Heroes, Villians and Those Who Fall Betwixt

Chapters

In Media Res
Predators and Prey
True Power

In Media Res

Chrysalis, former queen of the changelings, stood silently as her manager strode angrily back and forth in front of her.

“And another thing,” the middle-aged woman began, raising a crooked finger in the air. “You need to stop getting your work done so quickly.”

“I don't understand,” Chrysalis replied. “I thought that was the goal.”

“Typical millennial, you don't understand business at all,” scoffed the manager, flicking the long strand of bleach-blonde hair that hung down her face. “You work for me, and I work for the bank, as my cleaning company, corner-to-corner cleaning holds the contract.”

Chrysalis nodded, staring dumbly forward as the slightly orange-skinned overly spray-tanned woman continued to lecture her.

“If you work slower I can bill them for more hours and if I can do that we make more money. Well you don't make any more than the minimum wage but you get what I mean,” declared the woman.nx

“I guess,” Chrysalis muttered. “But what am I supposed to stay if one of the bank executives asks me to speed things up?”

“Just pretend you don't speak English. It shouldn't be hard given that when you came to me you didn't speak anything but Mexican or whatever your language is,” the manager dismissed.

Memories of Chrysalis’ somewhat awkward attempts to speak English and occasionally slipping into Equish popped into her mind. With that memory came a hint of regret, as she had assumed that the farm hands she had met upon arrival were the dominant group. Apparently not and now she was paying for constructing an identity based upon the tanned, mexican family that had taken her in initially.

On the other hand, at least she was fluent in Spanish. Perks of being a shapeshifter.

Such a strange place. Chrysalis thought to herself. There is so much division.

“Did you hear me, Crystal?” demanded the manager.

“Yes Miss Scott,” Chrysalis muttered, biting back the figurative as well as literal venom she wished desperately to spit.

“Please just call me Brittany. Miss Scott makes me feel old,” retorted the human, wagging a finger at Chrysalis. “And don't forget it this time.”

“Yes, Brittany,” Chrysalis exclaimed.

“Good, and another thing,” Brittany began again, pacing back and forth in the small janitor’s ‘office’ that had once been the building’s boiler room. “You need to stop trying to seduce Mister Fritz.”

“I don't know what you are talking about,” Chrysalis retorted, arms crossed over her chest.

“Don't play that game with me, missy,” Brittany retorted, wagging a finger in Chrysalis’ face. “If I want to I could revoke your immigration status and send you straight back to Mexico.”

Chrysalis resisted the urge to bite the woman’s finger off or make some kind of cruel insult targeting her boss’ lumpy figure, poor makeup skills, and overreliance on expensive foul-smelling perfumes. This was not out of kindness however, as the former queen knew that humanity was a paranoid species, and Americans were doubly so. Worse yet, there were beings here called supers who had powers on par with her own, adding an extra layer of difficulty to things.

Heck, the only reason she had gotten this far was due to the kindness of that strange family who took pity on Chrysalis. The frightened shapeshifter had taken on a form similar to that of a distant relative that Chrysalis had spotted in one of the pictures. Luckily they had disappeared a few months earlier, allowing the exiled monarch to take on their identity with little effort. Sure it took the last of her magic to smooth over the inconsistencies in her story but it could have gone much worse.

The only part Chrysalis regretted was choosing the slightly portly woman in the picture as the identity she would steal. Sure she was moderately attractive by human standards, but the increased mass annoyed Chrysalis to no end, at least at first anyway. Now though, the love handles, ample bust, and wide hips were second nature to the changeling and she rarely bumped into things anymore.

“Don't think I haven't seen you trying to talk him up on your break,” Brittany continued. “You are trying to snag him out from under me and I won't let you get away with it you cheeky little minx!”

“I was not trying to seduce him, Miss Brittany, honest,” Chrysalis exclaimed, raising her hands defensively.

The changeling resisted the urge to explain that she had indeed been attempting to seduce the man. He had power, authority, and considerable sway in the bank due to familial connections higher up. Only Chrysalis to find out that he was completely fucking nuts, and was now obsessed with her, despite the queen having given up on her attempts to steal his heart.

“Just Brittany,” hissed the manager.

“Yes, Brittany,” Chrysalis corrected.

“Don't try to distract me, I’ve seen you chatting with him, and I know you are after his money but that fortune of his is mine I tell you, mine!” Brittany proclaimed, leaning forward and clenching a fist. “Interfere again and it's over for you, got it?”

“Got it,” Chrysalis muttered.

“Good, now remember what I told you. Don't work too fast and stay away from my man. I’ll be back to check up on you in a week,” Brittany proclaimed, stomping out of the room and throwing the door closed behind her.

“Augh,” Chrysalis groaned, falling into the empty office chair. “How I despise that wretched woman.”

A frown creased the tanned, freckled face of the changeling.

“How did things end up like this?”

Chrysalis sighed, and leaned back in her chair, staring up at the ceiling as her mind wandered.

Not long ago, in another dimension, Chrysalis was fleeing through winding, ill-used tunnels originally dug centuries earlier. The gold those original tunnelers had sought was gone, leaving only dozens maybe even hundreds of corridors splintering in all directions. Though abandoned, there were signs that someone had used it relatively recently, with that person having been her only a few months ago.

“Get back here you shape-shifting jerk face!” Shouted the distant voice of Rainbow Dash.

Chrysalis cursed under her breath and poured on the speed, galloping down one tunnel then turning quickly and leaping into a side passage. Behind her, Chrysalis could sense that her pursuers were gaining on her, though thankfully they still had far to go.

“You’ve really done it this time Chrysalis! You’re going to get double Tartarus for trying to destroy Canterlot!” Yelled the biggest thorn to ever poke Chrysalis in the side, Twilight Sparkle.

Chrysalis wanted to retort with some kind of insult, personal jab, or a declaration that she would be back to try again. However, the feeling of defeat and resignation stifled even her ever-present desire to needle her enemies. Failure after failure had left the changeling with only one way out, though it wasn't one she had ever wanted to use.

Sprinting down another stone passageway, Chrysalis could see a light appear in the distance. The dim torch burned faithfully in the dark, illuminating the passage and guiding Chrysalis to her final destination. When finally she entered the wide cavern, she immediately searched the area, seeking out any sign that someone had entered her hidden sanctum.

The distant pool of dark water remained as still as death while around it, a wide spiraling rune spread in all directions. Large enough to nearly occupy the whole of the expansive space, the web of magic remained intact and whole despite how long it had been since Chrysalis had been down here. On the walls, the magical torches burned continually, lighting up the whole area in an emerald glow and revealing that nothing was out of place.

Without missing a beat, Chrysalis crossed the rune with her wings and stood next to the pool, her horn glowing brightly. She just needed one last thing and she would be home-

“Stop right there criminal scum!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “You aren't getting away this time, Chrysalis!”

“Yeah, so just come quietly before we have to do this the hard way,” Applejack added.

Chrysalis turned around and scowled as the six of her most hated enemies arrayed themselves before her.

“You are outmatched and outnumbered Chrysalis. Give up already,” Twilight demanded, stepping ahead of the others.

“You may have foiled my plans for the last time but it doesn't matter. Not anymore,” Chrysalis shouted back.

“What are you talking about, Chrysalis?” Fluttershy asked.

“You see, I’m going to escape to the one place uncorrupted by friendship,” Chrysalis exclaimed, raising a hoof triumphantly into the air. “The human world!”

“Don't be ridiculous darling. Of course, humans have friendship,” Rarity dismissed.

“Not that world. This pool is linked to an earth that no pony has ever visited and it is there that I shall rebuild my army!” Chrysalis proclaimed.

“I think she’s finally lost the last of her marbles,” Pinkie Pie added, spinning a hoof over her ear and rolling her eyes around in their sockets.

“I never thought Chrysalis would ever just give up. I’m kinda disappointed,” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“I am not crazy, and I will never give up!” Chrysalis bellowed. “I will return with an army of slaves strong enough to crush you, and the rest of Equestria!”

“Wait, Chrysalis. Your rune is unstable,” Twilight interjected. “If you go through it now the portal will close behind you. You’ll never be able to make it back.”

