Tales of Equestria: Changing into Love

by Noratcat

First published 26th of March, 2021

Freed from stone, Chrysalis finds herself in a new form of prison, but will she ultimately find a new way of living?

Years after her final defeat, Chrysalis finds herself freed from her stone prison, yet is now trapped in the form of a creature she despises most of all. Lost, alone, and without her hive or allies, she struggles to adapt to her new circumstances leading her towards twin doctors. Now given a new way to live, will Chrysalis change into something better? Or remain the same villain she always has been?

Chapter 1

Footsteps echoed throughout the halls of the Hive. The hive itself was ever-changing, entrances and exits disappearing. From birth, Changelings were taught how to traverse its pathways. One needed to do so to survive. That was the Changeling way. A changeling that couldn't adapt was considered a weak link. And all weak links needed to be severed. That was the decree given by the Changeling Queen since days long past.

The current queen, one by the name of Cocoon walked through the halls with only her footsteps to keep her company. The queen herself was a tall lanky thing, her hair long and sickly green. All Changeling Queens held a similar shape and appearance, barring different shades of hair and ever faintest colors of their skin. She was no longer a lush beautiful thing, however. By changeling standards, she was considered old. Her former filled-out features had sunken in, giving a bony appearance. Though age did nothing to deter her. She was still as strong and powerful as she was in her younger days.

Age mattered nothing to a Changeling queen. So long as they had power they were in command. Their rule was absolute, their command unquestionable. It had been that way since the Changelings crawled out of the primordial goo.

But even queens had a time limit, and Cocoon knew her time was nearing its end.

"Your Majesty!"

A buzzing of wings signified the arrival of a drone. A lone thing that looked very much like the rest of the drones that populated the hive.

"Yes? What is it?" Cocoon asked, her voice showing the faintest traces of annoyance.

The drone hovered then landed just at his queen's feet, "My queen, it's time!"

Cocoon's eyes widened and she immediately took to the air, flying through the many shifting holes. She traversed through the pathways, knowing the proper path, before landing within her throne room. Her throne lay solitary, a magical artifact that canceled out all other forms of magic. It was a royal treasure she was quite proud to inherit. So much that when she found a drone sitting upon it, she had them executed. She noticed several drones gathered near it. Briskly she trotted over to it.

"Move fools! Out of the way!" She ordered, pushing some of her subjects aside.

Standing before her was a pedestal, laying solitary, recently placed there for a precious purpose. And the moment she arrived, she heard the cracking. A single egg lay nestled, shaking and cracking as something emerged. Soon the egg shattered and a great wailing rang out. A single tiny larva wriggled with freedom, its fat body and stubby legs flaying as it tasted the open air. The larva opened their eyes as they surveyed all around it.

"It's a girl, my queen," Another drone assured as if Cocoon needed reassurance her heir was the proper gender.

Cocoon gleamed down with eager eyes, "Indeed she is."

The small princess looked up at her mother, showing a small flinch of fear. This prompted a frown from Cocoon. No matter, she would make certain her heir would possess no sign of weakness.

"We shall announce my daughter's birth tomorrow," Cocoon ordered, "No need to overwhelm her all at once."

"Of course my queen. But what is her name?" A random drone asked.

Cocoon thought hard. Her child needed the perfect name, one that would strike fear into their victims.

Then it hit her, "Chrysalis."

The drones looked at one another but said nothing. Not that they disproved of the name, but they knew how temperamental their queen could be. A stray odd comment could provoke her wrath, and her wrath usually entailed punishments.

"Look upon her my subjects!" Cocoon hissed, "You have just witnessed the birth of the future of our hive!"

Yes, Cocoon knew her daughter had much in store. Though she would need the proper training, she knew in her heart (or what little there was of one), that her daughter would lead the hive to glory.

As the drones murmured among themselves in approval, while Cocoon smiled. All the while, young Chrysalis looked up in confusion. The young one held no idea of what was going on. But she would grow, she would gain an understanding, and in time, she would be queen.

Yes, the future of the hive was bright.

XXX

Years Later…

Chrysalis felt cold. A great chill spread throughout her body reaching down to the bone. For a moment, she attempted to recall what had happened. The memories slowly played back as she remembered in that instant. The last thing she could recall was the beam of lighting shooting down upon her and her allies. She, Tirek, and Cozy Glow had essentially won. After stealing Discord's power, they were unstoppable. They had spread disharmony among the inhabitants of Equestria, preventing them from fighting back.

It would have been so easy if not for that accursed Twilight Sparkle and her friends. The future ruler of Equestria had banded them altogether. In no time, their stolen power was returned and they were cast in a stone prison. She tried to remember her time as a statue, but nothing came to her. She wasn't sure if she had been conscious for the entirety of it, only remembering faint feelings. But that raised the bigger question: Why was she free?

Chrysalis opened her eyes with a start and a gasp. Immediately her hooves felt the sensation of soft grass. She attempted to rise only for her legs to falter and stumble. The coldness remained but was accompanied by a damp blanket. It was raining. She felt the droplets drip off her horn and flow into her mane of hair. Gazing about she could see she was out in the open. Panicking, she attempted to flap her wings to get into the air, but found something unusual: her wings weren't working. She tried again, and again, but they continued to fail her. Looking behind, she noticed something peculiar: her wings were gone!

"What?!" She exclaimed.

Staring down at her hooves, she noticed something else: the black color was gone, instead replaced with a monotone gray. Panic entrapping her, she faltered, stumbling around as she tried to gain some kind of understanding of what was happening. Suddenly she heard a splash. Looking down she could see she had stepped into a puddle. When she looked at her reflection though, she found no trace of her changeling self staring back at her.

The creature before her held a gray coat, with a long green mane. A single horn spiraled upward, slightly bent in shape with two smaller horns gracing beside it. Her eyes were a lighter shade of green than she was used to, but overall she could see she was no longer a changeling. She was a unicorn pony.

A vast plethora of emotions swirled within the former changeling queen. So much that only one word could symbolize her feelings.

"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Her cries rang out throughout Equestria.

She was free, but now in a new kind of prison.

Author's Notes:

Alright. This is my first time writing an MLP story in many years. Those who know me know I once wrote a popular MLP fanfic that I ended up hating, and that really made me question my writing skills in the MLP fandom. But here I am again trying something that I hope will be well liked. I'm intending to make this the first part of a Shared Universe of sorts, but we shall see. I'm sure Chrysalis redemption stories have been done before, but I'm hoping to put a new spin on one.

Chapter 2

Chrysalis couldn't believe what she was staring at. This had to be a bad dream, no, a nightmare! Where she was expecting to see her glorious Changeling form, she was now staring at a pony!

"This can't be happening," She told herself, "It can't be real!"

No matter how much she pinched herself, nothing was making sense. But then she remembered: she could simply shapeshift back! She struggled, willed forth the magic that her kind was taught since birth, even closing her eyes to anticipate her original form, but when she opened them she saw nothing but a pony.

A brisk splash followed as she rammed her hoof into the puddle, "This can't be happening!" She exclaimed.

Yes, this had to be some kind of cosmic joke. But whose joke? Then it hit her, "Discord! This has to be him!"

It made sense. After all, the spirit of disharmony thrived for this sort of thing. Why he had even tricked her along with Lord Tirek and the brat Cozy Glow into thinking he was Grogar. Her first reaction was to march up to Canterlot, find Discord, and take back what she felt was hers. But as she took the first step, she came to a realization: she was a pony, not a Changeling queen.

Letting out a sigh, Chrysalis composed her thoughts, "This won't do," She told herself, "My first goal should be getting out of this rain.

And so the former queen of the Changelings sneaked off, heading towards a broad forest. She needed to plan this out, make certain her goals were realized. This was a temporary set back but all great plans held such things. She just had to deal with it and then take everything in one fell swoop.

XXX

The rain fell for days. Falling in a torrential pattern. It never seemed to let up, keeping the creatures of Equestria inside indefinitely. But then, after three days, it subsided, and then came to a halt completely.

With the weather back to normal, the ponies all came out of their homes, the only remnants of the rainstorm were the droplets that fell from the rafters, and the damp that coated the grass. In one small village, a single door opened up, and a pony stepped out. He was an Earth Pony, one with a green coat, and an orange mane. Upon his flank lay his cutie mark, a sprig of what appeared to be herbs, a different shade of green than his coat. His blue eyes scanned the area and took in a deep breath.

"Got to love that post-rain air!" He exclaimed with a sigh.

Just then he heard a clearing of a voice. Looking behind he noticed a fellow Earth Pony mare with a yellow-green coat, red-orange mane, and a dahlia flower cutie mark staring at him, "You forget these Doctor Brother," She pointed to a pair of baskets, each fastened to settle upon a pony's back.

The aforementioned Doctor Brother grinned sheepishly and replied, "Thank you Sis MD."

"I know we're supposed to be the village doctors, but sometimes I feel like I'm the one doing all the work," The mare sighed.

"Come on Summer don't be like that," The Brother replied.

"Relax Spring, I'm just joshing you," Summer replied.

"All right, let's just go, those herbs aren't going to pick themselves," Spring replied.

The two siblings trotted off, heading deep into the forest. The pair went by the same "Spring Herb", and "Summer Flower". They were the co-doctors of the village of Trotter, no relation to Trottingham. Their job was a simple one: making sure the other villagers were in good health. Perhaps it wasn't such a simple job, but it was enough for the two ponies. The rainstorm had provided an ample opportunity for herb gathering, one that they decided to take advantage of.

"Ugh, I swear someone must have been drunk at the weather factory," Summer Flower exclaimed, "Three days straight of rain is not normal!"

"In my opinion, we were long overdue for a rain shower," Spring Herb said.

"But three days? Come on Bro!" Summer retorted, "I don't know why Princess Twilight doesn't enforce better laws in regards to rain?"

"Who knows? Maybe there was an accident? Remember that fog incident a few years back?" Spring reminded.

"Don't remind me," Summer stated as she remembered, "I don't know what was thicker that day? The fog or the pea soup we had for dinner."

Spring chuckled and smiled as he glanced down at his hooves, "Excessive rain or not, the herbs have come out nicely in the rain," The stallion stated.

Summer looked on ahead at the bits of herbs that dotted the landscape, "Well you do have a point there," The mare had to admit that, "I'll head over there, you go look over there okay?"

"Sure," Spring agreed.

The two siblings parted ways as they continued their herb hunting. The best herbs thrived in the rain, and the best ones were what was needed in terms of healing. That's what their father had taught them. Parents were a great source of wisdom, and Spring and Summer's parents were the best. Of course, "were", they had passed on years ago. A sad day, but they moved on and pressed together as the twin doctors of the village.

Spring methodically gathered up the herbs, dropping them in the basket. He took care not to over glut the basket. Sure they needed enough, but he wanted to leave behind enough for nature. Just a steady supply, it wasn't as if everyone had ailments every day after all.

He spied a rather fresh-looking one. Good for him, as he felt this would be it for the gathering. He reached towards the herb when suddenly, something came crashing down! The herb was crushed under hoof, but not by his, someone else. A gray hoof landed prominently upon the herb, causing Spring to look up to find its source. To his surprise, it was a mare.

The gray coated mare raggedly stared at him. Her breathing heavy, and her features sunken in, "Please...help...me!" She pleaded before collapsing into a faint.

"Oh my goodness!" Spring exclaimed, "Summer!" He called, He didn't hear his sibling so he called again, "Summer! Come quick!"

"Spring! What is it?" Summer called back, trotting into view, coming to a halt once she noticed the mare, "Woah! Who is this!"

"I don't know!" Spring exclaimed. Reaching down he put a hoof to her forehead, "She's burning up, we have to take her back with us quick!"

Summer didn't argue as she helped load the mare upon Spring's back. Summer herself took the extra baskets. No need for her brother to strain himself.

The pair continued on their way, their extra haul in tow. Slowly, but steadily they made it back to their home and clinic. This was a day they hadn't expected but knew their jobs as doctors were needed today.

"I'll get her ready and stable, get the soup ready, stat!" Spring directed.

"You got it!" Summer said as she picked out the proper ingredients.

All the while the strange mare slept, totally unaware of the ones who had saved her. Today had indeed been an interesting day, one that the two siblings would find they would never forget. And even though she was unaware, Chrysalis wouldn't forget either.

Author's Notes:

And so enters the oc's. Personally I think I write better with Oc's than canon characters.

Chapter 3

The battle cries of the drones rang out throughout the chamber. Changelings of all shades wrestled one another, hoping to overtake their respective opponents. Such a thing was a daily task within the Changeling hive. All drones had to be prepared for any eventuality.

And high above, Queen Cocoon watched as her minions duked it out, smiling to herself at the progress. Though she wasn’t alone. Next to her, just barely reaching past her hoof, was a small Changling. One that looked different from the many little ones that filled the hive. Like Cocoon, she held a distinct pony shape. If not for the black carapace, wings, and sickly green hair, and crooked horn, she could pass as a foal.

The young one stared down at the fighting drones with wide eyes.

“Look upon them my daughter, these are the soldiers you will one day command,” Cacoon spoke.

The young one looked upon them, a question gradually forming in her mind, “Why are they fighting Mama?”

Cocoon then shot her daughter a dirty look, one that the young changeling caught, “I mean Mother!” The child corrected.

Composing herself once more, the Changeling queen continued, “If one does not train oneself, the muscles grow loose, slowly replacing with bulging and hanging fat. Laziness and complacency set in, and all that is left is a weak link in the chain.”

The child supposed her mother had a point. After all, her mother was in charge of the entire hive, “Why don’t we train Ma-Mother?” Chrysalis asked, quickly correcting herself mid-sentence.

Cocoon let out a small laugh, “Oh my dear sweet child, we are royalty. We do not fight for our subjects, they fight for us.”

“So? We do nothing?” The child’s question was innocent, Cocoon only showing brief annoyance before ignoring it.

“No, our role is to simply find food for our hive, but only to make certain our subjects fulfill our needs,” Cocoon stated, “Do you understand child?”

The child in question kicked at the ground, “I guess so.”

“Well, I most certainly hope you do. I would hate if my heir held some form of mental deficiency.”

The child tensed slightly at her mother’s words. She felt a slight pain towards it, but she had long grown used to it. That’s how she was after all.

“Come Chrysalis, we have things to attend to,” Cocoon stated, turning around.

Princess Chrysalis turned to follow her mother but halted to grab one more look at the assembled hive below. The drones never ceased in their fighting, only stopping till they could hold no more breath.

“Chrysalis!”

Her mother’s harsh and aged voice called to her, and the young changeling scampered off to join her. She knew better than to keep her mother waiting.

XXX

A deep moan escaped Chrysalis as the dream ended. Her head felt heavy, and she could make out the soft patter of rain against the glass. She opened her eyes slowly revealing a blurry world before her.

“You’re awake!”

She heard a voice call out, which prompted her to rise.

“Easy there now!”

Chrysalis found herself regretting her decision, for as she did, she found the heavy feeling within her head growing all the more as if someone was dropping weight upon her brain. As she fell back upon the pillow, she felt the heat rising from her body. Her breathing drew out for an extended period, just as her vision fully situated itself. As it cleared away, she noticed someone was sitting in front of her. It was a pony.

She looked around the room, finding it moderately furnished. A dresser, a closet, a few pictures, and the nice plush bed she was sleeping in.

“Where am I?” She asked.

“You’re at our clinic,” The pony answered.

“Clinic?” She repeated.

“Well technically it’s our house, but it doubles as our clinic,” the pony clarified, “I’m the village doctor, well co-doctor, the other one is my sister.”

“Sister?”

“Ugh! This weather is driving me crazy!” Suddenly a mare burst into the room looking very irritated, “First it rains, then it stops, then it rains again!”

“Summer! Shh!” The stallion rasped.

“No! I mean come on! Someone has to get their act together at that so-called “weather factory”,” The mare griped, “I mean I could do a much better job than those “experts”!”

“Summer!”

“What?!”

Chrysalis noticed the stallion gesturing over to her. The mare looked over and as soon as she noticed Chrysalis, she found herself looking very embarrassed.

“Oh, the patient is up! Sorry, I just well...you know...the stuff about...and” The mare stammered, “I’ll go get the soup!”

She then hurried out of the room, leaving Chrysalis and the stallion alone.

“Sorry about that, my sister can be a little outspoken,” The stallion apologized.

“That was your sister?” Chrysalis asked.

“Yep, Summer Flower. And you can call me Spring Herb,” The stallion said introducing himself.

Chrysalis mentally scoffed. So typical of ponies to bestow such names to themselves.

“If I may ask, what’s your name?” Spring asked.

Chrysalis stood alert, “My name?”

“Yes, I mean I’m sure ponies call you something right?”

The former queen nearly told the pony to mind his own business, but the moment was tender. Looking at her condition, she had to play this carefully.

“Of courses I have a name! It’s Chry-”

And then she stopped herself.

Spring looked confused, “Crys?” He repeated.

And now Chrysalis reminded herself as to why she had to handle this tenderly. She had just nearly blurted out her name, and that would not do her any favors. Looking at her form, she nearly gave a disgusted glance as she realized she was still trapped in this weak pony body. Though she supposed she could get away with using her real name, especially in her current state, but one fatal mistake could end everything in one fell swoop. She had already lost her hive, she didn’t want to lose anything else.

