Chapters Applejack had just finished a hard day of work, she had a lot of work to catch up on after the wedding. She was about to enter the farmhouse when she heard a noise form the barn, she frowned “That ain’t right, nopony should be in there. Ah hope Rainbow isn’t playing another prank.”
She trotted towards the barn, she called out into the barn “Come out Rainbow, I’ve had enough of your games!”
She jumped as she hard a scream of pain, she barged into the only to see a familiar black figure that turned around to glare at her. The figure had a huge gash in her side that leaking green blood “Queen Chrysalis!”
Queen Chrysalis snarled “Are you here to finish me off pony?!”Applejack was stunned, Queen Chrysalis her worst enemy was bleeding out in her barn. She shook her head, she knew what she had to do. Queen Chrysalis growled “You think I’ll let yo…”
Applejack hefted the injured Queen onto her back “Ah don’t like ya one bit but Ah’ll be damned to Tartarus before Ah let anyone pony or otherwise bleed out in our barn.” Queen Chrysalis blinked in confusion as the Apple Farmer carried her back to the farmhouse, she didn’t expect that the pony would help her.
Big Mac raised an eyebrow as he saw Chrysalis laying on Applejack’s back, Applejack frowned “Ah found her bleeding out in the barn.”
Big Mac smiled as he nodded in understanding “Eeyup.” Applejack entered the farmhouse and carried Chrysalis up the stairs to the guest room.
Chrysalis was laid there on the bed, Chrysalis was left on the bed to gather her thoughts as Applejack left to get some medical supplied (Are these ponies insane, I’m their enemy. Why are they helping me?)
Applejack meanwhile was in the supplies closet upstairs, she grabbed a roll of bandages as well as a bottle of antiseptic that was resting on the wooden shelves. Applejack frowned “Ah never though Ah’d ever use these.”
She trotted out of the room into the hallway, she returned to the guest room only to see the Changeling Queen thinking about something she coughed “I need to bandage those wounds.”
Chrysalis nodded quietly, Applejack trotted over and began wrapping the massive gash “How did you get this type of injury?”
Chrysalis grimaced “I tried to fight a manticore over a kill, that was not the wisest decision in hindsight but I was starving.”
Applejack nodded in agreement “Those things are quite nasty, Fluttershy has fortunately made it clear to them they are to stay out of Ponyville.”
Chrysalis blinked “Wait that little yellow pegasus pony? I didn’t even consider her to be a threat.”
Applejack chuckled “Well she is pretty timid but when push comes to shove she has quite a bit of power. There is a bear that lives around her cottage.” She then frowned “Ah’m curious what was you plan anyway, why did you try to take over Equestria?”
Chrysalis sighed “Well in truth it was a grab at power. I believe that Changelings were superior to ponies in every way, the only reason we were afraid was because of the Alicorns.”
Applejack raised an eyebrow “How did you plan on beating Luna, Ah have observed Luna closely and she appears to be a true warrior. Ah’m confident you would have lost that fight.”
Chrysalis frowned “In truth I believe my hive could have swarmed her, even one as powerful as she could be overwhelmed by such numbers. Changelings are know for their power to swarm.”
Applejack frowned “Ah’m pretty sure the Thestrals Ah’ve seen would join her side. There wasn’t any around during the invasion.”
Chrysalis slumped “So my plan was doomed to failure, there was no way my hive could have overcome the mighty shadow hunters. They are capable of hiding in plain sight.”
Applejack shrugged “Ah don’t know much about that. “ She then frowned “Do you think you can make it down the stairs or do Ah have to carry you?”
Chrysalis forced herself to her hooves “I’ll manage.” The Former Changeling Queen slowly trotted down the stairs with Applejack by her side, they entered eating area and took a seat at the round table.
That was when Chrysalis saw an elderly green mare trot out of the kitchen and placed a plate of apple fritters in front of her. The elderly green mare chuckled at the guest’s confused expression “No guest will be shunned here regardless of what ya have done in the past. Now eat up, you look starved.”
Chrysalis looked over herself realizing just how skinny she looked. Without another word she wolfed down the apple fritters quickly. Applejack smiled “Well, you weren’t lying when you said you were starving. More food will be coming shortly.”
Chrysalis frowned “Once I’m fully recovered, what will you do then.”
Applejack frowned “Ah won’t chase you out but Ah do expect you should start chipping in on the farm. You clearly are a strong mare capable of some hard work.”
Chrysalis sighed “Well it’s not like have much of a choice, it is better than the alternative which would be to run off and try to find food elsewhere.” She then gave a weak smile “Besides you are helping when you shouldn’t, I should at least repay the favour right.”
Applejack nodded “Ah understand, look this will be rough for the both of us. You and Ah are opposites, Ah am honest soul while you are shapeshifter who hides amongst us. We are very different individuals but we should try to get along, it will make both our lives easier.”
Chrysalis nodded “Very well, Applejack. We’ll try not to be a bother to the other.” The two shook each others hooves before, Granny Smith brought out more food one plate for the each of them this time. She smiled as she saw her daughter and her guest were talking to each other with slight smiles on their muzzles.
Author's Note
I hope you enjoyed this first chapter.
It was early the next morning, Chrysalis groaned as the light of Celestia’s sun bombarded her face. Se groaned “Great another night of hunting for scraps.” Her sleep addled mind was unable comprehend why she was not sleeping in the cold damp Everfree but in a warm cotton bed in a fairly plain wooden room.
Applejack carried two apple pies into the room with a smile “Breakfast is ready?”
Chrysalis nodded “Thank you for the hospitality.”
Applejack raised an eyebrow “Your welcome, Ah must admit Ah wasn’t expecting a thank you. You weren’t very friendly at the wedding, you treated us all like dirt.”
Chrysalis frowned “I was taught the importance of good manners by my mother, she wanted to make it very clear to me the importance of respect. The wedding was an act, to act just odd enough to may Twilight suspicious while you would think it was just wedding jitters, I wasn’t planning on her finding Cadence.”
Applejack frowned “Well Ah got to go and get some ponies, they need to be informed about your presence here so they don’t cause.”
Meanwhile in Canterlot Castle
Celestia was holding the Solar Court. She frowned at one of the nobles “I will not pass such an absurd declaration.”
Now this most nobles would have taken her frown as a reason to shut their mouths but this one was unusually brazen. He grinned“Why should anypony listen to you, you were beaten by that stupid bug Queen!”
Celestia eyes narrowed, she was usually a calm pony capable of handling comments such as this with ease but with all the stress following the invasion had pushed her patience to it’s limits. In the first time in many centuries Celestia’s Royal Canterlot Voice echoed throughout the chambers “I am not in mood to wipe your plots for you! NOW GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!”
The nobles all scrambled out, even the bold one knew that he made a massive mistake. Celestia slumped, everypony was questioning her decisions she was trying to sort out the aftermath but it was failing. Suddenly, a guard burst in panicked “A changeling is at the gates!”
Celestia roared “What, bring the Changeling in now!”
A few minutes later a tall, black changeling with a silky like dark green mane with chitin that shined in the light. Her hooves were devoid of holes, she was escorted into the room. She bowed before the Alicorn “I am here to offer my sincerest apologies for my mother’s actions. I have recently taken command of the hive, as for where she went noling knows.”
Celestia sighed “I will arrange you a room in the castle and we can discuss diplomatic relations tommorow. I am too tired for diplomacy today.”
The Changeling rubbed the back of her head “Forgive me I haven't introduced myself. I’m Queen Ocellus, how about we spend some time together.”
Celestia smiled slightly “Sure, I could use some company today.”
Back in Ponyville
Applejack was leading the five ponies to the farm, Apple Bloom frowned “We were going to do some crusading. What was so important that drag away from the Rarity’s.”
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo yawned, Rainbow Dash frowned “I have work to do and right now it’s being delayed. I want to have some time for my nap later.”
Pinkie bounced along with a smile “Relax Dashie, Applejack wouldn't drag us out here if it wasn’t important.”
Rainbow Dash sighed “I know that but it’s still very annoying. I was hoping for a slightly more normal day but apparently not.”
Applejack frowned as she turned to them at the gates of Sweet Apple Acres “Now Ah need you all to Pinkie Promise not to tell anypony about what Ah am about to show you all. It is very important.”
Applejack calmly watched as they did the motions “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”
She nodded “Now come with me, Ah have to show you to our guest.” She frowned “Now be warned, our guest is not like most ponies you’d meet but Ah expect you to treat her with respect. She had a nasty run in with a Manticore, the fact she had survived long enough for me to tend to her wounds is a testament to her strength. Most ponies would be dead within seconds from those kinds of injuries.”
The Crusaders as well as Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash contemplated her words carefully as they were lead towards the farm house. Big Mac looked at all of them with a nod, he then turned to his sister “Eeyup.”
They headed through the house up the stairs towards the guest room, Applejack opened the door and Applejack stepped forward as the other five were staring stunned at Chrysalis who was nervously looking for an exit. Applejack put a hoof on the Changeling Queen, you’re our guest and anypony who tries to harm you will have to go through me.”
Rainbow Dash recovered first and let out a low growl “Queen Chrysalis, I will not allow you to get away this time!” Applejack got into a defensive position only for a pink hoof to slam Rainbow Dash into the floor.