“I do the tricking around here, Sparkle,” Chrysalis spat. “Stay in your lane.”

“I think she’s right darling,” Rarity murmured. “That interchange matrix looks rather incomplete.”

“Enough! You will not bamboozle me, I do the bamboozling!” Chrysalis declared, igniting her horn and shooting a flash of magic at the rune. “Goodbye Equestria, next time we meet I will be a queen once more!”

Before anyone had a chance to move or say anything, Chrysalis fell backward into the pool, instantly vanishing beneath its surface. Though the changeling had never traversed the space between worlds before, she expected it would be a simple affair. She’d fall for a bit, then she would land on her hooves in a new world, none the worse for wear.

That was not what happened.

“Ow, ow, ow,” Chrysalis muttered as she hit something hard only to bounce off and slam into something else.

Chrysalis couldn't see what she was hitting but it felt hard enough to be stone. It was like she had been thrown down a flight of stairs and there was nothing she could do to arrest her fall. Her limbs flailed, and she tried to hold onto something, anything but within the infinite inky blackness there was nothing.

Only the strange angled surfaces that seemed designed to hit her where it hurt.

Her head bounced off something hard, disorienting the changeling. She didn't get a chance to clear her thoughts before she hit another wall, the whole front half of her body slamming into it. Falling backward, a foreleg clipped something and flew in another direction, leaving yet another bruise.

This continued for what felt like an eternity, with Chrysalis taking more hits than when she had been fighting the elements of harmony. Worse still her magic didn't function and the rest of her senses told her nothing. Screaming into the void in utter panic, Chrysalis simply hoped that she’d reach the other end of whatever she was trapped in before her chitin gave out.

Her wish was granted and a large opening revealed itself somewhere far below her. Between it and her was a great kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and sounds which only disoriented the changeling even more when she fell into it. It was like the changeling was falling through a kaleidoscope, her body twisting and changing without her command.

Through the pain and confusion, she glimpsed out of the corner of her eye what looked like her reflection. No, not her reflection but rather a different version of herself, one that was missing an eye and had a metal foreleg.

“What the?” Chrysalis muttered.

Peering out into the endless shifting mass of color lay an infinite tableau of herself. She saw that there were others out there that were different species, pony, minotaur, dragon, and even others she didn't recognize. Bipedal, hairless creatures with lanky arms and forward-facing eyes, twisted creatures with too many limbs and far too many limbs. There was even a version out there that had a second head and a copy that looked almost exactly like Twilight.

“What the-”

Chrysalis’ mutterings were interrupted when her head hit the ground and she was knocked back into the darkness.

Shaking her head, Chrysalis dismissed the memory and slapped her hands against her cheeks.

“Gotta get going,” she muttered to herself. “Can't be late.”

The changeling gathered herself, gave her appearance a brief once over, and paused. The clothes she had chosen were acceptable, but the large apron adorned with her boss’s logo was, frankly speaking, hideous. Written in bolded comic sans, it alone was enough to make her entire appearance drop from a seven to a five, and that was Chrysalis being generous.

“Maybe if I added an earring or something it would draw attention away from this horrible thing,” Chrysalis remarked, only to sigh. “No point worrying about that now.”

Heading toward the door, she grabbed the cart carrying her cleaning supplies and proceeded into the hallway beyond. The work itself wasn't what she would call satisfying, but it helped her gather intelligence, as well as emotional energy.

Dragging her feet slightly and appearing more tired than she actually was earned Chrysalis a helping of pity from the front desk worker. The emotion was bitter, but filling, unlike the lust she drank from a few of the tellers she interrupted to clean out the garbage cans beneath their desks. It didn't take much, with Chrysalis merely bending over a bit too far, or flicking her hair out of her eyes at just the right time.

Male or female, they all gave the changeling a snack. It wasn't much individually but taken as a whole… well, it still wasn't a lot but thankfully Chrysalis didn't use much magical power. Her disguise was second nature at this point, with the changeling sometimes not switching back for days or even weeks at a time. On occasion, she’d wonder if she would get stuck that way but dismissed the notion as silly.

With her reserves of emotions full once more, Chrysalis moved on to gathering intelligence. The slightly round socially awkward female always found at the water cooler was a good source of superhero gossip. With only a slight amount of prompting Chrysalis was able to find out that the majority of supers in town were busy on some kind of off-world mission.

Such a golden opportunity would usually excite the changeling, but she dismissed it, telling herself that it was not yet time. She didn't have any criteria for when that time would come, but she tried not to think about that, with Chrysalis brushing it off as something she’d worry about later. After a bit more prodding about heroes, and coming up empty handed she continued on to office gossip.

Who was dating who. If there were any breakups, Chrysalis made sure to make a mental note of everything even vaguely important. Those who had just suffered heartbreak were easy targets to keep in mind, while those who did the breaking would be avoided. There was only room for one emotional vampire around here, and that was Chrysalis.

All this information gathering and subtle office politicking was an interesting distraction but that was about all it was. Her recent defeat still weighed heavily on the changeling’s mind and despite time to think Chrysalis had yet to come up with a way forward. The crushing malaise of failure was like a yoke around her neck, dragging her down into the mundane drudgery of this strange world.

“Hey Crystal, how's it going girl?” Greeted a voice.

Chrysalis slipped her duster into a free pocket and turned around to find that one of her favorite people was present. Short, young, and strange even for this weird world, the girl was barely old enough to work yet was apparently head of the IT department. Chrysalis recalled that she had both earned the job due to her genius but had gotten the interview due to some kind of nepotism that no one had dared to elaborate on.

Standing five foot nothing, with a midnight black mohawk nearly a foot tall, the human fell well outside the normal dress code. A leather jacket, a strange and unreadable band shirt, plus some piercings, dark makeup, and pointy jewelry completed the look. She was also paler than any human Chrysalis had met before or since, giving the appearance of a living corpse.

“Cassandra,” Chrysalis exclaimed with a genuine smile, opening her arms invitingly. “How are you doing today?”

“Better now,” Cassandra replied, meeting Chrysalis halfway and wrapping her in a brief, tight hug.

Chrysalis smiled, savoring the moment, and relishing the genuinely friendly emotions given off by the odd girl. She wanted to hold on for a bit longer but resisted that urge, not wanting to make it as awkward as the first time Chrysalis had hugged someone.

“Busy day?” Chrysalis gently inquired.

“Oh you have no idea,” Cassandra griped, trodding across the small out-of-the-way break room to the coffee machine. “So many idiots getting locked out of their email addresses. You’d think this was the first time we had a security scare and needed them to change it.”

“I thought that kind of thing was a bit below your pay grade,” Chrysalis pointed out.

Cassandra clicked the pod into place at the top of the machine, dropped her cup into the slot, and flicked the start button.

“It is,” declared the human, turning around and hopping up, sitting at the counter’s edge. “But Steve keeps getting sick and I’m the only one who can cover for him.”

“Hopefully whatever he has, it's terminal,” Chrysalis muttered.

“No kidding. Maybe if he kicked the bucket I’d finally be able to convince management to hire someone a bit more reliable,” Cassandra remarked all the while scowling bitterly.

“Here's to hoping,” Chrysalis added.

“Yeah,” Cassandra murmured absently.

Chrysalis could feel that the girl was a bit… off and not just because of the stress. Still, Chrysalis had a job to do, so she set about dusting over top of the fridge and tidying the area up. Large enough only for a small booth, about ten square feet of standing area, a small counter, a mini fridge, and a coffee machine the room was not very big. Likely converted from an office, it was Cassandra’s favorite place to get a bit of time away from work, and everyone who knew what was good for them avoided it because of this fact.

“Say, I was thinking,” Cassandra murmured, shifting from cheek to cheek atop the counter. “Or I guess it's more apt to say that me and my girlfriend were thinking. Or talking, though we were both thinking it as well of course.”

Chrysalis paused and glanced over at the human curiously, the faint aroma of nervous anticipation and puppy love drawing the changeling’s attention like a moth to flame.

“You mean your girlfriend, the cape?” Chrysalis inquired.