Her mind raced for anything she could think of. And then one name popped in there.

“Crystal Hoof!” She blurted out.

“Crystal Hoof?” Spring repeated.

“Yes, that is my name...Crystal Hoof!” She found herself awkwardly finishing.

During her second invasion of Equestria, back when she had her drones replace key figured of Equestria, she had learned how that traitor Thorax had used “Crystal Hoof” as an alias when he was trying to make friends within the Crystal Empire. Just thinking about friendship made her grit her teeth in anger, and though it loathed her to use that usurper’s false name, it was the first thing she could think of.

“Well Crystal Hoof, you’re lucky my sister and I found you,” Spring noted, “You had a pretty nasty fever when we found you, but it’s gone down for now. Once we get our soup in you, you’ll be right as rain in no time!”

Then right on cue, Summer Flower walked in carrying a bowl of soup. Laying down a tray, Spring set it upon the bed, allowing it to perfectly hold the soup.

“Now this is our mother’s special recipe, perfect for bringing down fevers,” Spring explained.

Chrysalis eyed the soup skeptically. The mixture was an amber color with fragments of what appeared to be herbs and small little bits of tofu.

“Isn’t the general idea of a fever to bring it down?” Chrysalis asked.

“Look just trust us, our mother knew how to take care of sick ponies,” Summer said, a slightly offended tone creeping into her voice.

Chrysalis simply looked down at the soup, and feeling eyes were upon her, she knew she had to at least seem sociable, so not as to draw suspicion. Carefully, she summoned up her magic, her horn glowing in accordance. The spoon levitated and Chrysalis slipped it in her mouth, warm soup trickling down her throat as she did.

“It’s passable,” Chrysalis dryly remarked.

If the offense Summer had displayed any earlier was audible, it was now on full display. She opened her mouth to speak before Spring spoke up.

“Well it’s not known for its flavor, it’s just to help with whatever ick is inside you,” Spring said preventing his sister from speaking.

“Oh please, I worked hard on that!” The mare protested.

Chrysalis ignored them and simply remarked, “If the both of you don’t mind, I’d like to be alone.”

Spring looked to his sister and gestured towards the door, “Alright Ms. Crystal, my sister and I will be outside if you need us.”

The two siblings left the room, leaving Chrysalis alone with her steaming bowl of soup. She continued to stare down at the warm liquid. She had to admit, the warmth she felt now was pleasant. Not the sheer heat of a fever, but as if her entire body had been given a clear elixir. She took another spoonful and swallowed, and did again. She wasn’t hungry but merely continued to display a sense of drowning out suspicion.

But, this was merely for survival, nothing more. And she told herself that the more she ate.

XXX

“Ugh, I can’t believe that pony! “Passable” my front hoof!” Summer Flower loudly complained.

“Come on Sis it wasn’t that bad. Don’t you think you’re being a bit too sensitive?” Spring Herb said in an attempt to calm his sister down.

“Don’t be so passive Bro! I slaved over a hot stove and that’s the thanks I get?” Summer pouted.

“We didn’t bring her in for gratitude. It was out of the kindness of our hearts. Dad always told us a doctor helps ponies for the pleasure of making ponies better, not for gratitude,” Reminded Spring.

“I know what Dad said, but something about that pony rubbed me the wrong way, and not just because of the soup,” Said Summer.

Spring Herb looked at his sister questionably, “What do you mean?”

“Well, for one thing, she has three horns! Three!” Summer exclaimed.

“Technically she has one horn and two smaller horns,” Spring corrected.

“Yeah, but the middle one is bent! Plus did you notice she had no cutie mark?” Summer asked.

That was true. As he and Summer were bringing her in, Spring had noticed no cutie mark upon Crystal’s flank.

“A lot of ponies get their cutie marks late in life,” Spring reminded.

“When they’re fillies and colts,” Summer corrected.

His sister had a point. Everything about this mare seemed strange, but Spring took in a breath and spoke to his sister.

“She was a pony in need, and that’s all there is to it,” Spring insisted, “You know that’s true Sis.”

Summer didn’t argue with that, wisely keeping her mouth shut.

“For all, we know the three horns could be a birth defect, one she’s probably really sensitive about, so it’s best we don’t ask,” Spring could see his sister was still skeptical overall, “Look, let’s just wait till she is back on her hooves, then we can talk to her and go from there. Sound good?”

Summer considered her brother’s words. As much as she didn’t agree with this decision, she trusted her brother’s judgment, to a degree.

“Fine,” She relented, “I can get behind that, but I swear if I wake up buried alive or something you are going to regret it!”

Spring was about to question his sister’s choice of words and outlandish scenario but kept himself silent. His sibling was already riled up, best not to spur it worse. Especially since they had a patient in the house.

And so the brother and sister doctors went about the rest of their day. Before long they retired to bed, and the same applied to their patient. Chrysalis had forced herself to devour the soup before succumbing to slumber. She still had much on her mind but figured she would take it as it came. After all, plotting revenge on the ponies and creatures who wronged you took time. And she was a very patient sort of creature. She just had to play her cards right and everything would be hers.

Author's Notes:

I admit my vocabulary may not be extensive, but sometimes I think simplicity can convey a point.

Chapter 4

Chrysalis awoke to the sound of chirping birds. She grimaced slightly but did not display any true form of displeasure. She was still playing a “role” so to speak, and she made certain not to disrupt said “role”. Though Crystal Hoof 2.0 was still a work in progress, she had to establish certain boundaries and personality traits. Enough to not tip her rescuers off that there was something amiss about her, hard as it was to break away from her true character.

As the faintest traces of sunlight passed through the curtains, Chrysalis slowly rose out of bed, slipping onto the wooden floor. She found her stance was perfect. She had been taking on different forms for years, so much that even if she took on a new body, it wouldn’t be any different than her true form.

She could hear voices outside. It appeared the sibling doctors were up. The deposed queen figured she had to at least greet them. Opening the door, she stepped out into the hallway, and followed the sound of the voices, stepping into a living room. The room itself was fairly simple, having enough that it could house guests and residents.

“Crystal, you’re up! Good morning!” Spring Herb greeted.

“Crystal Hoof” numbly looked over the smiling stallion and sister. Summer Flower true to form held a skeptical look upon her face.

“Morning,” She muttered.

The lack of joy in her voice didn’t seem to deter Spring’s good mood.

“I was just about to see how you were doing? We’ve made some tea, would you like some?” Spring offered.

Seeing the steaming cup, Chrysalis noted her hosts had prepared one for her in advance. They had anticipated her saying yes. She supposed it be best not to refuse it.

“I’d love some!” Chrysalis replied a little enthusiastically, putting on a smile as she sat down.

Using her magic, she levitated the cup to her lips and sipped. As it passed down her throat, she found it quite different from the previous day’s soup. The tea itself held a sort of peppermint flavor to it. And dare Chrysalis to say it, it was rather tasty. She soon found herself gulping the tea down rather fast.

“Have to say, you were out like a light,” Summer remarked, “It’s almost noon.”

Had she been out that long? Chrysalis asked herself. Her fever must have been more severe than she thought. Whatever it was, she seemed to be out of it for the most part.

“Do you mind?” Spring asked, holding up his hoof.

Chrysalis was confused for the moment, but quickly realized he wanted to take her temperature. Allowing it, Spring placed his hoof upon Chrysalis’s forehead and took it away after several seconds.

“Well, your temperature seems normal. And the fact you got yourself out of bed shows you are in perfect health,” Spring noted.

If that wasn’t obvious, Chrysalis thought to herself, but she granted a small smile, at least showing some kind of humor in the stallion’s words.

“So what was a mare like you doing in a rainstorm like that?” Summer asked.

Chrysalis paused, “What was I doing out there?”

“Yeah, I mean judging from your condition, you were actually in the thick of it,” Spring noted.

The former changeling had to handle this next part tenderly, “Oh...well I was...well that is to say...I was betrayed!” She found herself blurting out.

Spring and Summer looked to one another, “Betrayed?” They both questioned.

Chrysalis recalled bitterly the sequence of events that had led her to this point, “Yes, one of my subjects took everything that was mine and corrupted the minds of my people!”

“Wait? What do you mean by subjects? Are you royalty or something?” Summer asked.

Chrysalis suddenly realized her flub in her anger, “Well…”

“Summer I think she means “employees”,” Spring clarified, “Is that it, Ms. Crystal? You were some kind of business pony?”

Inwardly Chrysalis sighed. She had to think Spring Herb for that little save, “Yes...in a manner of speaking. Why you could even say I could be considered a queen,” She had to add that last bit. Perhaps as a form of ironic humor?

“Well don’t you have any friends that could help you out?” Spring asked.

Chrysalis grimaced, “I don’t do friends,” She firmly declared.

New identity or not, she wouldn’t dare lower herself to fall into the same trap that had taken her hive.

Spring looked at the mare sympathetically, “So you really have nowhere to go?”

“No,” Was Chrysalis’s simple response.

Sympathy crossed the stallion’s face. From the way he looked at her, Chrysalis knew Spring wanted to help her. A foolish notion. Charity, kindness, it was all just a tool for control. Besides, she could tell the mare Summer did not trust her. Even if she didn’t make it clear with words, Chrysalis knew there was a thin line of mistrust between her and the mare. No problem for her as frankly, she didn’t have a high opinion of the mare.

“Well, why don’t you stay with us?” Spring suddenly asked.

“What?” Chrysalis said.

“Excuse me?” Summer said.

“At least until you get back on your hooves,” Spring continued.

Chrysalis didn’t know what to say, but her suspicion spurred her to do something, “What’s the catch?”

“No catch, we have extra space and once-”

“Spring, can I talk to you for a moment? In private? Now!” Summer said dragging her brother off into the hallway, enough that their voices could barely be heard, “Okay brother, but have you lost all sense and reason?!”

“What do you mean Sis?” Spring asked innocently.

“What I mean is what are you thinking bringing a stranger into our home!?” Summer hissed, taking care not to make sure their guest could hear them.

“Look it’s clear she has nopony to help her, and she’s here now,” Spring clarified.

“I had no problem bringing her in to nurse her back to health, but having her stay with us?” Summer said suspiciously.

“What is your deal? You’ve had a problem with her the minute she came to?”

“I don’t know what but there’s something off about that pony. Something that doesn’t feel right.”

Summer was always a cautious pony, ever since they were foals, so it was no surprise to Spring that she would be cautious.

“Come on, you’re being paranoid!” Nonetheless, Spring wasn’t afraid to call his sister out when he felt she was being “too” cautious.

“She has three horns! How many unicorns have three horns?” Summer asked.

“She does! And it would be best if you didn’t bring it up,” Spring replied defensively.

“There you go defending her! Look, mark my words, there is something not right about her, and I don’t want to wake up buried alive,” Summer cried.

“Buried alive?” Spring replied skeptically.

“She could be a psycho!”

“Come on! Now I know you’re being paranoid.”

Summer could tell she was not getting through to her brother. But before she could make her point once more, Spring cut her off.

“Regardless of who she is or where she came from, she needs our help,” Summer was about to interrupt but Spring continued, “Besides if Dad didn’t take in a bitless stranger, we wouldn’t be here.”

Summer closed her mouth and at that moment realized her brother had a good point. She knew this argument would keep going back and forth and her brother was already firmly planted.

“Fine, but if I wind up dead because of this, I’m haunting you!” Summer warned.

“I’ll hire an exorcist,” Spring sarcastically retorted.

Returning into the room, they found their guest waiting.

“Have a nice chat?” Chrysalis asked.

Summer noted the question was directed at her, causing her to wonder for a brief moment if she had heard them?

“My brother and I would be happy if you stayed with us till you find yourself,” Summer said, hoping to quash any awkwardness between the two of them, for now.

Staring once more at Spring, Chrysalis asked, “Seriously, what’s the catch?”

“As I told you, no catch, just helping a fellow pony out,” Spring replied.

Chrysalis was taken aback but said no more. This was just about as good as she could get. She had to take what she could at this point. After all, it was all about survival.

Chapter 5

Chrysalis winced slightly as she stepped into the outside air. The sunlight trickled down from the sky, hitting her square in the face. Certainly, the rain had passed, and in its place, it left an awakening village. The village itself seemed like a quaint place. That was the nicest word Chrysalis could describe it as. She wasn’t sure about how large it was, or of the population, but had she known about it back in the day, it could have at least provided a meal for her hive. Or a snack at least. Due to the fact she hadn’t heard of this town, it was more than likely backwater.

She sniffed the air, still smelling the rain hanging off the entire town. As her hooves touched the ground, she could feel the dampness seeping in. She glared slightly at the partially dried dirt path. Annoying at most, but it wasn’t bad enough to be muddy. Moving out, she felt a brief brush against her flank, the wind sending a chill through her.

“Well, welcome to Trotter!” Spring Herb announced.

Chrysalis looked around, taking in more of the village sights. Ponies were up and about going through their business.

“So where’s your sister? Isn’t her “stunning” personality going to join us?” Chrysalis asked.

“She’s preparing something special for us, in the meantime, I was thinking I could show you around,” Spring suggested.

Seeing nothing else to do, and trying to keep up an appearance of being a normal pony, Chrysalis replied, “If you must.”

The pair entered the village proper, and right away Chrysalis noticed several looks being sent her way. This must have been a small town she reasoned, they were keen on new arrivals and could tell right away who was an outsider. It made her intention to keep her identity secret all the more.

“Hey Spring!”

Chrysalis winced as she noticed a trio of fillies heading towards them.

“Hello, there girls, having a good morning?” Spring asked.

“Oh yes! And thanks for that work you did on my leg!” The lead filly, a unicorn answered.

Chrysalis noticed said filly had a wrapping around her leg.

“No problem, just be sure to stay away from strange plants,” Spring cautioned.

“Yep!’ The filly responded.

Flanking her was an earth pony filly as well as a pegasus. Chrysalis didn’t take any care or mind to note their features. Ponies were ponies after all.

“Wow! So you did bring in some strange lady!” The earth pony noticed.

The former changeling frowned a little but kept her ill comments to herself.

“Well I wouldn’t call her strange, her name is Crystal Hoof,” Spring introduced.

Chrysalis was a tad surprised but found the small boost of defense Spring had granted her was welcome.

Suddenly the pegasus filly flapped herself into the air and put her face directly in front of Chrysalis.

“So where did you come from? Are you on the run? Are you some kind of felon!?” She asked.

“Uh…” Chrysalis started, not sure how to continue.

“Woah Honeywing, that’s no way to greet someone new!” Spring scolded.

The pegasus lowered herself and bowed in her head, “Sorry, It’s just stuff like this doesn’t happen in the village! I mean she could be some stranger from a far-off land! I smell a scandal brewing!”

“That’s what you said about who Prince Rune’s father is,” The earth pony scoffed.

“Prince Rune? Who’s that?” Chrysalis asked.

The three fillies, as well as Spring, looked at her curiously.

“You know? Prince Rune?” The unicorn answered.

Chrysalis still looked confused.

“The prince of Equestria?” The unicorn spoke in a question.

“Equestria has a prince?” This came as a shock to the former changeling. Before she was turned into stone, Twilight Sparkle was on the eve of her coronation. Not counting the Crystal Empire.

“I’m talking about Princess Twilight’s son!” The unicorn said growing all the more frustrated.

Now this news took Chrysalis by surprise most of all, “Twilight Sparkle has a son!?”

“Duh! Where have you been living lady? Under a rock?” Honeywing asked.

Chrysalis couldn’t help but find the irony in that statement, “I just don’t keep up with current events,” Chrysalis excused.

The three fillies looked at her oddly, but Spring moved in, “Why don’t we get going? It was nice to see you girls,” Spring excused hurrying past the three youngsters, “Sorry about that. Those three are good girls, just a little excitable.”

“It’s fine,” Chrysalis stated bluntly, “So Twilight Sparkle truly has a son?”

“Yep, Prince Rune. I don’t like to gossip but I have to say his birth did stir up some controversy,” Spring noted.

“Controversy?”

“Yeah, one day Princess Twilight shows up looking like Princess Celestia, then word got out she was pregnant,” Said Spring.

Chrysalis’s curiosity was peaked, “And his father?”

“That’s the big mystery, nopony knows. And you just know tabloids are going to make up whole sorts of theories about that,” Spring remarked with a somewhat exasperated tone.

Thinking inwardly to herself, Chrysalis responded, “I see.”

Twilight Sparkle having a son was something she didn’t expect. The unicorn had seemed more concerned with her studies and duties to consider starting a family. What made this even more amusing was that the father was unknown. So by all means her child was illegitimate. Twilight Sparkle gave birth to an illegitimate prince. Chrysalis managed a small chuckle but made certain to keep it to herself.

She supposed even the elite like her had their indiscretions.

“There’s the General Store, the local cafe,” Spring Herb listed the various locations, something Chrysalis only half-listened to. Of course, none of those things interested her, all she cared about was reversing her condition. Magic such as this would be listed in a book. If only she had something like that. “And then there's the library.”

