Chapters "Are You Not Afraid Of Me?"
I walked through the wasteland that we, the Changelings call home. Nothing could live out here besides the most resilient weed and the most dangerous monsters and animals. Why was this our home? Because we are not accepted anywhere else, and our survival is dependent on the emotions and love of other creatures.
Only here can we be free of disguises, free to be who we are, and who we are; is very unpleasant. I walked by two Changelings fighting over what looked like to be an abandoned rubber balloon that apparently drifted too far from its happy home. Its bright colors were foreign to this land, but within moments it was chewed into pieces. This seemed like very appropriate imagery, capturing what life was like here. The strong fight for survival, and all look after themselves.
The only reason Changelings stayed as a colony was because there would be nowhere else to go and even less to feed on alone. After my defeat in Canterlot, I struggled to find food for my subjects. Luckily we came upon a small village of ponies outside of Canterlot’s jurisdiction that was able to provide a food source. My subjects travel in packs taking form of the particular ponies that are loved so they may eat.
However this means that my subjects would go days, possibly weeks at a time without food and as for myself. Well, lets just say I can feed much more efficiently and longer being the only Changeling capable of communicating with other creatures. We could not simply take over the whole village as we would bleed it try and be at a loss of food again. Yet it was hardly ever enough compared to the love of Shining Armor.
That was true gluttony at its finest. Yet now, I’m simply a shadow of my peaked power, and to come back to my colony after impersonating Cadence for so long was truly disappointing. As a Princess in Canterlot, mares and colts would bow to you as you walked and would treat you with the utmost respect regardless of your power.
However here, there is only respect out of fear and terror. There is no love for being Queen, there is no honor there is only duty. If I did not control my subjects with an iron claw then they would run rampant and surely die, as they know no self-control.
A Changeling was thrown in front of my path, as it seemed to be fighting with another group of his brothers. He was smaller than the others and looked toward me for assistance. I studied my small subject and used my magic to make him float in the air. Then I whipped my horn in the direction of the other males and the small Changeling fell in front of them. He was soon struggling again with the bullies and was unable to escape a second time.
I continued down my path not giving the situation any more mind. That was typical behavior; the bigger males would always gang up on the smaller ones to make him as strong and ruthless as they were. I reached the edge of the wasteland and lay down on the rough gravel beneath me. It was an imperfect life to say the least, and I would almost feel sadness or sorrow if it were even possible anymore.
However I’ve been alive for over two thousand years and this was life, a life of a Changeling. I would have to wait a long time to try and infiltrate Canterlot again. I fantasize of having all of Equestria under my control. Using mind control on Shining Armor again to feed on his undying love for his wife, giving me power to defeat Celestia and stop Twilight Sparkle from using the Elements of Harmony.
To have that position again, I would give up anything. My subjects could run free draining all of Equestria’s foolish residence of their love and emotions for one another. If that were reality, then…maybe then our way of life might be in harmony. There may not be a need to be so ruthless, and the opportunity to raise new younglings would arise. We could never raise hatchlings in these conditions as they would surely parish.
Snap out of it! For a moment I almost felt remorse at such thoughts of loosing younglings, and why would I ever want my followers to not be ruthless? Their cold bloodedness is exactly what keeps them alive and keeps us as one of the most dangerous forces of nature. One day I will find that power to take Equestria, so help me I will find that power some how-
“Hi there!” said a voice from behind me.
I was lost and thought and the tiny disturbance slightly startled me. The voice did not speak in Changeling language it spoke English. I turned around to see a small filly standing right next to me staring up at me smiling.
“Who are you?” She asked.
"Are You Not Afraid Of Me?"
I stood there perplexed at the friendliness of the pony to her. I looked at my claws and body to make sure I hadn’t accidentally changed into Princess Cadence in my day dreams, however I was still black with the holes in my hooves.
“Who am I? Why dear child I am the Queen of the Changelings: Queen Chrysalis, the most fearful parasite in all of the world!” I told her mustering my most intimidating and threatening voice to scare her. Yet the filly stood there unshaken.
“Wow I’ve never seen a Changeling before, and you’re a Queen too? That is amazing!” The filly walked around looking at me curiously. I was in a state of confusion, all ponies feared Chrysalis and to even get near our kind was unheard of.
“You’re not afraid of me?”
“No, should I?” The pony said trotting back to face me and looking at me curiously still.
“Yes, I am the Queen of the Changelings! All ponies fear my subjects and I, as we are conqueror of empires! We bring destruction to lands far and wide and none stand in our way!” Again I was trying to sound as intimating as possible, however the pony still made no frightened movements, even as I made advances toward her.
The filly had a solid light blue coat with a white and mint green mane. She was a basic earth pony only carrying a few possessions in her bags.
“Well I’ve never heard of a Changeling before, and besides you’re royalty; so how bad can you be?” This little pony perplexed me so. It seemed like nothing I could say or do would cause her to be afraid.
“Are you not revolted at my appearance?” I asked.
“What? Celestia no! I’ve encountered much more menacing and ugly creatures than you- uh I hope that does not offend you some how your majesty.” The pony bowed apologetically. I flinched as she did this because no pony or creature did this to me outside my disguise.
“I don’t understand pony, who are you?” I asked.
“My name is Terra ma’am. I’m just a traveling filly looking for a place to stay.” This intrigued me.
“Have you no family or companions with you?”
