Author's Note

Sorry for the wait. Life happens.

07 - Day 2: Control

Two Minds – 07 – Day 2: Control

Two days until the anniversary…

Chrysalis awoke with a shake in her hooves. She took time to keep still as she inspects the bed. She found herself alone and Shining Armor, ever the stallion of duty, was up early this morning. Chrysalis, under the guise of Cadence, gets up, as the silk covers slide down her magically created pony body.

She raised her hooves, hearing a pop and a crack like any pony. Truthfully speaking, this should not have happened, but Chrysalis was feeling bright, happy and most of all, satisfied. She goes to the washroom, checking out herself.

What stared back in the mirror was the image of Cadence, the pink alicorn Princess of Love. The pony had a just woken up look which demanded some degree of heavy pampering. But first was her taking a shower. Chrysalis savored the feeling as she moves under the water as it pours down.

The water cascading her fake pony form as a sigh of relief escapes her burrowed lips. She took time to wash her form and mane, enjoying the feeling. Within, Chrysalis was overjoyed by the luxuries and even the idea of being clean, as opposed to her usual slime baths that leave in annoying places. As soon as she finishes, her horn sparks to life, the magical glow of blue present, many items in the same blue aura started to move and be manipulated.

First the faucet, turning as a constant stream of water splash by the sink. Second was a mane brush that floats by and quickly moves to her mane brushing her long three colored mane. The flowing water soon was scooped up in the princess’ hooves as she washes her face, getting the sleep away from her eyes. Quickly as she started, she was done as she steps out of the bathroom, a warm and satisfied smile on her muzzle and her mane and coat in prestige condition and presentation.

Shining Armor was once more accompanying the recruits, including the two new additions recommended by his wife, Bright Side and North Star. Both ponies showed a hardened and complete synchronization with the guard, but having never heard of these ponies before.

Sure Shining Armor may not be that familiar with the Crystal ponies, even when ruling for the empire for half the year now. He asked around, including his own officers about this. Since the Crystal Ponies rely on their love energy to power the Crystal Heart, they needed to interact with one another to destroy doubt and even dislike among their kind.

The respond he received from each and every officer he had was the same. They never heard of them. This troubled Shining Armor, call him paranoid but with good reason. The memory of his and his wife’s wedding was easily the worst day of his career. Infiltrated, hypnotized and worst of all, the crown was attacked and was hospitalized for a good month. Shining Armor inwardly shivered to himself as he guides the recruits through the pace and the march, passing the 16th boulevard street.

“Are you sure it was a good idea to come unannounced Twilight?” said a purple dragon with green spikes who had a sleepy look on him. This is Princess Twilight’s own personal assistant, half-brother, possible adoptive son, Spike the Dragon.

“I am sure.” said Twilight to her assistant. Her confident clearly in her tone as the Crystal express was dashing through the tracks of the northern snow.

“But, why?”

“Easy, we received that letter from Princess Celestia a few days ago. Now from what Princess Celestia requested from me, it sounded serious. I mean sure, a disease and looking for a cure can be called as a simple research paper. We visited her for the sake of updating her of our progress from yesterday. Being her fellow Princess now, I can tell that she suspected one of her subjects to be infected. From what I remember, only me and Cadence and some of the ponies can be affected by this, so with that in-”

Of course, with her continuing her explanation that tends to be long, the young dragon knew to filter out her words as he looks to the scenery outside, white as snow can be.

Twilight soon finishes her explanation for the visit but saw her assistant not interested. She was about to scold him when the conductor shouted in the train car about the arrival of the train to the Crystal Empire. Distracted from scolding her dragon companion, the two get their things ready, a smile on either of them. One for visiting family and having a quick talk, another about the many crystal base foods they might have.

Shining Armor was looking intently at the group before him. He spied their reaction when they stopped at the north gate. Looking left and right, he spots the six pony guards taking the post, two inside looking inside, two atop the arch and two more under the arch, facing towards the outside.