“Library!?” Chrysalis shot up, the suddenness taking Spring herb by surprise.

“Um...yes?”

“Take me there!” Chrysalis demanded, grabbing hold of the stallion. Once she noticed the rather shocked expression upon Spring’s face, she let go immediately, “I just really...like to read,” She excused.

Considering the excuse for a moment, Spring shrugged and replied, “Okay...I’d be happy to take you there.”

The two ponies trotted inside the building and right away they were greeted by a middle-aged earth pony.

“Why hello Spring,” The stallion greeted, his tone slightly hushed. It made sense considering they were in a library.

“Hello Page, just showing my guest around,” Spring explained.

The pony, Page as he was called, observed the mare before him, “Ah I heard you took in some young filly.”

“Crystal Hoof,” Chrysalis greeted.

“It’s a pleasure ma'am, so, what brings you in today?” Page asked.

Before Spring could answer, Chrysalis was the first to speak, “Tell me, do you have any books on magic?”

“Why yes of course, straight in the very back. Not too many readers though, most in this town are into a good novel or storybook,” The stallion chuckled.

“That’s good enough for me,” Chrysalis stated.

She supposed a town such as this didn’t have a large selection, but she would have to make do with what she had.

Before she could begin her literary journey, she turned to Spring Herb, “I need some privacy if you don’t mind?”

“Privacy?” Spring repeated.

“I just enjoy reading in solitude,” Chrysalis made up a quick excuse, “I’ll meet you at home?”

Spring didn’t seem to resist her decision, which Chrysalis found a bit strange regarding how intent he was on showing her around, “Okay, that’s fine with me.”

Chrysalis said nothing as she continued forward. It didn’t take her long to find what she was looking for. The big sign that said “Magic and Spells” was a dead giveaway.

“Alright Chrysalis, best to get to work,” She told herself as she levitated the first book out of the shelf.

XXX

“Hey Sis,” Spring greeted as he stepped through the doorway.

“Back already? Where’s our “guest”?” Summer asked.

“At the library.”

“And you left her there?”

“She said she wanted privacy.”

Summer found a brief suspicion towards that remark, but paid it no mind, “Well all the better for us. After all, her being here would ruin the surprise.”

The moment Spring entered their home, the smells of various herbs and spices filled the air. Looking over towards his sister, Spring could see an assortment of cooking supplies and ingredients placed before her.

“You know how to prepare a “welcome feast” don’t you Sis?” Spring said with amusement.

“Naturally! One of us had to inherit something from Mom!” Summer boasted.

“Hey, I’m good at cooking too!” Spring retorted.

“Oh yeah? Prove it!” Summer teased, “Come on, help me with this so you can impress your little “girlfriend”.”

Spring looked quizzically at his sister, “Girlfriend?” He mouthed to himself.

He didn’t question his sister further and instead helped with the cooking.

XXX

Time passed within the library. Chrysalis went through book after book searching for any trace of whatever spell had been cast upon her. But book after book, page after page, she found nothing.

“Ugh, something has to be here!” She hissed as she slammed another book down upon the table, “Nothing but worthless spells, can’t these ponies come up with something practical!?” She asked rhetorically.

She placed her hooves upon the table, feeling the stress of her work piling up in her. But then out of the corner of her eye, she spied another book, one she had left abandoned in her study.

“Well, might as well,” She said half exasperated.

She turned the pages carefully, taking care not to miss a single detail. Yet, part of her felt this was hopeless. She had gone through numerous tomes and found nothing. It wasn’t as if this last one would give her what she seeks. But surprises had a way of catching one off guard.

One word halted her turning, “Reincarnation”. Immediately Chrysalis turned to the page and began to pour into this one section.

“Though many spells are elusive, none are more so than the reincarnation spell. Reincarnation means the process of one’s soul being reborn into a new life-form. Yet this spell does this to a living creature. The process is relatively unknown, but it is believed a creature’s body is converted into energy then reconstituted into a new life,” Chrysalis repeated the words back to herself, but found it unbelievably convenient she found this book. A reincarnation spell? Her current predicament seemed too similar to be a coincidence. She read on, “Few documents of this spell have been recorded, but it is generally believed this spell can only be reversed by the one who cast it.”

As Chrysalis digested the last bit of information, she found that something inside her snapped. With fury, she slammed the book shut, and here she fully read the title.

“Spells of Myth and Legend.”

There was no denying it. Even if this spell was merely a legend, it seemed as if she could only return to her true self if the spell was reversed by the one who cast it.

“This has to be some cosmic joke,” She sighed to herself.

It couldn’t be her fate, she knew there was a way around it.

“Excuse me?”

Chrysalis gasped and turned around only to face the pony known as Page.

“I was just checking on you to see if you’re alright. You’ve been back there a while,” The pony noted.

“Oh yes, I just got lost in reading,” Chrysalis excused.

Suddenly, a grumble sprang up and Chrysalis gave another startled gasp.

“Well, looks like you’re hungry,” Page noted.

The spell itself must have been deeper than simple cosmetics. As a changeling, she never experienced hunger as a pony or griffon would. She had no use for food, only finding nourishment on the love of others. But her body was telling her she was hungry apparently.

“Why don’t you head back to Spring and Summer? I’m sure they’ll whip you up something good. Don’t worry about the books I’ve got them,” Page assured.

Chrysalis realized there was no use in starving herself, so she muttered a “thank you”, just to be polite, and let herself out of the library. All the while she sulked about her current fate.

If she didn’t do something, the legacy of Chrysalis would die out.

Author's Notes:

Depending on how this story goes and if it is received well, (and god willing I don't end up hating it like I did Mommy Dash), we may get a future story about Twilight's son.

Chapter 6

All the while Chrysalis walked to Spring and Summer’s clinic, she concentrated on her grumbling stomach. The sensation of a hungry belly was foreign to her, to all changelings. At least that applied to her hive in the old days. It was a well-established fact Changelings gained sustenance from the love of other creatures. They could eat other things, but they gained no satisfaction from it. If anything eating was a mere method of blending in when shape-shifted into a new form.

But now in this pony body, Chrysalis found out how true hunger felt. She gritted her teeth and winced as she felt the pangs eat away at her. On and off it went, growing more insistent by the minute. She hissed as she attempted to silence it. The entire thing was annoying, to say the least. It seemed the only way to quiet it was to fill it. She supposed Spring and Summer prepared something, least that would be the courteous thing to do since she was their guest after all.

As she opened the front door, a powerful smell filled the room. A plethora filled her and she soon found herself overwhelmed by the suddenness of it.

“Crystal, you’re back!” Spring’s voice called as he entered the room.

Chrysalis sniffed the air several times, “That smell, what is that...tantalizing smell?” Chrysalis asked.

Flashing a proud grin, Spring replied, “Why don’t you come and see?”

Taking the pony’s cue, Chrysalis followed after into the dining area and the minute she did her eyes went wide. The table was filled with a plethora of food! Some of it was the standard pony herbivore fare, but there were some grains, namely bread and pasta, but Chrysalis noticing something else. Growing closer, she felt a trickle of drool seep down her chin.

“Haha! I see that drool there!” Summer announced.

Chrysalis quickly wiped away her drool and glanced over the meal. She noticed in the center there was several pieces of what appeared to be braised pork. The former changeling shook her head, “I’m sorry, is that meat?”

Had ponies turned to carnivorism since she was imprisoned?

“Yes and no,” Spring answered.

“What do you mean by that?” Chrysalis asked.

“What my brother means is its meat, but it’s not “real” meat. It’s all made from plants!” Summer explained.

Chrysalis did a double-take at the “meat”, “Meat? Made from plants?” She exclaimed in confusion.

“It’s some new thing the griffons developed,” Said Spring.

“Griffons made this?” Chrysalis asked.

“Boy, you sure like asking questions don’t you?” Summer said with amusement.

Chrysalis frowned slightly at the mare’s comment but paid it no mind for the most part.

“It’s not surprising you haven’t heard of this, it’s still fairly new in Equestria, but it’s getting popular,” Spring said as he set himself down, “Why don’t you take a seat and dig in?”

Chrysalis did that and continued to gaze upon the feast before her. The smells of the dishes wafted upward continuing to fill her. She felt a giddy excitement swell up within her. Cautiously she took a sample of the vegetables. She held it in front of her, her magic casting a strange glow around it. Then she took a bite and chewed. For an awkward moment, she chewed, sampling the food before swallowing. Smacking her lips for a few seconds, her face lit up like a Hearth’s Warming light.

“This food…it’s incredible!” Chrysalis exclaimed, “I’ve never sampled such delights!”

She took another bite, then some more, and before lone, she was piling her plate high. A plethora of flavors hit her taste buds, all mixing in at once, and the more Chrysalis put in her mouth, the more she wanted. All the while, Spring Herb and Summer Flower watched, nervously looking at one another.

And as Chrysalis ate away, she recalled a lesson her mother imparted onto her.

XXX

“Now Chrysalis, tell me what I have told you about love?” Cocoon ordered.

Young Chrysalis shifted nervously in her place, before she spoke, “Love is something to be exploited, only to nourish us and the hive.”

Cocoon smiled, “Good my dear, at least you are paying attention.

With a thrust of her head, several drones appeared dragging something behind them. Coming to a halt, they revealed their prize: It was a small rabbit, shivering with fright. Its eyes darted around the room as the changelings glared at it.

“Now Chrysalis, I want you to drain this creature of its love, every last drop,” Coccoon directed.

Chrysalis looked nervously at the rabbit, then to her mother. She noticed the monarch was glaring at her intensely. The young changeling whimpered a little, something her mother caught.

“DO IT!!!” Cocoon screamed.

Young Chrysalis flinched and then opening her maw, she inhaled swallowing the rabbit’s love.

XXX

Chrysalis let out a moan as she plopped herself on the couch. All the while she rubbed her hooves against her rather full stomach.

“I...ate...too...much,” She moaned.

Summer Flower looked towards the plate, noticing the decimated area, “Your darn straight you did. Guess I didn’t make too much after all,” The mare said half amused.

Chrysalis moaned again, unbelieving of what she had just done. She didn’t know what it was? But the sensation of taste, the new experience overtook her, and she supposed she overdid it.

“Here, try this,” Spring Herb said presenting Chrysalis a glass of bubbling water.

Chrysalis eyed it, nearly rejecting it as her stomach couldn’t hold another bite or drop. But knowing the stallion was giving it to her to soothe her aching stomach, she took it and drank it. Right away a burp escaped her, which prompted a little grunt.

“I’m never eating again!” Chrysalis announced.

As soon as she said that, Chrysalis felt the concoction go to work and soon found the pain in her stomach vanishing. She still felt exhausted though. It made sense considering she had stuffed herself silly.

“Nonetheless, You both did a satisfactory job,” Chrysalis managed a small smile.

Summer grinned to herself, “Hey, all those lessons our mother gave us had to pay off!”

Chrysalis looked towards Spring, “Well I’d certainly say your mother taught you both well.”

Spring grinned back and for a moment, Chrysalis felt the full feeling in her stomach overtake her. In a moment, she felt comfortable, sinking onto the couch. Despite her exclamation of not wanting to eat again, she perhaps felt it was too hasty. After all, this body still needed to nourish itself, and of course...suddenly Chrysalis snapped out of her thoughts as she realized how comfortable she was getting. Shooting up, she felt her packed stomach lurch and another burp escaped her.

“What’s wrong?” Spring asked.

“I-I-I just need to use the bathroom! Just a minute!” The former changeling excused.

She hurried away into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. Breathing for a few moments, she stared at herself in the mirror.

“Curse these ponies! Lulling me in with good food and drink! Stuffing myself like a gluttonous pig!” She said as she breathed. Taking a few moments, she ran her hooves over her face, examining her face, “Chrysalis, this is just a setback, you can overcome this,” She told herself.

Yes, this was just a small hurdle she had to overcome. She wouldn’t let herself get trapped in complacency. Perhaps another visit to the library would help? Though the book had said this enchantment was not easily revered, she was Chrysalis! And the one consistent thing about her was that she never gave up!”

“Yes, I will reverse this spell, get revenge on my enemies, reclaim my hive and make Equestria mine!” Suddenly Chrysalis finished by letting out a burst of loud laughter.

It ceased as she heard a knock at the door.

“Hey Crystal, are you okay?” She heard Summer’s voice ask.

Returning to normal, Chrysalis swiftly opened the door, plastering a nervous smile upon her face.

“Yes?” She asked.

“I heard you laughing, is everything okay?” Summer inquired.

“What? Oh yes! I was just...remembering a funny joke!” Chrysalis excused herself.

“Really?” Summer asked with a smile, “I like jokes, lay it on me!”

Being caught in her lie, Chrysalis thought up another excuse to avoid revealing herself, “Actually I’d rather not...it’s a very dirty joke.”

“Hey the dirtier the better!” Summer exclaimed.

Chrysalis hadn’t expected this. She needed another excuse, “Actually I feel rather tired...yes! I’m going to see you later goodbye!”

The former changeling hurried towards the guest room which she had claimed as her own. Letting out a sigh of relief as she shut the door, she flopped herself upon the bed.

That wasn’t a lie, she was tired. Considering how much she had eaten, the body’s natural reaction was to shut down and digest.

“Another day,” Chrysalis muttered as she closed her eyes.

As she drifted off, she thought about her declaration of her plans. Yes, she would overcome this, she would return to her former glory. But as she finally fell into a slumber, she didn’t realize one thing: the laughter she had given was forced.

Chapter 7

Over the next several days, Spring Herb had been keeping a close eye on their new guest Crystal Hoof. Every morning, Crystal would head straight to the library, returning hours later looking rather sullen. She did this every day like clockwork. Spring didn’t pay it much mind, but part of him questioned it all the same. Then one thing had changed, she had returned with several library books.

“Where are you going?” Spring asked, finally gaining the courage to do so.

All the while Crystal did this, she held a determined look upon her face.

And on this one time, Spring had asked, Crystal replied, “The woods,” And that was her simple response.

With that said, she left. Still all the more curious, he headed towards the door but stopped before he could even open it.

“I’d leave her be.”

Turning around, he came face to face with his sister.

“She’s been acting strange Summer,” Said Spring.

“And that’s news to you? She always acts strange. She’s been acting strange since she arrived here,” Summer Flower exclaimed.

“Yeah but something’s bothering her, I can tell,” Spring observed.

“Little doctor-patient connection right?” Summer asked.

“I guess you could call it that,” Spring replied.

“I suppose, but I wouldn’t bug her when she is like that. I still stand by my belief that something is off about that pony,” Summer insisted.

Spring looked hesitantly at the door. He knew his sister was right but still could not shake off the feeling something was amiss.

“Listen to me Spring, leave...her...be!” Summer ordered.

Spring didn’t answer back and instead continued to stare at the door. Part of him wanted to listen to his sibling, while the other, the doctor in him, wanted to check up on his patient.

And so, he made his decision.

XXX

Chrysalis studied the books she had laid before her. She had poured hours of studying into these books, formulating her plan. It had taken time, but she was certain she had all the pieces in place.

“Alright, let’s see, mirror spell, with transfiguration, and shapeshifting, yes! Everything should be in place! Chrysalis told herself.

Though being the queen of the Changelings meant she had raw power from birth, that power still needed to be honed and trained. Such was the way of all magic. Unless one was a prodigy like that accursed Twilight Sparkle or her pupil Starlight Glimmer. Studying magic was part of her lessons growing up, and from what she had learned, these spells would certainly reverse this “irreversible” magic.

She knew it would, and she kept telling herself that.

Her horn glowed with the light of unicorn magic as she initiated the spells listed in the books. Connecting all the spells was a difficult task, but doable by talented mages. And seeing as she was a unicorn now, she was built for this sort of thing. The force of the spells hit her horn, this was different from Changeling magic, she supposed it was due to the different biology, but she contained them all the same. She could feel them all coming together now, all of it reaching its apex, and then…

BAM!!!

The spells collided sending her flying back into a tree. Chrysalis let out a weary groan as she felt the throbbing pain course through her. The moment she came to her senses, she let out a loud yell.

“No! I refuse this!!!” She said as she swiftly kicked a tree repeatedly.

Chrysalis didn’t know what she had done wrong? She had read the spells from the books, done everything perfectly, only for it to blow up in her face, literally.

Nothing could make this day get any worse.

“Crystal?”

Chrysalis turned around only to face Spring Herb. The earth pony’s sudden arrival took her by surprise, so much she quickly composed herself to hide whatever she was doing. At least for the most part. Her mane was all frazzled, and her face was still etched with displeasure.

“Spring? What are you doing here?” She asked almost accusingly.

Spring raised a hoof up as if he was refraining from stepping in something unpleasant.

“I was just checking on you,” He replied.

Chrysalis widened her eyes briefly in surprise before slicking back her mane, “I don’t need anyone to check up on me!” She declared.

Spring hardly seemed phased by the mare’s words, “I don’t believe that I mean look at you, you’re a mess!”

Looking up, Chrysalis could see a hair was out of place. Quickly smoothing it she added, “Rather bold of you to say don’t you think?”

“My sister isn’t the only pony who speaks their mind, granted I’m more polite about it,” Spring explained.

