Cheersalisby PraneChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 1Cheersalis “Keep it steady… a little bit to the left… I said left… MY LEFT, not yours! Now, a bit higher… higher… ah, just perfect! Now take the other banner and hang it on the opposite wall.” Queen Chrysalis was content with how the first of two major tasks for today was progressing. Preparations for welcoming an envoy from Equestria were in full swing, even if she sometimes couldn’t really believe that a pony – a pony! – was going to set hoof in Hive Chrysalis of his own, unconstrained will, and that she was the one who actually agreed to host him. Just another sign of how much the state of things had changed since their last great campaign for Canterlot. The plan itself was brilliant even if it ultimately failed… well, at least she had those few minutes of glory, those few verses to sing in that play, so to speak. Good times, good times… But those times were gone. Today, changelings were trading brass tips of their spears for silver tongues in their mouths and the language of conquest for the one of diplomacy. “What’s next on the list, Lili-Iqqel?” Chrysalis asked her trusty advisor. The changeling fluttered her shear wings and approached the queen. With a sleek, black as tar carapace, large fangs and bald head with protruding horn she looked like any other member of her species. Only the eyes were distinctive – violet in color, as for every changeling of the Speaker Caste. “You need to approve the choice of courses for the welcome feast, my Queen,” Iqqel replied, landing beside Chrysalis and skimming through her list again. It seemed that most of the items were already checked on. “I trust the cooks completely,” Chrysalis said, to which the advisor nodded and marked out that penultimate task. “Did the Tender Caste deliver sufficient amount of food?” “Zolo-Sallik has brought vegetables this morning, but we’re still waiting for Zoli-Yttel and her herbs,” Iqqel said. “There are no other matters that would require your attention today, apart from greeting and hosting the guest when he arrives.” Chrysalis sighed with relief and took a glance at the list. SIGN THE CULTURAL EXCHANGE TREATY WITH EQUESTRIA, the last point was stating. And since it couldn’t be checked until later today she might as well return to her own affairs. “Commendable job, Iqqel, as always,” she said. “I will return to my chambers now. You may go.” The advisor bowed and fluttered away to help the others decorate the ballroom. Chrysalis valued Iqqel for her calmness and unbeatable organizational skills, and although the concept of friendship itself was elusive, not to mention debatable when it came to the relations between the sovereign and the subjects, she had to admit that she enjoyed her company. Besides, Iqqel had already saved her from making a fool of herself on numerous occasions, more than once stepping in and taking the blame instead. Across few short corridors and staircases, Chrysalis hurried up to her study, a part of the Spire where she could conduct research and practice magical arts without being disturbed. She had been working on a very complex spell for some time now, and today she was going to finalize it. According to a dusty old tome her agents had commandeered several weeks ago, the spell would allow her to split into two separate, yet identical beings possessing the same knowledge, personality traits and power. Not just a mirror image of her, but something much more than that: an assistant for the queen. Why would she want one? The question was: why wouldn’t she? For someone who could take shape of literally everyone, being literally everyone one at a time was painfully limiting. Not to mention that another Chrysalis would effectively double the amount of time she had for her subjects. The Hive was growing in numbers and Chrysalis knew that signing the treaty would open borders for many new challenges and pony-related issues. And she already felt overworked sometimes, because being the single most important element of the changeling society, the queens seldom had time for themselves. Rarely leaving the Spire nowadays, she was spending most of her time on paperwork instead of tending to her subjects in person. But with the perfect assistant she was going to create that was about to change. She felt a slight thrill of the crime – after all, this kind of cloning magic was forbidden in most civilized lands, and Equestrians, who banned it first, surely wouldn’t approve her endeavors. But they weren’t going to find out, were they? Chrysalis approached a hexagonal mirror standing in the middle of the chamber, surrounded by a complicated pattern on the floor arranged from silver dust, colorful luminite and some other magical reagents. Consulting the book, she lit an enchanted, catalyzing candle and placed it directly beneath the mirror’s bronze frame. She took a deep breath and focused on her reflection. Green stream of magic emerged from her horn and set the pattern alight, releasing colorful mist which immediately moved towards the mirror. Guided by the candlelight, the mist slid through the flame and rose up above, sticking to the reflection of Chrysalis like miasma. Once her whole image got covered there was a bright flash of light, sound of glass shattering and a sudden explosion which pushed her back. Chrysalis dared to open her eyes. The spell apparently worked! Surrounded by broken pieces and bent frame of the mirror there was another Chrysalis standing right in front of her. However, she didn’t seem to be an ideal copy. Her mane and wings were in color of ripe oranges instead of expected dark cerulean, and while the real Chrysalis was studying her counterpart with a dose of disbelief in her green eyes, the magenta-red ones of the other changeling seemed to be smirking just like the rest of her face. “Yo!” the duplicate exclaimed cheerfully. “Are you… me?” Chrysalis asked. “Indeed I am. Or perhaps you’re me?” she replied, her voice sounding just like Chrysalis’ own: as if several beings were talking together, though each slightly out of sync with one another. “I couldn’t tell, the duplication magic is so complex. But fun!” Now Chrysalis realized that something probably went wrong with the spell. While the body of the other changeling was very similar – she even had holes in her legs in the exact same places – there was something different about her general demeanor. Real Chrysalis would never call something as complicated as arcane arts ‘fun’. She would also never dye her mane with such an exposing color. And, most importantly, she would never smile that fatuously and that wide for no apparent reason. In fact, discovering that the muscles of her face were capable of producing such expression was quite a surprise. “Thanks for inviting me to the party!” the duplicate said. “It is high time to liven this place up… and I intend to do just that. Our subjects deserve that, you know.” ‘Our’ subjects? That sounded ominous. Why not simply ‘your’ subjects? Chrysalis trotted to a table and opened the book once again, searching frantically throughout its content. The spell description clearly stated that the duplicate will be aware of being one, that it will obey orders and depend on its creator. It was also supposed to look exactly like the original – not slightly like, not kind of like, exactly like! Just then she reached an excerpt she’d swear that wasn’t there before. On some rare occurrences the copy might– “See ya!” the duplicate waved and fled outside the chamber. “Wait!” Chrysalis shouted and ran to the doors. “You’re supposed to be my assistant! Come back here, RIGHT NOW!” She threw the book aside, never finishing the sentence which she should have probably read long before casting the spell. It didn’t matter now – she had to act, accepting that the price of not familiarizing with a cause was to deal with the effect itself. After mere seconds of galloping down the stairs and through the corridors, she found herself back in the ballroom. The other Chrysalis was already there. “Subjects! Seize the impostor!” the real one commanded. After a moment of dismay and stir, a group of yellow-eyed changelings of the Worker Caste dropped the banner they were just about to hang and rushed to capture the queen look-alike. They got immediately reinforced by a couple of Spire Guards who flanked her from the top. As soon as they were ready to strike, she disappeared in an unnatural sparkling cloud of red smoke, leaving a fall of something colorful in the place where she was just standing. Was that… confetti? What kind of teleportation magic leaves behind useless, impossible to dispose of pieces of shredded paper? The impostor appeared fraction of a second later on a decorative chandelier composed from several greenish and bluish faintly glowing crystals. “Tsk-tsk, isn’t that improper for the queen of the entire nation to treat guests like that?” she said, swinging on the chandelier over the heads of confused changelings. “Can you imagine what would the visitor from Equestria say? There wouldn’t be any treaty after that, that’s for sure!” Chrysalis glanced at her motionless subjects. For a reason most likely hidden within the dispersing cloud of after-teleportation smoke they were just standing idle and not attacking, but only grinning blissfully with their bald heads covered with confetti. “Get down or I’ll blast you into the depths of Tartarus!” Chrysalis shouted. “Aw, don’t be like that, Chryssi!” the other changeling replied from up high. “Can I call you Chryssi? It has such a nice jingle to it, just say it with me! Chry-ssi… Chryssssi. Chryssi!” she giggled. “Hear it. Taste it. Smell it!” Chrysalis felt strangely entranced now that scent of teleportation smoke had reached her nostrils. Best described as carrying the epitome of a party within, the smell was the one of burned out sparklers, spilled beverages and cooked treats too exotic for a traditional changeling diet. But there was something else to it… something captivating, reaching deep into her very self. Something compelling, almost impossible to resist… “You may call me…” Chrysalis shook her head and waved away the scent. “I am Chrysalis, the Queen of the Changeling Hive Chrysalis and you will obey me!” her voice boomed. “What have you done to my subjects!?” “Consider it a foretaste of what I’ll do with the rest of our Hive,” the duplicate grinned, then teleported to the other side of the ballroom, reappearing just next to the exit. “Until next time, Queen Chryssi!” Chrysalis winced and dashed to her subjects, using magic to repel teleportation smoke and multicolored confetti descending from the chandelier. She dragged away one of the Spire Guards and shook him a couple of times. “What is your condition? Gollek? Captain Keko-Gollek, answer me!” “I am… well,” the blue-eyed changeling of the Warrior Caste replied. He blinked several times, slowly straightening up and regaining his trademark sturdy posture. He stretched his legs and smiled widely. “Surprisingly well, my Queen. As if I had just harvested affection from a pair of newlyweds ponies.” Though she gave no sign of it, Chrysalis felt relief knowing that this particular veteran of the Canterlot Campaign was unharmed. Gollek was one of the first changelings she found after she had landed on the other side of Equestria, far away from home. She lost many brave soldiers that day... some didn’t find their way back to the Hive and others simply deserted. Either way, that was a loss which she, as their leader, could never forgive herself. “Go check on the others,” she said and trotted under the chandelier to attend to Iqqel. “Did the smoke harm you in any way?” “I don’t think it was supposed to be harmful,” the advisor replied, speaking much faster than usual. “Quite the opposite: it was a bit overwhelming, but weirdly invigorating. Refreshing. Rejuvenating. Stimulating!” she almost shouted and immediately covered her mouth. She took a couple of deep breaths before continuing in her regular calm and steady voice. “Forgive me, my Queen. I seem to be talking too much, which leads me to believe that the smoke was some kind of love energy.” That explained it! Love! Pure, nourishing energy which manifested itself in many forms. You could find it in a passionate kiss between two lovers, sincere smile of a child and warm hug shared amongst friends. While not essential for changelings to survive, the love energy allowed them to grow stronger. Upon acquiring sufficient amount, a changeling’s reactions became quicker, senses worked more efficiently and the general mood was increased – curiously enough, such description would classify ‘love’ as a drug in Equestria and few other nations. A changeling infused by the love energy was slowly releasing it into his surroundings, like a wave of warmth and positivity reaching all nearby changelings to feel. But if too many saturated changelings happened to be in the same place for too long, the release could turn into an overpowering intoxication and cause similar effects to that weird teleportation smoke. So much for creating a helpful assistant! Chrysalis had nothing against her subjects getting tipsy with love from time to time, but her duplicate