The Meaning of Chrysalis

Chapters

Prologue - Handlebars
Manehattan Calls
Fire at Sea
Honor Thy Father
The Big Apple
The Long Road to Harmony
The Night Before
A Wonderful World
This Day Aria
Welcome to the Jungle
The One-Winged Angel

Prologue - Handlebars

Four hundred years ago, Canterlot was pretty much the same it was in modern times. Ancient, ornate architecture occupied its entirety, and the whole, beautiful place sang of regal roots. Roots that planted themselves upon a massive mountainside that ripped into the heavens. Quite fitting for the home of the Princess of the Sun.

The only thing that was different about it, mainly, was what lay within the outer shell. Wooden houses and shops were more basic: medieval. Not as well constructed, with straw roofs instead of ones with primitive panels, but quaint and lovely in their own way, and occupied by ponies with simpler lives.

"Good morning, princess!" a pony called to a passing Celestia, standing outside a blacksmithing shop.

Instinctively, she gave a wave and a smile back to her mortal subject. "Good morning, Ironforge."

"Good morning!" another, tiny voice squeaked from the princess' side.

The shop owner smiled at its origin. "And good morning to you as well, child!"

"Thanks!"

"Come along, dear," Celestia called. "I know you enjoy the royal rounds, but we do need to get to other studies sometime today."

"Awwww, alright, princess!" the tiny voice chirped, and the origin of it began following her down the road. "But wait- other studies? This is a study session?"

Princess Celestia smiled at her. "Indeed. I want you to pay attention to the reactions of the ponies when I say 'good morning.'"

The two carried on, and it seemed every pony in the city was waiting to greet their princess.

"Good morning!" another pony called, this one a guard.

"Good morning, Stormwind!"

"Mornin' Princess. Mornin' kid," a gruff, old pony with an eyepatch called.

"Good morning!"

"Good morning!" the tiny voice mimicked.

And a bit of love was thrown her way.

"Wow, I'm actually starting to feel full!" she beamed.

"I'm glad. It seems everypony is warming up to you."

Celestia gave a chuckle, prompting a raised eyebrow from the tiny figure beside her.

"What?"

Celestia smiled down at her. "Nothing, it's just sometimes I wish I had your gift."

"Gift?"

"Indeed. You have the ability to judge how a people feel about you directly. I... on the other hand, must draw on intuition most of the time."

"They do love you, though!" the voice chirped merrily. "I can feel it in the air. That... energy. It moves towards you more than it does towards me."

Celestia smiled down at her. "That's very nice of you to say."

At that, the two were beginning to draw near to the palace. Two guards snapped stern salutes as they entered.

"So, that pretty much covers it; what have you learned today, my young student?" Celestia asked.

"Um..." she said, tapping a hole-filled hoof to her chin. "That you should... keep off Old Man Winter's grass?"

Celestia smiled slightly. "And quite a good lesson to learn. Anything else?"

"Errrr..." the student said, her thoughts twirling like a twister. "That flea markets don't necessarily sell fleas?"

"Annnnd..." Princess Celestia said hopefully. "Remember: how did the ponies react to me being out in the town? How do they react every morning?"

"Well, they seem to really like it," the student smiled, and her eyes suddenly widened in realization. "They like that you're taking the time to meet them!"

"Instead of..."

The student winced in thought. "Instead of... being... uh... aloof!"

"Exactly!" Celestia beamed, and a shower of her love was thrown the student's way. Love she was too full to eat.

"When a ruler shows her people respect, and doesn't act aloof, they, naturally, will show respect in return. And what have I told you before?"

"'It is the duty of a queen to be one with her people. For without her people, there would be no queen. They must mean the world to her,'" she quoted.

"You're learning well, Princess Chrysalis."

The young queen beamed up at her. She was a changeling no more than twelve years old. A tiny thing: insignificant... harmless, with huge, innocent, loving eyes and a seemingly fragile body structure that could win over any heart. And to add to this, the ponies in Canterlot seemed to think that she literally 'fed' on love was adorable.

Chrysalis gave a humble shrug. "Heh... it was just a guess."

"A good guess, though."

At that, Chrysalis glanced away from her.

"I... I really appreciate you doing this, by the way," she said. "Taking me under your wing. I'd... be lost without you. I have no idea how to lead people. Without my mother to teach me... I feel like the crown was just thrust on my head."

"No ruler starts out knowing. And admitting that you have room for improvement is the first step to getting there," Celestia said, smiling. "You're showing humility, Chrysalis. And reluctance. Reluctance is a good thing. The best leaders often have the crown thrust upon them."

"But what if they weren't meant for it?" Chrysalis asked. "It was just chance I wound up as the daughter of the queen."

"Everything happens for a reason," Celestia said.

"Are you saying it was destiny?" Chrysalis said, lifting an eyebrow.

Celestia merely winked at her.

"I don't know much about changelings, Chrysalis. But I do believe that hive queens are likely to possess the intelligence and will for leadership. And you have shown them both in abundance."

"But what if there was a mistake?"

"I don't believe there was any mistake, and you'll learn in time that your fears are groundless," Celestia said.

Chrysalis sighed.

"Yet... I still wonder how I can get us what we need. I can't figure anything out!"

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Love?"

"Yeah... my people can't even feel it, Princess Celestia. I mean... I feel admiration for you-"

A few tears actually formed in her eyes as she began glancing towards the ground.

"Yet... I feel like I should love you like a mother right now. But I just can't generate that feeling. I mean... I know what it tastes like... but I just can't - make it."

"No need to be distraught," Celestia said warmly, lifting Chrysalis' chin so her eyes would meet hers. "Remember what you learned today: how showing respect leads to respect?"

"Well... yes."

"The same applies to the world as a whole," she continued. "Though there are some out there who would view it as a sign of weakness: trying to make others to like you, that is, most people on this planet, as I have seen on many occasions, just want to be left alone. Sometimes they may even want help. Show them respect. Show them courtesy and give them a hoof in their times of need, and they will return the favor. A bit overly optimistic, yes: as I have said, there are others out there who desire to conquer and control, and who will not care for that sort of thing." She raised her hoof. "But for the most part... keep doing what you're doing and you'll get all the love you need."

Chrysalis blinked, taking it all in, and a smile slowly formed on her lips.

"Do you think your people will like us? As long as we don't act like the changelings... used to act?" she asked.

"Of course!" Celestia chuckled. "I don't know why you'd think otherwise."

"Then..." Chrysalis said, pausing in thought, before nodding her head in a determined way. "I think I'd like to make my first decree. As soon as I'm done here... do ya wanna make our nations best friends?"

"An alliance, you mean?" Celestia smiled.

"Yeah! An alliance!" Chrysalis bounced. "We could go out into the world together, and help anyone in need! The two most powerful nations there are: looking out for the little guys! We'll share the love! Our people together! We'll make a difference!"

And quite fitting for her, Celestia's smile grew as warm as the sun. "My student, you have the potential to make your people great once again." She then gave a wink. "But the life of a ruler doesn't have to be all politics. Come, let's go do something fun! There's a new food in town, a recent 'invention' you could say: and I admit I can't get enough of the stuff."

"What's it called?" Chrysalis asked.

"Ice cream!" Celestia grinned.

Chrysalis lifted an eyebrow. "B-But princess... regular food doesn't-"

Celestia shot her a chuckle. "Yet I know you enjoyed last night's salad."

Chrysalis squinted in thought, before slowly nodding in comprehension.

"Ooooh... so I should eat it for the taste!" she said, grinning back at Princess Celestia. "Alright! I'll try it."

"Lovely!" Celestia smiled. "You'll have to try the chocolate. It's my favorite!"

Chrysalis put on another one of her beaming smiles, one that seemed to be able to melt any heart. "Thanks, princess. Seriously... thanks."

"No need to thank me, though you're welcome, my little caterpillar."

And as the two walked along, Chrysalis grinned in anticipation of a decent future, her thoughts swirling about.

"Heh. Look at me, look at me,

Hooves in the air like it's good to be,

Alive. And soon - I'll be a famous freak.

So why should I ever be discreet?

I can win the affection of a goddess,

Just by being cute and modest,

And I'll be ready to lead a people,

Just by standing in her steeple.

We'll give aid in any disaster,

We'll fight no war forever after,

I can show the world what we're all about,

Gain their love without a doubt.

I can show them a changeling's way,

Of their hearts we were meant to sway,

I can chip away at their defenses,

I can make them all leap over fences.

Not that I will, but still,

I can do anything I want!

Because I can write a ballad,

At only twelve years old,

Only twelve years old,

Only twelve years old!

And I can show the griffins,

Where to plant their homes,

Where to plant their homes!"

Three Hundred Years Later....

A stern looking, female changeling assistant stood before her.

"My queen, the griffins still won't relocate..."

Chrysalis narrowed her eyes, growling. "And this came from their king himself, Ditto? The ambassador wasn't playing cards?"

"Yes, intelligence indicates he made the call..."

Chrysalis shook her head, squinting her eyebrows in bafflement. "But... they don't even need it."

She began to pace around.

"We need that land... the resources there are vital if we're to expand the hive... and with the population swelling as it is...."

"Apparently, we're getting too much love," the assistant noted.

"'There's no such thing as too much love,'" Chrysalis said, quoting Princess Celestia. "We have earned what we have gotten. And we've earned that land. Disaster relief, tributes to the poor of other nations... All because we were born with a need to appease! It isn't fair! Just three hundred years ago, we were starving, damnit! And nopony or griffin gave a rat's ass!"

And suddenly... her eyes widened.

"Wait... I think I know who can help out."

"Who?"

"Princess Celestia."

Ditto raised an eyebrow. "You're going to call upon our alliance with Equestria?"

"Yes," Chrysalis nodded. "Hopefully, with their help, the threat of military action by two nations will get the griffins to back down without any bloodshed." She then put on a confident smile. "I can do this. I'm sure I can make Princess Celestia listen!"

"Look at me! Look at me!

Just stopped by to say that it's good to be,

Alive. Though you've always got my back, right?

It's time to show the world our combined might!

We can train the strongest legion,

And together we'll go and see them,

Off to the land the changelings want,

Win a peaceful war on any front!"

Celestia took a deep breath, releasing Chrysalis from the hug and glancing away from her.

"I wish I could help you..." she sighed. "But that land isn't yours. And even if it was, I couldn't."

The look of mirth on Chrysalis' face at seeing her mentor faded instantly. "W-What?"

"We have a non-aggression pact with the griffins."

"B-But," Chrysalis said, putting on a baffled, confused smile. "B-But we've always been allies! If we don't get that land, many changelings will be homeless!"

"And if you do get that land, many griffins will be homeless," Celestia pointed out.

"But the griffins have plenty of land! Land that doesn't have the minerals we need to mine on it! Please, princess... Together, we can use a force of hoof to drive them away without any violence! Changelings need one other thing beside love, and you know this! That mineral: in order to strengthen our exoskeletons. We absorb it from our hives when we sleep! Without it, we wouldn't be able to fly without breaking our legs when we land!"

Celestia winced, still glancing away from her.

"I know it's important to you, but I still must say no... I'm sorry."

Chrysalis put on a look of betrayal, of bafflement.

"What is your non-aggression pact doing for you, anyway?! You could wipe them off the face of Trinity if you wanted to!"

Celestia narrowed her eyes.

"It's a matter of principle," she said sternly. "I signed that pact when the griffins were more powerful than us. They honored it then despite tensions. Now, I am returning the favor. Remember what I taught you about the importance of honor?"

Chrysalis' eyes widened in incredulity.

"That's the reason?! I can't believe you! I thought we were friends! Now you're asking me to put changeling lives at risk in order to evict them!?"

"This isn't easy for me-"

Chrysalis turned away from her.

"I don't want to hear it! I'm leaving!"

One Week Later...

"My queen! You need to hear this!" Ditto gasped, galloping into her quarters.

"W-What? What is it?" Chrysalis said groggily, waking from slumber.

"There was more bloodshed then expected when we drove the griffins out! Some civilians were killed!"

Chrysalis squinted her eyebrows in bafflement, wondering if she were somehow dreaming. However, it only took a second more for her to realize this news was far too real.

"What?! How did this happen?!" Chrysalis gasped.

"Some took up arms against us! But... there were further casualties. A few overzealous soldiers may have killed some civilians they only thought were about to attack."

"Then..." Chrysalis said, thinking quickly. "Round up the perptrators and we'll have them tried for brutality. If they have a good reason for what they did, our justice system should-"

"It's too late!" Ditto snapped. "The world has turned against us. I hate to sound so dramatic, but it's true! Even Princess Celestia is pressing for trade sanctions!"

Suddenly, the room grew very quiet for a second. Chrysalis eye twitched, and she might as well have been breathing fire when she screamed:

"WHAT?!"

Her eyes filled with betrayal, she turned and made her way to the door of her quarters.

"Where are you going?!" the assistant gasped.

"To Canterlot, damnit! I need to have a word with that traitor!"

Princess Celestia sat at her eternal throne, a tired look upon her. She looked as if she had been in deep contemplation all night, and her face was laced with worry and regret. Then, as if things couldn't be worse, the front doors of Canterlot palace suddenly slammed open, and a glaring, furious Chrysalis stormed towards her.

"So it's going to be like this, huh?!" she snapped. "Fine then! Two can play that game!"

"I can live with no alliance!

I can take anything with no defiance!

I'll kidnap anyone for their love!

With no threat from some false god above!

I can make them scream our names!

I can make them feel our pain!

I'll make them dance if I please!

Suck them dry with the slightest ease!

"STOP!" Celestia screamed. "You're not being yourself! I know you're angry, but I-I'm sorry Chrysalis. I was pressured by my council to-"

"Save it!" she hissed. "The changelings are the most powerful people on the planet! From now on, I'm doing anything I want! Buck our reputation! There's more than one way for a changeling to gain love!"

She turned, and like an angry tempest marched from Celestia's throne room, fire nearly dancing in her eyes. And as she moved, she thought:

"Hell,

I can gather what I need,

From anyone,

From anyone!

Even if it's from the goddess,

Who I used to love,

Who I used to love!"

One Hundred Years Later - Modern Times...

"Look at me! Look at me!

A Royal Guard at my knees!

I've got Shining around my hoof,

I don't care if it took a bloody tooth!

I can take Equestria for my own,

Suck them dry to the withered bone,

It's far from any cardinal sin,

I'll take them from out and in!

For my cause is noble,

My power secured,

My roots are global,

My status assured!"

"I just made a god a bug!

With the power of stolen love!

I can stamp upon their nation,

Strike them down with no hesitation!

This is the day I've always dreamed!

I can see the world at the seams!

I can rule it all if I just cut loose!

Be a queen bitch with an iron hoof!.!.!"

And I will show them a changeling's hospitality,

Hospitality,

Hospitality!

For we are the victims of causality,

Of causality,

Of causality!

YES! I CAN DO ANYTHING I WANT-"

Two years later, Chrysalis awoke with a startle from a slumber she tossed in turned in. Her eyes were wide. Sweat dripped from her face. Suddenly, it all came back to her. Her defeat. Her pride's downfall. Her nation's downfall.

"What... have I done?" she whispered.

She then began to sing sorrowfully:

"And I can make sure my people will always walk alone,

Always walk alone,

Always...

...

Walk alone..."

And Chrysalis let out a deep sigh.

Manehattan Calls

Queen Chrysalis walked down the dripping halls of her hive cluster. It was a dark place. A peaceful place, to her and her changelings at least. For the hive was their home. Their sanctuary. Their life. It provided them the few nutrients they needed aside from love with the mists it excreted. Mists eagerly absorbed by their bodies.

But as said, these nutrients were only secondary to the odd trait that fate had chosen to give them. A trait that could only be satisfied in one of three ways:

A changeling could earn his or her love. This meant legitimately gaining it in their true or 'fake' forms from another creature: any creature able to feel it, really. Building a relationship from scratch. Building 'true love'. This creature could be something as simple as a puppy, or as complex as a thousand year old dragon. It didn't matter. Though generally, those that could pass a self-awareness test were generally more adequate at providing what they needed.
They could impersonate a pony or another creature's 'lover', or someone they loved, and take what they hadn't earned. It was a morally wrong thing to do, Chrysalis had long since decided, yet it paled in comparison of the third technique...

Only a few paces from her personal quarters, the doors to a room no changeling felt good visiting slid open. Inside, a plethora of strange, green pods hung from the ceiling. Giant versions of what one would find a caterpillar in before its ascension into a being of beauty. Yet those within these pods... would find no such fate.

"Good morning, my queen," a voice called from Chrysalis' side.

She glanced downward towards it origin. At her side was a smaller drone, a female: with beautiful blue eyes and a chipped ear. However, despite a form even ponies may call 'cute', she still held a fierce, determined expression on her face. It was that determination that had allowed her to rise all the way up the political ranks to becoming Chrysalis new personal, number one assistant and adviser, a few years ago after Ditto had finally passed away, kicking and screaming while being dragged off to death, of course.

The grim reaper (a mysterious figure only known as 'The Black-Winged Death') probably had a rough time getting her to whatever afterlife awaited them. She never really wanted to go. And Chrysalis didn't want her to go, either. Unfortunately, age-preservation spells could only do so much before entropy had its way.

Nonetheless, she found this new assistant's services to be adequate at least.

"Good morning, Copycat," Chrysalis said to her, in a professional tone.

"Yeah..." she sighed. "Always a good morning having to do this, huh?"

Though she could do without the wise-cracks...

Chrysalis returned the sigh. "It's not fun for anyone, you know. But it's necessary."

Copycat glanced away from her. "A changeling's gotta do what a changeling's gotta do?"

"By that you mean pretty much put a stain on everything moral and right?"

Copycat gave a shrug. "In that case, do you think if I skipped dessert I'd get karma points back?"

Chrysalis gave her a small smile. "Maybe... let's get this over with."

The two entered the room and approached a trio in pods. Chrysalis was used to seeing what was inside them: captured creatures: ponies, zebras, arctic wolves, griffins, you name it. Still, she could barely look into their eyes. Eyes frozen in horror.

They found it best to preserve them when they were... awake.

"Hmmm... always love the selection," Copycat said sarcastically. "The horror in their eyes really swells my appetite." She began to glance about at the various choices. "Let's see: Terrified Captured Creature A or Terrified Captured Creature B... decisions decisions... you know, sometimes I wish I was still out and about so I could earn love the legit way..."

She turned to Chrysalis, a curious look upon her.

"Do you think in some small way they know where they are? That everything they think is real right now... being home with their families and friends, is just an illusion created by chemicals seeping through their pores?"

Chrysalis glanced away from her. "No... they have no idea. You're thinking far too much about this."

She was lying. She had no idea either. The pods were not of her design.

And the drone had a right to think about it.

"Well, that's good, I guess. Time for some noms, I suppose," Copycat sighed.

She drew near to a particular pod, this one of a terrified looking baby dragon, and closed her eyes, as if concentrating intently. As a small beacon of light glowed at the end of her horn, a strange, green mist began to draw from the body, and like a junkie getting his or her fix, she took it in with a dreamy expression on her face.

"God... or whoever is up there... please forgive me for this," she whispered.

Chrysalis closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, before drawing near a pod herself. She hadn't fed in nearly twenty-four hours. Every time she did a side of her was screaming at her,

'You deserve worse than what they've been put in, you coward! You fool!'

And the voice didn't end its barrage of insults when she left the room.

Unfortunately, it was necessary for now. She couldn't afford to leave the hive every time she needed a snack.

She winced in concentration, and began one of the basic spells all changelings knew. The spell for forcefully extracting love. No changeling liked doing it, for if a creature were awake when experiencing it... they would experience a feeling of hopelessness akin to somepony who had just lost a friend: who had just lost a family. A terrible feeling that one would rather quell with death.

Fortunately, however, her victim: a beautiful white wolf with strange markings on her face, was not awake. Though she still wondered if its dreams were becoming nightmares right now. Was the brilliant hunt that it might have been on becoming a disaster? She did not know.

A few seconds later, she finished feeding, but though her being felt full, her soul felt empty. She glanced into the horror-struck, vicious, fighting eyes of the wolf, and she felt, for a brief second, her body was betraying her. It was sending her signals that this was a 'good' thing, yet it felt so wrong.

She shook her head, glancing at Copycat. She looked completely defeated: remorseful.

"I... can't do this anymore..." she whispered, her eyes growing moist. "I... honest to god... cannot do this anymore..."

Copycat gulped, as if unable to decide how to handle this situation. Chrysalis couldn't blame her. How could you console she who meant the world to her? She who was her queen? Nonetheless, she was at least willing to try.

"Hey... you were right, you know. It is necessary..." Copycat said, drawing before Chrysalis and giving her queen a sympathetic smile.

"Is it?!" Chrysalis snapped. "It's all my fault we're in this state! I ordered the attack on Canterlot, and I ordered the expulsion of the griffins that started this whole thing off!"

"Well, it isn't my place to say if that's true or not," Copycat grunted. "I have no idea, I wasn't there. But I can say... I appreciate you staying here... torturing yourself for my sake. For all our sakes. The hive needs its queen. I know... I shouldn't be playing psychologist but-"

Chrysalis' eyes continued to water.

"Alright... I definitely shouldn't be playing psychologist."

"No... it's fine."

At that, Chrysalis knelt down to her level.

"You're a good assistant, Copycat. You know that?"

Copycat's smile returned. "And you're a good queen. Things don't suck that bad. I mean- we might be running out of food. And the world kind of hates us..."

Chrysalis' eyes began to water again.

"Oh crap... uhhh... I'll just... not talk. Yep - not talking. Not talking is good. In fact, I can be the best non-talker in the world! Starting... now."

And the two stood in awkward silence for a moment, as Chrysalis slowly composed herself.

"T-The United Neightions meeting," Chrysalis whimpered, wiping away a few tears. "A-Any news about that? Do you know who's representing Equestria?"

"Errrrr..." Copycat gulped, glancing away from her.

Chrysalis' eyes narrowed. "You know something, don't you? Well, you might as well tell me. I can't feel anymore crappy than I already am."

Copycat blinked innocently. "Wah? Who knows something? I don't know anything... knowing is for the... knowers. Damned, dirty knowers..."

"You're my assistant. That's your job," Chrysalis grunted. Her eye then caught one of the pods nearby, the one with the wolf she had just fed off. "And let's get out of this damned room, already."

"Yeah, with pleasure," Copycat said, taking a deep breath afterward for some reason.

The two made their way out, making their way through the judicial portion of the changeling hive. Essentially, the changeling's capital and only city, known only as: Xen'maria. However, it was large enough to house as many creatures as three Canterlots. Some even said that the tunnels of it, those which twisted and dug into the islands and seabed it resided in, if all put in a straight line, could stretch about the world. It was truly a feat of hard workmanship.

Workmanship that was being put to waste due to a dwindling population, unfortunately. Made apparent by the lack of changelings the duo passed by on the way to Chrysalis' work room. However, if Copycat thought she was getting out of the conversation, she was poorly mistaken.

"So... the United Neightions meeting. Will Princess Celestia be representing Equestria?"

"Errrr... yeah... about that..." Copycat simpered. "You might as well see it for yourself... an intelligence drone brought back a little parting gift from Canterlot while you were sleeping. Are your dreams getting better, by the way?"

Chrysalis sighed. "They've gone from crap to crappier."

"Oh..."

The two remained silent as they entered her work room. It was a neat and orderly place. Bookshelves lined the walls, and a ton of scrolls were stacked in the corner of it. Chrysalis' desk, however, was cluttered with reports from various changelings agents. Military, social, eccetera. Stuff she was having a hard time analyzing as of late.

"On your desk. It uh... didn't really need a report."

Chrysalis raised a wary eyebrow.

"Alright..." she said slowly.

So she walked over to the desk. A newspaper lie there labelled 'The Equestria Times.' She had seen this newspaper before, at least previous issues of it, and didn't take much interest in it since it never usually provided any insight her drones couldn't. However, the particular headline soon put this idea at pause. A headline that made her ears sag in worry.

"Oh crap..."