Rainbow Dash turned to Pinkie Pie only to see the pink mare’s mane was completely flat as a murderous aura emitted from her. Pinkie Pie frowned “I never thought I would have to use this but you tried to attack someone who was injured. We need to trust our friends, we failed to trust a friend recently and we all vowed not to make such a mistake again.”
She then approached the Former Changeling Queen with a warm smile, her flat mane rested along her withers “I believe that there is something good in you, I can feel it. Your deserve a second chance.”
Chrysalis looked away “Why did you unleash a part of yourself that you despise for me. I’m your enemy, why help me?”
Pinkie smiled “Because you deserve a second chance.”
The Crusaders cheered in unison “Yeah, once you’re recovered maybe you could help us with Cutie Mark Ideas.”
Rainbow trotted over with a forlorn look “I’m sorry, I just snapped at seeing you.”
Chrysalis gave a small smirk “I understand, you and I are both very proud individuals” she then sighed “the fact you were the only one who reacted like that is a positive thing.” Applejack left with other five reaffirmed the fact they were going to keep the secret while Chrysalis fell asleep exhausted from the stressful interaction.
Author's Note
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Chrysalis groaned as she forced herself to her hooves, she carefully made her way down the stairs. She slowly trotted through the building into the dining room, she heard out Applejack shout “Chrysalis!”
Chrysalis flinched as Applejack stormed down the stairs “You should have waited for me, what if you got hurt?!”
Chrysalis slumped “I’m sorry, I just didn’t want to spend too long in bed.”
Applejack took a deep breath “I was going to be in soon but you need to be more careful. Now take a seat while I get more bandages.” Chrysalis took a seat in the kitchen, it was not long before Applejack came down with some bandages.
The two stayed silent as Applejack removed the bandages, she looked at the wounds. They had all closed and were healing quickly, Applejack blinked “I have never seen wounds heal this fast.”
Chrysalis nodded “Changelings are products of centuries of evolution, we heal fast and fight hard. The only creature with better healing factors then us are Alicorns who can heal all manners of wounds within seconds, I’ll be fighting fit in a few days time.”
Applejack frowned”That explains how despite how hard we hit you, you got right back up. That was a rough time.” She shook her head “That means soon you can help out on the farm.”
Chrysalis gave Applejack something she thought she would never see from the former Queen, a warm smile “I have plenty of experience on farms, they were always a good source of love. There always something special about the families that lived in farms, the love there was different, stronger than anything else I had ever felt.”
Applejack smiled “I’m glad that you shared that with me. I have some chores to do after breakfast, feel free to explore the orchid but don’t overdo it.”
Chrysalis nodded still smiling “I will.”
Apple Bloom exited the kitchen with a smile, placing several plates of pancakes on the table. Apple Bloom asked “So what is it like back home, Ah’m curious.”
Chrysalis shook her head “Home was on the road, every-ling had to work for the good of the hive. Even me, I spent more time out of hive than in it, I even a foal once she was beautiful and it was the best ten years of my life. I was happily married on an apple farm like this one. I was a young Royal, the heir to the throne but they discovered I had a child outside of the hive and invaded the farm.”
Applejack’s eyes widened “What happened then.”
Chrysalis took a deep breath “I nearly died. I was taken back to the hive for healing, I found out later that my family was protected by the guard after the attack so they were safe. After I recovered, I awoke in a green pod. I snuck out of the room, and headed to the throne room with one single thing on my mind. I had to protect my daughter and the rest of my family. I entered the room and impaled my mother the current Queen on my horn killing her. Then as the sole remaining Royal I became Queen.”
Apple Bloom shuddered “That sounds horrible, why would you do something like that.”
Applejack frowned “Ah don’t like it either Apple Bloom but what you do if someone threatened your foal.” Tears started to form in her eyes “Our parents gave their lives for us, they… they…”
Chrysalis wrapped her hooves around the sobbing mare “Let it out, the loss of family hurts. I have learned to put it past me but that comes from centuries of experience. Let it out.”
Applejack began to cry on Chrysalis’s withers, Apple Bloom joined in the hug the trio sitting there a. Big Mac trotted down the stairs and smiled at what he saw. He grabbed a plate of his own and after eating left the farmhouse to do the chores.
Granny Smith meanwhile was smiling from the Kitchen, their guest was doing wonders for Applejack but her name was familiar. Granny Smith just couldn’t quite place it. The trio sat there for a couple of hours before Applejack recovered, she looked outside to see a tired Big Mac “Why didn’t say something Big Mac, Ah could have helped.”
Big Mac shook his head “Eenope.”
Granny Smith smiled “You needed this, we both saw it. Our new guest has been doing wonder for you, you’ve been happier lately.”
Chrysalis smiled “I’m just glad to be given a place to stay, I have struggled with a lot. I have stayed in a place like this in centuries. My past will no longer haunt me.”
Meanwhile somewhere in Equestria a massive Earth pony mare with a black coat and deep green mane was travelling along the road two large saddlebags strapped to her back “I haven’t been to Ponyville in a while. I wonder how Granny Smith is doing?”
She arrived at the borders of Manehatten with a warm smile. Ponies blinked in confusion as none had ever seen such a massive pony, she trotted into a high class hotel the pristine glowing golden walls showed the true opulence of the structure. The mare trotted up to a light blue unicorn mare with a dark blue in fancy clothes. The unicorn blinked in confusion “May inquire as to why you are here?”
The Earth Pony mare smiled as her eyes glowed with green magic levitating a ten thousand bits out of her saddlebags “Will this be enough or me to rent out a room for the night?”
The Unicorn mare nodded eagerly “Of course, we just need a name for your records.”
The Earth Pony mare smiled “Chrysanthenum Apple, I can take my bags up to my room but could you give me a newspaper. I know little of recent events.”
The unicorn mare smiled gave her a key “The paper will be in your room by the time you get there. Chrysanthenum put the key in her bags and headed up through the lavish hallways to a small quaint room on the second floor. She happily trotted over to the table setting her saddlebags next to the table, she picked up the newspaper and began to read. Her eyes narrowed as she read the paper, by the end of the first paragraph she looked at the paper “I will pay a visit to Canterlot after I visit Ponyville, I’m coming for you mother.”
Author's Note
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Author's Note
Warning before you start reading, this chapter will get very gorey near the end. It earned this story a change to mature for the rating. Still for those who are still here I hope you enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 4: Raging Apple
Celestia and Luna as well as Ocellus were sitting in the meeting room along with several of her advisers. One of the oldest advisers a dark blue stallion with a pale white mane with a scroll plastered on his flank frowned“Are you sure this is wise?” he then turned to Ocellus “I mean no offense when I say this but we have little reason to trust you after current events.”
Ocellus grinned “Good, I’m glad your taking this seriously. I was honestly a little worried about this not because because you would reject it but you’d accept it too readily. I was worried you were going to be overly gullible but I’m glad that picture that I was told about ponies was wrong.”
Luna nodded “Maybe we should start in Ponyville and slowly introduce changelings. If we can get this working in a small town then we can scale upwards from there.”
Celestia frowned “I’m not sure Twilight will be happy about that but it may be the only way. I’ll write a letter to her immediately so she can prepare while I make the announcement.”
Luna sighed “I just hope this works, the drama you caused yesterday alone has caused us so many problems. The Nobles are in an uproar about all of this.”
Meanwhile on a train heading towards Ponyville, Chrysanthenum was frowning to herself (I have to find mother.) She looked around the scenery, she smiled as she saw the Apple Orchid, the train soon arrived at the station and she got off with a smile.
Several ponies looked at her in a mix of shock and confusion, she hadn’t been here for one hundred years and large mares like her were rare outside of Alicorns. She shrugged as she headed towards Sweet Apple Acres, Chrysanthenum smiled as she entered the farm only to see a large stallion that almost reached her height. She bowed “Chrysanthemum Apple at your service!”
Big Mac blinked for a few moments before nodded “Eeyup.”
She gigged “Not much of a talker? Well I would like to have a look around the farm for a bit. I won’t be straying long I have business in Canterlot but I will return after I’m done.”
She wandered the Orchid with a smile as she looked at the vibrant some of them covered in Apples. She saw the farm house, she smiled as she saw Granny Smith laying on a rocking chair outside sleeping. Her thoughts of the farm were interrupted when she heard the sound of a tree being bucked, Chrysanthenum smiled as she saw Applejack “So you’re the newest mare of the Apple Family.”
Applejack raised an eyebrow “Who are you and what are you doing on the farm?”
Chrysanthenum smiled “I’m Chrysanthenum Apple, I haven't been to Sweet Apple Acres in a century. It has grown a lot since I was last here.”
Applejack’s jaw dropped “You’re the Wandering Matriarch? Ah never expected to see you here!”
Chrysanthenum frowned “I was about to return here when I received some troubling news. I can’t stay long, in fact I probably should leave now to be honest but I will be back. I need to find my mother, she should be in Canterlot.”
Applejack smiled “I understand that, Family’s important. I’ll introduce you to our guest when you return.”
Just as she left Twilight galloped onto the farm “I just received word that the a new Changeling took over Chrysalis’ old hive and we are going to start accepting Changelings into Equestria with Ponyville being the test location.”
