A Vengeful Revelationby Catpaw616ChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 1Cold, hungry, and hateful. Those were the three things that Chrysalis felt when she was locked away in one of Canterlot's dark and chilly dungeons. The chains that were latched onto her hind legs made adjusting more unbearable than it already was. Chrysalis found it hard to find a comfortable sleep position, and the cold stone floor didn't help that factor either. She hissed to herself out of frustration as she slumped to the ground, her front hooves extended in front of her. She couldn't help but flinch when her cheek felt the stinging coldness of the black unforgivable ground. Her gaze drifted outside her cell. The halls were empty and filled with darkness. The only signs of life were herself, and a few mice that made themselves known through their chittering echos. She was the only one imprisoned down here and hardly believed anyone would join her. No one would ever stoop low to her level. They were too wimpy to do so. Well, except Tirek, she supposed. She then glanced at the food that Celestia's guards ungraciously gave her. It was two dead spiders and a cockroach. At first, when they served her food on the first day of her capture, she claimed that she would rather starve than eat the food her enemies gave her, but after a day or two, she caved in. That was one of the only times she did so. She wasn't dumb enough to literally starve herself to death. She was even lucky that they gave her food. She certainly wouldn't have done the same thing to certain prisoners of her kingdom. She turned away from the food and continued to stare out of the cell. Her eyes were glued to the stairs that led up to the gateway of freedom. Driven mad by boredom, Chrysalis kept hissing to herself as she kicked the ground with one of her front hooves. She shouldn't have suffered down here in the first place. She should've been taking over Equestria by now. It should've been Twilight and her friends who were stuck down here with little to no food. Not her. It only got worse when memories of her defeat against Twilight's pupil began to pop up in her head at random times, and that alone was enough to make Chrysalis' blood boil. "I swear when I get my hooves onto that fiend," Chrysalis began to mutter to herself as bottled-up rage took over her mind. "I'll make her pay. I'll make her suffer. I'll..." She couldn't even finish her sentence she was that mad. Her thoughts were now filled with nothing but hatred towards Starlight Glimmer. She was the one who brainwashed her loyal changeling subjects. She was the one who prevented her from escaping. Even though she wasn't directly responsible for locking her up in this cell, it was still her fault nonetheless. Everything fell into ruin because of Starlight. Letting out a screech of rage, she punched the wall with her hoof, only to regret it right afterward. She waved her injured hoof out of pain as she looked at the cell's wall, which barely made a dent. I've grown weaker since I've been here. Chrysalis seethed inside her head. A few minutes after her short-lived act of rage, the dungeon's door creaked open. She heard someone walking down the stairs and closed the door behind them. Chrysalis' green eyes narrowed as she waited for the figure to appear. Once it did, Chrysalis couldn't suppress a snarl as she immediately recognized the lilac-colored unicorn. The one that was responsible for putting her where she was now. "Starlight Glimmer..." Chrysalis said her name in the coldest tone she could've possibly made. "How dare you show your face to me?" Chrysalis hoped that her icy tone would've made the unicorn flinch or back away. Even just a little. But she didn't. Instead, she looked straight into her eyes and frowned. "You know, if you simply took my offer of friendship, you wouldn't be here by now," Starlight told her in a soft but somewhat firm tone. With that, Chrysalis attempted to lunge at the cell, but her chained hind legs didn't get her that far. She bared her fangs towards Starlight, making a loud hissing noise. That was enough to make Starlight back away a few steps. "Friendship is nothing to me." Chrysalis snarled at the unicorn. "I'd rather stay here and suffer than become your pupil. You or anyone's pupil." Starlight just stared at her. When she made no response, Chrysalis turned her head away, not bearing to look at her any longer. "What are you doing here, anyway?" she asked in a quieter tone, but her voice remained cold. "I came to check in on you." The unicorn informed her. "I heard a loud bang, so I came down here to make sure you're not trying to escape." Chrysalis' only response was a scoff. Starlight glanced down at Chrysalis' food bowl, then back at her. "I can get you something else to eat besides those bugs." she offered. "The Princesses aren't that cruel. They'll let us offer you other food if you want to." "Which will never happen," Chrysalis growled. She turned to Starlight and narrowed her eyes. "I don't need anyone's pity. Especially from you." It was Starlight's turn to narrow her eyes a little, although it wasn't out of anger. Just disappointment. "I know you hate me because I liberated your hive. But I don't regret what I did," she said sternly. Her sign of warmness was gone for now. "You drew first blood by capturing the Princesses, my mentor, and the rest of my friends. What was I supposed to do? Sit back and do nothing?" "You should have if you knew what's good for you." Chrysalis started to sneer at her. Since Starlight was pushing her buttons, she figured that she should return the favor, and she gained a little idea from it. "I remember seeing the look of fear on your face when I came face-to-face with you. You acted so tough and mighty but deep down, you were afraid. And you still are." "I'm not afraid of someone who is in chains," Starlight told her calmly. "Then how about you come in here, free me from my chains and my stupid magic-disabling ring, and we'll see who's really stronger." Chrysalis snickered. She was hoping she was dumb enough to take the bait and fight for her pride. But, to her disappointment, she didn't budge. "You can call me a weakling all you want. I've got nothing to prove to you." Starlight responded coolly. "I've got the better end of the deal, here. And if you weren't so caught up in your pride, you would've joined me. And maybe your life would've improved for the better." "Oh please, as if you were in the same shoes as I am." Chrysalis huffed as she turned her body away from her and began to lie down in an uncomfortable position. Starlight gave her a long look. Chrysalis knew that the unicorn pitied her, despite what she did and what she said, but she didn't care in the slightest bit. She didn't want anyone's pity, and she meant it. Finally, the hoofsteps began to fade into the distance and heard the dungeon door open and close. Alone in the dark once again, Chrysalis closed her eyes and even though she was still in prison, revenge plans were already forming in her head as she tried to get some sleep. When I get out of here, you better watch your back, Starlight Glimmer. And that is a promise. Chapter 2Starlight started to walk up the dungeon stairs to make her way outside. Before she was out of view, Starlight looked over her shoulder to see Chrysalis again. Her back was facing against her and didn't seem to be turning around anytime soon. Part of her felt bad for the former changeling queen, but at the same time, she didn't want to sugarcoat the fact that what she did was atrocious and that she deserved to be down there after all the crimes she committed. Why do I feel bad for her? Am I supposed to hate her? Starlight argued with herself. She almost took over Equestria and captured my friends in the process. Starlight continued to think these thoughts as she closed the dungeon door behind her. As she trailed along the hall, she was met with Twilight, who was waiting for her. "So? How is she? "Did she try to escape?" Twilight asked her former pupil. Starlight shook her head. "No, she didn't, as far as I know," she informed her. "That's good." Twilight sighed with relief. The two ponies walked down the