"Yeaaaaaaah," Copycat winced. "Well, I guess you would have found out about it eventually."

Chrysalis took a deep breath. Below the headline was none other than Twilight Sparkle, a magical, animated image of her waving at a crowd of ponies. However, this was not the same unicorn she had easily dispatched in Canterlot a year ago. In fact, she wasn't even a unicorn anymore, though this she already knew...

However, what she did not know was that she was already taking an active role in politics.

"Once a unicorn, now a princess, Twilight Sparkle, the newest member of Equestria's prestigious, regal body, has been lying low as of late," Chrysalis read aloud. "In an interview taken shortly after her ascension, she was quoted saying,

'I am proud to sport these wings. I am, really. But I don't want anypony, including my friends to treat me any differently than I once was. I'm the same old Twilight Sparkle, the same old unicorn. And because of that, I will not be staying in Canterlot. The life I've grown to love lies in Ponyville, and the life I wish to continue stays there. If Equestria needs me, I'll be there to heed her call, but for now, I am going to continue where I left off, with the added task of studying politics, diplomacy, and everything else I'll need for when that time comes.'

And study the humble princess has been. In one particular field, apparently. Rainbow Dash, one of Twilight's greatest friends was quoted with saying,

'Yeah. Twilight's pretty much gone from egghead to just... nerd, as of late. No offense, Twilight, if you're reading this. Please don't send me to the dungeon! Hahaha na, just kidding. But seriously though, she's been cramped up in that library more than usual lately, with Zecora of all ponies, er zebras - no offense, Zecora. Anyway, I found her in there last night sleeping next to a stack of diplomacy books. Seriously, diplomacy? How boring can you get!? She should be outside checking out my new super awesome moves or flying with me! What's the point of having them if you won't use them?! Speaking of which, ever see a Filly Flyby before? Here, let me show you it!'

The rest of the interview... is not relevant. But this does provide important insight into our newest princess' life. It indicates she may be more than capable of handling the role both Princess Luna and Princess Celestia have blessed her with:

Representative of Equestria and mediator in the 1934 United Neightions Summit in Manehattan, Neigh York.

That's right. At a press release only seven hours prior, Princess Celestia revealed the intention of having her faithful student be the voice of our great nation at this important summit. Called a 'political hellhole' by some and 'the world's saving grace' by others, the United Neightions, since 1912 has, has provided a place for the various nations of Trinity to create ties, to break ties, and to most importantly: provide a discussion area where important issues can be discussed without the need for war.

Topics coming up at this meeting include:

1. A vote regarding the international slave trade: whether it should be continued or not.

2. A debate regarding the changeling nation of *Sinmaria: should they be given a seat to be allowed to voice and explain themselves?*

3. In addition, in concern with changelings: should additional sanctions be placed on them regarding trade? Will new 'red stone runes' that allow changelings to easily be revealed be recommended for international use, or regarded as morally wrong?

4. Will The Crystal Empire be prosecuted for their recent aggression against Artaria, the northern wolven nation?

"Oh this is just peachy," Chrysalis groaned. "Princess Celestia might have been willing to hear me out, but Twilight... after what I did to her? After I screwed with her brother?"

"Why not send Princess Celestia a letter now, then?" Copycat suggested.

"I have... she hasn't responded," Chrysalis sighed. "I was hoping by showing up there it'd force her to make a decision... and that decision would have been to lend support to allowing Sinmaria into the United Neightions, if I got lucky. I could have worked from there."

"So wait, you were hoping she'd just vote for you, even if she hasn't responded to your letters?"

"Yeah... and now that Twilight's there, there's no way we're getting a vote from Equestria."

Copycat raised an eyebrow. "What if Princess Celestia orders Twilight to vote for you?"

"It's... possible, I suppose," Chrysalis grunted. "But I'm not sure if she will. I was Princess Celestia's student once, you know. She's a fan in that whole 'swim in the deep end' philosophy. She wants them to act on their own."

"Ugh," Copycat said, shivering. "I've always sucked at swimming." She held up a hoof, smirking. "These hooves make crappy paddles."

Chrysalis merely glanced away from her, not even cracking a smile.

"Yeah, I know, that was a terrible joke..."

"It's not that," the swarm queen muttered. "It's just... I'm not even sure it's worth going to anymore... why risk humiliation when there isn't even a chance?"

"Hey, chin up!" Copycat beamed. "Seriously, it's not like you'd be going alone."

Chrysalis gave her a stern look.

"You're not coming, Copycat..."

Her pupils dilated. "W-What?"

"I don't want to put you at risk. There's a lot of anti-changeling sentiment in Equestria at the moment, you know."

Copycat gave a cocky grin. "Pffft, you make it sound like it'll be dangerous!"

"It will be. Trust me," Chrysalis grunted.

"With all due respect, my queen, you haven't got a degree in International Relations at Wrymglave. We had to travel to plenty of countries who didn't like us." She wiggled her ear. "Ever wondered how this happened? Thrown pitchfork."

Chrysalis winced. "Sorry, I didn't know."

Copycat smirked. "You can make it up to me when we go. I've always wanted to try that one pony food: what's it called, hay bacon haydogs? Mmmm... I hear they make em' best in Neigh York."

"If we go, you mean," Chrysalis said.

"Can we at least go in disguise then?! Hay bacon dogs!"

"You're a changeling! You eat love!"

"Yeah but... they're really tasty."

Chrysalis rolled her eyes, about to open her mouth to say something more, when suddenly, a violent voice called from behind her:

"My queen!"

The voice was grim, angry... though slightly satisfied for some reason. She twirled about, a look of apprehension on her face, and standing at the door was one of her elite guards.

"Yes, what is it, Grubgarb?" she asked.

"Sorry to bother you, my queen, but we just captured a very... interesting intruder on the southern shores. He came by ship."

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow. "You... captured an intruder? Why didn't you just explain to him that these islands are off-limits to outsiders and send them on their way?"

The guard gave her a grim chuckle. "Ooooh... that would have been too nice to who this bastard is. You should have seen what colors that ship was flying."

"Show me him, then," Chrysalis said sternly.

"With pleasure," the guard smirked.

"This day gets better and better," Copycat muttered.

"Maybe it really has. Come on, let's go see who likes our surf," Chrysalis said.

At that, the guard began to lead them a bit away from Chrysalis' workroom, down a small chute that a changeling could flutter down to a few lower levels, and to another holding chamber. This chamber, however, was not only for food... it was for prisoners.

"Over here, Queen Chrysalis," the guard said, a vicious smirk on his face, and he led her and Copycat through the prison. There were various creatures there, usually scum who washed up on their shores: pirates, criminals, griffin Knight Templars off to kill a few changelings to earn some sort of weird 'honor' in the eyes of their gods, you name it. There were even a few changeling criminals, though that was rare. Usually they'd have to have a genetic defect to defy the one constant, mentally transmitted order Chrysalis had for them all:

Don't make trouble.

Most of these creatures were frozen. The one the guard was leading them to, however...

"LET ME OUT OF HERE YOU BLOODY FREAKS!"

Struggling and kicking at the walls of the pod was, for lack of a better word, a pirate pony. He had an eyepatch on his face and a currently vacant sheath at his side, cutlass made. And he was pissed.

"Oooohohoho, they brought the queen, huh?!" he spat with a sarcastic grin. "Well good, I got just one thing to say to you: let me bucking go, damnit!"

"Can I say it?" Copycat said, smirking.

"Say what, you little shit?!"

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow her way.

Copycat nodded to herself, narrowing her eyes. "Oh, I'm totally saying it: you're in no position to make demands!"

The prisoner sneered at her. "Oh, aren't you a funny little runt?! You're shorter than the rest of your lot, ya know that?! What's the matter, mommy bug not feed you enough love?"

Copycat grinned at Chrysalis. "Oh, he's mad." She then turned back towards the prisoner. "You mad?"

The pirate's eye began twitching.

"I'm going to run you through like an Equestrian Marine, you hear that?!" he roared.

"Er- Copycat, why not let me do the talking?" Chrysalis said.

"Sure, I had my fun," Copycat shrugged. "Cliches, I love em'."

Chrysalis rolled her eyes, before narrowing them in suspicion towards the prisoner.

"Who are you? You talk like one of the Colonial Ponies."

The pirate continued to struggle. "Only way I'll answer your questions is if you get me a bottle of rum and make yourself a pretty wench! You can do that, right?"

She took a deep breath, turning towards the guard with an annoyed expression. "What colors was that ship flying? Who's this guy working for?"

The guard grinned wickedly at the pirate. "Oh you're really bucked now, you know that?" He turned back towards Chrysalis. "He's working for Dagger. The Eastern Slave Trade Company."

Chrysalis' eyes widened. She turned back towards the prisoner, snarling.

"So, not here to dig up buried treasure, huh!?"

"Awww, I was hoping he was truly that stereotypical," Copycat sighed.

"Not now, Copycat," Chrysalis snapped to the side, still glaring at the prisoner. "What the hell were you doing here?"

"Plot or get the buck out!" he grinned.

At that, Chrysalis was upon him like a tempest. She literally threw herself at the pod, drawing so close to the pirate if there was nearly only an inch and the wall of the pod between the two of them. The pirate seemed taken aback, though he soon composed himself, folding his arms.

"Alright, I'm going to tell you this once," Chrysalis growled in a low, hideous tone. "If you were here doing what I think you were doing, you better fess up now. Or I'm going to stop playing so nice. Savvy?"

"Pfffft, what are you going to do?" the pirate cackled. "Feed on me? Go ahead! You'll find no love here!"

"That's where you're wrong," Chrysalis grinned wickedly. "Everypony has love in them for something. It doesn't matter if it's for the seas, for a mare, or simply for whatever shitty existence they call a life. Do you want me to take the latter from you? Wanna feel even more hopeless than you already do? Hmmmm?"

"Sticks and stones, bitch," the pirate smirked.

"Oh there's far more ways for me to hurt you than that," Chrysalis chirped.

Suddenly, she closed her eyes, and her horn began to glow a bright green.

"When a changeling forcefully extracts love from someone..." she began. "Let's just say it can be less than pleasant. Tell me... why were you here?"

"You won't do it...' the prisoner scoffed. "Dagger said you're nothing but a bloody wuss at heart..."

Chrysalis ignored him. "Five seconds before I start feeding. You may not be very filling, but I could use a little dessert from earlier..."

"Yadda yadda..."

"Three..."

"Just tell her..." Copycat groaned.

"One..." Chrysalis growled.

And suddenly, as the pirate's eyes widened in a mix of shock and horror, for a green mist was beginning to flow from him. As Chrysalis glared at him, he began to glance about, as if confused, blinking rapidly. Then, he gasped, and began to pant like a dog on the surface of the sun...

Finally, he could take it no longer, just as he was reaching the point of twitching and convulsing.

"STOP! STOP! SWEET CELESTIA, STOP!" he roared.

And Chrysalis did as he asked.

"O-Oh god... o-oh my god... holy shit," he panted, hyperventilating while holding his arms to his chest. He then began to rock back and forth. "H-Holy shit... holy shit..."

"God... I-I still hate seeing them like this... even if it's one of Dagger's goons..." Copycat gulped.

Chrysalis merely remained silent.

The guard, however, had on a satisfied smile.

"Buck him. Nicely done, my queen. While this shithead recovers, want to see what he was carrying around?"

"First: what happened to the ship, and did he come with anyone else?" Chrysalis asked.

The guard shook is head. "He came alone, and the ship left without him. Honor among pricks? Yeah right."

The guard then walked to a corner of the room, before returning with a sack of items held in his mouth. He threw it down on the floor, scattering its contents. There was a few obvious items: a compass, a map, and some rations. However, two peculiar items stood out: a green, glowing rock and four to five strange, metallic devices that seemed to resemble metal rings. One that could fit around a changeling's neck.

"I know what that rock is," Chrysalis growled. "It's one of Dagger's new toys. It's used to reveal changelings in their regular forms. It can even stun them if it has enough juice. This one does..."

"So he was here to capture a few changelings?" Copycat pondered.

"Mhmmm... probably some running around in the jungles topside, the little sneak," the guard snarled. "It appears we're not even safe in our own territory, anymore!"

"That confirms my suspicions. Though the metal collars..."

She turned back to the pirate, lowering an eyebrow and holding it up before him. He still appeared to be panting, though he was no longer rocking back and forth.

"What is this?" Chrysalis asked sternly.

"A necklace," the pirate mumbled. "Helps to identify slaves."

"Nice try," Chrysalis snapped. "But I can sense magic running through this thing. Want me to show you a bit more of my own?"

"Trust me, it only gets worse," Copycat said.

"Hehe... good cop, bad cop, huh?" the prisoner smirked.

"Nope. I just don't like seeing anyone in pain, and believe it or not: that even includes you," Copycat said, narrowing her eyes.

"Right..." the pirate said.

"I'll ask again: what are these things?" Chrysalis said. "And why did you come alone, anyway?"

"Didn't think it'd be hard to capture a few of you stupid shits alone..." he growled.

"Yeah, we're the stupid ones," Copycat said, rolling her eyes. "Listen, just tell us what we need, or my queen is going to make a hangover feel like a pinprick for you."

"You won't like how it feels after several hours."

The pirate took a deep breath. "Fine, alright, I'll tell you... you'll find out soon enough anyway."

Chrysalis glanced at him suspiciously. "I'll know if you're lying."

"Well good for you. Glad you're so perceptive," he grunted. "To tell the truth, those rings are simply for a game us traders play. We throw them at a peg on the ground and try to make a-"

His eyes widened as Chrysalis' horn began to glow menacingly.

"Alright, god damnit! I was just kidding."

"Right... you were trying to see how stupid I was, weren't you?"

"Well... yeah..."

"Try that again and I get a little fuller. Savvy?"

"Will you stop saying that? Only that one pirate Black Sparrow says-"

"TALK!"

"Alright, alright!" the 'trader' growled. "You see the blue ring?" he asked, pointing at it.

"Yes," Chrysalis said, narrowing her eyes.

"Slavers are supposed to wear them. They're able to transmit similar signals that you, a changeling queen, could, to drones wearing the gold collars." He then gave a shit-eating smirk. "Gotta love that hive-minded thing you lot have. These devices wouldn't have worked on any other creatures."

"So... you've gone from just capturing changelings for slavery to making them into perfect slaves... in all sense of the word."

"Pffft, not that I give a shit, but isn't that what you do? You can control em' if you want."

"But I don't."

"Sept if she's really angry," Copycat pointed out. "In which case: dancing is involved."

"Bah," the pirate said. "Whelp, you've got what you wanted, though I doubt I'll just be skipping out of here."

"That's right," Chrysalis growled. "You're going to be here for quite a bit. Don't worry... you won't age in the pods... but you will dream. And I hope you've had a good enough life so those dreams stay good."

Suddenly, the pod began to fill with liquids, and the pirate's eyes widened in horror.

"Oh god damnit, this just isn't right!" he shouted.

"Poetic justice, I think," Copycat smiled. "A scumbag who enslaves creatures for money being fed off those who would starve without him. Heck yeah."

"Bucking freaks of nature!" he roared. "You shouldn't even exist, you know that?! What other creatures need to feed of love, hell, need to feed off anything special?! Can't you just admit that god hates you!?"

Chrysalis took a deep breath at that, closing her eyes. "Maybe, but at least I wasn't given a choice as to who I was. You, on the other hand, were given a choice."

"Yeah yeah, whatever!" the pirate snarled, thrashing about in the pod again. "I'll be seein' you and your little wimpy assistant real soon, bitch! Once Dagger finds out about this! You hear me?! Huh?! YOU HEAR ME?!"

He gave a great yawn...

"You hear.... me....?"

His eyes slowly shut.

"Huh.... feeling... tired...."

And at his last line, he entered slumber.

"Sweet dreams," the guard growled. "I hope they're of him getting bitten by a shark, cus I'm definitely feeding on that bastard tomorrow morning..."

Chrysalis ignored him, and instead seemed to be focusing upon the rings.

"This... this is just barbaric. It's less than slavery, it's having no free will at all. You couldn't even have free thoughts if your owner were to desire it..." She narrowed her eyes. "No, this is not tolerable. The world needs to know about this. "

She gave a whimper, tears forming in her eyes. "W-What we have become..."

She turned towards her assistant.

"Copycat..."

"Yes, my queen?"

"I think... I'm going to do it."

Her eyes widened. "Y-You're... you're seriously considering it still? But the United Neightions... you said it yourself! They have so many sanctions against us it isn't even funny! It'd take a pretty big hammer to even put a dent in our... reputation. And with Twilight Sparkle representing Equestria..."

"I know... but I have to try."

She took a deep breath. Her eyes were sleep deprived as all get-out, though they were determined...

A beat.

"So..." she finally whispered.

"Start... spreading the word,

Tomorrow I leave,

I'm going to show them we too can bleed,

I'll plant the seeds.

A heart not right,

Eyes drawn to blinding light.

And though I may have lost my sight,

I can make them see...

I want to wake up in that city,

Though I cannot sleep...

So I'll ask for not their pity,

But a soul to keep....

...

I'll be with you.

Til the end of time.

It is the duty of a queen,

To turn a nightmare to a dream...

And though the godless skies,

May not see the tears our eyes defy,

We are more than what the world,

Has seeped.

This joke of fate,

With no love to share,

And through the blizzard of their stares,

I must make them care...

And if I can do it there...

We'll do it... anywhere.

It all begins in Manehattan's breeze..."

There was a beat as Chrysalis took a moment to compose herself, before she finally said:

"And I go alone," Chrysalis said, glancing down at Copycat, as her guard stood awe-struck.

"Of course you're going alone," Copycat smiled. "But guess what? I'm going with you!"

Chrysalis gave a deep sigh, a slight smile forming on her face. "You'll probably figure out some way to follow me, won't you?"

"Hit the nail on the head," she winked.

The guard raised an eyebrow. "What shall I tell the High Council, though?"

"Tell them..." Chrysalis began.

And her smile grew wider.

"Their queen is going on an adventure."

Fire at Sea

From the moment after the interrogation, Chrysalis was dead-set on preparing for her journey. The most difficult part of this included figuring out a plan, however. Waltzing into Neigh York in her true form seemed like it could be screaming for trouble. However, suddenly appearing at the United Neightions in her disguised form, only to transform, could bring about just as much suspicion. Though since she could figure out no other option, ultimately, she decided the latter may have been the best way to go about business. She would have to show up early and demand to represent her people during the vote. Hopefully that would be enough.

Then came the packing.

"Hmmmm, what do you think, Copycat?" Chrysalis said, glancing into a mirror.

She was wearing an ornate, royal dress, green and black (her favorite colors) with rare gems mined by changelings all over it.

"Definitely makes you look civilized," Copycat noted. "Though I'd suggest doing something without the gems. Remember, a lot of those were mined in territories we took during our... expansionist days."

Chrysalis gave a reluctant sigh.

"You're right," she said. "Details... details. It's driving me nuts."

Copycat gave a smile. "We'll get through it. Just hang in there, my queen."

"Yeah..."

Chrysalis then gave a groan, carefully taking off the dress and putting on a more simplistic, though professional attire: long and black with patches of green, and very gothic in detail.

"That's a lot better," Copycat nodded.

"Thanks," Chrysalis smiled. She then gave a brief chuckle. "Heh, I sort of feel like a little grub again: being so finicky about this sort of thing."

Copycat shrugged. "Well, first impressions and all that."

"True. What will you be wearing, though?" Chrysalis said, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, just a simple dress," she noted. "Nothing too intricate."

"That sounds good," Chrysalis nodded, before glancing at herself in the mirror again. "Yeah... I think this is the one."

At that, Chrysalis took it off and set it in a large suitcase nearby.

"Hmmmm," she pondered. "Did you take out that order from the treasury I asked?"

"Two thousand Equestrian bits?" Copycat smiled, and placed two large gold nuggets into her suitcase. "You got it. Should be enough to cover our expenses. Everything taken care of on the home front?"

"Yes, the High Councilor Waspsting will be in charge while I'm gone. He's competent enough, I think I can trust him."

Copycat beamed at her. "Great! So everything's taken care of?"

"That's right," Chrysalis nodded, before glancing at a clock nearby. "And it's only Eight PM... I was hoping to fly to Equestria around nine in the morning."

"So... time to kill?"

"Yeah," Chrysalis said, taking a deep breath. "I feel like I need to think... to prepare myself."

Copycat squinted in thought for a second, before smiling.

"I know where to go to think."

"Where?"

Copycat merely smiled again, before gesturing for Queen Chrysalis to follow.

The changeling home islands were covered from head to toe with jungle. Everywhere one looked a vine-wrapped tree could be seen, and one couldn't step an inch without crashing into a bush. Fortunately, having wings made navigating this type of terrain a somewhat simplistic task.

A fluttering Copycat led Chrysalis towards a far part of the jungle and towards the top of a large, rocky mountain. Eventually, they settled upon a large cliff overhanging the rain-soaked woods below.

Luckily, for tonight, the sky was very clear.

"You found a pretty nice spot, Copycat," Chrysalis complimented.

"Eh, well, I did a lot of exploring in my younger days." She smiled slightly. "And I gotta say, why go to Equestria when there's so much beauty in your own backyard... or above..."

The two then lay next to each other on their backs, and Chrysalis began gazing upon the stars.

"Ten thousand little orbs of light..." Chrysalis whispered. "They've been here since the beginning of time, yet no one still has a clue as to what they are. There are theories, of course, but no proof of anything. Just another uncertainty to life..."

"I know what they are," Copycat said.

Chryalis turned towards her. "What's that?"

"Well... I know what I believe, I mean," Copycat said. "Just an old story. That perhaps they're more than just lights... something much more. I know it sounds sappy, but I'd like to believe those stories: that those stars are... openings from heaven... where those who have long gone on can look down on us."

Chrysalis paused in thought at that, wincing for some reason. The sound of the various animals of the jungle and a million crickets was all that was heard.

"I wonder what my mother would think of me," Chrysalis finally said.

"Your mother?"

Chrysalis gave a grim chuckle. "She'd probably be proud of me. She always was one with that whole 'Manifest Destiny' philosophy. That a changeling filled with love is pretty much the uber-creature, and that we should subjugate the world so we could be the superior race. Use their love to keep and hold power. It had its merits: it'd forever keep us alive, and there would never be a chance of us dying off. And she was right in a way... I did manage to take down Princess Celestia."

"Our queen... boxing down a god," Copycat chuckled.

"I'm not proud of it, though," Chrysalis said. "I'm not proud of anything I've done in the last hundred years."

"I know you aren't..." Copycat said.

"I was... insane, Copycat. Literally, insane. I was so angry at the world for how they treated the changelings in the past, and at Celestia for betraying me... I can't believe I ordered that attack."

"Nopony died in it," Copycat noted.

"Something similar could have happened, though... all of Equestria could be sitting in pods right now... we could be conquering the world. Yet... I'm not sure if I'd be happy with that now." She then gave Copycat a smile. "Though I suppose they say that periods of pain bring about the most growth, don't they?"

"Heh, I hear that."

"The other nations though..." Chrysalis sighed. "They've always viewed us as freaks, and I'm not even going to talk about the griffins..."

"Mmmm, with that shape-shifting god of there's; what's he called, Re'nu?"

"Yeah... apparently, since we can shape-shift, we're an affront to their religion. Can you believe that?"

"The sad part is: yeah, I can believe that. It's pretty dumb, I know. But not all the griffins are like that..."

Chrysalis nodded. "Yeah, true... but their church holds a lot of power, the High Conclave."

Chrysalis took another deep breath.

"I just... hope that I'm wrong about them: that they're willing to forgive. That they won't just sit on their asses about Dagger's slave trading."

Copycat gave a shrug. "Well, I'd say we haven't done more than any other nation when it comes to wrong-doings, minus the attack on Canterlot."

"So I need to focus on forgiveness for that..."

"Yeah, you really do," Copycat said sternly. "You have to figure out a way to explain yourself, or at least apologize profusely. Get Equestria on your side and you'll be in a good place, or at least get their sympathy."

