Equestria Handiman: The Saga Continues

“Explain to me again why are you coming too?” Chrysalis grumbles and stares through the window as she and Discord were currently on a train headed for Ponyville. The queen changeling in question was wearing a fairly simple ensemble of black tight jeans and a dark pink short shirt that show her belly and one of her shoulders which were curiously lighter than her usual coal dark, gray high heels sandals, a golden bracelet, and a bit of green lipstick. Her mane and tail were now groomed and had a different hairstyle.

“For moral support of course! I know how terrifying it could be facing your old enemies now that you are reformed, and less for them to believe anything you say. So it wouldn’t hurt having some backup”

She passed her open hand over her snout in annoyance “This is it, isn’t it? This is where my life officially reached its lowest point”

“Oh please, we all know that your lowest point was reached when you start talking with inanimate objects just to have some sort of company. Now THAT is just plain pathetic” Discord reminds her of summoning the stump she used to talk with.

“Haven’t I been humiliated enough?”

“No”

Chrysalis look at him confused

“I mean, think of it this way after that point in life you have someone to talk with, a new opportunity to start fresh and a chance to have a lovely human giving you lots and lots of love”

She starts to smile at the idea remembering their last encounter before shaking her head “Discord I swear if you lie to me about Mark being there when we arrive I’ll…”

“Relax drama queen” He interrupt her in time for the train to reach the station “Even I wouldn’t be that cruel, besides we both know he is the reason you decided to dolly yourself up”

“I just grab the first thing I had at hand I swear” She nervously reply

“Uh uh sure, you grab the first perfume, make-up, and comb you could find, let go with that” He starts to push her into the exit and both finally reach ponyville.

Once they exit the station they were both greeted by an unusual reaction where ponies upon seeing them just scream and run in terror pointing at Chrysalis who can only blink in confusion.

“O…k, I wasn’t exactly expecting a parade but what got into them?”

“I’m as confused as you Chrysalis” Discord nods his agreement “I was sure Twilight and the rest told everyone about your change of heart” He shrugs after thinking it over “eh happen to me from time to time, don’t worry it will die down soon enough”

“Never though there will be the day I didn’t enjoy hearing ponies running away in fear from me” Chrysalis keep looking around where the same reaction keep happening “It feels weird”

“You get used to it, Fluttershy says it is something to do about self-reflection and awareness of how lonely your life was before” Discord's confusion just keeps building up seeing how no pony seems to give the poor changeling a chance, an opposite reaction for when they spy on Mark date.

“We will be ok as long as they don’t start bringing the elements of…and there they are” Discord points at Twilight and the rest of the elements of harmony running toward them all sporting their elements of harmony making Chrysalis flinch and take a step back.

“What is the meaning of this?!” Chrysalis' demand completely lived to such hostility.

“Chrysalis we don’t know what your plan is but it is not gonna work we will stop you right…”

“Wow there!” Discord grows, giant size, and bursts extra limbs to grab the mane six and lift them into the air spreading apart before they activate their powers “Let all take a chill pill” Discord summons and shakes a box of tic-tac in front of them. “What gotten into you Twily I know weddings can turn you into a bridezilla but this is just ridiculous”

He points at Chrysalis “That is Chrysalis, not your wedding planner”

“Discord what are you doing!?” Twilight tries to break free of his hold

“You traitor! First Tirek and now her? I knew we shouldn’t have trusted you” Dash started to curse at him.

“Why Discord? Why are you helping Chrysalis now?” Fluttershy was starting to tear up

“Ah because she is reformed now?” Discord asks them with a raised eyebrow and then notices something peculiar about Fluttershy “You went back to your previous clothing Fluttershy? Why? You were so confident in your other look”

“Other look?” She repeats not understanding

“Wait, reformed!?” Twilight brings back the conversation to the main topic.

“Well so much for a warm welcoming” Chrysalis huff and look at Discord “I knew this was a mistake, I’m leaving”

“No!” Discord disappears and reappears in front of Chrysalis in a panic “I mean, this is just an accident, they are all sorry, right girls, they are sorry” He took a glance at the mane six before looking back at the changeling with a nervous smile as she crossed her arms.