was apparently capable of causing drunkenness all across the Hive. That couldn’t be allowed to happen. “Your orders, my Queen?” Gollek inquired. “Shall we hunt down the impostor?” “No, captain. This is my responsibility,” Chrysalis stated, then addressed the rest of the changelings gathered in the ballroom. “Subjects! Your orders are to prepare the Spire for the arrival of the Equestrian envoy. Table, chairs, nothing too fancy. We don’t want to appear as if we wanted to impress him.” “And do we?” Iqqel inquired with a sly smile. “Of course we do!” Chrysalis replied. “If you want to visit Canterlot and bring some souvenirs for your clusters without resorting to disguise and subterfuge, make our guest regret he wasn’t hatched a changeling. By the end of the day, he is to return to Equestria and tell everyone how magnificent the Changeling Hive Chrysalis is!” The changelings cheered in response and went back to their duties, chattering about their plans for sightseeing Equestria and at the same time flooding Gollek with questions about Canterlot. Iqqel didn’t join them immediately, but approached Chrysalis and bowed. “You truly are thinking ahead, my Queen.” “I wish that was true,” she replied with a frown and headed towards the exit. “Now go and make this day perfect!” she said, then muttered under her breath, “I will go deal… with myself.” Chapter 2Cheersalis Chrysalis was standing on one of the many terraces carved within the Spire, a monumental obsidian column connecting the ground level of the vast subterranean dwelling to its ceiling. Being the most central point towering over the entire Hive, the Spire was considered her ‘palace’ from which she could oversee all clusters – changeling equivalents of small communities – scattered across the cave. While some of them were nothing but sets of natural cavities adapted to changelings’ needs, others, raised down below on the steady ground resembled small aboveground villages with actual buildings and highly organized structure. The Hive itself was pretty organized as well – through paint and shining luminite crystals, the clusters were standing out against the otherwise dark cave, marked by different colors to indicate which of the Seven Castes happened to have the majority there. And so green clusters were populated mainly by Tenders, blue by Warriors, orange by Makers and so on. If any changeling required more food he had to inquire in the green one, and if he wanted to commission a sculpture, one of the orange-eyed Makers was sure to help him. Of course all changelings were free to choose where they lived so there were no ‘pure’ clusters and each of those small communities had a tint of different talents. There were more clusters than castes, so the view from the Spire consisted of dozens of colorful lights glimmering in the distance, forming a vivid picture in no way inferior to aboveground cityscapes. “If I wanted to disarray the Hive, where would I begin?” Chrysalis silently asked herself. “The busiest cluster, of course.” She glanced down at a particularly active orange village, one clearly dominated by Makers. The changelings of that caste were excellent artists: poets, singers, sculptors and more. They were responsible for the cultural growth of the Hive which they were achieving by spreading their ideas amongst others and coming up with reasons to celebrate. Hatchday, First Transformation, Ceremony of Names – changelings owed those opportunities to meet and socialize to the Maker Caste. Chrysalis took a running start and jumped off the edge of the terrace, but it was no longer her who was falling freely along the Spire. With a quick flash of green light she altered her appearance to look like an average Worker. It was probably for the best – her usual form would draw too much attention and since she wasn't sure what other destructive abilities her duplicate could possess, she decided for a more subtle approach. She didn’t want to risk a showdown in the middle of a cluster. Disguised Chrysalis extended her wings and slowed down her descent, taking a closer look at the village. Dozens of changelings were constantly arriving from all directions, many of them carrying food, supplies and various decorations. Those who were already on the ground were chattering nervously, gathered around a massive, flat boulder – a kind of stage on which two changelings were standing close to each other. She spotted a place to land near a changeling with silver eyes. A Thinker, perfect! That caste consisted of teachers, scholars and researchers who were known from not really engaging in conversations not connected to their field of study, but if inquired about a specific thing they would always answer to the best of their knowledge. “Greetings, Ezu,” Chrysalis said to the Thinker. She didn’t know his name – she wasn’t even sure if that particular changeling had male or female personality – but in situations like this it was socially acceptable to refer to your interlocutor by the caste prefix of his name. “What are we celebrating today?” “It’s the Joining of two Naris,” a simple, male-sounding response came. For someone not familiar with changeling societies that probably sounded like gibberish, or at least like some kind of foreign language, but Chrysalis deciphered it easily. If she wanted to explain it to a, say, Equestrian envoy, she’d probably say that they were in the middle of a wedding ceremony of two female changelings of the Maker Caste. “Why the commotion? Everybody looks tense,” she observed. “It appears there was a miscommunication and the master of ceremonies isn’t here. I’m afraid all the organizational effort will be for nothing.” So they were missing a changeling specializing in performing such ceremonies. Traditionally a Speaker was preferred, but technically any respected changeling – for example the eldest one in a given cluster – could replace him. Even queens could do that if necessary. “Sorry I’m late!” a booming voice resounded from the stage, immediately silencing the buzzing crowd. “Let the Joining commence!” Chrysalis looked towards the stage and felt a sudden dizziness. Her orange-maned duplicate was standing there, right next to the pair of brides, with a ceremonial white sash wrapped around her neck like a scarf. If she wanted to strike in the middle of a wedding ceremony it was really low of her! Admittedly, that would be exactly the thing Chrysalis had done back then in Canterlot. How quaint. “Hello everyone!” the duplicate addressed the slightly baffled crowd. “I am… uh… actually, you probably wouldn’t know me, anyway, because I just returned from a trip to another Hive. It’s far, far away from here and it’s called… uh… it’s called Changeling Hive Dontask reigned peacefully by the Queen Dontell. You probably never heard of that, either.” Chrysalis rolled her eyes and started making her way through the crowd. There surely was some counter spell for that duplication magic, but she needed to capture the impostor first… as much as she hated crushing another wedding. “But today isn’t about me! Today should be about them!” the duplicate said and pointed at the two changeling brides. “I heard that these two are pretty close and that you lacked a Speaker to conduct the ceremony. But we couldn’t let such inconvenience stand in a way of true love, could we?” The changeling crowd buzzed in agreement. The duplicate cleared her throat and raised her hoof, signaling that the introductory part was over. She stepped in between the brides. “We are gathered here today to witness the Joining of these two changelings,” she began. “Although we differ little on the outside we are all unique in our hearts and souls. We are defined by the gifts we posses and the virtues we lack,” she turned to the brides. “You two are finding completeness in each other’s embrace and traits, and it is my honor to formalize your relationship. Raise your right hooves.” They did what was asked of them, then the duplicate sparkled her horn with red magic. Chrysalis’ heart began to pound. Was it starting? But she wasn’t at the stage yet! Her gentle squeezing through the crowd became much more desperate. The duplicate untied the knot on her neck and wrapped the hooves of two brides together with the white sash, guiding it through one of the holes on each changelings’ foreleg. “Nari-Neema, will you have this changeling to be your wife? Will you love her, stand by and honor her and remain faithful to her as long as you both shall live?” “I will,” one of the brides said with a smile. “And you, Nari-Rayya, will you have this changeling to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort and care for her and remain faithful to her as long as you both shall live?” “I will!” the other bride almost shouted with excitement. Chrysalis reached the edge of the crowd. She was mere meters from her duplicate and she was ready to drop her disguise and strike her would-be assistant down any second now… although she was wondering why the other changeling didn’t release her weaponized love yet. And then she saw it. The look in the brides’ orange eyes. Although changeling eyes weren’t very complex and had no apparent distinction for irises and pupils, they could express strong emotions as good as ponies and other aboveground species did. And that look carried particularly strong and visible emotions: those two of her subjects were in love, focusing entirely on each other, oblivious to anything that could happen to them. They had no idea that they were standing next to a changeling that could ruin their lives! Hearing that in her mind, Chrysalis hesitated. Was the duplicate really the one trying to ruin their lives? Their lives were about here and now, after all, and so far it was Chrysalis herself who wanted to mess with the Hive life and ceremony, not the impostor – she was actually actively participating in it and helping the subjects to grow. Like a perfect assistant, she was performing a task that Chrysalis could never find time for. “By the power vested in me by our Queen Chrysalis,” the duplicate glanced around the crowd, stopping at a certain yellow-eyed Worker standing in confusion in the first row. “I now pronounce you wives! You may now kiss each other!” The two newlyweds did just that, throwing their traditional bouquets composed of underground herbs into the crowd, much to everyone’s merriment. The whole congregation was buzzing with positive emotions and joy. Those who personally knew the married changelings came to congratulate them, all others began setting a dance area, arranging tables and distributing food and beverages around the cluster. Chrysalis did none of that. Instead, she approached her duplicate who was folding the white sash. She dropped her disguise and stood face to face with her warped reflection. “You know what I know,” she said. “So you know that the spell shouldn’t have created… you.” “I knew that from the very moment I appeared in our study, Chryssi,” the duplicate replied. “I realized that I wasn’t the assistant I… uh, you… no, that doesn’t work either. Ekhm. I wasn’t the assistant that we wanted, so I assumed that you were going to… undo me.” “Quite correctly.” “I got scared… no, queens don’t get scared. I felt… alarmed. I am you, but I am different,” she said. “I’m feeling an urge to spend time with the subjects, something you always wanted to do more often. I also find myself… easily distracted. And I didn’t expect some aspects of my magic, like teleportation, to be toxic. We didn’t foresee that.” “Teleportation is dangerous, but your telekinesis seems fine,” Chrysalis said, assuming a pensive expression. “Maybe the components of the spell were wrong. Perhaps I overdid with the luminite? The book wasn’t clear enough on that one.” “Maybe,” the other one said, taking the same pondering look on her face. “We may never know.” She pointed up towards the Spire. “Oh, look, the Equestrians have already arrived.” Chrysalis turned around to see a golden, pegasus-drawn carriage landing on one of the terraces. So soon? The ponies couldn’t do anything according to the schedule, now could they? “You should go and sign that treaty,” the duplicate said. “I can’t do that, I have my mind full of things other than diplomacy and foreign relations. But you should totally do it,” she nodded at the already dancing newlyweds. “For them. They could spend their honeymoon in Canterlot.” “Can I trust you?” Chrysalis asked. “Would you trust yourself?” “Of course not.” “See?” the duplicate smirked and nudged Chrysalis. “We’re already getting along. I think that I’ll be a perfect assistant that we… that you… always wanted.” Initially reluctant, Chrysalis realized that she got what she wanted: she could now be in two places at once. One Chrysalis could return to the Spire and host the envoy because it was a necessary thing to do, and the other could stay with the subjects because it was the right thing to do. After all, having another, slightly different version of herself was just like having… a sister – supposedly, because the changelings had no such concept. “One, take care of the party,” Chrysalis said. “Two, don’t come near the Spire until the Equestrians sign the treaty and leave. Three… we’ll sort this out