Chrysalis glanced away from her. "You might as well ask me to convince the High Priest of the Conclave I'm not a demon..."

"You can do it... you'll think of a way," Copycat smiled. "And I'll be there to help if you need it."

A beat of silence passed. A shooting star flew by in the distant night.

"They may call for me to step down, you know, for the attack..." Chrysalis said.

Copycat shook her head.

"Hey, like I said, nobody died... what could have happened didn't... and for three hundred years you were considered nothing but a force of good for the world. Make them remember that."

"Who will remember, though?"

"Aria will," Copycat said.

"The leader of Artaria?"

Copycat gave a nod. "She's immortal. She'll remember. And by the way, so will Princess Celestia. She could remind her 'faithful student' of how you used to act."

"But not order her to vote for us..."

Copycat shook her head. "Nope... as you said, she probably won't do that. Just give her a few words in your favor, and that's it."

Chrysalis couldn't help but smile.

"I never thought of that, though." She turned towards her assistant. "Heh, I don't know what I'd do without you, Copycat."

"That makes two of us," Copycat smirked. "We'll give it all we have, my queen. And there's always alternatives if it doesn't work. There will be suffering, but the changelings will never die out."

"I don't want to see my people suffer, though," Chrysalis whimpered. "It hurts, you know. I can literally feel it..."

"We all can... it's the link we have with each other." She then gave Chrysalis a concerned glance. "And I sensed great pain in you when you tortured that prisoner earlier, by the way."

"I know... I shouldn't have done that."

"You're lucky there's no way the U.N. could find out. That's labelled a Crime Against Sapient Creatures. You shouldn't do that again."

"I know..."

Suddenly, Copycat seemed to catch something in the distance. She suddenly stood up, blinking.

"Well, those definitely aren't stars..."

Chrysalis sat up as well, narrowing wary eyes towards the distant sea beyond the jungle. On the distant horizon, one by one, lights were beginning to appear. Ten... twenty... one hundred....

"Who are they?" Copycat asked.

"Trouble," Chrysalis growled.

They continued to watch as the lights grew closer. Some paused a bit out to sea, while others grew very close to shore. She could see what the lights were hanging off when they came that close: massive, wooden ships with blackened sails, the moonlight giving them form.

"Holy crap... It's an invasion fleet..." Copycat whispered.

Chrysalis' eyes widened. "B-But who's invading?"

At what seemed like only seconds later, suddenly, a buzzing sound filled the air. Three changeling soldiers dressed in light armor touched down near her: scouts.

"Glad you're out and about, my queen," one of them nodded, though his voice sounded grim. "Easy to identify you in the link when you aren't around so many changelings."

"What's the situation? Who's fleet is that? Equestria's?"

It wouldn't make much sense if was them. Not only did Equestria have a weak navy, but the fact that Princess Celestia would order a counter-attack just seemed so unlike her. Not to mention the fact none of her intelligence drones in Equestria had even hinted this was in the works. A fleet like that would take years to prepare...

"No, it's not Equestria, ma'm: and you're not going to believe it when I say it."

"Just spit it out," Chrysalis growled. She winced, before throwing the guard an apologetic glance and saying, "Please."

The guard took a deep breath. "It's not one faction's ships, it's two. A mix of Eastern Slave Trading and Holy Conclave vessels."

Chrysalis' jaw nearly dropped. "W-What?! You can't be serious! How is the griffin church working with slave traders?! They condemn slavery!"

"Well, apparently they're making an exception for us!" one of the scouts spat. "Rotten, hypocritical bastards!"

"They're never going to get over the fact that we happen to have the same power of one of their gods, are they?" Copycat groaned.

"W-We have to mobilize the military," Chrysalis gasped. "We have a plan for this!"

"I'll give the word if someone already hasn't," one of the scouts reported, before quickly buzzing off.

As soon as he left, another drone suddenly landed on the cliff-top, this one a with a bit more stiffness. He quickly turned and shot Chrysalis a salute. "My queen! Scout Busybee reporting!"

"At ease," Chrysalis said. "What news do you have?"

"The two leaders of the opposing fleets have exited their ships and are waiting on the Eastern Beaches," he said. "They want to talk to you."

Chrysalis nodded. "I expected something like this would happen... I wonder what they want."

"Maybe to demand some sort of tribute. Slaves, probably," Copycat growled. "Though what the church would want is beyond me..."

Chrysalis' eyes widened in realization.

"Unless they've made more than one exception, though that's just a theory..." She then turned towards the newest scout. "Did they come alone?"

He gave a quick nod. "They did."

"Then so will I."

Chyrsalis then closed her eyes, concentrating deeply.

"Watcha doin?" Copycat said, cocking her head.

"Giving a mental command through the link not to attack, but to prepare defensive measures. We don't need to start aggression out early until we know what these guys want."

A second later, the command seemed to be given.

"Huh, I feel a little more passive for some reason," Copycat said, blinking. "I... never remembered you giving any commands besides 'don't make trouble' before."

"I only do it in case of emergencies," Chrysalis nodded. "And this is an emergency."

"Alright, so when are we going to meet them?!" Copycat grinned.

"I'm going to meet them," Chrysalis said, narrowing her eyes.

"B-But-"

"No arguing. You're more valuable to me alive at the United Neightions then dead on a beach if they try to pull anything. If they attempt to attack, I'll be able to escape... you might not." She then set a hoof on her shoulder. "Plus, I don't want anything to happen to you anyway."

"Yes, mom..." Copycat grumbled, folding her hooves. "But good luck, alright?"

"Heh... well let's hope it's come back to me, then," Chrysalis waved.

At that, she flew like the wind, ripping across the darkened jungle trees and towards the eastern beaches. Upon glancing around, she noticed the island was nearly completely surrounded. And high above, she could see griffins circling in intricate patterns. It was like they were being boxed in at all sides.

As she drew closer to to the eastern beach, she was able to see where to go. Two figures were standing on the it, one, a unicorn, the other, a griffin. The unicorn was preparing a flare spell, a brilliant red orb of light hanging around his horn. As Chrysalis landed, she took further note of him. He was your average size for a pony, though he was, without a doubt, a wealthy one. Though he didn't cover himself with gold and jewels like most overly-rich idiots did, he did wear a distinct, sharp, well-made black suit.

They had met before.

"Dagger," she spat, narrowing her eyes as she warily trotted towards him.

"Heeeeeey, Queen Chrysalis!" he said, in tone that was a mix of insufferable arrogance and someone greetings an old friend. "How's it hanging! Man, haven't seen you in years! Sucks that your wedding went so badly. Though I'm still a little pissed I didn't get an invitation!"

Then, he grinned, and it was something that unnerved Chrysalis even if she had seen it already. He was a pony born with a strange defect, it seemed: his teeth were sharp as daggers, like a carnivores, and it made his grins absolutely wicked looking.

"Cut the bullshit, Dagger," Chrysalis grunted. "You really aren't as charming as you like to make yourself think you are."

"Awww, Chryssy," he smirked. "It's nothing personal: the slave thing. Just gotta do my business, you know? What are a few captured changelings between friends?"

She took a menacing step forward, hissing forth, "We are NOT friends. Now just tell me what you want so you can be on your way. There's nothing we can help you with on this island. Need supplies? Go to Equestria."

"You know very well that that isn't why we're here," Dagger grinned smugly.

Chrysalis rolled her eyes, before turning to the griffin. He was a menacing sight to say the least, and twice the size of Chrysalis as he stood on his hind legs, folding his arms. He wore gold and silver battle armor, and his face was completely obscured by a ornate, battle helmet with two tiny wings sticking out of the top.

A griffin Knight Templar.

"You know, I thought slavery was condemned by The Griffin Holy Conclave," Chrysalis growled.

He merely stood silent, and Chrysalis could practically feel him glaring at her.

"Don't take it personally," Dagger said. "He doesn't talk to anyone, except when he's about to kill them, that is."

"The Conclave has condemned slavery," the griffin suddenly spoke, his voice low and metallic sounding thanks to his helmet. "Except in your case, Queen Chrysalis."

"Yeeeeeahhh, my company may have had a hoof in that," Dagger winked. "But hey- don't blame me, they already kind of hated you. Though still, everygriffin has a price. I give them gold, they give me the fiercest warriors on the world. And Tassadar here works for free."

The griffin stood silent. Chrysalis' jaw nearly dropped. It seemed they were here to forcefully collect slaves.

"It's funny, too, if you hadn't pissed off so many in the past with your little territory takings, they probably wouldn't have jumped on my boat, or my boats, I should say." He gave a chuckle. "Heh, see what I did there?! But yeah, you know how old griffins can live to, right? The oldest lived two centuries! And they never... ever forget."

"The United Neightions would never condone this!" Chrysalis spat. "How many slaves are you planning on taking?!"

"Taking?" Dagger laughed. "We're not here to take friggin' slaves! We're just going to blockade you until you hand over... eh... five thousand changelings sounds reasonable. And we want them to be soldiers." He turned to Tassadar. "Sound good?"

The griffin nodded.

"I know you're running out of food, oh Queen of Deception. If we keep your people from leaving to feeding, they're screwed, and if we keep those abroad from coming back to the hive to absorb the nutrients they need, they're screwed, too! See, this is what kind of genius you're dealing with! I know you inside and out!"

"I will let the world know about this! You're not taking a single slave!"

Dagger gave a chuckle Tassadar's way. "Oh that's cute. She thinks the world will give a rat's ass."

Chrysalis narrowed her eyes. "They may distrust and dislike the changelings at the moment, but this?! This is insanity!"

Dagger gave a grunt. "Alright, even if they do care, this attack is officially condoned by the Holy Conclave, and though they aren't directly controlled by the Griffin King, if other nations were to interfere... hehe, well, let's just say I think it's unlikely someone's going to start a world war for a bunch of changelings."

"You don't know that!"

"No, I don't, but I wouldn't be doing this attack if I didn't think your chances were crap to none," Dagger smirked. "Face it , Chrysalis, the changelings are finished. They've been finished since you stopped playing nice and started going out and taking what wasn't yours. Don't changelings have preschool? You should know that's not the way to make friends!"

Chrysalis gave a snarl, she wanted nothing more than to send a stunning spell his way and begin feeding on him. Nonetheless, she would have to keep that dream for another day.

She took a deep breath, composing herself.

"You're right, Dagger. I screwed up." She narrowed her eyes in determination. "But you know what? They liked me once, and they can like me again!"

"Whatever you say, hot stuff," Dagger winked.

Chrysalis then threw him one last glare, before turning and taking off towards the distant cliff where she had left Copycat.

As he watched her fly away, Dagger turned towards Tassadar.

"Track her."

"With pleasure."

Honor Thy Father

Chrysalis landed upon the clifftop with a thud. She was panting, and her face was filled with unnerve. It was just her assistant standing on the ledge, now, the scouts having left it seemed.

"Copycat, we need to leave: NOW!" Chrysalis shouted.

"W-What? What's going on? Are they really here to invade?"

"Worse," Chrysalis growled. "They're going to try to starve us to death until we hand over five thousand changelings to them for slaving!"

Copycat's eyes widened. "Five thousand?! That's- that's insane!"

"And they want them to be soldiers. That's a whole regiment! If we do that we might as well just hand them the whole hive."

"And Dagger thinks we'd fall for something that stupid? I'm somewhat personally offended by that!" Copycat growled.

"We might not be given a choice. We have to get to the U.N. to gain support. And I still need to go myself. I don't think it'll work unless I give a personal apology for my attack on Canterlot. The High Council and our generals can handle things here."

"So wait- are we going like... now now? What about our stuff?"

"Forget it. We'll have to wing it," Chrysalis panted.

"Great..."

Suddenly, there was another plop on the clifftop. Chrysalis and Copycat twirled about, their eyes widening.

"Dagger spoke the truth when he said I only speak when I'm about to strike. And that time is now," Tassadar snarled.

"What the hell are you doing this for?!" Chrysalis cried. "I know the church has always hated my kind, but why are you working with Dagger?! Do you know who he his?! If corruption ever existed in pony form, he would be it! Open your damned eyes!"

"Oh, my eyes are wide open," Tassadar grunted. "And the reasons of my brothers are my own, but I know why I'm here."

He took a step forward, unsheathing a brilliant, shimmering long-sword.

Both Chrysalis and her assistant lit their horns.

"One hundred years ago, Chrysalis, my father was a simple farmer. A simple farmer who wanted no trouble from anyone. But you, yes you alone, decided that you needed the land that he worked upon. Your people came. Your people forced us to leave. And my father, being a peaceful man offered no resistance. Yet... one of your soldiers still cut him down, simply because the soldier thought the pitchfork he was wielding could be used as a weapon."

"Those soldiers were tried for war crimes!" Chrysalis shouted.

"But they were never found guilty, were they? In the end, it came down to their word versus griffin witnesses. And guess who the winning side cared about?"

The soldier took another step.

"The soldiers who took my father from me are long dead, but you... you are not. You were responsible for those attacks. And you just happen to be immortal, or something close. I can't avenge him completely, but I can take away some of the pain. Prepare for the end of your long life!"

Chrysalis closed her eyes, her horn still glowing.

"You have the right for vengeance. You really do, and I'm sorry. But I have to help my people first. Allow me to leave for now, and I will duel you to the death later."

The griffin gave a hearty laugh. "Part of the reason I want you dead is so your people will be running around like headless chickens! Though I want vengeance, you're all still affronts to my gods, and if you ever become powerful again: you'd be a significant threat to the world just like before. I'm not going to allow that to happen."

"Then let's get this over with," Chrysalis said, narrowing her eyes.

"With pleasure."

With a tremendous roar, the griffin charged, his footfalls thundering across the ground. He flapped his wings as if he were flying through a storm, and them combined with his powerful legs gave him the speed of a bullet.

Chrysalis gasped. She tried to calm herself enough to prepared a defensive spell.

The griffin struck downward, aiming a sword-hit at her neck.

CLANNNNNNNNNNNNG!.!.!

It was blocked by a small green shield summoned by her horn. However, the griffin was not finished yet. He continued a barrage of sword hits against Chrysalis' head-area while slowly rising from the ground. Finally, when he was in the position he needed-

"RAUUUUUUUGH!"

He kicked outward with his two hind legs, sending Chrysalis flying backward and into the wall of the mountain.

"OOF!"

Groaning, Chrysalis sagged to the ground, though the griffin was not going to give her a chance to recover. He charged forward like an angry bull, kicking up dirt as he galloped.

"MY QUEEN!"

It was at that instant when Copycat finished charging a beam spell. A green lash of light cascaded forward from her horn, striking the griffin's side... though it did no damage. It didn't even seem to put him at pause.

"W-Wah?!" Copycat gasped.

"Anti-magic armor," the griffin growled. "Made specifically to deflect a changeling's. Now, say goodbye to your queen."

She was lying on her back, her eyes widened in horror as the lion-like creature loomed over her.

"May the golden gates judge you properly, Queen Chrysalis," he hissed.

Thinking quickly, Copycat did the one thing she could possibly do in this situation to augment her Queen. Though she couldn't generate her own love... she was still full from earlier. She concentrated, and began sending her over a trickle of it.

Suddenly, Chrysalis felt rejuvinated, and just before the sword hit-

CLIIIIINNNNNNNNG!

She summoned yet another shield. The griffin began to hammer down upon it, though Chrysalis now felt the strength to rise to her hooves.

"ENOUGH!" a new voice suddenly cried.

Suddenly, the group was surrounded by changeling soldiers, each armed with spears and swords. They closed towards the griffin, snarling at his sight. The griffin gave a growl, though he seemed to know he couldn't fight all of them at once. He backed away from Chrysalis, holding his sword defensively.

The group of changelings closed in. The griffin seemed to be examining his options.

"Another day, Chrysalis," he finally said. "Another day."

And with a great flap of his wings, he took off into the night.

Chrysalis took a deep breath.

"We felt you in distress via the link, my queen," one of the changelings announced. "Sorry we didn't get here sooner."

"It's alright," Chrysalis panted. "I'm glad you're here, though. We're going to need your help to punch through the blockade."

"What? Where are you going?" one of them cried.

"To the U.N. I'm going to rally support."

The soldiers seemed skeptical, but none-the-less nodded. "We'll do what we can, but couldn't you just disguise yourself as one of the slaver ponies? They're bound to have pegasi."

"I'm sure they know exactly who's leaving the islands at what times, and the griffins above will check their identities. And either way, they're likely to have those new detector stones Dagger developed on them."

"Understood, then," one of the soldiers nodded. "We'll help you get to Neigh York."

Copycat took a deep breath. "God, this is all happening so fast..."

"It'll get better soon," Chrysalis reassured her, smiling. "Just hang in there."

"Yeah, once we start killin' some griffins!" one of the soldiers grinned. "Come on boys, form on our queen. For Sinmaria!"

"FOR SINMARIA!" they cheered.

The five soldiers did so, forming a pentagon around Chrysalis and her assistant.

"We'll follow your lead, ma'm. Whenever your ready."

Chrysalis gave a nod. "I'm ready now. We'll head nearly straight upward before setting course for Equestria."

"Roger that!"

"Three. Two. One... FLY!"

The seven changelings then took off into the night. It was clear for the most part, and one could see as the mountain below became a rock among a thousand green trees. However, they could also see dark figures circling above.

"Company! Three griffins coming down!"

"Prepare beam spells!"

All seven changelings did just that, even Copycat, though it was unlikely her's would be too powerful.

"Strike at one!" one of the soldiers shouted.

"Roger. Three!"

The griffins gave war cries. Chrysalis could see their armor glinting off the moonlight.

"Two!"

They drew swords. They flapped their wings like mad.

"One! LET EM HAVE IT!"

Seven beams of light lanced from the formation of changelings, though Chrysalis found firing at a moving target... while moving was more difficult than it seemed. Luckily, her combat training was more than enough to compensate, similar for her soldiers. Four beams from them hit their targets, knocking two griffins out of the air. One beam from Copycat, who was not trained for this thing, and another soldier's missed, however, but Chrysalis beam was right on the money. A third griffin fell from the sky, barreling down by her.

There was no way he was going to survive that fall.

"HOORAH, BOYS!" one of the soldiers cried.

Chrysalis was now satisfied they had breached the aerial blockade. Scanning about for a brief second, she collected her bearings. She knew the island like her hoof, and knew which point led north and south, east and west. The stars gave aid as well. Eventually, she began to fly towards Equestria.

"Out of the frying pan into the fire! More griffins on our trails!" one of the soldiers shouted.

Chrysalis turned her head, her eyes widening. Six griffins were now following them, and Tassadar was among them.

"Get to Equestria, ma'm! We'll hold them off!" one of the soldiers shouted.

"I can't do that! You'll die trying to take them on!" Chrysalis shouted.

"We won't die! We'll merely bleed liquid heroism!" another soldier laughed.

"We'll always be part of the hive, ma'm! Now and forever! Time to meet the One-Winged Reaper, boys!"

"HOORAH!"

Chrysalis frantically shook her head.

"NO!"

But it was too late, the soldiers had already broken formation. Chrysalis couldn't look back, though as she flew on she heard the sound of beam-magic... then sword hits, and finally... screams.

"They died honorably," Copycat said, fluttering next to her.

"They died for me," Chrysalis gulped, her eyes tearing up. "A lot of changelings have died for me... because I'm their queen. Because they have a built-in instinct to follow me. Yet... I don't deserve it."

"If you truly believe that: then this is a chance to redeem yourself."

She sighed, looking over her shoulder at her island fading in the distance. She couldn't see any signs of fighting, just that menacing, all-encompassing fleet surrounding it... and even a few airships hanging in the air. Dagger definitely had a lot of connections.

At that, the duo flew on in silence.

Dagger's airship, the Golden Glory, was the pride of his collection of vessels of all types. It was a military ship by look, but a luxury ship by heart, and his workroom showed this. A lavish desk sat near the far end of it, made of premium oak wood, and a beautiful, rare, zebrican carpet stretched from it to the door.

Without bothering to even knock on his door, Tassadar entered, his helmet off, and looking furious.

"Let me guess, you tried to fight her," Dagger chuckled.

Tassadar merely gave a nod.

"And where is she now?"

"Gone."

"Figures," Dagger said, rolling his eyes. "God damnit, Tassadar. You know I was bullshitting on the beach, right? She does have a decent chance of getting sympathy at the U.N. Hell, Celestia's been trying to shut my ass down for years, and Princess Twilight Sparkle probably knows this."

Tassadar raised an eyebrow.

"Heh, yeah. The little Element of Magic unicorn you said your sister met. Gilda, right? Yep, full-blown princess. Crazy how that shit works."

"What now?" Tassadar said.

"Well, I was hoping you'd prevent her from leaving," he said. "But let me guess, you decided to try to duel her alone in some stupid griffin honor thingy, right?"

Tassadar nodded.

"You jackass... now I gotta to with Plan B. I have to get my ass to the U.N. to see what damage I can do. A lot of the goody-twoshoes there might back Chrysalis if she says the right things, but a few of them could be bribed. The dragon ambassador for instance, the griffin... hell maybe even Aria. And I've got plenty more tricks up my sleeve."

"And those are?"

"Well, I've got you for one thing. Go ahead and keep trying to kill her. With all the anti-changeling sentiment in Neigh York, you could probably just waste her, dump her body in the ocean, and they'll probably blame it on some anti-changeling fanatic or something. Sure, we might have suspicion, but with no proof... they can't do jack.

A slight smile crept upon Tassadar's face. "I'll accompany you to Neigh York."

"Right on, then," Dagger smiled, before slamming a hoof down on a button on his desk, activating the intercom. "Captain Braninghoof, set course for Manehattan!"

It was around dawn when Chrysalis could finally see them. And they took her in awe.

Skyscrapers. Massive buildings constructed by alchemically enhanced materials that would not break under any pressure. This allowed them to sometimes be up to one hundred stories up. Though she always prided herself for her hive, and she had always admired Canterlot in its architecture, Manehattan was something else.

The city was still filled with artificial lightning at the moment, orbs of them stretching all across it and giving it a beautiful glow. She could see a few landmarks because of them, such as the Lady Liberty, a statue dedicated to Equestria's status as a free nation. And Chrysalis had to admit: it truly was free. All creatures were allowed within its borders... save for changelings of course.

"It truly is something, isn't it?" Copycat smiled.

"Heh, yeah, haven't seen it in years," Chrysalis replied. "First time?"

"Yeah... now where can I get a damned hay bacon dog?"

"You really have your heart set on that, don't you?"

"You have no idea-"

Suddenly, a voice cried out from the skies before them.

"Halt any further movements!"

Chrysalis and Copycat gasped, and immediately did as the voice commanded. Suddenly, they were surrounded by five armored pegasi, each glancing at them suspiciously.

"Changelings?! What the hell are they doing here?" one of them growled.

"I-Isn't that? Isn't that their queen?!"

"Queen Chrysalis?! No way!"

Suddenly, one of the pegasus shot forward, glaring at Chrysalis.

"You realize you're not welcome in Equestria, right? And this is restricted airspace for now. No fliers while the U.N. meeting is progress. Only registered zeppelins are allowed."

"But the U.N. meeting isn't in progress yet, is it?!" Chrysalis gasped, panic in her voice.

The guard raised an eyebrow. "No, not yet. But it will be soon. They're just doing preliminary stuff."

Chrysalis sighed in relief.

"However, I don't believe the changelings were invited, were they?" the soldier growled.

"We weren't," Chrysalis stated. "But I'd like to voice our side of the story when the vote comes to allow the changelings into the U.N. There's a bit of an emergency on our home islands."

The soldier gave her a strange look, before turning towards Copycat.

"And who are you? Here to spy on the delegates for your queen's sake?"

"I'm her assistant! I'm not here to spy on anypony!" Copycat grunted, folding her arms.

"Uh-huh," the soldier stated. "I'm going to have to clear this with my superiors if you want in... I'll be right back."

The soldier flew away, Chrysalis and Copycat glancing at each other warily. It was very possible that they could be turned away now... and that would be it. She would be at Dagger's mercy. And when she saw who was coming to meet her, she was just about ready to turn and fly away.

