Author's Note

My latest update!

Like I mentioned earlier this really has evolved into a family piece for me. I'm pretty proud of it, ominous title and all. There's drama, romance, redemption, damnation, familial development, and even a little naughtiness...

Like I said, I like it and I hope you guys do too!

It shouldn't take so long for my next update. Let me know if you guys catch anything amiss, sometimes you miss things even after reading it over and over.

Speak easy!

-lolli C.

Chapter 9

The sound of great wings, mixed with an equine shaped eclipse of the sun, went unnoticed by Twilight Sparkle. Celestia and Luna descended upon the earth with grace despite their urgency. The two stared on the scene with great shock.

“Oh no…” Celestia’s tone was full of anxiousness.

“We are too late.” Luna’s mouth set in a thin line as they watched the former queen and knight plead over the soft gurgles of their dying child.

Luna shifted her attention to Twilight who seemed to be lost in a daze. She shook her head angrily. She had tried to warn her, and yet both her and her sister’s instincts had been correct in their assumptions of Twilight’s reaction. Maybe not to this extent, but they had thought she’d make a scene no one needed.

Celestia looked on with keen eyes, reaching with her consciousness to feel for life and will. What she found was much more. “It’s not too late…” She whispered as her expression was overcome with hope and determination. She managed to catch her siblings gaze. “It’s not too late!” She stepped forward readying herself for what was to come.

“Princess Celestia-“ Twilight made to move forward only to be intercepted by an irate lunar goddess.

“You’ve done enough.” Came Luna’s cold tone as she restrained the desperate alicorn from doing anything else. Twilight went limp in her grasp as the two looked on and Celestia tried to reason with the parents of the fading filly.

“Chrysalis, Gem-“

Chrysalis clutched her child closer as she buried her face in her mane.

“Don’t say her name!” Shining Armor snarled as he moved and stood protectively over the two. “You come any closer and I swear...” His face was twisted with anger and pain.

“Shining Armor, please! I came to stop this not to harm anyone. Let me help you. Every second counts, your daughter is dying.”

“Shining I-“ At the sound of his sister’s voice his horn glowed brightly with promise the magic.

“Not now Twilight!” Celestia scolded heatedly. “Please!” The alicorn choked back a sob as her shock was beginning to turn into something much more distressed. Celestia tried again in the same hopeful tone. “Shining Armor, Chrysalis…. Please… Let me help you. Let me help your daughter. She’s an alicorn- she’s still holding on! There is time, but we must act quickly! You have my word as a ruler that no more harm will befall her or either of you.” The Princess’ gaze was pleading. “Please. For your daughter’s sake…”

The stallion looked between the grieving changeling behind him and the hopeful alicorn in front of him. Something inside of him relented as he knew, in spite of their past, that the sol sovereign could be trusted. “Save her, Celestia. Whatever it takes- save her!”

Celestia sighed in relief as she nodded eagerly. Rushing past the stallion, she looked on the duo with the compassion of someone who knew the grief firsthand. Placing a hoof on Chrysalis’ shoulder, mother, daughter, father and alicorn were gone in a blinding display of light.

“Come,” Luna intoned, “We shall follow them. For your sake, I hope it’s not too late.”

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

The spell Twilight used probably would not have killed Chrysalis. Incapacitate her? Surely, but the probability of death despite its possibility, would have been low. Gemma, however, was not built the way that her mother was. She may have had changeling abilities, but biologically, there was nothing ‘changeling’ about her.

Her chances for survival as a child were much lower, alicorn or no.

“Princess? Chrysalis? Shining… Armor?” Felizi halted in her tracks when a transportation spell ended with four ponies in her infirmary. When she realized what she was seeing, golden eyes widened as the albino sprang into action.

“Triste!” She called for her sister. It was truly a distressing thing to see an injured child cradled haplessly in their pleading mother’s arms.

“Chrysalis,” Celestia commanded firmly, “you must let the healers work now. You have to let her go.”