castle halls where stained glass windows painted the walls. As they walked, Starlight couldn't help but keep looking back at the dungeon door was getting farther and farther away from them. Twilight noticed this quite a few times, so she decided to talk about it. "What's wrong?" Twilight asked her. "That's the third time you've looked back." Starlight stopped in her tracks and stared at her with a bit of embarrassment. "Really? I'm sorry, Twilight. I've just been thinking about some things." She said as she shuffled one of her hooves. "Like what?" Twilight also stopped walking. Starlight started to hesitate. How was she supposed to explain this to her without sounding too much like an advocate for Chrysalis? She knew that she had what was coming to her. There was no doubt about that. But there was something that lingered in her mind that had been bothering her. She just couldn't figure out what. "It's nothing important." She tried to play it off. "I guess I'm a bit dismayed by what they're feeding her." She admitted although it wasn't completely a lie. "I can't say that I agree with what they're giving her, either," Twilight responded with a small shake of her head. "But we gave Chrysalis the option to request some other food to eat, but her pride made her refuse. You know what? You were there." "Yes, I know, but surely she can't be eating spiders and roaches for the rest of her life?" Starlight pointed out. Twilight just shrugged. "You just can't help someone who refuses to be helped by ponies like us. She's too stubborn and full of hatred for that." "Erm, yes." Starlight nodded curtly. The last sentence made her uneasy. She didn't know why. She knew it was true. They discussed more of the matter when they approached the big golden doors that led to Celestia and Luna's throne. "I'll talk to Celestia about your concerns," Twilight reassured her with a small smile. "She's wise and fair. She'll figure something out." Starlight now felt nervous. She hoped that Celestia wouldn't take her views the wrong way and give the assumption that she pitied her too much. "Ok," Starlight said, not wanting to say any more words. Twilight then opened one of the doors, entered inside, where Starlight could hear the welcoming voice of Celestia, and then closed the door behind her. Now alone, Starlight made her way back outside of the castle and decided to teleport herself back to the School of Friendship. She had to make plans for the field trip to Cloudsdale next week, and worrying about Chrysalis' choice of food selections would wear her down. She knew that she deserved it. She tried to take over Equestria twice and would've tried many more attempts if she hadn't been captured. Surely she shouldn't feel bad for her? But there was something about the situation that felt... familiar. Something that felt a bit close to home. Putting this aside for now, Starlight had to concentrate as she made a list of the activities to do on the trip. But she knew this would not be the last time she would think such thoughts. Chrysalis begrudgingly ate the last of the two spiders that were left in her food dish after she felt a wave of starvation hit her. They tasted gross, but she figured it was better than eating the apple pie that Celestia and her guards gave her a week ago. Do they think I need their pathetic food? Chrysalis scowled as she glared at the apple pie from the corner of her cell. They haven't given her anything besides bugs for months, so why are they changing it up all of a sudden? Did they want to see her succumb to their act of help? Did they want to see how desperate she was? Well, I'm not going to give her the satisfaction. She huffed stubbornly as she turned away from the apple pie. Chrysalis looked out at the tiny, barred window that loomed on top of the wall. Since she was allowed to fly, Chrysalis flapped her transparent wings and flew up to look through the barred hole in the wall. Due to her chains, her eyes were barely able to reach the window but managed to get a good view. From what she could tell, it was about the twilight hour. The moon was slowly rising above the mountains as the last bits of the sun withdrew for another day. Ahead, she could see the tiny, innocent town of Ponyville in the distance. The village's lights were brightly lit from here, and much of her disdain, she imagined the inhabitants of the town enjoying their small, pathetic lives; not seeming to care that their so-called righteous Princesses were letting a dignified queen rot in their dark, cold dungeon for months. She's not a queen any longer. Chrysalis suddenly recalled the moment when she was forced to face Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Twilight in their throne room. Chrysalis wanted to lash out at Luna when she said those disrespectful, incorrect words, but managed to hold her tongue due to the guards giving her a look of daggers, and she didn't want to make things worse than they already did. Not a queen... Not a queen... Not a queen... The three words ringed inside her head continuously, and unforgivingly. Chrysalis closed her eyes and her jaws clamped down to prevent herself from making another screech of rage. Once she landed on the ground, Chrysalis forced herself to take deep breaths, letting her rage consume her slowly, before it didn't become hard to deal with anymore. Her hooves stopped trembling and she glanced up at the window. She let out a low hiss. "Their pathetic lives won't be peaceful forever," Chrysalis told herself in a low voice. And those three will soon see just how wrong they are. Just then, the dungeon door began to open, and the sound of hoofsteps and chains could be heard from around the corner. Then Chrysalis saw a pair of guards approaching down the hall. Chrysalis opened her mouth, ready to send out a scathing comment. But she hesitated when the guards walked past her for once. They're not here for me this time. Chrysalis was genuinely surprised. Chrysalis got closer to the cell bars to get a closer look. She saw the two guards wrapping chains on the floor and putting a plate with an apple on top on the ground. Chrysalis remembered being offered an apple when she was put into her cage, and of course, she refused it. What kind of monster would be given the same treatment as I did? Chrysalis pondered. Then she started to get to thinking. Hopefully, this new cellmate would be a powerful, ferocious beast like she was. One who wouldn't obliged to these ponies and their pathetic food. However, the tiny, rare spark of hopefulness immediately went down the drain when the second pair of guards arrived around the corner. It wasn't a ferocious beast or one that hardly had the same resolve that Chrysalis had. It was.. a pony! And it wasn't just any pony. It was a foal! Chrysalis's face was a mix of anger, disappointment, and confusion. She did not know which one she felt the most. What was a pony of all creatures doing down here, locked up in chains? Especially when they seemed to look so young? Chapter 3The rattling of chains filled Chrysalis' ears as they locked away the pony in their cell. She could hear the painful grunts from the pony but said nothing so far. The scene before her kept making her have flashbacks of her first night in the dungeons. The feeling was very uncomfortable since you could barely move and had to adjust to the cold, empty halls. Well, it's not really empty anymore. Once the guards finally left the scene, Chrysalis peered off her cell to get a first good look at the captured foal. She had a salmon-pink coat, which, Chrysalis admitted was an ugly color, and had a curly, light blue mane with a white ribbon tied on her mane. Her scarlet eyes were strained with annoyance, and Chrysalis could see a tiny bit of her cutie mark, although she couldn't tell what it was. Chrysalis also noticed that she too had her hind legs chained and saw that her wings were tied onto her body with rope. Once again, Chrysalis was surprised to see a foal down in the same dungeon as her. She thought that all fillies were mindless innocent idiots who would do anything to please their sappy Princesses. What surprised her even more was that Princess Celestia and Luna were willing