“What do you want?” Chrysalis sighed.

“You’ve been going out on your own for days, I’m worried,” Spring said worriedly.

“Worried? You hardly know me!” Chrysalis declared.

“You’re still my patient, and as a doctor, it’s my job to make sure you’re alright,” Spring said with concern.

“I’m physically fine!” Chrysalis insisted.

Spring raised an eyebrow and cast a sly grin, “But not mentally or emotionally?”

Chrysalis realized what she had just said and turned her head up, “You know what I mean!”

“I do, and I think you’re just trying to come off as a tough girl,” Spring said bluntly.

Chrysalis said nothing to that, but instead continued to look away, “I just don’t get you, you come off all caring and like you give a darn, but I know it’s just a trick, you think you have me fooled but I’m not an idiot!”

“Can’t I just be naturally concerned?” Spring asked.

“Every creature wants something. Friendship, kindness, it’s all a front for some kind of ulterior motive!” Chrysalis spat.

Spring listened well, patiently, and intently, “No creature has ever been nice to you have they?”

Chrysalis was taken by that with surprise, based on the expression upon her face, “That’s...none of your business!”

“It’s true though isn’t it?” Spring pressed.

“So? What does it matter?” Chrysalis asked defensively.

“It’s just really sad that’s all,” Spring replied sympathetically.

Chrysalis had been putting on a tough front the entire time. She had been taught to remain a strong and firm leader, but even queens had their limit.

“Story of my life,” She sighed.

“That bad?” Spring likewise asked.

“You don’t know the half of it brother,” Chrysalis momentarily dropped the regal image she had formally presented for a more casual demeanor.

“Look if you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine, but if you ever want to open up you can talk to me okay?” Spring assured.

Chrysalis said nothing for about ten seconds before she spoke again, “You’re certainly accommodating towards a stranger,” The former changeling noted.

“It’s how I was taught,” Spring replied.

Chrysalis snorted, turning away almost dismissively, “And who taught you taught?”

“My parents,” Was Spring’s simple response.

Inwardly, Chrysalis gave another snort. It was so like pony parents to teach their children sentimentality. She had long been taught herself to scoff at such matters. But somehow, she couldn’t help but feel envious. Was envious the correct word? She had never felt such emotion before. She wasn’t even sure she was jealous. It’s just that brief little mention of his parent's sentimentality spurred memories of her past. Memories of her mother.

XXX

Young Chrysalis walked through the halls of the hive. She had just finished another one of her mother’s lessons. As the crown princess, she had many lessons. Some were simple lessons on Changeling habits and instincts, while others were etiquette on how the princess of the Changelings should act. And apparently, the princess herself had a certain image to uphold. At least that’s what her mother told her.

Though the hive had many changing paths, there were some windows to the outside world. She passed by one such window, a cold air blowing through. And in that opening, something fluttered through. Chrysalis looked up in awe as she spied a small butterfly. It had pretty yellow wings. The butterfly landed perfectly upon Chrysalis’s nose. Tickling her nostrils, the young Changeling let out a tiny sneeze. Momentarily frightened, the butterfly fluttered away but stayed within range.

Enthralled by such a beautiful creature, Chrysalis outstretched her hoof and let the insect land upon it.

“Hello there, my name is-”

“Chrysalis!”

The princess shuddered and gasped, turning around to see the one creature she dreaded to see.

“Mother!”

Queen Cocoon stood there, eyes locking upon what lay upon her daughter’s hoof.

“What is that?” She asked.

Chrysalis turned away, hesitant to answer.

“Answer me!”

Hearing the anger in her mother’s voice, Chrysalis meekly answered, “A butterfly.”

Cocoon narrowed her eyes, carefully trotting towards her daughter. Taking her hoof, she allowed the butterfly to crawl upon it. That very action took Chrysalis by surprise. Normally her mother radiated fury, but a calm aura possessed her. So much the butterfly felt no fear. At least not enough to flutter away.

“Oh my dear sweet Chrysalis, just look at it,” Cocoon began, her face softening.

Chrysalis watched with shocked eyes as something appeared upon her mother’s face, something she had never seen before: a smile.

“So small, so delicate, a true example of nature’s splendor,” Cocoon spoke in a loving tone.

Chrysalis watched the butterfly dance upon her mother’s hoof, her eyes growing wide with sparkling awe.

“But there is one thing you should note,” Cocoon continued, her voice never losing its loving tone.

Then in a swift motion, Chrysalis slammed her hoof upon the ground. A soft but brisk crunch rang out. Chrysalis’s eyes lost their sparkle and instead looked on in shock and fear. As her mother removed her hoof, the young one caught a glance at what remained of the butterfly. One of the poor thing’s legs twitched before stopping completely.

“Sentiment such as this is not tolerated within the hive,” Cocoon recited coldly.

Chrysalis looked up and saw the stern glare in her mother’s eyes. Then a smirk formed upon the

cold and aged visage. Looking down, she held her daughter’s chin up.

“Never forget that my daughter. EVER!!!” Cocoon screamed in her daughter’s face.

Cocoon swiftly turned away, trotting down the hall. Chrysalis looked silently at the butterfly’s corpse. A soft whimper escaped her, but she held it down. She didn’t want to risk her mother hearing it. Choking back her sob, she kept her emotions to herself, but couldn’t stop the tears from falling.

XXX

Chrysalis shook her head as the memory ended.

“You okay?” Spring asked.

“Yes, I’m fine,” Chrysalis half-lied.

Spring looked uncertainly towards the mare, “Look, I don’t know what happened to you, or where you came from-”

“That’s a good thing,” Chrysalis interrupted.

“But I think you might be looking at this the wrong way,” Spring said.

“What do you mean?” Chrysalis asked.

“What I mean is that perhaps the life you had before wasn’t the life you were meant to have?” Spring suggested.

“That’s preposterous,” Chrysalis said bluntly, “I had everything, power, respect.”

“And now that’s it’s gone you don’t know what to do with yourself do you?” Spring asked.

Chrysalis paused for a moment, readying herself to speak, but found no words coming out.

“You are a wise pony Spring Herb,” Chrysalis said, complimenting the stallion to her surprise.

“I try,” Spring grinned, “Why don’t we clean up these books and go take a walk?”

Chrysalis stared skeptically at the pony. This wasn’t the first time he had shown her kindness, and she couldn’t understand why.

“Why are you doing this?” She asked.

Spring’s simple reply was, “Because you look like you could use a friend.”

Chrysalis looked away ever so slightly, “We aren’t friends.”

Spring on the other hoof, didn’t look deterred, “Well I’d like to be yours if you give me a chance?”

Seeing that the stallion was not going to budge in his friendliness, Chrysalis sighed and replied, “I’ll go with you on a walk, nothing more!” Trotting proudly towards the pony, she added on, “That doesn’t make us friends!”

Laughing with a shake of his head, Spring Herb only replied, “Whatever you say.”

And so Spring Herb and Chrysalis aka Crystal Hoof trotted off together for their walk. And although Chrysalis herself didn’t admit it, at least until it was over, she found herself enjoying it.

Chapter 8

Four Months later…

The door jingled as it opened up, signaling that a customer had just entered. A middle-aged mare looked up and grinned, “Oh hello Crystal!”

The one in question, Crystal Hoof looked up and grinned herself, “Hello Mrs. Prance.”

“Oh please, you’ve known me for months now, call me Bagger,” The mare said.

This wasn’t the first time Crystal had been asked to stop adding the “Mrs.” title, but Crystal did it all the same. After all, one did have to have signs of showing respect.

Crystal moved through the aisles gathering bits and pieces of what she needed. Once she was done, she filled up her cart and headed towards the front register.

“Ah, so I see it’s your turn to cook tonight eh?” Bagger Prance noted.

“Yes, I do have to make up for last time’s little incident,” Crystal noted.

“Summer still giving you a hard time?” Bagger asked.

“When is she not?” Crystal asked.

“Oh don’t worry dear that’s just her way of showing love. She won’t admit it, but she does like you,” Bagger Prance noted.

Crystal didn’t argue despite having her doubts, “Very well, here you go,” She said as she handed the exact change.

“Pleasure doing business with you as always,” Bagger said before she turned her attention to the next customer.

Putting everything in her bags, Crystal headed out the door, stepping into the open air. It was a lovely day in Trotter. Most days were, not counting the times' rain was scheduled to their little hamlet. And of course not counting the times an accident at the weather factory in Cloudsdale forced bad weather in their direction. Despite controlling most of how their world went, ponies were not perfect. Crystal knew that foremost. Of course, back then she hadn’t been known as Crystal. Sometimes she lost herself in the “Crystal Hoof” persona she often forgot about her “Chrysalis” one.

Chrysalis put it out of her mind as she concentrated on heading home. Before long she made it to the front door, stepping inside.

“I’m home,” Chrysalis announced her presence.

Spring’s voice broke through, “Now for the last time remember your allergies,” The stallion spoke in a chiding tone.

Judging from the look on his patent’s face, he had some kind of allergic reaction of his own doing.

“I know Doctor it’s just honey is sooooo good!” The pony exclaimed.

“Yes, yes, I know, but try to lay off it okay?” Spring asked almost as if he were asking a favor.

This wasn’t the first time this had happened. This particular pony had stepped through the clinic doors more than once, for the same problem no less.

The pony passed by Chrysalis, shutting the door behind them as they did. Chrysalis merely shook her head and grinned at Spring.

“You would think he’d stop eating food that gave him an allergic reaction?” Chrysalis noted.

“Yeah he’s a stubborn one, but what can you do?” Spring rhetorically asked.

“Put up a sign that says “No repeat patients please!”” Chrysalis said jokingly.

That earned a chuckle out of Spring, “I guess so.”

“I got everything on the list for dinner tonight,” Chrysalis said jostling the bags she carried.

“Let me guess, you plan another interesting “recipe” tonight?” Summer’s voice spoke through as she entered the room.

Chrysalis’s face took on a hunt of offense, “I can pick up the sarcasm in your voice.”

“Well considering your last attempt at cooking, I think I’ve earned it,” Summer noted.

Holding her nose up, Chrysalis replied, “I have no idea what you’re talking about!”

“Let’s dial back. Two weeks ago,” Summer began, “It was your turn to make dinner, and you decided to go with a classic, Spaghetti. Simple enough, you got the noodles, the plant-based meatballs, the cheese, but then came the sauce,” Chrysalis’s eyes narrowed as her housemate continued, “As my brother and I took a bite of what we thought would be tomatoey goodness, when suddenly are mouths suddenly got hot,” The mare held up her hoof in dramatic poise, “the more we ate, the hotter it became until we looked at the bottle you had picked. And to our surprise, instead of pasta sauce, you grabbed a jar of salsa.”

“The bottles looked the same! How was I supposed to know?” Chrysalis retorted.

“You could have simply read the label on the bottle,” Summer chided.

With a “hmmph,” Chrysalis turned away, “You’re never going to let me live that down are you?”

“Not so long as you live here,” Said Summer.

“Come on Summer lay off, everypony makes mistakes. Besides, I loved “Pasta ala Salsa”,” Spring said winking at Crysalis.

Chrysalis saw that barely hiding her grin as she did.

“All right, all right, I’ll let your little girlfriend get to cooking,” Summer said abandoning her teasing.

Both Crysalis and Spring looked at one another curiously at that remark. Chrysalis headed into the kitchen while Spring pursued his sister.

“Girlfriend?” He questioned his sibling.

Summer looked to her brother, her face practically saying “Why not?”, “Oh don’t deny it, she pretty much is.”

“How is someone "pretty much" someone’s girlfriend?” Spring asked.

“I’ve seen the way you look at her, and the way she looks at you,” Summer affirmed.

“So? We’re friends...I think,” Spring said with half-uncertainty.

“Yeah but you always take her side, and considering the way things are going, I wouldn’t be surprised if you two hooked up,” Summer noted.

“Oh come on, don’t tell me you’ve become a prophet,” Spring said disbelievingly.

“I’m not saying “I” am a prophet, but mark my words, you two are going to wind up in bed together,” Summer stated a tad cheekily.

“Oh come on, that’s just dirty!” Spring exclaimed.

Letting out a soft chuckle, Summer replied, “That’s what happened with Mom and Dad.”

Spring opened his mouth to speak, but swiftly closed it, not wanting to go down that alley, “I’ll just go check on Crystal.”

Summer chuckled again and shook her head, “That’s right, check on your betrothed!”

Shaking his sister’s words off, Spring entered the kitchen where his four-month house guest was at work.

“Well look at you, four months ago you couldn’t even boil water,” Spring remarked.

“I had a good teacher,” Chrysalis retorted, “But I swear your sister has it out for me.”

“She doesn’t, you know Summer, she just likes messing with ponies,” Spring assured.

“Well “messing” with me must be her favorite pastime because she does it a lot,” Chrysalis retorted with traces of frustration in her voice.

“Just how she shows her love, she does recognize you’ve come a long way,” Spring noted.

Indeed, Chrysalis had noted a change within her. At first, she didn’t believe it, but four months of living with these ponies had made her accustomed to pony life it would seem. Before long, she found herself growing comfortable. When she realized it, she had fought against it for certain. Centuries of being the changeling queen had instilled a certain sense of self within her. It went beyond simply playing the role of “Crystal Hoof”, but for now, that didn’t matter, now she had to cook.

“Just get ready for dinner, It’s going to be a good one,” Chrysalis noted.

Spring smiled and left the mare alone to do her work.

Looking over the ingredients, Chrysalis grinned to herself, “Alright Summer, time to make you eat your words.”

XXX

Dinner passed by in a flash, plates were set down and quickly cleaned off. In the end, opinions were given.

“All right, I admit, you did a good job,” Summer relented as she swallowed the last bit of food.

Chrysalis smiled smugly to herself, “Well, Summer, I take it I’ve redeemed myself?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Summer grumbled.

“Come on I think she’s right Sis,” Spring agreed.

“Alright, I’m sorry!” Summer relented, “Geeze rub it in why don’t you?” Getting up from her seat, Summer added, “Look just to show there are no hard feelings, I’ll do the dishes tonight, okay?”

Summer gathered up the dishes and went to work, leaving Chrysalis and Spring to themselves.

“Well looks like another hit from you,” Spring complimented.

Chrysalis let out a small laugh and replied, “I didn’t do much,”

“Don’t sell yourself short, you pulled off a great dinner...I’m proud of you,” Spring said genuinely.

Chrysalis felt a hot flush to her face, and though she didn’t realize it at first, Chrysalis was blushing. The pony pair looked at each other, their eyes connecting. They stared deeply into each other and then stopped in an instant after they heard the wolf whistle.

“Yeah go get her!” Summer snickered.

Now both ponies were blushing, they broke away each saying, “Good night!” hastily.

Summer just continued to wash the dishes, smiling to herself. She just knew what buttons to press to get her brother and their housemate going.

“Just a matter of time,” She told herself.

XXX

Chrysalis took in the night air. It was a breath of congratulations, for she had accomplished a successful dinner. Funny, here she was cooking for ponies. In the past, she would have never considered such a thing, but here she was.

“You should be in bed.”

Chrysalis looked beside her and saw Spring trotting up to her.

“Just wanted to get some fresh air before bed, but I’m sure Summer would tell me to just open a window,” Chrysalis reasoned.

Spring chuckle, “Sounds like my sister.”

The stallion looked on ahead, “They’re almost done setting up.”

Chrysalis observed what lay ahead, “Yeah...looks fun.”

“You don’t sound excited,” Spring noted.

Staring down, Chrysalis recalled her childhood. Changelings never had much use for holidays. Their only goal was to feed off the love they conquered.

“I’m just not one for social gatherings,” She noted.

“Well trust me, you’re going to love this one. The festival was something my sister and I looked forward to every year. Our parents had to practically convince us to go to sleep the night before,” Spring recalled.

Chrysalis looked at her host’s eyes, noting the excitement and longing he held. Ahead she could see stands starting to form, signs being hung. Yes, this “festival” would probably be one to remember. She supposed going to one would do well for her attempt to blend in, but did part of her want it?

“I should get to bed,” She announced, rising and heading towards the door.

Spring looked at her with concern. The sadness she held in her voice was audible, but he paid it no mind and gave her privacy and space. He was like that, always considerate of his patients. Technically speaking she still was one.

Chrysalis continued down the hallway into her room. By now she had claimed the Guest room as her own, so calling it hers was accurate. All the while she found herself divided. She was simply blending in. That’s what those long months were about. Weren’t they? She continued to ask herself that question even as she settled into bed.

Flopping to the side, she whispered to herself, “These ponies are contagious.”

Author's Notes:

I'm not sure how many people are fans of time skips, but I use them as I often have trouble showing development over an extended period of time. Also pacing might be a little off as I am somewhat of a pantser when it comes to writing. I know how I want this story to end, so I've planned it somewhat.

Also the mishap with dinner Summer mentioned is based on something I did in real life.

Chapter 9

Young Chrysalis slowly stepped towards the still body of her mother. Several of the praetorians stood around her, eyes looking upon the frail body of their queen. Chrysalis supposed it was only a matter of time. Cocoon was already getting on in years, having Chrysalis at a very advanced age. The young Changeling princess stopped right before her mother’s body. Suddenly an intake of air, filled the whithered form of the Changeling Queen. Her eyes looked about, gasping for sight until she fell upon her daughter.