“No ma’am I haven’t had a family since I was born, or friends since…ever actually. It’s just me.” She said, her tone taking a small dip in pep. Interesting I thought, a pony lacking companionship. I might be able to take advantage of such a thing.
“Well miss Terra if you are in need of a place to stay then I may be able to offer you a place here among us for the time being.”
“Oh Queen Chrysalis I could not ask you to do such a thing for me, however I am honored that you have offered.” Again the pony bowed her head at her. I winced as I found this quite annoying.
“I will ask you to do away with the formalities pony, and I completely insist that you take at least a days rest with us here. The wasteland here is unforgiving and we can offer you protection in the least.” Terra ears perked up and got to her hooves.
“Well if you insist ma’am I shall take your offer and I am eternally grateful.”
“Please, the formalities. If you shall stay with us they will not be necessary.”
“Of course, sorry about that.”
“Follow me then.” I lead the way back to the nest and she followed. Even if my plan didn’t go as planned, this is sure to be interesting in the least.
"Are You Not Afraid Of Me?"
I walked through the heart of our colony and noticed that many of my subjects had stopped their activities such as fighting or digging and paused in awe to see me taking an outsider into our home. I expected such a reception, however I was Queen and if my plan succeeded then our colony’s recovery to launch another invasion on Equestria would rapidly increase. From a group of Changelings, one approached me curiously.
“Excuse me my Queen, but what is an outsider doing here ?” he asked in Changeling. I was wondering when one of them would get brave.
“I have a plan my subject and you must obey me if it is to work. If I’m correct then our food supply will grow immensely, unless you have a problem with that ?” I emphasized the last statement, as I wanted to remind him that I could easily overpower him.
“No my Queen ,” the Changeling said and backed into the crowd. I did not think so, I thought to myself.
“Is there something the matter Queen Chrysalis?” Terra asked nervously.
“Of course not my dear, my subjects are just not use to having outsiders here that is all.” I said putting on a fake smile.
“Oh, okay then.” She said remaining quite the rest of the way to my resting area. Even though I am Queen of the Changelings, I have no lavished set throne, or my own building to slumber. The closest thing is a small hut I created by my magic that was compiled of dried sticks and branches of trees that barely protected from the suns piercing rays. The palace and soft bed was one thing I missed about being disguised as the Princess.
The royalty in Canterlot did not truly know how blessed they were to have such commodities-well I might be mistaken. Princess Cadence might know as she spent many a nights on the cold hard ground of the underground caves. I chuckled at the thought of her being trapped there, being able to feel what I had felt for so many years.
“As a guest you may sleep close to my quarters.” I told Terra as I used magic to gather sticks and hay together to make some sort of bed next to my hut.
“Oh, that’s very kind of you Queen Chrysalis, but may I ask you a question?” I stopped and turned around to face her.
“What is it?”
“Where do all the other Changelings sleep?”
For some reason this question actually surprised me and I knew my face showed it. I had actually never given that much thought over the years, yet I responded,
“Wherever they can find. This whole barren landscape is free for all territory among us. A Changeling can have anything they are willing to fight for.”
“I know that feeling” Terra muttered, but again it caught me by surprise.
“I’m sorry?”
“Oh it’s nothing, this is really nice of you.” The pony walked over and put her bag on the straw laid out for her. She pulled out a blanket from her backpack and wrapped herself in it.
“It is going to be dark soon, I think you should also get ready for bed Queen Chrysalis.”
“I shall child, I must take care of a few things before that. Yet do not hesitate to go to sleep before me.” The filly smiled and rolled over.
“Then goodnight Queen Chrysalis.”
“Goodnight pony.” I said. I walked away until I was sure I had put a good bit of distance between her and I. I watched as the sun was setting over the far distance edge of the world; Princess Luna would be raising the moon any minute now.
This would be very interesting. It is going to be a challenge to try and get this pony’s friendship, but if I do. The rewards will be astronomical and I am sure I shall have near the power of Shining Armors love. Even if it fails, in the very least I might be able to get some mild entertainment from her. My subjects are going to have a new plaything to abuse.
________________________________________________________________________________
Morning came and I made sure to wake up early so I would be there to greet the pony and assure she did not wonder off somewhere without me. After watching the sunrise, I heard the bed of straw stir and Terra letting out a groan while stretching.
“Wow that was probably one of the best night’s sleep I’ve had in awhile.” Terra said as she got up and walked over to my side.
“Sleep comfortably?” I asked in almost in a mocking tone. The word comfortable hardly existed here in our land.
“You betcha!” Terra replied happily. This caught me off guard and my attention snapped her.
“I’m sorry?”
“I slept fine, that straw is much more comfortable then…well then what I’m use to.”
“Oh, well I’m glad you think so.”
“So what’s for breakfast?”
“I beg your pardon?” I asked.
“You know, do you have a meal planned or anything.”
“Oh young filly you do not understand, we Changelings do not require sustenance as often as you do. There is no food here for you to eat.”
“Oh I see, well that’s okay I brought some food anyways so no big deal.” Terra walked over to her bag and moved a few things around until she revealed a roll of bread.
I watched as a few Changelings started to gather around my quarters, becoming curious at our new guest. Just before Terra started to eat the bread she paused and saw one of the Changelings gazing at the piece of bread. She looked at the roll then tore a piece off and held it out.
“Go ahead, you look hungry too,” she said.