“Uh yeah, she and I had like, this big huge talk and we were wondering if you uh… how do I put this?” Cassandra muttered, looking anywhere but in Chrysalis’ face.

Wait, is she attracted to me? But she has… oh this is complicated. Chrysalis thought to herself.

“Put what? Exactly,” Chrysalis gently pressed.

“I er I guess I mean we were thinking that if you were free this Saturday that I-no we would uh-” Cassandra muttered, stumbling her way through her sentence with all the grace of a drunken elephant. “Oh, I’m so bad at this.”

Chrysalis opened her mouth to reply only for all the lights on the entire floor to go out all at once. Before anyone had a chance to speak, illumination returned, only dulled somewhat as if the whole bank was running on half power.

“Some idiot villain must have taken out another power line,” Cassandra muttered.

“I’m not so sure,” Chrysalis murmured, glancing out the window.

The world outside looked normal, at least at first glance anyway. Chrysalis peered out of the third-story window to see that the world continued to move without them. No one on the street seemed to notice the eerie half-light the whole building was shrouded in. Not only that, but Chrysalis could tell that surrounding the structure was an inky film not unlike-

“Illusion magic,” Chrysalis muttered. “Only, different somehow.”

“Did you say something?” Cassandra asked.

“No, just speculating on what's going on,” Chrysalis replied.

“Well whatever it is, it brought down the network, and not just the wifi,” Cassandra remarked, turning her phone around and revealing that she had no reception. “All signals are getting blocked somehow.”

Chrysalis tugged at the window, trying to open the thing but was stopped by some invisible force. Pulling on it harder did nothing but annoy the changeling as it didn't budge so much as a millimeter.

“There's a barrier over the whole place too,” Chrysalis added. “There's no escape.”

“Wait… this has to be bank robbers right?” Cassandra suddenly exclaimed. “Power outage, barriers, a perception filter placed over the whole place…”

Cassandra snapped her fingers.

“It's the blackout bandits,” proclaimed the girl.

“The who and the what now?” Chrysalis muttered.

“The blackout bandits,” Cassandra repeated. “My girlfriend talked about them. Apparently a small group of about five people or so have been breaking into banks all over the city and getting away scott-free.”

“Are they violent?” Chrysalis inquired.

“No major injuries have ever been reported, only minor electrical burns. Supposedly they always have an inside person,” Cassandra added, leaning in close. “Once this is over, the local justice society is gonna be all over us.”

Chrysalis resisted the urge to gulp or show any emotion at all.

“That is… unfortunate,” Chrysalis muttered.

“Why do you say that?” Cassandra pressed, peering intently at the other female.

“Because I…” Chrysalis paused for a moment, hastily concocting a half lie. “Because I’m not here legally.”

“Oh… oh!” Cassandra exclaimed. “That does complicate matters.”

“I’m going to stop them, but I’m going to need your help,” Chrysalis declared.

“What? Are you insane? These are professionals we are talking about. They’ve got powers, likely a whole slew of them, and were just two normal people!” Cassandra proclaimed, throwing her hands up in exasperation.

“Correction, there is one normal person present,” Chrysalis offered.

“What do you…” Cassandra’s jaw hung open.

Chrysalis was suddenly engulfed in green flames, her form melting away to reveal an identical copy of Cassandra. Fire quickly obscured the changeling once more, falling away to show that she had returned to what was quickly becoming Chrysalis’ standard form.

“Holy shit,” Cassandra muttered. “You can shapeshift?”

“Yes, but that's not the point right now,” Chrysalis exclaimed, stepping toward the woman. “If I get discovered it's gonna be bad news I tell you.”

“No shit. An undiscovered and undocumented super would be big news,” Cassandra muttered.

“Exactly, and I like it here. Well, sorta. The point is that I don't want that kind of attention especially not now. Which is where you come in,” Chrysalis continued, fixing Cassandra with a firm look.

“What, me?” Exclaimed the human, pointing to themself.

“You know what these guys are capable of. You know this building, and you know how to get in contact with the good guys. I need you,” Chrysalis stressed, adding extra emphasis to the last three words as she stepped towards the other woman.

“You uh… but I…” Cassandra muttered, only to frown. “This isn't going to be easy. You better be capable of more than just turning into attractive people.”

“I turned into you didn't I?” Chrysalis teased.

Cassandra chuckled.

“Fair,” she began, hopping down from the counter. “Alright, so this is what we're gonna do.”

Predators and Prey

“I need to isolate, then remove each of these invaders,” Chrysalis stated, pacing back and forth. “To that end, I must know more about them.”

“Well my girlfriend mentioned that there were probably at least four supers, and a couple of low-level henchmen to help with carrying bags and stuff like that,” Cassandra replied. “But reports of their exact number are confusing, with some saying there were dozens of supers to only one or two.”

“Likely the work of this illusion caster,” Chrysalis remarked. “If they are leaving the bank staff alive then they’ll probably cover their tracks by creating as many contradictory stories as possible, reducing the usefulness of any eyewitness reports.”

“Uh yeah. That's probably true,” Cassandra muttered.

“And since supers only have one power, three or four of them would be all thats necessary to pull off such a heist,” Chrysalis continued. “One to block the outside, a second to cast illusions, another to block all electrical signals, and finally one to break into the vault. Though it is possible that mundane equipment could do this job and the blocker may be able to pull double duty depending on the nature of their ability..”

“It sounds like you’ve done this kinda thing before,” Cassandra pointed out, grinning ear to ear.

“Focus Cassandra,” Chrysalis snapped. “Though I’m assuming they are intentionally keeping the body count low they likely don't have many qualms with the use of violence given their occupation.”

“Of course, I was just… never mind,” Cassandra muttered.

“Isolating them shouldn't be difficult, as they’ll split up in order to complete their individual goals,” Chrysalis remarked, pacing once more. “One will secure the hostages, another will break into the vault and the last two will probably remain in a central location in order to reinforce their fellows as necessary.”

“So we take out the leaders and blam-o, they’re done for, right?” Cassandra exclaimed.

“The remaining members of this gang will likely panic, and if that happens I can't guarantee they won't do something stupid,” Chrysalis retorted.

“Right,” Cassandra murmured. “Best not scare the bad men with guns before we have removed the hostages from the equation.”

“Exactly, which is why we’ll target the driller first,” Chrysalis stated.

“Wait, why?” Cassandra asked.

“Because the moment they are through to the loot, they will change their behavior. Also, that group is the most isolated, being that they will be in the basement,” Chrysalis continued. “Even if there are weapons fire, or the use of powers they won't be heard from the lobby, giving me time to gauge their strength.”

“Okay, that makes sense,” Cassandra added, only to perk up suddenly and hop off the counter. “That's perfect! We can call for help down there.”

“How would you do that exactly? I thought you said no signals would get in or out,” Chrysalis half asked, half stated.

“Nothing traveling through the air, but this illusionist won't be able to stop a landline,” Cassandra exclaimed, her grin growing wider.

“I thought they got rid of all those,” Chrysalis replied.

“They tried to, but I hid one in the basement next to the vault just in case something like this happened. Who's paranoid now, Larry? Ha!” Cassandra declared victoriously.

“That does not change the fact that such attention is not something I want,” Chrysalis hissed back.

“Think about it. Yes, you’re undocumented but if you save the day, and take out all the bad guys without killing them, you’ll be a hero!” Cassandra proclaimed, throwing up her arms. “All that other junk won't matter. They’ll have to let you go.”

“You are too optimistic for your own good,” Chrysalis spat.

“Oh come on,” Cassandra muttered, rolling her eyes. “Whose going to deport the woman who saved an entire bank and took down a group of robbers that have gotten away with like, a dozen heists? Hey, maybe they’d even let you on the team!”

Chrysalis gagged, the changeling holding back the revulsion she felt towards any group of do-gooders who pretended they were better than everyone else.

“The Sentinels aren't that bad. They sure beat the justice friends at least,” Cassandra retorted.

“I despise them both,” Chrysalis muttered, her voice dripping with venom. “No. We will stick to the plan.”

“Don't be such a stick in the mud Crystal. At least consider it as a uh…” Cassandra paused and tapped her chin. “A backup plan.”

