My little pony:Adventure of Seresia

After a long journey and just before the severe weather closed in again, Chrysalis and Feng Chen finally arrived at the Crystal Empire at dawn. Only a few dozen meters and a magical barrier now lay between them and their destination.

“We did it, my queen!” Feng Chen couldn’t contain her excitement. Walking just behind her, Chrysalis raised her head to look at the city, veiled under the vast magical shield, and even she felt a flicker of excitement.

“At last! The legendary Crystal Empire. I’ve never been here before. Just look at those crystal buildings… Perhaps I’ll make this my new home.”

“My queen, once we deal with Twilight, all of Equestria will be yours!” Feng Chen exclaimed.

“Save your words for when I actually have it all in my hooves,” Chrysalis replied coldly, cutting off Feng Chen’s flattery. She pulled her behind a nearby rock, waiting and watching until she was sure no guards or unwanted eyes were around. Finally, the two of them crept up to the shield’s edge. Feng Chen was the first to study it, and to her surprise, found that she could pass through without any external help. She eagerly shared the news with Chrysalis. However, when Chrysalis tried, she collided headfirst with the barrier.

“Damn it! Seems they’ve cast anti-changeling magic on this…” Chrysalis muttered, rubbing her sore muzzle. Angrily, she slammed her hooves against the barrier, creating ripples. “It looks like only you can get through, Feng Chen. Find a way to get me in!”

“As you wish, my queen.” Feng Chen handed over her bag and, before leaving, glanced back at Chrysalis. “I’ll be back soon, my queen. Please, rest once more.”

Entering the Crystal Empire, Feng Chen couldn’t help but be captivated by the unique architecture and the crystal ponies that bustled through the streets. After a moment, she took a deep breath, collecting herself.

“Right… time to focus.” She inhaled deeply and, upon reopening her eyes, noticed the tall crystal tower at the heart of the empire’s castle. She assumed that must be her destination. While making her way through the streets, she happened upon a procession escorting Meng Yu to the same spire. Hiding, Feng Chen rejoiced internally and immediately decided to follow.

After witnessing a changeling performance and realizing why they were permitted to roam freely here—unlike her queen, who was kept out—Feng Chen began formulating a plan. But instead of acting right away, she continued to gather useful information. Upon hearing Shining Armor explaining the Crystal Heart’s significance to Meng Yu, Feng Chen’s mouth curled into a smile. She now had everything she needed; it was time to put her plan into motion. But first, she had to get Chrysalis inside.

Returning to the Crystal Empire Theater, she found a group of changelings wrapping up their performance and preparing for the next day. Her sudden arrival, cloaked and dusted with snow, interrupted their conversation.

“Sorry… excuse me.”

“Hello, is there anything we can help you with?” Noticing her weary state, the changelings approached her with concern, offering her warmth.

“I need some help!! My friend got injured on the way to the Crystal Empire, and I need somepony to help me get her in!” Feng Chen spoke in a desperate tone, her voice even trembling slightly. Without thinking much, the changelings nodded and followed her to the empire’s border.

“Where is your friend?” they asked as they gazed out at the seemingly endless snowy wasteland, growing suspicious. This wasn’t a common path to enter the Crystal Empire but rather a secluded area. They all looked to Feng Chen, who pointed towards a pile of rocks just outside the barrier.

“She’s right over there!”

“Can we just walk out like this?” One changeling turned to her companions, uncertain.

“I don’t know… Prince Shining Armor told us to stay within the shield,” another replied, shrugging.

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell Prince Shining Armor anything,” Feng Chen reassured them, but when they hesitated, she grew impatient and used her magic to shove them past the barrier. The changelings grumbled but continued on.

“Hey! What’s the big idea?”

“Trust me, you’ll be thrilled to see her!” As the changelings exchanged puzzled glances, they turned to see a tall, dark figure standing near the rocks. They froze, their eyes widening as they recognized the familiar figure before them—none other than their former queen, Chrysalis.

“Well, well, well, look who we have here, my poor children,” Chrysalis said, drawing near and gently touching their cheeks, as if consoling them. The changelings stood frozen in shock, trembling, mouths agape but unable to speak.

“Look at what these foolish ponies have done to you, turning you into these… pastel-colored candies,” she said with a scornful look, her gaze a mixture of anger and disappointment.

“Q-Queen Chrysalis!” they finally managed to squeak out, huddling together in fear. Chrysalis looked at them with a meaningful stare before turning to Feng Chen. “Why did you bring them here?”

From the moment she laid eyes on her “children,” Chrysalis couldn’t help but be reminded of her past. Grief and frustration filled her heart, but anger won out. She sharply questioned Feng Chen’s motives.

“My queen, as you just witnessed, they can freely leave the shield. You need their hoof bands as your key to enter the Crystal Empire.” Feng Chen explained, and Chrysalis’s eyes narrowed as she noticed the items around their hooves.

“With their help, you’ll have an enormous advantage in executing your grand plan tonight! Let me explain it to you in detail.”