Seconds later, a breathless Triste stumbled into the room only to halt in shock. Despite the years that had passed, she still recognized the twisted form of the changeling queen and the babe she’d help deliver into the world.

Felizi was anxious, as she waited for the mother to release the child into her care. “Chrysalis,” she encouraged, “please.” Raw anguish was nothing new to healer, but it still affected her. It hurt to watch the former guardsman pry the child away.

The way he stared into her eyes as he turned the child into her care was unsettling. He was charging her with more than a life she knew. She and her sister immediately set to work on their small patient combining medicine and magic in ways only they knew. Despite their concentration, neither could forget the look on the dark mare’s face as her love and their monarch dragged her away.

*-*-*-*-*-*

It’d only been a couple of hours, and yet through harsh whispers and fierce embraces with Shining Armor, the mare was able to force herself into a calm and cold state.

Shining Armor didn’t like it, but he understood that his lover was still in shock. They waited outside the infirmary as both their minds were reeling in different directions.

“If we lose her…”

“We won’t. She’s strong… She wouldn’t leave you this. She’s much too kind to leave like this.”

“She gets that from you.”

Neither smiled at the quip as they leaned on each other.

They both felt anger, but whereas one was heavily saturated in feelings related to regret and betrayal, the other simply felt helpless and lost.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Twilight spied on the couple from around a corner down the hall.

Luna stared at the other with a perfectly controlled mask. She felt bad for the girl, but knew that Twilight had brought this upon herself.

“I have to talk to him.” Twilight said with stale tears on her cheeks. “He’s my brother and I need… He needs to know that I’m sorry.”

“I do believe you’ve done enough Twilight.” Was the only response she got out of the other.

“Luna… Please. I made… I made a horrible, horrible mistake. I need to know if he’s okay.” She looked to the ground. “If we’re going to be okay.”

Against her better judgement, the moon goddess felt her disposition soften towards the other. The connection between siblings was sacred and as a pony who’d personally made a great and terrible mistake in a moment of weakness, she could admit that at one time she’d been in a position similar to Twilight.

With a heavy sigh, she trusted that the princess wouldn’t try anything else for a long while. “Wait here.” While she knew the aftermath of Twilight’s confrontation with Chrysalis, she didn’t need to be a warrioress to know that the two had most likely fought before the arrival of herself and her sister.

She approached the tense couple and convinced the former monarch to receive her own medical care using her injured child as motivation.

“Your daughter needs your strength more than ever, Chrysalis. You must be well, if only for her sake.”

Shining Armor agreed as he nuzzled her comfortingly. “She’s right, Chryssie. You took some hard hits earlier. I couldn’t stand it if you were hurt too.”

Luna could tell that she wanted to resist, so she spoke up. “It’s only for a little while and Shining Armor will be right here when Gemma pulls through. She is the best of both you and a spirit like that cannot be easily extinguished.”

Chrysalis fought back tears as she found herself desperately agreeing. She stood and hesitantly threw a glance over her shoulder. Shining Armor’s smile was tight even in his encouragement.

After the two had left into another room, Twilight cautiously approached her older brother.

“Shining Armor…”

He snorted disdainfully once he realized her approach. He obviously wanted nothing to do with her and said as much. “I can’t Twilight.”

“Please, don’t shut me out!”

He stared ahead balefully. His grey eyes swirled with a mix of emotion that made her want to shrink in on herself. “I’ve never truly wanted to hurt you until now… Just the thought of you hurts me. Do you understand?” Twilight looked away from his tensed form. “I don’t even want to look at you because it makes me afraid of what I could do.”

Twilight so wanted to reach out and touch her sibling, but knew it would only make things worse. “I never meant for any of this to happen!”

“But didn’t you?” Shining Armor mocked. “And what did you go over there to do, Twilight? Drink tea? Ask her nicely to lunch?” She sobbed. “You went there to hurt her! You thought that you knew what I wanted more than I did! You assumed that because she was different, because she’d done things you didn’t agree with or understand, that she was unworthy. You must’ve felt so high and mighty!”