later,” Chrysalis said and flew back towards the Spire. About halfway to the top she turned around to glance at the orange cluster once more. Her new assistant was helping to decorate the area, hanging colorful banners and flying with streamers around the stalagmites, all of that while dropping small amounts of glitter and confetti on heads of the partying changelings. Perhaps it wasn’t exactly how she’d express care for her subject if she was down there instead, but everybody seemed upbeat enough, which was more than any of Chrysalises could ever ask for. Chapter 3Cheersalis Every time Chrysalis was returning to the Spire she was greeted by Iqqel already waiting for her. It was peculiar – either her advisor had an excellent timing or was spending hours on the terraces anticipating the return of the queen. Probably the former, as the latter was against all logic and did not fit what Chrysalis knew about Iqqel. “My Queen, the Equestrians have arrived early,” the changeling informed. “I’ve already sent for the representatives of the Seven Castes. They will be joining you and the envoy in the Spire ballroom shortly.” “I’ve already had my share of Joinings today, thank you very much,” Chrysalis entered the obsidian palace and followed the corridors. Iqqel was trotting right behind her. “Does it mean that your hunt was successful?” “In a way, yes,” Chrysalis replied with a chuckle. “I incorrectly assumed that the Hive was in danger while its future has actually never been more secured,” she stopped upon reaching doors to the ballroom. “How do I look? And speak from your heart.” “You look magnificent as always, my Queen.” “Iqqel…” The changeling shuffled her hooves in hesitation. Chrysalis stared at her, making it clear that she was expecting not a conventionality, but an honest reply. The advisor could only sigh to that. “Very well, my Queen. Forgive me for what I’m about to say,” Iqqel said and took a deep breath. “Would you mind raising your head… and straightening up? Thank you… now please show me your charming smile… I meant charming, my Queen, not the seductive one.” Keeping her head high, straight like a string and smiling in her own, specific smirk with her green eyes partially closed, Chrysalis shook her head and raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Whatever do you mean? That’s just my regular smile.” “I know that. I know,” Iqqel silently said, turning her head away to hide a slight blush from Chrysalis. She then cleared her throat and addressed the taller changeling. “Now, my Queen, it is time to show the ambassador that Equestria can benefit a lot from learning about our culture and customs. I’m convinced that you’ll be representing the affairs of the Hive in speech with the same passion you’re defending us in your deeds.” Upon hearing that, Chrysalis felt pleasantly contented. She looked Iqqel in the eyes. There was something unspoken in that stare, something she knew she had already seen, perhaps quite recently, yet could not fully decipher… but as much as she’d love to ponder over it further, the envoy couldn’t be left waiting. She put a hoof on the doors to the ballroom and took a deep breath. “Very well. I shall meet him now,” she pushed the doors. “It is actually her, my Queen. I believe you two have already met,” she heard Iqqel’s one last piece of advice before entering the room. The Equestrian ambassador turned out to be a well-known alicorn mare, and it was true that she and Chrysalis had already met – and more than just once. She was standing at the opposite end of the now exquisitely decorated Spire ballroom, guarded by two watchful white pegasi in golden armor who were standing out against the shining black floor like the stars on the night sky. Chrysalis had personal affairs with her, true, but she couldn’t allow that to jeopardize the chance of bringing a wealthier future for the Hive. “Of all ponies Celestia could send, she is the ambassador?” Chrysalis muttered under her breath and paced across the ballroom. “Just my luck.” At first she felt concerned – that one definitely was a world-class magic expert and things could go nasty if the other Chrysalis happened to drop by. But she was busy with caring for the Hive down in the cluster, so there was no need to worry. Remembering about keeping her posture straight and smiling in a charming way, Chrysalis approached the ambassador and put a right hoof to her chest in the universal gesture of respect. “Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria, on behalf of the mighty Changeling Hive Chrysalis, I, Queen Chrysalis, bid you welcome. I do hope that our meeting today will prove beneficial to both of our nations, with mutual understanding being the most anticipated one.” Instead of replying right away, Twilight sparkled up her horn and removed several bobby pins holding her coiffure, allowing it to fall into a disheveled state. Then, she employed her magic to rearrange her mostly sapphire mane into a different composition: slightly shorter, but equally elegant. As she was finishing, all of the bobby pins slid in between her hair, locking the configuration anew and leaving no spare pins. The fact that Twilight did that actually really impressed Chrysalis. In the past, whenever a guest was arriving at the Hive it was considered polite if he altered his appearance in some way, usually by changing his accessories or hairstyle. This old custom was supposed to be a gesture of respect towards the ever-changing nature of the changelings, and Twilight had probably dug it up somewhere in one of her many libraries. And Chrysalis did not see it coming! Unprepared, she was about to disregard the gesture completely, but she spotted Iqqel flying towards her carrying a silver plate with two green scrunches on it. Blessing the advisor in her mind, Chrysalis immediately lifted them and used to alter her appearance as well. She parted her mane into symmetrical bundles of hair which she then secured near her head with the scrunches into something one could call ‘pigtails’. Twilight spoke only when Chrysalis was done. “On behalf of the land of Equestria, reigned peacefully by the Princesses Celestia and Luna, as well as my own, I’d like to conduct gratitude for inviting us here,” she said. “Though I know that you weren’t expecting me in particular, I hope that it will not cause any inconveniences regarding the treaty.” “Of course not, ambassador. We’re… happy to host you here.” “Please, just call me Twilight,” the mare smiled. “Twilight, then,” Chrysalis drawled, but then immediately rebuked herself in her thoughts. She smiled and softened her tone. “Twilight, since the official part is over and the welcome feast…” she looked at Iqqel who was flying behind the Equestrians – the changeling shook her head, “…is not ready yet, I suppose you have many questions about the Hive life. Shall we sit to discuss them?” “Thank you,” Twilight replied and turned to her guards. “You may ease up now, friends,” she turned to Chrysalis again, joining the changeling at a formidable, round table made of quartz and onyx. “Yes, I actually made a list of several aspects that I’m eager to learn, but I thought maybe you could start by telling us more about this place?” Describing your home while at your home. That sounded trivial enough. “Ah, perfect,” Chrysalis said and waved her hoof around. “We are currently in a place called the Spire. For generations, it has been a duty of changeling queens to carve in it and to shape it. Each queen brought something new… I added several chambers myself. Just like the Altering you’ve performed with your mane, the Spire symbolizes the ever-changing nature of our society.” Twilight nodded attentively. “Very thoughtful. I was told earlier that this particular chamber is the ballroom?” she asked and pointed at the walls towards the banners. “I find your decorative arts very impressive. One of my friends would love to learn the technique in which they were made.” Phew, Chrysalis had a hunch to bring those otherwise redundant decorations from the Vault. Points for the Hive! “Thank you, Twilight, I'm glad that you're finding them interesting,” she said. “Yes, this is the ballroom, although it actually serves many purposes. It is also much smaller than the one in the Canterlot Castle which I happened to…” she halted for a while, searching for a proper word, “…visit, but I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying our traditional craft.” “What about this work of art?” Twilight pointed up at the chandelier full of greenish and bluish crystals. “It provides light but from what I see those are not candles… but some kind of glimmering gemstones?” “Very observant of you,” Chrysalis said. “This chandelier is composed of luminite crystals.” “Luminite?” the mare seemed surprised. “I never heard of it. Is this some kind of ore, or a mineral?” So far so good. According to the plan, the envoy was supposed to inquire about the luminite so Chrysalis could bathe in glory of the Hive’s technological prowess – it tasted even better due to the fact that it was Twilight Sparkle, the most studious and well-read of all ponies who was asking the question. Candles, bah! “It is a mineral we mine which shines in the dark,” Chrysalis explained, unscrewing one of the crystals from the chandelier and sending it to Twilight. The mare grabbed it in her own magic and stared into it intently. “Interestingly enough, breaking or refining it does not cause it to lose its properties. We’re using chunks of unrefined luminite as lamps to light our homes and we purify it– ah, it seems that the Seven Castes have arrived!” Twilight looked back to see seven changelings entering the ballroom. Overall they were nearly identical, but differed in the unique color of their eyes. They approached Chrysalis and bowed deeply, then formed a line along one side of the table. “Ambassador Twilight,” Chrysalis said. “As you may already know, the changeling society is divided into castes. Please spare a minute to acquaintance yourself with those representatives, and they will explain what our Hive has to offer to Equestrians better than I ever would.” And so the procession began. First a green-eyed representative of the Tender Caste told Twilight about his cluster’s revolutionary techniques of growing plants underground. Then a Thinker described what kind of research they would like to conduct in association with the Equestrians. Then came a Warrior, Speaker, Worker, Maker and finally a Feeder with red, glowing eyes. In the meantime, the welcome feast was served for the Equestrians and the representatives of the castes, and Chrysalis had a minute to evaluate the progress so far. She had to admit that Twilight Sparkle was no longer the obnoxious filly that thwarted her plans those few years ago – around the appearance of the Secretariat Comet – but a rather skilled diplomat and a fine grown mare. Apparently being Celestia’s prized student was more than just applying magic to the concept of friendship and vice versa, because Twilight had clearly accrued some practical skills as well. At some point of the feast, after learning more about the Seven Castes, Twilight felt necessary to inquire more about the way changeling society was organized. “It’s very impressive, it seems that everyone knows their place,” she said. “But I don’t quite catch your naming convention – they all seem similar, but at the same time different. Your advisor that welcomed us…” she turned to address the changeling standing by Chrysalis’ side. “I’m sorry, I don’t want to mispronounce it… Liliquel?” “It is Lili-Iqqel,” Chrysalis corrected. “A changeling’s name consists of two parts: first half is dependent on the caste to which the given changeling belongs. You can also tell its gender from it,” Chrysalis nodded at Iqqel to continue. “Every female changeling of the Speaker Caste, like me, will have ‘Lili’ in her formal name,” Iqqel explained. “It is ‘Lilo” for those who identify themselves as males, like representative Lilo-Varrex here,” she pointed at the changeling sitting at the other side of the table who nodded slightly. “Excuse me, ‘identify’?” “Changelings are essentially sexless,” Iqqel said. “We do not have distinction for ‘mares’ and ‘stallions’ based on anatomical features like you do. Some of us have more feminine characteristics while some resemble males, but in the end it is about choosing the gender we feel comfortable with. It all comes down to the Ceremony of Names, but I wouldn’t want to bore you, ambassador.” “No, please, go on! This is actually quite fascinating!” Twilight said. “Oh, I have so many questions! Like what about the second part of your name, what is this Ceremony you’ve mentioned, how does it all connect to the caste system and the color of your eyes!” she turned to Chrysalis. “And why doesn’t your name follow that compound pattern?” Iqqel seemed a bit confused after that sudden outburst of pony inquisitiveness and looked at Chrysalis questioningly, who just giggled and encouraged her to continue. With a smile on her face, the changeling eased up a bit, obviously content that she could be of help. “A changeling is hatched without a name, gender or purpose in life. Its eyes are white and it is