The Meaning of Chrysalis

"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.

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Outside the doorway, a vaetir peered in, letting forth a distorted, unearthly hiss.