Shining Armor nods to this correct guard position which should have been followed even with the night shift. He looks back to the recruits and quickly, before any of them notices the guard positions, made quick work away from it. He suspected the two ponies and he was not about to let them have a chance of getting it right.

Chrysalis looks over the assortment of Crystal Ponies, though she would have been bored today, she smiles all the same as she listens in on the requests. One of the ponies ask for this and that, another about blessings and even a praise, many of them demanding something for something or for nothing.

Chrysalis was angry with those who expect the crown to answer all the problems of today. She wanted to growl and her eyes slowly moving to a grown, but all the same she had to keep her façade. Her eyes scan the room, seeing the seated ponies’ line diminishing quickly. Others were leaving their seats even going outside.

Chrysalis may have been a fake monarch, but having her own kingdom, she knew the signs of two things, one can be of a situation that may endanger many of her subjects or even the kingdom itself and the second being a Celebrity or Royalty visiting the kingdom all so suddenly.

Chrysalis curses under her breath and inwardly as she had hoped it was the former than the later. Unfortunately, life has grand tendencies to do that you fear most at the most critical of moments. Horns can be heard being blown from a distance and Cadence, raised a hoof to cease this one crystal pony from speaking.

“Princess Twilight has arrived to the Crystal Empire!”

The muffled voice from outside shouted out and in that moment, Chrysalis’ blood went cold but the excited and warm smile that adorns her face has contradicted hers. Quickly as that happened, Chrysalis has ceased the court once more to accommodate the newly appointed Princess of Magic to her kingdom.

“Excuse me every pony, you have no need to overly announce my arrival here.” Twilight said to the trumpeter and announcer.

Both Crystal ponies can only shake their heads. “I am sorry princess, but protocol states, thankfully, the more modern one, updated even, that an announcement and a vocal welcoming of any Royalty must be addressed regardless if it were planned or not.” Both ponies said in quick unison and sure left Twilight’s side preparing for the next announcement.

Twilight looks to her assistant. “Well, it would seem I need to review the protocols as well.” She said with a nervous smile as Crystal ponies started to crowd in front of her.

“Uh Twilight, this might be much harder than we thought getting to Cadence.” Spike whispers to his ride, as he sat on her back some.

Before the two can argue, out came the guards, mainly Shining Armor’s own recruit guards passing by the exact same moment. Quickly, the guards were moving the crowd and allow access and passage towards the Crystal Palace. But before that,

“Twiley!” Shining Armor announced with a happy smile and open hooves as Twilights comes closer and hugs back.”

“BBBFF!” Twilight answered back as the brother and sister hugged for a moment before getting back to their hooves.

“What brings my little sister here?” Shining asked with a large smile on his face.

“I was going to surprise Cadence but, well, protocol ruined that one.” She answered sheepishly as the two make their way to the Palace.

“Don’t forget about me.” Spike complained from Twilight’s back.

“Spike, you know you are part of the family.”

“Yeah Spike, no need to be angry about it.”

Spike can only grumble as both siblings answered back.

Chrysalis was inwardly panicking. She slowly got off the comfortable throne as she made her way to the welcoming room. She paced and breathed deep and out, repeating the gesture at intervals to relax as she calm her nerves.

“You can do this Chrysalis… you can do this…” She mentally assured herself as she had tried to perfect the one move that could avert Twilight from her infiltration and that was…

She could not finish as the Crystal doors opens to allow two ponies and a dragon baby to enter. Chrysalis tries to stop herself from being different with Twilight. Quickly she composed herself but the growing smile and warm look towards Twilight shattered her hopes of doing it her way, as instantly, Chrysalis went in front of her sister-in-law and…

“Sunshine, Sunshine,
Lady bug’s awake
Clap your hooves,
And give a little shake”

When the two alicorns ended as they hugged, giggled and greeted the other. Inwardly, Chrysalis was panicking. She did not know what took place, or what happened. She was basically telling herself, she needed to do it and for some odd and bizarre reason, her body answered the call and did something she was not familiar with. But the instant the love flowed in her complains were put to the side as the two alicorns remove themselves from the hug.