The Changeling sniffed the loaf for a moment and then quickly bit the bread and swallowed it. The Changeling then looked at her again and grabbed the rest of the roll with its mouth then ran away. Terra looked down at her now empty hoof in disappointment, and watched as the other Changelings chased after the one with the roll. I chuckled slightly at this, however the pony simply walked over to me with a smile.
“I was really low on food and supplies anyways, I need to make a stop somewhere to get more. Do you know of any villages nearby?”
“I do as it so happens, you may follow me.” I started to walk off, however a Changeling was signaling me from afar to go to him.
“I will join you shortly, just continue walking that direction.” I told her motioning toward the exit of the wasteland. Terra nodded her head and continued walking; I flew over to the Changeling that was waving his hooves.
“This had better be important, you are interrupting my business ,” I growled.
“My Queen I must ask, if you going to the village with the outsider; will you feed before your scheduled time ?”
“I know that I stressed the importance of order to you, but yes I am. However it is not to feed, the pony needs supplies and I am simply accompanying her. It is all apart of my plan, you do not need to question my motives !”
“We are just curious my Queen, what is your plan? We might not be so quickly to question if we had some understanding of your intentions .”
“You need to simply go about your business as usual, this pony will offer us a great resource if all goes well ,” I said starting my way back to Terra.
“As you wish my Queen ,” the Changeling said after me.
"Are You Not Afraid Of Me?"
The pony and I finally reached the edge of the forest after walking for what felt like an hour. The sun in the sky definitely reflected morning as it was beginning to become warm. I stopped and Terra noticed and approached me.
“Is there a problem my Queen?”
“Yes, I cannot go into the town in my present form. Ponies fear Changelings especially me, so I must change my shape into something less fearful.”
“How do you do that?” I closed my eyes and focused my magic. Soon my black and green coat was changing into a smooth light blue one, and the holes in my hooves were beginning to fill with skin and fur. Finally my faced changed was changed to a beautiful unicorn, and Terra was left stunned at my transformation.
“I didn’t know you could do that!” she said enthusiastically.
“Yes it is the special magic of a Changeling that allows us to transform our appearance. However unlike most of my subjects that have to take the form of ponies and creatures near by, I can morph my appearance into anything I choose.”
“Wow, that’s amazing; no wonder you’re Queen! Wait a second you kind of look like me!”
I hadn’t noticed but coat was a similar shade of blue to hers; mine being slightly darker, and my new mane was the mint and white colors as well. I must have done this without thinking about it, oh well; it shall make being undetected easier.
“I suppose I do, shall we continue?” I said as we continued walking into town.
We walked a good distance into the town nearly reaching the grocery center, when Terra finally spoke up.
“So Queen Chrysalis, what do you like to do?” She spoke hesitantly trying to strike up a little conversation. If I were to win her friendship I’d have to humor her and at least pretend to be interested.
“There is not much too do. I simply have to watch over my subjects and make sure they have enough food to sustain themselves.”
“That sounds pretty stressful.”
“At times it can be, they are a anarchic bunch of creatures and if was not around to keep them in order, they might not survive on their own.”
I said this matter-of-factly without thinking, and realized it sounded more morbid than I intended. The pony looked at me quizzically for a moment and I gave a nervous laugh.
“But it’s not as serious as I make it sound. We carry on just as well.”
“Well, no offense I do not envy your position. That’s a lot of responsibility, and I don’t think I can handle having to take care of thousands of creatures. I can barely take care of myself.”
“Well either I learned to take of myself earlier on, or no one would. Then came the rest.”
“Jeez isn’t that the truth?” Terra muttered under her breath.
“Pardon?” I asked, but she simply followed up with another question.
“But you’re royalty? Shouldn’t you have a life of luxury for the first couple years of your life at least?” Terra said finally finding some traction in the conversation.
“It is complicated,” I said however she continued to stare at me wanting more of an answer than that. I sighed and said,
“Changelings do not think of a Queen the way most creatures do. No the title of Queen is less of a position of power and respect as it is more a responsibility that no other individual could do.” Terra tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. She required more elaboration.
“My subjects do not need to love me or treat me with admiration. They simply need to obey me, as I have to guide them to safety and sustain as a colony.”
“Yet why do they obey you at all if they don’t love you?”
“I’d prefer not to discuss it, but you may find out if you stay long enough.” I really did not like exposing so much of our culture and my own life to this one outsider, but sacrifices need to be made I suppose.
“Okay, so what would happen if you just decided not to be Queen anymore?”
I slightly paused in my walking as the question registered in my mind, but then continued on. I had actually never thought of such a thing and was unsure how to answer.
“I do not understand, what do you mean decide to be Queen anymore?”
“I mean, what if you just decided to leave one day and never go back?”
Again I was unsure on how to answer. I had never thought out such a situation, I’ve only known the life of a Changeling Queen for thousands of years.
“That’s absurd! I cannot simply decide to stop. My colony would surely parish at my absence and I would be humiliated for the rest of my days!” I replied not knowing how to react so I chose to be slightly offended.
“I’m sorry I didn’t know that thought never crossed your mind, lets forget it.”
We walked in silence again, however she broke it again with one last comment.
“Yet, I don’t think the Changelings realize how generous and how concerned you are with their well being. I’d say you are just as worthy of being called royalty as Princess Celestia.”
I winced slightly at her statement and turned away as I felt my face become hot. Again silence fell over us and I realized that I would have to be the one to break it this time. I had never learned any social skills, and the only time I really interacted with other ponies was when I was disguised as Cadence.
Even that however was not like trying to win somepony’s friendship. If I were to get closer to this pony I would need to understand her personal life as well.