to send a child to prison. And they call themselves righteous and fair? Chrysalis rolled her eyes. The sound of the chain on her hind leg seemed to alert the filly. When the two inmates locked eyes for the first time, she let out a startled gasp. "Oh, golly! I didn't see you there!" the foal exclaimed. "You... you hide well in the shadows." Golly. Chrysalis' eyes were half-closed when she became irritated by that word. I hope she said that only because she was startled. "Yeah, well, you better get used to it," Chrysalis grunted; her voice not welcome at all. "It's dark in this cold, grimy place," she muttered. "Yeah, they should've given me a blanket." the foal said, wrapping her hooves around her body, and started shivering. Chrysalis raised an eyebrow, unsure whether the shivering was overexaggerated or not. "Oh, give me a break. It's not that cold." Chrysalis rolled her eyes again. "You ponies are so sensitive. No wonder you wear those stupid winter clothes all the time in the winter." The foal's eyebrows raised. "What do you mean by 'you ponies'? Aren't you one?" Chrysalis suddenly hissed at her, to which the foal let out an "eep" as she was startled once again. "You disgust me if you ever think that I'm one of your pathetic kind." Chrysalis rasped. "Do you have any idea of who I am?" "Ok, ok, I'm sorry, jeez." she raised her hooves to calm her down. "In my defense, it's not like I can see you well from here." "Well, isn't it obvious as to who I am?" Chrysalis scoffed, annoyed at her obliviously. "I am Queen Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings. Who else could it be?" After she explained her identity, the foal gasped and covered her mouth with her hooves. She seemed rather fearful now that she realized who she really was, and seemed like she immediately regretted calling her a pony. "You're the Queen of the Changelings? They said that I would get some company, but I didn't think that it could be you!" Finally, someone still respects me. Chrysalis smirked proudly. "In the flesh," she said, giving her a smug expression. "Oh wow, I've heard so much about you." the foal gazed at her in awe. "I didn't think that I would be in the same dungeon as you. But wait, technically you're not a queen anymore, now that Thorax took over." Her one moment of her well-deserved pride vanished when she mentioned the traitor's name. She glared at her once more. "Thorax is nothing but a joke. He's the pretended ruler of the changelings. He did nothing to earn the title, and he never will." she spat. She was about to say something different, then she remembered the first part of what she said. "Wait, what kind of things did you hear about me?" she asked with a suspicious look. "Oh, uh," the foal looked away nervously. "Not very good things." Chrysalis grumbled. She turned her head away. "Nevermind. I don't care." She looked at the foal from the corner of her eye. Despite being a pony, she wasn't nearly as oblivious as the other ponies she had encountered. This was surprising since foals were supposed to be dumber than adults. "Now, since I've introduced myself, it's your turn," Chrysalis said to the filly. "Why are you here, to be exact? It's not every day that a small pony such as yourself goes to prison with the likes of me." "Well, yeah, because I have a different mindset from the rest of those fools." she boasted with a slight smirk. "Oh?" Chrysalis raised an eyebrow again. This time, out of intrigue. "What makes you different than the rest?" Cozy Glow rolled her eyes. "Oh come on, Chrysalis—" "It's Queen Chrysalis, thank you very much!" Chrysalis shouted. "Ok, ok, Queen Chrysalis. You really think that just because I'm a pony, I would just blindly be goody two shoes?" she asked her with a disappointed look. "Ponies can be just as wicked and nasty as you. They just don't have the desire or drive for it. They're too keen on friendship and happiness to even have a bit of a bad bone in them." She doesn't talk like an average foal. Chrysalis thought as she listened to Cozy Glow's words. But she didn't entirely believe her. "Oh, some ponies do have a bad bone in them, but they always get reformed in the end. Just like Princess Luna and Discord." Chrysalis spat. "And Starlight." Cozy Glow muttered quietly, seemingly to herself, but Chrysalis had caught it. "What about her?" Chrysalis hissed as she glared at her, unhappy that she was mentioned. "What does that fool have to do with this conversation?" Cozy Glow looked at her with a dumbfounded expression. "Oh, you don't know?" "Know what?" Before Cozy Glow could say anything, the dungeon door suddenly slammed open. Four pairs of guards immediately stormed down the stairs and quickly approached the two of them. Four guards opened Chrysalis' cell and chained up her front hooves before she could even comprehend what just happened. Chrysalis let out a confused and angry hiss but said nothing to them. The guards were softer with Cozy Glow, but like her, she also got her front hooves chained up and pushed her to make her stand beside Chrysalis. "What's going on?" Cozy Glow's voice came out like a squeak compared to her sly and persuasive tone just seconds ago. "Celestia and Luna want to see the two of you." one of the guards said bluntly. "Is Twilight too scared to show her face to me?" Chrysalis said sarcastically as the guards started to push her to the dungeon door. "Just shut up and walk." The other guard silenced them with a glare and a spear that lightly jabbed Chrysalis' side. How dare they treat me like this? Chrysalis also gave the guard a similar glare. Whatever it is better be worth it. Chrysalis thought grimly as the dungeon door closed behind her and Cozy Glow. Chapter 4Chrysalis glared at the guards in front of her as they led her to Princesses Celestia and Luna's throne room, where they are supposedly waiting for them for whatever reason. Chrysalis angrily glanced at the walls every now and then; scowling each time she saw the stained-glass versions of Twilight and her pathetic friends. The stained glasses depicted the defeat of Luna's evil alternative, Nightmare Moon, and another villain that she had once respected: Discord. She closed her eyes and slightly shook in head in shame when she thought of the Draconequus. She remembered a time, a much different time, that she would be fascinated by the deeds that came from the Lord of Chaos. A being that could easily rip through reality, and torture the lives of ponies out of disorderly fun made Chrysalis grow respect for the creature. However, that respect went down the drain when she heard the disheartening news of how Twilight and her friends somehow reformed him. She should've known that good things never last. He shouldn't have been a wuss and be turned to stone the third time. At least it would've been with dignity. Chrysalis mused. What made things worse was that he was part of Starlight's little group; along with the traitor Thorax and an annoying blue pony that she couldn't remember the name of. Due to her castle's ability to suck up all magic, it put Discord in a huge disadvantage. Without magic, he was nothing but a weakling whose only defense was his unamusing wits. She even laughed at how he got inevitably captured by her changeling army. "A pony that led to his ungraceful downfall twice." Chrysalis had said when she saw her changelings drag Discord's unconscious body in her throne room. Leaving memory lane, Chrysalis glanced down at Cozy Glow, who was walking right next to her. Her eyes were wide in fear and her ears were drooped. She looks scared. Chrysalis pointed out as she glared at the foal. For someone who says they have a different mindset from the rest of her kind, she also shares the same common trait of being fearful of their pathetic ruler. She was starting to wonder if her earlier persuasion was all a facade, and she really is like the rest of them, which she had always assumed. "I'm starting to think that you're showing your true colors." Chrysalis growled towards the foal. "You're not who I thought you were. You still fear her? What a joke." Cozy Glow's eyes were now half-closed after Chrysalis said those words. She side-eyed Chrysalis. "Be