“It wasn’t like that! I swear! I thought she was forcing you! I thought she had brainwashed you like last time! You were such a mess after all those horrible rumors came out in the papers. You changed- and not for the better! You didn’t even tell me the truth!”

“I told you enough- and now I’m sitting here- I promise, I will never make the same mistake again.”

She gasped at the finality of his words. “You are my nearest and dearest friend. You’re my brother! I love you! What happened to you broke my heart!” She moved to catch his gaze as she settled in front of him. “Of course I was terrified! I thought it was happening all over again!” His expression had yet to change. “Things escalated horribly, and for that I am truly, and deeply, sorry! You will never know the depths of my regret. I deserve your anger… I know that. I would deserve for you to never speak to me again…. But I can’t lose you! Please!” Twilight begged. “I’ll do anything else you ask of me, but please don’t say that! Please don’t say you can’t find any room for me in your heart anymore!”

“What you did...” Silent tears gathered and fell from his eyes. “It’s going to take a while… But I want to believe that you would never intentionally harm a child. Lest of all my child. But right now… Right now, it’s just not enough.”

Indigo eyes bulged in horror and the Princess of Friendship choked back a sob as the weight of her brother’s words hit her hard. “W-wait…. Jewels is… she’s….” The look on his face was all the confirmation she needed. “I… I didn’t- Oh gods! I am so sorry! Gods, Shining Armor-“ She lost herself to her own tumultuous emotions, completely aware of her brother’s lack of comfort.

All this time she thought he was ‘playing’ daddy when in actuality Gemma really was his child. She’d been so blinded by her own prejudice and stubbornness. “I have to… I have to go. I can’t sit here.” She’d almost killed her own flesh and blood.

“You can and you will.”

The two looked up to see the former queen standing in the hallway. Luna was already walking the other way.

Shining Armor opened his mouth to speak, but Chrysalis silenced him with a look. “Go to Gemma please,” was her calm request of him. He was still livid over all that had happened, but even though, not even he could leave Twilight to the wrath of Chrysalis. Their daughter almost died because of her, accident or not.

“Chryssie…”

“Go. There are things I think your sister needs to hear.”

Looking between the two, he conceded to her command hoping that nothing else bad would happen today as he moved to walk to the room his daughter was in hoping to hear good news. He pressed a kiss to the changeling’s forehead as he hugged her briefly before passing her. “She’s still my sister…” He whispered to which she nodded having never taken her eyes off the dejected alicorn.

After the stallion left, the two stared at each other for a long time. One mare was near hysterics, while the other radiated a cold calm.

It was Twilight who broke the silence as she all but threw herself at the mercy of her enemy. “I am so s-” But Chrysalis would not hear of it.

“Save your breath, Twilight. I have no love in my heart for you.” Her eyes were deadly serious as they bore down upon the other. “Do you hear me? None whatsoever. But my daughter, your niece…” Twilight felt her heart clench at the revelation. “She thinks the world of you. She loves you, dearly. Shining Armor, your brother, he loves you despite your disregard for his happiness. He still cares deeply for you despite what you’ve done to his daughter-“

“Chrysalis, I’m so so sorry!” She cried deeply ashamed. She hadn’t meant to hurt Gemma. Everything had gotten so out of control so quickly. Luna had tried to warn her. Celestia had tried to warn her. Shining Armor had told her, but she wouldn’t listen. And now someone else was paying the price for her actions.

“I’m not done yet.” Chrysalis sneered as she roughly lifted her bowed head so she could stare into red puffy eyes. “Despite what happened today… I don’t hate you. I want to, oh, how I want to. But seeing you suffer like this doesn’t bring me joy. Not for the price paid anyway.” The former queen’s gaze hardened even as it showed pity. “I know what it feels like to ruin yourself so spectacularly. I know the self-loathing, and guilt firsthand. It’s gut-wrenching and it smothers you. What you did was unforgivable, just like what some would say what I did was unforgivable. But, you’re not evil, Twilight Sparkle.”

