You?by RosalynneChaptersThe RisingThe AttacksThe CapturingThe RisingTwilight paces anxiously in front of her golden throne, Spike on the smaller chair watching her dubiously. "You're gonna wear a track into the floor, Twi," he says, exasperated. The last thing he particularly wanted was to have his queen fall down after using up her hoof strength on something so trivial. "Don't joke right now, please." Spike hadn't really been joking, so he only shrugs and clucks his tongue. A familiar looking young mare shows up at the noise, a silver platter already levitated up to the dragon, surrounded by her magical blue aura. Grabbing a cupcake off the plate and biting into it, he mumbles around the frosting, "Thanks, June Heart!" She nods, dipping her head respectfully before disappearing to the kitchens, cupcakes vanished down Spike's stomach. Turning back to Twilight, he inquires, "What gives?" Examining the castle pillars closely, Twilight doesn't answer, looking very pointedly at anything but her friend. With a sigh, after realizing Spike wouldn't stop asking, she whispers, "Pinkie Pie." Though it was a quiet word uttered, it echoed through the long corridor, sending shivers through the alicorn's entire body. A long moment passes before she feels a pair of dragon-like arms wrap around her in an embrace, though a sad one. "I know you're sad about her," he whispers back, pulling away to look up into her eyes. "We all are. But it's been weeks, Twi. You need to refocus." He slowly withdraws her hand from her shoulder, maintaining eye contact. The pure torture in her eyes struck something in him, his heart cracking for her. Twilight had really been his only friend for the longest time, though the girls had been his friends too, she had found the 'Mane Six' as many called them. And after losing the pink party pony, she had been nothing but grim ever since. "Spike." He jerks his head up in surprise as the tone, riddled with command and pain sounded, directed at him. He cocks his head to the left, indicating she go on. Her next words, said in the same steely voice surprises him even more: "Tell the generals we have a meeting tomorrow evening." Twilight inhales deeply, scowling at herself in the mirror. Having tried to tame the flowy mane too many times, she had left it down, draping it over her violet wings. Inspecting the mare in the mirror closer, she notices the gaunt face, her muzzle and cheeks hollowed, as if she'd been starved of happiness. She had to trust Spike, that it would be okay. And he was right, after all. With Celestia and Luna, there had always been two rulers. Now it was just her to tend to the land of her ponies, and if she wouldn't do her duties, who would? Twilight fastens the pin into the dress before summoning the amulet necklace which she wraps around her neck, the cold stone pressed against her bare collar. She meets the gaze of her reflection yet again. "Here goes nothing," she mutters, plastering on a fake smile and whisking off to the conference room. "My queen, we have a serious issue," General Brazen Hoof says to her, nodding in greeting with a little bow. "My fleet have suspected somepony, presumably either King Sombra, Queen Chrysalis-" Oh, how she hated how her heart quickened at the mention of the beautiful changeling. "Or Tirek returning soon. There was apparently a barrier penetrating their usual lands. This never happens," Brazen Hoof finishes, and Twilight finds herself amused slightly, a little smirk playing on her mouth as her lips curl upwards. Twilight straightens and elucidates, "Well, it is autumn. The winds of change are arriving." With another air of distaste, she adds, "Besides, were you there to see it? Or they just reported back to you?" A colt strides up to Brazen Hoof and begins whispering some sort of news into his ear, and the pegasus commander leaps out of his seat, muttering some excuse that one of his pegasi were unable to fly for the competitions tonight, and hurrying away after the other. The queen rolls her eyes, magicking away the plates of an afternoon tea. "Honestly," she says to Spike with a huff. "Trixie would be better at this, and she has no concept of cooperation at all." Twilight squashes down the part of her that crosses its hooves and hopes that Chrysalis would return, and soon. The alicorn had been alone for nearly a century, and besides; she had a teensy weensy crush on the other for years. As soon as she finishes mourning late her friend by the cemetery, she teleports herself up to her old library, content to read some of her old books. Running a hoof over the old spines, the leathery surface sending chills through her body, her gaze falls on a particular scrapbook. Blowing a thick layer of dust off of it, coughing to the side as she does, she opens to the middle of it, and lands on the page with a picture of Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and herself, right after the first gala they had ever been to. It was late, and the three had stayed behind, on their third round of donuts, laughing and reviewing the worst and best parts of the night. Biting her lip, she turns the page and finds herself face to face with a picture of her second coronation, the one where Princess Celestia and Luna had given their final speeches before retiring and stepping down. With the regal crown on her head, she had to admit, she looked every part the imperious ruler, if the kind and warm smile hadn't been looking down at her ponies. Her mind flashing back to the meeting with Brazen Hoof. He had never examined it for himself, and there really had only been a barrier. There was no reason to assume war was to come soon. It could have just been a unicorn spell gone awry. But that little fact didn't calm her beating heart as the image of Chrysalis struck her again. Gods above. The changeling queen would stay in her thoughts then, Twilight supposes, curving her wing around herself as she gazes up at the moon as if she could still see the marks of Nightmare Moon. Yet it was only a sliver, a small crescent able to be seen. Blowing out the torch she had set alight the moment she had gotten to her library, she closes the door behind her, breathing deeply in frustration. Deciding to take the long journey home, her hooves trotting across the pavement were about the only noise within a block, most ponies already having gone to sleep. It was in fact, the Equestrian Games tomorrow, and as it was hosted in Canterlot this year, everypony was most likely asleep, ready to be up early in the morning. Twilight hoped there wouldn't be a fight over front seats like usual. There was always at least one fight she had to break up. "My queen." Twilight snaps her head up in surprise, wings spread, ready to make the decision of fight or flight, before realizing