quiet, ok? It will work out." she said in an annoyed tone. Chrysalis stiffened at her brave, but foolish choice of words. "Excuse me?" she hissed, her eyes narrowed and her lips curled in a snarl. "How dare you silence me, you little—" She stopped mid-sentence when the same guard from before lightly jabbed the side of her body with his spear. "Shut it," the guard ordered her gruffly. Chrysalis responded with a low hiss, exposing her sharp fangs. You're next on my target list. She thought grimly as she glared at the guard. Once they arrived, the throne's golden doors opened in front of Chrysalis and Cozy Glow. They saw Celestia and Luna sitting on their thrones, waiting for them. Chrysalis didn't even pay attention to them, Instead, her focus was on the throne's redesign. The color scheme is more of a blue palette, Luna finally has her own throne, and the design is sleek and polished. Is that what those loud noises were? Chrysalis remembered struggling so hard to get sleep in her cell due to all the loud sawing, hammering, and buzzing noises that could be easily heard in the background. At first, she thought that those noises were the sounds of a vicious creature invading the room, but it quickly debunked when it was happened for four months straight. Chrysalis couldn't help but admit that the throne room looked less ugly now. Not that tell I'll anyone that, anyway. "Chrysalis, Cozy Glow, have a seat." Celestia ordered the two as the throne's doors closed behind them, and the guards returned to their posts, each of them giving Chrysalis and Cozy Glow wary glances. Celestia nodded her head to a table with two cupcakes on their plates and had two wooden chairs waiting for them. Chrysalis eyed the cupcakes on the plates. For a moment, Chrysalis considered swallowing her pride for just a little moment and eat the cupcakes. It would be certainly better than eating bugs... But she shook her head firmly. She was not going to give in to temptation. Especially in front of Celestia and Luna of all ponies. Just the tiniest bit of weakness could destroy me. She blocked the cupcakes from her view and glared at Celestia. "No thanks," she spat. "It's not a request." Celestia told her, her tone starting to become stern. Grumbling, Chrysalis approached the table and sat down on the wooden chair. Already, she was starting to become uncomfortable in her seat. She fidgeted around, trying to find a way to be comfortable. Cozy Glow rolled her eyes as she took a bite out of a cupcake. "Now, if you're done, I would like to discuss some things with the two of you," Celestia informed them. Cozy Glow raised an eyebrow, while Chrysalis gazed suspiciously at Celestia. "For starters," Celestia raised her hoof and pointed at Chrysalis. "Twilight has informed me about the foods the guards have given to you." "Oh, did she now?" Chrysalis said dryly. "You may be a prisoner here, but it doesn't mean that you deserve neglect," Celestia told her calmly. "Two wrongs don't make a right, after all." Chrysalis' smile quickly faded and started to growl. "Where was this kind of attitude before you left me to rot in the dungeon for two years?" "We didn't leave you to rot, Chrysalis." Princess Luna now spoke, her eyes slightly widening from the accusation. "We gave you food, and offered you warm blankets, yet you refused. Eventually, we just gave up, knowing that you won't budge." Chrysalis' anger only boiled even more. "Oh, after what you and your kind did to me? Why would I accept the help of those who wronged me? Those who took away my rightful place as ruler of the Changeling Hive? You don't pity me at all. You just wanted to see me submit to your stupid blankets and food. Well, I'm never going to give you the satisfaction!" Celestia and Luna looked at each other. "What are you doing?" Cozy Glow whispered to her, putting her hoof next to her mouth. But Chrysalis silenced her with a raised hoof. She didn't want to deal with her right now. Celestia and Luna faced Chrysalis again. "Chrysalis, I simply don't know what you want," Celestia spoke to her softly. "You're too wrapped in hatred to even see sense." "Oh, I see sense alright." Chrysalis seethed through her teeth. Her ears were lowered, and her hooves were slightly starting to shake out of bottled-up rage. Dismissing Chrysalis for a moment, Celestia gazed at Cozy Glow. "And as for you, Cozy Glow. Do you even feel even an ounce of remorse for what you did?" Chrysalis side-eyed Cozy Glow. Now that she thought about it, what did this foal do to earn her spot in the dungeon? For once, her rage was replaced with curiosity. Cozy Glow didn't even answer her. She only rolled her eyes and laid back in her chair. "I guess not." Luna sighed. There was a bit of silence in the room. Chrysalis now wondered what was going to happen next. Were they going back into the dungeon, and not having to see Celestia and Luna's faces for another month? Celestia took a deep breath, then exhaled it calmly. "I've made my choice." She got up from her throne and slowly approached Chrysalis. "Chrysalis, you know as well as I do that you do not want to waste another second in the dungeon. So how about we make a compromise?" Chrysalis just stared at her. "For each pony and creature you apologize to sincerely, your time in the dungeon will be reduced to one minute. And you may pick out your favorite meals for each day of the week the more you keep apologizing to the ponies you have terrorized..." The rest of Celestia's words were muffled. The more Chrysalis stared at her, the more her rage started to boil hotter and hotter until it would finally make her explode. "So, do we have a deal?" Celestia raised an eyebrow after she was done talking. Chrysalis slowly bared her fangs, her eyes remained narrowed. Then the mocking voices of various ponies played into her head. I'm not scared of anyone who's in chains. Do you enjoy your time here in the dungeon? She's not a queen. Not a queen. Not a queen. Then, before she knew it, blind rage took over and with a screech, she stood up and flipped the table with her hooves. Cozy Glow backed away from the scene, her eyes wide and her teeth gritted in fear. "I'd rather die than apologize to you or your pathetic subjects! All of you for pay for what you did to me and my changeling subjects! All of you!" Chrysalis screeched to the Princesses. Still infuriated, Chrysalis charged at Princess Celestia with her head low, and her long, sharp horn aiming for Celestia's chest. Before she reached her, Celestia summoned a forcefield that blocked her path. Chrysalis slammed her face onto the barrier and was knocked down. Right then, the guards quickly arrived at the scene and seized Chrysalis. They wrapped her into more chains and strapped her muzzle with a ring. Chrysalis kept making muffled screeches and the guards firmly held her with their magic. "Send them back into their cells!" Princess Luna ordered her guards, to which they nodded obeyingly. Before they could do the task, Princess Celestia stared into Chrysalis' rage-filled eyes. "I've tried with you." she spoke, her voice stained with disappointment. "I really have tried, but if you want to suffer in the dungeon, so be it." She nodded to her guards, signaling them to leave. The guards carried Chrysalis and Cozy Glow with their magic. The throne's doors slammed behind them. After they unlocked the ring around her muzzle, they shoved Chrysalis into her cell, and slammed the door, locking it. After they were done handling Cozy Glow's chains, they marched their way up the dungeon door. Another slam echoed in the dungeon's halls. "Fools!" Chrysalis' rage was still bubbling inside of her. "They're idiots if they even thought that I would apologize to them!" "Chrysalis, control yourself!" Cozy Glow shouted. "You're going insane!" "Shut up!" Chrysalis whipped her head to glare at her. "You're just like the rest of your filthy kind, you pathetic little roach! Why should I listen to you any longer?" "Because I believe I've found a way to get out of here!" Cozy Glow shouted back with determination. Her eyes shown that she was desperate to snap Chrysalis out of it. In a moment of silence, there was a stare down between a seething Chrysalis, and a calm and determined Cozy Glow.