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“Where do you come from Terra?” I finally managed to ask. She looked surprised, as this was the first time I had actually asked her a formal question. She smiled and said,
“That’s actually an excellent question, because I don’t even know the answer.” Her answer surprised me and I wanted to know more.
“Explain.” I commanded.
“Well I’ve been all over this world of ours, from one end of Equestria to another. Yet I’ve never actually known what part of it I was born in. I only knew orphanages from when I was really young."
"Ever since I can remember I was always in an orphanage, I never knew my actual parents and I changed orphanages about every year till I was thirteen.” She paused to look and see if I was still paying attention. I nodded for her to continue.
“I would just be swapped around from one town to another, never really calling anything home. I was never adopted either, for some reason I was never chosen by parents; could never explain it.”
“That sounds like an unpleasant upbringing,” I said trying to sound empathetic.
“Yeah, well…it was only a real drag because it meant I was always alone.” This grabbed my attention and now I focused hard on the conversation. We had finally reached the market square and Terra was now looking at fruits and vegetables, however she continued to conversation.
“Were you the only one in these orphanages?” I asked. The pony giggled a little bit at my lack of knowledge.
“No there were other colts and fillies there too, and I did at the beginning when I was real small. Yet I learned quickly that was a big mistake.”
“How so?”
“Well when you get moved around so much you end up never seeing the friends you make ever again, and after awhile it gets old and it hurts.” I watched her carefully as she put a few carrots into a sack.
“That’s why I figured out I was just destined to be alone and eventually I just started to keep to myself whenever I’d arrive somewhere new.”
“Did that not make you sad though?”
“At first it did, but when you become occupied with taking care of yourself you start to forget you could be sad, you’re too busy trying to not feel anything at all.”
Her tone was becoming more and more serious, and this unsettled me. Yet she continued getting her supplies and talking so I assumed I could continue on the topic.
“You became an outcast because of your decisions didn’t you?” I asked her.
“Yup, when you choose to be alone it makes you more of a target in other ponies eyes, to this day I still don’t understand it.” Terra turned so she was facing me.
“If you don’t mind I’d like to not talk about it anymore,” she said with a smile.
“Oh, of course.” I responded. She was better at hiding her emotions than I thought, I could not detect she was uncomfortable.
“I’d just don’t feel like getting sad and sentimental today, it’s a fine day.”
“I understand.” I really didn’t understand what she meant by that, ‘a fine day’? She walked into a store and I followed in after her.
She strolled down the isles and picked out several packages of food that I did not care to see what they were. I continued to follow her down the isle letting my eyes glaze over the useless spices and ingredients. Although my gaze made it to the entrance of the store and I spotted a familiar purple unicorn. It was Twilight Sparkle and her five friends grouped with her.
The sight of her nearly made me jump, but I remembered that she was hardly a threat to me. So long as I remained in disguise she would never detect me, she couldn’t even detect me when I was her precious Princess Cadence. Terra walked over to the counter and was starting to check out when the receptionist said,
“You two are absolutely beautiful, good thing you got your mothers looks deary.” Terra and I looked at each other briefly and I my face began to get hot again.
“Oh no, no we’re not related-” I began.
“Yes, this is uh, my moms friend!” Terra added.
“Oh” the receptionist replied, “I’m sorry I just assumed, here you go,” she said giving Terra the bag.
“Thank you.” Terra said and we made our way out of the store, not before I made a quick glance at Twilight Sparkle who was smiling and looking our direction drawn by the conversation. We exited the store and started on our way back to the colony and we walked the rest of the way in silence.
"Are You Not Afraid Of Me?"
We entered the edge of the colony and I changed my appearance back to my original form and Terra turned to look at me.
“Personally I prefer this version of you much better.” Her comment took me by surprise and I responded.
“Why do you say that?”
“I’m not sure, you just look…more natural like that.” I gave a smirk and said nothing back. It seemed like everypony except her had the exact opposite opinion. As we walked through the wasteland there seem to be a growing number of Changelings gathering the further they entered. Eventually Changelings surrounded Terra and me and I could tell she was becoming nervous. We stopped in our tracks and a Changeling stepped forward, but at first did not say anything.
“What is this ?” I growled.
“So, going out to feed with your new pet my Queen, before it is your time ?”
“What I do is none of your business, as I have state before !” Now my patient was growing extremely thin, I was ready to blow.
“Yet was it also not you who told us, and demonstrated to us time after time that order and control was essential to survival ?” This Changeling was growing more confident by the second; something would have to be done.
“I have, and that has not changed in the slightest. I did not go out to feed on anything, I simply guided our guest to the village for supplies .” Terra was looking confused casting glances between the Changeling, and myself, as she could not understand what we were saying.
“Yes our guest, my Queen. Has this guest grown on you? Because the special treatment you’ve shown her is more generous than you have shown any of us in a long while .”
“Are you questioning- ?”
“Your plan, yes we know you’ve talked about your plan.” The Changeling cut in. “Yet your actions reveal that you may not have a plan at all !”
The anger was welling up inside me. I could not take this insubordination in front of all the other Changelings, and the fact that he had such nerve to address his queen in such a manor appalled me. My horn began to grow and I fired a green blast right at the defiant Changeling.