“Well Twilight, it is a surprise to have you here now?” Cadence said, Chrysalis smirking to herself.

“Yeah, unannounced was the plan but I guess I have to read on the staff protocols next time.”

“A lot of work that I am sure you can finish.”

A cough rang out signaled by Shining Armor, “Princesses, can you two move it inside?” He asks the two, with a slight blush on their faces, forgetting the now group of guards and number of nobles looking incredulously at their princess and Twilight.

Sheepishly laughing, Cadence, Shining, Spike and Twilight retreat further in the castle towards Cadence’s room.

“Why are you visiting the Empire for, Twilight?” Cadence asks as the royal chamber doors close, leaving Shining Armor, Spike, Twilight and herself in the room.

“OH I received a letter from Celestia a few days ago. It says that I needed to check over a history of a certain disease.”

The mention of disease caught Chrysalis’ attention. At first she thought about something Cadence may have been exposed to but her obvious guess was answered.

“And it originally originated from the Canterlot Gem Caverns.” Quickly, Shining Looks to Cadence.

“Twilight, as much as I want to say I believe this can be serious, Cadence have shown… less symptoms as of late.” Shining defended as He looks to Cadence.

“What?! But Celestia was-”

The situation was quickly diminishing in Chrysalis’ favor of not treading that topic.

“Do not worry yourself Twilight. Though I might have been exposed to the possibility… I am fine and well.” She answered as best as she can, but the instant she said that, Twilight showed concern and alarm.

“That’s not right! Cadence, if it is not much trouble, can I request that I get you a physical?” Twilight showed a very serious look towards her sister-in-law.
Cadence paused, not sure how to take in on this situation. Chrysalis fared no better, she was basically panicking within her disguise as she thought hard how to avoid this. Her saving grace came in the form of Shining though, as she sighs.

“Cadence, might as well let Twilie do it. You know how she is when she sets her mind to it. This can also double if you are getting well.” He told her as his tone tells of worry though with a warm smile on his face, kissing her cheeks.

“I suppose…” Reluctantly Chrysalis replied.

“Great! But I’m going to have to ask Shiny to take Spike and leave.”

“What?! But I’m your assistant.”

“Spike, what I am going to ask and examine on Cadence is not appropriate for males to hear or see.” Twilight explained to her aide as best as she can.

The young dragon just grumbles as Shining Pink magical aura levitated him up and onto his back.

“Cheer up, Spike, at least we can have some bro time.” This cheered the young dragon.

“Can we get some ice cream?”

“Sure!” Sure enough the door closes as they left.

“Now then, that is taken care of, let’s get some examination done.” Twilight spoke out in excitement.

“Twilight, not to be rude but, how can you do that without-” Chrysalis could not finish that as instantly, out of violet bubbles popped inside the room to leave a medical bag and a various other items that she was not familiar with.

“Not to worry, I am always prepared.” She announced with a happy smile on her face. While a reluctant one was on Cadence’s.

The examination was quick. At first it was the usual. Twilight checked first the physical aspect of the disease. Twilight quickly made Cadence try to check on her strength. Chrysalis can only smirk, not feeling anywhere near tired, thanks to the constant flow of love from the Crystal heart, which she absorbs and generate energy to direct to the body.

The stress ball was basically pressed so hard, it nearly stayed flat. Thankfully it regained itself. Twilight kept commenting and taking down notes, a trait that Chrysalis now realized. Her next ploy should be to give her a challenge that may leave her thinking long enough for her to succeed. The next test was… embarrassing, even for Chrysalis’ standard. Basically she was checked over by her sister-in-law. Yes, really, she was instructed to lie in bed and present her maidenhood. She shivered feeling a cold object pressed against her lips. Though it was embarrassing, it was a degree exciting.