Indigo eyes were wide with unshed tears. She had been so wrong… And so obstinate. The shame was almost as heavy her guilt. Here she was on the receiving end of a harsh life lesson, and Chrysalis’ voice was the voice of light and reason. “How…” She croaked as she tried to understand how the changeling queen could even stand the sight of her.

“Easy.” Chrysalis said as she rose to her full height, staring down at the woeful princess. “Because I know you have to live with this for the rest of your life. No matter how many good deeds you do or how many friendships you mend, you will never be able to undo this. This is a part of your legacy now, and you deserve whatever it comes with.”

The harshness of what was said was not lost upon the alicorn.

Of all the things to have in common with a pony.

At the sound of someone clearing their throat, both mares turned to see Princess Celestia standing in the doorway.

“Queen Chrysalis….”

“I see you’ve lost none of your cruelty Princess.”

“Chrysalis…”She corrected herself awkwardly. “I… You remember the twins I’m sure.”

“…”

“They’re still the best at what they do, but the rest is up to Gemma. She’s resting now, but you can still see her.” The sol deity informed having heard most of what was said. Concerned eyes fell onto her beloved pupil. Though the former queen had spoken candidly, she knew it must’ve felt like a terrible blow to the already wounded girl.

“Goodbye, Twilight.” Chrysalis said as she turned her back and left to be with her family.

Sniffling as she stood properly, the Princess of Friendship hadn’t the courage to look her mentor in the eye. “I’m going to go…” She said quietly.

Twilight Sparkle truly was one of a kind. Her loyalty and dedication spoke volumes about her character, but sometimes her tenacity made things difficult. It was a terrible lesson to learn in such a manner, but she had faith in her old pupil. Twilight was strong and Celestia truly believed she could come back from this.

Turning to leave, she was halted by Celestia’s warm tone. “Twilight…” She looked over her shoulder. “Take care of yourself.” The Princess’ smile was sad.

One day she’d be back but for now she had to go.

*-*-*-*-*-*

A part of Shining Armor recognized that the relationship between he and his sister had changed irrevocably, while another part of him was saddened by her departure. Celestia had informed him of her decision.

As he laid on cushions and blankets across from the bed that kept his daughter warm and comfortable, he found himself wondering what his future would hold. Gemma was his little girl and the thought of her passing was heartbreaking.

He’d never thought he’d have this chance with her again, and to know that he could very well miss it because of his sister of all ponies, hurt more than anything he’d ever experienced.

Chrysalis shifted against him as she tossed in her sleep.

Shining Armor stared down at the mare intensely.

So many memories flitted through his mind. Settling down, he wrapped her in his embrace and held her as he whispered gentle assurances in her ear. She sighed as she relaxed and it made him happy to know that he could still calm her so soundly. They had come so far, he thought. Cerulean eyes moved to watch the softly breathing filly across the room and his heart ached at the sight.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“Papa…”

Shining Armor felt his heart lurch with relief when the quiet voice of his filly reached his ears.

He and her mother had been waiting by her side since the healers had given them permission to visit.

“Gemma?” He leaned forward as he watched her pale eyelids flutter open.

She’d been unconscious for the past two days as the procedure the twins used had been complicated and draining for everyone involved.

She was so tired and her chest ached horribly. “Where…” She croaked as her throat was parched.

“You’re in Canterlot.” The stallion patiently explained as he floated a glass of water to the small child. She sipped the cool liquid, feeling grateful as it splashed down her throat. “Princess Celestia brought you to her castle to be seen by her personal healers. You were hurt pretty badly.”

Gemma looked confused until the events of a few days ago returned full force. “Mama!” She tried to sit up but the stallion eased her back down.

“She’s alright, Bright Eyes.” Shining Armor’s smile was gentle.

“She is?” Her eyes widened.

“Thanks to you… You saved her life.”

“I did?” She looked thoughtful. “Like you?” He raised a brow. “Like a knight!” She clarified as she settled back against her bed.

“Like a knight, yes.” He chuckled so happy to have her awake and well.

“A knight… and a princess…” Her face darkened.