“They were about to blast me with the elements of harmony, UNPROVOKED!” She points at her in rage.

“Ah no you can’t play that card, we all know you are a schemer Chrysalis” Dash accuses her.

“You are right, and it's not like I could change into literally anyone and pass undetected if I really was planning something, oh wait!” Dash flinches back at her response as the girls look at one another in shame before Twilight steps forward.

“I’m sorry Chrysalis we really jump to conclusions here”

“You think?!”

“But if Discord says you are reformed then I believe him” She extended her hand “Please would you forgive us and give us a chance to make it up to you?”

“Twilight if you think for a second I would even consider…?”

Discord suddenly appears on her shoulder and whisper into her ear “Something is wrong here Chrissy, it could be best to play along, plus she would be owning you a favor, no question ask”

Chrysalis takes a moment to think before internally nodding in agreement with Discord and shaking her head. “One more chance and all of you will now owe me a favor for almost blasting me with those infernal elements, one favor each no question ask” She demands as compensation

“What?!” Dash yell in outrage before AJ cover her mouth as she trashes around “Deal, we will make it up partner”

“Good, now before you try to attack me I was under the impression that there was some sort of party I was invited to?” She waved her wrist around and raised an eyebrow,

Pinkie gasped and slowly grinned ear to ear before rushing at her until their nose touched “You got it, Chrissy! Twilight keeps her busy and then brings her to your castle. This will be so much fun!” And with that, she ran away leaving them all confused minus the ex-villains.

“Now is your chance, follow her and find what you can” Chrysalis whispers to Discord who agrees and pops away.

The area soon was filled with an awkward silence as the mane six weren’t exactly what to do next. “Sooo…when exactly did have a change of heart?”

“Dash!” Twilight reprimand her friend

“What? Don't act like you are not all curious, I mean shouldn’t she be a stone with her other pals?”

Turn to stone? What in Equestria is going on here!? Ok, Discord is right, something weird is going on.

“I suppose this means Discord forgot to tell you” Chrysalis sighs and starts to explain/ coming up with an explanation “It all started when I freed myself…”

“Are the others…?” Twilight began to question in fear but Chrysalis stop her in her tracks

“Nope! They are still trapped, I banish them to Tartarus, don’t look for them there are no longer where you left them. Let's just move on…”

Meanwhile in another part of town.

While following Pinkie Discord starts to take note of anything unusual going on around town or with the residents, finding that for the most part everything seems normal, right until they reached Mark's house where he discovers one of the biggest changes of all as well as the biggest mare or rather holstaur in town equally confused, talking with Milky on the front door.

“I don’t understand,” The holstaur says, completely disheartened while Milky looks at the poor creature in pity. Although she was wearing informal clothing of jeans and a white shirt, Milky could tell she had prepared herself a bit, with some perfume, golden earrings, and even some lipstick and make-up.

“I’m sorry miss but as I say, you got the wrong address. This isn’t even my house, I’m just renting while helping my cousin and her wife's mysterious pregnancy.”

“Renting? But…no that is not right, I remember having been here. This is Mark's home, he builds him himself”

She sighs and shakes her head “I’m sorry he must have fooled you, according to my cousin nobody has ever lived here in years. I don’t even know any Mark”

“B-But we dated for months, we didn’t rush anything fearing to rush anything we didn’t even…” She only blushes and looks away not wanting to finish the sentence.

“Wow, at first I thought he was a dush taking advantage of a nice lady, but if he really kept it on his pants then I’m sorry. I would like to help but well I’m busy”

“Are you sure you don’t remember me? I’m Daisy, we talked over the phone more than once. Today we were supposed to meet face to face. This was kind of an important herd date”

She only shake her head “Sorry you got the wrong mare, I don’t even have a herd” She sigh in contemplation “Haven’t found that special someone to start that yet”

“What?” Daisy disheartened was slowly turning into concern and confusion the more she talked with Milky

Having heard enough Discord decided to intervene

“Hey ladies”

As expected, both scream and fall, or at least Daisy were about to if not for Discord grabbing her shoulder and bringing her into a hug “Daisy? Is that you? Girl I have been looking all over for you. Did you get lost again?”

