The Meaning of Chrysalis

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.