Chapter 1Cold, hungry, and hateful. Those were the three things that Chrysalis felt when she was locked away in one of Canterlot's dark and chilly dungeons. The chains that were latched onto her hind legs made adjusting more unbearable than it already was. Chrysalis found it hard to find a comfortable sleep position, and the cold stone floor didn't help that factor either. She hissed to herself out of frustration as she slumped to the ground, her front hooves extended in front of her. She couldn't help but flinch when her cheek felt the stinging coldness of the black unforgivable ground. Her gaze drifted outside her cell. The halls were empty and filled with darkness. The only signs of life were herself, and a few mice that made themselves known through their chittering echos. She was the only one imprisoned down here and hardly believed anyone would join her. No one would ever stoop low to her level. They were too wimpy to do so. Well, except Tirek, she supposed. She then glanced at the food that Celestia's guards ungraciously gave her. It was two dead spiders and a cockroach. At first, when they served her food on the first day of her capture, she claimed that she would rather starve than eat the food her enemies gave her, but after a day or two, she caved in. That was one of the only times she did so. She wasn't dumb enough to literally starve herself to death. She was even lucky that they gave her food. She certainly wouldn't have done the same thing to certain prisoners of her kingdom. She turned away from the food and continued to stare out of the cell. Her eyes were glued to the stairs that led up to the gateway of freedom. Driven mad by boredom, Chrysalis kept hissing to herself as she kicked the ground with one of her front hooves. She shouldn't have suffered down here in the first place. She should've been taking over Equestria by now. It should've been Twilight and her friends who were stuck down here with little to no food. Not her. It only got worse when memories of her defeat against Twilight's pupil began to pop up in her head at random times, and that alone was enough to make Chrysalis' blood boil. "I swear when I get my hooves onto that fiend," Chrysalis began to mutter to herself as bottled-up rage took over her mind. "I'll make her pay. I'll make her suffer. I'll..." She couldn't even finish her sentence she was that mad. Her thoughts were now filled with nothing but hatred towards Starlight Glimmer. She was the one who brainwashed her loyal changeling subjects. She was the one who prevented her from escaping. Even though she wasn't directly responsible for locking her up in this cell, it was still her fault nonetheless. Everything fell into ruin because of Starlight. Letting out a screech of rage, she punched the wall with her hoof, only to regret it right afterward. She waved her injured hoof out of pain as she looked at the cell's wall, which barely made a dent. I've grown weaker since I've been here. Chrysalis seethed inside her head. A few minutes after her short-lived act of rage, the dungeon's door creaked open. She heard someone walking down the stairs and closed the door behind them. Chrysalis' green eyes narrowed as she waited for the figure to appear. Once it did, Chrysalis couldn't suppress a snarl as she immediately recognized the lilac-colored unicorn. The one that was responsible for putting her where she was now. "Starlight Glimmer..." Chrysalis said her name in the coldest tone she could've possibly made. "How dare you show your face to me?" Chrysalis hoped that her icy tone would've made the unicorn flinch or back away. Even just a little. But she didn't. Instead, she looked straight into her eyes and frowned. "You know, if you simply took my offer of friendship, you wouldn't be here by now," Starlight told her in a soft but somewhat firm tone. With that, Chrysalis attempted to lunge at the cell, but her chained hind legs didn't get her that far. She bared her fangs towards Starlight, making a loud hissing noise. That was enough to make Starlight back away a few steps. "Friendship is nothing to me." Chrysalis snarled at the unicorn. "I'd rather stay here and suffer than become your pupil. You or anyone's pupil." Starlight just stared at her. When she made no response, Chrysalis turned her head away, not bearing to look at her any longer. "What are you doing here, anyway?" she asked in a quieter tone, but her voice remained cold. "I came to check in on you." The unicorn informed her. "I heard a loud bang, so I came down here to make sure you're not trying to escape." Chrysalis' only response was a scoff. Starlight glanced down at Chrysalis' food bowl, then back at her. "I can get you something else to eat besides those bugs." she offered. "The Princesses aren't that cruel. They'll let us offer you other food if you want to." "Which will never happen," Chrysalis growled. She turned to Starlight and narrowed her eyes. "I don't need anyone's pity. Especially from you." It was Starlight's turn to narrow her eyes a little, although it wasn't out of anger. Just disappointment. "I know you hate me because I liberated your hive. But I don't regret what I did," she said sternly. Her sign of warmness was gone for now. "You drew first blood by capturing the Princesses, my mentor, and the rest of my friends. What was I supposed to do? Sit back and do nothing?" "You should have if you knew what's good for you." Chrysalis started to sneer at her. Since Starlight was pushing her buttons, she figured that she should return the favor, and she gained a little idea from it. "I remember seeing the look of fear on your face when I came face-to-face with you. You acted so tough and mighty but deep down, you were afraid. And you still are." "I'm not afraid of someone who is in chains," Starlight told her calmly. "Then how about you come in here, free me from my chains and my stupid magic-disabling ring, and we'll see who's really stronger." Chrysalis snickered. She was hoping she was dumb enough to take the bait and fight for her pride. But, to her disappointment, she didn't budge. "You can call me a weakling all you want. I've got nothing to prove to you." Starlight responded coolly. "I've got the better end of the deal, here. And if you weren't so caught up in your pride, you would've joined me. And maybe your life would've improved for the better." "Oh please, as if you were in the same shoes as I am." Chrysalis huffed as she turned her body away from her and began to lie down in an uncomfortable position. Starlight gave her a long look. Chrysalis knew that the unicorn pitied her, despite what she did and what she said, but she didn't care in the slightest bit. She didn't want anyone's pity, and she meant it. Finally, the hoofsteps began to fade into the distance and heard the dungeon door open and close. Alone in the dark once again, Chrysalis closed her eyes and even though she was still in prison, revenge plans were already forming in her head as she tried to get some sleep. When I get out of here, you better watch your back, Starlight Glimmer. And that is a promise.