It hit him square in the face on knocking him on the ground causing him to slide across the dirt and land in front of his brothers. I was now glowing green with rage and I was blinded by my own fury. I launched another beam, which struck him on the ground. He was now curled up into feeble position, however I did not let up. I continued to fire blast after blast and yelled out,
“I will not stand for insubordination! I am your Queen and you will obey me, or else I shall remind you as often as necessary that I am powerful enough to wipe away your tiny existence! Now if another one of you questions my intentions with this pony, then I will make sure it’s the last thing you do !”
I was looking hard at all the Changelings around us who were all stunned and shaking. I looked down the bruised and cut Changeling before me and finally turned away from him.
“Take this trash away. Now I do not recall asking you to treat this pony with respect! You may treat her as one of our own, and in fact I encourage it! Now I do not wish to be bothered by this any further .”
I turned around and saw that Terra was now curled up in a ball on the ground shaking in fear of what she had just witnessed. I tried to make as neutral of an expression as possible and told her.
“Let’s continue.” She hesitated for a moment, but realized that the mass gathering of Changelings were still around us and she felt it safer with me. She got up and followed me closely and as we continued back to my quarters the large crowd of Changelings dispersed back into the wasteland.
“I offer my apologies, I’m sorry that you had to witness that and if it scared you.” I told her as sat down on my straw bed.
“Just a little,” Terra said. “What was that about, and why did you have to abuse him so much?” I gave a little smirk at told her,
“Now you see why they obey me. I have the most power among all the Changelings and I have to use that power to keep my subjects in line. If I did not then they would be in danger of chaos.”
“Is it because I’m staying here? Does my presence create tension?” This is bad I thought; I need to keep her around a little longer to gain her friendship.
“No more than usual, it is nothing to worry about. They are just not use to outsiders being here.” She sat down in the dirt outside of my hut and looked away for a second looking remorseful.
“Why have you taken me in Queen Chrysalis?” Again I scrambled to think of an answer that would suffice.
“Because I have taken pity on you.” Wrong choice of words, I thought. “What I mean is, I can understand the confusion and pain you must go through traveling from land to land not having any where to settle. So I would like to be kind and offer you at least a temporary place for you to call home.”
The pony looked me in the eyes for a very long time, and eventually I could see tears starting to form and she turned away putting her hoof over her face.
“I’m sorry my Queen, I don’t usually get emotional.” She sniffed hard and rubbed her eyes.
“I just haven’t received that level of kindness in such a long time, I almost forgot what it felt like.” She turned back to me a smiled, and then she bowed her head.
“Thank you your highness.” I winced again when she did this. Luckily I saw a large group of Changelings approaching Terra, which immediately changed the mood of the situation. This should be entertaining. The Changelings surrounded Terra and were all smiling with little growls.
“Can I help you?” Terra asked. Just then a Changeling on her side transformed into her. This surprised Terra and when the Changeling had her attention he made an ugly face at her. The other Changelings laughed and then two more Changelings transformed and began mocking her.
“Look at me I’m just a dumb pony who is completely clueless !” said one of the Terra Changelings
“I’m the Queens little pet, won’t you treat me like a Princess .” The other responded.
Again the group of Changelings roared with laugher, however Terra remained clueless. Eventually all the Changelings transformed to look like the pony. Some made ugly faces at her while others just simply pointed and laughed. The real Terra looked worried for a second as she continuously turned in circles to see all the Changelings around her.
It seemed like this would soon over whelm her however, through all the laughter there could be heard a higher pitched voice that was laughing. It was that of a female’s and I realized that it was Terra who was also laughing. She was now laughing along with the Changelings and she did so with such enthusiasm that eventually the Changeling’s amusement died down.
The group looked around curiously at each other and was unsure what to do next. A Changeling from behind Terra walked up to try and take her pack of supplies, however he was met with a swift kick to the chin knocking him back on the floor.
“No one touches my food!” She looked around with an angry expression, trying to see if any others were going to attempt to make a grab.
“GOT IT?” She yelled, and with that the group of Changelings transformed back into their original forms and ran off. I was a bit stunned; as I thought for sure she would loose all her materials. Terra picked up her bag and walked back over to her bed of straw. I continued to stare at her and this eventually got her attention. She looked up and said,
“I figured out that the main reason kids make fun of you is to get a reaction. So if you respond the opposite way they expected, it stops being fun and they’ll give up.”
“Interesting, how were you able to deliver such a powerful kick?” I asked intrigued by her strength.
“Well, when you travel all over like me; you end up getting into a lot of situations where you have to defend yourself.
Besides in some orphanages it was either sink or swim.” I was mildly impressed by her ability, if only I had the knowledge she did so early on. I shook off my daze and turned toward her.
“I’m going to sleep now, goodnight pony.”
“I’m following suit, goodnight my Queen.”
"Are You Not Afraid Of Me?"
Poison
I was stirred out of my sleep by the rustling of hay at the entrance of my hut. I opened my eyes to see a blurry silhouette of a creature standing there.
“Who’s there ?” I mumbled in Changeling.
“Uh Queen Chrysalis?” I heard the tiny pony voice say.
“What is it?” I asked, in English this time.
“I was wondering, would it be possible to sleep near you tonight? I have been having nightmares and it’s keeping me up.” She said as she walked over to me.
“No one sleeps in my quarters,” I grumbled at her, however it did not stop her.
“Only for tonight, I’m sorry I won’t be in your way. Just being in the same room as somepony else helps a lot.” She lied down next to me and set her head down.