considered a youngling and referred to as a drone,” Iqqel began. “Through interactions with older changelings its personality is being slowly shaped. When a certain age is reached, the Ceremony of Names is being held. The changeling goes to the Hall of Names and spends a night there under the care of a Speaker, while the friends and acquaintances from the cluster are meditating outside and beseeching resolve,” she turned to Chrysalis. “My Queen, may I…” Chrysalis was already there, filling a cup with orange juice and passing it to Iqqel, which she emptied in three big sips. Chapter 4Cheersalis “Thank you,” Iqqel said, putting the cup away. “During a night the changeling confesses to the Speaker, telling him about his choices for life. The chances are that he or she already knows that prior to the Ceremony, but this is our way of formalizing those choices. After the night the changeling emerges from the Hall of Names and is henceforth considered an adult member of the Hive.” “It’s pretty complicated,” Twilight admitted. “And what about the eyes? Could you please give me some examples to work with?” “I can tell you about mine,” Iqqel said. “As a drone who was always more comfortable with my feminine traits, I also felt my talents revolved around helping others through what I could say to them. I enjoyed that more than anything else, and in time I realized it was my destiny to dedicate myself to the Speaker Caste. It took me quite some time of walking around the Hall to choose my name, but when I finally found it, I closed my eyes and spoke my vow: ‘Yesterday a drone, tomorrow Lili-Iqqel of the Speaker Caste’. When I opened my eyes, my confessor said they turned violet.” “Just like that, your eyes turning different?” Twilight frowned. “How exactly does it work?” “We can’t explain that, Twilight,” Chrysalis cut in, subtly pointing at Twilight's flank with a six-pointed star on it. “Much like you can’t explain the mystery behind your cutie marks.” “That’s a fair point, I admit! But what about you? Is it Chrysalis of Chrysa-Lis?” Chrysalis treated herself an apple imported from the surface. “I also went through the Ceremony of Names as a drone, many years ago,” she said. “Everything went just as in Iqqel’s case until I was to speak my vow. I did it, several times, but my eyes didn’t change into the color I expected. Nor did they remain white. They became black.” Twilight’s own eyes widened in fascination. “When the Speaker saw that he fell to the ground and kneeled before me. I initially didn’t understand that, but he explained that it is my destiny to became the next queen.” “Wait a second,” Twilight could barely stay seated on her chair because of the rising excitement. “Are you telling me that you descended into that Hall of Names, that you had dreams and plans for your life, and your very identity almost fully shaped… and you were denied to assume it? And Chrysalis isn’t even your real name?” Chrysalis smirked. She’d never expect that by telling about the beginnings of her Metamorphosis she could evoke such strong emotions. If it wasn’t so personal she’d tell Twilight the rest – that would certainly knock her over! “It is as real as it can be, Twilight Sparkle,” she said instead. “For the changelings, a name we choose is a promise we make. A promise to ourselves, each other and the entire Hive. Though I did not become what I intended to become, I left my past self behind the moment I’ve sworn to lead and protect the Changeling Hive Chrysalis, assuming the name traditional for our queens.” Then she sat up more comfortably, drinking down Twilight’s bedazzlement. If that wasn’t good enough presentation of how deep the changelings’ culture and caves were reaching, then she honestly wouldn’t know what else she could say. But it was apparently enough – for a few good seconds Twilight was staring blankly into her cup only to pour herself another glass of more stimulating drinks served on the table. Now, for the grand finale, Chrysalis was going to inquire about the treaty. It was time for some hardcore diplomacy. Out of the blue there was a sound of a party trumpet being heard. A flame-maned changeling flew into the room, spreading glitter and confetti all around the place. She had balloons fastened to her tail and streamers coming through the holes in her legs. When Chrysalis saw a triangular paper hat on her duplicate’s head, she became fully convinced that despite her precise instructions a walking disgrace to her body had just entered the ballroom. “Hellooo, everyone!” she waved her hoof sweeping around all the guests, then shook her tail to release the balloons into the air. “Sorry I’m late but the reception down there was awesome! The changelings surely know how to party, don’t you agree, Queen Chryssi?” Both Twilight’s Royal Guards and Chrysalis’ Spire Guards reacted at a commendable pace, the pegasi standing in front of their princess, and the changelings rushing at the newcomer. “Wait!” Chrysalis commanded, to which the changelings stopped, still throwing angry stares at the duplicate. She cleaned the edges of her mouth with an amaranth napkin and turned to the alicorn mare, standing up. “Excuse us for a moment.” She couldn’t act suspiciously towards the duplicate – not with Twilight around, ready to condemn her little experiment. She knew that with a single spell Twilight could learn about the arcane nature of the Chrysalis look-alike. Chrysalis grabbed her duplicate’s tail and dragged her across the ballroom while she just kept fluttering her wings and smiling joyfully. They disappeared in an adjacent chamber as Chrysalis slammed the door shut with her magic. “What are you doing here? What is this?” she hissed, knocking the ridiculous paper hat out of the ludicrously smiling head of her duplicate. “I told you to stay away from the Spire until the Equestrians will be gone!” The other changeling, apparently oblivious to Chrysalis’ words, grabbed the hat and raised it to eye level. “It’s a cool hat! You can turn it into a boat if you–” “I will turn you into a boat!” Chrysalis cut her off, using magic to burn the paper hat down. “I’ll invent a new, into-boat-changing magic solely to test it on you! You’re nothing but trouble and you shouldn’t be here! Not when we’re this close to signing the treaty!” The duplicate started pulling the colorful streamers from her legs. “I love your new hairstyle, by the way,” she grabbed the pile of streamers with her mouth as if she was a cat carrying a kitten. “Do you want to accessorize it?” “Argh!” Chrysalis wanted to strangle her duplicate. “Are you even listening? The Equestrian ambassador turned out to be Twilight Sparkle instead of some dumb pawn from Celestia’s court we’ve expected! If she starts sniffing we’re doomed!” “Hey, and what’s exactly between us and Twilight Sparkle? Why don’t you want her to see me? Are you ashamed of me? Should I be ashamed of myself?” Chrysalis had to put a hoof on her forehead to regain her self-control. She closed her eyes, took a couple of deep inhales and exhales, then looked at the duplicate who was just rearranging her orange mane into pigtails banded with streamers. “Please, don’t be distracted for a moment and search through our memories,” she said, putting a hoof on the other changeling’s mouth. “As we both know, Twilight Sparkle is especially knowledgeable magic user and that she and Celestia had banned cloning magic because it is a, quote, ‘condemnable art leading only to abuse’." There was a muffled comment being heard. "Shush!" Chrysalis said, securing her counterpart's mouth even tighter. "We're too similar and she's smart enough, it will only take her one examining spell. If she realizes how you came to be, Equestria will start meddling with my magical studies. And you surely remember how many other questionable projects I have running at the moment?” The duplicate just nodded, unable to say anything. “She can’t find out, do you understand? Just this once, focus and say that you understand how important this is,” she said, taking her hooves away. “Sure!” the other changeling exclaimed happily. “So, are we returning to the feast or not?” “Oh, what a brilliant idea!” Chrysalis rolled her eyes, feeling utterly defeated. “And what we will tell them, hmm? ‘Hey Twilight, here’s my clone, go say hello’?” “That’s– you’re right, that’s a big problem!” the orange-maned changeling replied, nodding with seriousness written all over her face. She started playing with the streamers in her mane. “But why would you want to tell her the truth? Don’t you know somebody who excels in deception, lies and fabricating the truth?” Chrysalis touched her green scrunches and smacked her head, then both changelings smiled at each other deviously. Half a minute later Chrysalises stepped back to the ballroom where confused changelings and Equestrians were anticipating their return. “Ambassador, caste representatives,” cerulean-maned Chrysalis wearing green scrunches addressed the group by the table. “I would like you to meet… uh… Cheersalis, who came from a faraway Hive Dontask reigned by the Queen Dontell. You probably never heard of either, but that’s okay. Don’t worry.” Her voice sounded steady, but she was shuffling her hooves nervously, as if she couldn’t stand standing still. But beside Chrysalises, only one other individual in the ballroom could see that. “She is a world-class specialist and has the academic degree in Non-Invasive Love Harvesting Methods. She had already gained respect and appreciation of our changelings, which is aweso– which is awe inspiring, and I hope that you’ll… uh… welcome her as I did.” The other Chrysalis, with her orange mane decorated with streamers jumped to Twilight. “Hello! It’s so nice to meet you!” she smiled widely, although her smile was slightly forced. Also her moves were rather odd, as if her body was used to walking with dignity instead of jumping like crazy. But again – beside Chrysalises there was only one individual that noticed that. “I heard that you’ll be signing the treaty and stuff and… I don’t know, celebrating that all night long! So I think you should sign it, what do you think?” The alicorn squinted, then grabbed her cup in the magenta mist, drinking the beverege extremely slowly and strongly focusing on the orange-maned changeling. For Chrysalis it was obvious that Twilight was just using her magic to tell if the changeling introduced to her as Cheersalis was a regular creature or one of arcane origins. Hiding it behind holding a cup wasn’t as smart as you'd think, princess! “Yes, I think we can sign the treaty now,” Twilight said after a while of that intensive stare. The mare put the cup away, seemingly disappointed – although beside Chrysalises only one other changeling in the ballroom spotted that. Holding a rolled parchment and a quill dripped in a square inkwell, Iqeel approached the cerulean-maned Chrysalis, although her eyes were escaping towards Cheersalis. This time, however, only she was aware of that… and nobody else. “My Queen… the Cultural Exchange Treaty,” she put the document at equal distance between Twilight and Chrysalis. The latter was about to reach for the quill. “No need for that,” Iqqel walked away before the quill would accidentally get covered with red, sparkling mist. She gave it to the lavender mare instead. “Your signature was already there, my Queen.” Twilight grabbed the quill in her own magic. “On behalf of the magical land of Equestria,” she began, “it is my great pleasure to announce that the Cultural Exchange Treaty between my nation and the Changeling Hive Chrysalis is now binding,” she scribed her name at the bottom of the parchment. “May it be the beginning of a beautiful relationship where ponies and changelings will stand together, learning what’s best in them from each other!” The representatives cheered and raised their glasses in a toast, which the changelings in all clusters were going to repeat in the hours to come. Canterlot, Manehatten, Cloudsdale and all other places they had been dreaming about and waiting to visit were now open to them. Still at the Spire ballroom, Queen Chrysalis of the Changeling Hive Chrysalis – the original one, although with the slightly altered appearance of her mane tied with colorful streamers – was once again blessing Iqqel in her thoughts. Her advisor did a commendable job. As always. * * * Dear Princess Celestia, It would seem that the Friendship Duplicate Spell that we dropped into the hooves of Queen Chrysalis’ oblivious agents was performed, even if she was trying to hide it behind her foreseeable deceit. I am certain that the duplicate introduced as ‘Cheersalis’ will bring the Magic of Friendship into their Hive. I believe that with a proper ‘encouragement’ from the cultural exchange program the changelings will develop a harmonized structure just as we calculated. Note: now that we’ve acquired more luminite crystals we should perfect the spell formula before bringing the Harmonica Initiative to the Griffin Kingdom. You will have my full report as soon as I return to Canterlot. Always your faithful student, Princess Twilight Sparkle Author's Note Need more changeling? Give Snowboardling and Dichromatic a try! Also, please check out the sequel by SoloBrony, The Queen and I!