"Queen Chrysalis?!" Twilight Sparkle said, flying before her and glaring daggers. She was flanked by both Rainbow Dash and odd-looking pegasus wearing a strange, blue, flight jacket. "What in the world are you doing here?!"

"Great... out of everypony who could have met me..." Chrysalis muttered. She took a deep breath, putting her pride and insults she had for Twilight on hold, before saying, "Look, I'll be frank with you, Princess Sparkle-"

"Oh wow," Rainbow Dash laughed. "She actually used your title!" She then flew between Chrysalis and Twilight, her eyes an inch from Chrysalis'. "Seriously, what the hell are you doing here?! Are you trying to sabotage the U.N. or something?!"

"If we were trying to sabotage the U.N., why would we come undisguised?" Copycat grunted.

"Pffft, duh! To put us at ease!" Rainbow Dash said. "And who are you!?"

Copycat gave a sigh. "I'm Chrysalis' assistant..."

"She said she wants entry to the meeting, to voice her people's side before the vote on their entry," the lead soldier stated.

"Yeah, and could we just get a yes or no? My wings are getting tired," Copycat moaned.

"Pfffft, changelings aren't pegasi it seems! We can keep in the air as long as we need to," Rainbow Dash grinned.

"Well good for you..."

"Everyone, please keep this civil!" Twilight of all ponies said. She then gazed directly into Chrysalis' eyes. "I have no idea what you could possibly say to excuse your actions when it came to the attack on Canterlot, but as mediator of the United Neightions Summit of 1938, I have authority to grant you access. However, I want one thing before I allow you in..."

"A gift basket?" Copycat smirked.

"Haha, very funny," Rainbow Dash grunted.

"I want your word that you won't try anything. I want your word that there isn't a swarm of changelings coming right now to try to take the U.N. hostage or something insane. Can you give me it?"

"Well, we were actually planning on taking Neigh York," Copycat smirked. "Seeing as our military has been oh-so-tough lately-"

"COPYCAT!" Chrysalis hissed, before glancing back on Twilight. "We will not cause any trouble. We're here for peaceful purposes only!"

"Good, because I'd like you to know we do have changeling detectors set up. If we find any changelings who we deem are taking action against the U.N...."

"If you do, then they're rogues. The U.N. means everything to me at the moment. Seriously."

Twilight's raised an eyebrow at that, before glancing away from her in thought.

"Oh come on, Twilight! You can't seriously be considering letting her in!" Rainbow cried.

"I also think this is a bad idea," the gruff, flight-jacket wearing pony next to Twilight announced.

"Thank you, Captain Harness," Twilight growled. "Like I haven't been getting enough of your opinions, lately! You too, Rainbow Dash!"

"Woah, what the hell! We're just-"

"I just want to think for myself, so let me think!" she cried.

Chrysalis' eyes widened. This was not the Twilight she knew from Canterlot. This Twilight was aggressive... and stressed to the core. There was still a trickle of love emanating from her, but not as much as she had sensed in Canterlot. What was going on with her?

Eh, whatever it was, she really didn't care.

"Alright, Chrysalis, I've made up my mind," Twilight finally growled. "You'll be allowed in, but no funny business. That's Discord's job." She then turned to one of the nearby soldiers. "Escort her to the city. I want one of you on her at all times, understood?"

"Yes, ma'm!"

Twilight turned back to Chrysalis.

"Do you have any money; a place to stay?" Twilight asked.

Chrysalis shook her head, surprised at the hospitality.

"Get her a place, but still keep on her until we can deem she's trustworthy."

"Yes ma'm."

With that, the group dispersed, Rainbow giving her one last glare and Captain Harness gazing over her warily. Finally, Chrysalis was led towards the city. And she had to admit, though things were rough... at least she was allowed in. She was one step closer.

The Big Apple

Judging by the position of the moon, Chrysalis ascertained it was nearly around midnight as her, Copycat, and their new guard landed on the somewhat silent streets of Manehattan. Chrysalis was now in the form of a large, white unicorn, and Copycat a blue pegasus, as not to stir up trouble.

"Alright, you two. I want you in my sight at all times," their guard grunted. "I swear, if I have to call in a search for you if you decide to run, your accommodations will be a lot less pleasant when you're caught."

"I wonder if they serve love at jail?" Copycat pondered.

"I'm serious: no funny business," the guard growled.

"We won't cause any trouble," Chrysalis sighed. "What's your name, anyway?"

The soldier lifted an eyebrow.

"Private Firefly," he finally said. "First Equestrian Airborne."

"First name?"

"Not for you to know," he said discouragingly. "I might as well say it, though: I was in Canterlot the day you invaded. One of your changeling drones decided to forcefully feed on my wife, then. She was having nightmares for months."

"I'm sorry," Chrysalis said.

"I doubt it," the guard growled. "I know of your kind: you're built for deception. Anything you say doesn't mean anything. You're just trying to get love again. You don't really care about anyone but yourselves."

"That's not true!" Copycat argued. "Back in the old times, the changelings helped out people who never even gave them love: like the griffins."

"Probably just to gain love from other races who would look upon that proudly," Firefly huffed. "But I'll give you credit: at least you helped out back then instead of just trying to take love forcefully."

Chrysalis opened her mouth to say something, but quickly decided saying nothing more would probably be the best option.

Eventually, the guard led them to a rather ratty-looking building. It was nearly twenty stories tall, and a large, flickering sign hung off of it that said: 'The Rat's Nest Hotel'.

"Erm... you're sure this is the right place, right?" Chrysalis asked.

"Yep," the guard said. "The right place for you."

"Where are the rest of the delegates staying?"

"The Waldorf-Haystoria. But they can afford it. You're lucky you're not sleeping on the streets."

"I see..." Chrysalis said, gulping as a ratty, homeless-looking pony gave her a wink upon the stoop of the hotel, before showing her a pair of rotten, jagged teeth. "Well, let's get settled then..."

They entered the hotel (Chrysalis carefully navigating around the bum), where a tired looking, saggy-eyed pony sat at the help desk. An ash tray sat by her which seemed to be overloaded with cigarettes. The room spelled distinctively of them.

"Yes? Yes? What can I help ya with?" the pony muttered, not even bothering to look up to them from the magazine she was reading.

"I'm Private Firefly of the Equestrian Airborne," the guard muttered. "I need to book a room for two delegates for the U.N."

The pony looked up, actually giving a laugh. "Are you serious? Here?! And shouldn't they have a bigger guard then just you?"

"Let's just say they're... masters of disguise," he grumbled.

"Fine, whatever," she shrugged, sorting through a nearby check-in book. "I got a room on Floor 7: 702. It's a piece of shit, but it's something."

"Do you have uh... anything else?" Chrysalis smiled.

"Sorry sweetheart, take it or leave it."

"We'll take it," Firefly sighed.

The attendant nodded. "Alright... that'll be fifty bits a night. Good enough for you?"

"Done."

"Well, here are your keys, then," the hotel tender groaned, sliding a pair Chrysalis way, which she grabbed with a bit of levitating magic.

"Thanks... I guess," Chrysalis muttered.

"Don't mention it, honey."

The trio then made their way from the desk and up a set of old, wooden stairs that seemed like they were about to break upon every step. The walls were plastered with old wallpaper that looked like it had decided to start shedding a long time ago.

"Well, I guess if you really want to see the heart of Manehattan, this is it," Copycat said, trying to keep a chipper attitude.

"It's going to take a bit of getting used to," Chrysalis grumbled.

"Well, that's something you'll have to do on your own," Firefly said. "I'm going to be sleeping nearby. You're not to leave this hotel without escort, at least until Princess Sparkle says otherwise. If you need it..." He quickly procured a small, blue stone. "Rub this stone a few times and it will signal me. I'll be there to escort you around."

He handed it to Chrysalis, who examined it curiously. As she finished, they had reached the room.

"Here you are, your majesty," Firefly grinned, dramatically gesturing towards the ratty, paint-stripped door. "Contact me if you need me."

With that, he turned and made haste away from the two.

"Pleasant fellow. Must be the life of any party," Copycat said, rolling her eyes.

"He just doesn't like us," Chrysalis sighed. "And if he's any indication on how this whole thing's going to go, then I'm starting to doubt myself more than I was already..."

"Not everyone was personally effected in Equestria by the attack. The ponies out of Canterlot may have different views," Copycat noted. "Maybe we should listen in to what the people of Neigh York are saying?"

"You really want to hang around that guard, though?"

"No... not really."

Chrysalis gave a sigh.

"Well, at least we can check out the room."

"Do we really want to do that, either?"

Copycat gave a smirk. "Brace yourself."

She opened the door, and immediately the distinct smell of rot entered their nostrils. There were two small beds in it, complete with moth-eaten sheets and blankets, and a stove with a sink nearby, but that was about it as far as accommodations. For some reason, Chrysalis had the strange feeling that death had visited this room.

"Could be worse I guess. Not sure how... but maybe it could be filled with rats," Copycat shrugged.

There was the sound of squeaking, and suddenly a rat scurried across the floor.

"Oh very funny..." she sighed.

At that, Chrysalis stood by the room's window, gazing down upon a nearly vacant, cobblestone street. A few ponies were walking down it, however.

"Wouldn't it be nice, Copycat...?" Chrysalis sighed.

"What do you mean?"

"To be... a normal creature," she smiled. "A normal existence... without our needs."

"Yeah... sometimes I think it'd be cool," Copycat shrugged. "But being a changeling does have its benefits."

Chrysalis nodded. "Yeah... shapeshifting can be handy I suppose..."

"Not to mention our link," Copycat continued. "The ponies may be harmonious, but they don't... 'get' each other like we do. They don't have our bond. We literally feel each other's pain. Empathy can't do that."

"But is that a good thing, or a bad thing?"

"Depends on the circumstance," Copycat said. "For sometimes... we can feel each other's joy."

"I haven't felt joy in years..." Chrysalis groaned.

A beat.

"I think I can help with that," Copycat grinned.

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow.

"You wanna hit the bars?" a very tired, very grumpy Firefly groaned.

Chrysalis and Copycat nodded their heads. "For... official and unofficial business."

Firefly gave them a blank look. "Uh-huh." He then rolled his eyes. "Well, alright. I can't deny you the trip. I'm allowed to bring you anywhere in Manehattan, so if you want a bar: I can provide."

"Where do most of the delegates hang out; do you know?" Chrysalis asked.

He gave a nod. "Yep, I know... just get yourself a form with wings, changeling. We're goin for a flight."

They exited the hotel, and soon, Firefly was airborne. Chrysalis and Copycat took off after him, barely keeping up: and for a second Chrysalis was wondering if he was purposely trying to lose them.

"Come on, changelings!" he called. "I'm barely going half-wingpower!"

"God, these wings are hard to get used to," Copycat gasped in pegasus form, panting madly. "I like our natural ones better."

"Come on, let's not give him the satisfaction of seeing us lag behind!" Chrysalis smirked.

"Into the wild... black yonder, then!" Copycat said, returning the smirk.

The two began to flap more vigorously, and were soon by Firefly's side.

"Not bad..." he nodded reluctantly.

Chrysalis put on a prideful smile, before glancing below. The beautiful city, illuminated city was zooming by them, and despite the hour growing later, it seemed traffic was getting busier. Horse-drawn carriages, and even very primitive magitek automobiles filled the streets. The night life had started.

Chrysalis then glanced where they were going. Directly ahead was a massive skyscraper, a large neon sign blaring on the side of it that said: 'The Waldorf-Haystoria.'

"You wanted to see where the delegates hang out, right?" Firefly asked. "Well, there's a kickass bar on the top of that skyscraper. Fancy folks only. Get me in, and maybe I'll spot you a few bits."

Chrysalis quirked an eyebrow. "Uh... I was hoping you'd get us in."

"Haha, yeah right! A lowly soldier like me? Fat chance! You're going to have to figure something out, or we'll have to hit one of the shitty dive bars below."

With that, the two landed at the top of the hotel, near two glass doors of a bar that seemed to still have heavy activity. There was a gruff looking bouncer at it standing next two polls with a thick, red rope that stretched between them, blocking the way.

"Would it be alright if I switch to my true form?" Chrysalis asked.

"If you want to risk it," Firefly shrugged. "The delegates will know about you being at the U.N. tomorrow, anyway. Just try not to piss off the griffin ambassador, Aldaris, I think he's called. He's not a fan of changelings. And if he's drunk, well... you know how that goes."

Chrysalis nodded. "Thanks for the tip."

"Just doin' my job, your majesty," Firefly grunted. "Though how you plan to get in is anyone's guess."

"Don't you have any papers to give us identifying us as guests?" Chrysalis asked.

"Nope. I assumed Princess Sparkle was going to give you some tomorrow."

Chrysalis then raised an eyebrow. "Wait, why don't you just tell the bouncer that we're guests of the U.N.?"

The soldier blinked at his own stupidity. "Well uh... didn't think of that."

"Then do it!"

"Er... right."

With that, Firefly gave a cough, before making his way to the bouncer. He then cleared his throat before saying, "Uh... hi there, big guy. Listen, these two folks with me are delegates of the U.N. You're uh... not going to believe this, but they're changelings. One of them is their leader."

The bouncer gave a smirk. "Uh huh. And I'm Princess Luna's cousin."

Firefly rolled his eyes, before giving a nod Chrysalis way. She nodded back, before morphing into her true form.

The bouncer's eyes widened. "W-Woah! You weren't kidding. S-Sweet Celestia, is that the queen bee?"

"Yeeeep."

Chrysalis then walked over to the bouncer, smiling. "We just want to make a few rounds. Know what I'm saying?"

"I thought the changelings weren't even in the U.N., though," the bouncer said, scratching his head.

"We're about to be," Chrysalis said confidently. She then leaned down to the bouncer's level, before morphing into a beautiful mare, one with a luscious, golden mane. "And if you could let me in... I'd be very..." She inched closer to him. "Very... grateful."

The bouncer gulped, sweating slightly. "I uh..." He turned towards Firefly. "You're uh... sure they're participating in the meeting, right?"

"Yep," Firefly growled, gazing at Chrysalis with a hint of spite.

The bouncer took a deep breath. "Fine... alright... you can come in."

"Thank you," Chrysalis smiled, before switching back to her true form.

"Awesome! Time to freak everyone out!" Copycat said sarcastically.

Chrysalis nodded to herself. "It's necessary. I don't want them to think I'm trying to hide anything."

"I hope you're right..."

"That makes two of us," she gulped.

Before entering, however, she noticed something... there was actually a bit of snow falling down from a far rogue clouds above. She was surprised she didn't notice it earlier, but it seemed to be melting on the still-warm roof of the hotel.

"Why is it snowing?" Chrysalis said, lifting an eyebrow. "I thought it was spring."

"That would be Aria," Firefly grunted. "The leader of Artaria, the northern wolves. She's an elemental: creates snowstorms wherever she goes. It's a pain in the flank to keep them clear..."

"So, she's in there," Chrysalis mused, before taking a breath. "Alright... I suppose it's time to make an entrance."

"Right behind you," Copycat winked.

"Wait! Remember our deal," Firefly said.

"Oh, almost forgot," Chrysalis said, turning towards the bouncer. "Private Firefly here's with us."

The bouncer shot her a smile. "If you want him in, he's in."

"Great: thanks!"

Firefly then stepped towards the entrance, a slight smirk on his face. "I still don't like you, changeling... but for this, I'll buy you a few drinks."

"Fair enough."

With that, they stepped into the bar.

It was a brightly lit place, and five-star to the detail. A brilliant chandelier hung from above, illuminating premium oak floors a number of ornate carpets sat upon. The main room was cylindrical, and in the center sat a massive, round bar table. Surrounding it were a number of other, smaller tables, and in the edges of the room sat a number of games: darts, pool tables, you name it. There was even a set of stairs leading upward with a sign hanging off them that read: 'Hot Tubs.'

"Well then," Copycat said, smiling. "Looks like we just struck jackpot."

"You can go enjoy yourself if you want, Copycat. I'm going to do the whole meet-and-greet thing..."

"Hah, good luck with that," Firefly chuckled, before pulling out a few bits and tossing them Copycat and Chrysalis' way. "There. My part of the deal's done. Find me when you want to leave."

And and instant later, Firefly had scurried away. Luckily, nobody in the bar was taking notice of them... yet.

Copycat shrugged. "Well, at least he led us down the right road. But yeah, it's a good idea for us to split up. We can cover more ground that way."

"My thoughts exactly." She then smiled down at her assistant. "Let's see if you can put that degree to good use."

"Heh, I hope so, too. The last time I did it went poorly when I tried to negotiate with the Yuctan Island Griffins. But two time's the charm, right? I'll uh... just try not to chip my other ear."

"Good luck, Copycat," Chrysalis smiled.

"Same," she winked, before making her way to another corner of the bar.

Chrysalis heard a bit of commotion coming from where she left to, but not as much as she expected. It was logical that some of the delegates expected a changeling or two to show up to defend themselves.

With that in mind, Chrysalis began to scope out the bar table. She noticed Twilight Sparkle and her friends on the far end of it, and after a second, the little yellow one named Fluttershy seemed to take notice of her. She pointed a wary hoof her way, and the five of them entered a hushed conversation...

Wait... five of them?

Where was the pink one?

She, she got her answer in the form of her cheering:

"Wooooo yeah! Play that thing, Spike!"

A few more voices soon followed, the first sounding very raspy, and the second calm and controlled.

"By the night, you're amazing! Keep going!"

"Your skills are formidable, young one."

She glanced over towards the origin, and sure enough, there was Twilight's little dragon, Spike, playing a version of Rhapsody in Blue on a stand-up piano. Standing near him was Pinkie Pie, a figure dressed in a black cloak, and none other than Aria, the white wolf of the north.

Chrysalis tapped her chin in thought. Aria... Aria was someone Chrysalis had little contact with. And Copycat was definitely correct in saying she'd remember Chrysalis' past good deeds.

And so, Chrysalis summoned her courage, and made her way over to the piano.

"Um... hello," she said.

The group turned to her, and Spike stopped playing immediately. And surprisingly, both him and Chrysalis gave gasps, the latter at the sight of who was in the cloak. It was none other than clone-copy of Twilight, though her eyes were two pools of white.

Spike began to scoot away from her, as Aria quirked her head, almost as if looking Chrysalis over. Finally, she smiled, before saying:

"I believe it is fine for us to relax. You means us no ill will, do you, Chrysalis of Sinmaria?"

"Aria," Chrysalis said, putting on a slight smile. "Long time no see."

"By that you mean three hundred years," she said calmly.

She then turned towards the hooded figure, who seemed to be looking over her curiously. "I believe we haven't been introduced..."

The white-eyed being nodded. "I've... heard of you. You're Queen Chrysalis, leader of the changelings, right?"

"That's right."

"I'm... Twilight Soulshard of the Nightmare Realm. Um... pleased to... meet you?"

She held out a decaying, nearly furless hoof to shake, and Chrysalis, wincing slightly, took it.

"Uh... does anyone want to tell me why Queen Chrysalis is here?" Spike gulped.

"Yeah! What are you doing here, you big meanie?!" Pinkie growled.

"I'm here to represent the changelings when the time comes for their vote to enter the United Nations," Chrysalis aid calmly.

"Hmph, are you sure you're not here to spy!? Or ruin any weddings?!" Pinkie said, inching uncomfortably close to Chrysalis face and narrowing her eyes.

"Uh- Pinkie... there aren't any weddings going on," Spike pointed out.

"You get my point! And I still haven't forgiven you for calling my party decorations childish! Hmph! Some nerve!" Pinkie huffed, now glancing away from Chrysalis.

"I'm-I'm sorry for that," Chrysalis said, scratching the back of her head. "I was going through... issues at the time. I'm better now."

"You know, when most people go through 'issues', they go see a psychologist," Spike said, raising an eyebrow. "They don't take over a nation."

"Yeah, likely story! How could you have changed so quickly? Well, minus the fact that you're a changeling but... you get the point!" Pinkie huffed.

"It wasn't quick," Chrysalis said, glancing away from them. "And it took many long nights of solace."

She then glanced at the quartet. "Tell me, any of you. Has something ever bad happened to you... something so bad it put you in such despair that you spent hours upon hours... just lying in bed... examining your life? To see where it all went wrong?"

The group stood silent.

"That's what happened to me. After I attacked Canterlot, I became so depressed at how things were going for my people, I could barely function. I had so many dreams... dreams where two sides of me did battle."

Chrysalis stood in a blank void. Literally, blank. No stars, no planets, only her, her mother, and a younger version of herself standing in it.

"It is only a minor setback," her mother hissed. "The changelings can grow strong again... go on more raids, capture more food. You can bolster your strength while you lie in wait. And then, eventually, you will be poised to strike again."

"It isn't the right way and you know it!" her younger self cried. "Nobody deserves to be harvested like cattle! It's wrong! And one day, it will bite you in the flank!"

"Don't listen to her..." the mother growled. "If do things my way, you can have all the love you want... and take whatever else you could possibly need. Just like you have the last hundred years. Have your cake and eat it too."

"And put your people at risk! Look at where you are right now because of that line of thinking! The changelings are on the brink. Conquest and our people do not mix! However, it's not too late... you haven't done any permanent damage! You can fix things!"

"No... you cannot! She isn't your good side, she's your weak side. Live a life of appeasement and you'll never be able to procure enough of the resources you need to sustain the hive..."

"Yes you can! You just need to learn to negotiate better! Just because those griffins didn't want to leave their homes, for instance, doesn't mean you couldn't have worked out a deal to mine their lands. It could have been possible, you just needed more time. More patience! And you needed to put your emotions at bay... you can get what you need while still gaining love!"

"It was like two forces were tugging at me constantly."

"And what happened?" Twilight Soulshard asked.

Chrysalis put on a smile. "Eventually, my younger self won. I don't want to conquer anything anymore. I just want to get my people back on their feet."

"We've all heard of the blockade," Aria said sympathetically. "However, none are willing to act against it alone."

"What blockade?" Spike asked.

"My home islands have been blockaded by a mixed force of slave traders and griffin Knight Templars," Chrysalis snarled. "They're there to collect slaves."

"S-Slaves?" Spike said in a concerned tone.

"That's right," Chrysalis nodded. "If we don't give them five thousand changelings, they're threatening to starve us. Box us in to keep us from feeding."

"Oh my gosh!" Pinkie squeaked. "That's horrible!"

"Why isn't Equestria doing anything about this?! That's genocide!" Soulshard growled.

"Equestria doesn't have the navy to act alone, even if they wanted to," Chrysalis sighed.

"Uh- hang on, let's not forget, however, that Queen Chrysalis here was planning to take pretty much everypony in Canterlot as a food source," Spike said.

Chrysalis took a deep breath. "I did, and I will suffer whatever consequences the U.N. deems appropriate, but my people followed my orders and my orders alone."

"She's right! Her people don't deserve to suffer for that!" Pinkie shouted.

"Yet they still followed those orders," Spike said suspiciously.

"And you think they deserve to be slaves for that?!" Pinkie shouted.

Spike opened his mouth to say something more, but soon seemed to give up the argument.

"You're doing an honorable thing here, Chrysalis," Aria nodded. "Willing to put your own neck at risk for the good of the whole."

"Thank you, Aria."

She gave one of her rare smiles. "I take it you're here to present your case to the U.N. Perhaps force them to make an act forcing military action against the blockade? For that... I may lend you my support in when the voting comes to allow you in the U.N. so you may take part in further action," Aria said whimsically. "But... that may require a favor."

"What kind of favor?" Chrysalis asked.

"I'll think of something," Aria smiled.

"You have Edeathstria's vote," Soulshard nodded.

Edeathstria... Chrysalis had heard that word before. Apparently, it was an alternate version of Equestria, one filled with supernatural (vampires, werewolves, you name it) creatures. Apparently, they had recently crafted a portal linking both the the regular Equestria and it together. However, there seemed to be a bit of controversy about this...

"However, I want a good explanation for your attack on Canterlot," Soulshard said firmly. "And something more than just an apology to Equestria."