“Since you have already made your bed, I suppose.” I rested my head again and started to fall back asleep when I heard the pony say,
“I know I said that I didn’t envy your position Queen, but I kind of lied. I do envy you. Even though you have a lot of work to do and get little respect out of your subjects, you at least still have someponies to look after. Someponies to keep you from being alone.” I smirked and opened my eyes to see the dark, never-ending landscape before me.
“Oh child, for someone who talks about it so personally, but it seems you know little of true loneliness. Real abandonment is feeling alone, even in a crowd-“
“Full of others?” Terra said cutting me off. This shook my attention as she had actually finished my sentence. Did she actually understand solitude like I did?
“Yes that’s right,” I said. I heard her give a little chuckle and roll around in the hay.
“It’s funny, in just the past day I actually smiled more times and meant it than I have in the past few years.”
“How do you mean Terra?” I asked her.
“Well I haven’t had enough people be genuinely kind to me through my travels to actually make me smile. Most times I just plaster on a fake smile so ponies don’t think I’m rude or mean. Yet this might be the first time since I was a little filly that I actually met somepony who cared to get to know me, and somepony I can call my friend.”
This jolted me awake; I raised my head and looked at the pony that was now curled up in a blanket resting. She had actually called me her friend. This was it, I thought. Now I would be able to feed off her friendship and restore my strength. I could sense her energy; it was like a blue cloud hanging around her body.
It was powerful; this pony had so much energy building up in her just waiting to be released. Now was time to recharge and with this fillies friendship feeding me I’d become just as powerful as I was with Shining Armors love. My horn began to glow and I stared to take in the energy like a vacuum.
At first the fresh energy was sweet and rejuvenating, I felt like a phoenix being reborn. However after a moment the energy became bitter and even painful. As more of the energy entered me, it felt as if I was being jabbed with a million needles on my insides. I eventually had to pull away and I collapsed on the ground. I was panting heavily, but I had to get away so Terra wouldn’t wake.
I flew as far as I could get before I eventually lost my energy and fell down. I was gasping for air and I rolled over on my side. What happened? I could feel the power, the energy flowing through me, restoring me to my most powerful state, and yet her friendship tasted like poison. I don’t understand, I’ve never had a problem with feeding on friendship before and even the weakest bonds gave at least a little substance. So what was it about this pony’s friendship toward me that I could not feed on?
Then it finally occurred to me. I focused hard and sensed that the same cloud of energy that I had seen on Terra was also coming from me. Now it made sense, a Changeling cannot feed on its own love or friendship for another creature. Did I really have these feelings for the child? In my attempt to gain her friendship did I accidently grow attached as well? I didn’t believe I could have such feelings…not anymore at least.
"Are You Not Afraid Of Me?"
I hit the ground hard as the group of Changelings surrounded me and laugh. Again I got to my hooves and looked around in fear as to which Changeling would charge me again. I heard a Changeling from behind me call out,
“Aw what’s wrong? Is the little Princess gonna cry ?” The group laughed and then I noticed they were beginning transform into me. I was the only one in an army of Changelings that looked different; therefore they had the ability to take my appearance, as they could not do with their brothers.
It was like I was starring into tens of life like mirrors that were starring back at me. They all began to make ugly faces and mock me.
“The Princess is useless !”
“She can’t even defend herself how’s she gonna lead us ?”
“Long live the Queen !”
Again a roar of laughter was heard through the crowd and it was too much for me. I tried to fly out of the group, however a Changeling met me on my flight up and knocked me back down. When I rolled over I looked up and saw my mother floating there with a look of disapproval. She flew away and I begged with my eyes for her to come back and help me.
In every ten thousand, sometimes twenty thousands hatchlings there is at least one female that is born. This female will one day be the queen of the colony and replace the current one in power. It is her duty to see that the colony survives and thrives under her rule, and I was lucky enough to be that one hatchling that was female.
I entered my mother’s chamber sore from the bruises I was just given. She had her back turned from me looking out the window. This being a time where there was at least some sort of house for the Queen and Princess. I walked up to her, however she still did not turn toward me.
“Do you know what the duty of a queen is Chrysalis ?” she asked.
“It’s to protect and provide for her colony .” I responded a little timid.
“Precisely. Now tell me how well do you think a queen would be able to protect her subjects if she was weak ?”
“I don’t know what you mean mother- “
“Will a Queen be able to protect her colony if she is weak !” she yelled at me cutting me off. I buckled in fear and responded meekly,
“no .”
“Exactly she will be defeated and put her colony at risk. Now tell me this; are you weak ?” I wasn’t sure how to responded,
“I uh- well …” I shuddered out.
“The correct answer is yes! You are a weakling, constantly looking for some creature to baby you and take care of you. It’s disgrace to the colony and you will never be worthy of being Queen .”
“But mother, why do the other Changelings fight me and abuse me so ?”
“Because I encourage them! I command them to abuse you so maybe one day you’ll understand to fight back and realize the true power of a Queen. Yet no matter how hard I’ve tried you still crumple and are weak !”
My legs were shaking and my eyes widened. I couldn’t believe what she was telling me, my own mother had no remorse for vocalizing her disappointment with me.
“Mo-mother ple-please ,” I said whispered.
“WEAK !” she yelled. I stumbled backward as her voiced echoed down the halls. I fell on to the floor and scrambled to get back on my hooves.
“You are a Changeling, Changelings do not feel emotions! That’s what makes us stronger and fiercer than all other creatures in these lands .”