it was only the night patrol. "Hello, Wind Chaser," she says, dipping her head to the lead. She nods to the other two behind him as they bow deeply. The gray colt only blinks, respect shown in the subtle motion. "We have encountered nothing suspicious yet," he replies, answering the unasked question that had been on the queen's tongue, ready to come out. "But we haven't looked upon the area Brazen Hoof claims the pegasi have been unable to access." Twilight swallows thickly and lets out a breath she hadn't known she was holding. "Thank you, gentlecolts," she finally says, fidgeting slightly. She didn't expect the hug that comes from each of them. "We know you're devastated about Pinkamena," Rainfall whispers, his voice full of concern and sadness. "We all are." The queen straightens, her hair flowing even more so as she does. "I will go with you to observe the terrain." Letting out a careful smile, she follows their hoofsteps as they lead her. Oh, yes, she was looking after her ponies again, just like always. And she was now also looking for the changeling queen. The AttacksQueen Chrysalis snarls her disapproval as King Sombra looked down upon her with disdain. "I am not some prize to be won or triumphed over," she hisses, her fangs bared in a feral way that would send lesser ponies running. "And I am not your slave to do your dirty work." She didn't have to scream to make her point. She made it clear in the way her velvety voice emitted the words with threat and menace. Her flaring green eyes narrow as she waits for the king's reply. "Oh, darling," Sombra says sweetly, his smile fake as the sugar he uses in his afternoon tea. "But a few of our friends will be there; the mane five." At Chrysalis's scowl, he explains, "The pink party one passed in the Battle of Thriftic last month or so. I don't particularly care, however," he adds, his smoky black shadows weaving in and out of sight. With a cruel smile tossed in the changeling's direction, he walks towards her, a gleam in his eyes. "I don't do your bidding anymore," Chrysalis tries again, but the resistance in her voice lessens, the fight already won. She would do it... On one condition. "I do not bring them back here. I kill them on sight," she demands, green aura fizzling around the room as her magic takes hold. The shadow king only sends another vicious grin, and that's all it takes for Chrysalis to flutter her wings and disappear into the Everfree forest. Oh, Gods, how she hates the forest. Though everything sings evil, it doesn't sing home. The thorns wrap around her hooves, testing her and her power, the dark mysterious eyes watching her every move. She didn't dare look them directly in the eyes; there are things far more dangerous than her here, ever since those wretched ponies turned her own against her. This was not only her payback for that, but for every damned thing they had taken away from her. Growing increasingly tired of tracking without magic, Chrysalis longs to use it, though it could make her easy to be seen, as magic always leaves a trace. Leading them directly to her, which could be a good thing. But not yet. She wants to take them down one by one, starting with the most annoying, other than pink pony, the fashion mare. As she reaches the sewer's home, she falters as she watches the still growing younger sister of Rarity trot around, happiness filling her entire face. A low growl slips from her. Why in Equestria was she feeling pity? These very ponies had taken everything from her. Everything. It would take but one teleportation spell and a few torture methods to take the mare down. She allows herself a smile, matching the one on Sombra's own face, and flashes a bright green as she reaches the second floor. "Oh, Rarity," she purrs, cornering the designer. Examining the room, it has not changed one bit since she had last stormed it. Chrysalis recognizes the same disgustingly mare-ish bed, the same sewing machine that somehow hasn't broken. "Ever the fashion maker," she adds, advancing so the frightened mare was backed up into the wall. "Bitch," Rarity spits, horn glistening in blue as she conveys her rage. Sending a beam of light for the changeling, she misses as Chrysalis deflects it against the mirror. "You have the nerve to show up here after we offered you friendship, and you denied it!" Chrysalis shakes her head in disbelief. "Why have friends to share with when you can have it all?" she sneers down at her. "Get the hell away from me," Rarity screeches, sending another flash of light, spearing in Chrysalis's direction, hitting her in the shoulder. The mare was learning, wasn't she? "Oh, you wanna be friends now?" she mocks, her face contorted in anger. "Oh, you wanna go be friends with Pinkie again?" the changeling retorts. She could tell immediately she had hit a weak spot. Smiling, she adds, "Then join her." The room floods with green light as she lunges for the pony, for her revenge. The room turns teal as the unicorn's blue magic joins it, and Chrysalis lets out a shriek of rage as the unicorn disappears, having teleported before she could make her final move. It seemed as if this would be harder than she thought. Twilight paces the long corridors, her hooves clopping over the red and gold carpeting lining the floors as Spike gazes at his queen. Occasionally mumbling to herself, the dragon couldn't make out most of the words, yet he got the gist. "Twi, I know you're stressed," he begins carefully. "But-" "Your majesty!" Though Spike's eyes were squeezed shut tightly, he heard clearly Twilight pausing her pacing as the hoofsteps stopped as she approaches the commander. Peeking through his claws, he observes as she cocks her head and responds with, "What?" The unicorn whom Spike somehow still didn't know the name of didn't bother bowing, which was rather surprising. Gasping he explains, "There's been an attack in Ponyville." Spike felt everything in the Equestria stop, including Twilight and the commander. His eyes flicked to the stained glass of the hallway, attempting to act as if he were uninterested, but as everypony remained silent, he had to ask, "W-Who was the victim?" Another attack was a serious issue, whether or not it was on somepony 'important' or not... "Rarity." "Ah don't understand why you want us here." Twilight whips around, hair rippling in the process, her face the picture of fury and desperation as she glares into Applejack's eyes. "Because they're clearly going after us first," she growls, looking every part the determined queen destined to save her kingdom. Rainbow exchanges a wary glance with the farm pony, and at the pointed look from the purple alicorn, she hastily says, "It's just that we're not immortal, Twi. We're too old to be saving Equestria." With another nervous glance in