Chapter 1Cheersalis “Keep it steady… a little bit to the left… I said left… MY LEFT, not yours! Now, a bit higher… higher… ah, just perfect! Now take the other banner and hang it on the opposite wall.” Queen Chrysalis was content with how the first of two major tasks for today was progressing. Preparations for welcoming an envoy from Equestria were in full swing, even if she sometimes couldn’t really believe that a pony – a pony! – was going to set hoof in Hive Chrysalis of his own, unconstrained will, and that she was the one who actually agreed to host him. Just another sign of how much the state of things had changed since their last great campaign for Canterlot. The plan itself was brilliant even if it ultimately failed… well, at least she had those few minutes of glory, those few verses to sing in that play, so to speak. Good times, good times… But those times were gone. Today, changelings were trading brass tips of their spears for silver tongues in their mouths and the language of conquest for the one of diplomacy. “What’s next on the list, Lili-Iqqel?” Chrysalis asked her trusty advisor. The changeling fluttered her shear wings and approached the queen. With a sleek, black as tar carapace, large fangs and bald head with protruding horn she looked like any other member of her species. Only the eyes were distinctive – violet in color, as for every changeling of the Speaker Caste. “You need to approve the choice of courses for the welcome feast, my Queen,” Iqqel replied, landing beside Chrysalis and skimming through her list again. It seemed that most of the items were already checked on. “I trust the cooks completely,” Chrysalis said, to which the advisor nodded and marked out that penultimate task. “Did the Tender Caste deliver sufficient amount of food?” “Zolo-Sallik has brought vegetables this morning, but we’re still waiting for Zoli-Yttel and her herbs,” Iqqel said. “There are no other matters that would require your attention today, apart from greeting and hosting the guest when he arrives.” Chrysalis sighed with relief and took a glance at the list. SIGN THE CULTURAL EXCHANGE TREATY WITH EQUESTRIA, the last point was stating. And since it couldn’t be checked until later today she might as well return to her own affairs. “Commendable job, Iqqel, as always,” she said. “I will return to my chambers now. You may go.” The advisor bowed and fluttered away to help the others decorate the ballroom. Chrysalis valued Iqqel for her calmness and unbeatable organizational skills, and although the concept of friendship itself was elusive, not to mention debatable when it came to the relations between the sovereign and the subjects, she had to admit that she enjoyed her company. Besides, Iqqel had already saved her from making a fool of herself on numerous occasions, more than once stepping in and taking the blame instead. Across few short corridors and staircases, Chrysalis hurried up to her study, a part of the Spire where she could conduct research and practice magical arts without being disturbed. She had been working on a very complex spell for some time now, and today she was going to finalize it. According to a dusty old tome her agents had commandeered several weeks ago, the spell would allow her to split into two separate, yet identical beings possessing the same knowledge, personality traits and power. Not just a mirror image of her, but something much more than that: an assistant for the queen. Why would she want one? The question was: why wouldn’t she? For someone who could take shape of literally everyone, being literally everyone one at a time was painfully limiting. Not to mention that another Chrysalis would effectively double the amount of time she had for her subjects. The Hive was growing in numbers and Chrysalis knew that signing the treaty would open borders for many new challenges and pony-related issues. And she already felt overworked sometimes, because being the single most important element of the changeling society, the queens seldom had time for themselves. Rarely leaving the Spire nowadays, she was spending most of her time on paperwork instead of tending to her subjects in person. But with the perfect assistant she was going to create that was about to change. She felt a slight thrill of the crime – after all, this kind of cloning magic was forbidden in most civilized lands, and Equestrians, who banned it first, surely wouldn’t approve her endeavors. But they weren’t going to find out, were they? Chrysalis approached a hexagonal mirror standing in the middle of the chamber, surrounded by a complicated pattern on the floor arranged from silver dust, colorful luminite and some other magical reagents. Consulting the book, she lit an enchanted, catalyzing candle and placed it directly beneath the mirror’s bronze frame. She took a deep breath and focused on her reflection. Green stream of magic emerged from her horn and set the pattern alight, releasing colorful mist which immediately moved towards the mirror. Guided by the candlelight, the mist slid through the flame and rose up above, sticking to the reflection of Chrysalis like miasma. Once her whole image got covered there was a bright flash of light, sound of glass shattering and a sudden explosion which pushed her back. Chrysalis dared to open her eyes. The spell apparently worked! Surrounded by broken pieces and bent frame of the mirror there was another Chrysalis standing right in front of her. However, she didn’t seem to be an ideal copy. Her mane and wings were in color of ripe oranges instead of expected dark cerulean, and while the real Chrysalis was studying her counterpart with a dose of disbelief in her green eyes, the magenta-red ones of the other changeling seemed to be smirking just like the rest of her face. “Yo!” the duplicate exclaimed cheerfully. “Are you… me?” Chrysalis asked. “Indeed I am. Or perhaps you’re me?” she replied, her voice sounding just like Chrysalis’ own: as if several beings were talking together, though each slightly out of sync with one another. “I couldn’t tell, the duplication magic is so complex. But fun!” Now Chrysalis realized that something probably went wrong with the spell. While the body of the other changeling was very similar – she even had holes in her legs in the exact same places – there was something different about her general demeanor. Real Chrysalis would never call something as complicated as arcane arts ‘fun’. She would also never dye her mane with such an exposing color. And, most importantly, she would never smile that fatuously and that wide for no apparent reason. In fact, discovering that the muscles of her face were capable of producing such expression was quite a surprise. “Thanks for inviting me to the party!” the duplicate said. “It is high time to liven this place up… and I intend to do just that. Our subjects deserve that, you know.” ‘Our’ subjects? That sounded ominous. Why not simply ‘your’ subjects? Chrysalis trotted to a table and opened the book once again, searching frantically throughout its content. The spell description clearly stated that the duplicate will be aware of being one, that it will obey orders and depend on its creator. It was also supposed to look exactly like the original – not slightly like, not kind of like, exactly like! Just then she reached an excerpt she’d swear that wasn’t there before. On some rare occurrences the copy might– “See ya!” the duplicate waved and fled outside the chamber. “Wait!” Chrysalis shouted and ran to the doors. “You’re supposed to be my assistant! Come back here, RIGHT NOW!” She threw the book aside, never finishing the sentence which she should have probably read long before casting the spell. It didn’t matter now – she had to act, accepting that the price of not familiarizing with a cause was to deal with the effect itself. After mere seconds of galloping down the stairs and through the corridors, she found herself back in the ballroom. The other Chrysalis was already there. “Subjects! Seize the impostor!” the real one commanded. After a moment of dismay and stir, a group of yellow-eyed changelings of the Worker Caste dropped the banner they were just about to hang and rushed to capture the queen look-alike. They got immediately reinforced by a couple of Spire Guards who flanked her from the top. As soon as they were ready to strike, she disappeared in an unnatural sparkling cloud of red smoke, leaving a fall of something colorful in the place where she was just standing. Was that… confetti? What kind of teleportation magic leaves behind useless, impossible to dispose of pieces of shredded paper? The impostor appeared fraction of a second later on a decorative chandelier composed from several greenish and bluish faintly glowing crystals. “Tsk-tsk, isn’t that improper for the queen of the entire nation to treat guests like that?” she said, swinging on the chandelier over the heads of confused changelings. “Can you imagine what would the visitor from Equestria say? There wouldn’t be any treaty after that, that’s for sure!” Chrysalis glanced at her motionless subjects. For a reason most likely hidden within the dispersing cloud of after-teleportation smoke they were just standing idle and not attacking, but only grinning blissfully with their bald heads covered with confetti. “Get down or I’ll blast you into the depths of Tartarus!” Chrysalis shouted. “Aw, don’t be like that, Chryssi!” the other changeling replied from up high. “Can I call you Chryssi? It has such a nice jingle to it, just say it with me! Chry-ssi… Chryssssi. Chryssi!” she giggled. “Hear it. Taste it. Smell it!” Chrysalis felt strangely entranced now that scent of teleportation smoke had reached her nostrils. Best described as carrying the epitome of a party within, the smell was the one of burned out sparklers, spilled beverages and cooked treats too exotic for a traditional changeling diet. But there was something else to it… something captivating, reaching deep into her very self. Something compelling, almost impossible to resist… “You may call me…” Chrysalis shook her head and waved away the scent. “I am Chrysalis, the Queen of the Changeling Hive Chrysalis and you will obey me!” her voice boomed. “What have you done to my subjects!?” “Consider it a foretaste of what I’ll do with the rest of our Hive,” the duplicate grinned, then teleported to the other side of the ballroom, reappearing just next to the exit. “Until next time, Queen Chryssi!” Chrysalis winced and dashed to her subjects, using magic to repel teleportation smoke and multicolored confetti descending from the chandelier. She dragged away one of the Spire Guards and shook him a couple of times. “What is your condition? Gollek? Captain Keko-Gollek, answer me!” “I am… well,” the blue-eyed changeling of the Warrior Caste replied. He blinked several times, slowly straightening up and regaining his trademark sturdy posture. He stretched his legs and smiled widely. “Surprisingly well, my Queen. As if I had just harvested affection from a pair of newlyweds ponies.” Though she gave no sign of it, Chrysalis felt relief knowing that this particular veteran of the Canterlot Campaign was unharmed. Gollek was one of the first changelings she found after she had landed on the other side of Equestria, far away from home. She lost many brave soldiers that day... some didn’t find their way back to the Hive and others simply deserted. Either way, that was a loss which she, as their leader, could never forgive herself. “Go check on the others,” she said and trotted under the chandelier to attend to Iqqel. “Did the smoke harm you in any way?” “I don’t think it was supposed to be harmful,” the advisor replied, speaking much faster than usual. “Quite the opposite: it was a bit overwhelming, but weirdly invigorating. Refreshing. Rejuvenating. Stimulating!” she almost shouted and immediately covered her mouth. She took a couple of deep breaths before continuing in her regular calm and steady voice. “Forgive me, my Queen. I seem to be talking too much, which leads me to believe that the smoke was some kind of love energy.” That explained it! Love! Pure, nourishing energy which manifested itself in many forms. You could find it in a passionate kiss between two lovers, sincere smile of a child and warm hug shared amongst friends. While not essential for changelings to survive, the love energy allowed them to grow stronger. Upon acquiring sufficient amount, a changeling’s reactions became quicker, senses worked more efficiently and the general mood was increased – curiously enough, such description would classify ‘love’ as a drug in Equestria and few other nations. A changeling infused by the love energy was slowly releasing it into his surroundings, like a wave of warmth and positivity reaching all nearby changelings to feel. But if too many saturated changelings happened to be in the same place for too long, the release could turn into an overpowering intoxication and cause similar effects to that weird teleportation smoke. So much for creating a helpful assistant! Chrysalis had nothing against her subjects getting tipsy with love from time to time, but her duplicate was apparently capable of causing drunkenness all across the Hive. That couldn’t be allowed to happen. “Your orders, my Queen?” Gollek inquired. “Shall we hunt down the impostor?” “No, captain. This is my responsibility,” Chrysalis stated, then addressed the rest of the changelings gathered in the ballroom. “Subjects! Your orders are to prepare the Spire for the arrival of the Equestrian envoy. Table, chairs, nothing too fancy. We don’t want to appear as if we wanted to impress him.” “And do we?” Iqqel inquired with a sly smile. “Of course we do!” Chrysalis replied. “If you want to visit Canterlot and bring some souvenirs for your clusters without resorting to disguise and subterfuge, make our guest regret he wasn’t hatched a changeling. By the end of the day, he is to return to Equestria and tell everyone how magnificent the Changeling Hive Chrysalis is!” The changelings cheered in response and went back to their duties, chattering about their plans for sightseeing Equestria and at the same time flooding Gollek with questions about Canterlot. Iqqel didn’t join them immediately, but approached Chrysalis and bowed. “You truly are thinking ahead, my Queen.” “I wish that was true,” she replied with a frown and headed towards the exit. “Now go and make this day perfect!” she said, then muttered under her breath, “I will go deal… with myself.”