Chapter 2Starlight started to walk up the dungeon stairs to make her way outside. Before she was out of view, Starlight looked over her shoulder to see Chrysalis again. Her back was facing against her and didn't seem to be turning around anytime soon. Part of her felt bad for the former changeling queen, but at the same time, she didn't want to sugarcoat the fact that what she did was atrocious and that she deserved to be down there after all the crimes she committed. Why do I feel bad for her? Am I supposed to hate her? Starlight argued with herself. She almost took over Equestria and captured my friends in the process. Starlight continued to think these thoughts as she closed the dungeon door behind her. As she trailed along the hall, she was met with Twilight, who was waiting for her. "So? How is she? "Did she try to escape?" Twilight asked her former pupil. Starlight shook her head. "No, she didn't, as far as I know," she informed her. "That's good." Twilight sighed with relief. The two ponies walked down the castle halls where stained glass windows painted the walls. As they walked, Starlight couldn't help but keep looking back at the dungeon door was getting farther and farther away from them. Twilight noticed this quite a few times, so she decided to talk about it. "What's wrong?" Twilight asked her. "That's the third time you've looked back." Starlight stopped in her tracks and stared at her with a bit of embarrassment. "Really? I'm sorry, Twilight. I've just been thinking about some things." She said as she shuffled one of her hooves. "Like what?" Twilight also stopped walking. Starlight started to hesitate. How was she supposed to explain this to her without sounding too much like an advocate for Chrysalis? She knew that she had what was coming to her. There was no doubt about that. But there was something that lingered in her mind that had been bothering her. She just couldn't figure out what. "It's nothing important." She tried to play it off. "I guess I'm a bit dismayed by what they're feeding her." She admitted although it wasn't completely a lie. "I can't say that I agree with what they're giving her, either," Twilight responded with a small shake of her head. "But we gave Chrysalis the option to request some other food to eat, but her pride made her refuse. You know what? You were there." "Yes, I know, but surely she can't be eating spiders and roaches for the rest of her life?" Starlight pointed out. Twilight just shrugged. "You just can't help someone who refuses to be helped by ponies like us. She's too stubborn and full of hatred for that." "Erm, yes." Starlight nodded curtly. The last sentence made her uneasy. She didn't know why. She knew it was true. They discussed more of the matter when they approached the big golden doors that led to Celestia and Luna's throne. "I'll talk to Celestia about your concerns," Twilight reassured her with a small smile. "She's wise and fair. She'll figure something out." Starlight now felt nervous. She hoped that Celestia wouldn't take her views the wrong way and give the assumption that she pitied her too much. "Ok," Starlight said, not wanting to say any more words. Twilight then opened one of the doors, entered inside, where Starlight could hear the welcoming voice of Celestia, and then closed the door behind her. Now alone, Starlight made her way back outside of the castle and decided to teleport herself back to the School of Friendship. She had to make plans for the field trip to Cloudsdale next week, and worrying about Chrysalis' choice of food selections would wear her down. She knew that she deserved it. She tried to take over Equestria twice and would've tried many more attempts if she hadn't been captured. Surely she shouldn't feel bad for her? But there was something about the situation that felt... familiar. Something that felt a bit close to home. Putting this aside for now, Starlight had to concentrate as she made a list of the activities to do on the trip. But she knew this would not be the last time she would think such thoughts. Chrysalis begrudgingly ate the last of the two spiders that were left in her food dish after she felt a wave of starvation hit her. They tasted gross, but she figured it was better than eating the apple pie that Celestia and her guards gave her a week ago. Do they think I need their pathetic food? Chrysalis scowled as she glared at the apple pie from the corner of her cell. They haven't given her anything besides bugs for months, so why are they changing it up all of a sudden? Did they want to see her succumb to their act of help? Did they want to see how desperate she was? Well, I'm not going to give her the satisfaction. She huffed stubbornly as she turned away from the apple pie. Chrysalis looked out at the tiny, barred window that loomed on top of the wall. Since she was allowed to fly, Chrysalis flapped her transparent wings and flew up to look through the barred hole in the wall. Due to her chains, her eyes were barely able to reach the window but managed to get a good view. From what she could tell, it was about the twilight hour. The moon was slowly rising above the mountains as the last bits of the sun withdrew for another day. Ahead, she could see the tiny, innocent town of Ponyville in the distance. The village's lights were brightly lit from here, and much of her disdain, she imagined the inhabitants of the town enjoying their small, pathetic lives; not seeming to care that their so-called righteous Princesses were letting a dignified queen rot in their dark, cold dungeon for months. She's not a queen any longer. Chrysalis suddenly recalled the moment when she was forced to face Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Twilight in their throne room. Chrysalis wanted to lash out at Luna when she said those disrespectful, incorrect words, but managed to hold her tongue due to the guards giving her a look of daggers, and she didn't want to make things worse than they already did. Not a queen... Not a queen... Not a queen... The three words ringed inside her head continuously, and unforgivingly. Chrysalis closed her eyes and her jaws clamped down to prevent herself from making another screech of rage. Once she landed on the ground, Chrysalis forced herself to take deep breaths, letting her rage consume her slowly, before it didn't become hard to deal with anymore. Her hooves stopped trembling and she glanced up at the window. She let out a low hiss. "Their pathetic lives won't be peaceful forever," Chrysalis told herself in a low voice. And those three will soon see just how wrong they are. Just then, the dungeon door began to open, and the sound of hoofsteps and chains could be heard from around the corner. Then Chrysalis saw a pair of guards approaching down the hall. Chrysalis opened her mouth, ready to send out a scathing comment. But she hesitated when the guards walked past her for once. They're not here for me this time. Chrysalis was genuinely surprised. Chrysalis got closer to the cell bars to get a closer look. She saw the two guards wrapping chains on the floor and putting a plate with an apple on top on the ground. Chrysalis remembered being offered an apple when she was put into her cage, and of course, she refused it. What kind of monster would be given the same treatment as I did? Chrysalis pondered. Then she started to get to thinking. Hopefully, this new cellmate would be a powerful, ferocious beast like she was. One who wouldn't obliged to these ponies and their pathetic food. However, the tiny, rare spark of hopefulness immediately went down the drain when the second pair of guards arrived around the corner. It wasn't a ferocious beast or one that hardly had the same resolve that Chrysalis had. It was.. a pony! And it wasn't just any pony. It was a foal! Chrysalis's face was a mix of anger, disappointment, and confusion. She did not know which one she felt the most. What was a pony of all creatures doing down here, locked up in chains? Especially when they seemed to look so young?
Chapter 3The rattling of chains filled Chrysalis' ears as they locked away the pony in their cell. She could hear the painful grunts from the pony but said nothing so far. The scene before her kept making her have flashbacks of her first night in the dungeons. The feeling was very uncomfortable since you could barely move and had to adjust to the cold, empty halls. Well, it's not really empty anymore. Once the guards finally left the scene, Chrysalis peered off her cell to get a first good look at the captured foal. She had a salmon-pink coat, which, Chrysalis admitted was an ugly color, and had a curly, light blue mane with a white ribbon tied on her mane. Her scarlet eyes were strained with annoyance, and Chrysalis could see a tiny bit of her cutie mark, although she couldn't tell what it was. Chrysalis also noticed that she too had her hind legs chained and saw that her wings were tied onto her body with rope. Once again, Chrysalis was surprised to see a foal down in the same dungeon as her. She thought that all fillies were mindless innocent idiots who would do anything to please their sappy Princesses. What surprised her even more was that Princess Celestia and Luna were willing to send a child to prison. And they