Applejack's direction, she adds, "And what about Luster Dawn or that other one you were teaching?" Fluttershy nods cautiously, clearly afraid at whatever wrath was brewing under the queen's skin. Fluttershy swallows and steps forwards, joining her friends. "We're nearing our own deaths, of age," she says softly, yet not weakly. "If you wish this to be our last day, then so be it." "That's not what I meant," Twilight snaps, magic sparkling. She looks to Rarity for her reassurance, but the mare doesn't quite meet her gaze. "Ah, but it might just end up that way, won't it?" Applejack asks, snorting quietly. "With us under your command." That did it. The Royal Canterlot Voice echoes through the room as the queen demands, "You will stay here." And judging by her tone, it most definitely was not a choice. It was surely the nerves getting to her, but... Twilight could be quite terrifying, especially as her wings, which were neatly tucked by her sides fly out suddenly as she tries to regain control over everything. "You are my friends," she says gently, looking them each in the eyes as she starts leading them to their rooms. "But you will respect me." As they reach the designated rooms, each could see easily the worry in her eyes as she adds, "I know you helped me become this pony. But I cannot forgive myself if you die because of it." Fluttershy's eyes fill with tears that don't quite spill. There was sadness, pain, and also happiness in those droplets. "We can make it, Twilight. You can make it." And with that, she follows the other three into the suite. She isn't sure what to make of it all. The deaths, the rifts in their friendships... Whom would have wanted revenge on them? With Tirek's sentence coming to an end, he wouldn't dare do anything that would keep him in Tartarus. As for the rest, the likely option would be Chrysalis or Sombra. Twilight feels her blood chill and her heart speed up as a thrill rushes through her, at the possibility she could see... Oh, who was she kidding? Either way, even if Chrysalis were back, they would be on opposite sides, each warring for the crown and revenge. Things were getting messy. Breathing in deeply, she watches as Spike approaches her slowly, leaning into her touch as she begins weeping, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably as she sobs outside the suite's door. She was lucky the soundproof walls were there, or she'd have to face them again. They all have something to deal with, she has to remember. And everypony was figuring out how to deal with Pinkie Pie's sudden death. Twilight closes her eyes and looses one more shuddering sob before wiping away her tears, solidified with more determination than ever. "It's gonna be okay," Spike breathes, tightening his grip on his queen. "You're gonna be okay." When Twilight works up the courage to look at him again, she wishes she hadn't. For what she sees is not only the unwavering loyalty, but the lust in his eyes. The want. As Spike leans closer to her, the longing clear and apparent, she stands suddenly. Twilight shakes her head quickly, swallowing thickly as she backs away. "I... We can't do this," she manages to get out, hating herself for the hurt in her friend's eyes. "It's just..." This could not happen for three reasons. One, he was a dragon for Celestia's sake. Second, she was in love with an evil queen, and third, this could cause serious problems with the court. She shakes her head again and hurries to her own room, unable to look at him. "Fuck," Twilight mutters under her breath, launching herself onto her bed and covering her face with a pillow. "Fuck," she repeats, banging her head against the bed frame. A polite yet urgent knock sounds at the door, and she clears her throat and says a little louder than necessary, "Come in!" One of the members of the royal guard turns a light shade of red as he finds the queen sprawled across her bed, mumbling a hurried apology. She gives him a pointed look, as if to say, 'Out with it then!' He opens his mouth to speak, but Duskfall barges into the room behind him, gasping. "Queen Twilight," he pants, catching his breath. "There's been another attack, in Ponyville again!" The alicorn wastes no time, not even giving a nod of confirmation before teleporting out the room and straight to her hometown. But no words form as Sugar Cube Corner, the last of Pinkie Pie, burns to the ground, flames licking the ground and smoke rising in the air. This had been no accident, but a clear warning and sign. For her. There had been no pony in there, she was constantly reassured. There had been nothing of value, the others told her. They are wrong, Twilight thinks. The whole place was of value. And now it was gone. The CapturingQueen Chrysalis was surprised that it had worked. It had gotten the queen out of the castle so quickly that she had almost faltered. She observes the four ponies locked in the cages. "I'll let you live if you give me information," she proposes, the light bulb of an idea forming over her head. She widens her eyes in an attempt to look more innocent, but the fact she even bothered was convincing enough. "Why would we help you?" the blue one with the rainbow mane spits at her, with an added insult that the changeling queen chooses not to hear. "You ruined our lives!" Chrysalis whips around. "Oh, I ruined your lives," Chrysalis hisses, an inch away from Rainbow's cell, close enough for her to reach her hoof through the bars and prod or punch the infuriating pegasus in front of her. "Oh, now that's a story." But at this point, she didn't care. Not as she delves into her life, bringing the four with her. They all look around in apparent shock as they find themselves in the Hive, the home the queen once had. Guiding them over to the throne, they found a younger Chrysalis sitting atop it, watching the young play and the elderly tell the stories. A smile-a true smile was on her face. They all watch as a young Thorax walks up to Chrysalis, bowing in respect. "My queen," he says, flushing as he gazes into her eyes, lost in them easily. It was apparent of his respect and possibly love for her. It had bothered her in the beginning, but now... "Yes, Thorax?" she asks, tilting her head with a warm grin towards him. The changeling fidgets where he stands, and after a long moment of silence, he whispers, "My mother would like to speak to you about... Things." Thorax offers a weak grin in return, but it doesn't pass inspection. Chrysalis's smile slackens as she takes him in. Bringing herself closer to him, she murmurs, "Why do you frown, young one? Is everything alright in your family? Here?" She would not allow a single one of her changelings to be harmed or hurt. Admittedly, she was a young queen, one of the youngest there was. But that had never