One month later

There was pain in even the simplest movement she could make. Breathing was a labor, the small risings and fallings of her chest a soreness that seemed so pointless to struggle against. Why did an action so natural, so intuitive that it required no thought to complete, now become something agonizing? But what remnant part of her that could still think and reason asked why such pain should even be a surprise; her entire being was ravaged, slowly crawling towards oblivion. Pain was an expected norm now.

Chrysalis’ breath came through a dried throat, cold air painful to her cracked tongue that hung limp in her mouth. Bleary eyes looked about the darkened room that had become her prison cell, trying to focus themselves on one singular point so as to stop the world from swirling about in a maddened flurry that could not stay still. Why couldn’t the four walls that surrounded her stop moving, weaving this way and that in her vision? It sickened her stomach to witness it, urging what little liquid that still remained within her to free itself from the confines of her body. And when the pain of bile had disappeared, painful bouts of vomiting becoming little more than empty wretching? Still did her world spin about, a mind sloshing about inside her skull.

Her body burned. No, it died- dying daily, moment by moment, a crawl that had become a walk and at last a full-fledged sprint into the arms of the reaper. Chrysalis could not find the strength to fight death’s fangs even if she had the will to do so. How could she even justify the continuation of her existence, knowing what atrocities she had committed? Pillaged and stole, deceived and lied and cheated- for years so numerous that she had lost count. But more than feeding, more than mere survival, Chrysalis had led her children into the most unforgivable act that her kind could ever commit. She had resurrected their old name, the curse that had blighted them. Of all beings in this world that were unworthy of life, it was all too clear that her name would be found upon the list. All the misery she endured in her final days was simply the punishment that fit the crime.

Memory flowed through; gentle touches and caresses, kisses and love so freely given that the overflow was given happily in return. It had made her strong, so much more than any her kind had ever been in all their days. But now the thoughts were like poison, a dagger through her heart that had set to eating alive those she claimed to cherish. She was a thief, a liar, and a monster. Chrysalis wanted those titles to hurt, a branding iron to her skin. But the pain that came tried its very best to bring tears down upon her face, and there was no water left in her that could still fall freely. Even to weep seemed to great a task now.

I suppose I’ll die soon, her mind whispered, distantly as though still in a dream. The thought couldn’t will to life any emotion at all; not fear, not happiness, not even relief. Like one who had run across the great span of the night, endlessly and without ceasing, all that the wearied, once-royal being could still know was exhaustion. Perhaps, when death came, she would no longer have to be tired. Maybe there could be comfort in that.

Outside the four walls that housed her bedchambers, the world had become frantic. Skittering voices hurried this way and that in a panic that had reached a new crescendo, desperate minds pleading for survival. The nest was a flurry of fear as the huddled masses crept about this way and that, wondering if flight from this protected place would be the only means to their survival. Everywhere in the world would they now find danger, but many feared that death had found them here in the confines of their home. And in the depths of the dark, a trio now whispered.

“Can we enter her bedchambers at all?” asked one, a raven-haired woman with a lovely face becoming thin with hunger. “Find a way inside, force her to eat and drink?”

The oldest of them, a sharp-eyed woman with a gaze as cold and fierce as ice, could give nothing but a shake of her head. “None of us could break the seal she has put upon those walls,” she reported. “There is a barrier even in the vents that prevents all entry; not even explosives against the door would see us through if she does not wish it to be. I have looked upon the floor plans for this place, there is no way in that we did not attempt.”

The last of their member, strong and so used to tending to the welfare of her mother, had done her best to listen and keep her lips sealed. As Seniya soaked in the words of those about her and examined them, even her steady features began to grow dark. “If the Ravens cannot enter her quarters, then there is no need for any of us to try further. She is locked away from us.”

“But she is dying!” Ghara’s cool gaze was heated, impassioned by the nightmare scenario that had gripped their nest. “If she perishes, then any hopes of our survival is lost. There is no royal jelly, no new heir- if she would only let us tend to her and see her fed, we would at least continue to exist a little longer!”

Alqa was young, less used to the old ways of her people. Having been one easily impressed upon by their mother’s former lovers, her mind had done well to look upon the tragedy that befell them and glean a different perspective. “But even if we find a way in, would she even allow us to see her survive? Are we sure that this is not a self-inflicted death sentence? You saw how she cast out her Ladies.”

