes against the pact they once shared.
And because of that faithless moment, Chrysalis' anger only turned into blood boiling insanity as she let her anger and grief consume her.
Chrysalis' anger and grief festered within her, gradually twisting her once-bright spirit into one of bitterness and vengeance. She found herself unable to cope with the loss of her mother and the fall of the changeling empire. In her quest for power and revenge, she embraced dark magic and dark intentions.
Under Chrysalis' leadership, Heboth changed. The sanctuary that once symbolized hope and unity now became a place of secrecy, manipulation, and aggression. Chrysalis delved into forbidden knowledge, seeking to augment her magical abilities and control over her kind.
Driven by a deep-seated desire to prove herself and regain what was lost, Chrysalis began plotting her return to Sentinel City. She believed that with enough power and determination, she could exact her vengeance upon the Centaurs and reclaim the throne that had been stolen from her.
With a growing number of loyal followers, Chrysalis set her plan in motion. She conducted experiments, concocted spells, and forged alliances with dark and dangerous beings from the shadows. Her obsession with revenge consumed her, leaving her with little room for empathy or compassion.
As Chrysalis prepared for her assault on Sentinel City, the remnants of the changeling empire watched in fear and concern. They recognized the darkness that had taken hold of their once-promising Princess, and they worried for the future of their people.
The day of the attack arrived, and Chrysalis led her forces to Sentinel City. The battle that ensued was brutal and devastating, as changelings clashed with Centaurs in a fierce struggle for dominance. But Chrysalis' lust for power and vengeance clouded her judgment, causing her to underestimate her opponents and overextend her resources.
Despite her initial gains, Chrysalis' forces were eventually overwhelmed by the combined might of the Centaur warriors. The battle ended with Chrysalis defeated and imprisoned, her dreams of revenge shattered.
As she languished in her cell, Chrysalis was forced to confront the consequences of her actions. The once-proud Princess had become a symbol of chaos and destruction, tarnishing the legacy of her mother's sacrifice. Her bitterness and anger had led her down a path of darkness, and now she faced the consequences of her choices.
Her anger festered more and more, until finally she hatched a devious plan. If anger and hate could not destroy the Centaurs, maybe stolen love can.
And so, with the aid of her most loyal subjects. Princess Chrysalis, now dubbed Queen, was able to break out, free every changeling, and make a daring escape.