Applejack frowned deeply “That could cause some problems, Ah wasn’t going to inform you but with this Ah can’t hide our guest any longer.”
Twilight blinked in confusion “What do you mean? Who is your guest?”
Applejack shook her head and head towards farmhouse with Twilight following behind “It would be easier to show you, just trust me she is not a threat.” Twilight was no fool, she knew something was not right but she trusted Applejack. She quietly followed her friend.
The two entered the house and headed up the stairs, Applejack looked at Twilight who was not far from the door “Wait here. Ah need to speak to our guest first.”
Chrysalis grimaced quietly “Why is she outside? Are you really going to tell her about me, she hates me remember.”
Applejack sighed maintaining the low volume “Well Queen Ocellus has decided to integrate Changeling into Equestria and they are starting here. Ah need to inform Twilight about you before one of the Changelings discovers you.”
Chrysalis nodded “I see, I’ll speak to her.”
Applejack opened the door, she called out “Twilight you can come in!”
As soon as Twilight came she began to shake, her coat began to smoulder “Queen Chrysalis!” Applejack jumped in the way as Twilight fired a huge deluge magic out of her horn, Applejack flew into the wall. Twilight looked in horror at her friend who laid there, she was too preoccupied to notice the green goo coming towards her.
Twilight glared at Chrysalis “Are attempting to take over Equestria again!”
Chrysalis glared back as she put a bit of goo on Twilight’s horn “No, it’s the fact you tried to blast without even listening. I have been staying here for a few days under Applejack’s care and while I would love to finish the discussion I need to make sure she is alright first.
Chrysalis trotted over to Applejack “Are you okay?”
Applejack winced “Ah forgot how powerful Twilight was. Ah didn’t think she blow up like that.”
Chrysalis giggled “I have her stuck on the wall temporarily.” Applejack shook her head, the Former Queen pouted “Your no fun.” She removed the spit from the unicorn.
Applejack eyes narrowed “Ah helped Chrysalis because she was injured by a Manticore and she has been pleasant company ever since. Ah didn’t tell you because Ah was worried you would do something drastic.”
Twilight grimaced “Fine, I’ll listen to what you have to say” she then pointed to the Former Queen “but I don’t trust anything she says.”
Twilight heard an angry voice “The maybe you will listen to me, she has done wonders for young Applejack and they have bonded over the few days she has been here.” Twilight gulped as Granny Smith glared at her with barely restrained fury.
Meanwhile on the train which was a heading to Canterlot, Chrysanthenum was impatiently waiting for the train to arrive. Once it did she stormed out of the train heading straight for the Castle undaunted by anyone else in her way, she arrived at the castle when the two guards at the door blocked her path with spears “The Princesses are busy handling diplomatic matters and can’t be…” Chrysanthenum headbutted one of the guards before smashing the other down the hallway with her hoof.
She trotted into the castle even as guards emerged from every angle “Surrender now and nopony gets hurt!”
Chrysanthenum shrugged before galloping forward slamming her hooves on two guards in front of her before leaping onto her hind legs as her body glowed with green magic. All the guards in the room rushed her, she dodged a lance before grabbing one of the guard using him as bat smashing several guards before she felt a slight nudge and turned around to see a guard holding a broken spear that had made contact parting her fur enough to see a shining black surface underneath.
She shrugged as she smashed him with the other guard she was holding, then she frowned as she heard the sounds of flying and turned around to see two Alicorns. She growled “Where’s Chrysalis, where’s my mother!”
Celestia shook her head “She is not here but you will be punished for you assault on our castle.”
Celestia fired a blast down at the mare only for the mare to shrug as the blast enveloped her, Celestia eyes widened as the mare stepped out of the smoke “You Alicorns aren’t that special, you bleed like any other pony.”
Before either Alicorn could react the mare disappeared in a green flash of light, before reappearing in front of Celestia punching her into the floor. Luna then flew out at Chrysanthenum who was descending slowly “How dare you hurt my sister you…”
Her speech was cut short as hoof grabbed her by the neck and the rotated her around as they were falling slamming her forehead into Celestia’s forehead. The guards stood there in horror as the Earth Pony slammed one of their ruler’s heads into the others repeatedly while shouting “Where is my mother?!”
Celestia’s only remaining thought was (Twilight, I hope you can get here soon.)
Back in Ponyville Twilight was sitting quietly at the table, she looked “I’m sorry Chrysalis and Applejack, I screwed up.”
Before either could speak Spike ran in panting “We have problem… wait why is she here… never mind, a massive Black Earth Pony Mare is attacking Canterlot and she may need your help.”
Applejack’s eyes widened “That’s Chrysanthenum, the Wandering Matriarch the oldest member of our family. She was looking for her mother in Canterlot”
Chrysalis grimaced “Remember how I said I had a daughter, well her name was Chrysanthemum and had black coat as well as mane of a similar colour to mine.”
Twilight frowned “This shouldn’t be a problem, Celestia can handle an Earth Pony surely.”
Chrysalis frowned “Chrysanthenum has all the power of Changeling Queen without needing love to provide that power. She could have beaten me when I beat your mentor, imagine how strong I was then times ti by ten then enhance it with Earth Pony magic as well. I need to speak to her or else she won’t calm down.”
Twilight began to panic “It will too long to get there by train.”
Chrysalis smiled “There is so much love on the farm, I can make the teleport.” She put a hoof on Twilight and Applejack, the trio vanishing in a green flash. Chrysalis frowned “I can feel Changeling magic going off. We need to go now.”
The trio galloped out of the room where the wedding reception was held, Twilight saw several nurses taking injured guards away “I hope the Princesses are okay.”
Chrysalis grimaced “I’d be glad if they are alive, Chrysanthemum was tougher than me at ten and when she was angry far more brutal.”
Applejack sighed “Today just keeps getting better and better.” They arrived to see the sight of conflict, Chrysalis shouted “Chyrsa, enough! Drop Princess Luna at once!”
Chrysanthenum turned around to see Chrysalis tears in her eyes “Mum?”
Chrysalis sighed as several nurses picked up the heavily injured Princesses and carried them away “Yes my daughter. Just stop, you’ve hurt a lot of ponies today.”
Chrysa galloped over to her mother wrapping her in a hug “I’ve missed you so much, I am so glad to see you again.”
Chrysalis smiled warmly “I know you do sweetie.” Meanwhile Applejack was sitting there looking on in shock while Twilight had left with the nurses. Celestia’s jaw was broken so badly that it was barely hanging off a small piece of sinew, both eyes were dangling out of her face. Luna’s wasn’t in much better shape, her tongue had been ripped out and one eye had been ripped out completely.
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Twilight frowned as she sat on the throne that was way too big for her, there was little to discuss as Celestia, Luna and Ocellus already had already made the plans so the Changelings had already begun filing into Ponyville. Still she was here in Canterlot reading through petitions, some of the average citizen and the rest from the arrogant nobles. She growled as she looked at the petition which read
I humbly request funds to build a bridge to this small island so I can build a summer home upon it.
She instantly denied the petition before reaching for another one only to realise it was from one of the nobles talking about school funding. What was odd was there was some magic on the scroll in addition to the protection enchantment, she frowned as she looked at the name of the petitioner. A noble by the name of Swift Scroll who had been quite agitated at her appointment as regent.
She began an analysis spell only for the scroll to glow red, then three black figures leapt from the roof their horns glowing as they isolated the scroll with powerful shield spells. The scroll exploded inside the shield, Twilight blinked “Who are you?”
The one at the front nodded “I am Pharynx, Queen Ocellus has put me in charge of your protection detail. We are wholly devoted to making this work, your security is paramount.”
Twilight smiled “Thank you for your help.” She then frowned “Still I would like if you would stay hidden, while I call an emergency court. This was clearly an attempted assassination and must be taken into account.”
Pharynx nodded “We’ll be there, hidden and out of sight.”
Twilight left her room where a light grey pony with an ink well Cutie Mark awaited “We heard an explosion, is everything alright?”
Twilight growled “Somepony tried to assassinate me, I will be holding an emergency court immediately! This must be resolved now!”
Raven nodded calmly “Very well, I will see that it is done.”
Twilight left heading for the court. It was not long before Twilight was sitting in front of all the nobles, she shouted “Swift Scroll, come forward!”
Swift Scroll bowed “Regent Sparkle, may I inquire are as to why I have been summoned up to you?”
Twilight growled “Your petition had an explosive charm on it! It exploded in my presence and I know for a fact that you were not pleased with me, so tell me why did you try and assassinate me!”
Swift Scroll's calm visage shattered as she her horn glowed “I will not let some poor pathetic, low ranking noble take what rightfully belongs to us! Prepare to…”
She gasped as green spit covered her horn, Pharynx and his two fellow guards leapt off the roof before snarling “We have been given direct orders to protect miss Sparkle at all costs and you are going to be taken away by the Royal Guard!” The guards entered and took the mare, Twilight sighed as the screams of the mare faded into the distance.
Meanwhile in Ponyville, Chrysalis and Chyrsa were bucking trees. Chrysalis wiped the sweat of with a hoof “I’ve missed this, the life on the farm was so simple.”