mattered to her. Once her father died, she was prepared to help lead her own. Thorax only shakes his head and flushes again before dashing away, his brother's friends laughing at the poor changeling. Chrysalis stands, approaching Thorax's mother gently with a cautious air about her. Trying not to fidget the same way Thorax had-it gave off the sense of weakness, she begins, "Thorax said you would want to discuss something with me?" Chrysalis raises an eyebrow as if she doesn't believe it, though she does. "The Hive needs a strong queen," Kaya says carefully, gauging her queen's every action. "And a good queen has heirs in case something were to happen." As Chrysalis blushes herself, she gestures for the mare to continue. "And I would like to suggest one of my sons, Pharynx." The young queen could not prevent herself from flinching. Marrying her off to some other changeling? No. She wanted to find love herself. But Kaya was right, and her being one of the older influences, she could easily persuade the others to pressure her into it. "Fine," Chrysalis manages. "I will marry one of your sons." But a glint in her eyes forms as she smiles and lets her forked tongue slide out of her mouth. "But only if it's Thorax." "Why the fuck would you want it to be Thorax?" Rainbow Dash blurts, interrupting the memories. Receiving a glare from present time Chrysalis, she wisely closes her mouth and returns her attention to the scene, which clearly takes place later on, before they are married, but when they are bonding. Thorax leans in to brush a kiss to Chrysalis's neck, and she shivers at the affectionate touch. Although they fed off the love, it could not be produced of their own kind, which was really the only things she'd loved. Tucking a strand of her aqua hair behind her ear, he smiles up at her with quiet joy sparkling in his eyes. "Why did you choose me over Pharynx?" he asks slowly. Present time Chrysalis casts a pointed look at Rainbow, which she smartly ignores. As Chrysalis replies, he begins kissing her again, but this time on the lips, where their tongues begin clashing, fighting for control as they- "Enough of that," Chrysalis snarls, flushing a furious red. They were back in the dungeon, the queen looking flustered. "Y-You weren't supposed to see that part," she mutters under her breath, clearly still embarrassed. "Anyway, I was happy. And you took them, Thorax, away from me." "He never mentioned any of that," Applejack says, somewhat accusing. "Because I made him forget it." At their shocked looks, she only turns around again and hisses, "That's not the point! I just... You took everything from me. And more. And this is my revenge, my justice. You three will not get in the way of that." Checking to make sure the cages were locked, she takes a deep breath, shifting back into her cruel, wicked plans and personality. Teleporting away to the kingdom, she grins evilly. It was now, she would exact her revenge. And make the four others die in front of the alicorn. Twilight shifts around underneath the fluffy comforter of the bed, unable to find a comfortable position. She was restless, and eventually gives up, sitting. She casts a glance at Spike, who's sleeping in his own bed. She could recall when he slept in the tiny basket in Ponyville like it was yesterday. They had not spoken all day, courtesy of their awkward encounter last night. "My, my, my," somepony purrs from behind her. With the most calm and controlled tone she could muster, she says into the darkness, "Hello, Chrysalis." "It's been a long while since I've had you right where I wanted you," Chrysalis murmurs into Twilight's ear. Twilight goes rigid as the changeling grazes the back of the alicorn's neck with her teeth. She lets out a quiet, dark chuckle. This is perfect. There would be justice. Instead of pleading for forgiveness and salvation as Chrysalis assumed Twilight would, the purple alicorn only flushes and gives her a wry smile, somehow, despite the situation and her inevitable doom. Twilight levels a stare at Chrysalis with a raised eyebrow, and says, "It's been a long while since I've wanted you." Whether or not it was intended to flatter the changeling queen, she wasn't having it. "Trying to seduce me?" she sneers at the pony before her. "Because it won't work." Chrysalis surveys the scene before her, trying to figure out exactly how she would end Twilight's life. Slowly. "I wouldn't dream of trying to do that," Twilight states plainly, her face revealing none of the contempt nor disgust that Chrysalis had expected. "In fact..." she trails off as the changeling dragged a hoof down the alicorn's back, unhurriedly and sensuously. "I'd think you were trying to seduce me." Chrysalis lets out a snarl and a laugh at the same time. "You think you're worthy of my time and efforts? Don't think too highly of yourself, queen." But the possessive gesture she had done moments ago contradicted herself. Twilight carefully scans her room. That's right, they're in her bedroom. She has many things to keep herself safe here, such as daggers and hidden bombs, which were used at last resort. She ducks her head, as if she were reprimanding herself, but only to flicker magic through the room to reach her collection of weapons. By the time Chrysalis reacts, it's too late. "What did you do?" the changeling shrieks as she collapses into a heap, her wings shredded by the vicious attack. "I'll kill you," she hisses, whipping around to find the painfully smart alicorn. She winces, when her wings twitch, however. Twilight gives her an apologetic shrug and leans close, whispering to Chrysalis, "Just shut up and stay still." Chrysalis's only response was a shudder as a spasm of pain rips through her. Chrysalis grits her teeth as she watches Twilight prance around the room, grabbing a few things off her shelves. But she immediately jerks away as the other approaches her, pink magical aura sparkling. "What did I say?" Twilight sighs as she applies the ointment to the broken wings. Surprise glistens in Chrysalis's eyes, and possibly a bit of gratefulness that Twilight might have imagined. She stays silent as the queen of Equestria slowly begins pulling the knives out from where they were. "Why are you helping me?" Her voice comes out as a broken whisper. Twilight doesn't answer, and coldly turns away, unable to meet the changeling's gaze. "Leave my kingdom. Leave and never..." she chokes on her own words, tears sliding down her cheeks. "Leave and never return, Chrysalis. Or I will demonstrate just what this cursed and corrupt world has taught me." There it is. Genuine pain on her face. But Chrysalis only laughs and answers hoarsely, "You may have gotten me now, but just you wait. I'll be back!" "I'll look forward to it," Twilight says, leaving the changeling more confused than ever.