“Ah, wha…?”

Discord approach her ear “Play along, something bad happen and I think ponies forgot who Mark is”

The holstaur eyes wide in horror at the revelation.

“D-D-DISCORD!” Milky slowly recovers and looks at the spirit in fear as he smiles at her “So sorry for the mix-up. Daisy here can get directions wrong at times. We will get out of your mane in no time, Chao”

Before any of them could come up with a reply Discord already teleported them away and after calming Daisy down and brainstorming a little both concluded that the memory of Mark was completely erased from the minds of everyone in town, leaving actions only he could do as a mystery like the suddenly available house or Lyra and Bon Bon pregnancy that came from nowhere.

Eventually, they went to Twilight castle where Pinkie's ‘Happy reformation party’ was in full swing and they put Chrysalis up to speed with what they found out.

“I should be worried but there is something about all of this that feels familiar” Discord hmm in thought while the 3 manage to speak privately while the town was celebrating.

“I don’t get it! He was kind, gentle, and friendly. Who could possibly do something so horrible to him? Why would anyone do that in the first place?” Daisy clenches her fist more concerned than angry at the moment, as she desperately tries to think of a reason for any of this to happen.

“Well we can discard love rival at least” Discord comments “Otherwise they would they would be the one dating his herd”

“It goes beyond that” Chrysalis looks at the party from the second floor they were currently in. “Whoever is responsible really went out of their way to rewrite history” Her gaze lands on AJ and Dash hugging each other all lovey dobby.

“Those two for example”

“Ah queen Chrysalis I don’t think this is a good time to start looking for food” Daisy mentions earning a roll from her eyes “Is not that, and I would not be getting much anyway. They are forcing it”

That catches everyone's attention “Sure there is attraction and genuine love but I have been in the game of infiltration long enough to catch on when ponies are hiding something, and the mane six are pretending to be fine but the moment I saw them I could detect it. It's hard to explain in words but chances are they are feeling hollow like there's a part of their memory that simply doesn’t feel right, real, or downright are erased but can’t figure out exactly what memory or why is that”

“It's Mark!” Daisy cheers in happiness “Their hearts haven’t forgotten about him”

“Most likely, I recognized that tactic is a common changeling move for replacement, let the target worry then reappear as the loved one missing, nine out of ten times their overjoy will overlook discrepancies in personality or behavior, mostly blaming it on a trauma but we never replace a memory completely, the most is tamper it slightly”

“So…how does that tell you that someone wanted to force a new past into them?” Discord float near Chrysalis as she crosses her arms

“Because while they didn’t fill all of the gaps most of them were filled with a different story, like how I was supposed to be a stone in Canterlot, or those two over there for example” He points at the couple again

“What about Rainbow Dash and Applejack” Daisy raised an eyebrow

“Pay attention to their body language, the way those two supposedly found love in each other and no pony else? The way they brag how much they are in love, and how each other's are the only mare in the world? Yeah, that is an act, they are trying to convince themselves of that”

Discord eyes wide and then he gets angry. “What about Fluttershy, what did they make her believe?” His eyes flash white in anger for a second, yet Chrysalis remains neutral “Other than reverting her to how she used to be?” She shook her head “I don’t see much difference other than maybe been afraid of the idea of sex in general…and more dependent on you”

“That is horrible, I never met her in person but for the stories, Mark told me, Fluttershy was so happy and free after she broke out of her shell,” Daisy tells them, and both of them agree.

“Which bring to their goal” Chrysalis continues “They never expect to gain anything from this, the mastermind responsible only wanted one thing and that is for the story of the world to play as they saw fit, and exactly as they envision it”

“Someone that is a fan of the girls, their adventure and knows it inside and out, as if they lived it themselves” Discord hardened his gaze, coming to a realization and looking at what Chrysalis was seeing.

“With a propensity of neurosis, workaholism, overplanning edging on OCD, and a history of meltdowns when plans aren’t followed to the letter”

Confused Daisy looked between them and whoever they were looking until they spat Princess Twilight and her friends chatting with a taller version of herself with flowing mane.

“Is that…?”

“A Twilight from another world, and our primary suspect” Discord confirms.

