The Meaning of Chrysalis

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,

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,

From anyone!

Even if it's from the goddess,

Who I used to love,

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.