Chrysa nodded with a smile as she pulled the cart over “I have been travelling for so long, I have longed for the farm work but I have had to keep an eye on every branch of the family. Settled quite a few disputes over the centuries.”
Applejack smiled as she trotted over to them “You have been doing a good job, we are a few days ahead of schedule. Ah have just finished the the northwest orchid over yonder but you have at least collected half of the south west orchid, Ah’d say it’s time for a break.”
Chrysa nodded “I agree, if we overwork ourselves nothing will get done.” As they headed back to the farm house Chrysa frowned “I’m curious, what are the origins of Changelings?”
Chrysalis sighed “We were once not that different from those who live here. In fact our ancestors were some of the first Earth Ponies.”
Applejack shouted “What, how?!”
Chrysalis shook her head “It’s not a pleasant story, our kind were once slaves to Unicorns. We were forced to do menial tasks, what was worse they experimented on. My mother was amongst them, she was one of the first queens.”
Chyrsa frowned “How did they escape? Unicorns had powerful magic didn’t they?”
Chrysalis frowned at her daughter “We were created by mixing their Unicorn magic and Pegasi magic that they drained from stolen clouds with our Earth Pony. Our connection to the Earth has stuck through the eons despite this and is our greatest source of power.”
Applejack raised an eyebrow “What do you mean?”
Chrysalis smiled “We could grow food even in the deepest depths where Sunlight never reached. I cultivated several Apple Orchards deep in the hive, they were a reminder of my true home.”
Chrysa smiled at her mum“Could you show me? I would like to learn more about the other side of my family.” They entered the farmhouse and took their seats, a few changelings that had been given temporary jobs as farm hooves eyes widened at the former Queen.
Applejack shook her head “None of that you here, Chrysalis is a part of the family. That means she is treated to the same respect as the rest of us.”
Chrysalis bowed “I am no longer Queen, I’m just another Changeling trying to find her way in the world.” The Changelings frowned quietly before nodding leaving the room, Chrysalis then turned to Chrysa “Maybe one day you’ll see them but I can’t return to the hive. I am in exile, tall that awaits me at the hive is death should I ever return.”
Chrysa looked down “Oh.”
Chrysalis smiled “Relax, I’m here surrounded by my family and that’s enough for me. You don’t need to worry your about me.” The three started to eat leaving the unhappy feelings of the past behind them.
Author's Note
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.
Celestia groaned as she awoke, several nurses galloped over to her “Are you alright, Princess Celestia?!”
Celestia frowned “I’m fine, how’s my sister.”
The nurses looked down “We were able to attach her tongue but one of her eyes was damaged beyond belief. The doctors were unable to fix her eye.”
Celestia took a deep breath “Have you got the mare in custody, I wish to see to her punishment personally.”
The nurses shook her head “She is a member of the Apple Family and is in the care of Applejack. Also Chrysalis was found to have been staying at the Apple Farm, she and her daughter are staying there now.”
Celestia took a deep breath “I insist that my sister and I speak with both of them, it needs to be cleared up now before we take up duties again.”
One of the doctors entered with a frown “I don’t like this but if you’re going to do this we can’t stop you without worsening your condition. We will send you two there in a medical chariot.” It wasn’t long before two ponies carried the mare out on stretchers into a massive chariot with ten royal guards pulling it.
Twilight was smiling “I’m glad your both okay.”
Luna growled “That mare took our eye, we will rip her limb from limb!”
Celestia glared at her sister “Do you not think I am not furious?! She hurt us both but steady yourself, we couldn’t beat her at our best! All would be inviting would be a quick death from her hooves, she may not spare us a second time!”
Luna protested “But she broke into our castle and assaulted out guards.”
Celestia sighed “We attacked first remember, she came here demanding answers. Her assault only doing enough damage to get past the guards until she confronted us and then we attacked her refusing to give her answers.”
Twilight gave them a weak smile “I’ll hold down the castle Princesses. I actually have a meeting with some diplomats in two hours so have to go.”
Luna smiled as the chariot took off “Sister, I do believe you have picked a good pony to succeed us.” She then sighed “Our foolishness one thousand years ago has caused too many problems and even now the effects our mistakes are being felt.”
Celestia shook her head “We can’t let the mistakes of the past way us down. Instead we must build the new future that will preserve harmony for all.”
Luna sighed “You always were the wise one sister. Yow saw everything that I didn’t, ever taking charge for correcting my mistakes.”
Celestia grimaced “All my wisdom couldn’t prevent your fall, I should have seen it but I was so blind. I was so caught up in all the power that I lost sight of what’s important.”
Luna was bout to respond when the medical chariot landed in the middle of Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack trotted over and bowed “Princesses, Ah wasn’t expecting you to be visiting today.”
Luna frowned “We wish to speak with Chrysalis and her daughter.”
Applejack nodded “Ah’ll go and get them. They are getting along quite with our changeling farmhooves, it’s surprising how effective Changeling Empathy is at solving disputes.”
Celestia smiled as Applejack trotted of into the distance “Well at least the Changeling integration is going well here it seems.”
Luna grimaced “So it seems.”
Celestia frowned “Don’t act like that. This is a positive thing, we can’t act like we used to one thousand years ago. I don’t want our gardens filled with any more enemies if we can help it.”
Luna sighed “Sorry sister, it’s just I should have been there. Chrysalis shouldn’t have faced you alone. We would have overcome her together.”
Celestia shook her head “I’m glad we didn’t or else we may not be here today.”
Before either could comment Chrysalis and Chyrsa approached, Chrysa growled preparing to fight “What are you two doing here?!”
Chrysalis scowled at her “Stand down! Neither of them are in any condition to fight us and we are their subjects.” She then bowed before “Princess, forgive me for my past indiscretions towards you.”
Celestia smiled warmly “All is forgiven, the past is the past and should be left behind us.”
Chrysalis shook her head “While I admire the attempt, I can feel anger inside both of you. Celestia you are angry at me for the what I have done, you are angry at Chrysa because she assaulted both of you. Luna’s anger is even more concerning, she is angry at herself for not stopping me, angry at me for what I did, angry my daughter for her assault and angry at you as well.”
Celestia turned to her sister “Why are you angry at me?!”
Luna growled “Because you haven’t learned anything since when I was banished. You are are just saying words and expecting me to follow them, I thought we were supposed to be equals.”
Chrysalis took a deep breath as she saw Celestia freeze and put a hoof on the Moon Princesses’ wither “Look at me.” The angry princess turned around a slitted teal eye glaring at her, Chrysalis shook her head “If you’re angry then hit me with all you’ve got.”
The Royal Guards watched in shock as Luna took off with her wings smashing her hooves into the Changeling Queen. Chrysa was about to rush when a slight glare from her mother before a blast of magic sent the former Queen into the ground.
Chrysalis laid there as the Princess fired blasts into the ground (This is so going to suck when I have to replace all the dirt.) Celestia and Chrysa exchanged confused glances as they saw that the former Queen was allowing the Moon Goddess to pummel her into the ground without a worry in the world.
Author's Note
I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chrysalis was humming to herself as she was baking in the kitchen, she began to sing as she remembered something from far in her past.
Love blooms in my heart, my family stands with me
We are a clan, an unstoppable legion of the earth
May the sun face us, may the moon despise us
We will fight on for our freedom
Applejack hearing the song entered the room only to blush as she saw the former Queen’s flank swinging side to side, Chrysalis continued to sign not noticing the blushing mare leave the room as she was too caught up in the memories.
Their magic can’t bring us down, not their fire or ice
The cold clouds above will fall to our stalwart hearts
We are the unchallenged guardian of the world
The ground below heads out mighty call
Our power is vast and our endurance unmatched
We cater to the land, enriching with magic and giving it life
Our descendants will carry on our grand legacy
The masters of nature will live on through the harshest cold and hottest flame
She stopped singing as she noticed the first batch of baked good was finished. She put them on the bench before putting in the second batch. Chyrsa trotted in with a smile “You remember the song, you used to sing that all the time when I was a filly.”
Chrysalis smiled “I never forgot it, even with the time I was away I never forgot that song. I sung it to myself, it was the only way I could get any sleep.” She then shook her head “I believe you should go and talk to our Royal guests. This will be a good opportunity for them to let off some steam and recover.”
Chyrsa frowned “Do I have too.”
Chrysalis frowned “Yes, I am not foolish enough to hold some petty grudge over this. I lost and they won, that is the end of it.” Chyrsa mumbled something as she trotted out of the room, Chrysalis turned to the door “I know you’re there Granny Smith, I’m sure you know it’s rude to eavesdrop on others.”
Granny Smith sighed “I know but I was just wondering what is you plan with the two Princesses in our living room. I am not exactly comfortable with the tension in the air.”
Chrysalis frowned “I’ll handle Chyrsa and sort all of this out. Don’t worry, things are calmer now.” Chrysalis smiled as she turned to the oven to see the second batch was finished. She levitated it out of the over and placed them on the bench, she then levitated out the first batch out with her.
Luna and Celestia were sitting on one side while Chyrsa was sitting next to Applejack. Big Mac and Apple Bloom were sitting between the two groups. Chrysalis levitated the food onto the table, two pies, several turnovers and various other apple related products were placed on the table. I was not long before everyone in the room started grabbing their share of food, Celestia took a bite and smiled “This is really good.”