call themselves righteous and fair? Chrysalis rolled her eyes. The sound of the chain on her hind leg seemed to alert the filly. When the two inmates locked eyes for the first time, she let out a startled gasp. "Oh, golly! I didn't see you there!" the foal exclaimed. "You... you hide well in the shadows." Golly. Chrysalis' eyes were half-closed when she became irritated by that word. I hope she said that only because she was startled. "Yeah, well, you better get used to it," Chrysalis grunted; her voice not welcome at all. "It's dark in this cold, grimy place," she muttered. "Yeah, they should've given me a blanket." the foal said, wrapping her hooves around her body, and started shivering. Chrysalis raised an eyebrow, unsure whether the shivering was overexaggerated or not. "Oh, give me a break. It's not that cold." Chrysalis rolled her eyes again. "You ponies are so sensitive. No wonder you wear those stupid winter clothes all the time in the winter." The foal's eyebrows raised. "What do you mean by 'you ponies'? Aren't you one?" Chrysalis suddenly hissed at her, to which the foal let out an "eep" as she was startled once again. "You disgust me if you ever think that I'm one of your pathetic kind." Chrysalis rasped. "Do you have any idea of who I am?" "Ok, ok, I'm sorry, jeez." she raised her hooves to calm her down. "In my defense, it's not like I can see you well from here." "Well, isn't it obvious as to who I am?" Chrysalis scoffed, annoyed at her obliviously. "I am Queen Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings. Who else could it be?" After she explained her identity, the foal gasped and covered her mouth with her hooves. She seemed rather fearful now that she realized who she really was, and seemed like she immediately regretted calling her a pony. "You're the Queen of the Changelings? They said that I would get some company, but I didn't think that it could be you!" Finally, someone still respects me. Chrysalis smirked proudly. "In the flesh," she said, giving her a smug expression. "Oh wow, I've heard so much about you." the foal gazed at her in awe. "I didn't think that I would be in the same dungeon as you. But wait, technically you're not a queen anymore, now that Thorax took over." Her one moment of her well-deserved pride vanished when she mentioned the traitor's name. She glared at her once more. "Thorax is nothing but a joke. He's the pretended ruler of the changelings. He did nothing to earn the title, and he never will." she spat. She was about to say something different, then she remembered the first part of what she said. "Wait, what kind of things did you hear about me?" she asked with a suspicious look. "Oh, uh," the foal looked away nervously. "Not very good things." Chrysalis grumbled. She turned her head away. "Nevermind. I don't care." She looked at the foal from the corner of her eye. Despite being a pony, she wasn't nearly as oblivious as the other ponies she had encountered. This was surprising since foals were supposed to be dumber than adults. "Now, since I've introduced myself, it's your turn," Chrysalis said to the filly. "Why are you here, to be exact? It's not every day that a small pony such as yourself goes to prison with the likes of me." "Well, yeah, because I have a different mindset from the rest of those fools." she boasted with a slight smirk. "Oh?" Chrysalis raised an eyebrow again. This time, out of intrigue. "What makes you different than the rest?" Cozy Glow rolled her eyes. "Oh come on, Chrysalis—" "It's Queen Chrysalis, thank you very much!" Chrysalis shouted. "Ok, ok, Queen Chrysalis. You really think that just because I'm a pony, I would just blindly be goody two shoes?" she asked her with a disappointed look. "Ponies can be just as wicked and nasty as you. They just don't have the desire or drive for it. They're too keen on friendship and happiness to even have a bit of a bad bone in them." She doesn't talk like an average foal. Chrysalis thought as she listened to Cozy Glow's words. But she didn't entirely believe her. "Oh, some ponies do have a bad bone in them, but they always get reformed in the end. Just like Princess Luna and Discord." Chrysalis spat. "And Starlight." Cozy Glow muttered quietly, seemingly to herself, but Chrysalis had caught it. "What about her?" Chrysalis hissed as she glared at her, unhappy that she was mentioned. "What does that fool have to do with this conversation?" Cozy Glow looked at her with a dumbfounded expression. "Oh, you don't know?" "Know what?" Before Cozy Glow could say anything, the dungeon door suddenly slammed open. Four pairs of guards immediately stormed down the stairs and quickly approached the two of them. Four guards opened Chrysalis' cell and chained up her front hooves before she could even comprehend what just happened. Chrysalis let out a confused and angry hiss but said nothing to them. The guards were softer with Cozy Glow, but like her, she also got her front hooves chained up and pushed her to make her stand beside Chrysalis. "What's going on?" Cozy Glow's voice came out like a squeak compared to her sly and persuasive tone just seconds ago. "Celestia and Luna want to see the two of you." one of the guards said bluntly. "Is Twilight too scared to show her face to me?" Chrysalis said sarcastically as the guards started to push her to the dungeon door. "Just shut up and walk." The other guard silenced them with a glare and a spear that lightly jabbed Chrysalis' side. How dare they treat me like this? Chrysalis also gave the guard a similar glare. Whatever it is better be worth it. Chrysalis thought grimly as the dungeon door closed behind her and Cozy Glow.
Chapter 4Chrysalis glared at the guards in front of her as they led her to Princesses Celestia and Luna's throne room, where they are supposedly waiting for them for whatever reason. Chrysalis angrily glanced at the walls every now and then; scowling each time she saw the stained-glass versions of Twilight and her pathetic friends. The stained glasses depicted the defeat of Luna's evil alternative, Nightmare Moon, and another villain that she had once respected: Discord. She closed her eyes and slightly shook in head in shame when she thought of the Draconequus. She remembered a time, a much different time, that she would be fascinated by the deeds that came from the Lord of Chaos. A being that could easily rip through reality, and torture the lives of ponies out of disorderly fun made Chrysalis grow respect for the creature. However, that respect went down the drain when she heard the disheartening news of how Twilight and her friends somehow reformed him. She should've known that good things never last. He shouldn't have been a wuss and be turned to stone the third time. At least it would've been with dignity. Chrysalis mused. What made things worse was that he was part of Starlight's little group; along with the traitor Thorax and an annoying blue pony that she couldn't remember the name of. Due to her castle's ability to suck up all magic, it put Discord in a huge disadvantage. Without magic, he was nothing but a weakling whose only defense was his unamusing wits. She even laughed at how he got inevitably captured by her changeling army. "A pony that led to his ungraceful downfall twice." Chrysalis had said when she saw her changelings drag Discord's unconscious body in her throne room. Leaving memory lane, Chrysalis glanced down at Cozy Glow, who was walking right next to her. Her eyes were wide in fear and her ears were drooped. She looks scared. Chrysalis pointed out as she glared at the foal. For someone who says they have a different mindset from the rest of her kind, she also shares the same common trait of being fearful of their pathetic ruler. She was starting to wonder if her earlier persuasion was all a facade, and she really is like the rest of them, which she had always assumed. "I'm starting to think that you're showing your true colors." Chrysalis growled towards the foal. "You're not who I thought you were. You still fear her? What a joke." Cozy Glow's eyes were now half-closed after Chrysalis said those words. She side-eyed Chrysalis. "Be quiet, ok? It will work out." she said in an