Chrysalis within could not fathom why her body became hot. Sure she has touched herself before but this, idea of something else or rather ‘somepony’, was arousing and worrying, letting someone control the situation. She was angry for a bit but in her thoughts, lashing can only harm her chances of hiding.

She endured the breach of privacy which ended with Twilight asking for her to stand behind the screen. At first she was not familiar with the idea of why she needed to stand behind a blank black or green board. She just shrugs as she stood there. Quickly as it went, Twilight kept asking questions from the other side of the large board. She sighs answering as best as she can.

Then finally, Twilight said this was the last. Chrysalis sighs to herself, finding the whole procedure a waste of time. Quickly as that left her thoughts, Twilight asks her to use her magic and to be analyzed.

At the moment, Chrysalis’ mind stopped and the fear ebbed into her every being. Her magic was both in use for the disguise and signature of a Changeling was inevitable. But Chrysalis stayed strong. Her mind delved into plans of action in case she finds out or not.

As requested, she extended her blue aura. Originating from her horn, it spread out and about for Twilight to see. She stares in awe at how much energy was expensed and how much control was ever present. Twilight was also talented as her notes and her pen continue to take down the information.

Chrysalis smirks at her crowning achievement of expelling a lot of power to her possible-soon-to-be adversary but she was surprised at Twilight for what she did next. Somewhere between intellectual curiosity and plan examination, Twilight licked at her magic aura for a moment before returning to her notes. This left Chrysalis, which also affected her Cadence guise, to reel in back with surprise, wide eyed at the pony.

As soon as twilight said to stop and shout done, a warm smile adorned her face. She smiles towards Cadence and present her the notes, while saying things about sending a copy to Celestia and to tell her not to worry, although she smiles t herself about finding a cure for it, just in case Celestia was looking for one.

Chrysalis did not mind how fast Twilight was, or how much she was trying to be professional but she grasp the notes and waited for Twilight to finish her piece about the examination and commend her for being in tip top shape. Chrysalis smiles as Twilight spoke about departing quickly, her equipment disappeared in her familiar purple aura.

As soon as the door to the bedchamber closed, Chrysalis let of the breath she was holding. She relaxed further as she sat down on her bed and read through the notes, finding no problem with seeing the results… That was only for fun until she saw it… saw the results and her every being panicked.

The notes were fully detailed, right from the start till end. Her body and strength was fine, but the two things that worry her most was the fact of her bones and her magic. “Her bones were tough and in their right order, not blemishes of decay.” She read it on that one note while a very visible picture of a pony is present on a special film. Chrysalis’ hooves start to shake as the bone was clearly whole, which would be wrong if she had holes in her legs… and she was an insect, her ‘bones’ should not be seen.

Finally, she glances at the magic… and as clear as day, or the evening sky outside, the note had been finalized that she was Cadence.

A lot of thoughts spread through Chrysalis’ mind as she drops the notes onto the floor. Her own mind baffled and slightly peeved. She was insulted at the same time relieved as she walk towards her full length mirror, magic locking the chamber doors just in case as she looks at her guise.

In front of her stood the regal and very much so, pink Princess of Love, Cadence. She wore the white and pink dress like a supermodel. Her regalia and her own slippers a golden and crystal sheen as she looks at her slightly crystallized coat.

“HA! I impersonated Cadence so perfectly that I didn’t realize I did it on the inside too.”

Chrysalis boasts to herself as she closed her eyes and focus her magic before her. In her high of skill and cunning, she can hear it now, how the Queen took over the Empire. A smile grew in her lips as she dispelled her illusion.

As she opens them, she expected her own self on the mirror, the powerful, dominating and stronger form of the Changeling queen…

But what stared back from the mirror was a warmly smiling Pink Pony…