Chapter 2Cheersalis Chrysalis was standing on one of the many terraces carved within the Spire, a monumental obsidian column connecting the ground level of the vast subterranean dwelling to its ceiling. Being the most central point towering over the entire Hive, the Spire was considered her ‘palace’ from which she could oversee all clusters – changeling equivalents of small communities – scattered across the cave. While some of them were nothing but sets of natural cavities adapted to changelings’ needs, others, raised down below on the steady ground resembled small aboveground villages with actual buildings and highly organized structure. The Hive itself was pretty organized as well – through paint and shining luminite crystals, the clusters were standing out against the otherwise dark cave, marked by different colors to indicate which of the Seven Castes happened to have the majority there. And so green clusters were populated mainly by Tenders, blue by Warriors, orange by Makers and so on. If any changeling required more food he had to inquire in the green one, and if he wanted to commission a sculpture, one of the orange-eyed Makers was sure to help him. Of course all changelings were free to choose where they lived so there were no ‘pure’ clusters and each of those small communities had a tint of different talents. There were more clusters than castes, so the view from the Spire consisted of dozens of colorful lights glimmering in the distance, forming a vivid picture in no way inferior to aboveground cityscapes. “If I wanted to disarray the Hive, where would I begin?” Chrysalis silently asked herself. “The busiest cluster, of course.” She glanced down at a particularly active orange village, one clearly dominated by Makers. The changelings of that caste were excellent artists: poets, singers, sculptors and more. They were responsible for the cultural growth of the Hive which they were achieving by spreading their ideas amongst others and coming up with reasons to celebrate. Hatchday, First Transformation, Ceremony of Names – changelings owed those opportunities to meet and socialize to the Maker Caste. Chrysalis took a running start and jumped off the edge of the terrace, but it was no longer her who was falling freely along the Spire. With a quick flash of green light she altered her appearance to look like an average Worker. It was probably for the best – her usual form would draw too much attention and since she wasn't sure what other destructive abilities her duplicate could possess, she decided for a more subtle approach. She didn’t want to risk a showdown in the middle of a cluster. Disguised Chrysalis extended her wings and slowed down her descent, taking a closer look at the village. Dozens of changelings were constantly arriving from all directions, many of them carrying food, supplies and various decorations. Those who were already on the ground were chattering nervously, gathered around a massive, flat boulder – a kind of stage on which two changelings were standing close to each other. She spotted a place to land near a changeling with silver eyes. A Thinker, perfect! That caste consisted of teachers, scholars and researchers who were known from not really engaging in conversations not connected to their field of study, but if inquired about a specific thing they would always answer to the best of their knowledge. “Greetings, Ezu,” Chrysalis said to the Thinker. She didn’t know his name – she wasn’t even sure if that particular changeling had male or female personality – but in situations like this it was socially acceptable to refer to your interlocutor by the caste prefix of his name. “What are we celebrating today?” “It’s the Joining of two Naris,” a simple, male-sounding response came. For someone not familiar with changeling societies that probably sounded like gibberish, or at least like some kind of foreign language, but Chrysalis deciphered it easily. If she wanted to explain it to a, say, Equestrian envoy, she’d probably say that they were in the middle of a wedding ceremony of two female changelings of the Maker Caste. “Why the commotion? Everybody looks tense,” she observed. “It appears there was a miscommunication and the master of ceremonies isn’t here. I’m afraid all the organizational effort will be for nothing.” So they were missing a changeling specializing in performing such ceremonies. Traditionally a Speaker was preferred, but technically any respected changeling – for example the eldest one in a given cluster – could replace him. Even queens could do that if necessary. “Sorry I’m late!” a booming voice resounded from the stage, immediately silencing the buzzing crowd. “Let the Joining commence!” Chrysalis looked towards the stage and felt a sudden dizziness. Her orange-maned duplicate was standing there, right next to the pair of brides, with a ceremonial white sash wrapped around her neck like a scarf. If she wanted to strike in the middle of a wedding ceremony it was really low of her! Admittedly, that would be exactly the thing Chrysalis had done back then in Canterlot. How quaint. “Hello everyone!” the duplicate addressed the slightly baffled crowd. “I am… uh… actually, you probably wouldn’t know me, anyway, because I just returned from a trip to another Hive. It’s far, far away from here and it’s called… uh… it’s called Changeling Hive Dontask reigned peacefully by the Queen Dontell. You probably never heard of that, either.” Chrysalis rolled her eyes and started making her way through the crowd. There surely was some counter spell for that duplication magic, but she needed to capture the impostor first… as much as she hated crushing another wedding. “But today isn’t about me! Today should be about them!” the duplicate said and pointed at the two changeling brides. “I heard that these two are pretty close and that you lacked a Speaker to conduct the ceremony. But we couldn’t let such inconvenience stand in a way of true love, could we?” The changeling crowd buzzed in agreement. The duplicate cleared her throat and raised her hoof, signaling that the introductory part was over. She stepped in between the brides. “We are gathered here today to witness the Joining of these two changelings,” she began. “Although we differ little on the outside we are all unique in our hearts and souls. We are defined by the gifts we posses and the virtues we lack,” she turned to the brides. “You two are finding completeness in each other’s embrace and traits, and it is my honor to formalize your relationship. Raise your right hooves.” They did what was asked of them, then the duplicate sparkled her horn with red magic. Chrysalis’ heart began to pound. Was it starting? But she wasn’t at the stage yet! Her gentle squeezing through the crowd became much more desperate. The duplicate untied the knot on her neck and wrapped the hooves of two brides together with the white sash, guiding it through one of the holes on each changelings’ foreleg. “Nari-Neema, will you have this changeling to be your wife? Will you love her, stand by and honor her and remain faithful to her as long as you both shall live?” “I will,” one of the brides said with a smile. “And you, Nari-Rayya, will you have this changeling to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort and care for her and remain faithful to her as long as you both shall live?” “I will!” the other bride almost shouted with excitement. Chrysalis reached the edge of the crowd. She was mere meters from her duplicate and she was ready to drop her disguise and strike her would-be assistant down any second now… although she was wondering why the other changeling didn’t release her weaponized love yet. And then she saw it. The look in the brides’ orange eyes. Although changeling eyes weren’t very complex and had no apparent distinction for irises and pupils, they could express strong emotions as good as ponies and other aboveground species did. And that look carried particularly strong and visible emotions: those two of her subjects were in love, focusing entirely on each other, oblivious to anything that could happen to them. They had no idea that they were standing next to a changeling that could ruin their lives! Hearing that in her mind, Chrysalis hesitated. Was the duplicate really the one trying to ruin their lives? Their lives were about here and now, after all, and so far it was Chrysalis herself who wanted to mess with the Hive life and ceremony, not the impostor – she was actually actively participating in it and helping the subjects to grow. Like a perfect assistant, she was performing a task that Chrysalis could never find time for. “By the power vested in me by our Queen Chrysalis,” the duplicate glanced around the crowd, stopping at a certain yellow-eyed Worker standing in confusion in the first row. “I now pronounce you wives! You may now kiss each other!” The two newlyweds did just that, throwing their traditional bouquets composed of underground herbs into the crowd, much to everyone’s merriment. The whole congregation was buzzing with positive emotions and joy. Those who personally knew the married changelings came to congratulate them, all others began setting a dance area, arranging tables and distributing food and beverages around the cluster. Chrysalis did none of that. Instead, she approached her duplicate who was folding the white sash. She dropped her disguise and stood face to face with her warped reflection. “You know what I know,” she said. “So you know that the spell shouldn’t have created… you.” “I knew that from the very moment I appeared in our study, Chryssi,” the duplicate replied. “I realized that I wasn’t the assistant I… uh, you… no, that doesn’t work either. Ekhm. I wasn’t the assistant that we wanted, so I assumed that you were going to… undo me.” “Quite correctly.” “I got scared… no, queens don’t get scared. I felt… alarmed. I am you, but I am different,” she said. “I’m feeling an urge to spend time with the subjects, something you always wanted to do more often. I also find myself… easily distracted. And I didn’t expect some aspects of my magic, like teleportation, to be toxic. We didn’t foresee that.” “Teleportation is dangerous, but your telekinesis seems fine,” Chrysalis said, assuming a pensive expression. “Maybe the components of the spell were wrong. Perhaps I overdid with the luminite? The book wasn’t clear enough on that one.” “Maybe,” the other one said, taking the same pondering look on her face. “We may never know.” She pointed up towards the Spire. “Oh, look, the Equestrians have already arrived.” Chrysalis turned around to see a golden, pegasus-drawn carriage landing on one of the terraces. So soon? The ponies couldn’t do anything according to the schedule, now could they? “You should go and sign that treaty,” the duplicate said. “I can’t do that, I have my mind full of things other than diplomacy and foreign relations. But you should totally do it,” she nodded at the already dancing newlyweds. “For them. They could spend their honeymoon in Canterlot.” “Can I trust you?” Chrysalis asked. “Would you trust yourself?” “Of course not.” “See?” the duplicate smirked and nudged Chrysalis. “We’re already getting along. I think that I’ll be a perfect assistant that we… that you… always wanted.” Initially reluctant, Chrysalis realized that she got what she wanted: she could now be in two places at once. One Chrysalis could return to the Spire and host the envoy because it was a necessary thing to do, and the other could stay with the subjects because it was the right thing to do. After all, having another, slightly different version of herself was just like having… a sister – supposedly, because the changelings had no such concept. “One, take care of the party,” Chrysalis said. “Two, don’t come near the Spire until the Equestrians sign the treaty and leave. Three… we’ll sort this out later,” Chrysalis said and flew back towards the Spire. About halfway to the top she turned around to glance at the orange cluster once more. Her new assistant was helping to decorate the area, hanging colorful banners and flying with streamers around the stalagmites, all of that while dropping small amounts of glitter and confetti on heads of the partying changelings. Perhaps it wasn’t exactly how she’d express care for her subject if she was down there instead, but everybody seemed upbeat enough, which was more than any of Chrysalises could ever ask for.