“Chry...sa...lis,” She gasped.

“Yes, Mother?” Chrysalis answered her voice even and without emotion.

“I...am...at...the...final...stages...of…my...life,” The old queen struggled to breathe.

Chrysalis remained silent throughout it all, never showing emotion.

Cocoon made a final struggling intake of air, “Now...our hive will look…look to you for leadership!”

Chrysalis continued to remain silent.

“Remember what I’ve taught you, my daughter,” Cocoon sank as she felt her energy drain once more, but she maintained it all the same, “Love...friendship...they are nothing but things to control, nothing more!”

Chrysalis nodded.

Cocoon made a pained gasp, this one more brutal than the others, strong and with a sickening coarseness to it. She fell, her breathing slowing, and then her body fell lifeless. All the while, Chrysalis remained silent, never showing emotion, never showing tears, no sadness, no joy, just acceptance. The other changelings looked to her, likewise showing no sadness for their now departed queen. They each said one thing, something that said the reign of Coccoon had ended.

“All hail Queen Chrysalis.”

Yes, it was her time to rule, and rule she would, for the glory of the hive.

XXX

Chrysalis watched outside the window as she noticed it. Every pony in town was bustling about. Today wasn’t just any old day, it was the day of the yearly festival. Spring and Summer had talked about it endlessly (well mostly Summer) since ponies began setting things up for it. Chrysalis wasn’t sure what this festival was about. She wasn’t sure what it was commemorating. Not that she cared. No, she certainly didn’t care.

“Come on Crystal!” Summer begged.

Chrysalis looked out the window, eyes never straying over to the mare, “No, my decision is final.”

“Really? You’re going to stay inside all day?” Summer asked incredulously.

“I haven’t the slightest interest in festivals,” Chrysalis stated.

Festivals and celebrations, in general, were never part of Changeling life. At least when she was in charge. She wasn’t sure what changes Thorax had brought to the Hive since he took over.

“That’s because you’ve never been to one sister!” Summer exclaimed, “There’s food, drinks, dancing, and it’s just the perfect time to unwind, and believe me, you need to unwind.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Chrysalis asked point blankly.

“Oh please, you’ve been wound up the minute we found you,” Summer replied.

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow, “Are you trying to make me angry?”

Summer raised her eyebrow, “Is it working?”

Chrysalis didn’t answer, not playing into Summer’s game, “You two just go on and have your fun.”

Summer was about to beg again, when Spring stopped her, “Come on Summer, lay off her, if she doesn’t want to come to the festival she doesn’t have to.”

Chrysalis grinned and nodded, happy at least one pony had a sense of mind.

“I suppose this festival is too high class for a pony of her stature,” Spring suddenly said.

That got Chrysalis’s attention, “Excuse me?”

“Yeah, maybe you should stay home?” Spring spoke almost in a suggestion.

“I am as high class as they come!” Chrysalis spoke up defensively, “And just to prove it I’ll go to this little “festival”.”

Striking a snooty pose, Chrysalis strode out of the clinic. Spring looked towards his sister and struck a knowing look.

“And that’s how you do it,” He said.

Summer struck her brother with an impressed glance, “Very nicely done.”

After congratulations, the two siblings left the room and stepped out into the village streets. The minute they did so their senses were blown away as the sights and sounds hit them. Chrysalis especially.

The village had certainly gone all out. Stands were set up, music was blaring, and there appeared to be games of chance. Chrysalis had never seen such sights. Changelings didn’t have much in the way of festivals. The only thing they had cared about was where their next source of love was to be found. Chrysalis supposed those were causes for celebration if one was found. Tartarus, she would have celebrated had the takeover of Canterlot gone off without a hitch. But this was different, this village was full of life, no stagnation, only progress, anticipation towards what the future may hold.

Chrysalis was snapped out of her thoughts as she felt a hard shove upon her shoulder.

“Well I don’t know about you two but I’m hitting the dance floor!” Summer boasted before heading off.

Spring chuckled at his sister’s eagerness as she started to jam. Looking over to Chrysalis, he asked, “Care to join?”

Chrysalis felt hesitant for a moment, “N-N-No thanks, I’ll just look around first.”

Shrugging, Spring replied, “Okay, you know where to find us,” And he too joined his sister.

Chrysalis had to admit, for a pair of doctors, they could certainly move, but she wasn’t quite ready. Joyous celebrations of the non-evil variety were still foreign to her. Looking around she could see the happy expressions upon the faces of the villagers. She even spied those three fillies, Honeywing and her friends running around in a game of what she assumed was Tag. Even without her Changeling senses, she could sense the love radiating from the entire village. But the funny thing was, she had no desire to feast on it. Had she been a Changeling, this festival would have been a smorgasbord of love, so much she would have knocked herself out in a food coma. Not that she was a glutton, but such a feast would have been too good to pass up. But she didn’t view it as a feast and realizing this made her realize and reinstate how contagious these ponies were.

She needed something to take her mind off of things. Food? A drink perhaps?

“Hello there!”

Chrysalis was snapped out of her thoughts as she heard a familiar voice. Looking over to her left she saw a stand, and the pony running it was none other than Bagger Prance.

“Oh, Miss Bagger,” Chrysalis greeted.

“You can just call me Bagger, Crystal, we’ve only known each other for four months,” Bagger Prance said humorously.

Chrysalis found herself smiling, but then she noticed what Bagger was offering, “What is that?” She asked.

There lay a bowl of a brightly colored liquid.

“Glad you asked, it’s my homemade recipe of Dragonclaw Nectar!” Bagger proclaimed proudly.

“Dragonclaw Nectar? What’s that?” Chrysalis asked.

“Only the finest drink in Equestria, it’s made from Dragonclaw fruits,” Bagger explained.

“I’ve never heard of those fruits,” Chrysalis responded.

“I’m not surprised you haven’t, it only grows in the Everfree Forest, but it can be distilled into a drunk,” Bagger explained.

“Really now?” Chrysalis noted.

“Normally this stuff is reserved for the rich and powerful, but let’s just say I have some friends in high places who know how to give me the good stuff, but only the berries, trust me, it tastes better when homemade!”

Chrysalis eyed the drink and without thinking she took a glass, “Well, bottoms up,” She then took a drink and the minute it slipped down her throat, her face lit up, “This...This is delicious!” She exclaimed, and she meant every word.

Bagger let out a little laugh, “I thought you would dear!”

“I’m surprised the colts and fillies haven’t tried this,” Chrysalis noted.

The drink had a tart yet sweet taste to it. So much that any child would have certainly enjoyed it.

“I did spy Honeywing and her friends trying to sneak a sample when I wasn’t looking, but let's just say this drink isn’t meant for colts and fillies.”

Chrysalis didn’t understand what that meant, but she filled her up again and took another drink.

“Dear, you should probably slow down,” Bagger warned.

Chrysalis made a small scoff, “I think I can handle a little drink.”

And so Chrysalis drank away, not caring what happened. Though the more she drank, she found herself not caring about a lot of things. She wasn’t sure if it was the drink, or if the party was just eating away at her senses. But the truthful answer? It was the drink.

Chrysalis slammed her cup down, a sloppy grin plastered upon her face, “Hit me again shergeant!” She slurred.

Bagger looked uncertainly at the mare, “I think you’ve had enough dear.”

“Oh come on! HIC! Don’t be shuch a pooper!” Chrysalis slurred again.

“Trust me dear you’ve had enough. I’m a little mad at myself for letting it get this far. I suppose I was just proud someone enjoyed my work,” Bagger admitted.

“Well work you did my friend, HIC!” Chrysalis hiccuped, “I mean dish ish the beshtesht besht drinkie I-HIC-I’ve ever had!” The mare declared, “And you know what? I’d like another!” She finished with another brisk hiccup.

Bagger granted a concerned eye and replied, “Trust me, dear, those hiccups are a sure sign you’ve had enough.”

Though not herself, Chrysalis knew she wasn’t getting what she wanted.

“Okay, ya pooper! I’ll go she elsewhere!” Chrysalis declared, staggering off into the festival floor.

Maneuvering around was harder than ever, but Chrysalis didn’t care, no she was having the time of her life. Everything spiraled around her in a kaleidoscope of colors. All the while Chrysalis giggled, peppered with an occasional hiccup. Before long she came to a stop, her warped mind focusing enough to notice what was in front of her.

“Shrping!” She called.

Spring Herb and Summer Flower lay by the food table, taking a break from their bout of dancing to eat.

The stallion looked over

curiously at Chrysalis, then turned to alarm as he noticed the red glow upon her face.

“Crystal? What are-” Spring didn’t get a chance to finish his question before Chrysalis pushed her face into his.

“Well hi, there handshome! How are ya’s HIC?!”

Spring nearly gagged from the stench of her breath. Summer noticed her brother’s face, leaning in and sniffing.

“PU! Looks like someone’s been hitting the bottle!” Summer announced.

Looking over at Bagger Prance’s stand, Spring noticed an apologetic look upon her face.

“Oh dear,” Spring muttered to himself.

Before Spring could act, Chrysalis grabbed hold of him, “Ya know? Ah don’t shay dish enough but I like ya! You are mah besht friend HIC! Uh-huh yesiree Bob!”

“Okay Crystal I think we need to-”

“Yur a lot better than da osher two jerks I ushed to hand out with HIC! There wash the red guy wish the daddy isshuesh, and then there was the two fashed brat! Oh she wash terrible! But not you no sir! You are HIC! The most manly man there ever wash! In fact! Lesh gets married right now! Yeah, a big wedding in Canterlot! Bridshmaids, flower people, the worksh! And we can invite the entire village!”

Spring had, had enough, “Okay Crystal let's head back inside.”

Leading the mare along, Spring could hear the sounds of his sister’s snickers. All the while he carefully guided Chrysalis along.

“Dish day ish going to be perfect! Da day I’ve dreamed of shince I wash small HIC!” Chrysalis sang, “Come on ya know the words!”

Spring ignored them all and simply led Chrysalis back to her room and carefully tucked her into bed.

“Okay you’ve had a big day, so just take it easy and get some rest,” Spring soothed.

Though drunk as a skunk, Chrysalis managed a smile and said, “Nighty night my handshome king,” Then she was out like a light, snoring softly.

Spring let out a sigh, taking in what had just happened. Now he was wondering if it had been a good idea to use reverse psychology on his guest? With how drunk she had gotten, she was in store for a very nasty hangover. He didn’t go out to the festival immediately. He took some time to watch over the sleeping mare. She looked so peaceful, peaceful, and beautiful. And the stallion thought that all the more time he spent focusing on her words. He knew she had been drunk, but as some said, “One’s true self comes out when they were drunk”. And Spring would be lying if he didn’t think Crystal Hoof was beautiful.

Author's Notes:

Just to let everyone know, the Dragonclaw Fruit I mentioned was not created by me, but by an artist, I know on Deviant Art named Queen Cold. She was just nice enough to let me use it. So she came up with the fruit, I'm just the guy who got Chrysalis drunk off of it. Now to await people to point out errors I made as I am bad at editing lol.

Chapter 10

The waves crashed softly against the beach, The sea foam absorbed into the white sand, darkening it as the water moved in and out. Chrysalis found it calming, the entire scenery was serene, so much she didn’t care she wasn’t in her pony state. Soft music played, violin stringing along with some unknown tune. Looking to the left she could see Lord Tirek playing it. The centaur was in his weakened state, paying no mind to his former companion heading to the candlelit table. At the other end sat Spring Herb.

“You made it,” Spring noted happily.

Chrysalis smiled, “Well it’s my dream right? Why wouldn’t I show up?”

Spring chuckled, “I suppose so.”

“Hello there!”

Chrysalis and Spring looked to the right and noticed Cozy Glow flapping her little wings, presenting a menu to each guest.

“I’ll let you two talk and decide on the menu. Thank you for dining with us!” The filly cheered as she flew away.

Using her magic to pick up the menu, Chrysalis surveyed it.

“See anything good?” Spring asked.

Chrysalis looked over it for seven seconds before she answered, “It’s all in gibberish.”

“Well that’s what dreams are, but then again sometimes they say a dream is a window into the soul,” Spring stated.

“Really?” Chrysalis asked.

“Of course, I mean why else would you be dreaming about this?” Said Spring, “It is what you wanted right?”

Chrysalis wasn’t so sure how to answer. This was a dream for certain, but she wasn’t sure if this was a manifestation of her innermost desires, or if it was just randomness? Regardless of what it was, Chrysalis couldn’t deny a simple fact: she liked this. No, she wanted this.

“You have a point, I just, these feelings, I’ve well…” Chrysalis trailed off as he noticed Spring rising.

“Shh. You don’t have to say anymore.”

The stallion stood in front of her, Chrysalis turning to face him. She looked deeply into his eyes, finding herself lost within them. The more she stared into them the more she found herself wanting to sink into them more and more. As much as he held it in, she couldn’t hold it anymore, and she drew herself forward, and Spring did the same.

“Spring?”

“Hmm?”

“I don’t want to wake up.”

“Why?”

“Because then I’ll realize this isn’t real.”

“That’s okay, we can pretend it’s real for now.”

That was good enough for Chrysalis. As they leaned in, Chrysalis cared for nothing else. All that mattered was this moment now, but just as their lips were about to touch, Chrysalis woke up.

A sharp pain coursed through her head, spurring her to rasp in an intake of air. Her vision blurred as it adjusted to the light that spilled into the room. As soon as it cleared the pain in her head became a more throbbing sensation. Instinctively she put a hoof to her head in a feeble attempt to do it. She knew it wouldn’t, but wanted to offer some form of comfort to herself.

The door creaked open and through it stepped Spring Herb, “Good morning, how are you feeling?” He asked.

Chrysalis let out a low moan and replied, “I...feel…like…yak dung.”

“That bad huh?” Spring replied with sympathy, “Sorry, I should have warned you about the dragonclaw nectar.”

“Dragonclaw nectar?” Chrysalis repeated, then the memories of last night hit her, “That drink...I was drunk wasn’t I?”

“Oh yeah, very much so,” Spring replied.

Groaning to herself, Chrysalis sank further into her pillow which only spiked the pain she was already feeling in her head, “Ugh, a pox on dragonclaw nectar, no matter how delectable it is.”

“You just have to learn how to pace yourself, but I take it that was your first time with alcohol?” Spring asked.

“Was it that obvious?” Chrysalis rhetorically asked.

“Hey don’t feel too bad, it happens to the best of us. Heck, I got pretty wasted off of it my first time,” Spring admitted.

The hungover mare presented a grin, “Glad I’m not alone, what about Summer?”

“Nah Summer’s always been the careful one, fact she helped me my first time,” Spring recalled the first time he had gotten drunk.

“I bet she rubbed it in didn’t she?” Chrysalis grimly asked.

Spring chuckled, “She wouldn’t be Summer if she didn’t.”

“Great, I suppose I have to look forward to her granting me the same courtesy,” Chrysalis groaned.

“Don’t worry, I talked with her and she agreed to go easy on you,” Spring reassured.

Smiling, Chrysalis added, “Thank you.”

“No problem.”

Before anything else could happen, Chrysalis felt a wave of nausea wash over her. So much she quickly got to her hooves and headed inside the bathroom. Spring nearly asked what was wrong, but the sounds that emanated from the bathroom were indication enough. It would appear the mare’s body was not reacting to the alcohol well. Her stomach at least.

In no time Chrysalis recovered, or at least recovered to the point she could move freely without feeling the constant numb of pang.

“Hey, drunky! How goes it?” Summer greeted.

Chrysalis winced slightly at the volume of the mare’s voice.

“Knock it off Summer,” Spring warned.

“Relax bro I’m just messing with her. Besides, this will teach her not to drink so much,” Summer declared.

“Duly noted,” Chrysalis replied.

Already the hangover was subsiding, but she still couldn’t shake this small pain in the back of her head.

“Shame you got wasted because last night was a hit!” Summer declared excitedly, “I mean probably the best festival yet!”

Chrysalis fell a little in spirits. She couldn’t believe it, but because of her intoxication, she had missed the festival. What she couldn’t believe was that she was upset over missing a festival, a pony one no less!

“Hey it’s no problem, she can catch next year’s,” Spring replied optimistically.

“Next year?” Chrysalis questioned.

Spring didn’t hesitate when saying that, there was no uncertainty in his voice. He was dead certain she would attend. And oddly, Chrysalis found herself not disagreeing with that.

“I suppose so,” She muttered.

“Yeah and I guess our own little “festival” could count tonight right bro?” Summer asked.

“Your festival?” Chrysalis questioned.

“Yeah, every year, the day after the festival, Spring and I go out on a little camping trip, sort of like a vacation.” Summer explained.

Chrysalis eyed the pair skeptically, “Are you so certain it’s wise for two doctors to go on a “vacation”?”

“It’s only a mini-vacation, and it’s just one day, not like anything big is going to happen in one day,” Summer reasoned, “Besides, it’s close to town, and everypony knows about our yearly trip.”

If everypony in town knew, then Chrysalis did suppose it was alright.