“I suppose,” Chrysalis muttered. “But you need to give me at least a half hour before you call in the cavalry.”

Because by then I’ll be long gone. Chrysalis thought to herself.

Even while she spoke, Chrysalis was concocting her true plan of action. She would do as they had said so far, but after that she would assist the hostages, slipping into their ranks and fleeing the building. From there she would don a new disguise, and attempt to infiltrate some other workplace in a far-off land.

Somewhere warmer. Chrysalis added.

“Okay that makes sense,” Cassandra replied. “You do have the best skill set for taking care of something this delicate.”

“Exactly,” Chrysalis declared. “And once I’ve handled the hostage situation I can see about splitting up whoever is left and dealing with them as well.”

“If you can't then don't worry about it. I’m sure the sentinels could take down whoever it is that's pulling the strings here,” Cassandra exclaimed.

“Let's move already. Someone is no doubt going from office to office, rounding up hostages by now,” Chrysalis replied.

The changeling could sense that just such a thing was happening as they spoke. The emotions of cold detached determination were moving from room to room, occasionally causing a brief flare of fear. This fear remained, though it was soon sublimated by bitter concession and grim acceptance. A combination that told Chrysalis that the hostages were being ruthlessly hunted down but ultimately kept alive as they were led off to some other secondary location in the same building.

“Oh, this is so exciting. I can't believe I’m both part of a real-life super villain bank robbery and a rescue! I can't wait to tell my girlfriend all about this,” Cassandra blurted.

“Less yapping more walking,” Chrysalis demanded, picking the smaller girl up from the counter and setting her down in front of the door.

“Y-yes ma’am!” Cassandra exclaimed.

Chrysalis snorted, pointedly ignoring the spike of arousal and giddy happiness that came when she picked Cassandra up.

“Now, stay behind me and don't make a sound okay?” Chrysalis whispered.

Cassandra nodded dutifully, making a zipping motion over her lips, and then miming the act of locking something over her mouth before tossing away the key.

Chrysalis rolled her eyes and stepped in front of the girl.

“Right then, lets give this whole heroing thing a try,” Chrysalis muttered to herself.

Down in the bank’s lobby, a woman paced back and forth, chewing on her fingernails. Beside her sat another female, though she wasn't the least bit irritated, reclining on a stolen office chair.

“Relax, Mysterious. We got this,” remarked the more relaxed human. “We’ve knocked over how many banks at this point? A half dozen or so?”

“Eight,” replied her nervous partner. “And it's never not anxiety-inducing.”

Her partner snorted and leaned back in her chair, kicking her feet up on a piece of abstract art decorating the bank lobby. She had darker skin, and long dreadlocks that dangled down to her waist, while the other woman was far paler, and had short black hair that barely reached the back of her neck. The nervous bank robber continued to pace, her high black heels clicking audibly with every step she took on the polished floor.

Her companion wore army surplus boots tied tight about her ankles while a long black trench coat hung down her body. The other woman wore something far more revealing, and far less practical. That being black stockings, short shorts that were just as dark, a white undershirt, a similarly colored bowtie, and a midnight blue sport coat, and to top it all off, tall top hat like the kind a magician would wear.

The other woman wore a beaten-up, unreadable band shirt under her trench coat and dark blue jeans. The only flash of color on her was the gold chain hanging around her neck and the heavy golden bangles on her wrists. One of the women looked about the empty room with idle curiosity while the other paced back and forth with such speed she barely even noticed her surroundings.

“You know if you wear a hole in the ground it will defeat our whole, leave no trace modus operandi,” the more relaxed of the two remarked.

“I know, but I can't shake that something is going to go wrong,” the nervous robber exclaimed.

“Look, Mysterious, I-’

“Miss Mysterious.”

“Miss Mysterious,” muttered the dark-skinned woman. “You lead us because you are careful, and pragmatic, but right now that pragmatism is straying towards paranoia, ya get me?”

“Yeah, I… I get it,” Miss Mysterious muttered. “Thank you Zap.”

“Someone’s gotta keep your blood pressure under control. You certainly aren't about to do it yourself,” Zap retorted.

“Right, let's get back in the game,” Miss Mysterious remarked, placing her finger against her ear. “Blocker, report. How goes the hostage situation?”

“Almost secured,” replied a distorted female voice. “We’re only missing three people from the employee lists but I’ll find them.”

“That is good to hear,” Miss Mysterious declared. “And don't be afraid to use the goons. It's why we hired them.”

“You got it, boss,” stated the other operator.

“Driller, status report. What's the ETA on cracking that vault?” Miss Mysterious demanded.

“Wait, where did that come from?” Chrysalis asked, glancing around at the layer of unconscious bodies that littered the ground. “I thought I heard a voice.”

“There, the drill guy had it in his ear but it fell out when you kicked him in the head,” Cassandra pointed out.

Chrysalis turned around, her gaze falling on a male outfitted in construction drill and holding an almost comically large drill in his right hand. Or at least that's what it looked like at first glance, as a closer look would reveal that his hand was the comically large drill. Not only that but strange fleshy wires ran from the altered appendage up his arm and into his shoulder. That was the extent of the tanned, middle-aged human’s strangeness though as other than he resembled any of the workers Chrysalis had seen laboring on the many skyscrapers in her newly adopted home city.

“-come in, Driller I repeat-” crackled a distant, staticky voice.

Chrysalis grabbed the earpiece that had fallen from its resting place and hastily fitted it over her right ear.

“Uh hello,” she began, her voice quickly modulating until it sounded thicker, more masculine. “Yes, hello.”

“Driller! Why does your voice sound so weirdly high-pitched?” Replied the female voice on the other end of the line.

“Just give me a second here uh-” Chrysalis began, pausing to massage her vocal cords. “There we go, is that better?”

“Yes but… whatever it doesn't matter. Status report, now.”

“Things are going smoothly here. The uh henchman have the place locked down and I am continuing on schedule there uh… boss?” Chrysalis replied.

“Boss? Really?” Retorted the voice. “Didn't you make fun of Blocker for saying that?”

“I’m trying it out. Some of the guys call me boss so uh I thought it fit,” Chrysalis exclaimed somewhat awkwardly.

“Just call me Miss Mysterious or Mysterious if you must,” declared the leader.

“Right, sorry about that,” Chrysalis muttered.

“Why are you apologizing- you know what never mind. Keep on it, we’re on the clock. Mysterious out,” stated Miss Mysterious before the line went dead.

Chrysalis tossed the earpiece on the ground and slowly exhaled as if she were expelling every last bit of stress that had built up over the last few minutes.

“That was so cool,” Cassandra blurted, weaving through the groaning, semi conscious bodies of the masked henchman. “You are like, a super good fighter! Where did you learn all those wicked moves and how are you so flexible?”

“It just comes with shapeshifting,” Chrysalis half lied.

“But-”

“Now is not the time Cassandra,” Chrysalis stated fimrly. “Need I remind you that these miscreants had guns, and tried to murder me?”

Chrysalis gestured to the bullet holes that riddled the walls of the vault entry room.

“Err right. I should probably fangirl after we aren't in the middle of a warzone,” Cassandra muttered to herself.

“Exactly, now where is this landline you mentioned?” Chrysalis asked, glancing around the room.

“Over here,” Cassandra replied.

The woman jogged over to a small janitor’s closet and reached through the wall of mops and other cleaning implements.

“What are you- ooh,” Chrysalis muttered.

One of the walls in the small closet fell away to reveal a panic room only a few feet wide. Though tiny, barely as large as the closet itself, there was just enough room for a canister of air, some water, and what looked like a payphone straight out of the nineties.

“It's a panic room I installed during the last remodel,” Cassandra explained, stepping inside. “It's even got a mini bar, see?”

Cassandra pressed an unseen button and caused one of the walls of the panic room to slip into the ceiling, revealing a small fridge filled with various kinds of cider as well as a few energy drinks.

“How did you get this past management?” Chrysalis exclaimed in a mixture of shock and admiration.

“A few bribes here, several greased palms there, and in no time at all, my slightly altered plans for the building are in the hands of the foreman without anyone realizing there had been a switch,” Cassandra explained, grinning from ear to ear. “Why do you think my office is so big, and has a vending machine directly outside of it?”