The RisingTwilight paces anxiously in front of her golden throne, Spike on the smaller chair watching her dubiously. "You're gonna wear a track into the floor, Twi," he says, exasperated. The last thing he particularly wanted was to have his queen fall down after using up her hoof strength on something so trivial. "Don't joke right now, please." Spike hadn't really been joking, so he only shrugs and clucks his tongue. A familiar looking young mare shows up at the noise, a silver platter already levitated up to the dragon, surrounded by her magical blue aura. Grabbing a cupcake off the plate and biting into it, he mumbles around the frosting, "Thanks, June Heart!" She nods, dipping her head respectfully before disappearing to the kitchens, cupcakes vanished down Spike's stomach. Turning back to Twilight, he inquires, "What gives?" Examining the castle pillars closely, Twilight doesn't answer, looking very pointedly at anything but her friend. With a sigh, after realizing Spike wouldn't stop asking, she whispers, "Pinkie Pie." Though it was a quiet word uttered, it echoed through the long corridor, sending shivers through the alicorn's entire body. A long moment passes before she feels a pair of dragon-like arms wrap around her in an embrace, though a sad one. "I know you're sad about her," he whispers back, pulling away to look up into her eyes. "We all are. But it's been weeks, Twi. You need to refocus." He slowly withdraws her hand from her shoulder, maintaining eye contact. The pure torture in her eyes struck something in him, his heart cracking for her. Twilight had really been his only friend for the longest time, though the girls had been his friends too, she had found the 'Mane Six' as many called them. And after losing the pink party pony, she had been nothing but grim ever since. "Spike." He jerks his head up in surprise as the tone, riddled with command and pain sounded, directed at him. He cocks his head to the left, indicating she go on. Her next words, said in the same steely voice surprises him even more: "Tell the generals we have a meeting tomorrow evening." Twilight inhales deeply, scowling at herself in the mirror. Having tried to tame the flowy mane too many times, she had left it down, draping it over her violet wings. Inspecting the mare in the mirror closer, she notices the gaunt face, her muzzle and cheeks hollowed, as if she'd been starved of happiness. She had to trust Spike, that it would be okay. And he was right, after all. With Celestia and Luna, there had always been two rulers. Now it was just her to tend to the land of her ponies, and if she wouldn't do her duties, who would? Twilight fastens the pin into the dress before summoning the amulet necklace which she wraps around her neck, the cold stone pressed against her bare collar. She meets the gaze of her reflection yet again. "Here goes nothing," she mutters, plastering on a fake smile and whisking off to the conference room. "My queen, we have a serious issue," General Brazen Hoof says to her, nodding in greeting with a little bow. "My fleet have suspected somepony, presumably either King Sombra, Queen Chrysalis-" Oh, how she hated how her heart quickened at the mention of the beautiful changeling. "Or Tirek returning soon. There was apparently a barrier penetrating their usual lands. This never happens," Brazen Hoof finishes, and Twilight finds herself amused slightly, a little smirk playing on her mouth as her lips curl upwards. Twilight straightens and elucidates, "Well, it is autumn. The winds of change are arriving." With another air of distaste, she adds, "Besides, were you there to see it? Or they just reported back to you?" A colt strides up to Brazen Hoof and begins whispering some sort of news into his ear, and the pegasus commander leaps out of his seat, muttering some excuse that one of his pegasi were unable to fly for the competitions tonight, and hurrying away after the other. The queen rolls her eyes, magicking away the plates of an afternoon tea. "Honestly," she says to Spike with a huff. "Trixie would be better at this, and she has no concept of cooperation at all." Twilight squashes down the part of her that crosses its hooves and hopes that Chrysalis would return, and soon. The alicorn had been alone for nearly a century, and besides; she had a teensy weensy crush on the other for years. As soon as she finishes mourning late her friend by the cemetery, she teleports herself up to her old library, content to read some of her old books. Running a hoof over the old spines, the leathery surface sending chills through her body, her gaze falls on a particular scrapbook. Blowing a thick layer of dust off of it, coughing to the side as she does, she opens to the middle of it, and lands on the page with a picture of Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and herself, right after the first gala they had ever been to. It was late, and the three had stayed behind, on their third round of donuts, laughing and reviewing the worst and best parts of the night. Biting her lip, she turns the page and finds herself face to face with a picture of her second coronation, the one where Princess Celestia and Luna had given their final speeches before retiring and stepping down. With the regal crown on her head, she had to admit, she looked every part the imperious ruler, if the kind and warm smile hadn't been looking down at her ponies. Her mind flashing back to the meeting with Brazen Hoof. He had never examined it for himself, and there really had only been a barrier. There was no reason to assume war was to come soon. It could have just been a unicorn spell gone awry. But that little fact didn't calm her beating heart as the image of Chrysalis struck her again. Gods above. The changeling queen would stay in her thoughts then, Twilight supposes, curving her wing around herself as she gazes up at the moon as if she could still see the marks of Nightmare Moon. Yet it was only a sliver, a small crescent able to be seen. Blowing out the torch she had set alight the moment she had gotten to her library, she closes the door behind her, breathing deeply in frustration. Deciding to take the long journey home, her hooves trotting across the pavement were about the only noise within a block, most ponies already having gone to sleep. It was in fact, the Equestrian Games tomorrow, and as it was hosted in Canterlot this year, everypony was most likely asleep, ready to be up early in the morning. Twilight hoped there wouldn't be a fight over front seats like usual. There was always at least one fight she had to break up. "My queen." Twilight snaps her head up in surprise, wings spread, ready to make the decision of fight or flight, before realizing it was only the night