“Gemma!” Chrysalis had left earlier to retrieve food from the kitchen. In her magical grasp was a plate of bread, herb infused oil and cheese. “Baby, you’re awake!” She immediately placed the items on the tableside as she rushed to lavish her daughter with relieved affection.

Felizi hearing the slight shout peaked in on the trio.

After seeing the child awake, she hurried inside shooing the parents away as she went about gathering vitals and conducting quick tests. The patient’s weakness and pale complexion was to be expected.

“How’re you feeling?” She asked the child kindly as she worked.

“Okay…” Gemma made a face. “My chest hurts and I’m hungry.”

Felizi smiled. “That is to be expected. I’ll tell Triste to bring you some stew. Would you like that?” She asked once she was satisfied with the results of her gentle probing.

The filly nodded and the healer excused herself as she left the trio to talk to her sister. She would be back with a fresh set of bandages and an enhanced healing salve that they were using to treat the wound left behind from the incident.

Gemma waited until the albino had left to speak her mind. “Princess Twilight… She tried to hurt you…” She stated petulantly. Her feelings were a whirlwind on the matter. It’s not every day a filly returns home to her mother being attacked by who she thought was a friend.

“I know, baby. I…”

“Why? Why would she do that?” Blue eyes narrowed.

“Twilight was confused when she did that.” Shining Armor tried to placate not wanting to go into detail. There were still parts about their relationship neither wanted the child to know as of yet.

“She didn’t mean it?”

“She did…“ But he also didn’t want to lie either.

“She still blames me for what happened all those years ago.” Chrysalis was used to giving these types of explanations. Patience was key.

“But things are different now…” Gemma defended. “You didn’t want to hurt those ponies.”

“She doesn’t understand that.” Chrysalis explained. Her eyes focused on the bandage that was wrapped around her daughter’s chest. She narrowed her eyes as its presence continued to upset her. “And you…” Her temper flared, overshadowing her relief. “I can’t believe you… Don’t you ever, ever, ever do that again!”

“Mama-“ Gemma winced.

“Do you understand? Never!”

“Chrysalis…” Shining Armor tried to calm the upset mare.

“No exciting the patient!” Triste reprimanded stepping into the room pushing a cart with food into the room. She glared at the child’s parents. “She’s still recovering.”

Chrysalis rolled her eyes as the mare approached annoyed with the reprimand.

Triste sat the stew in front of the child, laughing as she began to devour it.

As Gemma ate, Felizi entered with a tray of her own.

Chrysalis watched as the duo took care of her child, cleaning the wound that looked less serious than what she thought it would.

The procedure they used to treat the injury was as rare as it was complicated. It was through time manipulation and the containment of the affected area that the two were able to heal the wound. After doing a specific set of intervention, they contained the area and magically willed time forward to treat and repeat the process until the patient was no longer in critical care.

If not careful then the advancement of time could actually make the ailment worse if the interventions were done poorly or the patient’s body was too far gone. It took a great deal of magic to accomplish and put tremendous strain on the body. The damage that the spear had caused was harrowing to say the least, so the chance was necessary.

Now that the wound was much more manageable, the duo relied on less extreme tactics.

Gemma shivered as the cool cream was placed upon her chest. Triste’s horn glowed with magic as she treated the spot, magically forcing the child’s body to quickly absorb the medicine. Once done, Felizi wrapped the spot with clean bandages.

“She will tire as her body works to accept the medicine.” Felizi said in place of a farewell. With their work done, the twins exited with the dirty bandages and the empty bowl of stew giving the trio their privacy.

“Bright Eyes, We wouldn’t know how to go on without you.” Shining Armor comforted the small girl before her mother could work herself up again. “You were so brave…We’re just happy that you’re okay.” He smiled down on her as he smoothed her mane away from her face. “Right, Chryssie?”

The mare bit her lip and swallowed her true feelings for the sake of her ailing daughter. “Yes.” She nodded with a wobbly smile. “I can’t help but worry about you.” All that mattered now was her daughter’s recovery.