“That's…” Chrysalis shook her head. “That doesn't matter right now. Seal that entrance, and don't forget what we talked about.”

“Wait thirty minutes before calling the sentinels, I remember. Augh, don't treat me like a child I’m like twenty or something,” Cassandra whined.

“Or somethin-” Chrysalis paused and shook her head. “Thank you for remembering, and Cassandra?”

“Yes, Crystal?”

“Thanks for everything,” Chrysalis replied somewhat somberly.

“Uh, you’re welcome? I think,” Cassandra muttered. “Not really sure what I’m being thanked for here, to be honest.”

The secret entrance to the panic room slammed shut, and Chrysalis was alone in a small mound of mostly unconscious bodies.

“I’ll miss that girl,” Chrysalis muttered. “Her company was… surprisingly enjoyable.”

A groan broke Chrysalis’s train of thought and the changeling turned and blasted the moaning male with a beam of magic, knocking him out completely.

“Now to get out of here before the cavalry arrives,” Chrysalis declared to herself.

Chrysalis slipped away, ducking down a side hallway and for the first time in a very long time, shedding her human disguise. Now in her natural, base form, Chrysalis felt free, but also strangely naked in a way that she couldn't explain. She didn't dwell on it for long though, transforming into a dragonfly and slipping into the ventilation duct.

She knew the entirety of the building like the back of her hand and was able to climb four stories in only a few short seconds. Here she could feel a great number of people had gathered, their collective fear and anxiety falling over her like a shroud. Following the source of these emotions led Chrysalis to the cafeteria and the holding site of the hostages.

“I said quiet down,” hissed a balaclava-wearing, gun-toting robber standing near the entrance. “Crying is not going to do anything but piss me off..”

“Relax Steve,” remarked the other robber, shifting his assault rifle, resting it against his shoulder. “You’re only making it worse by harassing the poor woman.”

“Dude you’re not supposed to use my real name,” spat the first robber.

“They didn't know it was your real name until you told them that. Idiot,” retorted his companion.

“Shut up back there!” Bellowed a dominant voice from the back of the room. “We are still missing two people. This is not the time to be dicking around!”

“Yes sir!” the pair replied, giving a stiff salute.

Chrysalis followed their gaze to where a rather garish individual outfitted in form-fitting tights stood at the back of the room. He wore a gold helmet that resembled the kind a medieval knight would wear, covering the entirety of his face. The man also wore a tight blue spandex suit highlighted in gold with similarly bright shoulder and knee pads. The thing that stood out the most about him was the large, pointed kite shield he held in his right hand, as it was the only weapon he seemed to wield.

Between Chrysalis and him were dozens of men, and woman all sitting on the ground with their hands around their backs. Most were bound with zip ties, while the few who were not were in the process of receiving said bindings from one of the robbers. Who numbered about twelve from what Chrysalis could tell, though she could sense that a few were on other floors, likely searching for her and Cassandra.

The room itself was not optimal for combat for a multitude of reasons most obvious of which was the presence of so many hostages. Even if Chrysalis took out six in a single instant the ensuing collateral damage would be immense. She only really needed to take out the spandex-wearing loser at the back, but the thought of leaving all her former coworkers to such a fate didn't sit well with Chrysalis.

“Alright, everyone. Hold down the fort. I’m going to go interrogate our little birdie,” declared the shield-wielding robber.

He then ducked into the kitchen and vanished from sight, leaving Chrysalis with an idea.

The changeling followed after the male, buzzing past the guards in the form of a fly, to which neither bat an eye. As Chrysalis passed by the humans she had worked with for the past few months she couldn't help but empathize with them. She had taken prisoners before, but it had always been a quick, bloodless affair before they were tucked safely into a pod. The ponies she had taken spoiled quickly if they felt too much fear, while these poor humans were absolutely marinating in it.

Dismissing such notions for the moment, Chrysalis flew through the gap in the door and into the kitchen.

“I thought you said they would be up there,” hissed the robber, leaning in close and glaring daggers at a rotund male Chrysalis immediately recognized.

“They should have been there,” he whined, holding up his hands. “Those two always hang out on that floor in that break room. I have the security footage to prove it.”

“Yet when my men went there it was empty and there are no sign of these two anywhere in the building,” growled the robber, leaning even closer.

“I don't know what to tell you. They were there last I checked. Are you sure your men didn't miss them?” Exclaimed the flabbergasted bank employee.

“Yes, we checked I- hold on.”

The robber turned and placed a hand to his ear, listening to an unknown speaker.

Chrysalis didn't care for him however, and focused on the nervous, shuftling man standing near a stove. The large, pasty white male was stuffed into an ill-fitting suit, his tie eschew, and sweat stains slowly growing from his armpits. Though he was likely trying to grow facial hair the only thing that sprouted was a neck beard that ended at his just above his jaw. Young, he looked to be in his early twenties and had short cut hair that was long and curly on top.

Noah, that turncoat. I knew the double dealer had to be you. Chrysalis thought bitterly to herself.

“Alright, that was the boss. We need to wrap up the last of these stragglers and quickly or we won't have time for the misinformation campaign,” declared the spandex-wearing robber.

“I mean, is it really that big of a deal?” Noah muttered.

“Yes, it's important. If we don't muddy the waters they might figure us out and to do this successfully we need every employee present for it,” growled the larger man.

“I mean come on it's just two people,” Noah replied.

“Two people is all it takes to unravel our operations and for you to get caught. So unless you want everyone to find out that you were our mole I would suggest you start being useful to me,” declared the robber, jabbing a finger into the chest of the smaller man.

“Alright alright, jeez. Lay off me, Blocker. Look, I’ll try and call Cassandra. Maybe we can get lucky and she hasn't put her phone on silent,” Noah offered.

“Good thinking. I’ll let Zap know to let your call through,” Blocker added.

“Okay I’ll wait for like three minutes or so and call her,” Noah muttered weakly.

“I’ll notify the guys,” Blocker replied. “You stay here.”

“I uh, I got it,” Noah muttered.

Chrysalis watched as the super left the room, the door slamming shut behind him. Once gone, Noah pulled out his phone, and dialed the number, though he didn't hit call, at least not yet anyway.

You may be a spineless nitwit. Chrysalis thought to herself while glancing down at the male. But I have a use for you Mister Noah Fritz.

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True Power

Chrysalis shifted forms and emerged from the shadows in the shape of her human persona. The changeling made no effort to hide her sudden appearance, her magically conjured shoes clacking against the tiled floor.

“Wh-what. Who’s th-” Noah began only to freeze when his gaze landed on Chrysalis.

“Relax Noah. Keep your voice down,” Chrysalis offered, though her tone carried a firmness to it that Noah couldn't help but obey.

“Crystal? What are you doing here?” Noah whispered.

“Why, for you to save me, of course,” Chrysalis continued, stepping close to the male and wrapping her arms around his shoulders. “I need a big, strong man like you to protect me from these evil robbers.”

“I uh... Oh uh yes of course!” Noah exclaimed, his eyes alighting with faint emerald whisps of light. “I’ll protect you! I promise, but I uh don't have a gun or anything.”

“Why would you need a weapon when you have such awesome muscles?” Chrysalis replied.

Noah looked down at his arms as if for the first time and realized that he had massive, bulging biceps. He did not notice how Chrysalis had plucked the phone from his grasp and tossed it in the garbage. No, his gaze was firmly fixed on his suddenly well-built body, and powerful physique.

“That's right? I am uh, strong? How could I forget that,” he muttered, eyes becoming increasingly green with each passing second.

“The stress of these bad guys attacking your bank must have caused you to misremember,” Chrysalis offered. “Right, mister Fritz?”

The young man shuddered, his smile growing as his confidence swelled.

“Yes, of course! I was just so caught up in… everything that I couldn't help but forget. However, you-you’ve helped me remember!” Noah exclaimed.

“Of course,” Chrysalis hissed, sliding around the man and resting her chin on his shoulder. “And I can help you even more, but first you have to get rid of that mean man with the shield.”