“Of course if you want to stay here we understand,” Spring said.

There was a distinct lack of reverse psychology in his voice. The stallion was earnest in his sentence. But at the same time, she could tell he was extending an offer.

Chrysalis thought for a moment. Though her hangover still lingered, and she supposed a day of rest would do her well, she found herself perhaps against her better judgment saying, “Why not?”

Spring grinned, “Had a feeling you would say that, so we packed a few extra supplies.”

Summer grinned as well and shrugged, “You know our guest well brother. Course you would want to accommodate your “girlfriend”.”

Chrysalis waited for Spring to retort against his sister, but strangely, he didn’t. Chrysalis would have said something herself but found herself lacking as she got ready for the trip.

It didn’t strike her odd to not find offense at the “girlfriend” comment.

XXX

It took some time for them to get ready, grabbing the right supplies, and then hiking outside the village to their location. Chrysalis didn’t question. It wasn’t the first time she had gone camping so to speak. After all, she had spent much time in the wilderness alone after she lost her throne, and there was that period where she, Tirek, and Cozy Glow camped outside as they quested to retrieve Grogar’s bell. Granted she didn’t enjoy doing that, but this was a cakewalk. For one, she wasn’t alone, and those pieces of wood she used as “subjects” didn’t count. And though in the past she would have never admitted so, Spring Hoof and Summer Flower were far better company than a spoiled brat and a centaur with body image issues.

She found herself privately laughing. It was the first time she had thought of her associates in a long time. It made her wonder exactly what Tirek and Cozy Glow was doing? Throughout the months she had stayed in Trotter, she had heard no news reports about her statue being broken. She would think that a monumental event such as the “Mean Three” breaking free from their stone entrapments would make front-page news. Of course one wondered if Twilight would have caused such a widespread panic among her subjects that three of their biggest enemies were set free? Nevertheless, from what she gathered, her statue was still standing.

There was always the possibility that the filly and centaur were hit with the reincarnation spell just like she was, but it was unknown at this time. If they were smart like her, they would have laid low, not sharing their former selves with whomever they met.

Before long they came to a stop. It was a nice clearing, wide space enough to put up a tent, maybe make a fire, but what got Chrysalis’s notice where the two slabs of stone sticking out of the ground. Thought standing some distance away, Chrysalis noticed some writing upon the stones.

“Hello Mom and Dad, right here on time like always,” Spring said as he and Summer trotted up to the stones.

“Last night’s festival was really great, you two would have loved it,” Summer said.

Chrysalis looked curiously over at her two housemates and asked, “What...are you two doing?”

For a brief moment, Spring looked surprised but motioned for Chrysalis to come over. Chrysalis did so and the moment she did, she could see there was writing upon the stones.

“Seasons Bundle, and Winter Sauna, beloved husband/wife, and devoted father/mother,” Was what each stone said.

It soon dawned upon the former changeling, that these were gravestones.

“Mom, Dad, this is Crystal Hoof, Crystal this is our mother and father...or rather where they are now,” Spring added that last fact sadly.

Summer shared the same sentiments, her face forlorn.

“So, we’re camping near your parent's graves?” Chrysalis asked.

“I know how you feel, but trust us this is less disturbing than it is,” Summer reassured.

“Every year after the festival, we come here to pay our respects and look back on the past,” Spring explained.

Chrysalis eyed the two graves curiously, “I see.” She muttered.

“Anyway, let’s get the tent set up,” Spring said, going to work setting up where they would be sleeping.

Summer joined in, but as they began hammering in the first post, she turned to Chrysalis and called, “Mind pitching in?”

Without thinking, Chrysalis did so, “Okay, what do I do?” She asked.

“Never set up a tent?” Summer asked.

Chrysalis was about to answer when Spring interrupted, “Don’t worry, we’ll show you.”

Spring’s offer of aid spurred another smile upon Chrysalis’s face. So much she ignored the small pain in the back of her head. It had been faint but it was noticeable. After all, her first experience with alcohol was something that both she and her body would remember.

In short order, the tent was set up, and that was only the first task.

“Why don’t you two go gather firewood? While I finish things up here?” Summer suggested.

“Sure, thanks sis,” Spring expressed.

“No problem, besides, I think you two could do well with some alone time,” The mare replied sneakily.

Chrysalis shot Summer an indignant look, wincing slightly as she felt the pain once more in her head.

“You ready?” Bet I’ll gather more wood than you,” Spring boasted.

Chrysalis shot the stallion a defiant look, “Oh really?” She dared, “Let me show you how a lady gathers firewood.”

“You’re on,” Spring likewise dared.

The two ponies were off leaving behind a chuckling Summer, “Just a little prodding and those two will be lovebirds in no time.”

Chapter 11

Chrysalis felt another sharp pain course through her head. Silently she cursed the dragon claw nectar again. Its hangovers were long-lasting.

“You alright Crystal?” Spring’s voice jolted Chrysalis out of her pain.

“Hmm? Oh yes,” Chrysalis half-lied.

Spring accepted the answer, going back to tending the fire.

The fire itself was a mild one, not too big and not too large. Regardless of its size, it was nice and toasty. So much Chrysalis found herself leaning in to take in the heat. Sitting around, it brought back memories of the time she, Tirek, and Cozy glow were searching for Grogar’s bell. Of course, she knew by now that the entire thing was a sham by Discord, but that little event had taught them the basics of working together. Part of her still found it amusing that Discord didn’t foresee their little betrayal happening. The chaos spirit was so arrogant and full of himself. Then again, so was she, but she at least wouldn’t let herself get careless.

But she supposed right now she was betraying her decree. Here she was relaxing, and she certainly had become careless.

“Wow hard to believe we did this last year, feels like forever ago,” Summer remarked.

Chrysalis made herself even more comfortable, “So you celebrate your parent's demise by embarking on a camping trip?” Chrysalis asked, wincing once more as she felt another pain in her head.

“Yep! Every year for the past five,” Said Spring.

And then Spring’s face fell, “Man, hard to believe Mom and Dad have been dead for five years,” Summer remarked sadly.

Chrysalis noticed the forlorn expressions upon the two ponies' faces, “What happened to them?”

Summer and Sprig looked at one another, before looking back towards Chrysalis, “They were attacked by a bugbear,” Said Spring.

“A bugbear?” Chrysalis repeated. She had heard of the creatures but had never seen one in person.

“Yeah, apparently one got loose from a holding facility, wandered her and well... let's just say that was our parent’s first and last encounter with a bugbear,” Said Spring.

“Case you’re wondering, they eventually caught it, but it was too late obviously,” Summer said with a hint of bitterness in her voice.

Chrysalis wasn’t expecting this, least not from a pony. Ponies always seemed to have an idyllic life. Such tragedies didn’t seem applicable to them.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Chrysalis found herself saying. It surprised her nonetheless, for there was no sense of insincerity within her voice.

“It’s fine, my brother and I have had five years to cope,” Summer said. The mare suddenly cast a quick eye to the fire and said, “Oh darn, the fire’s going out, better go get more firewood!”

Spring looked to the fire and exclaimed, “But the fire’s not-” but his sister was long gone. The stallion blew out a sigh, his sister was not very subtle.

“Your sister never ceases to be strange,” Chrysalis noted.

“She’s a character all right,” Spring sighed once more.

“Quite so,” Chrysalis chuckled.

A moment of silence fell over the pair, a silence the mare quickly broke, “So, what were your parents like?”

Spring for a moment looked surprised but accepted it.

“Well they were great,” Spring’s answer was short and simple.

“You know what I mean,” Chrysalis started with slight exasperation, wincing once more, “Start with tell me how they met.”

Spring glanced at Chrysalis curiously, “Wow, you’ve never asked these types of questions before.”

“Oh sorry!” Chrysalis announced, “Didn’t mean to be nosy, it just you speak so highly of them I was curious.”

“It’s fine,” Spring assured, “Well first off how they met...would you believe they met when my mother was trying to rob my father?”

Chrysalis blinked in surprise, “Your mother was a thief?”

“Not exactly. You see, she left home with only a few bits to her name, but she got swindled out of everything she had and had to resort to begging. Though pickings were slim wherever she went so she traveled until she stumbled upon Trotter. So here she was, broke and hungry, then she saw my dad’s house and figured maybe she could get a quick bite.

“So your mother begged outside your father’s door?” Chrysalis asked.

“Nope, she pretty much broke through an open window and tried to steal my dad’s food,” Spring clarified.

Chrysalis gave a shocked expression, “Your mother was a thief?”

“You could say that, at least when she had nothing to lose, but she didn’t get far, my dad ended up catching her, but instead of kicking her out, he talked to her, she opened up to him, and he let her stay the night,” Spring looked on towards the fire, the warm light illuminating his face, “Long story short, they got married and had kids.”

Chrysalis let out a small chuckle, “Obviously.”

“Once she got settled, Mom turned out to have a penchant for cooking, all those recipes we’ve shown you? She made them first,” Spring explained, “She was kind, sweet, and always had time for us.”

“And your father?” Chrysalis pressed.

“Very much the same, and he was one heck of a doctor, taught me and Summer everything he knew,” Spring recalled longingly, “He also smoked a pipe.”

“A pipe?” Chrysalis repeated.

“Yeah, one of those you think a detective would smoke,” Spring explained.

Chrysalis looked at the stallion curiously, “I’m surprised a health professional would partake in something as unhealthy as that.”

“He wasn’t obnoxious about it, and the tobacco he used smelled pretty nice. If anything he did it to relieve stress or just relax, and it kind of made him look distinguished,” Said Spring, “Once I took over as co-doctor, I tried smoking a pipe,” Spring reminisced, “Bad move on my part, ended up nearly hacking my lungs out.”

That made Chrysalis giggle a bit, but then she subsided into a sigh that escaped Chrysalis, “I know how he feels, maybe I should take up smoking?”

Spring let out a good-hearted chuckle, “You smoke?” Thinking for a moment, he added, “Actually I could see it, maybe one of those long cigarette filters?”

“I was actually thinking a pipe like your father? Maybe one of those long ones,” Chrysalis suggested.

Thinking further for a moment, Spring added, “I could see it. Tell you what? Once we head one will look one up for you.”

A strange feeling swelled up in Chrysalis at that very moment, it was a feeling she hadn’t felt in all her life. She couldn’t place it at first, but soon she realized she was touched, “Thanks...you know my mother used to smoke sometimes?”

“Your mother?”

“Yes, she smoked one of those pipe things with a long tube.”

“A hookah?”

“Yes! That’s what it was called,” Chrysalis looked on ahead, staring deeply into the fire, “I remember the smell of the smoke from it, it was so foul-smelling and it made me gag. Once my mother died the first thing I did was get rid of that thing.”

Now it was Spring’s turn to look curiously at Chrysalis, “You never mentioned your mother before.”

All Chrysalis could say was, “There isn’t much to tell. She wasn’t like your mother, not by a long shot.”

“What was she like?” Spring asked though he felt the answer was obvious.

“It isn’t hard, there were three words that summed her up: cruel, calculating, and cold,” Chrysalis stated.

Spring winced, “That bad?”

“No, worse. My mother was a woman who commanded a lot of respect from her peers...no, it was fear. Everyone was afraid of her, including me,” Chrysalis remarked sadly.

“I’m sorry, that must have been hard,” Spring replied sympathetically.

“It was...she was a very difficult woman to please. She never said “I love you”, she felt love and friendship were just tools to use. I was so afraid of her, so afraid of displeasing her. Sometimes she would get..,physical if I made her unhappy,” Chrysalis winced as she recalled every blow and harsh word given to her.

Spring listened, his face growing all the more concerned, “She sounds like a monster.”

“She was, but I suppose it’s a family tradition I suppose, her mother was a monster, and her mother before her, and so forth. When she died I didn’t feel any sadness, but I think I was happy. I suppose that’s horrible to say?”

“Well I wouldn’t wish death on another creature, but the way you feel is understandable...but it seems like you’ve broken the tradition,” Spring said as he inched closer.

“Whatever do you mean?” Chrysalis asked.

“For one thing you aren’t like her,” Spring noted, “You aren’t terrible.”

Chrysalis looked away, and Spring moved in closer but kept a respectable distance so as not to break boundaries.

“Trust me Spring, there are things about me you are better off not knowing, but know this: I’m not nice.”

“But you are. Even if you didn’t start that way, you’ve changed. Little by little I’ve noticed it. The way you talk, move, and maybe you’re just being too harsh on yourself?”

Thinking back on it, Chrysalis had noticed a change in her. Without the constant need to feed on love within her, she found herself steadily growing open to a broader range of emotions. At first, she had fought against them, tried her best to push them down, viewed them as a weakness, but she couldn’t deny it anymore: she was enjoying them.

“Maybe you’re right?” Chrysalis admitted, “I just, this is all so new to me. Every time friendship was offered to me I turned it away, and I don’t know how to feel about it. It’s all so confusing!”

Without looking up, she could tell Spring had inched closer to her.

“Crystal.”

Chrysalis looked up and found herself staring into Spring’s eyes. His bold and handsome eyes. Likewise, Spring started into her own. Her beautiful and alluring eyes.

“Spring.”

The new mare didn’t know what she was feeling. All she knew was that she wanted Spring and only Spring. She felt herself leaning in and Spring did the same. Part of her knew what was coming and she didn’t fight against it. She wanted it. It had been building up from the moment she and Spring had met, and now it was paying off.

And that’s when the pain in her head spiked up. Chrysalis let out a whine as the pain hit her.

“Crystal? Are you alright?” Spring asked concernedly.

Shaking her head, Chrysalis put a hoof to her forehead, “Yes I’m fine, Just a leftover bit from the hangover.”

Oh, how wrong she was. The pain spiked again, and again, and it soon became apparent this was no mere hangover. And it didn’t just stop at her head. The pain passed through her entire body, so much she felt as if her skin was breaking apart.

“Crystal! What’s wrong?!” Spring asked, the panic growing in his voice.

Chrysalis’s breathing grew heavy. Her chest heaved up and down, each breath a struggle, “Spring...I don’t...know...help me!” She pleaded, fear now fully taking control.

Throughout it all, Chrysalis had attempted to hold it in. She didn’t know what it was, but she let it out at last. A green flash passed through her eyes and in an instant the pain subsided. Her breathing calmed and the panic left her. And then she saw Spring’s eyes.

“Spring? What’s wrong?” A small gasp escaped Chrysalis as she spoke. Her voice sounded different. No, not different, for it was not a new voice. The tone was different but she knew it well.

Then she saw her hooves. They were no longer the smooth skin of a pony, but instead black with holes all about. She felt something upon her back and she felt the familiar sensation of wings. When it dawned upon her, she, at last, realized why Spring’s expression had changed: he was gazing upon the familiar visage of Queen Chrysalis.

“Crystal?” Was all Spring could manage.

Chapter 12

Chrysalis ran through the forest without aim or care. She had no set goal, all she wanted was to get away. Panic raced through her mind as she recalled those looks, those fearful looks upon the faces of the two ponies who had shown her nothing but kindness.

XXX

A while earlier…

Chrysalis froze in place as she felt Spring’s eyes upon her.

“Crystal?” Spring managed.

Chrysalis’s eyes fluttered as she took in the reality of her situation. At first, she thought she was dreaming, or at least a trick of the mind, but it was clear she was back in her original changeling form. The same wings, the same carapace, everything. Even her sickly green mane of hair.

“Spring I-” Chrysalis began but was cut off as she heard a familiar voice.

“Alright, you two love birds have you-what the hay!?” Summer said as she stepped back into the camp.

“Summer I…” Chrysalis trailed off. She didn’t know what to say. What could she say about the situation?

And so the former queen of the changelings did the only thing she could think of: she ran.

“Crystal wait!” She heard Spring’s voice call, but she was too far off to heed it.

XXX

Chrysalis came to a stop if only to catch her breath. It took a few moments for her to do so, reflecting on what had just happened. She gazed upon her form once more. It became too undeniable to avoid that she no longer saw the form of Crystal Hoof, but the ferocious visage of Queen Chrysalis. And another thing Chrysalis couldn’t deny was that she hated it. She silently cursed, wanted to scream out, to rage against the heavens for the injustice that had been thrown upon her.

Why had the spell reversed? From what she had read the spell was a done deal, she was stuck in the form granted to her. Unless whoever cast the spell reversed it. That was plausible, but that begged the bigger question of who had cast it? Her thoughts returned to her earlier theory of Discord. This whole situation had his handiwork written all over it. After all, he had played her, Tirek, and Cozy Glow for fools by pretending to be Grogar, so it wasn’t out of the realm of possibility that he would play this sick joke upon her. Was it a form of torture? Some addition to her punishment? It almost made her want to cry, it wasn’t fair, it just wasn’t fair. She had something, something she had long rejected, only for it to be snatched away from her.

“My my, it seems the reincarnation spell has been reversed,” Chrysalis let out a tiny gasp as she heard a voice speaking through the darkness, between the many trees that dotted the landscape, “Or perhaps there was a time limit? Never mind, it’s over, and you’re back to how you should be.”

Chrysalis took a cautious stance. That voice, had she heard it somewhere before?