Chrysalis nodded. That was two delegates in her corner so far, if she could meet their needs. And Pinkie also seemed to be on her side... perhaps if she could bond with her a little bit...

"So, what does one do for fun in Equestria?" Chrysalis smiled.

Pinkie's eyes seemed to widen in glee at that. She gave a little bounce before saying, "You're looking to have fun?! You've come to the right mare!"

"You are the Element of Laughter, right?" Chrysalis asked, still smiling.

"You betcha, Chryssy!" she said, bouncing over to the dart board. "Come with me! I'll show you how we do things Ponyville style!"

Perfect... this was going to be too easy.

The Long Road to Harmony

"Alright, so all I have to do is throw the dart at the board, and aim for the bullseye?!" Chryalis asked, examining her dart she held curiously.

"Yep! And it's super-super-super fun! Except when you're playing blindfolded, of course. One time I totally did it that way while drinking a little and almost gave Fluttershy an ear piercing! Isn't that crazy?!"

"Yeah," Chrysalis said, raising an eyebrow. "Uhhh, we're not doing that, right?"

"No, of course not silly! We'll just be playing it standard style."

"How about Rainbow style," Rainbow Dash finally said, walking towards the duo and glancing at Chrysalis suspiciously. "Hello, Queen Chrysalis. Watcha up to?"

"Nothing. Just trying to have a little fun with Pinkie here," Chrysalis said innocently.

"Uh-huh," Rainbow said, narrowing her eyes. "Anyway, Rainbow style is simple. It's sort of like truth or dare. Whenever someone racks up one hundred points they get to ask anyone in the group: truth or dare. And they have to answer truthfully."

"Wow Rainbow! We've never played this before!" Pinkie bounced.

"I wonder why..." Chrysalis muttered. "How do you know when someone is telling the truth?"

"Good question," Rainbow smiled, turning about. "Hey, Applejack!" she called.

Applejack quickly looked up from a glass of appletini she was drinking, shooting Rainbow a curious look and Chrysalis a wary one. A second later, she trotted over to the duo, sober as can be.

"Heyo, watcha need me for?" she asked warily.

"We're playing a bit of Truth or Dare darts," Rainbow smirked. "And I want you to work as our lie detector. You're the best there is."

Applejack gave a shrug.

"Sounds good to me. Count me in!"

"Alright, let's play already!" Pinkie bounced.

Chrysalis gave a slight gulp at that. If Rainbow were to ask why she was hanging around Pinkie, and if she were to answer 'to get close to Twilight,' would it look bad?

"Last chance to back out, Queen Chrysalis."

"I have nothing to hide," she said bluntly, and she could already tell Applejack was examining her.

"Then let's begin! I'll go first."

"Very well."

She handed Rainbow the dart, who quickly stood on her hind legs, stuck out her tongue, squinted an eye, and chucked the dart.

WHOOOOSH-PWANG!

Fifty points.

"Damn..." she grunted.

"Guess I'll give it a shot, no pun intended," Chrysalis smiled, and levitated another dart towards her.

She had never played the game before, but it seemed simple enough. She did as Rainbow did; she struck the same pose, reeled her arm back, and tossed the dart.

WHOOOOOSH-PWANG!

Seventy five points.

"Not bad for a newbie! My turn!" Pinkie bounced.

WHOOOOSH-PWANG!

Bulls-eye.

"YEEEEEEEEEES!" she squealed, before turning to Rainbow, smirking. "Rainbow, truth or dare!"

Rainbow folded her arms, smirking confidently. "Dare! Throw anything at me!"

"Hmmmm," Pinkie pondered. "I dare you to..." She glanced about the bar. "Drink an entire bottle of hot sauce!"

"Hah?! That's all?!" Rainbow grinned. "I can drink that stuff like water! Bring it on!"

She quickly flew over to the bar table, grabbed a bottle, and chugged.

She then turned, smiling proudly at the group.

However, a second later... saying her mouth had become a volcano would be an understatement.

"AAAAAAGGGGGH! WATER!" she screamed, launching herself over the bar counter, nearly knocking over the tender, and grabbing an entire pitcher. She guzzled it down like it was the last link to life.

The group broke out into laughter.

"Hehehe, gotta love that cocky mare," Applejack smiled. "Mah turn!"

She took a shot, and with the skill of somepony who had played this game more than was healthy, she immediately made a bulls-eye as well.

"Well I'll be," she said, trying to hide her pride. "Rainbow!"

"Agh, what the hell?!" Rainbow cried, still panting as she walked up to the group. "Fine, truth!"

Applejack narrowed her eyes. "Did you drink that batch of cider in mah barn when I wasn't looking last week?"

Rainbow gave a gulp. "Uhhh... what batch of cider?" she said innocently, grinning sheepishly.

Applejack gave a deep sigh. "Damnit, Rainbow..."

"W-Well... it's not my fault you make it so good!" she cried. "And what the heck, you're supposed to use this opportunity to question Chrysalis!"

The group took pause at that, and a few in the bar turned towards them. Apparently, Rainbow was a little louder than intended.

Chrysalis lowered her eyebrow. "If you want to question me, then go ahead. Like I said, I have nothing to hide."

Rainbow gave a skeptical huff.

"Uh-huh. Alright, my question for you is: what the heck are you doing here?!" she growled.

"To secure my people's position in the United Neightions," she said calmly, meeting Rainbow's eyes.

"Through what means?! Are you going to replace the delegates with changelings?!"

Chrysalis shook her head, keeping her expression placid. "No. The only two changelings in this city I know of are me and my assistant."

Rainbow glanced over to Applejack, who was looking Chrysalis over.

"She's tellin' the truth as far as I know," Applejack shrugged.

However, at that, a new voice made itself known.

"But she never said she wasn't going to play dirty," it said.

Chrysalis turned, and there was the same pegasus with the strange, blue flight jacket walking towards them.

"Hello, I don't believe we've been acquainted," Chrysalis said, lifting an eyebrow.

"Captain Jack Harness," he said, gazing her down. "And honestly, I'm very intrigued how someone set in the ways of conquest can just... 'change' overnight'. Someone who sang that the day she took Canterlot was perfect. Someone who maliciously sent Princess Sparkle to the crystal caves beneath Canterlot without knowing she could get out."

Chrysalis was beginning to sweat at this point. In all honesty, she had enjoyed every second of taking Canterlot. She was so full of herself... so seduced by her power. And for some reason, she felt a great envy for Twilight, she who was now the perfect student of Princess Celestia...

She didn't want to explain all that... but she could summarize it.

"I was... a different person, then," Chrysalis simply stated. "And it wasn't overnight. It was two years..."

"Mhmmm," he said, lowering an eyebrow. "I changed too, once, you know... almost instantly. All it took was one man... one Doctor, to fix me. However... you are a much different case." He took a step closer to her, narrowing his eyes. "I just want you to know... I'll be watching you."

He gave her one last suspicious look, before turning away to flirt with a crystal pony at the bar who Chrysalis assumed was Cadence's assistant.

"Well, that was awkward," Pinkie blinked.

"He did bring up a good point," Rainbow growled. "And I had one last question: why are you hanging around Pinkie, anyway?"

Chrysalis took a deep breath. "Alright... fine, I just want to get close to Twilight, is all. I need every vote I can get, and I want to show I have changed. Is that so bad?"

"S-So, you were planning to use me?" Pinkie squeaked.

"Well... honestly, I did enjoy darts," Chrysalis smiled. "I'm sorry, Pinkie. It's nothing personal, but my people mean a lot to me. I'll do anything... within boundaries, to see that that blockade is broken."

"Still tellin' the truth, it seems," Applejack nodded, with a hint of respect on her face.

Rainbow shook her head, a little baffled. And much to Chrysalis surprise, she actually followed with:

"You really care about your people, don't you... you're loyal to them."

"More than anything in the world," Chrysalis sighed.

Rainbow folded her arms.

"I still don't trust you, though... your invasion of Canterlot was 'for your people', too, wasn't it?" she asked.

Chrysalis sighed. "It was for a lot of things. Part of it was personal... I wanted to get back at Princess Celestia who I thought had betrayed me. I was envious of Equestria as well, and I wanted your resources. I was being stupid."

"Yeah, you were," Rainbow growled. She then put on a slight smile. "But... we did kick your sorry flank, so nothing really bad ended up happening..."

"Which I guess kicked some sense back into you," Applejack nodded.

"You have no idea..."

"Come on, we need to convince Twilight to vote for her tomorrow," Pinkie bounced. "Her people don't deserve to be enslaved for one little mistake!"

"Little?" Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow.

"Alright, one huge almost nation shattering mistake..."

Rainbow then shook her head. "Wait, what's this about enslavement?! I thought you were just being blockaded..." she continued.

"The goal of it is to force us into slavery... they won't let us feed unless we give up five thousand changelings to them," Chrysalis explained.

The group's eyes widened. "T-That's... that's horrible," Applejack gasped.

"Hey, what's going on over here?" Twilight said, glancing at Chrysalis suspiciously, and giving her friends a slightly betrayed expression.

"Chrysalis' people are threatening to be starved to death!":

Twilight took a deep breath, glancing away from Chrysalis. "The word the blockade has been spreading... Equestrian scouts reported it an hour ago. We had no idea what the intention of it was, however..."

"Well, now you know," Chrysalis nodded, before raising an eyebrow. "Now the question is: are you going to act?"

Twilight gave a growl, inching closer to Chrysalis, her new Alicorn height giving her a bit more of a menacing presence than it used to ."I want one thing straight, Chrysalis. We are not nor will we ever be friends. Did you seriously think you were going to get to me by taking advantage of Pinkie here? After what you did? Your pitiful, spite-filled attack on Canterlot? No... I can't forgive that so easily, even if you have changed. You have to face punishment for your action. Like it or not, even if you are a a different person within, you are still Queen Chrysalis the Deceptive. Your change in personality does not dismiss your crimes."

"Hah! My thoughts exactly!" a new, bombastic voice called.

The entire group turned, their eyes widening. Dagger stood at the door to the bar, his sharp teeth set in a wicked grin. At his side was a beautiful, black-dressed mare with a very strange, red target for a Cutie-Mark.

"Heeeeeeeeey folks! The life of the friggin' party is here!" Dagger called, marching over to the bar counter. "Free drinks for everyone! The most expensive Equestrian juice ya got!"

Half the bar gave a cheer.

He then turned to Chrysalis, giving her a wink. "Even one for you, Chryssy." He then looked her over, smirking smugly at her lack of a dress. "Nice dress by the way, or lack of one. Really professional."

"Ah, Dagger," another new voice called, this one coming from Aria of all wolves. "Interesting to see you here."

"Hey, well, the Eastern Slave Company does have a seat on the U.N., Ms. Snowstorm, just staking my claim!"

He then turned to Twilight Sparkle. "And well well, if it isn't the newest addition to the big ole Alicorn clusterbuck that is Canterlot. Just kiddin' of course, nice to meet ya."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "You as well..." she grumbled. "Celestia told me about you. It doesn't take a genius to see what your line of business is, either."

"Pfffft, just because I'm a slave trader doesn't mean I'm a bad guy," he smirked. "Most of the slaves I take? They're criminals. Murderers, scum... you name it."

"You forgot changelings," Chrysalis growled, her eyes narrowing.

"What's the difference?!" Dagger cackled. Nearly half the bar room joined him in his laughter, the Mane Six not being among them. "The changelings are such a bipolar race it isn't even funny. One moment they're trying their best to get love... then when they bank enough of it they lash out at the world. At least with my way they're under a leash."

"Here here!" cried someone Chrysalis hadn't noticed yet, a tall, slim griffin.

"Thank you, Aldaris."

"I might also support this notion," a shadowy figure announced from a far side of the room, his voice a low rumble.

"Thank you too, Ironscale. Loving the dramatic shadow thing."

"Mph," he huffed.

"Everyone, please!" Captain Jack Harness growled. "Keep open political discussions to the council chamber. If you're going to rally support and not just have a good time, do it in private."

"And who the hell are you, flight suit?" Dagger snarled.

"Captain Jack Harness, head of security of the United Neightions," he said calmly.

Dagger rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Weird name, by the way. Who the hell is named Jack?"

Jack merely gave a chuckle, returning to his drink... and flirting.

"You see," Chrysalis hissed to Twilight. "That's the asshole who's planning on making my people a slave race! I'm begging you Twilight. That's right, you heard me. I am on my knees. Please... vote to allow us into the U.N.."

A beat. Twilight closed her eyes.

"I'll... think about it," she finally said, turning away from her. "But in the meantime; stay away from my friends."

"B-But-" Pinkie squeaked.

Twilight snapped towards her. "Pinkie! Listen to me. You can't afford to be naive in this setting."

The Mane Six's eyes widened. Pinkie looked taken aback.

"Easy, Twilight. No need for name calling," Applejack said.

Twilight winced at this, giving Pinkie an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, Pinkie."

"N-No, it's alright," she said sorrowfully. "I really do need to stop being so... naive."

"Well common, let's get back to seeing if Rainbow really does know how to handle her liquor," Applejack smirked.

"Hah, you have no idea!"

"Alright," Pinkie sighed.

At that, Pinkie gave Chrysalis a somewhat sorrowful glance, before making her way over with Twilight to another side of the bar, her friends in tow.

"Ouch. Tough break there, Chrysalis," Dagger said, walking up to her side while munching on a dish of caviar. "Want some caviar? I know you're probably a bit down in the money department... ya know, with me chasing you off your island and all."

"I wasn't chased off, I chose to leave," Chrysalis said bluntly, not even looking at him.

"Must suck not knowing what's going on back home," he said in a sing-song tone. "I wonder how your people are doing? Scared, confused, leaderless - minus your crappy council, of course..."

"If you're trying to influence me to leave, don't waste your foul-smelling breath," she hissed.

"Na, I'm just trying to save you the humiliation of being shot down at the U.N.," Dagger grinned. "I mean seriously, wouldn't you rather go down swinging at my blockade?"

"How about I just kill you right now and face the consequences? How's that for 'going down swinging?'" Chrysalis said, narrowing her eyes.

"Go ahead," Dagger shrugged. "Hate to see what Tassadar would do though with me gone... probably wouldn't involve prisoners."

Chrysalis rolled her eyes.

"Uh-huh. That pony in the black dress you were with, who is she?" she asked.

"Ehehe, just a little protection. I have more than one enemy here, you know."

Chrysalis gave him a blank look. "And you seem like such a nice guy."

Dagger broke out into laughter. "Celestia damnit all, Chrysalis. If only you weren't a changeling I'd be lusting after you like a fat kid after candy."

"And I'd be puking like I had just fed off a demon."

Dagger gave a deep sigh. "The hard-to-get ones are always the best." He then shot her one last smile. "Anyway, catch you later, Chryssy. I've got a few rounds to make, and a few drinks to get."

Chrysalis sighed, glancing about the room, organizing a few things in her mind. There were a total of eight nations being represented here that she knew of:

Equestria, The Crystal Empire, Artaria (the northern wolves), Tal'Tara (the zebras), Wingmaria (the griffins), Edeathstria, Argos (the dragon nation), and the Eastern Slave Company (if one could count that a nation.)

She glanced towards the shadowy figure. He seemed to be the dragon ambassador. He was nearly as tall as the ceiling, though even that still meant he had to use some form of shrinking magic to even fit inside the bar. He might have had Dagger's vote... so did the griffins, and Dagger would vote against her as well, of course. So far, she had only Edeathstria and Aria's votes guaranteed... and Aria required a favor. If any of the other nations voted against her, or decided to abstain, she was finished. And if it was a draw, it would be up to the mediator, Twilight Sparkle, to decide the vote...

The Crystal Empire was out of the question. Princess Cadence would probably not even hear her out. The zebra ambassador on the other hand... Tal'Tara was a nation of isolation, and the changelings had never bothered them before. Their vote would reside on their opinion of her actions.

She began to glance about, and soon spotted her in the far corner of the room: a female zebra dressed in a beautiful, shimmering gown. She was busy talking with Twilight's counterpart from the Nightmare Realm. At this point, Chrysalis was beginning to remember a little more on that place. While Equestria did have its fair of supernatural creatures, their creatures leaned towards the more horror side of things: werewolves, vampires, giant, acid-spitting spiders, you name it. It was no wonder this Twilight was opting to support her. Freaks had to stay together, after all.

"So Zecora, congratulations to you on your role!" Soulshard chirped.

"I am quite surprised I was asked to fulfill this role," she smiled. "Though I am one of the few zebras from Tal'Tara to make world exploration our goal."

"So, you think they chose you because of your knowledge of various foreign nations?"

Zecora nodded. "That is my assumption, my undead friend. Hopefully I can live up to my family's expectations before this meeting's end."

"Um... hello, Ambassador Zecora," Queen Chrysalis said, giving her a respective bow. She at least knew one of their customs.

Zecora looked her over warily, before returning the bow.

"I have heard you speak to the others in some note," Zecora said. "Am I wrong in assuming you wish for my vote?"

"You're not."

"My people have watched yours for many years," Zecora said, tapping her chin. "Though you have never bothered us, your actions I personally cannot endear."

"Is that the opinion of your nation?"

"They believe that if we were to vote for you to join the U.N., you would give us a form of compensation in the end..."

"This could be true... but I heard you talking about your family," Chrysalis smiled. "Does family mean a lot to zebras?"

Zecora gave a slight nod. "Family is where my where our hearts lie. Their wishes for me to stay home were not easy to defy."

Chrysalis gave a nod. "Alright, let me ask you this, hypothetically: if someone were to threaten to take... say your brother and sister, and make a slave out of them... what would you do?"

"Fight for their freedom through and through," she said bluntly.

"What's your point with this, Chrysalis?" Soulshard asked.

She took a deep breath. "The changelings... share a very special bond to each other," Chrysalis stated. "We used to be completely hive-minded, but over time we gained individual intelligence. Yet... the link still remains. We can feel each other's joy and pain... our emotions. We're close to each other... almost as close as family. The entire hive."

"And you would do anything for them," Zecora nodded. "Even if it meant risking your pride at the U.N."

"That's right," Chrysalis said.

Zecora tapped her chin again, before nodding to herself.

"Then... I shall consider giving my vote, she who lives up to her name more than most," Zecora smiled.

"Thank you, Zecora."

The zebra gave her a nod, and Chrysalis began to walk away, smiling slightly. That was three on her side, three against her. It was very likely that Equestria would abstain, and even more likely that the Crystal Empire would do the same, or perhaps even vote against her, though she wondered if Cadence would take a personal grudge that far.

She would have to wait until tomorrow to see. But for now, she was going to have a very rough time sleeping.

The Night Before

It took another five minutes for Chrysalis to round up Copycat, who actually, to her complete bafflement, was in conversation with Princess Cadence. Even more baffling was that it seemed friendly enough... until Chrysalis herself showed up in it, in which case Cadence turned her back on her, excusing herself.

After that, they found a very drunk Private Firefly on the second floor, flirting with a crystal pony in one of the hot tubs.

He was not happy to have to leave, though what he was doing could be less described as flirting as 'making an ass of himself with sexist comments.'

"Pfffft, yeah, I don't know why they let mares do a stallion's job," he laughed. "It's up for us men to protect you! Why they let women into the Airborne is beyond me."

"Er... yeah," the crystal pony said, looking like she wanted to leave the hot tub at the first chance.

Chrysalis rolled her eyes, before yanking Firefly out of the tub, receiving a wary, but thankful glance from the crystal pony. They were quite an interesting case, actually. Though their leader was not a fan of the changelings, or at least of her, the crystal ponies themselves were not directly effected by the changeling's actions in the last thousand years, though she assumed that the attack on Canterlot would decrease public opinion like in every other nation.

"Ugh, come on, what the buck?! I was totally about to score a date with her!" Firefly slurred as he was levitated in front of Chrysalis.

"You know, I thought it was the role of the guard to protect us," Chrysalis smirked. "Not for us to protect you from yourself. You really shouldn't be flirting so drunk."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," he growled. "Your legs are filled with holes. Haha."

"That's specism," Copycat said bluntly.

"He'll thank us in the morning, provided he can find enough coffee," Chrysalis chuckled, before turning towards Copycat. "So, how did things go with Cadence?"

"Pretty well," she nodded. "She was a little cold at first, but warmed up to me after a bit. I don't think I got her vote, though."

Chrysalis shrugged.

"Well, it's a start," she nodded as the two made their way out of the bar.

"Seeya tomorrow, Chryssy!" Dagger called in an overly-sweet voice, smirking.

"Go choke on your caviar," Chrysalis called in an equally sweet voice. "God, how his company actually got a seat in the U.N. just baffles me."

"I asked Cadence about that, actually," Copycat nodded. "Apparently it involved a lot of bribery. The rumor is that Dagger payed off the dragons, the zebras, and the griffins to let him in."

Chrysalis' eyes widened. "The zebras?"

She could hardly believe Zecora would follow that order.

"Yeah, it was an ambassador before this one who did it. When Dagger was voted in, both Equestria and Artaria threatened to leave, but in the end decided against it."

"Damned straight" Firefly hiccuped. "I may not like you changeling, but that Dagger is a piece of shit. Grade A shiiiiiit! However, Equestria and Artaria didn't want to be thrown out of the loop, though, and they also managed to get Edeathstria, that weirdo alternate Equestria to join so there wouldn't be so many bad apples in the U.N. Still, the place is corrupt as hell, even with the zebras back on team good guy."

"If the changelings were voted in, we would never take bribes," Chrysalis stated bluntly.

"Pfffft, whatever. You'd still be after our love. You'd never really care about any of us!."

"All good actions come from selfishness," Copycat stated. "It may be for food or it may just be for that feel-good feeling. It's not a bad thing, but it is the truth. You don't have a right to judge us for giving to the world in order to get love."

Firefly seemed to shut up at that.

"Come on, let's get him home," Chrysalis said.

"B-But we're supposed to be escorted at all times,"

"I'm sure some soldier there can fill the role," she stated.

With that, the two took flight, Chrysalis in alicorn form to carry Private Firefly. The two flew over the city, Chrysalis noting a decrease in traffic as the night dragged on. The night life was growing to a close, and soon the hustle and bustle of the morning hours would begin. She sighed at this. There were so many lives being controlled by the wills of so few, including herself and all those in the U.N., many oblivious to the workings of the bigger picture. Perhaps it was best they didn't know of some of it.

They dropped off Firefly at a small hotel across the street from them, getting a begrudging 'thanks' from him, and a new guard to take them back to their hotel, Chrysalis now in a regular pegasus form.

"How's the night treating you, honey?" the hotel bellmare asked as they entered, smoking another cigarette.

"Better than I hoped it would," Chrysalis smiled.

She nodded. "Heh, that's what I always hear, even from people who stay in this shithole. Manehattan just has a way of providing. Say, what country are you guys from, anyway? Who do you represent?"

Chrysalis and Copycat bit their lips.

"Uh... Saddle Arabia," Chrysalis said sheepishly.

The counter worker raised an eyebrow. "You don't look it."

"Well uh... that's a common misconception. Not all of us look the same," Copycat said. "It depends on the province you live in."

"Huh, you don't say. Had a cousin from there. Said they were trying to get into the U.N.. There might be a vote for them along with those weirdo changelings tomorrow, who knows? Anyway, good luck with that!"

Chrysalis' eyes widened as she walked away. Another wyldcard was about to be thrown into the loop. And if the delegate was in Dagger's pocket...

Then it hit her.

At least they probably wouldn't be allowed to vote for or against the changelings right off the bat. It was the future that mattered.

As she finished her thought, the duo then entered the room.

"I wondered who sponsored their entry," Copycat blinked. "As a matter of fact, who sponsored our's?"

"Princess Celestia of all people. It was a silent thing, and it was the only letter I got from her since the invasion. I guess she wanted to give us a chance to be judged by the world, even if two nations seemed to be in Dagger's pocket."

"Maybe she thinks you could do some good," Copycat suggested.

"I hope so... Firefly was right, there's so much corruption it's not even funny. If the zebras were still in Dagger's pocket, and there was no Edeathstria, that'd be three 'bad' nations versus two 'good ones'... that's a scary thought."