“Blocker? I couldn't. I’m working with h-I mean he is uh-” Noah stumbled.

“It's okay. I know you are working with them and I think that's a great idea,” Chrysalis whispered, running her hands up and down his chest.

“R-really? I mean of course it's a good idea. It was my plan so it has to have been a smart move,” Noah proclaimed, sticking out his chest.

“Exactly but don't you think it's better to double-cross them?” Chrysalis purred. “You are the brains and the brawn of the operation after all.”

“You-you’re right!” Noah replied. “I orchestrated all of this. I was the mastermind, I deserve a bigger cut! No! I deserve it all!”

“And once you secure the money we can run away together. How does that sound… lover?” Chrysalis asked, her honeyed words slipping into the young man’s brain and smoothing out any qualms he may have with the changeling’s suggestion.

“That sounds like a great idea! I’ll do it!” Noah proclaimed, spinning around and nearly knocking Chrysalis over. “I’ll beat him up, take command of the robbers, and together we’ll make out like bandits. Then we’ll just make out!”

“Wonderful idea,” Chrysalis exclaimed, rubbing the point of her jaw where Noah had accidentally elbowed her. “Just one suggestion though.”

“Anything for you, Crystal,” Noah immediately replied.

“Call him into here. You wouldn't want your fight to get interrupted by any of those other goons now would you?” Chrysalis offered. “Not like you couldn't take them all at once though, you big hunk.”

“Excellent! Two against one. Not like I need your help or anything,” Noah dismissed, waving a hand at Chrysalis.

“Of course not,” Chrysalis muttered through grit teeth. “Just wait one moment dear.”

Chrysalis ducked behind a counter and released the disguise which hid her horn from sight. The long, crooked mass of chitin that sprouted from her forehead may look a bit out of place on her human disguise but it was necessary. Complicated magic just wasn't possible while fully disguised, and she would need something a bit more powerful than a sleep spell.

Weaving a complex array of runes, Chrysalis released the energy and allowed it to flow out into the room. The matrix of glowing emerald symbols sunk into the walls, roof, and floor, causing them to light up for a few seconds before returning to normal. The effect was subtle but instantaneous, with what little sound there was being cut off completely.

“Alright, you big hunk. Call him in and knock him dead,” Chrysalis called.

“Yes, right away Crystal!” Noah exclaimed before hastily jogging towards the exit.

Chrysalis didn't pay him much attention, instead transforming herself into a fly, and making her way up onto the large overhead exhaust array. From there she sat, and waited, watching as a grinning Noah returned a few seconds later. Though briefly surprised by Chrysalis’ sudden disappearance, he took it in stride and stood roughly underneath the disguised changeling.

“Why the hell did you do that?” Blocker demanded, bursting into the room and glaring at Noah. “You made it sound like we are working together, you idiot.”

“I am no fool. In fact, I am the mastermind of this whole operation and it is about time that you all learned your place,” Noah proclaimed.

Blocker nearly tripped he was so startled by the sudden and ridiculous declaration, though he caught himself before that could happen.

“What the fuck are you talking about kid? You're the stool pigeon. Nothing more,” Blocker retorted.

“Of course, a muscle-bound meathead like you would say something like that,” Noah exclaimed, smirking to himself.

“The hell happened to you, man? You suddenly get a death wish all of a sudden?” Blocker bellowed, getting right up into the smaller man’s face, and breathing down his neck.

“No. I have just realized that you aren't worth the cut. Not while the true muscle is waiting in the wings!” Noah declared, cocking his fist.

“Don't do it, kid. I told Mysterious that I wouldn't off the informant but if you-” Blocker lectured, only to be interrupted when Noah punched him in the face.

The taller, more grizzled man barely flinched, the strike hitting him with all the force of a pool noodle. Noah punched him again, this time using his other fist though it did even less than the first one did. His confidence rapidly waning, Noah tried to go for a third attack only for his fist to get caught by Blocker, whose large hand wrapped completely around the smaller man’s fist.

“You have fucked up royally kiddo,” Blocker muttered through grit teeth.

“N-now let’s not do anything-”

This time it was Noah’s turn to be interrupted, as Blocker struck him in the face with enough force to make him stumble back a step. A second haymaker dislocated the ratlike human’s jaw, and a third jab shattered his nose into a million tiny pieces. The out of shape bank worker hit the ground like a puppet with its strings cut, unconscious before he even struck linoleum.

“I fucking told you not to try it,” Blocker muttered, looming over the downed male. “Now how the fuck am I going to explain this to Miss Mysterious?”

Chrysalis used his moment of confusion to launch her own attack.

Transforming into a slightly modified version of her human form with a horn, and an extra set of arms, Chrysalis would barely pass as human. That didn't matter though, the room was sealed from sound and outside interference, the only thing that concerned her now was taking out Blocker. An easy enough task given his completely unaware state, with Chrysalis able to land on his back, pin his arms against his side, and bite down into his neck in a single fluid motion.

The man could barely manage a startled yell before he tumbled face first to the ground, pinned under Chrysalis’ increased weight.

“Get the fuck off me you freak,” Blocker demanded.

Flexing hard, the super-powered human attempted to overpower the changeling but was not successful. Though strong, abnormally so, Chrysalis had wrestled dragons in her day, and compared to one of them, the man was but a mewling child.

“Help! Get in here, all of you!” Blocker shouted.

Pumping the last of her venom into the man, Chrysalis retracted her fangs and pulled away from his neck.

“It's pointless,” she whispered. “No one’s coming to save you.”

Blocker growled bitterly and conjured a solid mass of blue light that expanded outward, catching Chrysalis by surprise. Forced to break her grapple, the changeling shifted her body and turned her sudden toss into a surprisingly graceful backflip.

“I don't know know what you did to me but it wont matter,” Blocker growled, rising into an unsteady stand.

The man extended his arm, fingers splayed, and summoned a scattershot of fast-moving blue projectiles. The tiny square-shaped shields tore through stovetops, cupboards, pots, and pans, before sticking into the walls and floor. None hit Chrysalis, who had turned back into a fly and was currently hanging from the ceiling, watching her opponent.

“What? Where the fuck did you go?” He growled. “Don't tell me you’re actually a stalker.”

Oh, I could go invisible, but why waste the effort? Chrysalis thought to herself.

“Fuck this. I’m going to get… help?” Blocker muttered.

Stumbling forward, the man hit the shattered remains of a fridge and held onto it. His legs trembled, and his knees were weak but he forced himself back into a stand.

“Not like this. It can't end like this,” he muttered.

He took a few more shaky steps and nearly reached the door before suddenly going limp. His forehead hit the ground hard, bouncing off and making a loud konk noise. Though painful, his fall had not killed him, as he continued to lay there, breathing slowly but strongly.

Dramatic idiot. Chrysalis thought to herself as she returned to her human form. All my venom does is put you to sleep.

With a bit of telekinesis, Chrysalis dragged the two unconscious bodies over to a corner and piled them up. She then paused and placed them on their sides just in case. She didn't want them to end up dying on her after she’d gone to so much trouble to not kill them.

“Now then,” Chrysalis began, plucking the ear piece from Blocker and placing it in her own ear. “Testing testing, one two three and we’re good.”

Chrysalis cleared her throat.

“We’ve located another of the bank staff. There is only a single individual unaccounted for,” Chrysalis declared after tapping the button on the small device.

“Blocker? Oh, good. Do you have any leads on the final person?” The voice of Miss Mysterious replied.

“We do. Should have them in custody within a few minutes,” Chrysalis replied, still using Blocker’s voice.

“Excellent. Things are proceeding according to plan. Keep it up,” Mysterious declared.

“Will do, boss,” Chrysalis concluded.

“Boss? Whatever, just keep on it,” Mysterious retorted before the line went dead.

“Now, onto the easy part,” Chrysalis began, only to pause just as she was about to take out the ear piece. “Better keep this on. Just in case.”

Assuming the form of Blocker, Chrysalis stepped back into the main cafeteria area and looked around.

“Each of you is getting reassigned for a special task but to retain operational integrity I will have you enter the kitchen one by one to receive your orders,” Chrysalis declared, pointing at one of the goons. “You, wait thirty seconds then enter. After that, you will go next and we will proceed until all of you have your orders.”

