The Meaning of Chrysalis

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.