“She would not do such a thing to herself,” Ghara said, but then left uncertain by the thought. “Surely not? It is against her very nature.”

“A nature that was willingly abandoned,” Seniya reminded her compatriot. “The old ways were to be forgotten. She wished for us to become something new.”

Ghara bit her lip and looked away, taking a moment for pondering. She was the oldest of Chrysalis’ commanders, distrusting of new and novel things. When their mother had taken lovers, when their number had grown and seen them all to flourishing, she had allowed her reservations to remain silent in the face of a feast. But now, with their queen’s Ladies long departed and the nest on the brink of starvation, her fears were found necessarily voiced. “But they are gone,” she said quietly. “And they are not coming back. Surely they would have done so by now, if they intended to. All that Her Majesty worked for has been lost, ever since Celestia came. Said something to her, spoke to her privately.”

“She told us not to pursue. If she had been a threat then we would have known right from the start-”

“Celestia came, took away her Ladies, and now we starve. When was she not a threat?” Ghara demanded. “The Horde will not last much longer if we do not have something to feed on; not food, not water, but real, tangible love. If we don’t have something now, we’ll die. We have to-”

“We will not disobey her commands, we will not go out into the world and steal from them again,” Seniya said, visage ironshod as her will. “If we are to starve, then we starve.”

“And you would accept your death?”

“Without question,” Seniya replied. “I would die because she believed it to be right.”

“Can’t we save her?” Alqa asked aloud. “Can’t we get her to eat, to do something? Forget the crown for a moment, she is our mother!”

“And how? We cannot enter her quarters, the world may be in between Her Majesty and ourselves,” Ghara countered. “None of us here possess the strength to overcome her magic.”

“But we know those who could,” Seniya interjected. “We could ask for help.”

A chill went through their number, the action a deeper cut than her words truly suggested. They were Chrysalis’ Commanders, her finest soldiers and most trusted of children. They had earned that title through unwavering loyalty to even the simplest, smallest command.

“Are you sure they would even come?” Ghara asked.

“I have to believe they would. They loved her.”

“And if we do leave this place,” Ghara said in a voice that quivered, “Leave here and seek them out… we will have committed treason against the crown. Our actions to save her life could mean the loss of our own.”

“Then I will see it done,” Seniya said. “My duty is to preserve her life. If it is by my blood, so be it.”

“Please, sister,” Alqa pleaded. “She is our mother.”

Ghara looked to her left, and then to her right, knowing that damnation and death lay all about her. At last a sigh fell from her lips, shoulders sagging as she transgressed the uncrossable line that had always been kept within her mind. “Then there is no time to waste,” she murmured.

It was so quiet. And cold. The absence of external body heat that was not her own was now something that set her mind to awakening, a hearkening to older days that had almost been forgotten in the face of more youthful memories. She had lived like this once before, and it was something she was more than well aware of. Being so deeply uncomfortable with her own solitude was not a feeling she enjoyed in any form, especially now. After all that she had come to know and to love, this quiet cottage that she called home now felt horribly empty.

Fluttershy blinked, stretching herself out on the sheets that covered her bed, a place too small and too vacant for her liking. A quick glance towards the nearby window reported a dull grey sky that slowly drizzled a cold rain to the world below, deep shades of morose color that set the mood so succinctly. How was she supposed to feel anything else, especially when even the very earth seemed eager to keep her countenance crestfallen? The gloom of the damp, muddied day at least befitted her current circumstances.

“You’re not supposed to think like that,” she tried to tell herself, the sound of spoken word a relief to her deprived senses- at least until she heard them filter through the house and confirm its emptiness. “You’re in recovery. Nothing is wrong, you’re perfectly OK. You’ll improve before too long, so don’t let this weather make you be all mopey.”

It was counseling she had been given by Princess Celestia- given to all of them in the days of their departure. When Chrysalis had cast them out from her presence, the victorious royal had done her best to explain what their once-loyal lover had been unable to fully confess: they had all, despite their overwhelming certainty, been deceived by the cunning wiles of an ancient power, their hearts and minds bent to an outpouring of love and affection that had satisfied the appetites of a hungering heart. The ruse had been so subtle, so perfectly designed, that its grasp had come upon them without a single one of them ever knowing they had been caught; not even Chrysalis herself had known just what had transpired. They had been imprisoned by an unwitting jailer, each so certain of what they felt and acted upon that any suspicion of a trap had been laid to rest.