“Yes, boss!” Shouted the closest goon, while the others muttered their agreement in less excited tones.

“Good. I’ll be waiting,” Chrysalis retorted.

The changeling took a step back and closed the door, she then returned to her slightly modified human disguise. With her horn back, the changeling made a quick knock-out rune on the floor two steps from the door. After that, she became Blocker once more and waited a few seconds for her first arrival.

“What are your orders, sir?” The goon asked.

Chrysalis didn't have to reply, as the man stepped on the rune right as the door closed behind him. In a flash, he was unconscious, snoring loudly before he even had a chance to hit the ground. Impact with the floor didn't bother the male and he continued to snore as Chrysalis dragged him over to the other side of the room.

“One down, eleven more to go,” Chrysalis muttered to herself.

“Yo boss are you sure it's a good idea to leave the hostages unsuper-” was all the last goon managed to say before stepping on the rune and getting knocked out.

Her body was tossed in the corner with the rest of the snoring goons. Though the mound had started off fairly organized, by the end Chrysalis was just tossing them in a heap with little care. They weren't crushing one another so it was probably fine, either way, Chrysalis didn't care enough to look.

“Well, that’s done with,” Chrysalis muttered to herself.

Striding back into the cafeteria, Chrysalis noticed that although the hostages hadn't fled, a few of them were eying the door. However, that stopped the moment she entered the room, with nearly everyone present staring at her in confusion.

“I’ve taken care of the goons,” Chrysalis proclaimed. “And we’ll be getting out of here in a second but I need you all to remain quiet, and not panic okay?”

“How did you-”

“What are you doing-”

“What powers do you-”

“What the fuck did I just say about staying quiet!” Chrysalis hissed. “There are others still out there do you want them to hear you?”

Glaring at each of the most flighty of humans seemed to calm things down for the moment though Chrysalis could tell they were on the verge of freaking out again. Thankfully the bit of changeling magic she had added to her words had smoothed things over enough that the situation was still salvageable.

“Now, line up near this window,” Chrysalis ordered.

Using a bit more magic to make the more reluctant of the bunch to comply, Chrysalis ensured no one strayed. The effort was mostly unnecessary, as the scared humans began to assemble near the large cafeteria window almost immediatly. While they did that, Chrysalis grabbed one of the large cafeteria tables, turned it over, and chopped the legs off. A decisive strike with her hand was all it took to remove the wooden appendages, making the table completely flat. She then picked up the nearly ten-foot long, and two-inch thick former table and dragged it over to the window.

“I am going to create a bridge between this building and the other. Once you get onto the roof, use their fire escape to get down to ground level,” Chrysalis declared.

She didn't wait to see if everyone understood her and jumped straight into kicking out the window. With glass raining down on the narrow alleyway behind the bank, Chrysalis dragged the table into position, turning it into a bridge.

“What are you waiting for go!” Chrysalis urged.

The first human nervously crossed the expanse but was relieved to find that it didn't sag or shift under their weight. In no time at all people were crossing over onto the roof of the neighboring building, muttering their thanks to Chrysalis before doing so. The positive emotions were nice, and did were surprisingly nourishing.

Human emotion is even more powerful than the love of a pony. Chrysalis thought to herself.

Brushing off the thanks, and the idle ponderings for the moment, Chrysalis turned to view the line. They were making good time, with several humans taking positions on either side and helping others through in a timely manner. Despite that, there were a lot of people working at this location and the line was long and not perfectly organized yet.

“This is gonna take way too long,” Chrysalis muttered aloud.

Her fears were realized when she heard the earpiece buzz, a voice coming from within.

“Blocker. Status report. Now,” demanded the furious voice of Miss Mysterious.

Crap. Chrysalis thought, clearing her throat and altering her vocal cords.

“Nothing new to report I’m afraid. Final target has continued to evade capture,” Chrysalis replied, ducking behind the salad bar to avoid the bank staff overhearing her.

“Did you send someone to the vault room?” The stern female voice demanded.

“No, not that I’m aware of anyway. Why?” Chrysalis asked.

“Do you see anything strange on that floor?” Miss Mysterious pressed.

“Is there something I should be looking for?” Chrysalis prodded.

There was a long, pregnant pause, during which Chrysalis could feel a thin strand of nervous sweat drip down her spine. When finally Chrysalis could take it no more and was about to ask another question, the line crackled to life, and the voice returned.

“I don't know who you are or what your agenda is here, but you’ve messed with the wrong fucking crew,” growled the bitter voice of Miss Mysterious.

“I don't know what you-” Chrysalis began.

“Cut the crap, we found Driller, and Zap can sense an escape from all the panicked phone calls being sent out by those people you saved,” Miss Mysterious retorted.

Screw subtlety. It never was my strong suit. Chrysalis thought.

“Fine,” Chrysalis began again, using her human disguise’ speaking voice. “I suppose the jig is as they say, up.”

“I have a question for you,” Miss Mysterious remarked, her anger held behind a thin veneer of curiosity. “Why did you have to stick your nose in our business? No one got hurt, hell even the corpos didn't lose money due to insurance they have on this place, why did you have to muck this up?”

“Honestly? Because you got in my way,” Chrysalis replied, running a hand through her hair. “I had a good thing going and your little robbery attempt threw a wrench in that.”

“That's it? You doomed us to life imprisoned on the rock and you did it all because we interrupted whatever the hell you had going on here?” Miss Mysterious demanded.

“Pretty much,” Chrysalis answered, shrugging to herself. “What can I say? I’m spiteful.”

“Start praying,” buzzed a crackling new voice. “Because when I get up there you and your friends are gonna fried I tell you, FRIED!”

The line clicked, going dead.

“Friends, what are you…” Chrysalis glanced over at the long line of people still clambering out through the window. “Stars above.”

Chrysalis tossed the earpiece away and began sprinting towards the window only to stop after a few feet. Screeching to a halt, she looked out over the line of nervous-looking people shuffling towards safety. They were scared, terrified even, but when they looked at her Chrysalis saw hope in their eyes.

Despite her powers, despite the unknowns they raised, and despite some of the fear they felt for her, there was a trust there. No matter how that trust had been born, it was there, and it was powerful. Her magical reserves had waned somewhat due to just how out of practice she had become but she could feel them refilling steadily. These strangers, these humans, felt every emotion more intensely than a pony, and what her presence prompted was a feeling of safety, even security for some.

“Ohh for the love of-” Chrysalis muttered, clasping a hand against her head. “If Twilight could see me now I’m sure she’d say something naive and dramatic. Would probably even give some lecture on friendship too.”

Chrysalis sighed.

“At least she can't see me now,” Chrysalis whispered.

“Umm Crystal, is something wrong?” Asked a female voice.

Chrysalis looked up to find that the polite receptionist who always made extra coffee had exited the line to speak to her.

“It's alright. Just gotta go do hero stuff,” Chrysalis dismissed, waving a hand at the window. “You guys just keep getting outta here. Things might get a little messy.”

“We’ll uh, we’ll do that Crystal, or uh should I call you by your hero name?” The human asked.

“I uh don't have one yet. I wasn't exactly planning on this,” Chrysalis muttered.

“Okay, well either way thank you, Crystal. I always knew you were a good person,” the receptionist murmured, giving the changeling a weak smile before returning to the line.

Chrysalis sighed again.

“Everyone on this plane is insane,” Chrysalis spat. “Oh well, what do they say here again? When in Rome?”

The sudden whiff of rage brought the changeling back to reality. She glanced in the direction it was coming from and immediately deduced that the super-powered robbers were ascending rapidly. Likely taking the elevator up to the current floor there were only two rooms between the former hostages and the incoming robbers.

Muttering a curse under her breath, Chrysalis took off toward the elevator’s entrance. Passing through one hallway and into another, she arrived at a long high ceilinged section flanked on either side by tall pillars. For a moment Chrysalis thought she had time to work her magic, to lay a trap, but then the doors dinged and both Miss Mysterious and Zap appeared in the opening, both glaring daggers at Chrysalis.