annoyed tone. Chrysalis stiffened at her brave, but foolish choice of words. "Excuse me?" she hissed, her eyes narrowed and her lips curled in a snarl. "How dare you silence me, you little—" She stopped mid-sentence when the same guard from before lightly jabbed the side of her body with his spear. "Shut it," the guard ordered her gruffly. Chrysalis responded with a low hiss, exposing her sharp fangs. You're next on my target list. She thought grimly as she glared at the guard. Once they arrived, the throne's golden doors opened in front of Chrysalis and Cozy Glow. They saw Celestia and Luna sitting on their thrones, waiting for them. Chrysalis didn't even pay attention to them, Instead, her focus was on the throne's redesign. The color scheme is more of a blue palette, Luna finally has her own throne, and the design is sleek and polished. Is that what those loud noises were? Chrysalis remembered struggling so hard to get sleep in her cell due to all the loud sawing, hammering, and buzzing noises that could be easily heard in the background. At first, she thought that those noises were the sounds of a vicious creature invading the room, but it quickly debunked when it was happened for four months straight. Chrysalis couldn't help but admit that the throne room looked less ugly now. Not that tell I'll anyone that, anyway. "Chrysalis, Cozy Glow, have a seat." Celestia ordered the two as the throne's doors closed behind them, and the guards returned to their posts, each of them giving Chrysalis and Cozy Glow wary glances. Celestia nodded her head to a table with two cupcakes on their plates and had two wooden chairs waiting for them. Chrysalis eyed the cupcakes on the plates. For a moment, Chrysalis considered swallowing her pride for just a little moment and eat the cupcakes. It would be certainly better than eating bugs... But she shook her head firmly. She was not going to give in to temptation. Especially in front of Celestia and Luna of all ponies. Just the tiniest bit of weakness could destroy me. She blocked the cupcakes from her view and glared at Celestia. "No thanks," she spat. "It's not a request." Celestia told her, her tone starting to become stern. Grumbling, Chrysalis approached the table and sat down on the wooden chair. Already, she was starting to become uncomfortable in her seat. She fidgeted around, trying to find a way to be comfortable. Cozy Glow rolled her eyes as she took a bite out of a cupcake. "Now, if you're done, I would like to discuss some things with the two of you," Celestia informed them. Cozy Glow raised an eyebrow, while Chrysalis gazed suspiciously at Celestia. "For starters," Celestia raised her hoof and pointed at Chrysalis. "Twilight has informed me about the foods the guards have given to you." "Oh, did she now?" Chrysalis said dryly. "You may be a prisoner here, but it doesn't mean that you deserve neglect," Celestia told her calmly. "Two wrongs don't make a right, after all." Chrysalis' smile quickly faded and started to growl. "Where was this kind of attitude before you left me to rot in the dungeon for two years?" "We didn't leave you to rot, Chrysalis." Princess Luna now spoke, her eyes slightly widening from the accusation. "We gave you food, and offered you warm blankets, yet you refused. Eventually, we just gave up, knowing that you won't budge." Chrysalis' anger only boiled even more. "Oh, after what you and your kind did to me? Why would I accept the help of those who wronged me? Those who took away my rightful place as ruler of the Changeling Hive? You don't pity me at all. You just wanted to see me submit to your stupid blankets and food. Well, I'm never going to give you the satisfaction!" Celestia and Luna looked at each other. "What are you doing?" Cozy Glow whispered to her, putting her hoof next to her mouth. But Chrysalis silenced her with a raised hoof. She didn't want to deal with her right now. Celestia and Luna faced Chrysalis again. "Chrysalis, I simply don't know what you want," Celestia spoke to her softly. "You're too wrapped in hatred to even see sense." "Oh, I see sense alright." Chrysalis seethed through her teeth. Her ears were lowered, and her hooves were slightly starting to shake out of bottled-up rage. Dismissing Chrysalis for a moment, Celestia gazed at Cozy Glow. "And as for you, Cozy Glow. Do you even feel even an ounce of remorse for what you did?" Chrysalis side-eyed Cozy Glow. Now that she thought about it, what did this foal do to earn her spot in the dungeon? For once, her rage was replaced with curiosity. Cozy Glow didn't even answer her. She only rolled her eyes and laid back in her chair. "I guess not." Luna sighed. There was a bit of silence in the room. Chrysalis now wondered what was going to happen next. Were they going back into the dungeon, and not having to see Celestia and Luna's faces for another month? Celestia took a deep breath, then exhaled it calmly. "I've made my choice." She got up from her throne and slowly approached Chrysalis. "Chrysalis, you know as well as I do that you do not want to waste another second in the dungeon. So how about we make a compromise?" Chrysalis just stared at her. "For each pony and creature you apologize to sincerely, your time in the dungeon will be reduced to one minute. And you may pick out your favorite meals for each day of the week the more you keep apologizing to the ponies you have terrorized..." The rest of Celestia's words were muffled. The more Chrysalis stared at her, the more her rage started to boil hotter and hotter until it would finally make her explode. "So, do we have a deal?" Celestia raised an eyebrow after she was done talking. Chrysalis slowly bared her fangs, her eyes remained narrowed. Then the mocking voices of various ponies played into her head. I'm not scared of anyone who's in chains. Do you enjoy your time here in the dungeon? She's not a queen. Not a queen. Not a queen. Then, before she knew it, blind rage took over and with a screech, she stood up and flipped the table with her hooves. Cozy Glow backed away from the scene, her eyes wide and her teeth gritted in fear. "I'd rather die than apologize to you or your pathetic subjects! All of you for pay for what you did to me and my changeling subjects! All of you!" Chrysalis screeched to the Princesses. Still infuriated, Chrysalis charged at Princess Celestia with her head low, and her long, sharp horn aiming for Celestia's chest. Before she reached her, Celestia summoned a forcefield that blocked her path. Chrysalis slammed her face onto the barrier and was knocked down. Right then, the guards quickly arrived at the scene and seized Chrysalis. They wrapped her into more chains and strapped her muzzle with a ring. Chrysalis kept making muffled screeches and the guards firmly held her with their magic. "Send them back into their cells!" Princess Luna ordered her guards, to which they nodded obeyingly. Before they could do the task, Princess Celestia stared into Chrysalis' rage-filled eyes. "I've tried with you." she spoke, her voice stained with disappointment. "I really have tried, but if you want to suffer in the dungeon, so be it." She nodded to her guards, signaling them to leave. The guards carried Chrysalis and Cozy Glow with their magic. The throne's doors slammed behind them. After they unlocked the ring around her muzzle, they shoved Chrysalis into her cell, and slammed the door, locking it. After they were done handling Cozy Glow's chains, they marched their way up the dungeon door. Another slam echoed in the dungeon's halls. "Fools!" Chrysalis' rage was still bubbling inside of her. "They're idiots if they even thought that I would apologize to them!" "Chrysalis, control yourself!" Cozy Glow shouted. "You're going insane!" "Shut up!" Chrysalis whipped her head to glare at her. "You're just like the rest of your filthy kind, you pathetic little roach! Why should I listen to you any longer?" "Because I believe I've found a way to get out of here!" Cozy Glow shouted back with determination. Her eyes shown that she was desperate to snap Chrysalis out of it. In a moment of silence, there was a stare down between a seething Chrysalis, and a calm and determined Cozy Glow.