“Who’s there?” Chrysalis asked, her voice quiet and somewhat timid.

“Really? Meekness?” The voice scoffed, “That’s not how I taught you to behave.”

Before Chrysalis could ask again, she saw a figure move through the trees. The moonlight parted from the clouds revealing the figure in full form, and when Chrysalis laid eyes upon it, she let out another gasp. The same sunken in features, the same bony outline, and the aged visage that belied the evil that lay underneath.

“Mother?” Chrysalis found herself uttering the very words she had dreaded to say as a child.

Queen Cocoon flashed a devilish grin, “Hello daughter. So nice to see you again.”

XXX

“Spring slow down!”

Summer’s pleads fell on deaf ears as the stallion continued his pursuit.

“Where is she?” Spring asked, “Crystal!”

Summer was incredulous at her brother’s choice of words, “Crystal? Spring we need to talk about what we just saw!”

“It’s too dark to see anything!” Spring lamented, “Crystal where are you!?”

“Spring!” Summer said nearly pulling her brother away.

The two siblings looked at one another, both expressions as different as night and day.

“We...need...to...talk!” Summer emphasized.

Spring put on a straight face and said, “Fine, let’s talk.”

Summer flashed a brief look of surprise upon her face as if she wasn’t expecting her brother to relent so easily.

“Okay, firstly I think we need to discuss our “guest”,” Summer stated.

“What about her?” Spring said, his voice growing all the more defensive.

“Oh, I don’t know? Like maybe the fact that all this time we were housing Queen Chrysalis!” Summer stated.

“That could have been anyone!” Spring retorted.

“Are you serious!?” Summer exasperated.

“Okay fine that was Chrysalis,” Spring couldn’t deny it anymore.

Though the two siblings had never seen the former Changeling Queen, they had seen enough images and heard enough stories to know what she looked like. And from the stories they had heard, Chrysalis was truly a ruthless villain. Her assault on Canterlot during the Royal Wedding was inscribed in everypony’s memories. That and how she, Tirek, and Cozy Glow had nearly conquered Equestria. It had taken every race in Equestria, pony or otherwise to band against the three villains, stripping them of their stolen power and trapping them in stone. That was years ago. By now Princess Twilight had been reigning over Equestria for many years, and the Mean Three as they had collectively been known as, was history. It was still said they lay as statues in the Canterlot Gardens. But that appeared to not be true, for Queen Chrysalis had been with them all this time.

“And? You aren’t the least bit disturbed!?” Summer demanded.

“What? Why?”

“Like how one of the biggest villains in Equestria was living in our home! Eating our food! Sleeping in the same vicinity as us,” Summer shook her head, clearly trying to understand it all, “Was this all part of some kind of scheme? I mean what was she hoping to gain from us? Was she feeding on our love? Do I look weaker? Are my colors faded?”

“Summer, I don’t think she was tricking us.” Spring suddenly said.

Summer cocked her head back in shock over her brother’s words, “How can you say that?”

Spring remained silent for a moment, he looked down at the ground before uttering another word, “Did you look at her eyes?”

“Her eyes? What are you-”

“She was scared,”

“Yeah probably because she was found out!”

“No! She was really scared as if she didn’t know what was happening to her!” Spring’s voice was full of concern and at that moment Summer fell silent.

Without saying another word, Spring headed further into the forest, leaving Summer to stare. She had always felt her brother acted more with his emotions rather than his mind, but in a sense that was a good thing, and it told her one thing: her brother honestly cared for her.

Though still confused as to what was going on, and she had lingering doubts in her mind, she followed after her brother, being the ever-loyal sister she was. Even she had to admit, she enjoyed having “Crystal Hoof” around. And even she couldn’t deny the fear that had been in the Changeling’s eyes.

Whatever the case, Crystal, Chrysalis, or whatever she was called was still their patient, and as doctors, they had to help her. Some would view it as a foolhardy flaw, but it was what their late father had taught them. At least she and Spring shared their father’s compassion.

XXX

Chrysalis couldn’t deny it, but her mother was standing right in front of her. Two former queens of the Changelings staring each other down. While one looked shocked, the other was smug.

“No words for me daughter? No greetings?” Cocoon asked her daughter.

Chrysalis stammered a little as memories of her childhood flooded past her. Once more she was a frightened little grub, staring in the face of her queen and life-giver.

“How, how can this be?” Chrysalis finally found herself being able to ask.

Cocoon only grinned further, “Why are you so surprised daughter? After all, you’ve been thinking of me haven’t you?”

This further shocked Chrysalis. She would have backed away, but kept herself firmly in place, “But I haven’t-”

“Oh don’t deny it!” Cocoon accused, “I’ve been in your thoughts ever since you stepped hoof in this dung heap of a village.”

The elderly changeling moved, suddenly circling her daughter. Chrysalis remained fixed in place. Even though she wasn’t looking at her mother, she knew the latter was looking at her.

“Yes, and I see this village has already done its work upon you,” Cocoon stated disapprovingly.

Chrysalis gulped, her former childhood fears gripping her, “What-whatever do you mean Mother?”

“Just look at this!” Chrysalis suddenly felt a sharp tug upon her right wing, “Take a look at your wings!”

Chrysalis hesitantly craned her neck behind her and gazed upon her wings. What she was was something that had escaped her notice: her wings were now sparkly, very much like how Thorax’s was before his ascension to the Changeling King. She had noticed it when he, Discord, Starlight, and that pony whose name escaped her arrived to rescue their friends. It wasn’t anything to note before, but she had found it peculiar. It was then he along with the rest of her hive transformed. And it was then Starlight offered her another way, a way she had refused.

She had vowed the deepest revenge upon her and made that her lifelong goal, only to fail spectacularly. Not even teaming up with Tirek or Cozy Glow had granted her victory, only a stone prison, a prison that was broken years later apparently.

“Yes they have certainly seen the taint of friendship,” Cocoon stated the “F” word with such distaste.

Hearing it sent chills down Chrysalis’s spine, at least it would have had she heard it before being turned to stone. Now? She felt a different feeling.

“Honestly I had hoped better for you daughter!” Cocoon stated that with such disdain.

“Mother I-”

“DO NOT INTERRUPT YOUR QUEEN!!!” Cocoon’s voice cut through the forest, spurring a whimper from Chrysalis, the very same she had uttered as a child, “Really, all those years of training you, teaching you all I know, only for you to squander it away by falling in love with some medical practitioner!”

“Medical? Do you mean Spring? But how did-”

“Have you been listening to anything I’ve said daughter? Don’t deny it, you care for that doctor, more so than anyone, I can feel the love for him radiating from your heart. It’s so sickening! Love was what brought down your kingdom!”

“It wasn’t my fault,” Chrysalis whimpered.

The response she received was a peal of shrill laughter, “Not your fault? Oh my dear how long are you going to delude yourself? It wasn’t Thorax, or Starlight that stole your kingdom, it was your failure to invoke fear from your subjects that caused you to fail!”

Chrysalis felt her mother's hot breath, laden with the stench of hookah smoke, breathe upon her. It sent tingles through her body, and she recalled all of those past moments so vividly. The forest before her transformed into the Changeling palace. Guards standing at attention, while her mother instructed her with another lesson. More than often her mother would fly into a rage, berating her, growing louder if tears fell, even resorting to physical punishments if it proved too irritating for her mother. There was no love, no kindness, no warmth, only fear and an instilled sense to obey. It made her wonder if her subjects had felt this way? Though they had been eager to follow her plan to invade Canterlot, and again to replace the most respected ponies in Equestria, only now could she understand they simply followed her out of fear, not respect.

And only now did she no longer feel any pride in that.

“Crystal!”

Chrysalis let out a gasp as the palace transformed back into the forest. Swiftly she turned around and was face to face with the two ponies who had grown on her since they found her.

“Spring? Summer?” Chrysalis exclaimed, almost hopefully.

The two siblings came to a halt as they gazed upon the one they had called “Crystal”. Both of them held visible expressions of disbelief. But that disbelief turned to acceptance as they realized the truth of the situation. But then it turned to shock as they noticed the second changeling in their midst.

“There’s another one!?” Summer exclaimed.

Spring was too busy focusing his attention upon Chrysalis he didn’t address Cocoon.

“Crystal? What’s going on?” Spring’s question was innocent.

Cocoon let out a mocking laugh, “Crystal!? Are you honestly going to drown yourself in that facade? It was a lie, a trick she used to deceive you!”

The hurt spread momentarily upon Spring’s face, but it quickly switched to defiance, “That’s not true!”

“Open your eyes you mewling little grub! You were a toy, a tool, something for my daughter to amuse herself with!” Cocoon spat.

“That’s not true Spring! You and Summer were never-”

“But now I see so long as you exist, my daughter will forever be tainted by the stain of friendship,” Cocoon’s horn began to glow furiously.

Spring’s eyes widened in shock as he could see the forming magic. Summer stood protectively in front of her brother but that did nothing to deter the magic that was forming upon Cocoon’s horn. Chrysalis herself watched with wide fearful eyes as the magic prepped itself, growing bigger until it reached its zenith.

“DIE WORMS!” Cocoon shouted as she unleashed the magic upon the two pony siblings.

Author's Notes:

We are nearing the end of the story folk!

Chapter 13

The magic exploded into the night air as it collided. Cocoon watched with pleased eyes as her spell struck, but as the dust settled her eyes widened in shock as the truth was revealed: The ponies were still standing. It took her a moment to realize what had happened, but when it did, it only furthered her shock. Standing in place, with nary a scratch on her, was Chrysalis. The former queen stood there, eyes closed and horn ablaze with magic. Slowly she opened her eyes, seemingly awaiting for whatever oblivion awaited her. But thankfully, she found none of that.

“What?” She asked herself.

The more she thought about it, the more it dawned on her. This spell wasn’t meant to harm them, it was only for show. There was no force behind it. It made her wonder, was even a true spell?

“Nicely done daughter, you managed to resist my attack. At least those endurance lessons paid off,” Cocoon noted with small disdain.

Chrysalis paused. Her mother's words resonated within her, and she felt something rise. It wasn’t a foreign feeling, for it was something she had felt before, something she had pushed down, swallowing it as if it were bile.

“Is that all you care about? Lessons?” Chrysalis rhetorically asked.

Cocoon said nothing, remaining paused in her speech and movements.

“What am I saying, of course, that’s all you care about. Ever since I was a grub you never cared about me. All you wanted was the perfect heir!” Chrysalis spat.

“Bah! Without strength how can one lead?!” Cocoon spat.

“Life isn’t all about being the strongest Mother!” Chrysalis spat back, “And it’s taken me until now to realize that!” The changeling reconsidered her words, “No, It’s something I’ve realized before, but every time I realized it I cast it aside, and every time I did that I heard your voice in my head.”

Indeed she had felt this emotion twice. The first time was after she had lost her hive when Starlight offered her a better chance. Then there was another when she Tirek and Cozy Glow were in search of Grogar’s Bell. Each time, a single offer or chance presented itself, and that chance was friendship. Honestly, she had almost taken it, almost seen the benefits of an altered life. Maybe had she taken it she wouldn’t have wound up as a statue? But both times she rejected the notion, instead of pursuing revenge or seeking power.

“Each time you prodded me, scolding me, calling me weak, but now I see how false that was!” Chrysalis declared. Staring back at Spring and Summer, she smiled, “Meeting these two opened my eyes, showed me that friendship and love isn’t a weakness, that it’s truly magic!”

Summer was too bewildered to answer, but a single sentiment formed upon Spring’s face: a smile to match Chrysalis’s.

“The magic of friendship?” Cocoon scoffed, “Do you truly believe such a foolish notion exists?”

Years ago Chrysalis would have been afraid to answer, instead of going with whatever her mother deemed.

Instead, Chrysalis stamped her hooves firmly and replied with the utmost certainty, “Yes, I do.”

As the former queen looked upon her mother’s visage, her gaze grew fearful, for Cocoon’s all so familiar glare burned into her.

“Very well daughter,” She recited in her cold and aged voice, “It seems you have chosen your lot,” magic burned upon the elderly changeling’s horn, burning brightly with the fury of a thousand suns, “It seems I have no choice...but...to...say...YOU PASSED!” Suddenly, Cocoon’s voice grew bright and cheerful, her tone jumping to a youthful tenor, and from her horn came no magic, but sparkles and what appeared to be confetti.

Chrysalis could only stare blankly in front of her and said, “What?”

“Whoo! I mean this was a gamble setting you free, but I think it finally paid off,” Cocoon continued cheerfully.

This only further served to confuse Chrysalis, “Mother?”

“Oh right, here I am still wearing this skin,” Suddenly in a flash, Cocoon’s form melted away, and as the light settled, in its place was an entirely different creature.

All three parties present looked on and gaped in amazement. The creature in front of them was no longer the aged and frightening form of Cocoon, but instead, it was a creature of the purest white, like snow. The creature itself was indeed a pony, but with golden hooves and mane, yet there were platinum streaks within it. The creature held no cutie mark, and no horn, which brought the question of how this creature could cast magic. Then there were the wings. They were translucent and shaped akin to a butterfly’s.

Staring at the trio with its sapphire eyes, the strange pony asked, “So? How do I look?”

Chrysalis stood dumbfounded, barely able to find the urge to speak, “I-I-I” She stammered.

“Right, this is all new to you. Well first off, you can thank me for casting that reincarnation spell on you,” The pony spoke.

“You cast it?” Chrysalis asked, her voice growing all the more curious.

“I can hear the wonder in your voice,” The pony noticed, “Well to be perfectly honest I took quite a gamble with you, I mean I probably could have gone with your friend Tirek or Cozy Glow, but something told me you were the right choice,” The pony explained, “To be perfectly truthful, I was half and half on you. I mean this could have gone either way, but to have you turn over a new leaf, well I certainly am glad this paid off.”

“Excuse me? But who are you?” Spring asked.

“Me? Well, you can call me a guardian of harmony, I keep a lookout for creatures who may hold a significant purpose for Equestria’s future,” The pony explained.

Summer continued to stare at the pony in question, never saying a word, while Spring took a few cautious steps towards Chrysalis.

“So? You were Chrysalis all along?” He asked.

Chrysalis turned around to face him, holding her head down slightly in shame, “Yes...I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

Spring’s expression changed to one of hurt, but he put it away in his mental drawer and asked another question, “Did you mean what you said just now?”

Chrysalis knew what he was talking about, “Yes! Look, I know I’m probably the last creature you want to listen to, but I meant every word,” Chrysalis insisted, “All the time I’ve spent with you and Summer, it’s been the few times I’ve felt true happiness, maybe even the only time,” The former queen of the changelings looked down as if in contemplation, but looked up with a look of certainty, “I’m ready, and now I know for certain that friendship is magic!”

It was said certain actions spark certain reactions. And this moment applied.

Suddenly, a great light emanated from Chrysalis’s chest. The light continued to spread, forming into a sphere upon her body. At first, she looked frightened but strangely found this change welcoming. She had seen this before, years ago when she lost her hive. Suddenly the light burst and Chrysalis was drowned in its entirety. Spring and Summer shielded her eyes, only opening them as the light died down. What they saw before surprised everyone, including Chrysalis.

“Well look at you! This is an unforeseen development!” The strange pony declared.

Chrysalis looked down at herself, and to her surprise, she did not see the altered state of a purified changeling, but instead, the pony shape of Crystal Hoof. The same horn with the two tiny ones flanking it, the same color, the same shape, only now there lay a cutie mark upon her flank: a crystal entwined in vines.

“What? But, what happened? Why am I a pony?” Chrysalis asked herself, noting the softer tone in her Crystal Hoof form.

“Beats me!” The strange pony exclaimed, “Frankly I thought you would turn all pretty like the other changelings, but go figure,” She shrugged, “Well now I must be off, a guardian’s work is never done!” The pony declared.

Chrysalis turned around swiftly, “Wait!” But in a flash, the strange pony was gone.

Summer who had remained silent throughout it all, finally found the urge to speak, “Was that? I think that was a Flutter Pony!”

Spring looked at his sister with a curious glint, “A flutter pony?”

“Yeah, like from those stories Mom used to tell us!” Summer said with remembrance.

Chrysalis had heard tales of Flutter Ponies. Winged ponies who could cast magic without a horn, the fair equines as they were known. She had dismissed them as legends, but there could have been no explanation besides that. But it raised a bigger question as to why one would do this to her.

“Crystal?”

The new ponified Chrysalis looked to see Spring taking a few somewhat cautious steps towards her.

“Spring,” She found herself saying.

The pair of them looked at one another, their gaze long and-

“Now hold on just a minute!” Summer interrupted loudly, standing between her brother and Chrysalis, “Are you serious?!”

“What?” Spring said confusedly.

“Don’t “what” me brother! How can you act as nothing happened?” Summer demanded, “Hasn’t it sunken in that we’ve been living with Queen Chrysalis all this time!?”

Spring’s expression didn’t change, but Chrysalis took the moment to step forward, “Summer I-” She was then cut off as Summer thrust her face into hers.

“Okay, what kind of game are you playing? Is this a new trick?” Summer demanded to know.