“You’re going to regret your actions this day, worm!” Spat the dark-skinned woman, charging out ahead of her partner.

“Somehow being called a worm is even worse than a cockroach,” Chrysalis muttered to herself.

The changeling ducked under a bolt of electricity before leaping behind one of the pillars before a second could hit her. Continuing her momentum, Chrysalis turned into a fly and kept going around the corner until she was flying right at them.

“She’s class A shifter, mass dispersal,” Miss Mysterious exclaimed, pointing up at Chrysalis. “Wide area of effect!”

“Got it,” Zap replied.

The other woman stepped forward and banged her golden wristbands together before thrusting her palms up in Chrysalis’ direction. The changeling barreled forward, hoping to beat the attack only to meet a wave of electricity that rippled over the entire room. Though it was barely enough to frazzle the shapeshifter’s nerves it broke her concentration and caused Chrysalis to switch forms. Only quick thinking kept her from turning back into her base form, instead shifting back into her human disguise before hitting the ground in a roll.

“I need a sec,” Zap exclaimed.

“Got it,” Miss Mysterious shouted.

The show woman extended her arms above her head before throwing them out and creating a wide circle with her limbs. Like a runic array being completed, a wave of rippling blue energy cascaded over the landscape. Though the pair vanished from sight, Chrysalis could taste their nervous energy and knew they were splitting up, taking cover behind the pillars.

“That won't save you from me,” Chrysalis hissed.

Sprinting the last of the way, Chrysalis leaped at the empty spot she knew Zap stood. The startled yelp and blast of undirected electricity confirmed that Chrysalis had indeed found her prey. The blast also knocked the changeling back, stunning her for a moment.

If I didn't have to focus on this stupid human form this would be so much easier. Chrysalis thought to herself. But I can't reveal myself, not even to these two.

“Invisibility doesn't work, but she appears weak to electricity,” Miss Mysterious declared a second before the pair were visible once more.

“I have no weaknesses,” Chrysalis growled.

A quick flicker of green flame revealed a long jagged horn, allowing Chrysalis access to her magic just in time to catch Zap’s arms in a telekinetic grip. The human’s limbs suddenly shot straight up, her built-up charge exploding into the ceiling and punching a hole through several floors. The high-voltage woman could only look on in confusion as Chrysalis lurched forward, arms extended. Suddenly a foot taller than she had been a second ago, and far wider, Chrysalis grabbed the human’s wrists in a crushing grip.

“That is enough out of you,” Chrysalis growled.

“Let go of me, you freak!” Zap shouted, sparks shooting from her fingertips.

“I’ll show you who’s a freak,” Chrysalis retorted.

With a twist, Chrysalis snapped the girl’s wrists before bringing her scream of pain to an abrupt end with a sharp head butt. The impact didn't kill, though it did knock her unconscious, causing her to collapse to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut. No sooner had she dealt with one opponent had the other made her move.

A wave of blue filled Chrysalis’ vision and suddenly she was transported to what looked like a hellish realm straight out of a movie. Fire filled every corner, and screams could be heard echoing from all directions. Demonic creatures with far too many limbs, and blood-red skin eyed Chrysalis hungrily, their pitchforks poised and ready.

“Welcome to hell, bastard,” muttered a familiar voice.

“Cute,” Chrysalis muttered. “But ineffective. What do you hope to do? Scare me to death?”

“No, just give us a bit of room to talk,” Miss Mysterious replied, her voice emanating from everywhere and nowhere.

“And what would you have to say to me?” Chrysalis pressed, pausing to sniff the air. “I thought you intended to kill me and then all the hostages.”

“You were right about that first part true, but I’ve had a change of heart,” Miss Mysterious stated calmly.

“Oh really?” Chrysalis asked incredulously.

“No, it's the truth. I’ve seen your powers and I want to recruit you,” Miss Mysterious continued, while her demons bayed with laughter, jabbing their weapons in Chrysalis’ direction. “Think of how easy it would be to rob these chumps with you on our side!”

“I don't play second fiddle to anyone. Especially not a dime store illusionist,” Chrysalis retorted.

“How dare you say such a thing! I am an A-class trickster. Not some bumpkin who can barely conjure a butterfly,” Miss Mysterious shot back.

“Oh, you can do the visuals pretty well. Even the sound, but you can't hide the scent of hate that wafts from you like the stink from an open sewer,” Chrysalis boldly proclaimed.

Spinning in place, Chrysalis reached up and caught Miss Mysterious at the wrist, stopping her just before she could stab the changeling with a long pointed knife. The illusion crumbled, and suddenly Chrysalis was staring face to-face with the startled human.

“What, how-”

“I’m tired of your voice,” Chrysalis interrupted.

A blast of magic knocked the human into a deep sleep. A second later, the knife fell to the ground shortly before Chrysalis released the robber and allowed her to fall as well.

“Why do they always talk so much?” Chrysalis muttered to herself.

“It's the ego. These bad guys love hearing their own voice,” declared a voice.

Chrysalis spun around, ready to unleash her magic on whoever had snuck up on her only to stop.

“Woah there, I’m on your side,” stated a floating woman wearing purple and blue tights with an M emblazoned on her chest. “Mind Over Matter, at your service, but you can just call me Em, everyone does.”

As Chrysalis stood there in stunned confusion, a pair of handcuffs floated over to the downed Miss Mysterious, clicking over her wrists.

“Wait Em? You’re-” Chrysalis began.

“Leader of the Sentinels? I know but don't let that intimidate you. I’m not here to arrest anyone, err not you anyway,” Em replied, weaving back and forth in the air as she talked.

“I was going to say Cassandra’s girlfriend,” Chrysalis retorted.

“Wait, she told you about me, but that's a huge breach in-” the woman gasped, and threw out her arms. “You must be Crystal! Cassandra barely got a word in edgewise before I flew off to save her, she must have been talking about you!”

“Err yeah probably. That's me. Crystal that is,” Chrysalis muttered somewhat awkwardly.

“Oh my goodness she was going to ask you out today! How did that go?” Em asked, floating right up until she was nearly in Chrysalis’ face.

“She never got the chance,” Chrysalis replied.

This chick feels with the intensity of a hurricane. Chrysalis thought to herself. Not even Cadance had such potent love in her.

“Oh no!” Em shrieked, flying back and clutching at her chest. “I totally ruined the surprise!”

“Don't worry, I had a feeling she was going to ask something like that,” Chrysalis quickly interjected, causing the sudden outburst of hopeless despair to swerve back into intense excitement.

“That is wonderful! So what are you going to say? No wait, don't tell me. We can have that chat later,” Em exclaimed. “I’m supposed to ask you some questions and stuff first.”

“I’m not in trouble am I?” Chrysalis asked, glancing past the super towards the nearest exit.

“Definitely not,” Em proclaimed. “I mean they might try something but like hell I’m going to let anything happen to my girlfriend's girlfriend.”

Humans are weird. Chrysalis thought to herself.

“Err alright then… ask away,” Chrysalis encouraged.

“I’m supposed to interrogate you and stuff but that sounds like, super lame so I’m just gonna skip towards the important question and ask you…” Em flew forward and held her hand close to Chrysalis’ mouth as if she were holding a microphone. “What is your name?”

“You mean like my superhero name?” Chrysalis replied.

“Duh,” Em exclaimed, rolling her eyes and chuckling. “I ain't asking for your full legal name. At least not right now anyway. We will need that info for when we make you your badge thing but we’ll talk about that later.”

“I uh haven't given it much…” Chrysalis trailed off, a half-forgotten memory popping into her head.

She recalled a story a member of her adopted family had told her. It had been of a creature of legend, a shapeshifter to be exact. Originally Chrysalis had thought she had been found out but the old woman telling the story had held no animosity in her heart.

She just kept telling her tale, informing Chrysalis of an old story of a woman who lived out in the desert that had mystical powers. She would transform into a cat, and prowl the town, causing mischief and righting wrongs. Though cruel, sometimes she was the only kind of justice the people could ever hope for.

And they called her

“Nagual,” Chrysalis answered. “You can call me Nagual.”

Author's Note

Below are a list of supporters some past, some present that have earned my eternal gratitude. Thank you All.