"What do you think the chances are of a united military front against the blockade?" Copycat asked.

"I don't think that'll be necessary, we just need to scare Dagger out of his blockade. There's a lot that can be done against him besides military intervention. Pressure could be put on the griffins to pull their troops from the blockade, or perhaps to limit the amount of slaves they're allowed to import. Start threatening Dagger's pocketbook and he'll quiet down. The dragons and the griffins are the only two peoples to use slaves anymore, after all. Get them to stop buying as many slaves and it'll be a serious blow to Dagger. Or, we could push for a vote outlawing changeling slaves, which Dagger may or may not follow."

"But what if he won't back down even then?"

"In that case, we have two options. We can either rally Equestria and Artaria's support for a combined attack against Dagger's fleet, or at least present a large enough threat that they'll retreat, or we remind the world of how we used to act. We gain their sympathies. Sympathy is the first step to love. If we can get enough of that sent our way..."

"Our magics may become strong enough to break the blockade," Copycat smiled. "But as for the former, I thought Equestria's navy sucked?"

"It does, but they do have a powerful airforce. They have a number of zeppelins which house squadrons of pegasi. They could do some damage."

"Ooooooh," Copycat nodded.

"I really doubt this will happen though... I just don't see it."

"What if they just flat outlaw international slavery?" Copycat asked.

"That would kill Dagger, unfortunately not literally, though the griffins and dragons could threaten to withdraw from the U.N. if they feel they don't have enough slaves already to keep a decent population up."

Copycat gave a grumble. "Ugh... I hate when you have to do this. View people as numbers and statistics."

"It's cold, I know," Chrysalis sighed. "But there's no way around topics like it when you're in this line of business."

A beat.

"So, how are you feeling? I sense a lot of nerve in you," Copycat said, frowning. "I don't like seeing you so nervous..."

"Are you afraid I'll fail because of it?" Chrysalis asked.

"No it's just..." She winced, taking a deep breath. "I don't know you as a conqueror. I mean, I know of the actions of our people of course, but I only got to know you as a person... after your metamorphisis. And... well, remember what you're always saying about the changelings being more than just a people, but family? Well... you're sort of the mentor figure I've always wanted to have..."

"You care about me, is what you're saying," Chrysalis said, smiling slightly.

Copycat gave a nod.

Chrysalis chuckled. "I care about you, too, Copycat, even if a queen is supposed to be unbiased." Her smile widened. "I saved my money at the bar... if you want to get one of those haydogs you were after, tomorrow."

"Hell. Yeah," Copycat grinned. She then raised an eyebrow. "Seriously though, how are you feeling about tomorrow?"

"I'm very nervous, but I am prepared. I have my resolve. I have my strength. I have the knowledge that the changelings deserve to be a part of the world, and not as a slave race." She took a deep breath. "My people do... but me, however? I'm not so sure... if we were a regular society, I would have been disposed of by now for my actions..."

"Actions supported by your people," Copycat stated.

"Some, but not all," she sighed, tears forming in her eyes. She stood mostly in darkness, only a small bit of light creeping in from the room's window. "I... do not deserve to be a queen. I would give an eternal life of slavery to make up my mistakes."

Copycat shook her head.

"Chrysalis..." she whispered, surprising her by not using her title. Suddenly, Chrysalis found herself wrapped in a hug. "I'd like to love you like a mother, or a sister, but I can't. I can't feel any love... But I can give you this."

"I-I don't deserve this..." Chrysalis whispered, trying to wiggle out of the hug. "I don't..."

"You're not as bad as you think you are," Copycat whispered. "You're not a tyrant. You ordered your soldiers not to kill when they could during your campaigns."

"So our people could feed off them."

"Yes, so our people could feed off them. But you've let most of them go, now, haven't you?"

"I-I have," she gulped.

"Everyone... can go through a bad period in their lives," Copycat stated. "It just so happens that you went through a bad period... while as a queen. Your actions had larger repercussions. But- my point is, you are no worse than any other being."

Chrysalis rapidly shook her head.

"Look at us, though! Look at us... sitting in this ratty hotel room... preparing to beg a world's help who could care less for us."

And suddenly, her eyes widened, as a quote from Princess Celestia twisted through her head.

"What is it?" Copycat asked.

"But... it takes a strong person to admit they need help though, doesn't it?"

Copycat smiled at her. "That it does." And she gave her queen another hug. "I would follow you anywhere, my queen. Because I know at heart you're a good person who only wants the best for her people... and perhaps, the world. Us changelings can't feel love, but we can... appreciate things, can't we?"

She walked over to the window. Chrysalis soon joined her. It may have been a crappy hotel, but the two could appreciate a beautiful sight happening outside the window. A group of wealthy looking ponies walked by the same hobo who seemingly lived on the stoop of the hotel, him rattling a change can, but instead of turning their snouts, they pulled out a number of bits, and soon, his can was filled.

"They're good people, aren't they? The Equestrians?" Chrysalis said.

"I think they are."

Chrysalis closed her eyes. "It wasn't the first example of kindness I've seen from them... kindness they just gave... for nothing. And the fact that they get that 'feel-good' feeling... doesn't that mean they are rewarded for being good? Like it's supposed to be a part of them? They... deserve what we gave them before. I regret that I just did it for love."

At that, she narrowed her eyes in determination before making her way out of the hotel room and down to the stoop.

The hobo wolf-whistled at the sight of the beautiful mare she had transformed into. He was being disrespectful... rude, but everyone went through hard times in their lives, didn't they?

"I want to know something..." Chrysalis asked him.

"What might that be?" he said, quirking a head.

"Who are you? What's your story?"

"Why do you want to know, hot stuff?" he asked, grinning.

"Just curious... I'm not trying to patronize you or anything, II just want to know."

The hobo blinked, lowering an eyebrow. It was apparent he was rarely asked this question.

"Lots of things got me here. Mental things, mainly. Got anxiety disorder, ya see? Makes it hard to hold down a job. Ran out of money for my medications and... well... kind of had to resort to liquor as a substitute."

Chrysalis gulped, before pulling out the bits Firefly had given her and tossing them in his can.

"Here, take these: but promise me something. Use them to buy yourself a warm sweater or some good food, not beer. Keep yourself alive. Because one day, I'm going to be back to help you get what you need."

The hobo shook his head, baffled. "Why do you care?"

"For that warm-fuzzy feeling you get whenever you do something good," Chrysalis smiled. "And because everyone deserves a second chance."

The hobo gave a rare smile. "Thank you kindly, miss. Even if you don't come back."

"I will be..." she whispered, turning back to the hotel's door.

A block away, Captain Jack Harness observed the scene through a pair of binoculars, his mouth parting in awe.

A Wonderful World

Chrysalis awoke to the sound of a radio playing something downstairs. She glanced at the cracked clock on the wall, rubbing her eyes. It was Eight AM. Two hours to go until the first day of the United Neightions summit. She held a lump in her throat, yet her eyes were still filled with determination. She felt that today was going to be the pinnacle of her life. What would happen today would decide the future of her people.

She narrowed her eyes and got out of bed.

It was go time.

"My queen!" Copycat chirped.

She turned towards her assistant, her eyes widening. She was wearing a beautiful gown of sparkling ribbons. And levitating before her in a case of green magic was a dress fit for her size... a beautiful thing of black and green with flowing streamers.

"W-What in the... where did you get those from?"

She gave a shrug. "I'm not sure, but whoever left them for us left a note."

She carefully set the dress on one of the beds, before levitating the note towards Chrysalis.

I got Rarity to make these for you last night. Every detail matters.

- JH

P.S. Good luck.

Chrysalis shook her head in bafflement.

"JH... anyone we know?"

"Doesn't ring a bell," Copycat shrugged.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Quick, disguises!" Chrysalis whispered, and the two morphed into their two pegasi forms.

Chrysalis then took a deep breath, before opening the door.

Her eyes widened. Standing before her was Private Firefly, a slight smile on his face.

"Hey there," he said, scratching the back of his head.

"Uhhh... hi. How are you feeling?" Chrysalis asked.

"Heh... not bad." He continued scratching the back of his head, a guilty look on him. "Listen uh... I really should thank you for last night. I was being so stupid... almost cheated on my wife if my... heh, flirting had gone better."

Chrysalis gave a nod, baffled.

"Anyway, I just really... appreciate it, um... Queen Chrysalis, right?"

"That's... right."

There was a beat of awkward silence.

"Um... anyway, are you two... hungry?"

Copycat gave a nod. "I almost forgot about food... I am feeling a little peckish..."

"Well uh... I uh..."

Suddenly, he gave Copycat a hug, and Chrysalis could sense a tiny bit of love coming from him.

"Woah!"

He smiled slightly. "I'm sorry... for judging you two. I guess we all have our bad moments in life, right?"

"You don't need to feel guilty," Chrysalis sighed. "My bad moment nearly led to a nation's downfall... yours was nothing compared to mine..."

"Yeah well..."

He awkwardly gave her a hug as well, and she felt a tiny bit of love emanate from him.

"T-Thanks," she eeped.

"No problem," he chuckled nervously. "Anyway," Firefly coughed, releasing her from the hug. "I also stopped by to say that you two are officially off the leash. Captain Harness says you're allowed to go anywhere. Princess Sparkle also gave it the go-ahead."

"Sweet! Totally checking our Time's Square later!" Copycat grinned.

He lifted a hoof. "If you still want a guard..."

"Thanks, Private Firefly, but I think we'll be fine," Chrysalis smiled. "We are, in your own words, masters of disguise, after all."

"Heh, alright. Well uh... I'll be seeing you two, I guess. Take it easy."

"Seeya," Copycat smiled, waving at him as he left.

She turned to Chrysalis.

"That was awkward... but nice at the same time."

"Heh... yeah," Chrysalis oozed. "You know... sometimes you can just tell it's going to be a good day by the signs around you..."

"Yeah..." Copycat sighed.

A beat.

"My queen..."

"Yeah?"

"I know you don't believe in god... but I said a prayer for you last night. I hope it gives you strength."

"Another good sign," Chrysalis smiled.

At that, Chrysalis slipped into her surprisingly comfortable dress, and the two made their way downstairs. There, Chrysalis finally found the origin of the tune she couldn't make out the lyrics to, a radio blaring behind hotel bellmare:

"I see trees of green........ red roses too

I see em bloom..... for me and for you

And I think to myself.... what a wonderful world."

"Hey you two," the bellmare smiled. "The big day, huh?"

"You bet," Chrysalis smiled. "The decisive moment for my nation."

"Yeah... speaking of politics, you two hear about the changeling blockade? It's all over the papers."

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yeah... I mean... I feel like I shouldn't feel bad for them; they did attack us after all, but... damn. They can't all be like that queen of their's, right? They don't deserve this..."

"Yeah..." Chrysalis sighed. "They don't..."

"Well, anyway," the bellmare said. "You two weren't what I expect from politicians, ya know? I really hope things go well for ya. Good luck to ya."

"Thanks, I really appreciate it," Chrysalis smiled.

She then glanced at the cigarette tray.

"You know... you really shouldn't-"

"Yeah, I know, I know. You're not the first person to say that to me," she said, rolling her eyes. "Don't worry about me. Go kick flank for Saddle Arabia."

"That's the plan!" Copycat beamed. "Seeya later."

"Take it easy."

And the two made their way from the hotel. The hobo Chrysalis had given money to was nowhere to be seen, though she hoped he wasn't out getting wasted.

"Hm... you know, now that I think of it, I have no idea where the U.N. actually is," Chrysalis blinked.

"Oh crap... you're right."

"Need directions?"

The two turned, their eyes widening. Standing there was none other than Captain Jack Harness.

He gave a smirk at the sight of the two.

"Probably should have had your guard give you a map."

"Heh, well as long as we have some way to get there," Chrysalis nodded.

"Mph, well that dress of yours might not be good for flying. I've got transportation, though."

Suddenly, he whipped out a small, round stone of some sort, which he rubbed three times. A magic communications device.

"Bring down one of the Valiant's chariot."

"Roger that."

Jack glanced up at that, the same with Chrysalis. Descending from the sky was a standard chariot, though what it came from was most unusual. The Valiant was the largest airship Chrysalis had ever seen, and seemed to be composed of two massive balloons attached together by a central, ship-like structure.

"Woah. Alright, that's pretty cool," Copycat blinked.

"The pride of Equestria's airfleet," Jack smiled. "Aside from the Nocturnal Thunder, Princess Luna's airship. Now that... is a cool ship."

The chariot thundered down before them, supported by two gruff looking pegasi.

"All aboard," Jack said, gesturing forward.

With that, both Chrysalis and Copycat boarded the chariot, many morning going ponies on the street glancing at them with curiosity

"Aren't you coming?" Chrysalis asked.

"Na, I've got a few things to take care of. Good luck at the meeting," he nodded.

"Er... thanks."

With that, Chrysalis gave the two pegasi the go-ahead, and soon the street below them became one of many. Skyscrapers flew below them, and eventually: they spotted it. The United Nations building in the far distance. It was a beautiful looking thing, a towering spire, with architecture much like Canterlot's, built for aesthetics as well as efficiency. On the top of it sat a globe of Trinity, their planet, with a phoenix painted across it.

"Huh, gotta love the concept of the place at least," Copycat noted. "A place where the nations of the world can get together, talk things over before resulting to war. A lot of wars are caused by miscommunications and a need for clarification, after all."

"If only it wasn't a horse pun, though. Why can't it just be called the United Nations?"

Copycat gave a shrug. "Because all things in Equestria must be puns, even if they don't directly relate to Equestria."

"Princess Celestia is such a secret goofball," Chrysalis said, rolling her eyes.

"We're coming in for a landing. Brace yourselves," one of the pegasi called.

"Gotcha!"

The chariot then made a landing on a flight platform hanging off the top portion of the tower, right before two massive, double-doors. Chrysalis and Copycat quickly fluttered off, somewhat startling their two pegasi guards by revealing their true forms.

"Alright, Copycat, out of ten: how good does this dress look?" Chrysalis asked nervously.

"It looks beautiful, my queen," Copycat said in a soothing tone.

"How's my hair? Does it look cool in an exotic way or is it just creepy?"

"It's fine!"

Chrysalis took a deep breath. "I'm sweating the small stuff, aren't I?"

"Yeeeep, but that's alright. Come on, let's get inside."

Two door-ponies nodded towards them before swinging the two double-doors open to reveal a small common area. It was fancy to say the least, decorated with a beautiful, marble floor with various somewhat squarish drawings of the various creatures of Trinity. A large, red carpet stretched from those doors to another set of golden, double doors, each with a drawing of the world upon them.

"It kind of makes you feel... really big, being here, doesn't it?" Copycat smiled.

"Yeah, it kind of does."

"Take heed, my changeling friends," a voice called out behind them, Aria and two wolven assistants flanking her as they moved towards the door. "You'll soon find just how small it feels to be one of many."

"One of many? There's only like eight nations here, and there will be only ten if Saddle Arabia and we get voted in."

"I wouldn't presume anything," Aria smiled. "There are rumors that three other nations are trying to enter. The Vaetir and the Minatours."

"Vaetir?" Chrysalis said, her eyes widening. "But they're just a legend!"

"Not so much a legend anymore thanks to our friend from the Nightmare Realm," Aria stated.

"Soulshard..."

"Yes... apparently their nation extends in both realms, in blasted lands no longer touched."

"Alright, what the heck are Vaetir?" Copycat said, raising an eyebrow.

"Ghosts, in a sense, or spirits dissatisfied with being part of the Nightmare Realm's scarefest," Chrysalis explained. "This... is going to get interesting. It's rumored they feed off the life-force of people."

Copycat's eyes widened. "Oh my..."

"Who's the last nation?" Chrysalis asked.

"Atlantica - the seaponies.."

"So, that's five new nations added to the list if they are voted in. Why so many at once?"

"Every five years the U.N. opens its doors to invite new nations in. This is that year."

"Ah..."

"Anyway, we should probably take our seats. It's about to begin." Aria gave her a nod. "Good luck to you, Chrysalis of Sinmaria."

"To you as well, Aria."

With that, the two opened the double doors to the council chamber, and Chrysalis eyes widened yet again. It was a circular place, with multiple tiers of seats circling a central platform that hovered slightly off the floor. The walls were not walls, but windows that showed the surrounding area. Hovering behind the platform seemed to be a viewscreen of sorts that could magically project the speaker's image.

Chrysalis looked about, trying to find her seat, and finally, she spotted it in the second tier upward, hanging above the first tier, where U.N.'s already inducted members sat. She saw Twilight Sparkle looking as agitated as can be. Zecora seemed to be calm, but occasionally glanced around nervously. Aria sat by her, occasionally giving a glare Cadence's way, who seemed oblivious to it. Dagger was sitting by her, looking smug, confident, and punch-worthy. Soulshard sat next to him, her usual chipper mood not fading. The griffin ambassador was next to her, folding his arms in an arrogant demeanor. Finally, the dragon ambassador, now revealing himself as a massive, red, scaled being sat in his own cleared section, taking up many seats.

Chrysalis took her seat, letting Copycat go to sit with the other assistants and advisors on the far side of the room.

Next to Chrysalis was a true Saddle Arabia pony, who seemed to be slightly larger than their Equestrian counterparts, and next to him was a kindly old looking Minatour, a pair of spectacles on his face. Beside him was a fish-tailed , horned, female seapony, who seemed to be in an anxious, but excited mood. She had a strange apparatus over her gills which were hooked to two scuba tanks she assumed were filled with water. Lastly, hovering in the last seat of potential candidates was an odd sight, a misty, black, and transparent unicorn. One of the Vaetir.

Giving a glance about to make sure everyone was there, Twilight took a deep breath, coughed, retrieved a large stack of papers, and made her way to the circular podium in the center of the room, positioning herself in front of a microphone. The platform then began to hover higher, giving everyone a decent view of the winged princess.

"Hello everyone, and welcome to the twenty-third submit of the United Neightions since its founding. Since then, the goal of it has been to prevent wars and to bolster the friendships of a world once largely isolated from each other, and I believe I can safely say that this mission has been accomplished!"

There was a series of polite applause from the audience.

. "Though we meet yearly, this building has often been used for miscellaneous submits brought upon by a need for cooperation, and nothing makes me smile more than proof of what I've said. However, this year's meeting is not of the ordinary. This is the year where five new proud nations may be given the opportunity to join us in creating a more peaceful world, and to squelch injustice before it begins."

"Yeah... you could start with that by sending Dagger to the moon," Chrysalis grumbled to herself.

"Now then, we will give an opportunity for each representative from the five new nations to give a few words as to why they wish to join, though I'm sure many of them have already conversed with you before-hand. Then, there will be a vote. You may choose to abstain if you wish, though note that tie-breakers will be broken by the mediator of these meetings: that being me."

Chrysalis heard Dagger give an indignant grunt at that.

"Alright, then!" Twilight said, forcing a smile, before gulping. "Let's get this started, shall we?"

"Yes... please. I was told there weren't going to be any time-wasting speeches..." Aldaris, the griffin ambassador grumbled.

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't think it was that long," Twilight blinked.

"Neither did I," Cadence growled. "And I believe insulting the mediator is worthy of sanctions, am I right?"

"That's right," Twilight said, nodding to herself. "The griffin nation will now speak last when it comes to the first issue on the plate."

The griffin gave a growl, before folding his arms again indignantly.

"Anyway," Twilight continued. "The first nation to speak will be Bonehorn, the Minatour nation."

There was a small series of applause as the minatour smiled, straightened his spectacles, and made his way to the podium, Twilight making way for him and taking her seat. Chrysalis saw Dagger wink at him for some reason, though he turned his head upon it.

Chrysalis smiled slightly at that. Perhaps Dagger failed to place him in his pocket.

"Greetings ladies and gentlemen," the minatour said... very silently.

"Lean closer to the microphone!" Dagger called rudely.

"Oh!" the minatour chuckled, embarrassed. "My apologies, I am still getting used to this intriguing Equestrian technology. But as I was saying, greetings from the nation of Bonehorn. If any of you have dealt with minatours in the past, you'd probably picture us as a gruff, aggressive nation who equate strength with prestige. Well, your assumptions aren't far off. However, physical strength isn't everything. We also sport terrific art, and our education sector is booming. And as our people have become more educated, they have had a wish to learn more and begin interacting more with the world at large. Thus, we believe that international politics will soon be inevitable.

As I said, ours is a nation of strength, but we are also a nation of honor. Honor to the family and honor to a code of moral conduct. Our best warriors are trained to not only to defend the weak, but to help them to help themselves. We would like to bring this as a contributing factor to the U.N., when working on international cooperative projects. Other than that, we would like to benefit from it being a melting pot of different cultures, and as an area where new deals can be made with ease. Any vote for Bonehorn would be appreciated, though if you vote against us, all we wish to know is why. Thank you for your time."

There was a bit of applause as the minatour took his seat.

"Alright everyone, there will be a short recess for advisement before the vote is taken."

That time came and went relatively quickly. It seemed the Minatour was avoiding Chrysalis for the most part during it, however, focusing more on the rest of the delegates. Finally, they took their seats again and:

"Alright, are there any comments or opinions that want to be stated about this undertaking?" Twilight asked.

They remained silent.

"Right then, what are your votes?"

"The Crystal Empire would gladly welcome to the minatours to the U.N.," Princess Cadence stated,

"Edeathstria votes yes."

"Artaria votes to abstain."

"Equestria votes yes."

"The Eastern Slave Trade Company votes no."

"Wingmaria votes no."

"Argos votes no."

"Tal'Tara cannot give an answer at this time."

"Three yes, three no, two abstains. That leaves me to give the tie breaker."

She nodded towards the minatour, who gave her a friendly smile in return.

Twilight then stood upon the podium, before announcing: "I have little knowledge of the minatours personally, aside from a particularly assertive, but honorable one named Iron Will who my friend once knew. However, I have studied their culture extensively. Like every nation, they've had their rough spots, but in the end, I believe the good outweighs the bad. I gladly welcome them into the U.N. Congratulations, Ambassador Foresight."

A series of grumbles came from those who voted no.

"Thank you, Twilight," he nodded.

"You may remain in that seat if you want, it doesn't really matter."

"I'll stay here," he smiled. "It gives a good view."

"You will not be allowed to vote on any other new additions today, however."

"Understood."

"Very well, then. Next up: the seapony nation of Atlantica!" Twilight announced.

This process went on for nearly an hour, Chrysalis' anticipation building in the form of a lump in her throat. If it wasn't such a nicely-cooled room, she'd probably be sweating a bit. The seaponies were brought in with relative ease, with support from the zebrican nation and the griffins for some strange reason, but with many abstains from the rest. The Saddle Arabia ponies were pretty much given yes votes by all, and the Vaetir... Edeathstria voted to abstain for some reason, though they still managed to scrape their way in.

And just as time we beginning to calm her nerves, Twilight announced: "Next, the changeling nation of Sinmaria!"

At that moment, it felt like everyone of her people were watching her. Waiting for her to make the move that would save them all. The eyes of the world were upon her... judging her every move. Would she fail, or would she fly? Now was the moment.

She glanced over to Copycat, who gave her an encouraging nod, as well as to Aria, who nodded as well, and made her way to the stand.

"Um... hello, people of the world," Chrysalis said, before clearing her throat. "It is probably an odd sight seeing me here, and many of you are probably wondering if I'm just doing it out of desperation. Well, that's true, in part, that I am doing this as out of desperation, but even before the blockade, I was planning on coming. For three hundred years I gave to the world, but that's no excuse for many of my aggressive actions the last one hundred. And I'd like to take the chance to not only apologize for the hardships I've caused for many nations, but to humbly apologize to Equestria-"

Twilight Sparkle's eyes widened.

"-For the ignorant, unnecessary attack I launched on Canterlot two years ago. For that, I plan on donating gold to every family effected by it, including the royal family who now sit humbly on the throne in The Crystal Empire. It won't make up for the pain I've caused, but it's the least I can do. I do this to alleviate my guilty conscience, and to show the changelings wish to be a part of the world once again, in a peaceful manner. It's true that when bolstered with love, we are capable of ingenuity and productivity that rivals even industrialized nations such as Equestria, but you need not fear that, for we will not just use it gain love the good way, but to help the world just for the sake of helping it.