Chrysalis smiled “I’m glad you enjoy my baked goods, I have quite a few recipes that I haven’t taught anyone else but I think that should change soon.”
Luna turned to Chrysalis “I’m curious, do you Changelings have any enemies that may threaten us in the future?”
Chrysalis frowned “Not really, it is pretty hard to have enemies when nothing knows you exist. Well there was the sirens, creature that live to create hatred are going to cause problems for those who feed off love.”
Celestia grimaced “Three of them caused us some trouble a while back. Starswirl banished them to a different dimension.”
Chrysalis grimaced “So some manged to slip away, it was a long and violent war. Many died during that war, I wasn’t hatched yet so I don’t exactly know all the details.”
Applejack raised an eyebrow “What about the Wendigos? Didn’t they cause a great amount of hatred in Ponies.”
Chyrsa shook her head “Not really, they just fed off the hatred and malice between the three tribes that had resurfaced. From what mum told me there was little they could do about that other than stop it from escalating to full blown war.”
Chrysalis grimaced “Those were really dark days, there was talk of trying to fake a war to unify Equestria. Our kind was starving to death from the lack of love, there was even talk on invaded Equestria pumping it full of love and then vanishing. Finally three brave changelings through an ancient force of magic changed themselves into ponies permanently and through their hard work they turned the tide of history. They were Clover the Clever, Smart Cookie and Private Pansy.”
Everypony save Luna and Chyrsa gasped, Luna however was deep in thought. She remembered back in the day, Clover in particular always had that far-away look in her eyes as if she had abandoned something long ago. Apple Bloom frowned “That can’t be right, can it?”
Luna frowned “I believe it, Clover often was distracted by something. Smart Cookie and Private Pansy often were concerned at Clover’s behaviour, often consoling her when she was having a bad day. It does make sense in hindsight.”
Celestia frowned “I never did pay much attention to them after I took the throne, maybe I should have been more attentive.”
Meanwhile in Canterlot a group of nobles had gathered in secret, they were grinning “Now it’s time to put Equestria back into the hooves of the unicorns and return it to how it was eons ago. Then we can truly take over the world as it is our birthright.” Several mercenary leaders were inside the building listening to the orders of their clients as they got ready to march on Canterlot.
Author's Note
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Chapter 9: Civil Conflict
Twilight was sitting in the room as she was dealing with the medical staff. Twilight frowned “How much longer before they can being taking up their duties again.”
Dr Curaga grimaced “They should be capable of handling paperwork but anything more will be considered too stressful.” Before Twilight could reply an huge explosion rocked the castle, her eyes widened as several explosions battered the castle.
When several Changelings in heavy armour dropped from the ceiling “We need to get you and the Princesses to safety. We are currently repelling multiple mercenary groups in the city with Royal and Night guards backing us up!”
Twilight grimaced she was not prepared for conflict and she knew it, she sighed “I need you to get Chrysalis and Chyrsa involved. I fear this is just the beginning for a far bigger conflict.”
Pharynx frowned “Our Queen has already contacted them, they should arriving soon.”
Celestia and Luna trotted out, Celestia frowned “We need to get to the emergency shelter and…” Several large explosions rattled the city, Celestia grimaced “Let’s just get out of here.”
The two Alicorns exited the room alongside Twilight and her guard only to see Ocellus levitating a massive blade tearing through mercenaries who were running through the halls. Twilight’s eyes widened as a huge mechanical fist punched through the wall.
Celestia growled “How did the fuck get their hooves on that?! I told them to get that dismantled as soon as I realised what was made!”
Luna growled “Why was such a thing made in the first place, sister?! You never told me about such a project, so please explain how such a colossal weapon got made!”
Twilight frowned “I’m curious too Luna but we need to deal with it first. We can discuss that later and…”
An Ursa Major paw pulled out the massive mechanised Minotaur, before opening it’s mechanical mouth firing a beam of pure energy burning it to ashes. The Ursa Major placed it’s paw down and Applejack galloped off the beast. The beast then flashed in green flames revealing an Chrysalis who flew down with a grin “The enemy is soon to be defeated now their mechanised monstrosity is down!”
Luna and Twilight turned to Celestia who blushed “Um, well that thing was made ten years before Luna’s return.” She growled “It was the Summer Celebration and I was having a bad day, I hated the Celebration a reminded of my failure and everypony was more insistent than usual on congratulating for my failure! I got really drunk that night and came up with a stupid half drunken plan that was passed, I was going to blow up the moon with it.”
Ocellus grimaced “I’m not sure I should trust you with the integration after hearing that.” She then paused before growling “They got away the bloody bastards, most of the nobles that we discovered were leading the attack escaped and even worse they were able to claim most of their material wealth. They could try again!”
Chyrsa sighed as she entered “This is my fault, if I didn’t injure the Princesses this would never have happened. They told me they planned to wiped out the Changelings and all who supported them.”
Twilight looked at both Chrysalis and Chyrsa “This whole incident occurred because of your actions! Now I could have you locked away for this but that won’t solve the current problem, so you two are now conscripted into Military Service until these fools are found and brought before me!”
Chyrsa was about to refuse when Chrysalis silenced her with a glare. She then turned to Twilight “We will do all in our power to rectify this. It’s our responsibility as our actions led to this disaster.”
Chyrsa growled “We can’t, we are not soldiers. We lack the experience to attempt such a…”
Chrysalis frowned “Do you think the wedding my first attempt at conflict. I have taken up weapons in numerous wars across Equestrian history under various identities becoming a general in multiple armies.”
Applejack blinked in confusion “Wait you have fought in wars?”
Chrysalis frowned “Equestria always had the largest supply of love, to let it burn would spend the end of all Changelings. I am not the only Queen who has had to take drastic action for the sake of our kind.”
Chyrsa frowned “I have never really got involved in a war before. I don’t know exactly how I could help over the course of a long war.”
Chrysalis frowned “I’ll teach you what I know, in the meantime we need to prepare for future attacks because judging from the scale of the attack this was a preliminary attack to test our defences and get their masters out Canterlot. We need to take this seriously or else Equestria could be ruled by this pathetic fools.”
Ocellus frowned “We could set up a shield around the city. That could repel them form the Capital.”
Chrysalis shook her head “No, they will just attack other cites. We need to anticipate our enemies moves, we may even needs to call on additional forces if this continues onward.”
Celestia frowned “I’m not sure this is going to work, the public wouldn’t be happy to mention that a pony who assaulted us and the changeling that launched the Canterlot Invasion are commanding our military. Not to mention she is going to have work with your brother.”
Twilight took a deep breath before turning to Chrysalis “I will put as many fires as I can but you will bring them down. I am giving you complete command of the military, so don’t disappoint me.”
Chrysalis saluted “Will do, Princess! Chyrsa and I must discuss strategy with Captain Armour!” Chyrsa followed her mother with concern.
Twilight frowned “Ocellus, I could use your assistance so we can put out some fires before they start.”
Meanwhile Luna turned to Celestia “Twilight is really adapting to her current position, soon she may not even need us.”
Celestia smiled “Well at least something good has come from this mess.” The pair headed in the direction that Ocellus and Twilight went eager to find out what their plans were.”
Author's Note
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Twilight was sitting there with Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Ocellus as Chrysalis and Shining Armour entered. Ocellus and Cadence gasped at the changed form of Chrysalis while Celestia and Luna were frowning at the former Queen, Twilight however was far more concerned with the absence of the Earth Pony mare alongside the dejected look on the former Queen.
Twilight took a deep breath ready to receive the bad news, Shining Armour took a seat next to the Queen at the table “The enemy has been annihilated, Chyrsa is absent because Prince Blueblood tried to sent Chrysalis to Tartarus for one hundred years only for Chyrsa to get in the way and was sent there instead.”
Twilight heard the sobbing of the former Queen, fury began to well up in her heart. She spoke with cold conviction “We will find a way to bring her back, if necessary I will tear Tartarus asunder to bring her back!”
Luna growled “You can’t do that, Tartarus is the home of the most evil beings in the history of your worlds! You have no idea what you’re suggesting, you end our world if you did that!”
Twilight turned to Luna her voice rising with each word “I will not let anypony suffer, she has done nothing that is worth that! She doesn’t deserve to suffer in the cold prison, I will try to find a solution but if I can’t find one by the end of the week Tartarus will fall before me!” Everypony’s eyes widened as the white’s of her eyes turned a sickly green as purple trails flowed out of her eyes “Nopony deserves to face such injustice!”
Twilight exited the room heading towards the Library, Ocellus demanded “What was that?!”
Chrysalis looked up drying her tears “That was dark magic, I could sense it. It’s a great power but it comes with a cost, look at me. I let my fury consume me and it changed me permanently, I must speak with her.”
Cadence frowned “I think one of us should speak to her, what she intends to do is dangerous. We will need to stop her from doing something foolish, she could unleash so much evil into our world.”
Chrysalis grimaced “I can’t stop her from doing that I’m afraid, I want my daughter back. If she didn’t do that I probably would, no I need her to calm her down before she becomes consumed by that dark magic. She believes she needs to free her and anything you would say will only strengthen that fury. I however can get through to her because this is more important for me that it is for her.”
Celestia smiled “You’re a very different mare than I had expected.”