patrol. "Hello, Wind Chaser," she says, dipping her head to the lead. She nods to the other two behind him as they bow deeply. The gray colt only blinks, respect shown in the subtle motion. "We have encountered nothing suspicious yet," he replies, answering the unasked question that had been on the queen's tongue, ready to come out. "But we haven't looked upon the area Brazen Hoof claims the pegasi have been unable to access." Twilight swallows thickly and lets out a breath she hadn't known she was holding. "Thank you, gentlecolts," she finally says, fidgeting slightly. She didn't expect the hug that comes from each of them. "We know you're devastated about Pinkamena," Rainfall whispers, his voice full of concern and sadness. "We all are." The queen straightens, her hair flowing even more so as she does. "I will go with you to observe the terrain." Letting out a careful smile, she follows their hoofsteps as they lead her. Oh, yes, she was looking after her ponies again, just like always. And she was now also looking for the changeling queen.
The AttacksQueen Chrysalis snarls her disapproval as King Sombra looked down upon her with disdain. "I am not some prize to be won or triumphed over," she hisses, her fangs bared in a feral way that would send lesser ponies running. "And I am not your slave to do your dirty work." She didn't have to scream to make her point. She made it clear in the way her velvety voice emitted the words with threat and menace. Her flaring green eyes narrow as she waits for the king's reply. "Oh, darling," Sombra says sweetly, his smile fake as the sugar he uses in his afternoon tea. "But a few of our friends will be there; the mane five." At Chrysalis's scowl, he explains, "The pink party one passed in the Battle of Thriftic last month or so. I don't particularly care, however," he adds, his smoky black shadows weaving in and out of sight. With a cruel smile tossed in the changeling's direction, he walks towards her, a gleam in his eyes. "I don't do your bidding anymore," Chrysalis tries again, but the resistance in her voice lessens, the fight already won. She would do it... On one condition. "I do not bring them back here. I kill them on sight," she demands, green aura fizzling around the room as her magic takes hold. The shadow king only sends another vicious grin, and that's all it takes for Chrysalis to flutter her wings and disappear into the Everfree forest. Oh, Gods, how she hates the forest. Though everything sings evil, it doesn't sing home. The thorns wrap around her hooves, testing her and her power, the dark mysterious eyes watching her every move. She didn't dare look them directly in the eyes; there are things far more dangerous than her here, ever since those wretched ponies turned her own against her. This was not only her payback for that, but for every damned thing they had taken away from her. Growing increasingly tired of tracking without magic, Chrysalis longs to use it, though it could make her easy to be seen, as magic always leaves a trace. Leading them directly to her, which could be a good thing. But not yet. She wants to take them down one by one, starting with the most annoying, other than pink pony, the fashion mare. As she reaches the sewer's home, she falters as she watches the still growing younger sister of Rarity trot around, happiness filling her entire face. A low growl slips from her. Why in Equestria was she feeling pity? These very ponies had taken everything from her. Everything. It would take but one teleportation spell and a few torture methods to take the mare down. She allows herself a smile, matching the one on Sombra's own face, and flashes a bright green as she reaches the second floor. "Oh, Rarity," she purrs, cornering the designer. Examining the room, it has not changed one bit since she had last stormed it. Chrysalis recognizes the same disgustingly mare-ish bed, the same sewing machine that somehow hasn't broken. "Ever the fashion maker," she adds, advancing so the frightened mare was backed up into the wall. "Bitch," Rarity spits, horn glistening in blue as she conveys her rage. Sending a beam of light for the changeling, she misses as Chrysalis deflects it against the mirror. "You have the nerve to show up here after we offered you friendship, and you denied it!" Chrysalis shakes her head in disbelief. "Why have friends to share with when you can have it all?" she sneers down at her. "Get the hell away from me," Rarity screeches, sending another flash of light, spearing in Chrysalis's direction, hitting her in the shoulder. The mare was learning, wasn't she? "Oh, you wanna be friends now?" she mocks, her face contorted in anger. "Oh, you wanna go be friends with Pinkie again?" the changeling retorts. She could tell immediately she had hit a weak spot. Smiling, she adds, "Then join her." The room floods with green light as she lunges for the pony, for her revenge. The room turns teal as the unicorn's blue magic joins it, and Chrysalis lets out a shriek of rage as the unicorn disappears, having teleported before she could make her final move. It seemed as if this would be harder than she thought. Twilight paces the long corridors, her hooves clopping over the red and gold carpeting lining the floors as Spike gazes at his queen. Occasionally mumbling to herself, the dragon couldn't make out most of the words, yet he got the gist. "Twi, I know you're stressed," he begins carefully. "But-" "Your majesty!" Though Spike's eyes were squeezed shut tightly, he heard clearly Twilight pausing her pacing as the hoofsteps stopped as she approaches the commander. Peeking through his claws, he observes as she cocks her head and responds with, "What?" The unicorn whom Spike somehow still didn't know the name of didn't bother bowing, which was rather surprising. Gasping he explains, "There's been an attack in Ponyville." Spike felt everything in the Equestria stop, including Twilight and the commander. His eyes flicked to the stained glass of the hallway, attempting to act as if he were uninterested, but as everypony remained silent, he had to ask, "W-Who was the victim?" Another attack was a serious issue, whether or not it was on somepony 'important' or not... "Rarity." "Ah don't understand why you want us here." Twilight whips around, hair rippling in the process, her face the picture of fury and desperation as she glares into Applejack's eyes. "Because they're clearly going after us first," she growls, looking every part the determined queen destined to save her kingdom. Rainbow exchanges a wary glance with the farm pony, and at the pointed look from the purple alicorn, she hastily says, "It's just that we're not immortal, Twi. We're too old to be saving Equestria." With another nervous glance in Applejack's direction, she