Tears were going to start flowing soon and I wanted nothing more than to avoid my mother seeing me expressing my sadness. I flew out of the house and kept flying as I could manage until my tears finally brought me to a stop. I landed near a small oasis of water and tears flowed uncontrollably into the large pond. I sobbed harder and harder and there was a pain that was pounding in my chest. I realized that it was my heart.
Every time my heart beat there was a flux of pain that would surge through my body. I wanted it desperately to stop, but my crying only increased the pain. “You are weak ,” I heard my mothers words ring through my ears. “You are a Changeling, Changelings do not feel emotions !”
Finally I looked at my reflection in the water, and I stared hard my features. My green mane flowed from my head and down my back like wild fire; there were holes in my hooves and my horn. I extended my wings and saw the little bit of sunlight shine through the dark and through my transparent wings.
I was a Changeling; creatures far and wide feared us because we were a fierce and intelligent parasite. We used what normally would give others strength and turn it to be our strength and their weakness. Because of my appearance, there will not be a living thing that isn’t afraid of me.
The pain in my chest was starting to subside, I felt strong paralyzing force going through my body. I was the Princess of the Changelings and one day it would be my duty to be Queen. Finally the force spread and surged through my entire body solidifying my veins and my tears dried completely. I spread my wings and flew up, going back to my home as fast as I could manage.
I saw the group of Changelings from earlier gathered near my house and I landed next to them. They all turned around and gave me devious smiles, thinking they would get another round of cruelty out of me.
“Well, well if it isn’t the crybaby princess. Decided to come face your abuse head on ?”
Anger drowned out his voice, something was building up inside me. My horn glowed green and I fired a blast straight at the Changeling who was speaking. It hit him square in the face and knocked him to the ground. I flew over to him and put my front hooves on his chest. I fired again at him point blank then looked up to see the shocked crowd of his brothers around him.
“Would any Changeling else care to try and get a shot at me ?” I yelled out. The group was silent, but I spotted a Changeling trying to make his way out of the group. My horn glowed again and I fired a blast which nailed him in the back and caused him to fall down.
“I am the Princess, and that means one day I shall be the Queen, and as the Queen I have unlimited power. So if any of you would like to test my strength any further please, humor me .”
All eyes rested on me and eventually the group started to disperse into the great wasteland. The Changeling beneath me crawled out from under me and ran as far away as possible. I looked up and saw my mother staring out at me through the window. I was hoping to see some sort of sign of pride or acceptance, however she simply walked away from the window, her expression not changing. It didn’t matter however, even thought I hoped that my actions would make her proud they didn’t.
Yet I didn’t feel disappointed or sad anymore. I didn’t feel much of anything at all.
"Are You Not Afraid Of Me?"
As I flew back to my hut I was thinking of ways I could get rid of Terra. I needed an excuse for her to leave and never come back, I could probably tell her it was an emergency and that would be that. Then again why didn’t I just tell her to leave and never return? Was I actually concerned in not hurting her feelings?
She was a liability now, if I couldn’t fest on her friendship; then I would certainly would not degrade myself and allow my subjects to feed on the friendship stemming from me. I saw the hut and flew down to it. As I looked in I saw that the pony was still asleep where I had left her, however the sun was beginning to rise and I knew she would awaken soon. Yet before I could think of a reasonable excuse a Changeling ran up behind me in a panic.
“My Queen! My Queen, there is trouble !”
“What is it ?”
“The purple unicorn and her friends are on their way here !”
“What? How? I arg- stop them !”
“We’re trying my lord, but they are powerful -“
Just then a purple blast hit him from behind and knocked the Changeling to the ground. As I looked up I saw Twilight Sparkle with her five friends walking toward me. I gave a smirk and met them before they reached my hut Twilight was the one to speak first.
“Alright give her up Chrysalis, you can’t hide her forever.”
“Whatever do you mean Twilight Sparkle?” I said smiling deviously.
“You know exactly what we’re talking about…doesn’t she?” asked the pink pony.
“Yes she does, she’s captured a pony by tricking her with her disguise!” Twilight responded. Looks like my little problem would be taken care of for me.
“Oh Twilight Sparkle, clever as ever I see. Tell me how did you discover it was me?”
“I can sense your Changeling magic easier than last time Chrysalis. You can’t cover your true form from me!”
“Queen what’s happening?” The voice came from behind me and we all looked to see Terra standing in front of the hut.
“There she is, quick Rainbow Dash get her!” Twilight called out. The blue pegasus flew and grabbed Terra lifting her back over to the group of ponies.
“Wait, no- get offa me!” Terra cried as she hit the blue pegasus with her hooves, which caused her to drop Terra and she landed between Twilight Sparkle and I.
“What’s going on here? Queen Chrysalis what are they trying to do?” Terra cried
“Please you need to come with us you’re in grave danger!” Twilight pleaded with Terra.
“In danger of what?” She asked back.
“In danger of her!” Twilight pointed her hoof at me. Terra looked at me and gave a curious look at the purple unicorn
“Why would I be in danger of her? You are the ones who just busted into her kingdom!
“Because she’s a Changeling if you haven’t noticed, and she’s extremely dangerous,” said Rainbow Dash.
“I don’t see how she’s extremely dangerous, you’re not making sense!” Terra replied
“Hang on Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said as she motioned to her friend. “Look the Queen is a Changeling, and she gains
strength and energy by feeding off of the love and emotions of others. She’s using you so she can gain energy!”
Terra turned around to face me now with a distraught face.
“Is this true?” She asked.