Chrysalis nodded “I was your enemy, I’m sure to someone out there you are a terrible monster.” Celestia nodded grimly, Chrysalis smiled “I’ll speak to Twilight.”
Everyone in the castle watched the former Queen warily, having that many mouths is not something that would go unnoticed by many and you would be a very weird individual to think that was normal. She trotted towards the Royal Library, she entered to see Twilight levitating fifty books around her.
Chrysalis frowned “Twilight, you need to calm down.”
Twilight turned angrily only to see Chrysalis standing there, Twilight blinked “Are you here to stop me? I need to free your daughter from Tartarus.”
Chrysalis shook her head “You won’t do very well with that dark magic addling your mind. Take a deep breath, let the hatred flow out of you then we can continue the research together.”
Twilight paused as she felt the dark magic coursing through her, she began to do what she did best “No no no, Princess Celestia is going make me immortal then banish me to the moon for one thousand years. Then when I return she will…”
Chrysalis sighed as she put a hoof in Twilight’s muzzle “Stop panicking you are the current regent. Now while they will take up their roles soon, you need to calm yourself down. I want my daughter back and need your help.”
Twilight took a few deep breaths as Chrysalis removed her hoof, the darkness slowly faded from her eyes. Twilight smiled “Thanks, I guess I lost my head there. It’s just what they did made me so mad.”
Chrysalis nodded “Yes but they are gone now, no use letting fury rule for those who have already been punished. For now let’s look into some of these books you were reading.”
Twilight smiled “I agree, it’s time to study.” Chrysalis and Twilight begin to dig through notes.
Meanwhile Applejack who was staying the castle had just received word that army had successfully returned. She galloped for the Throne room only to see three Alicorns and Ocellus, she demanded “Where are they?!”
Celestia frowned “Chrysalis is in the Library with Twilight, Prince Blueblood tried to send her to Tartarus and her daughter got in the way. They are currently trying to find a way to retrieve her from Tartarus.”
Applejack growled “I’m going to speak with Twilight! This is her fault, I’ll give her a talking too!”
Ocellus nodded before the others could stop Applejack “Very well Applejack, resolve this. Holding onto this will cause harm for everyone, do what you must.”
Applejack galloped out of the room, Celestia frowned as the other to Alicorns glared at Ocellus “Why did you let her go?”
Ocellus smiled “Chrysalis will be able to talk her down” she then frowned “if we let fester Applejack will hold to that anger for the rest of her life, her friendship with Twilight will be forever damaged by this if we let it go.”
Meanwhile Applejack burst into the Library furiously “Twilight, this is all your fault! She didn’t want to be out there and…”
Chrysalis stood up “Enough! Twilight did what she needed to do as Regent, I sent so many of my children to their deaths because that’s what I’m required to do as a leader. Celestia likely has done the same in past and Luna definitely has, it is the weight of leadership!”
Applejack tried to come up with a counterargument, Chrysalis shook her head “The fact is that it happened we can’t undo the past but we can strive to do better. She is helping me find a way to retrieve her, that is enough for me. I want you to think long and hard about this before you return.” Applejack sighed before leaving the room allowing the pair to return to their work.
Author's Note
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Applejack was laying in the guest room, she was upset. She had one of her family taken away form her, she reserved the right to be angry did she not. She removed from her musings by a familiar voice “Applejack.”
She sat up to see Chrysalis carrying two saddlebags standing there with a smile, Applejack frowned “Ah thought you were giving me some time to think?”
Chrysalis smiled “Well, the truth is Twilight wanted to keep working but I told her that we would start to burn out if we didn’t have a break. You need to work with a fresh eyes, you get tunnel vision if you stare at something for too long.”
Applejack sighed “So you want to spend some time with me in Canterlot, Ah’m not one for the fancy stuff in Canterlot. Ah am a hard working farm pony at heart.”
Chrysalis giggled “So am I, I was bucking tree were your grandparent’s grandparents weren’t even a twinkle in their parent’s eyes. I was going to Doughnut Joe’s, it is a nice place to relax.”
Applejack smiled “That’s true, I have been rather stressed out lately Ah must admit.”
The two of them left the castle heading down to Doughnut Joes, Chrysalis smiled a she and Applejack entered “A platter of your finest doughnuts for the two of us.”
Doughnut Joe chuckled “They’ll be ready soon.”
Applejack and Chrysalis were sitting in the small shop, Applejack frowned “Chrysalis. I would like to to know more about your reign, some of the stories of your life.”
Chrysalis frowned “Well one of the important invents I was involved in was…”
Centuries Ago
An armoured light blue pegasus with a golden mane was flying above the ground alongside several other armoured pegasi, dragons were belching fire at them. She yelled “Evasive manoeuvres, now!”
One of them shouted “Captain Swift Storm, we can’t keep this up for much longer! There are too many of them!”
Swift Storm growled “We need to hold the Line, countless ponies are depending on us! Princess Celestia is busy with the Royal Guard fighting the Griffon Invasion Force!” She flew past a dragon tearing through it’s scale with a wing blade before firing a razor sharp magical crystal into a another tearing it in half.
Another stallion flew beside her “Hey Swift, I was just going ask if maybe we could…”
Swift rolled her eyes as she broke a dragon neck’s neck with a punch “Now is not really the time for that question Windsoul! I’ll give you an answer when we get back!” A dragon flew over them belching fire, the both spun out the way before chasing the dragon tearing into it with their wingblades. The battlefield was truly a mess, pegasi and dragons were strewn across the scorched field. Swift didn’t even flinch as she saw a fellow flier fall out of the sky, her furious bladed wings tearing through the skies while Windsoul flew around assisting the struggling soldiers feeling a pang of guilt for each comrade that he failed to save.
He watched as his Swift tore through the air tearing apart as many dragons as she could, despite Windsoul’s best efforts they were soon the only two Pegasi in the skies. Out of the three hundred sent out they were the only two left as thousands of massive dragons surrounded them.
Swift flared her wings out ready to fight her last battle, only for several winged creatures to fly past them. Swift’s eyes widened as countless Griffons flew past alongside Countless Royal Guards tearing into the dragons.
Celestia joined Swift and Windsoul “As it turns out the Dragons tried to attack Griffonstone as well, they even faked a pony attack in order to get us to fight one another. What they didn’t count on was that every Griffon is a trained soldier, and as soon as we caught word of the attack we headed here.” The princess then sighed “I only wish we arrived sooner.”
Swift shook her head “You were where you needed to be Princess, all of us knew what we up against. I told everypony that this would be a 90% chance that we would all die. All who died here were prepared to die.” Celestia nodded before flying onto the battlefield.
Present Day
Applejack blinked “Wait you were Swift Storm, Captain of the First Wonderbolt Squadron!”
Chrysalis nodded “It would a rough battle, Ocellus was much younger during that battle but was more than ready to take over the hive. I was a much more active Queen back then, Equestria was full of wars and I was a member of multiple Wonderbolt squads across the centuries. I had one foal during that time before I had to leave, I me many of his descendants.”
Applejack frowned “You had another son?”
Chrysalis frowned “He was a pure pony, he didn’t inherit much from me and well I had to fake my death not long afterwards. Not many would believe getting blasted by an Ursa Major’s Star Breath was survivable. I met many of his descendants during my time in the Wonderbolts, in fact one of them is the Current Captain.”
Applejack rubbed her forehead “How many descendants do you have?”
Chrysalis laughed “Quite a lot, not quite as many as your Alicorns though. Most nobles have a least one of the Alicorns as an ancestor and so do many others, I’m confident that if you were to map our family trees one of my descendants has married into one of theirs at some point.”
Applejack frowned “That make sense Ah suppose.”
Chrysalis shook her head “How about we move past complicated family tree, do you have any interesting stories to tell?”
Applejack smiled “Well, there was one day when …”
One Month Ago
Applejack was humming to herself when she heard an explosion, she galloped towards the Crusader Clubhouse only to hear Apple Bloom shouted “Sweetie Belle, Ah ta ya not to touch my potions set!”
Sweetie Belle slumped “I’m sorry, I just wanted to try out making potions.”
Scootaloo frowned “How did you mess it up badly, it was just a basic potion. I could have figured it out.”
Apple Bloom frowned “There was a reason why Ah let you use it with mah supervision but not her. Potion is basically cooking with magic involved, she is lucky to be alive if Ah’m honest.”
Applejack busted in only to see the broken potions set on the ground in a puddle of liquid while Scootaloo was in the corner warily eyeing the liquid, Applejack sighed “Ah will take you to Zecora’s, she should be able to give you a new one.”
Apple Bloom frowned “Ah may need to get somepony to enchant the potion set so only those with my permission can use it. Ah don’t want another incident.”
Applejack nodded the two ventured through the Everfree Forest towards Zecora’s home only to see Zecora fighting three Hydras and a pack of Timberwolves with a staff. They both decided to go home and come back another time.
Present Day
Chrysalis was deep in thought “A zebra in the Everfree Forest, that interesting. The fact she is alone even more so, they have a tendency to be quite Tribal not mention that it is a quite a suitable environment for changelings. Near a small pony town and dangerous enough to keep most ponies out.”
Applejack frowned “You think she could be a Changeling?”