“Another world?” Daisy repeated in astonishment

“Welcome to ponyville Holstaur, this is common around this place” Chrysalis pat her back and turn around preparing to leave “We better go back to the party before anyone get suspicious, keep an eye on the other Twilight, at the moment she is our only lead”

With a sigh Discord pat, the still shock Daisy shoulder “I should warn you now Ms.Daisy, joining Mark herd would be anything but quiet, craziness like these are fairly common. I hope this isn’t a deal-breaker”

“I-I don’t know it just…sorry is just a lot to take in, and I’m not sure I’m cut for this kind of craziness. I’m a stripper, not an adventurer for Celestia's sake, I make a living taking off my clothes, not saving others.”

“And Fluttershy used to be just a caretaker, Rarity a tailor, and AJ a farmer. There is not exactly a job that qualifies you to be an adventure or not, you simply got the call” he summons a red telephone who immediately start to ring “The important thing is to answer the call”

She looks at the phone and then at Discord with a raised eyebrow until he makes it banish “You could also ask yourself this two things: 1)Is the human worth the trouble and 2) would you able to live with yourself knowing you could have helped someone in need but choose to ignore him?”

“Ah come on Discord that's just not fair”

“Life itself rarely is” He simply shrugs. “But that, your past or your job shouldn’t be a deterrent to do what is right, or aid those that you love. But oh well nobody is forcing you, it's just a fling, right? It's not like you are ready to settle down or want to be part of his herd or anything am I right? Nah just because this would be something he would move the sea and earth in the name of love if things were reversed doesn’t mean you have to do the same” He smiles calmly at her, before she could respond he banishes her with a snap of his fingers leaving her alone with her thoughts.

Back at the party, Chrysalis starts to mingle with others while taking a closer look at Ruling Twilight, who was talking with weirdly enough tired and almost sick-looking Celestia and Luna.

“It fills me with pride knowing how well everything turns out in your world Twilight” Celestia grin putting on a brave face for the public yet for anyone that knew them well it was clear how they were putting on a mask

“I had great teachers that guided me all the way there” Ruling Twilight smiles brightly at them before her expression turns to concern “Princess…”

Celestia chuckle and shake her head “Oh some things never change if my Twilight doesn’t have to use honorifics even less you Miss”

“Right, sorry, so are you two alright?”

“What do you mean Ms. Sparkles” Luna's question

“Please I can tell you two don’t look so well I can see the sights too. So why don’t you tell me what’s wrong?”

“Oh no, we wouldn’t want to bother you with these old mares…” Twilight grab her hand and just give her a calm smile “Please I insist, I’m sure if your Twilight would be here she would love to help as well”

Chrysalis catches Twilight's eye flickering with a purple glow as the princesses become more complacent.

“Indeed it seems those things never change either, but even if we want we aren’t even sure what exactly got into us” Celestia and Luna exchange wary glances at each other as Luna nods.

“From seemly out of nowhere we simply woke up feeling strange”

“How so?” Ruling Twilight raised an eyebrow at them both the sister only shake their heads

“We don’t know, and it has been driving us crazy since this morning. The best way we could describe it is like there is a part of us feeling numb or restrained. Like we are awake but feeling like we are still in bed and for some reason can’t stand up. Tell us Twilight does any of that make any sense whatsoever?”

Twilight only hmm and look away “As a matter of fact I think what could be the issue, the same happens with my pri…with my Celestia and Luna” they all share a laugh as Chrysalis glare at Twilight not fooled by her act for a second, and leading the princesses by the nose.

She tried to follow when they were preparing to leave but then Fluttershy arrived and blocked her way.

“Ah Chrysalis, do you have a moment? She shyly asks not to make eye contact with her as she sighs in frustration when she loses her royals among the crowd. She wanted to continue the chase but knew it wasn’t the time to blow her cover and simply accepted her fate.

“What do you want?” She cross her eyes and raised an eyebrow at the poor pegasus

“Oh, it's nothing I was just thinking if that is ok for me to ask and you don’t need to answer but maybe if that is ok with you…” She keeps rubbing her arm and looking away in embarrassment and a nervous smile while trying to be as small as possible

Geez, I can’t believe I’m saying this but I prefer her better when she used to be assertive, at least she could speak.