I figured this was the moment to seem evil and it would cause Terra to become upset and she would abandon me. I started to laugh evilly and floated around Terra, time to make this a good performance.
“Tis true, I planned to befriend you so that I can could feed on the energy of your friendship and restore my dwindled power along with my colony!” I laughed again maniacally to top it off. Terra looked down at the floor for a moment, and I landed behind her and prepared for her exit.
“I don’t care!” said the voice behind me. I turned around stunned to see Terra looking back at me intensely.
“WHAT?” exclaimed the group of ponies behind her. Terra turned around and addressed them.
“I don’t care. You all call her an evil Changeling Queen, but that’s because you haven’t had the chance to see the reasonability and pressure she is faced with everyday. She does what she has too because she has more honor and respect for her duty as a Queen than I’d say even dear Princess Celestia.”
All six of the ponies gasped.
“That’s right, and you know? Maybe she did have other intentions for making me her friend, but… what does it matter? If it means that I get to have somepony to call a friend, who understands me and knows the suffering I’ve gone through; so be it. I can deal with her feeding off my friendship energy or whatever if she needs it, because that’s what friends do."
"She’s already given me a place to call home, which is more than anyponies done for me in my entire life, I’d need to repay it somehow.”
I stood there, listening to the pony speak her words of kindness. There was a choking feeling now forming in my chest, which worked its way up into my throat. Terra turned and walked up to me.
“So Queen Chrysalis, if you need my friendship energy go ahead. I’ve got plenty to give so it’s okay.”
I could see the cloud now forming larger and larger behind the pony as she expressed a certain sense of pride doing so. I was confused, the choking feeling was overpowering and I couldn’t say a word. I wanted desperately for it to stop, but it was no use. I backed away slowly from Terra and flew as far and fast as I could.
"Are You Not Afraid Of Me?"
I flew until the choking feeling finally became too much and I landed near a cliff that overlooked a large canyon of lifeless land. I felt pitiful, I felt completely worthless. The years and years I’ve spent feeling no remorse no empathy, anything. Gone in a single instance by the affection of a little pony.
I stared off into the distance letting the emotions just take hold of me for a moment. Tears began to form, but I managed to hold them back. I had not fallen so far as to start shedding tears over this. The canyon in front of me seem to ever end in either direction, and maybe it didn’t.
Maybe it split the world right in half, separating one hemisphere from another It perplexed me as in my life I may never know what was on the other side, but yet it still existed. At the moment I was trying to take my mind off the situation. If I thought about it, the choking feeling would return and it frightened me. Eventually I managed to push the situation out of my mind and the feeling disappeared. All of this made me tired and I wished to sleep.
I rested my head on the edge of the cliff feeling the blazing sun shine on my back. Yet I opened my eyes when I heard hoof steps behind me. I didn’t need to look to know who it was.
“I bet you enjoy seeing me like this Twilight Sparkle.” I said, voice slightly shaky. “Weak, venerable, everything I shouldn’t be.”
“I don’t enjoy seeing any pony like this Chrysalis. I understand it must be strange set of circumstances for you.”
“What?” I asked, “the fact that in over a few thousand years that I’ve been perfectly fine being alone and independent from anypony’s assistance, all of that brought down around me because I find somepony who doesn’t find me repulsive or frightening?”
“We can only be alone for so long Queen Chrysalis. I think I know that better than anypony.” The purple unicorn sat beside me and looked out in the distance as I did.
“It may shock to you believe, but I didn’t always have my friends with me. I had to earn them a long time ago, and when it was happening I believed I didn’t need them because I had been fine basically being on my own for so long.” I gave a smirk thinking that she didn’t really know what being alone was like.
“Yet when I really looked at everything I realized, that I was fine on my own. That I could just bury myself into books and studying, but then; what kind of life would I be living if I did? I knew that the brief time I spent with my friends was probably the best time I had in awhile."
"They showed me that there is far more to life then just finding your purpose and falling into line. I think our destiny’s in life are liable to take little detours now and again.” We still sat there, and my eyes were beginning to hurt, as I had not blinked in a long while and the sun was bright.
“Did you know that it is said Ponies and Changelings came from the same ancestors?” I began. “It is legend at some point in history; a few ponies lacked the love and compassion most ponies would receive. This caused them to grow angry and they used magic to steal the love that was intended for others."
"Eventually as nature took its course the group of ponies started to evolve differently due to their lack of genuine love and compassion. Their appearance reflected what was in their hearts.” Twilight took a glance at me and I decided to meet her eyes. We stared for a minute then looked back.
“That is why Changelings are not able to feel the emotions like regular ponies do. Changelings can only take love they cannot not feel it. Yet for some reason, because of Terra I can feel those emotions, or...rather I can feel those emotions again because of her.” There was a long pause and the sun was now on it’s decent to the end of landscape.
I had been sitting here a lot longer than I had realized. Several hoofsteps sounded behind me, I turned around to see Terra leading the group of multicolored ponies. She walked up and gave me a smile. I couldn’t help but smile back.
“I can’t say why you are so different from the rest of your species Queen Chrysalis, but I can offer some advice.” Twilight said as Terra walked closer to me and we were within hooves reach of each other.
“You should embrace what makes you different, because you might find. You’d be much happier than repressing it.”
Terra held out a hoof and I looked at it for a moment. My heart was racing now and I began to sweat. I was so unsure on what I should do or what to feel. I reached out my hoof and took hold of hers. Then I realized that it was okay, because in the end I was still feeling.