Chrysalis grimaced “She could be…” the former Queen then shook her head “Let’s leave that behind. We need to relax.” The two continued sharing stories even as the doughnuts arrived, still Chrysalis couldn’t get the possibility of Zecora being a Changeling out of her mind.
Author's Note
I will write a few more peaceful chapters before anything big happens.
Chrysalis and Twilight were sitting at a table alongside Celestia, Luna and Cadence with Applejack sitting at Chrysalis’ side. Celestia smiled “Luna and I have recovered enough to take up our daily duties. This means Twilight could spend more time on her research.”
Twilight nodded with a frown “I need to find a way to bust our Chyrsa out of Tartarus.” She then turned to Chrysalis “Now that I haver more time it would be best if I carry on the task alone, now that I have no other responsibilities I should be able to find something.”
Luna frowned “I should get some sleep. It’s going to be a long shift tonight.” Cadence looked at Chrysalis and Applejack as Luna left the room, she could see a vague glow of pulsating red around Applejack.
Cadence frowned “Applejack, I need to ask you some questions so meet me in my room.” Cadence trotted out of the room with a frown, Applejack was hesitant to follow but a smile from Chrysalis with a nod was enough to get her moving.
Cadence sighed as she entered her room, the overly pink walls were excessive. She didn’t like the fact that just because she was pink and the Princess of Love didn’t mean her room needed to be pink. She closed her eyes as she remembered the assault on her Summer Home.
6 Months before the Wedding
She was laying in her room, it was green with a nice cedar wood bed in the centre with a nice soft Earth Pony bed. There was a small vanity next to her bed and at the end of them room was a very basic wardrobe containing the few dresses she owned, Shining Armour smiled “This is a very quiet place, I was expecting it to be more formal.”
Cadence shook her head “I was a commoner prior to my ascension and prefer the simple life. I listened to music, went to a normal school but there was one thing that I did that most fillies my age didn’t.”
Before Shining Armour could speak an explosion echoed from outside, Cadence sighed “It seems like you get see what I did when I wasn’t a student at school, something I practised in secret.” Her horn glowed and a large compartment opened in one of the walls, a massive halberd as well as several swords, axes and suits of armour.
Shining Armour blinked “What are you doing?”
Cadence grinned as she put on a pale silver suit of armour and levitated the massive black halberd out “I’m going to take out the intruders. There are some weapons in there in case any get though.” Shining Armour gulped as he levitated a lance, he honestly hadn’t been keeping his weapons skills sharp relying more on his own magic.
Cadence burst out of the room her halberd tearing through the strange buglike ponies with holes in their legs. She emerged into the open green field only to see a huge black swarm hovering above the home, Cadence growled “I’m going to destroy you!”
She flew into the orb changelings spells and sword swings bouncing off her armour as hundreds of dead changelings fell from the sky. She heard a voice shout “Enough!” Cadence turned around as the swarm few away from her, a much larger Changeling approached her wearing dark green armour and carrying two dark green swords “I must say that you’re very impressive. I didn’t think that a the Princess of Love was such a good fighter. I am Queen Chrysalis and I will fight you now.”
Cadence growled “Good, I’ll bring you down!” Cadence’s halberd had massive range but was a lot slower than the twin swords Chrysalis had allowing the Queen to move much faster. Cadence blocked several swings before dodging a blast then bucking Chrysalis in the chest before knocking her to the ground with her halberd.
She was about to deliver the finishing blow when she heard a changeling shouted “You should stop!”
Cadence turned around and deadpanned at her Fiancé “Shining Armour, you had one job.” She then sighed “Fine I’ll surrender, just let me put my armour away.” Two flashes later Cadence was back out without her weapon and armour, she looked at Chrysalis with a frown “Just know I would have won if it was not for your friend back there.”
Chrysalis smiled “To be honest if your weren’t already engaged I would have asked a mare like you out.”
Cadence blushed slightly as she stepped into the gooey pod “Well thanks I guess.”
Present Day
Cadence ripped Shining Armour a new one for that, honestly he called himself a guard. She shook her head as Applejack opened the door, Applejack frowned “Princess why did ya wish to speak to me?”
Cadence rolled her eyes “First it’s Cadence and secondly you have suppressed lust. I can see it and as the Princess of Love I must intervene, I have seen a few cases of this before and it ended badly.”
Applejack stammered “A-Ah d-don’t k-know w-what y-you a-are t-talking a-about?”
Cadence sighed “Look, if you don’t want to become a sex crazed maniac that builds a temple to their subject of lust then tell me.” Her expression at Applejack’s confused expression “Yes that did happen, I had to slay their whole entire cult. It was one the darkest duties that I have to undertake as the Princess of Love, purge those whose love or lust has corrupted them beyond saving.”
Applejack’s eyes widened “Really.” Cadence nodded, Applejack sighed “Well Ah don’t want that to happen to me.so I’ll tell you” Applejack blushed “I find Chrysalis attractive.”
Cadence frowned “Your did realised that Chrysalis was married to another member of your family at one point.”
Applejack nodded “Ah do, from what Ah can tell he was her first. Why are you asking me this?”
Cadence frowned “Because this is very important, could change my answer. I have one last question, was he a farmer?” Applejack nodded, Cadence sighed “Immortals are very unique they hold their first partners have a very important place in their heart. Even after centuries they never forget them, the one bond they form on equal footing. The one they forge in the mortal part of their lifespan, they never get involved with another in the same occupation out of fear of damaging the memory of them.”
Applejack sighed “Ah should back off then, Ah understand.”
Cadence frowned “If she was interested she would have told you, when she captured me…”
Chrysalis grinned as she entered the room “I told that I would date her if she wasn’t already engaged. She honestly would have killed me had Pharynx not captured Shining Armour, I punished him for that. I had an heir, my life was not essential to the hive.” Chrysalis then frowned “Also I heard the whole conversation and while I find it endearing I can’t do that. In addition to what Cadence said I am not interested in a relationship right now, still settling after the invasion.”
Cadence grinned “Don’t worry I’ll handle this, I’ll find her a nice partner.” Chrysalis scowled as Cadence disappeared in a flash, she was not going to let Cadence involve Applejack in her weird fantasies.
Author's Note
Cadence is quite capable, still she the ablity to be weird sometimes. Also I had to tie up some loose ends from a past chapter.
Chapter 14: Discussion about Love
Chrysalis was following Cadence who was looking around town Canterlot, Chrysalis growled “Cadence we need to talk?!”
Cadence frowned “About what?”
Chrysalis frowned “You may know a lot about love but that doesn’t mean you should just hounded around Canterlot like this. We should have this discussion elsewhere, away from prying eyes.”
Cadence frowned “Fine but you will explain what you mean.”
In a flash of green light the two appeared in a guest room in Canterlot, Chrysalis sighed “You can’t just go around like that, trying to spread love without really knowing the pony that well. In fact when I first heard of your job it actually angered me quite a bit, it still does.”
Cadence grimaced “What do you mean? I help keep relationships going, it is my job as Princess of Love.”
Chrysalis grimaced “You end arguments that need to happen. In every relationship I had my partner and I argued about something at some point but we weathered the storm our relationship growing stronger because of it. Love needs to happen naturally, without outside intervention. All of my partners at some point found out what I was and accepted it because our bond was forged in fire.”
Cadence’s eyes widened “Really. I always through arguments were detrimental to a relationship, I often hid in my room as soon as Shining Armour got angry. I didn’t want to deal with his rage and I didn’t have the heart to use my magic on him. When I was upset with him I locked myself in my room using a powerful shield spell.”
Chrysalis sighed “That explains so much, including why he believed I was you. You never showed him the true you, what you were like when you were upset. It made it so easy, he didn’t know the real you and you will need to break that habit as he lives with you I assume.”
Cadence slumped “Some Princess of Love I am, I don’t even understand what I am doing in my own relationship not to mention how many you have messed with.”
Chrysalis frowned “It’s not your fault, I doubt Celestia is the best on advisor on relationships. I have been in them before, had many successful relationships and that give me experience that you lack. One day this will become easier on you trust me.”
Cadence looked up “Could you teach me more about this?”
Chrysalis smiled “Of course I can. Don’t’ worry about it Cadence, you will learn a lot about love from me but also from time. A few centuries from now and you will be a lot better at this.”
Meanwhile deep in the pit of Tartarus Chyrsa’s chitin was covered in scars as countless guards were lying around her unconscious. Several Earth Ponies were standing by her side, Chyrsa growled “We need to capture that Centaur before we return home, he will bring the world to it’s end if he isn’t stopped.”
Several demonic looking guards rushed towards them through the ghastly dark halls, Chyrsa tore one in half the Earth Ponies fighting behind her as more guards came from behind. Chrysa began drawing on energy from around her, the demonic energies of Tartarus twisting her form, her mouth grew a pair of massive fangs in front of her mouth as long claws shot out from the front. “
She ripped the beings in front of her apart with her mighty fangs. The sound of blood and screams echoed throughout the demonic halls, a huge skeletal equine figure with red glowing eyes snarled “I am Death, guardian of this prison! You have been brought euchre for your sins.”
Chyrsa let out a unholy roar “We are here because some unicorns have abused their power. They have been brought to their knees, now it’s our time to return. To bring the ancient powers of the Earth back into the world.” The Prison of Tartarus began to shake as the two beings clashed.