Chapter 3Cheersalis Every time Chrysalis was returning to the Spire she was greeted by Iqqel already waiting for her. It was peculiar – either her advisor had an excellent timing or was spending hours on the terraces anticipating the return of the queen. Probably the former, as the latter was against all logic and did not fit what Chrysalis knew about Iqqel. “My Queen, the Equestrians have arrived early,” the changeling informed. “I’ve already sent for the representatives of the Seven Castes. They will be joining you and the envoy in the Spire ballroom shortly.” “I’ve already had my share of Joinings today, thank you very much,” Chrysalis entered the obsidian palace and followed the corridors. Iqqel was trotting right behind her. “Does it mean that your hunt was successful?” “In a way, yes,” Chrysalis replied with a chuckle. “I incorrectly assumed that the Hive was in danger while its future has actually never been more secured,” she stopped upon reaching doors to the ballroom. “How do I look? And speak from your heart.” “You look magnificent as always, my Queen.” “Iqqel…” The changeling shuffled her hooves in hesitation. Chrysalis stared at her, making it clear that she was expecting not a conventionality, but an honest reply. The advisor could only sigh to that. “Very well, my Queen. Forgive me for what I’m about to say,” Iqqel said and took a deep breath. “Would you mind raising your head… and straightening up? Thank you… now please show me your charming smile… I meant charming, my Queen, not the seductive one.” Keeping her head high, straight like a string and smiling in her own, specific smirk with her green eyes partially closed, Chrysalis shook her head and raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Whatever do you mean? That’s just my regular smile.” “I know that. I know,” Iqqel silently said, turning her head away to hide a slight blush from Chrysalis. She then cleared her throat and addressed the taller changeling. “Now, my Queen, it is time to show the ambassador that Equestria can benefit a lot from learning about our culture and customs. I’m convinced that you’ll be representing the affairs of the Hive in speech with the same passion you’re defending us in your deeds.” Upon hearing that, Chrysalis felt pleasantly contented. She looked Iqqel in the eyes. There was something unspoken in that stare, something she knew she had already seen, perhaps quite recently, yet could not fully decipher… but as much as she’d love to ponder over it further, the envoy couldn’t be left waiting. She put a hoof on the doors to the ballroom and took a deep breath. “Very well. I shall meet him now,” she pushed the doors. “It is actually her, my Queen. I believe you two have already met,” she heard Iqqel’s one last piece of advice before entering the room. The Equestrian ambassador turned out to be a well-known alicorn mare, and it was true that she and Chrysalis had already met – and more than just once. She was standing at the opposite end of the now exquisitely decorated Spire ballroom, guarded by two watchful white pegasi in golden armor who were standing out against the shining black floor like the stars on the night sky. Chrysalis had personal affairs with her, true, but she couldn’t allow that to jeopardize the chance of bringing a wealthier future for the Hive. “Of all ponies Celestia could send, she is the ambassador?” Chrysalis muttered under her breath and paced across the ballroom. “Just my luck.” At first she felt concerned – that one definitely was a world-class magic expert and things could go nasty if the other Chrysalis happened to drop by. But she was busy with caring for the Hive down in the cluster, so there was no need to worry. Remembering about keeping her posture straight and smiling in a charming way, Chrysalis approached the ambassador and put a right hoof to her chest in the universal gesture of respect. “Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria, on behalf of the mighty Changeling Hive Chrysalis, I, Queen Chrysalis, bid you welcome. I do hope that our meeting today will prove beneficial to both of our nations, with mutual understanding being the most anticipated one.” Instead of replying right away, Twilight sparkled up her horn and removed several bobby pins holding her coiffure, allowing it to fall into a disheveled state. Then, she employed her magic to rearrange her mostly sapphire mane into a different composition: slightly shorter, but equally elegant. As she was finishing, all of the bobby pins slid in between her hair, locking the configuration anew and leaving no spare pins. The fact that Twilight did that actually really impressed Chrysalis. In the past, whenever a guest was arriving at the Hive it was considered polite if he altered his appearance in some way, usually by changing his accessories or hairstyle. This old custom was supposed to be a gesture of respect towards the ever-changing nature of the changelings, and Twilight had probably dug it up somewhere in one of her many libraries. And Chrysalis did not see it coming! Unprepared, she was about to disregard the gesture completely, but she spotted Iqqel flying towards her carrying a silver plate with two green scrunches on it. Blessing the advisor in her mind, Chrysalis immediately lifted them and used to alter her appearance as well. She parted her mane into symmetrical bundles of hair which she then secured near her head with the scrunches into something one could call ‘pigtails’. Twilight spoke only when Chrysalis was done. “On behalf of the land of Equestria, reigned peacefully by the Princesses Celestia and Luna, as well as my own, I’d like to conduct gratitude for inviting us here,” she said. “Though I know that you weren’t expecting me in particular, I hope that it will not cause any inconveniences regarding the treaty.” “Of course not, ambassador. We’re… happy to host you here.” “Please, just call me Twilight,” the mare smiled. “Twilight, then,” Chrysalis drawled, but then immediately rebuked herself in her thoughts. She smiled and softened her tone. “Twilight, since the official part is over and the welcome feast…” she looked at Iqqel who was flying behind the Equestrians – the changeling shook her head, “…is not ready yet, I suppose you have many questions about the Hive life. Shall we sit to discuss them?” “Thank you,” Twilight replied and turned to her guards. “You may ease up now, friends,” she turned to Chrysalis again, joining the changeling at a formidable, round table made of quartz and onyx. “Yes, I actually made a list of several aspects that I’m eager to learn, but I thought maybe you could start by telling us more about this place?” Describing your home while at your home. That sounded trivial enough. “Ah, perfect,” Chrysalis said and waved her hoof around. “We are currently in a place called the Spire. For generations, it has been a duty of changeling queens to carve in it and to shape it. Each queen brought something new… I added several chambers myself. Just like the Altering you’ve performed with your mane, the Spire symbolizes the ever-changing nature of our society.” Twilight nodded attentively. “Very thoughtful. I was told earlier that this particular chamber is the ballroom?” she asked and pointed at the walls towards the banners. “I find your decorative arts very impressive. One of my friends would love to learn the technique in which they were made.” Phew, Chrysalis had a hunch to bring those otherwise redundant decorations from the Vault. Points for the Hive! “Thank you, Twilight, I'm glad that you're finding them interesting,” she said. “Yes, this is the ballroom, although it actually serves many purposes. It is also much smaller than the one in the Canterlot Castle which I happened to…” she halted for a while, searching for a proper word, “…visit, but I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying our traditional craft.” “What about this work of art?” Twilight pointed up at the chandelier full of greenish and bluish crystals. “It provides light but from what I see those are not candles… but some kind of glimmering gemstones?” “Very observant of you,” Chrysalis said. “This chandelier is composed of luminite crystals.” “Luminite?” the mare seemed surprised. “I never heard of it. Is this some kind of ore, or a mineral?” So far so good. According to the plan, the envoy was supposed to inquire about the luminite so Chrysalis could bathe in glory of the Hive’s technological prowess – it tasted even better due to the fact that it was Twilight Sparkle, the most studious and well-read of all ponies who was asking the question. Candles, bah! “It is a mineral we mine which shines in the dark,” Chrysalis explained, unscrewing one of the crystals from the chandelier and sending it to Twilight. The mare grabbed it in her own magic and stared into it intently. “Interestingly enough, breaking or refining it does not cause it to lose its properties. We’re using chunks of unrefined luminite as lamps to light our homes and we purify it– ah, it seems that the Seven Castes have arrived!” Twilight looked back to see seven changelings entering the ballroom. Overall they were nearly identical, but differed in the unique color of their eyes. They approached Chrysalis and bowed deeply, then formed a line along one side of the table. “Ambassador Twilight,” Chrysalis said. “As you may already know, the changeling society is divided into castes. Please spare a minute to acquaintance yourself with those representatives, and they will explain what our Hive has to offer to Equestrians better than I ever would.” And so the procession began. First a green-eyed representative of the Tender Caste told Twilight about his cluster’s revolutionary techniques of growing plants underground. Then a Thinker described what kind of research they would like to conduct in association with the Equestrians. Then came a Warrior, Speaker, Worker, Maker and finally a Feeder with red, glowing eyes. In the meantime, the welcome feast was served for the Equestrians and the representatives of the castes, and Chrysalis had a minute to evaluate the progress so far. She had to admit that Twilight Sparkle was no longer the obnoxious filly that thwarted her plans those few years ago – around the appearance of the Secretariat Comet – but a rather skilled diplomat and a fine grown mare. Apparently being Celestia’s prized student was more than just applying magic to the concept of friendship and vice versa, because Twilight had clearly accrued some practical skills as well. At some point of the feast, after learning more about the Seven Castes, Twilight felt necessary to inquire more about the way changeling society was organized. “It’s very impressive, it seems that everyone knows their place,” she said. “But I don’t quite catch your naming convention – they all seem similar, but at the same time different. Your advisor that welcomed us…” she turned to address the changeling standing by Chrysalis’ side. “I’m sorry, I don’t want to mispronounce it… Liliquel?” “It is Lili-Iqqel,” Chrysalis corrected. “A changeling’s name consists of two parts: first half is dependent on the caste to which the given changeling belongs. You can also tell its gender from it,” Chrysalis nodded at Iqqel to continue. “Every female changeling of the Speaker Caste, like me, will have ‘Lili’ in her formal name,” Iqqel explained. “It is ‘Lilo” for those who identify themselves as males, like representative Lilo-Varrex here,” she pointed at the changeling sitting at the other side of the table who nodded slightly. “Excuse me, ‘identify’?” “Changelings are essentially sexless,” Iqqel said. “We do not have distinction for ‘mares’ and ‘stallions’ based on anatomical features like you do. Some of us have more feminine characteristics while some resemble males, but in the end it is about choosing the gender we feel comfortable with. It all comes down to the Ceremony of Names, but I wouldn’t want to bore you, ambassador.” “No, please, go on! This is actually quite fascinating!” Twilight said. “Oh, I have so many questions! Like what about the second part of your name, what is this Ceremony you’ve mentioned, how does it all connect to the caste system and the color of your eyes!” she turned to Chrysalis. “And why doesn’t your name follow that compound pattern?” Iqqel seemed a bit confused after that sudden outburst of pony inquisitiveness and looked at Chrysalis questioningly, who just giggled and encouraged her to continue. With a smile on her face, the changeling eased up a bit, obviously content that she could be of help. “A changeling is hatched without a name, gender or purpose in life. Its eyes are white and it is considered a youngling and referred to as a drone,” Iqqel began. “Through interactions with older changelings its personality is being slowly shaped. When a certain age is reached, the Ceremony of Names is being held. The changeling goes to the Hall of Names and spends a night there under the care of a Speaker, while the friends and acquaintances from the cluster are meditating outside and beseeching resolve,” she turned to Chrysalis. “My Queen, may I…” Chrysalis was already there, filling a cup with orange juice and passing it to Iqqel, which she emptied in three big sips.