“It's my wings isn’t it?” Chrysalis gave her a deadpan look and extended to say luminescent appendages as Fluttershy looked at her in surprise “Don’t read too much into it ok? I simply had to promise not to steal love, Discord in its weirdness just somehow gave me ‘love on a can’ and I have been drinking that for months. That is all”

She was preparing to leave when Fluttershy stop her once more

“What? W-Wait, no! That is not it…well it kind of is, not that is nothing wrong with your wings. I like to see you are eating and all but ah well…”

“On with it Fluttershy, really just take a deep breath and tell me what is on your mind” Chrysalis coached her not looking forward to spending 10 minutes waiting for her to get brave enough to speak.

Taking her advice she does as instructed and breathes in before closing her eyes and clenching her fist while looking down “Are you and Discord together?!” she manages to shout/whisper with an intense blush that startles her slightly.

“...No” She calmly replied, causing her to sigh from relief.

“Oh thank Celestia”

“You do know he has genitalia right?”

“Wha-What?! H-how do you…?” Chrysalis notices the same purple glimmer in her eyes when those wide before she shakes her head “It doesn’t matter I-I mean! I-it just I d-don’t exactly care for the idea of ah well…”

Twilight what have you done to this poor mare?

“Fluttershy” Chrysalis interrupts her feeling pity for the poor pegasus. “A moment ago you ask me a personal question allow me to ask one myself”

She only mumbles with an intense blush as Chrysalis smiles and shakes her head “Don’t worry you don’t have to answer me or anything this is more something I would like you to contemplate yourself”

Thinking it over and looking around briefly she ultimately nods and looks back at her.

“Will you be ok shutting yourself off from that experience? I know it might be scary at first and it is true, it is just one small part of any relationship where couples can be perfectly happy not engaging in those types of activities but would you truly be happy not knowing what that would be like?”

She can only blush and mumbles trying to hide inside her mane until Chrysalis put her hand over the pegasus shoulder

“I don’t need to detect it to know it dear. You are or at the very least have considered it, have you?”

Very weakly she starts to nod
“Like I say you don’t need to answer me, I’m just warning you that would be the path if you pursued Discord. So make sure you are ok with that type of life”

From the corner of her eye, she sees Discord issue her to come over as she nods. “Enjoy the rest of the party, and don’t force yourself, ok? Just think it over” She excuses herself and goes back to Discord.

“Do you have anything?”

“Second Twilight just took the princesses away from the party after offering them a cup,” He asked in worry.

“And I just got all the evidence we need. Each time that something might trigger Mark's memory a flash of purple glimmer in the victim's eye. She seals their memories”

“And it affects them in more than one way” Daisy suddenly approaches the two with more focus and anger than ever before much to Discord's joy. “I just spoke with Milky and her cousin and tried to jog their memories about Mark. They almost had a meltdown and then turned aggressive and stubborn. They didn’t even want to say his name. Same with the mane six, the mayor, his ex-boss. Virtually the whole town has been brainwashed”

“Yep, just as methodic as usual” Chrysalis sighs and shakes her head “I fear the only reason I was spared was that, that Twilight belief that your little prank still happens” She eyes Discord who only shrugs.

“Or this could be a trap, considering the theme of the party” He points up to a banner with her name on it, “Something tells me she is aware of you reforming”

“You are right we should be careful once we knock her unconscious” Chrysalis nods with anger.

“Excuse me?” Discord looks at Chrysalis confused.

“She messes around with someone else's life because of her neurosis, and doesn’t care how shitty everyone lives became as a result” Her eyes flash green “That is a line you do NOT cross, and before you say it! I did it because I needed food, she is doing it because she likes it”

“Agree” Daisy nods and they both heads in the direction Twilight and the princesses left.

Discord chuckled and shook his head after the initial surprise. “I knew you had a soft side”

“No, I don’t!” Chrysalis responds as he floats toward them, their arguments thankfully being drowned out by the music.

“Don’t fight it, Chrissy I saw what you did with Fluttershy, you are officially a good guy now”

“Can we focus, please!? Thank you!” She only grumbles as they advanced