“Nothing I felt was real,” she whispered, looking to her reflection in the mirror and seeing only a shadowed figure. “I never really loved her. I never loved any of them.” Nor had any of their feelings for one another been anything more than a fantasy, conjured in the mind of one eager to enjoy herself. Cadance had never really wanted to bring out Rainbow’s submissive side; Applejack had never really wanted Luna; Pinkie’s sudden excess of confidence was not of her own making, Twilight didn’t want to get involved, and she and Rarity had never-

The thought hurt. It was pain to her very body, a soreness that struck deep within her heart to a place she couldn’t even name. Each time she came to this point it was a struggle, the mantra that she was meant to repeat like glass in her throat. “Rarity and I- we never cared for each other that deeply,” she said, gagging on the words. They had been the first, hidden feelings given life and allowed to bloom under what had seemed tender care. But it had only been part of the deception, a further tie that bound them away; more food, more temptation, more reason to never ever leave.

Fluttershy told herself that it was true, and hated the thought.

The morning went by in its slow, staggering pace that more properly befitted slow days of death and mourning than what was supposed to be recovery. Celestia had told them that any hope of weaning themselves off of such a strong substance such as a Changeling would be impossible due to the nature of what they had become addicted to. Instead, a total absence of Chrysalis’ presence was the only way they would be able to be free and be themselves once more, lest they be forever lost in the clutches of the queen’s supposed love. They had been absent from her presence, her comfort and warmth and love for quite a while now. The young girl supposed that she, being the one who had spent the longest amount of time in Chrysalis’ care, would have the hardest time recovering from the potency of the addiction. After all, it had been a month already; the idea that she would still wish for some attachment probably wasn’t out of the question.

Or it could be that she’d actually had enough time to think things through, and that Celestia had just been completely wrong. It was always a possibility.

“That’s not true,” Fluttershy counseled herself, finding the words hollow. “It’s just your mind trying to trick you because that thought feels the most comfortable. You know it’s not true.” The thin echo that coursed through her greyscale cottage was not a convincing sound, fitting for such an argument. If only she could truly convince herself, one way or the other.

By the time lunch came around, her conflicting convictions had done their work in putting her mind in a tangle, each so determined to outlast the other that the simple task of making a salad became arduous. The meal itself had been something she had decided upon so as to avoid boredom and possibly put her mental efforts to something useful; now it would be needed to allay her growing exhaustion.

The wearied girl gave a groan, burying her face in her hands as she rubbed hard against her temple. It was still so hard to let go, to just move on and accept that what she had cherished was little more than an overwhelming daydream. Why wasn’t it getting any easier to put her mind at ease, to argue against the thoughts that so continuously encroached? Shouldn’t there be some progress, some healthier feeling that would begin to reveal itself? Yet all Fluttershy felt was misery and apathy, an emptiness in her heart that refused to dissipate. This quiet, lonely world she lived in had been the one she had known for so much of her life; it had been pleasant once, but the warmth of company had turned this comfortable life into something so cold and lonely.

“Enough of this,” she muttered at last, pushing aside a half-eaten bowl of greens away and turning to the door. She would put on her walking shoes and go for a stroll into town. Perhaps the company of her girlf- of her friends would help alleviate her unhappy symptoms. Perhaps they felt the same way, and would find encouragement together.

“Come in,” came a voice that sounded unusually tight and strained, missing both the brightness and the professionalism that had always been found within. As Fluttershy pushed open the door to Twilight’s library, she was surprised and yet not surprised to see the bookish woman sitting at the nearby desk with a bevy of books and parchment paper at her fingertips- and upon her face, sagging lines and shadows about her eyes.

She always looked so lovely before, Fluttershy thought sadly, remembering the steady presence of a smile on her friend’s face. Oh, poor Twilight, I wish I could help.

“Oh, Fluttershy,” said Twilight, a tone in her voice suggesting that perhaps she’d expected specific company. “Good afternoon, what… what brings you here today? It’s a miserable day to be walking around.”

“Just a bit bored, I guess,” the young woman sighed, “I just needed to get out of the house for a little while.” It was the first time she’d really been in the presence of any of her… former companions… since they had been returned to their homes by Celestia, the awkwardness of shared memory and how it had all come to an end making the inevitable moment an uncomfortable one. What was she supposed to do here, how was she meant to reconcile the present with past action that had been so intimate? She wanted to reach out for Twilight’s hand at the very least, slip in beside her and place a kiss on those cheeks to help see the despair melt away like the morning mist. But that wouldn’t be helpful, would it? Not useful for either of them in their recovery from a broken hea- from addiction. But it would be so comfortable, so normal-!