Chapter 4Cheersalis “Thank you,” Iqqel said, putting the cup away. “During a night the changeling confesses to the Speaker, telling him about his choices for life. The chances are that he or she already knows that prior to the Ceremony, but this is our way of formalizing those choices. After the night the changeling emerges from the Hall of Names and is henceforth considered an adult member of the Hive.” “It’s pretty complicated,” Twilight admitted. “And what about the eyes? Could you please give me some examples to work with?” “I can tell you about mine,” Iqqel said. “As a drone who was always more comfortable with my feminine traits, I also felt my talents revolved around helping others through what I could say to them. I enjoyed that more than anything else, and in time I realized it was my destiny to dedicate myself to the Speaker Caste. It took me quite some time of walking around the Hall to choose my name, but when I finally found it, I closed my eyes and spoke my vow: ‘Yesterday a drone, tomorrow Lili-Iqqel of the Speaker Caste’. When I opened my eyes, my confessor said they turned violet.” “Just like that, your eyes turning different?” Twilight frowned. “How exactly does it work?” “We can’t explain that, Twilight,” Chrysalis cut in, subtly pointing at Twilight's flank with a six-pointed star on it. “Much like you can’t explain the mystery behind your cutie marks.” “That’s a fair point, I admit! But what about you? Is it Chrysalis of Chrysa-Lis?” Chrysalis treated herself an apple imported from the surface. “I also went through the Ceremony of Names as a drone, many years ago,” she said. “Everything went just as in Iqqel’s case until I was to speak my vow. I did it, several times, but my eyes didn’t change into the color I expected. Nor did they remain white. They became black.” Twilight’s own eyes widened in fascination. “When the Speaker saw that he fell to the ground and kneeled before me. I initially didn’t understand that, but he explained that it is my destiny to became the next queen.” “Wait a second,” Twilight could barely stay seated on her chair because of the rising excitement. “Are you telling me that you descended into that Hall of Names, that you had dreams and plans for your life, and your very identity almost fully shaped… and you were denied to assume it? And Chrysalis isn’t even your real name?” Chrysalis smirked. She’d never expect that by telling about the beginnings of her Metamorphosis she could evoke such strong emotions. If it wasn’t so personal she’d tell Twilight the rest – that would certainly knock her over! “It is as real as it can be, Twilight Sparkle,” she said instead. “For the changelings, a name we choose is a promise we make. A promise to ourselves, each other and the entire Hive. Though I did not become what I intended to become, I left my past self behind the moment I’ve sworn to lead and protect the Changeling Hive Chrysalis, assuming the name traditional for our queens.” Then she sat up more comfortably, drinking down Twilight’s bedazzlement. If that wasn’t good enough presentation of how deep the changelings’ culture and caves were reaching, then she honestly wouldn’t know what else she could say. But it was apparently enough – for a few good seconds Twilight was staring blankly into her cup only to pour herself another glass of more stimulating drinks served on the table. Now, for the grand finale, Chrysalis was going to inquire about the treaty. It was time for some hardcore diplomacy. Out of the blue there was a sound of a party trumpet being heard. A flame-maned changeling flew into the room, spreading glitter and confetti all around the place. She had balloons fastened to her tail and streamers coming through the holes in her legs. When Chrysalis saw a triangular paper hat on her duplicate’s head, she became fully convinced that despite her precise instructions a walking disgrace to her body had just entered the ballroom. “Hellooo, everyone!” she waved her hoof sweeping around all the guests, then shook her tail to release the balloons into the air. “Sorry I’m late but the reception down there was awesome! The changelings surely know how to party, don’t you agree, Queen Chryssi?” Both Twilight’s Royal Guards and Chrysalis’ Spire Guards reacted at a commendable pace, the pegasi standing in front of their princess, and the changelings rushing at the newcomer. “Wait!” Chrysalis commanded, to which the changelings stopped, still throwing angry stares at the duplicate. She cleaned the edges of her mouth with an amaranth napkin and turned to the alicorn mare, standing up. “Excuse us for a moment.” She couldn’t act suspiciously towards the duplicate – not with Twilight around, ready to condemn her little experiment. She knew that with a single spell Twilight could learn about the arcane nature of the Chrysalis look-alike. Chrysalis grabbed her duplicate’s tail and dragged her across the ballroom while she just kept fluttering her wings and smiling joyfully. They disappeared in an adjacent chamber as Chrysalis slammed the door shut with her magic. “What are you doing here? What is this?” she hissed, knocking the ridiculous paper hat out of the ludicrously smiling head of her duplicate. “I told you to stay away from the Spire until the Equestrians will be gone!” The other changeling, apparently oblivious to Chrysalis’ words, grabbed the hat and raised it to eye level. “It’s a cool hat! You can turn it into a boat if you–” “I will turn you into a boat!” Chrysalis cut her off, using magic to burn the paper hat down. “I’ll invent a new, into-boat-changing magic solely to test it on you! You’re nothing but trouble and you shouldn’t be here! Not when we’re this close to signing the treaty!” The duplicate started pulling the colorful streamers from her legs. “I love your new hairstyle, by the way,” she grabbed the pile of streamers with her mouth as if she was a cat carrying a kitten. “Do you want to accessorize it?” “Argh!” Chrysalis wanted to strangle her duplicate. “Are you even listening? The Equestrian ambassador turned out to be Twilight Sparkle instead of some dumb pawn from Celestia’s court we’ve expected! If she starts sniffing we’re doomed!” “Hey, and what’s exactly between us and Twilight Sparkle? Why don’t you want her to see me? Are you ashamed of me? Should I be ashamed of myself?” Chrysalis had to put a hoof on her forehead to regain her self-control. She closed her eyes, took a couple of deep inhales and exhales, then looked at the duplicate who was just rearranging her orange mane into pigtails banded with streamers. “Please, don’t be distracted for a moment and search through our memories,” she said, putting a hoof on the other changeling’s mouth. “As we both know, Twilight Sparkle is especially knowledgeable magic user and that she and Celestia had banned cloning magic because it is a, quote, ‘condemnable art leading only to abuse’." There was a muffled comment being heard. "Shush!" Chrysalis said, securing her counterpart's mouth even tighter. "We're too similar and she's smart enough, it will only take her one examining spell. If she realizes how you came to be, Equestria will start meddling with my magical studies. And you surely remember how many other questionable projects I have running at the moment?” The duplicate just nodded, unable to say anything. “She can’t find out, do you understand? Just this once, focus and say that you understand how important this is,” she said, taking her hooves away. “Sure!” the other changeling exclaimed happily. “So, are we returning to the feast or not?” “Oh, what a brilliant idea!” Chrysalis rolled her eyes, feeling utterly defeated. “And what we will tell them, hmm? ‘Hey Twilight, here’s my clone, go say hello’?” “That’s– you’re right, that’s a big problem!” the orange-maned changeling replied, nodding with seriousness written all over her face. She started playing with the streamers in her mane. “But why would you want to tell her the truth? Don’t you know somebody who excels in deception, lies and fabricating the truth?” Chrysalis touched her green scrunches and smacked her head, then both changelings smiled at each other deviously. Half a minute later Chrysalises stepped back to the ballroom where confused changelings and Equestrians were anticipating their return. “Ambassador, caste representatives,” cerulean-maned Chrysalis wearing green scrunches addressed the group by the table. “I would like you to meet… uh… Cheersalis, who came from a faraway Hive Dontask reigned by the Queen Dontell. You probably never heard of either, but that’s okay. Don’t worry.” Her voice sounded steady, but she was shuffling her hooves nervously, as if she couldn’t stand standing still. But beside Chrysalises, only one other individual in the ballroom could see that. “She is a world-class specialist and has the academic degree in Non-Invasive Love Harvesting Methods. She had already gained respect and appreciation of our changelings, which is aweso– which is awe inspiring, and I hope that you’ll… uh… welcome her as I did.” The other Chrysalis, with her orange mane decorated with streamers jumped to Twilight. “Hello! It’s so nice to meet you!” she smiled widely, although her smile was slightly forced. Also her moves were rather odd, as if her body was used to walking with dignity instead of jumping like crazy. But again – beside Chrysalises there was only one individual that noticed that. “I heard that you’ll be signing the treaty and stuff and… I don’t know, celebrating that all night long! So I think you should sign it, what do you think?” The alicorn squinted, then grabbed her cup in the magenta mist, drinking the beverege extremely slowly and strongly focusing on the orange-maned changeling. For Chrysalis it was obvious that Twilight was just using her magic to tell if the changeling introduced to her as Cheersalis was a regular creature or one of arcane origins. Hiding it behind holding a cup wasn’t as smart as you'd think, princess! “Yes, I think we can sign the treaty now,” Twilight said after a while of that intensive stare. The mare put the cup away, seemingly disappointed – although beside Chrysalises only one other changeling in the ballroom spotted that. Holding a rolled parchment and a quill dripped in a square inkwell, Iqeel approached the cerulean-maned Chrysalis, although her eyes were escaping towards Cheersalis. This time, however, only she was aware of that… and nobody else. “My Queen… the Cultural Exchange Treaty,” she put the document at equal distance between Twilight and Chrysalis. The latter was about to reach for the quill. “No need for that,” Iqqel walked away before the quill would accidentally get covered with red, sparkling mist. She gave it to the lavender mare instead. “Your signature was already there, my Queen.” Twilight grabbed the quill in her own magic. “On behalf of the magical land of Equestria,” she began, “it is my great pleasure to announce that the Cultural Exchange Treaty between my nation and the Changeling Hive Chrysalis is now binding,” she scribed her name at the bottom of the parchment. “May it be the beginning of a beautiful relationship where ponies and changelings will stand together, learning what’s best in them from each other!” The representatives cheered and raised their glasses in a toast, which the changelings in all clusters were going to repeat in the hours to come. Canterlot, Manehatten, Cloudsdale and all other places they had been dreaming about and waiting to visit were now open to them. Still at the Spire ballroom, Queen Chrysalis of the Changeling Hive Chrysalis – the original one, although with the slightly altered appearance of her mane tied with colorful streamers – was once again blessing Iqqel in her thoughts. Her advisor did a commendable job. As always. * * * Dear Princess Celestia, It would seem that the Friendship Duplicate Spell that we dropped into the hooves of Queen Chrysalis’ oblivious agents was performed, even if she was trying to hide it behind her foreseeable deceit. I am certain that the duplicate introduced as ‘Cheersalis’ will bring the Magic of Friendship into their Hive. I believe that with a proper ‘encouragement’ from the cultural exchange program the changelings will develop a harmonized structure just as we calculated. Note: now that we’ve acquired more luminite crystals we should perfect the spell formula before bringing the Harmonica Initiative to the Griffin Kingdom. You will have my full report as soon as I return to Canterlot. Always your faithful student, Princess Twilight Sparkle Author's Note Need more changeling? Give Snowboardling and Dichromatic a try! Also, please check out the sequel by SoloBrony, The Queen and I!