I've stayed in Equestria for two days, and I have been here before. I have seen many acts of kindness bestowed for no reason I can think of. I think we can all be like that, actually, with the help of the U.N. We can help the weak rise on their feet and keep the strong from being bullies. It is all a matter of willpower and holding tight to your inner light. I would like to be a part of it, and more importantly, my people would like to be a part of it. They are individuals, and not all of them were for my campaign of aggression. Do not judge them as ill because of me, that's all I can say."

The room stood silent after that, not a sound was made. However, she could see a few smiles coming her way. One from the miniatour ambassador, and another, surprisingly, from Princess Cadence.

Twilight blinked, apparently having been in deep thought, before she shook her head and said, "I-Is a recess needed?"

Nobody said yes.

"Any opinions on this matter?"

"Yeah, I've got a friggin' opinion!" Dagger growled, soon taking Chrysalis' position on the stand. "You know who just spoke, right? Her name is Queen Chrysalis. Full title? Queen Chrysalis the Deceptive. She's fucking with you all, people! God damn, open your eyes! She deserves to be punished at the very least for her crimes, and her people? Why not just take out the risk all together!"

"With the blockade benefiting your business, of course," Aria said, her eyes narrowing.

"Yeah, that's right, Snowstorm! But who gives a shit if I have multiple incentives! Are any of you willing to risk the world's security to help a bunch of freaks?!"

"I've heard enough!" Twilight finally roared. "We haven't even discussed the blockade yet you're bringing it up!"

"Well, go on then, what do you have to say?!" he snapped.

Angrily, she made her way to the stand. "The changelings used to be hive minded, but they aren't anymore. They are individuals capable of individual thoughts and actions. The ones who attacked Canterlot were not civilians, they were soldiers. The ones who invaded various provinces in the past? Soldiers, too. And they were under a queen, who she herself admits was not in her right mind, and is now sane again. Whether or not she deserves to be punished is to be decided, but for now, her people deserve to have their voices heard!"

Half the delegates and assistants gave thunderous applause.

"Now, cast your votes, and remember what was said by Queen Chrysalis!" Twilight growled.

"The Crystal Empire... votes yes."

"Equestria votes yes.

"Artaria votes yes."

"Edeathstria gladly votes yes."

"The Eastern Slave Corporation votes HELL FRIGGIN' NO!"

"Tal'Tara votes yes."

"Wingmaria votes no."

"Argos votes no."

"That's five to three," Twilight said, before giving Chrysalis a wary, though respectful nod. "Welcome to the U.N., Queen Chrysalis."

And at her words, a few tears actually formed in Chrysalis' eyes. On the other side of the room, she could see Copycat visibly crying.

"Oh are you FUCKING SERIOUS?!" Dagger roared. "What the buck is wrong with you people?! You realize who you're voting in, right?!"

"Dagger..." Twilight hissed. "I'm giving you one warning to be quiet."

"Oh shut the hell up, will you? Friggin naive kid, you have no idea how the- MPH MPH MPH MPH-"

Suddenly, Dagger found his lips magically sealed by a very angry purple alicorn.

And Chrysalis, for the first time in years, felt happy.

This Day Aria

Chrysalis woke the next day with a yawn, a feeling of satisfaction in her she hadn't felt for a century coursing through her, despite the ominous warnings given to her by Soulshard and 'Deathie' the previous day. She felt less irritable than usual, and even Copycat's singing didn't seem to bug her:

"All you need is love!

All you need is love!

All you need is love, love!

Love is all you need!"

"Mmmmm, someone's in a chipper mood," Chrysalis smiled at her, still lying in bed.

"Heck yeah!" she beamed. "Don't you feel it? There's love in the air! And not in a lesbian sort of way. I mean love for the two of us! As in: food!"

Chrysalis eye's widened. She didn't feel full, but she did feel a passive amount of love floating towards her... just like in the old days, but from who? Had she made that much of an impact with her speech?

It didn't matter. All that mattered was it felt... fulfilling.

"I feel ready to take on the day!" Copycat grinned. "Day two, baby! Wooooo yeah!"

Chrysalis chuckled slightly. "Speaking of which, any new news about what's going on today aside from that packet we went through?"

"Mhmmm," Copycat nodded. "We got a memo this morning. There will be a vote on officially reprimanding the Eastern Slave Trade Corporation and the Holy Conclave of Wingmaria, their church, for their blockade. Looks like that resolution you drafted yesterday has already gone through the gauntlet."

"Yes!" Chrysalis cheered, showing an unusual amount of emotion.

Copycat raised an eyebrow.

"Heh, I mean: that's good. That's the first step to receiving military support."

Copycat put on a sly grin. "Admit it: you're actually happy for once! You're coming out of your brooding shell."

Chrysalis rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah... though I still wonder where all this love is coming from. My speech wasn't even that good..."

Copycat shrugged. "I dunno. But anyway, we should get going if we don't want to miss the first vote."

Chrysalis nodded as she slipped on her dress. "Hopefully it won't be about us. I'm going to need more time to ensure that it's passed in our favor."

"I'm sure it will be. It seems most nations don't like us, but they don't like Dagger either. There has been an increasing amount of resentment towards slavery the last hundred years or so. Aside from this, and I don't mean to sound like a bitch, but a reprimanding doesn't mean too much. It's sort of just a nation officially saying, 'Hey, we don't like these guys, everybody, just in case you thought otherwise.' However, it could gain us a bit of public sympathy, and as you said, sympathy is the first step to love. If we gain enough love we can bust that blockade ourselves."

"No worries, I know what it does," Chrysalis nodded. "Though I'm still glad you're speaking your mind. Keep doing that."

Copycat gave a grin.

"Alright! I can speak my mind? Man, this room sure looks dirty. Oooo, it's beautiful out. Can we go for a walk in Central Parkplace before going to the-"

"Copycat..."

She gave a cheeky smirk. "Sorry, couldn't resist."

"Come on..."

And the two made their way downstairs, where the desk pony, who Chrysalis now knew as Roseluck, seemed to be waiting for them.

"Hey, you two!" she called, smiling.

"Hey Roseluck, how's the day going?"

"Eh, not so bad, so far," she said, shrugging. "Congrats again for making it into the U.N., by the way. Never thought I'd be housing two official delegates in this rathole!"

"Heh... yeah."

Chrysalis then eyed a paper near her.

"Say, anything in the papers?"

"Yeah! It's wild, that Chrysalis really stirred something up yesterday. Slave Rights groups got a major boost from it, as well as changeling peace advocates. Kind of had me rooting for them a little, to be honest."

"And her speech wasn't that good, huh?" Copycat smirked.

Chrysalis gave her a sarcastic look.

"I wouldn't be so hard on her," a cool, collected voice oozed from behind them. "It opened my ears at least..."

Chrysalis and Copycat turned, their eyes widening at the sight of Aria standing at the door, along with two of her wolf assistants.

"Hello there," she said, smiling slightly.

Roseluck shook her head in disbelief, her mouth parting. "I can't believe it... are you A-Aria?"

Aria nodded her way. "That is correct. And I must apologize if I am interrupting anything, I need to speak with these two in private."

Roseluck gave a laugh. "Don't worry about it. Wouldn't want to get in the way of any big time U.N. stuff, would I?"

"I thank you for this." She then turned towards Chrysalis. "If you'll follow me... I have a transport waiting for us."

"Er, sure," Chrysalis said, raising an eyebrow. "Talk to you later, Roseluck."

"Take it easy, and good luck today!" she waved.

The two made their way outside, and sitting not too far away was what seemed to be an unusually large chariot made entirely out of ice, some of the ponies in the street gazing at it curiously.

"I-Is it snowing?" one of them whispered.

"Yeah, it is... strange for this time of the year."

"I apologize if the chariot provides some discomfort for you," Aria whispered to Chrysalis. "But this meeting must be private. I couldn't risk using a standard transport with security ponies flying it..."

"It's... alright," Chrysalis said, gazing at her apprehensively.

"Why does this sound really shady?" Copycat whispered to her.

"Probably because it involves hidden favors..." Chrysalis whispered back. "Hoooo boy..."

At that, the quintet boarded the chariot. Chrysalis caught Aria's eyes flashing a brief, glowing blue, and the chariot began to rise, to the awe of the ponies below. Soon, their frozen transport was flying over the rooftops of Manehattan. Chrysalis shivered slightly. It was a cool morning, and being on a block of ice was not helping. Fortunately, the ice seemed to be somewhat rough, making it easy to stand on. When they became high enough, Chrysalis switched to her true form, Copycat following suit.

"So, I suppose this is about the favor you talked about earlier?" Chrysalis asked.

"Something along those lines," Aria smiled. "I sympathize with your position, Chrysalis. You're cut off from your people, unknowns plaguing you constantly. And the leader of the fleet may as well be a demon in pony form." She took a deep breath. "It'd be nice if life were that simple, though, wouldn't it?"

Chrysalis sighed. "It'd certainly be easier if we could classify all ponies good, or all changelings as evil, wouldn't it?"

"Indeed," Aria nodded. "I don't believe he will back down, however, even if the U.N. were to order him to. The griffins and the dragons enjoy their slave supply, especially these new 'mindless slaves' they can make changelings into."

"Mmmm, you've heard of the ring collars?"

"I have... and those wearing them may be better off dead," Aria sighed. "However, let us talk of other things. I have a proposition for you..."

"Go ahead..."

Aria turned away from her slightly. "My people... are an aggressive race. And one of the few races of solely composed carnivores left on the world. Most do not mind, and neither do we, for we've had fertile hunting grounds under our control for a thousand years. However, like you, someone is now threatening to starve us."

"Who is that?"

She narrowed her eyes. "The Crystal Empire. Their people are angered because of our hunts in the Shimmering Woods of the north... oh so beautiful, but 'rightfully there's.' It's a complicated situation... and the Crystal Empire nor Princess Cadence do not understand that my people have grown in population due to our hunts in their former grounds, grounds that we claimed when their nation disappeared. Now, they've suddenly 'popped' back into existence, and they want their lands back."

"And you... won't have enough food."

Aria nodded. "It's that simple. We have been fighting them, and winning, but... we could use help."

Chrysalis shook her head. "Aria, I'm sorry, but I am in no position to-"

"You will be soon," Aria smiled. "I know the status of the blockade. Two hundred ships strong, both a mix of griffin and Eastern Slave Company forces. My people have a hundred ships... currently unused, sitting in Starswirl Bay and gathering snow. They are made of a mix of ice and wood, and are quite formidable in battle..." She raised a paw. "However, we will need one more nation to successfully break the blockade, I believe. Any will do. If you can rally them... I will be confident enough to join in the attack."

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow. "But what do you want in return?"

Aria gave a deep sigh. "I realize that if you were to openly support me in warfare, it would not go over well for you, but your people have certain abilities: you could provide us with troops, and no crystal pony would ever know. Those troops would bond with our own... and the love from them would bolster their powers ten-fold. Together, we would be invincible."

Chrysalis blinked. "You want me to give you changeling soldiers... in wolf form? To fight the Crystal Empire after this?"

Aria nodded solemnly. "I wish I didn't have to ask this as a favor... but to break that blockade, we are sure to take casualties."

Chrysalis took a deep breath. "I don't know about this, Aria... if word of this deal were to ever get out, it would erase every-"

"It won't," Aria said calmly. "You have my word."

"It has always been good in the past," Copycat noted.

"I will expect support in the U.N. as well, however," Aria noted. "If you can help me get the Crystal Empire to back down diplomatically, I will be more than happy to support you with the same military might as if you were to scratch my back in the same way."

Chrysalis winced at the thought. If she were to do this, she wouldn't be getting any favors from Cadence any time soon, and it may look like she had a grudge against her. She would have to handle this delicately...

"I'll... see what I can do," Chrysalis nodded.

"Very well," Aria said. "In one week, I will let you know if I have deemed your efforts to support me as... adequate." And for the first time Chrysalis had ever heard, Aria gave a growl. "The Crystal Empire is going to learn that they have, and always will be, in my domain. I am the North... Love alone cannot tame winter's bite."

Chrysalis blinked.

"Well, the northern wolves have always been known for their aggression," Copycat whispered to her.

"Anyway, it appears we are here," Aria said, her calm tone returning as the ice-chariot landed upon the U.N. building's upper platform, right where they needed to be. "Consider my words, Queen Chrysalis."

"I... will. I thank you for your sympathies."

"... Indeed."

At that, the five made their way into the council chamber. Twilight Sparkle was busy at one of the desks provided at the edge of the room, writing like a speed-demon with a magically-levitated quill. Chrysalis threw her a smile, though Twilight simply continued to act like she wasn't there. Apparently, though she 'supported' the changelings yesterday, true to her words, they probably would never become friends.

Chrysalis took note of her features. They were filled with strain, and it looked as though she hadn't been sleeping for days. Captain Jack Harness stood next to her, and Chrysalis could barely make out him saying:

"Come, on Twilight. It's nothing you need to worry about now. That's fifty years away, and trust me-"

"I appreciate your concerns, Captain Harness," Twilight suddenly hissed, a little louder than she intended, Chrysalis surmised. "But you're not me, and I don't need to be reminded of it! I didn't ask for this, I didn't! Neither did you, but you've had thousands of years to get used to it... slowly. I know why Princess Celestia sent you specifically to be my bodyguard, but I ask you just be that... my bodyguard!"

Aria and Chrysalis gazed at her awkwardly. She turned towards them, smiling sheepishly, though it seemed to be directed more towards Aria than anything.

"I'm sorry... I've been under a bit of stress lately," she sighed.

"Don't worry yourself, it's understandable," Chrysalis smiled. "Performing the role of mediator and delegate in unison would be no easy feat."

Twilight merely gave her a cold look, before turning towards Captain Harness, a look of regret on her face. "I-I..."

"It's fine," Captain Harness said, smiling slightly.

The matter settled, Chrysalis then made her way to take a seat upon the rounded 'desks' that surrounded the U.N.'s central platform, Aria joining her, and Copycat waving her goodbye as she took her seat at the advisor section. There were few other delegates there at the moment, making it a perfect opportunity for a private conversation.

"I wonder what all that was about?" Chrysalis mused.

Aria tapped a claw to her chin.

"Mmmm, I could take a guess," she said.

"And what may that be?"

Aria thought for a second, before saying, "Twilight has recently gained a gift few possess... immortality. However, unlike many of us, she did not gain it from birth. She has had little time to think of the implications of it."

"Yeah," Chrysalis sighed. "Those aren't too fun... it's hard seeing people you've known for fifty years just... leave without you. Especially in the hive..."

"I have grown used to it," Aria simply shrugged. "Over time, people sort of... repeat themselves. Their personalities, their so called 'unique' attributes... I've seen them all, and I have grown tired of them."

Chrysalis narrowed an eyebrow. Even for the spirit of winter, that was quite a cold statement.

"I still haven't... and I probably never will," Chrysalis grunted, before glancing sympathetically Twilight's way. "Though I sensed so much love between Twilight and her friends..."

"Ponies always have been emotional," Aria said. "It will be... interesting to see how she will deal with it."

"You act like she's something to be studied," Chrysalis growled. "I-I... actually feel bad for her. She's still flesh and blood, you know."

Aria merely shrugged, as they began to be joined by more delegates... most of them regular mortals, as Chrysalis now realized. Her, Aria, and Twilight would be the one constant she would always know in this new world of connectivity.

She winced, and shrugged off her thoughts, sadness leaping at her chest, before focusing on the task at hand.

"Thank you all for arriving promptly," Twilight Sparkle spoke, nesting herself on the central platform as her microphone amplified voice danced about the room. "Our first order of business is quite simple: there will be a discussion and a vote about the recent actions taken by both the Holy Conclave of Wingmaria and the Eastern Slave Trade Company against the changelings. Once done, a vote will be taken advocating that an official reprimendation against the two organizations. Dagger and Aldaris will be representing the defense, and Chrysalis, who drafted the proposal, shall speak against them. Anyone else who wishes to speak their opinion of the matter may do so. Now, let us begin. Dagger, you may speak first."

"Thank you, Twilight," he smirked, rising to his feet. "Well, damn. An official reprimendation, huh? Gee, I wonder who drafted that proposal?" He then mock-face-hoofed himself. "Oh, duh! That's right. It was Queen Chrysalis! Queen Chrysalis, who two hundred years ago decided she was going to punish the minotaurs for business that wasn't even hers! Queen Chrysalis, who decided that her big ole home islands weren't enough, and decided to take land from... hmmm... let's count, shall we? The minotaurs, the griffins, the Colonial Ponies, and even Equestria itself! During those campaigns, over one thousand civilians died as well as countless soldiers, unable to do jack against changelings filled with love." He then gave a laugh. "And when their queen stopped getting that love? Fifty years ago, she actually began abducting sentient friggin' creatures to be fed upon!"

"Objection!" Chrysalis hissed. "That is the most hypocritical statement I have ever-"

"Do not speak out of place, Queen Chrysalis," Twilight snapped. "Continue, Dagger."

"Thanks, Twilight," he smirked. "Where was I? Oh yeah! And Chrysalis, who launched an unprovoked attack on the peace-loving ponies in Canterlot!" He gave a sarcastic laugh. "And she wants to push reprimendations on me?!" He slammed his hoof against his 'desk.' "I'm a slave trader, yes, but the slave trade has been going on for hundreds of years. The Colonial Ponies, and I'm wondering where they are right now, by the way, and Saddle Arabia ponies have never had a problem with me taking criminals off their hooves. And the griffins and dragons have never had a problem buying them. So why not a criminal race? Hell, the friggin' griffin church supports this action! A church!

Sure, as Twilight said, they aren't completely hive-minded, but they still are slightly. My private studies have found that when the queen of the changelings feels an emotion, her people follow it. If she hates a nation, they'll hate it too. If she likes a nation, they'll like it like it just sent them all Hearts and Hooves day cards or some shit. Therefore, in the end, they're all just as much as criminals as she is! It may be their nature, but that's not our fault! Something needs to be done about them before they start lashing out again at the world. Filled with love, they are more dangerous than anything. I say they'll be more useful as a slave race. Let them help the world... on our terms."

There was a mixed reaction from his speech, and Chrysalis couldn't tell if the delegates approved or disapproved. Aria merely gazed ahead of her, her expression neutral and cold.

"Aldaris, do you have anything you wish to add?" Twilight asked, glancing towards the griffin delegate.

He cleared his throat, stood, and begain with,

"Yes, I would. While my people are not officially supporting the blockade militarily, we still stand behind our church and their actions. By now, you are all aware of the collars we use to keep our changeling slaves under control, yes? I have personally inspected changelings with them, and I have determined that they are not under any pain at all. Honestly, I believe they're better off as slaves than under Queen Chrysalis, who has led her people into a starving existence the last hundred years. At least this way they're fed and... happy. That's all I have to say."

A few more murmurs, some of approval, some of disapproval.

"Queen Chrysalis? What is your argument against this?" Twilight said, and Chrysalis could detect a hint of disgust on her face, though she didn't believe it was for her...

She rose, a speech building in her mind, and confidence on her features.

"Everything Dagger has said about me is the truth," Chrysalis said, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. "For the last hundred years, I have led my people to disaster, and I have made many mistake. However, and I have no regrets saying this, what he has said of my people, and of those so called 'control collars', is a lie. My people do not heed my every word, and though my emotions do spread to the changelings around me, this is the same of all changelings, my emotions are just slightly more potent. I do have the ability to control them directly if I wished, but I would never do that, and do you know why?"

She shot Dagger a spiteful glance.

"Because that wouldn't make them people anymore, they'd just be mindless drones! They'd be much like what they become with those collars on them. I love my people, and I'd never wish that upon them, even if they were to speak out against my actions, which they have in the past. Those collars are the epitome of the results of apathy and immorality; they completely wipe clean the personalities of those who wear them." She gave a glance towards Aria. "And who we are... is more precious than anything." She then glanced back ahead. "Without our personalities, without what makes us... us, we might as well be a new person, and that old person... might as well just be dead." Her eyes narrowed. "That makes Dagger more than just a slave trader, it makes him a murderer."

Dagger rolled his eyes. "Oh yeah, I'm the friggin-"

"Silence, Dagger," Twilight hissed.

And Chrysalis gazed directly into her eyes.

"I have made many mistakes in the past, but I... through some stroke of fate, am nearly immortal... I can live to be thousands of years old. Immortality has its disadvantages, and advantages, the latter making their-selves most apparent in the role of leadership. They say you should learn from history, because you're bound to repeat it if you don't, right? Well, I have seen history, and I will not repeat it!" She took a deep breath, glancing at Twilight, who seemed to be gulping slightly. "It is both a gift... and a curse... seeing the world turn and turn... but the past will always be with you to comfort you, not burden you, so long as it's been something worth living in..." She closed her eyes. "I just wish mine was a little better."

She then glanced to Twilight, as if to say, 'How has your's been?', and took her seat, shuddering slightly.

"I-I," Twilight said, wincing and shaking her head. "Any opinions before the vote?"

No delegate said anything.

"Very well then, let's begin..."

Chrysalis took a deep breath, closing her eyes as it began. It was going to be a looooong day.

Welcome to the Jungle

"Oh, I get it!" Dagger said in a mock-laugh. "This is funny. You all got together and said: 'Hey, let's piss Dagger off for the funnies, right?'"

"The votes don't lie," Twilight shrugged.

Chrysalis couldn't help but smirk.

"Oh come on!" Dagger shouted. "Why does Edeathstria even get a vote? Their nation is in another dimension for crying out loud."

"The same could be said about a company of all things," Twilight Soulshard grunted. "And with the portal in place-"

"Blah blah blah," Dagger said, rolling his eyes. "How the hell do you guys even exist? You're like a dimension of cliches-"

"Please save discussions, blaming, juvenile arguments, and hypocrisy for the proper time, please," Twilight Sparkle sighed.

"Sorry," Soulshard peeped.

"I'm not," Dagger spat. "You guys totally suck!"

"Very professional, Dagger," Chrysalis said, rolling her eyes. "I wouldn't go too far, though. Don't want people to take you too seriously, do you?"

"Chrysalis! That means you, too," Twilight grunted, before taking a deep breath.

Worth it, Chrysalis thought, still smirking as Dagger shot her a death glare.

Twilight cleared her throat. "Now then, it is to be made official that the United Neightions has officially condemned Dagger for his actions in involving the international slave trade."

Half the room gave a brilliant cheer.

"Any further comments on this?" Twilight asked.

"I have one," the seapony delegate, Undercurrent, peeped, a brilliant smile on her face: "And it is simple: it's about time. Not only have Dagger's ships disturbed my people's seas with their... interesting way of disposing slaves who have died on their voyage, but I'd also just like to say that this immoral, greedy undertaking should not have any sympathy or continuation in the modern world."

The supporters of the vote, (Six to four with two abstains), gave another cheer.

"And I have one as well," Dagger snarled. "Go spoon a harpoon-"

"Ahem," Aldaris said, silencing him. "As Dagger said earlier, most slaves are criminals willingly sold to Dagger. Slavery does the world a favor by letting them work and not crowding prisons."

"Mmmm, forgive me, but I must let chime," Zecora suddenly spoke, her voice hinting at a bit of nervousness. "W-What if some of those 'criminals' you speak of are not, or do not deserve guilt in their crimes?"

"This is true, and many nations do have different laws than one another," Aldaris spoke. "But- one must not look at this from an emotional point of view, like you clearly are, zebra. Their... sacrifices are worth it to keep the backbone of certain nations from falling apart."

"Nations like Wingmaria," Zecora said, narrowing her eyes.

"Yes, nations like Wingmaria, nations who need slaves for the upkeep of their food supply so we can continue to supply the world with technological innovation and modern equipment such as war machines that even nations like Equestria buy."

"Equestria does not import war machines from Wingmaria!" Twilight said, looking quite affronted.