adds, "And what about Luster Dawn or that other one you were teaching?" Fluttershy nods cautiously, clearly afraid at whatever wrath was brewing under the queen's skin. Fluttershy swallows and steps forwards, joining her friends. "We're nearing our own deaths, of age," she says softly, yet not weakly. "If you wish this to be our last day, then so be it." "That's not what I meant," Twilight snaps, magic sparkling. She looks to Rarity for her reassurance, but the mare doesn't quite meet her gaze. "Ah, but it might just end up that way, won't it?" Applejack asks, snorting quietly. "With us under your command." That did it. The Royal Canterlot Voice echoes through the room as the queen demands, "You will stay here." And judging by her tone, it most definitely was not a choice. It was surely the nerves getting to her, but... Twilight could be quite terrifying, especially as her wings, which were neatly tucked by her sides fly out suddenly as she tries to regain control over everything. "You are my friends," she says gently, looking them each in the eyes as she starts leading them to their rooms. "But you will respect me." As they reach the designated rooms, each could see easily the worry in her eyes as she adds, "I know you helped me become this pony. But I cannot forgive myself if you die because of it." Fluttershy's eyes fill with tears that don't quite spill. There was sadness, pain, and also happiness in those droplets. "We can make it, Twilight. You can make it." And with that, she follows the other three into the suite. She isn't sure what to make of it all. The deaths, the rifts in their friendships... Whom would have wanted revenge on them? With Tirek's sentence coming to an end, he wouldn't dare do anything that would keep him in Tartarus. As for the rest, the likely option would be Chrysalis or Sombra. Twilight feels her blood chill and her heart speed up as a thrill rushes through her, at the possibility she could see... Oh, who was she kidding? Either way, even if Chrysalis were back, they would be on opposite sides, each warring for the crown and revenge. Things were getting messy. Breathing in deeply, she watches as Spike approaches her slowly, leaning into her touch as she begins weeping, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably as she sobs outside the suite's door. She was lucky the soundproof walls were there, or she'd have to face them again. They all have something to deal with, she has to remember. And everypony was figuring out how to deal with Pinkie Pie's sudden death. Twilight closes her eyes and looses one more shuddering sob before wiping away her tears, solidified with more determination than ever. "It's gonna be okay," Spike breathes, tightening his grip on his queen. "You're gonna be okay." When Twilight works up the courage to look at him again, she wishes she hadn't. For what she sees is not only the unwavering loyalty, but the lust in his eyes. The want. As Spike leans closer to her, the longing clear and apparent, she stands suddenly. Twilight shakes her head quickly, swallowing thickly as she backs away. "I... We can't do this," she manages to get out, hating herself for the hurt in her friend's eyes. "It's just..." This could not happen for three reasons. One, he was a dragon for Celestia's sake. Second, she was in love with an evil queen, and third, this could cause serious problems with the court. She shakes her head again and hurries to her own room, unable to look at him. "Fuck," Twilight mutters under her breath, launching herself onto her bed and covering her face with a pillow. "Fuck," she repeats, banging her head against the bed frame. A polite yet urgent knock sounds at the door, and she clears her throat and says a little louder than necessary, "Come in!" One of the members of the royal guard turns a light shade of red as he finds the queen sprawled across her bed, mumbling a hurried apology. She gives him a pointed look, as if to say, 'Out with it then!' He opens his mouth to speak, but Duskfall barges into the room behind him, gasping. "Queen Twilight," he pants, catching his breath. "There's been another attack, in Ponyville again!" The alicorn wastes no time, not even giving a nod of confirmation before teleporting out the room and straight to her hometown. But no words form as Sugar Cube Corner, the last of Pinkie Pie, burns to the ground, flames licking the ground and smoke rising in the air. This had been no accident, but a clear warning and sign. For her. There had been no pony in there, she was constantly reassured. There had been nothing of value, the others told her. They are wrong, Twilight thinks. The whole place was of value. And now it was gone.
The CapturingQueen Chrysalis was surprised that it had worked. It had gotten the queen out of the castle so quickly that she had almost faltered. She observes the four ponies locked in the cages. "I'll let you live if you give me information," she proposes, the light bulb of an idea forming over her head. She widens her eyes in an attempt to look more innocent, but the fact she even bothered was convincing enough. "Why would we help you?" the blue one with the rainbow mane spits at her, with an added insult that the changeling queen chooses not to hear. "You ruined our lives!" Chrysalis whips around. "Oh, I ruined your lives," Chrysalis hisses, an inch away from Rainbow's cell, close enough for her to reach her hoof through the bars and prod or punch the infuriating pegasus in front of her. "Oh, now that's a story." But at this point, she didn't care. Not as she delves into her life, bringing the four with her. They all look around in apparent shock as they find themselves in the Hive, the home the queen once had. Guiding them over to the throne, they found a younger Chrysalis sitting atop it, watching the young play and the elderly tell the stories. A smile-a true smile was on her face. They all watch as a young Thorax walks up to Chrysalis, bowing in respect. "My queen," he says, flushing as he gazes into her eyes, lost in them easily. It was apparent of his respect and possibly love for her. It had bothered her in the beginning, but now... "Yes, Thorax?" she asks, tilting her head with a warm grin towards him. The changeling fidgets where he stands, and after a long moment of silence, he whispers, "My mother would like to speak to you about... Things." Thorax offers a weak grin in return, but it doesn't pass inspection. Chrysalis's smile slackens as she takes him in. Bringing herself closer to him, she murmurs, "Why do you frown, young one? Is everything alright in your family? Here?" She would not allow a single one of her changelings to be harmed or hurt. Admittedly, she was a young queen, one of the youngest there was. But that had never mattered to her. Once her father