Death growled “Why should I let you go!”
Chyrsa frowned “Because I intend to bring Tirek back, you know the threat he poses and you are stuck here. The ponies don’t know about him yet, we need him captured while he’s weak.”
Death nodded “Very well I’ll let you all go. Tirek is greater threat, bring him back here and I will make sure he doesn't escape this time. I will place him in the magic sealed chamber’s here in Tartarus proper instead of that flimsy cell he was placed in last time.”
Chyrsa bowed “You have my word Lord Death.” Death nodded, as soon as the Earth Ponies left Tartarus with that promise made Chyrsa’s eyes glowed with magical power. It wasn’t had to track down the wayward Centaur, with the magic taken form Tartarus it was easy to find him. All inmates were marked a dark yellow and his glowed quite brightly.
Chyrsa teleported to his location, the lean red centaur’s eyes widened as the ferocious demon changeling pony hybrid snatched him up “You have a date with Death, you for the freedom of the Earth. You will never leave Tartarus again.”
Chyrsa teleported back to Tartarus, Death would have blinked if he had eyes “You work quick! I’ll take him right away.” As Chrysa and the free Earth Ponies left for Canterlot Death carried the centaur deep into Tartarus and thrown him into the deepest magical cell he had that had a completely solid stone door “You, Magic Thief will never leave. You are a monster through and through. Now you will no longer torment the races of this world, farewell.”
Author's Note
There will be one more chapter, if I try to extend ths sotry for too long it will outstay it's welcome I fear.
Celestia was about to start court when a guard ran into the room panting “Princess, we need you help. There is a huge gathering of Earth Ponies at the gates.”
Celestia frowned “Get Twilight, Cadence, Chrysalis and Ocellus. Tell that I will meet them at the gates.” Celestia held her regal calm as she trotted through the corridors with a warm smile on her face.
It was not long before she met up with Twilight, Cadence, Chrysalis and Ocellus at the gates. Ocellus blinked “Where did they all come from?”
Chrysalis frowned “Well we won’t learn anything by standing here and…”
A voice echoed in her mind (Mum, I waiting outside. )
The former Queen collapsed to the ground sobbing “She’s back, she found a way out.” Cadence placed a wing on Chrysalis’ wither, Chrysalis stood up drying her tears “Thanks Cadence, now we are going to see my daughter again.”
Celestia frowned “I do want to know how she got out, escaping there is not easy.” Twilight mumbled something about all her research being a waste of time. The group headed out.
Chrysa and Chrysalis stared at each others more monstrous forms before laughing “It seems we have changed quite a bit.”
Chyrsa gave her mother a hug “It’s good to be back” she then turned to those behind her with a sigh “It seems unicorns have been sending countless Earth Ponies to Tartarus for no reason other than they didn’t like Earth Ponies.”
Twilight stepped forward with Celestia, her eyes narrow “I would like to hear from those born recently who has done this. Most of the others are long dead but I seek this to end. I understand that I am a unicorn and you have little reason to trust me but two of my best friends are Earth Ponies. I would furious if they end up in Tartarus because of these ponies!”
Celestia nodded “I will also aid in this endeavour, tribalism is illegal and many ponies seem to have forgotten that.”
A dark green Earth Pony with a dark blue mane stepped forward “We will tell you everything then we will leave to build our own city if that doesn't bother you Princess.”
Celestia smiled “I would love to see a Earth Pony city, to see the strength of old return to Equestria.”
Meanwhile Chyrsa left with Chrysalis to the room, Chrysalis wrapped her daughter in a hug as tears started to flow “I’m so sorry for everything, I failed you that day. I should have been more attentive and careful.”
Chyrsa shook her head “It’s not you fault mum, everyone makes mistakes. It’s about learning from them so they don’t happen again.”
Applejack entered only for her eyes to widen “Your back, what happened to you.”
Chyrsa frowned “Tartaran magic” she then shook her head “What matters is we are together again as a family. No matter what happens that will never change.” The three of them simply sat there enjoying the company of each other glad that their lives had returned to normal.
Author's Note
I don't want to try and drag out this story or it will end badly. Still I hope you enjoyed the ending.
In Canterlot, a messenger ran into the castle. Twilight frowned as the messenger ran in “What is the problem?”
The messenger took a deep breath “An enemy army moving out from Manehatten is coming towards Canterlot, I barely managed to escape the city.” Twilight’s eyes narrowed.
2 hours later Chrysalis was in a war tent with Shining Armour. Shining Armour was glaring at her as she looked over several maps moving potential troop positions. Chrysalis grimaced “Stop glaring at me, we have to work together whether or not we like it so get over here and help.”
Shining Armour scowled as he trotted over “Fine but after this you and I will settle this!” Shining Armour frowned as he moved troops back “We are facing an enemy Army, we should move out troops back and wait for them to advance.”
Chrysalis shook her head as she pushed forces forward “You don’t know how Changelings work do you? We are not very good defensively, when I had to employ disguised changelings I made it clear they were primarily attack focused. Playing defensively will leave the Royal guards without any strong defensive backup while if we take the offensive the Changelings will lead the charge with the Royal guard providing backup from behind.”
Shining Armour grimaced “Fine, we should move out. The enemy will likely confront us soon. I doubt they showed every trick they had.”
Chrysalis nodded as she left the war tent alongside Shining Armour, they shouted “We have come to a decision the Changelings will soak the brunt while the Royal Guards reinforce us from behind.” It wasn’t long before the army lead by Chrysalis with Chyrsa by her side marched frowned
Twilight meanwhile was in Canterlot with Cadence, Celestia, Luna and Ocellus. The reigning Regent growled “How did this happen? They shouldn’t have that much resistance, yet they have launched an assault this quickly.”
Celestia frowned “They must have a plan but what could that possibly entail.”
Luna frowned “I’m not sure. They hate the changelings but there is no way they could get to Ocellus.”
Ocellus eye’s widened “They want to get to Chrysalis and Chyrsa. They realised after their failure in Canterlot they can’t win this but they wish to take one of them down with them.”
Cadence shouted “We have to warn them?”
Twilight grimaced “We can’t, the battle likely will be close to beginning. We will have to pick up the scraps of the conflict.”
Meanwhile two armies were staring each other down, fully armoured changelings backed up by Royal Guard were staring down an army of heavily armed mercenaries from all different species. Chrysalis was standing beside Chyrsa, both in full armour while Shining Armour in his own guard armour was organising the guard. Chrysalis roared “Charge, for Equestria!”
The changelings and guards rushed forward as Prince Blueblood lead his own charge, a Changeling fired a magical blast obliteration three Griffons only for a Minotaur to cleave the changeling in half. Chrysa was rushing through tearing mercenaries apart left and right.
Chrysalis and Blueblood were crossing blades, Chrysalis snarled “You have turned on your Aunts! Why side with the nobles that threatened to kill your Aunts, they want them dead?!”
Blueblood laughed a she parried her blow “That was never the plan, long have I played the arrogant snob while I devised this plan long ago to get rid of the nobles. They have been a thorn into Auntie’s sides for too long but when you and your daughter’s actions I was forced to make changes to the plan. You will pay for what the both of you have done, I will give my life to that end!”
Chrysalis growled “I won’t go down to some hotshot unicorn, I have been soaking up a lot of love lately! I will beat you!”
Blueblood grinned “I am not going to kill you, just make you suffer!” His horn glowed as he as a huge ritual circle appeared “This spell will send you to Tartarus for a century, you will suffer there!”
Chyrsa growled as she saw saw the ritual circle opening, she burst into a gallop accelerating along the ground at breakneck speed. Chrysalis tried to get out of the circle only for Blueblood to fire a small blast of magic knocking her over “I won’t let you escape.”
Massive tendrils started to throw themselves at her from a massive portal that began to form, Chrysalis closed her eyes only to be knocked out of the way. She opened her eyes only to see Chrysa grabbed by the tendrils and dragged into Tartarus, Chrysalis cried out “Chyrsa!
She began to cry her tears dripping onto the green grass as the battle raged on around her, Blueblood grimaced “I could only do that once. It seems I have to end this the old fashion way!”
Chrysalis turned to the stallion as fury began to well up in her “This is your fault and you will pay!” Dark energies welled up in her as pitch black cocoon wrapped itself around her before erupting revealing her new form, her legs were covered in mouths filled with razor sharp teeth. Her back had several large twisted tentacles with large blades on the end of them, her eyes were still the same green but the area around them glowed purple.
She leapt on the Blueblood with fury in her eyes “I will feast on the flesh of you and your army!” Blueblood screamed as she tore into his body with her multiple jaws, it was not long before the army started to destabilise as the former Queen began to consume them with fury much to the shock of the entire army.
The entire enemy army was soon destroyed, Shining Armour looked at her monstrous form only to see sobbing, she looked tears flowing “Sh..e’s go..ne, loc..ked in T..ar..tar..us fo..r a ce..nt..ry.” Shining Armour was no fool, he knew what had happened but what didn’t know what how to console the crying mother who knew that her child would undergo terrible suffering that she could not stop.
Author's Note
Well someone told me that Chyrsa wasn't punished enough, well they should be happy now.