"Are you sure of that?" Aldaris smirked. "I don't believe you know your mentor as well as you think you do, Princess Sparkle. She may be a bastion of self-righteousness and morality, but under the surface, she knows as well as I do that the ends always justify the means."

"Did somepony turn the heat up?" Twilight grunted. "Or is someone just spilling hot air?"

"Amusing," Aldaris chuckled. "You don't think those new magic-powered tanks your army proudly boasts were of your own invention, do you? We sold your nation the designs. You merely modified them to work on magic instead of steam."

"Enough!" Twilight growled. "Lying will not get Wingmaria far in the United Neightions, I hope you know. Now, let's move on to the next topic..."

Aldaris merely shook his head, letting out what sounded like a sympathetic chuckle.

"Naive as hell, just as I said yesterday," Chrysalis heard Dagger whisper to him. "She's as green as a Chrysalis."

Aldaris nodded his head.

Chrysalis shot him a glare, to which he merely responded with an innocent smile.

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Twilight soon continued with, "Now that that's out of the way, it's onto the next topic of business. As you all know, there has been a growing conflict between Artaria, the wolven nation and the Crystal Empire. Aria, if you will explain your situation..."

Aria nodded, before doing just that, explaining how her people needed the fertile hunting grounds now 'belonging' to the Crystal Empire.

There were a few sympathetic murmurs as she finished, and as she did so, eyes turned upon Cadence.

"Cadence, do you have anything to say about this?"

She nodded. "I have spoken to Aria before in relation to this matter. However, I may as well elaborate to the world. My people have a connection to the crystal woods the wolves are trying to hunt in. They are filled with natural resources we need. However, they have a symbiotic link with the animals in the woodlands. Though we do recognize those lands were... borrowed by Artaria for many years, they do technically belong to us. If the wolves were to overhunt in those woods, it would be detrimental to them. And though I have no problem with carnivores doing what they must... I have a special bond with those creatures as well. They are creatures of love. When they are killed... I feel it."

Twilight smiled at her. "Thank you, Princess Cadence."

She then turned towards the group. "Any further commentary on this?"

"I have one thing to say," Zecora smiled. "And that is that if those woods belonged to the Crystal Empire, they have a right to make sure they are there to stay."

"Mph, of course you would say that," Aldaris grumbled. "You're all herbivores. Why should you care if wolves are starving?"

"I did not say that," Zecora snapped.

"But that's what this is all about, right?"

"It is not," Princess Cadence said. "We would be willing to share portions of our woods with the wolves. Though the act of eating other animals... is unusual to my people, given that they have not have much contact with carnivores before their enslavement, I will not allow the northern wolves to starve."

"How many square miles are you proposing to give, however?" Aria asked, raising an eyebrow.

"... Fifty square miles."

Aria quickly shook her head. "That is not enough. My people's population is large, and I will not see many of them die off because you will not let us hunt in the only forests of the north."

"Isn't there anything else you can eat? Eels? Walrus?" Twilight asked.

"Not in abundance. Two hundred square miles would be more agreeable. Does anyone else agree?"

At that, she turned towards Chrysalis, waiting for her to back her up. Chrysalis took a deep breath. Doing this could drive a slight wedge between her in Cadence. Not doing it and Aria could take it as a betrayal...

Between a rock and a hard place. Though she needed to get on Twilight's side...

She winced, before shaking her head.

Aria shot her a glare, and Chrysalis sighed. No other delegates spoke.

"Two hundred square miles is not reasonable," Princess Cadence sighed. "That's like saying the sweater you got for Hearth's Warming Eve wasn't expensive enough. I'm sorry, I sympathize with your people, but we need those woodlands. And they are our woodslands."

"Very well, then," Aria growled. "If you will deny my people of food because of your petty greed..."

"It's not greed! The Crystal Empire needs materials to rebuild. Without those woods, many would be homeless."

"And many among us would starve..." Aria growled. "I will give you one last chance to reconsider."

"I have made up my mind," Princess Cadence said sternly, an actual hint of anger lacing her voice.

"Then, my dear Princess of Love, I hope your people are prepared for a very cold winter."

"And I hope your people are prepared for a very warm summer!" Twilight hissed, her eyes glowing white.

"Twilight! Do not get Equestria involved with this," Cadence hissed, causing the purple mare's eyes to widen.

Suddenly, the argument was silenced by a certain haughty voice. "Ahem," Aldaris said smugly. "I have consulted with the our Argos ambassador, and we believe we may be able to help... both of our nations have a surplus of meats we may be willing to trade..."

"It would not beat the fresh meat of the hunt," Aria said, narrowing her eyes.

"Beggars cannot be choosers, unless it's war you want," Aldaris smiled.

Aria took a deep breath. "What would you want in return?"

"Simple: ships for transporation. You currently have a fleet in the north not being used, correct? Give us about... 50% of its ships and we will get you what you need."

"Just like that? You want nothing else?" Aria said, raising an eyebrow.

"Mhmm...."

Aria glanced towards Chrysalis, and than back towards Aldaris. "I shall... think about it."

Out of the corner of her eye, Chrysalis caught Dagger smiling for some reason.

And suddenly, her eyes widened. It was almost as if he knew about the conversation she had had with Aria earlier? Though he couldn't use it against her, since she had technically not agreed to the deal, he was maneuvering his pawns in a position to deny Chrysalis of the ships she needed. Though the question was, how would he know about this? Who had told him? There was nobody on that ice chariot except her, Aria, Copycat, and... Aria's two guards.

Was one of them payed off?

It didn't matter, however. She would soon have to make a choice. Secretly agree to the deal with Aria and hope she wasn't caught, or try to gain another nation's support.

She rubbed her temples at this. "Ugh."

Politics were beginning to grate on her.

"Alright, that's enough for now," Twilight spoke. "Who wants a quick recess?"

"Oh yes!" Soulshard chirped. "I wanted to discuss ideas for a giant Nightmare Night extravaganza-"

"In a second or so," Twilight smiled, Soulshard looking slightly dejected. "I'll meet with you in a jiff."

And then something unexpected happened. Twilight actually made her way to Chrysalis, looking wary, but more curious than spiteful as she usually was.

"Can I help you, Princess Sparkle?" Chrysalis asked.

"Er, yeah... sort of," she said with half a cough. She then glanced about to make sure nopony was near. "I uh- I uh... earlier, during your speech, when you brought up immortality: did you... say that to try to comfort me?"

Chrysalis gave a slight nod. "I did."

Twilight raised a suspicious eyebrow. "And it wasn't just to try to get on my good side for some ulterior motive, right?"

"Oh, naturally," Chrysalis said, rolling her eyes. "We are vile, evil creatures with no empathy whatsoever. You saw right through me."

"Sorry," Twilight peeped. "It's just... I really appreciate it..."

"You're welcome," Chrysalis smiled, before taking a deep breath as she glanced away from her. "Twilight..."

She raised an eyebrow. "Yeah?"

"I just want you to know... how sorry I am for what happened a year ago. I was... not myself."

"No... no you weren't..."

Chrysalis eyes widened.

"Surprised, huh? I actually did a bit of research on you. You gave to the world in one century more than Equestria had in four hundred years: food, medical supplies, social workers."

"We did," Chrysalis nodded.

"But I have to ask: was it all just a ploy?"

"What do you mean?"

"A ploy to gain love, in order for you to eventually have enough that you'd be able claim anything you wanted."

Chrysalis shook her head. "You're... half right. I had no plans of conquering anyone. Us changelings just wanted to be loved. It's an inherent need, an instinct."

At that, Twilight actually smiled slightly. "I can sympathize."

"Really?"

"Yeah... when I first moved to Ponyville, I was scared: lost, confused. I wanted to be liked but I didn't know how. It took me so long to master friendship..."

Chrysalis took a deep breath. "It's hard, isn't it? Imagine trying to have to 'master friendship' when it comes to international politics."

"You've had over four hundred years to learn, though," Twilight sighed, her eyes watering slightly. "C-Can we talk in a more private setting?"

Chrysalis looked baffled. "Oh... o-of course."

At that, Twilight led Chrysalis to what she assumed was the mare's office. Naturally, it was stacked with book upon book about international politics, and a globe of the world sat upon her desk. Almost as if to taunt her, Sinmaria was facing right towards her... everything she had ever known, a small dot on a map currently under siege...

Twilight seemed to catch on to what she was looking at.

"It... it must be hard, isn't it."

Chrysalis gave a solemn nod. "It is."

"Especially with... the connection the changelings have with each other... you have bonds closer than friendships, don't you?"

Chrysalis nodded again. "I suppose you could say that..."

Suddenly, Twilight burst into tears. "T-Than how the hell do you deal with it?!"

Chrysalis' eyes widened. "I'm sorry?"

"You know what I mean!"

Chrysalis blinked, beginning to catch on. "Twilight... are you sure I'm the best-"

"Nobody else seems to understand, though! I think you might be the closest!" she spat. "Captain Harness is immortal, one of the seven silent guardians of Equestria since it came about, but he's never understood friendship... he's always been alone. Then there's Twilight Soulshard, and immortal Lich from the Nightmare Realm, but she has a relationship of her own! With Death herself of all people-

Chrysalis' eyes widened. So that's who she was... but that... that was impossible. Nonetheless, she shrugged off the thought, continuing to listen to Twilight."

"-She has someone to be with her until the end of time! And Princess Celestia... she... when I talk with her, I feel like she views people as people view the seasons, or the day. They're just... ephemeral, nothing to be concerned about. She says one day I'll be like her, but I can't wait that long!"

"Twilight..."

"I mean, I know... my friends won't always be with me, but-but... I just don't want to be alone someday... what if I can't make friends like them again? What if I'll just be Princess Twilight Sparkle, too regal for anyone to approach. The only reason my friends do is because they knew the old me! And even they are acting a little nervous around me."

"Twilight!"

"And then there's dealing with them when they go..."

"TWILIGHT!"

And Chrysalis' horn began to glow.

Twilight growled, igniting her own horn. "What the heck are you doing?!"

And suddenly, Chrysalis transformed into a purple unicorn: the old Twilight Sparkle.

"What is this?! Are you taunting me?!" Twilight cried.

"No... I'm not," Chrysalis sighed. "I just want to show you that this... this is who you will always be on the inside."

"W-What?"

"You heard me," Chrysalis said, changing back to her true form. "I was taught by the same person you were. A very wise, very beautiful person. And she always said to me the same thing: a ruler doesn't have to be an island. A ruler needs to be one with her people. Treat them in the same casual way you did before and... they won't be nervous about you. It's how I treat most of my changelings." She chuckled, glancing at Copycat. "Do you know how many smartass comments I've put up from her that would likely lead to an execution in Wingmaria? Many. But that's because I like being friends with her."

"B-But what about when I lose said friends," Twilight whimpered. "What about when everyone around me slowly... disappears."

"I can't say what the best thing to do about that is," Chrysalis said. "There's no guidebook on how to deal with this, unfortunately. We're all different. All I know is that... despite who I lose, and though it's perfectly natural to mourn them, eventually... you move on."

"B-But what if I can't... sometimes I think I should just... isolate myself from them, so I won't have to feel the pain."

Chrysalis closed her eyes, her horn beginning to glow again.

Twilight lowered an eyebrow. "What are you doing now?"

"There's a trick changelings know how to perform... one that usually requires another changeling to work, but I think you should be able to do it. Lock your horn with mine."

And slowly, warily, Twilight did just that. A changeling and a pony locked horns, and the room began to glow a brilliant purple and white.

Suddenly, Twilight and Chrysalis stood in a blank void, much like the one in which Twilight and Celestia had walked before her transformation. Flowing by were images of various memories, from what it seemed. Chrysalis, as a filly, playing with a pony foal, now long dead. Chrysalis learning how to use her magic with her mother, now long gone. Chrysalis becoming queen, an entire legion of changelings hailing to her... friends, kin.

Gone.

A surge of emotions came to Twilight. She cried... yet at the same time she felt great warmth...

"The past will always be with you, Twilight," Chrysalis whispered. "And if it's good... it will help more than it will hurt. . Don't isolate yourself from anyone. Live... for the moment, and make sure that moment is good, because you only have one shot at it. Always... and forever."

And suddenly, they were back to reality, Twilight looking taken aback.

"You are a strong mare, Twilight Sparkle. And a smart one too." Chrysalis gave a smile. "You did discover my plans after all."

"T-Thank you," she whimpered.

And suddenly, Chrysalis felt her former enemy wrap her arms around her in a hug, and for the first time in three hundred years, tears filled the Queen of the Swarm's eyes.

...

Outside the doorway, a vaetir peered in, letting forth a distorted, unearthly hiss.

The One-Winged Angel

"RAUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGH!.!.!"

BAM!.!.!

A hoof slammed against Dagger's desk.

"Dagger... your blood pressure," a certain mare droned, her with a target for a cutie-mark: Dagger's bodyguard.

"DON'T REMIND ME!" he snarled. "I can't believe this shit! Well, I guess I can, cus I totally called that she she could do some damage... BUT STILL, GOD DAMN!"

"How very genius of you..." the mare sighed.

"I know, right? But it just pisses me off! I need to punch something. Tassadar, can I punch you?"

"No."

"Well buck, then..."

Tassadar lifted a steel-coated claw. "However, I would be more than willing to carry out your orders. Let me kill her, then there won't be any threat..."

Dagger took a deep breath, composing himself slightly. "Na, as pissed as I am, I wanna keep her alive. I sort of... liked tangoing with her. Especially when she gets all flustered."

"Are you saying you have some sort of... crush... on her?"

Dagger gave a bitter laugh. "Crush?! Me?!"

"You do, don't you?" Tassadar said, narrowing his eyes.

Dagger sighed.

"Fine, you got me, but only cus I just have this... need to dominate her... in every way."

"Are you saying I will not be able to have my vengeance, then?!" Tassadar hissed.

"Ugh, do I seem like that much of a hopeless romantic?!" Dagger snapped. "Of course you're still going to kill her, just not now. It'd raise too much suspicion... and I'm having too much fun."

"You are such a control freak," the black-haired mare said, rolling her eyes. "You've developed an obsession for your opponent. The only one to beat you in a long time..."

Dagger shot her a glare. "Oh just shut the buck up and get into the kitchen!"

"I'm poisoning your tea for that."

"Are you two serious right now?" Tassadar droned.

Dagger shook his head. "Na, she can't cook for shit."

"With poison that makes the target gag on their blood..."

"But anyway," Dagger continued. "Aside from antidote shopping later, I gots something else on the agenda! Something for you to do, Tassy."

"Something that isn't a waste of my time, such as sitting here?"

"Hey, don't get uppidity! If you hadn't screwed up in killing Queen Bitchilis, you wouldn't be here! You'd be merrily rounding up changelings right now!"

"Mph..."

"But no worries. I have an idea how to turn things back in our favor - in my playing field."

"And how will you do that?" the black maned mare asked.

"By being a dick, of course! But I'll need your help with this, Tassadar... and a few... assets."

"What kind of assets?"

"The best kind of assets!" he said, his sharpened grin making itself apparent. "The kind we don't need to buy!"

Tassadar lifted an eyebrow.

Dagger then turned, glancing out the window of his zeppelin hovering high about Manehattan.

"Enjoy yourself for now, Chryssy, cus in my world, anyone can win."

"Oh my god this is amazing!" Copycat beamed, chomping a hay-bacon haydog in half with one quick bite. The two stood right in the middle of Time's Square later that evening, lights from a million windows and street lamps beaming down on them. Chrysalis felt like she was literally in the center of the world. And Copycat... well, she was in her own little world.

"Dear lord... guess who's moving to Equestria after all this?"

Chrysalis gave a chuckle.

"All because they have haydogs?"

"You don't understand, my queen," she said, her eyes watering. "If love could be made into actual food, this would be it."

"You're nuts."

"You haven't even had a bite!"

She gave a grumble. "The last time I had normal foods it gave me these terrible stomach cramps..."

Copycat raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure it wasn't just because of that particular food?"

"Maybe..."

"Oh come on..."

At that, Chrysalis gave a sigh, defeated.

"Very well..."

Copycat levitated the hot dog to her mouth.

She winced, and then took a bite...

And her eyes widened.

Three different tastes touched her tongue, all magical in their essence. She felt as if liquid bliss had been poured into her.

"More..." she growled, and suddenly devoured the rest of the dog.

"Hey! Friggin' fatty!"

"Are you calling your queen fat?!" she said, while still chewing.

"No, I'm calling you a fatty!"

"Same thing..."

Copycat rolled her eyes. "Fine... sorry, but it was so good! And now we're out of bits!"

"Yeah," Chrysalis sighed. "It felt good to get into the U.N. today, but... we're probably the poorest people in this city right now." She then cracked a smile. "But you know what? It might be a good thing. We should be living like those we're going to end up helping one day. It'll help build empathy."

"Yeah but... can we go hang out in that bar after this?" Copycat said hopefully. "Cus, you know... hot tubs."

"If you want... I suppose I should start getting to know the new delegates. What did you think about them?"

Copycat tapped her chin, thinking for a moment.

"Mmmm, well Foresight, that minotaur delegate seems alright. Reasonable and intelligent, but trying to get him to back the changelings might be a task. We did hit the minotaurs hard two hundred years ago."

"I struck them when they were weakest..." Chrysalis sighed.

"But that was two hundred years ago, most of them might have forgotten it by now," Copycat smiled. "Undercurrent, that seapony seemed... bubbly, no pun intended, but that's their culture. They're a very joyful, fun-loving race. They don't interact with us land-lubbers very much, but they love messing with sailors... in a playful way, of course. However, there was a time where they became aggressively territorial and began attacking shipping. They claim it was because of some sort of corrupting force brought upon by an artifact they found, but nothing was proven. I think this was the reason why they didn't receive many votes today. Also, I think they've had a few problems with Dagger in the past as well, mainly relating to him intruding upon some of the islands that have reefs nearby they hang out in.

As for the Saddle Arabia ponies... well, they appreciate wealth and flare more than anything. Wealth earned honestly. I don't think they'll be on Dagger's side, but we're not exactly rich right now, nor have we had much contact with them in the past. And as for the Vaetir..." Copycat gave a shiver. "Every time their ambassador talked, I felt like his words were piercing my soul. I have no ideas how the their culture works or what they even want to get out of the U.N. Maybe we could talk to Twilight Soulshard about them? They exist in both the Nightmare Realm and the regular world, right? She's a little odd, but nice. Not what I'd expect out of an undead Lich."

"Yeah... I'm still getting used to this whole 'counterpart' thing. I wonder if there's a counterpart of me in the Nightmare Realm?"

Copycat gave a shrug. "I dunno, but I hope my counterpart isn't something stupid. She'd better be something cool like a vampire-zombie-werewolf or what-not. And not a stupid kind of vampire like in that book Edward Sparklehooves."

Chrysalis gave a cough. "Anyway..."

"Er, yeah. That's the basic knowledge I have on them. Anyway, want to try to talk with Soulshard?"

"Yeah, let's give it a go-ahead."

The two then bid Time's Square adoo, flying off into the night and towards the massive hotel where most of the delegates now called home.

With a bit of searching, they came upon Soulshard's room, coincidentally labelled 666. They heard voices emanating from it, and before knocking, they stopped to listen.

"My god, you're saying you actually like taking baths with water? What's wrong with blood!"

"Where am I going to find that much blood on this side of the fence?"

"I could go kill something for you..."

"That's not even funny, Deathie. And like I said, I like the water! It has a different feel!"

"Oh by the night... you're dead to me, now."

"No pun intended?"

"Haw-haw."

Copycat gave Chrysalis an odd look. "OK then... I'm starting to not want to knock. And who's Deathie?"

Chrysalis rolled her eyes. "I don't know, but come on. We didn't come all this way for nothing."

Chrysalis gave a few raps on the door.

"Huh? Visitors?!" 'Deathie' cried.

"Put your cloak on..."

"Yeah yeah..."

Copycat gave a gulp, and soon, the door swung open, revealing a curious Soulshard.

"Queen Chrysalis, this is a surprise!" she said, quirking her head slightly, with not a frown nor a smile. "Is there... something I can help you with?"

Before Chrysalis could speak, a voice emanated from behind the Lich Queen.

"Hey... wait a second..."

Suddenly, a cloaked figure, apparently 'Deathie', surged forward towards Chrysalis, her face obscured by a hood except for two black holes for eyes.

"You..." she said, a grin slowly appearing beneath the hood.

"Yeeeep... that's me," Chrysalis said, gazing at her curiously.

"Deathie... keep your job out of this," Soulshard groaned.

"What job?" Copycat asked.

"Long story," Soulshard sighed.

"I've been keeping an eye on you, Chrysalis," Deathie hissed. "For three hundred years, you've been giving me a bit of work..."

"Work?" Chrysalis said, blinking. "Three hundred year- who the heck are you?!"

"I have many names, too many to list."

"Alright..."

"And I've got to say, this change of... alignment of yours is presenting me with a bit of confusion. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with you if I'm right about my... timetables.."

Soulshard's eyes widened. "Don't scare her like that!"

"Scare me with what?! I have no idea what she's talking about," Chrysalis sighed.

"Don't worry about it," Soulshard groaned, before putting on a slight smile. "But anyway, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"The pleasure's mine," Chrysalis smiled back. "I just need a bit of information."

"Information?" Soulshard said, raising an eyebrow. "I'm afraid you've come to the wrong ghoul, there really isn't much I know about this realm-"

"What about the Vaetir?"

Soulshard's eyes widened.

Deathie gave a growl.

And... Chrysalis gave a confused look.

"Something I said?"

"No... it's just... I was surprised as any that they showed up. I- uh... didn't want to vote against them, they are kin in a way. But... they aren't exactly honored in the Nightmare Realm."

"They aren't like the regular ghosts there," Deathie hissed. "They aren't even ghosts, actually... they're something different. Something between life and death that just... came about one day."

"Why aren't they liked, though? I thought you guys loved creepy stuff," Copycat said.

"Oh we do, but the reason that they're not very liked is because not only do they not participate in what we were born to do, but because they actually have 'territory' in your world, something that is forbidden."

"Where is their nation, though? You'd think it'd be more than myth..."

"Hidden deep in the mountains south of Equestria. They live in caves mainly, and it's there they wait for any unsuspecting victim to sneak up on them and then... sluuuuurp! They suck the life energy right out of them."

"So it's not just a legend," Chrysalis mused.

"And there's more to them than that. In addition to feeding off life energy, they can actually feed off raw hatred."

"So... they're like anti-us," Copycat blinked. "Only ghosts."

"And a bit like the Windigo," Chrysalis said, scratching her head. "Any relation?"

"I'd postulate that they're related," Soulshard nodded. "Noghoul knows where they came from originally. It's possible that when the Windigo were defeated in this dimension long ago, they fled to the Nightmare Realm. Perhaps while there they began to be twisted by its energies into something different... until coming back home to this dimension."

"Whatever they are, it doesn't matter," Deathie grunted. "If they're here, that's bad news bear. It can't be for anything good. But what they want out of the U.N...."

"Perhaps they want to increase hostilities between nations somehow? To spawn hatred?" Copycat mused.

"Or to work out a deal with someone who could get them easy life energy..." Chrysalis said, narrowing her eyes.

"Dagger?"

"Who else."

"Whatever the reason, I'm not going to be making any deals with them," Soulshard stated. "I'd suggest you do the same. They're not to be trusted."

"We won't. Is there anything else you can tell me about them?" Chrysalis asked.

"Yeah, don't sit near them too long, they feed off life-energy passively, too," Deathie said.

"A-Alright."

"Other than that, there's not much I can tell you," Soulshard said. "Anything else I can help you with?"

"No, you've been kind as to give us this much," Chrysalis nodded. "I'll leave you to your evening."

With that, her and Copycat turned to walk down the hall.

"One last thing, Queen Chrysalis," Deathie spoke up, her tone growing low.

Chrysalis halted in her treks, turning back towards her.

"Don't mess with Edeathstria," she said darkly. "Its name is more than just a pun."

A beat.

"I'll keep that in mind," Chrysalis said, before beginning to make her way from the hotel room.