“Trick? I don’t-”

“I have to admit you were pretty clever, but now my brother and I are onto you now so don’t get-”

“Summer that’s enough!” Spring pushed his sister out of the way, keeping a protective form near Chrysalis, “Leave her alone!”

“What? You’re defending her?” Summer asked incredulously.

“Look, it’s been a long night, so why don’t we head back to camp?” Spring suggested, or rather more like an order.

“Okay, did something fry in your brain? We’ve been living with Chrysalis all this time!”

“That’s not my name anymore!” Chrysalis suddenly exclaimed. Summer looked at the former changeling confusedly, but there was no uncertainty in Chrysalis’s eyes, “My name is Crystal Hoof!”

Summer raised an eye, “You can stop that charade, we know who you really are.”

“I know how I was, but I’m not that creature anymore. I’m no longer Queen Chrysalis,” Chrysalis, or rather, Crystal put a hoof to her chest, “Crystal Hoof was the name I gave myself, and Crystal Hoof is the name I want to keep!”

Summer couldn’t believe what she was hearing, “Are you serious?”

“Dead,” Crystal stated firmly.

Shaking her head, Summer let out an exasperated sigh, “I just don’t get it,”

“Just leave it alone Summer, you heard her, she’s not that kind of creature anymore,” Spring said defensively.

“Says her!” Summer retorted.

“I saw it in her eyes, and I heard it in her voice! She meant every word!” Spring said, defending Chrysalis all the while.

Chrysalis could sense the tension in the air, and knew Summer would not back down. When she was a queen, she never diffused a situation, only demanded obedience, now was the time to be the very leader Starlight had once said she could become.

“Summer, I know you and Spring have little reason to trust me, but I did mean every word I said,” Summer opened her mouth to speak, but Chrysalis interrupted, “I know I lied to you at first, but this was a new situation for me, if I had said anything I would have probably been sent off to Tartarus or worse. I know lying to you was wrong, but please I’ve changed, I no longer want revenge on my enemies, I just want to live my life as a pony,” Summer’s mouth closed, and she listened to Chrysalis well. Slowly the doubt was starting to vanish from her face, “For so long I rejected friendship, but spending time with you and Spring has shown me it’s not a weakness, I want to share that feeling, I want to experience it, and even if that means you no longer want me in your house, I’ll still live by it!”

Spring flashed a proud smile towards the former changeling, “I know she lied to us, but in her hooves what would you have done Summer?”

Summer silently agreed. She supposed if she was one of Equestria’s biggest enemies, she would want to remain incognito. Still, she couldn’t shake it off entirely, still found it strange her brother was so defensive of “not” Chrysalis, but she had her guesses as to why.

“Ugh, fine, just let’s go back to camp before it gets too late,” Summer said trotting off with a shake of her head.

Chrysalis looked uncertainly towards the vanishing mare. She knew simple words wouldn’t solve the betrayal Summer was certainly feeling.

“Give her time,” Spring said reassuringly.

Throughout the little reveal, Chrysalis had noticed Spring did not hold the same feelings of betrayal as his sister. He was different.

“Thank you Spring, for everything,” Chrysalis stated, “But, how can you trust me so?”

“Well, I just have a way of reading ponies, I’ve got more talents besides being a doctor,” The stallion boasted.

“It’s more than that,” Chrysalis noted.

“Oh?”

“Let’s just say I have a way of reading ponies too.”

Smiles formed upon both ponies' faces. Just like at the campsite, they closed in, this time with no interruptions, and at last, they let it all out. Their lips locked. They didn’t understand it at first, but they drew in and unleashed the depths of their passion via a simple kiss. As they broke away, they heard a solid grunt behind them.

Summer stood there, tapping her hoof impatiently, “You two love birds coming? Or should I leave you out in the cold?”

“We should go, I know when my sister is getting impatient,” Spring chuckled.

Chrysalis smiled and uttered, “Lead the way, my King.”

As he turned away to follow Summer, it became impossible to tell what was on Spring’s face. But Chrysalis could tell it was a grin. She wasn’t sure if it was because of the “King” comment, but she knew, and she knew that Summer was smiling at the kiss, even if it was an inward smile.

Staring up at the moon, breaking through the clouds above, Chrysalis knew tonight was when Crystal Hoof’s life truly began. She was all pony now, the cutie mark on her flank told her that much.

Author's Notes:

Okay, I'll admit, the Flutter Pony was not initially planned when I started this story. I had a much different ending in mind for this story, but after talking with a friend, I realized I could come up with something better. I can tell you, this Flutter Pony is going to be a recurring character in my headcanon stories. Remember, I'm trying to create a shared universe between my stories, instead of one long epic saga.

Now, this isn't exactly the end of the story. I still have one more chapter to go, the epilogue. That's coming soon and then at last, this story is done!

Epilogue

Several Moons Later…

A soft hum echoed throughout the kitchen, steam rising as it did, smells of various ingredients wafting through the air. At the stove a single pony stood, mixing, stirring, and making certain the food was cooked thoroughly. After all, undercooked food could lead to parasites or any stray illnesses. And she wouldn’t have that.

The pony in question, Crystal Hoof, took great care in her dishes. She had gained quite a recipe book of sorts. Not that she made these up herself, it was all left behind by a pony no longer with them, one who died long before she stumbled across Trotter. Of course for those who knew Crystal Hoof particularly well knew she once went by a different name: Chrysalis.

Yes, the former queen of the Changelings, the one who along with Lord Tirek and the filly Cozy Glow had nearly driven Equestria apart, and would have succeeded if not for the interference of Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends. In the end, their plans were foiled and as punishment, the Mean Three were turned to stone. From what Chrysalis, or rather Crystal had learned, their statues were left to rot in some Canterlot Garden. Appropriate given the familiar situations. After all, Discord was once a garden statue. She supposed Twilight in her wisdom and foresight predicted the possibility that the trio would one day be free. Having them together powerless in a well-protected area would prevent them from staging any successful counterattack.

Be that as it may, it didn’t matter to Crystal Hoof as she was no longer within that statue.

Crystal had not yet figured out the mechanics of her new form. As far as she can tell she was all pony now, the cutie mark on her flank told her so. She didn’t quite understand the meaning behind it. After all, how could one interpret vines entrapping a Crystal? She narrowed it down to two possibilities. One was her spirit or former self was trapped in a new form, and two it could have signified her growth in her new form. Honestly, she never understood cutie marks, and she didn’t delve too much into it.

“Well, it seems my sister-in-law has really upped her game today.”

Crystal didn’t turn around, focusing her attention upon her cooking, “I’ll take that as a compliment Summer.”

“Rightly so,” Summer Flower said leaning in to gather a smell, “Really went all out with the spices eh?”

“Dinner’s just about done,” Crystal reminded, “Could you go get Spring and Cicada?”

“All right just stay on your meds and be sure to call me if there are any changes okay?” Spring Herb’s voice echoed as the door shut. It was clear he was finishing up with a patient. Soon his hoof steps made their way into the kitchen, “Honey that smells great!”

For this, Crystal turned around, flashing a proud smile as she did, “Anything for my darling husband!” Shutting off the stove, the heating ended and all that was needed was to set the table, but there was one thing missing, “Is Cicada with you?”

“No, he was still playing outside last I checked,” Spring noted, The door opened and Spring’s voice called out, “Cicada! Dinner!”

Yet, no tiny voice answered back, in fact, Crystal heard Spring’s voice nearly call out once more, only to trail off.

“Is everything okay?” Crystal asked.

Spring’s face said otherwise, “Cicada’s not in the yard.”

Crystal stood alert, hastening her pace as she headed towards the door. Looking outside, there was no sign of the colt. Alarm etched upon Crystal’s face but then faded into slight annoyance.

“He’s probably playing in the woods again!”Crystal grumbled.

“Want me to go get him?” Spring offered.

“No, you and Summer just go set the table, I’ll get him,” Crystal said as she stomped off towards the woods, grumbling all the while.

“I honestly hope she goes easy on him, but she probably won’t,” Summer noted sardonically.

“She won’t,” Spring replied optimistically.

“You think so? I mean this is Crystal we’re talking about,” Summer said, still not the least bit optimistic.

“I know my wife Sis,” Spring stated with certainty.

A brisk laugh was his response, “Relax I’m teasing, geeze you’re so serious!”

Summer chuckled all the way. Soon after Spring joined in and the pair started to set the table, while the family matriarch retrieved their newest member.

XXX

The beetle fluttered its way through the air, landing harmlessly upon a tree branch. It was settled, peaceful, only disrupted as the branch shook ever so slightly, before coming to a halt.

“Hello there, you’re a pretty bug,” A young voice followed.

The voice in question belonged to a young colt, one with a turquoise coat and a green mane, yet within that mane were black streams, dark as ebony. The child was a blank flank, still too young to know their special talent. But most assumed it would relate to insects.

A bright smile formed upon the child’s face, revealing his pearly whites, but just slightly noticeable were a pair of small fangs. Not too prominent, but enough that they could be noticed.

The child inched closer, eyes never faltering from the beetle, “Hold still, I want to get a better look at you,” The child pleaded.

However, the beetle was hearing none of it and fluttered away as the branch shook.

“Wait!” The colt called, but that proved to be a mistake. The child began to lose his grip, slipping until at last, he fell! “Woah!” He cried, yet no impact followed, as an aura of unicorn magic coated him, levitating him upon the ground.

The child stood bewildered for a moment, but that bewilderment ended as he noticed a familiar mare, “Mommy!” He cried happily.

However, his mother hardly looked happy, “Cicada Fall! How many times have I told you not to climb trees unsupervised!?” Crystal Hoof scolded.

Cicada folded his ears back, clearly ashamed, “I’m sorry Mommy, I just saw this really neat bug and I wanted to get a closer look!”

“That’s no excuse!” His mother snapped, “If I wasn’t here you could have broken your neck or worse! Do you realize what they would have done to me? Or your father and aunt?”

Crystal's firm words burned into Cicada, and it made the child feel all the more ashamed, “Sorry.”

Hearing that simple little apology, Crystal’s anger cooled, and swiftly she scooped her child up in a hug.

“It’s alright sweetheart, you just scared Mommy, that’s all,” Crystal assured.

Cicada granted his mother a skeptical look, “But you’re not afraid of anything.”

“That’s true,” Crystal corrected, “I’m most certainly scared if my little prince was about to be hurt.”

Sticking out his chest, Cicada boasted, “I’m tough!”

Light-heartedly chuckling, Crystal gave her son a little tickle, “Well I hope my tough little colt has worked up an appetite!”

“I could eat!” Cicada piped.

As the mother and son pair returned home, Crystal for a moment, thought back to how her new life started, and what she had gained.

Once it became public knowledge that she and Spring had become a couple, it was obvious to everyone that marriage would follow. Summer did hold some reservations. Lingering sentiments from the truth of her origins. Yet those faded away. Then shortly after, Cicada came. They hadn’t talked about children when she first learned she was pregnant. When she first learned she was carrying Spring’s child, she was uncertain. Of course, Spring and Summer were thrilled, but at the time she wasn’t entirely certain. It wasn’t as if she didn’t want a baby, it just wasn’t as if she had a good example. Back when she was the Changeling queen, she figured eventually she would have had to produce an heir, but that would have been what was expected of her. Now? This was spontaneous freedom. Yet when she first heard Cicada’s cries and beheld him for the first time, all doubts faded from her mind. All she knew was that she loved her son, and she vowed to raise and protect him to the best of her ability. At the very least, she would have been a better mother than her own.

Dinner passed by in the home, and soon after night fell, all ending right in Cicada’s room. The young colt nestled himself under the covers, eyelids drooping.

“Comfy?” Crystal asked.

“Yeah,” Cicada sleepily responded.

“You had a big day buddy, you want a story?” Spring asked.

Cicada responded with a big yawn, “No thanks, I’m too tired.”

“Well, you can’t sleep without Mr. Bear!” Summer exclaimed, presenting a teddy bear to her nephew.

Taking the bear, Cicada snuggled, “Thanks.”

“All right buddy, you have a good night, remember we love you okay?” Spring parted.

“Love you too, “Good night Daddy, Good night Mommy, Good night Aunt Summer,” Cicada said before slipping off.

“Good night kiddo,” Summer likewise parted.

As the trio of adults exited the room, Crystal took one look back and uttered, “Goodnight my sweet little prince,” And then she turned off the light and closed the door, the nightlight keeping the room safe as far as Cicada was concerned.

“Whoo! Well, I think I’m going to follow my nephew’s cue and hit the hay!” Summer exclaimed, “Besides I know you two like to have some “fun” before bedtime eh?”

“Very funny Sis, you know Crystal and I just like to relax before bed,” Spring corrected.

“Yeah if that were true then Cicada wouldn’t be here would he?” Summer joked.

“Goodnight!” Crystal groaned good-heartedly.

Knowing her brother and sister-in-law had no time for tonight, she ceased her joking and headed to her room, while Spring and Crystal retired to the living room. They settled upon the couch, Spring getting into a relaxed position, but Crystal did one more thing. She pulled out a long object, a pipe, got it ready, and soon took a puff upon it, blowing out a trail of smoke.

“What a day,” She sighed, relaxed both from the couch and from the smoke entering her system.

Sniffing the air, Spring said, “Are those blueberries I smell?”

“Yes,” Crystal replied, taking another puff and blowing out a trail of smoke rings, “It’s a new blend, “Blueberry Sundance”.

“Wow, I was kind of joking when I said I’d buy you that thing,” Spring admitted, “I never knew you would become some an aficionado.”

“I do have to admit, you ponies are quite good at growing tobacco,” Crystal said as she drew more on her pipe.

“When you started hacking up a storm the first time, I honestly thought you would quit,” Spring chuckled.

Blowing out another stream, Crystal let out a small laugh, “When I commit to something, I see it through!”

“I suppose so,” Spring inched in closer and wrapped his leg around his wife, an embrace she welcomed, “Crazy couple of years huh?”

“Indeed,” Crystal concurred.

“Between meeting you, getting married, having Cicada, I’d say we’ve come full circle no?” Spring reminisced.

“Oh no, our lives are just beginning, and I’m going to see it through till the end,” Crystal declared.

“Even when we’re old and gray?” Spring asked.

Snuggling deeper into her husband’s embrace, Crystal gazed upon the fading smoke that hung in the air, “Even when we’re old and gray.”

Turning to face one another, they leaned in and quickly kissed. Honestly, they didn’t know what the future held for them? Would their lives be peaceful? Would they one day be blessed with grandchildren? Whatever the case, they both knew the legacy of Queen Chrysalis had ended, and the legacy of Crystal Hoof would continue.

The End.

The night was still within Canterlot. The moon had set and the entire city had drifted into slumber. The same applied to Princess Twilight Sparkle and her son Prince Rune. Since becoming the ruler of Equestria, Twilight held much on her plate. That and being a single mother. The identity of Prince Rune’s father remained a mystery to the general populace, barring Twilight’s inner circle of family and friends. Whether the prince himself knew was another mystery. He never discussed it, but regardless, being the son of Equestria’s ruler netted him some respect points. Though there was talk of a certain rivalry between himself and his mother’s top student, a young unicorn mare named Luster Dawn.

The gardens. Were a special feature, being suited for the relaxation of the royal family. Statues filled it, but one, in particular, stood out. Three statues to be precise. One was a withered and aged centaur, his expression one of fear and weakness, and above him was a young filly, frightened just as the centaur. And lastly was a Changeling. Her more defined features signified her a regal changeling. Unlike her companions, her expression was one of defiance, as if she gave one final push before she was petrified. They were what was left of three of the vilest villains in Equestrian history. Least those who were living and non-reformed.

The three had remained here for years, having a close eye open them, one such belonged to a certain Draconaquis. Discord eyed the statue carefully. He knew his presence in the gardens at this hour would be tolerated. Nopony knew why he was here, why even he had told his housemate Fluttershy he was simply going out for a walk. But it all related to a “feeling” he felt years ago. It was as if a powerful spell had been cast. He had dismissed it that day, but now for some reason, he was brought here.

Walking curiously over to the statues he knocked each one, first Lord Tirek, and then Cozy Glow. The depth and solid mass implied from the sound they made that the two villains were still inside. And then there was Chrysalis. Tapping her statue, produced a different sound. Discord pressed his ear against the statue.

“So that’s how it is,” Discord said in realization, tapping his chin, he added, “Lumina what are you up to?”

He would receive no answer, and it was too late to be asking them. So with a snap of his claw, he vanished, returning to his dimension. After all, he didn’t want Fluttershy to worry.

Author's Notes:

And it is done! The first MLP fanfic I have written where I have felt proud of it all the way through! I know this story isn't perfect, and I am certain others could have written the same story better, but I made this story my own and I am proud of my work. It could be better, but I'm satisfied.

I do wish more people read it, but I'm glad for the people who did read it, and the comments they left, good and bad. I mean the fact I elicited both types of comments indicated people were really invested in the story. And that makes me glad.

Now as I mentioned, I am trying to create a shared universe of stories instead of one epic saga. I won't rule out future stories of Chrysalis and her family. In fact, I have some other ideas and one-shots in mind, but my next major story is going to be a reboot of my ancient story Mommy Dash.

I hope you all stick around for the future installments!