died, she was prepared to help lead her own. Thorax only shakes his head and flushes again before dashing away, his brother's friends laughing at the poor changeling. Chrysalis stands, approaching Thorax's mother gently with a cautious air about her. Trying not to fidget the same way Thorax had-it gave off the sense of weakness, she begins, "Thorax said you would want to discuss something with me?" Chrysalis raises an eyebrow as if she doesn't believe it, though she does. "The Hive needs a strong queen," Kaya says carefully, gauging her queen's every action. "And a good queen has heirs in case something were to happen." As Chrysalis blushes herself, she gestures for the mare to continue. "And I would like to suggest one of my sons, Pharynx." The young queen could not prevent herself from flinching. Marrying her off to some other changeling? No. She wanted to find love herself. But Kaya was right, and her being one of the older influences, she could easily persuade the others to pressure her into it. "Fine," Chrysalis manages. "I will marry one of your sons." But a glint in her eyes forms as she smiles and lets her forked tongue slide out of her mouth. "But only if it's Thorax." "Why the fuck would you want it to be Thorax?" Rainbow Dash blurts, interrupting the memories. Receiving a glare from present time Chrysalis, she wisely closes her mouth and returns her attention to the scene, which clearly takes place later on, before they are married, but when they are bonding. Thorax leans in to brush a kiss to Chrysalis's neck, and she shivers at the affectionate touch. Although they fed off the love, it could not be produced of their own kind, which was really the only things she'd loved. Tucking a strand of her aqua hair behind her ear, he smiles up at her with quiet joy sparkling in his eyes. "Why did you choose me over Pharynx?" he asks slowly. Present time Chrysalis casts a pointed look at Rainbow, which she smartly ignores. As Chrysalis replies, he begins kissing her again, but this time on the lips, where their tongues begin clashing, fighting for control as they- "Enough of that," Chrysalis snarls, flushing a furious red. They were back in the dungeon, the queen looking flustered. "Y-You weren't supposed to see that part," she mutters under her breath, clearly still embarrassed. "Anyway, I was happy. And you took them, Thorax, away from me." "He never mentioned any of that," Applejack says, somewhat accusing. "Because I made him forget it." At their shocked looks, she only turns around again and hisses, "That's not the point! I just... You took everything from me. And more. And this is my revenge, my justice. You three will not get in the way of that." Checking to make sure the cages were locked, she takes a deep breath, shifting back into her cruel, wicked plans and personality. Teleporting away to the kingdom, she grins evilly. It was now, she would exact her revenge. And make the four others die in front of the alicorn. Twilight shifts around underneath the fluffy comforter of the bed, unable to find a comfortable position. She was restless, and eventually gives up, sitting. She casts a glance at Spike, who's sleeping in his own bed. She could recall when he slept in the tiny basket in Ponyville like it was yesterday. They had not spoken all day, courtesy of their awkward encounter last night. "My, my, my," somepony purrs from behind her. With the most calm and controlled tone she could muster, she says into the darkness, "Hello, Chrysalis." "It's been a long while since I've had you right where I wanted you," Chrysalis murmurs into Twilight's ear. Twilight goes rigid as the changeling grazes the back of the alicorn's neck with her teeth. She lets out a quiet, dark chuckle. This is perfect. There would be justice. Instead of pleading for forgiveness and salvation as Chrysalis assumed Twilight would, the purple alicorn only flushes and gives her a wry smile, somehow, despite the situation and her inevitable doom. Twilight levels a stare at Chrysalis with a raised eyebrow, and says, "It's been a long while since I've wanted you." Whether or not it was intended to flatter the changeling queen, she wasn't having it. "Trying to seduce me?" she sneers at the pony before her. "Because it won't work." Chrysalis surveys the scene before her, trying to figure out exactly how she would end Twilight's life. Slowly. "I wouldn't dream of trying to do that," Twilight states plainly, her face revealing none of the contempt nor disgust that Chrysalis had expected. "In fact..." she trails off as the changeling dragged a hoof down the alicorn's back, unhurriedly and sensuously. "I'd think you were trying to seduce me." Chrysalis lets out a snarl and a laugh at the same time. "You think you're worthy of my time and efforts? Don't think too highly of yourself, queen." But the possessive gesture she had done moments ago contradicted herself. Twilight carefully scans her room. That's right, they're in her bedroom. She has many things to keep herself safe here, such as daggers and hidden bombs, which were used at last resort. She ducks her head, as if she were reprimanding herself, but only to flicker magic through the room to reach her collection of weapons. By the time Chrysalis reacts, it's too late. "What did you do?" the changeling shrieks as she collapses into a heap, her wings shredded by the vicious attack. "I'll kill you," she hisses, whipping around to find the painfully smart alicorn. She winces, when her wings twitch, however. Twilight gives her an apologetic shrug and leans close, whispering to Chrysalis, "Just shut up and stay still." Chrysalis's only response was a shudder as a spasm of pain rips through her. Chrysalis grits her teeth as she watches Twilight prance around the room, grabbing a few things off her shelves. But she immediately jerks away as the other approaches her, pink magical aura sparkling. "What did I say?" Twilight sighs as she applies the ointment to the broken wings. Surprise glistens in Chrysalis's eyes, and possibly a bit of gratefulness that Twilight might have imagined. She stays silent as the queen of Equestria slowly begins pulling the knives out from where they were. "Why are you helping me?" Her voice comes out as a broken whisper. Twilight doesn't answer, and coldly turns away, unable to meet the changeling's gaze. "Leave my kingdom. Leave and never..." she chokes on her own words, tears sliding down her cheeks. "Leave and never return, Chrysalis. Or I will demonstrate just what this cursed and corrupt world has taught me." There it is. Genuine pain on her face. But Chrysalis only laughs and answers hoarsely, "You may have gotten me now, but just you wait. I'll be back!" "I'll look forward to it," Twilight says, leaving the changeling more confused than ever.