She needed to distract herself, lest she really try to give in. “Have you been up all night again?” It wasn’t as though late-hour research wasn’t something Twilight was unfamiliar with.

A nod in reply. “A couple of naps here and there,” Twilight explained, “but I’ve been searching for information on Changeling lore for days now. I started with biology, I’ve tried going through written history, even old myths and legends… there’s just not enough recorded data on the species that can be used.”

“What are you looking for?”

“The truth?” Twilight said, a half-smile as though unsure of the truthfulness in her own answer. “I want to confirm what Celestia said. Maybe if I could understand their origins better, then maybe more of this would make sense. I could break that… that hold on me.”

Fluttershy felt a sense of relief that clashed well with her fear. So Twilight still felt the same, still struggled and suffered just as she; they both wanted to return to that life, that normalcy that had felt so, so good.

“I just keep thinking about what Celestia said, over and over,” Twilight sighed. “She said Chrysalis tricked us all through a combination of pheromone control, seduction, and fulfillment of desire. Yet she also says that Chrysalis was able to trick herself because she was willing to do whatever it took to keep her food supply at a close distance, even if it meant adapting her behaviors to suit her prey’s preferences. So when her behavior changed, Chrysalis thought she had changed, yet was still controlling all of us at the same time. And still believed she’d actually, genuinely changed!” A groan as the royal woman slumped over her mound of paperwork and books, wound up and exhausted by the circular thoughts that had dominated her brilliant mind. “I want it to make sense, I really do. I don’t think- I know Celestia wouldn’t deliberately lie to us, so she really believed what she told us to be true. But what if- if there was just one chance that she was wrong?”

It was the words she’d dreaded hearing- and had most definitely hoped for. “If she was wrong, then… then maybe-”

“Maybe Chrysalis hadn’t been doing anything. Maybe she had really changed, at her core,” Twilight said. “Then that would also mean that what she did to us could be, you know, for us. Like she was really helping us. Like how Cadance helps repair romantic bonds between couples, but hers was for sexuality; if what we were doing was what we’d always wanted to do, then she was a driver- maybe more a catalyst for that change.”

“Then nothing that we would have done would be… bad,” Fluttershy finished lamely. “And that it was OK.” But there were other thoughts, too, unfriendly and not in their favor.

“And then,” Twilight added unhappily, “there is the problem of my brother. And that we still can’t find him, which means he’s wandering out there because of Chrysalis’ actions. Maybe even irreparably damaged, too. It would be…” Her words trailed away, lost to whispers and silence as that whirlwind of questions and uncertainty struck hard against her potency of thought. “I just want to know. For sure. I want the truth, but I don’t even know if I’d trust the truth if I heard it. And if I don’t, then that would make any attempt at unraveling the whole thing worthless. I hate this. I hate it!”

Fluttershy had done her best to be supportive, especially when she knew Twilight would likely have the best opinions available on the matter. Her heart hurt for her friend, twisting in sympathy as she knew how torturous this must be; no matter what decision she made, it would feel like a betrayal. “And if we make any choice at all, it’s a huge risk.”

“Which means I don’t know if I should act at all,” Twilight muttered. “Ugh, this is so stupid! If this universe would just give me a sign so I could have a chance to do something-!”

And it was as though bait on a hook had been taken. From the depths of the silent library came a small shuffling, followed by a hushed voice that called out to them and said, “My Ladies-”

Twilight’s words had been birthed from frustration, not expecting an answer at all. Both women gave a scream and leapt like a cat in the air, searching for the sound that had tried to terrify them-

“Stay your hands! It is only your humble servant!” A woman so familiar took a kneeling position with her hands at surrender, fearful of the potency of power that resided within the princess-

“I didn’t- Seniya!” Twilight’s gasp was of fright and awe, hardly able to believe her own eyes. Not just the Queen’s right hand, but her proudest, greatest children all standing before her. Alqa and Ghara crept out from the shadows, coming to their knees beside their sibling in deference to the two women. It was almost as though she’d summoned them to her presence by the sheer strength of her frustration. “You’re still alive- what are you doing here? Have you been seen?”

“We have betrayed our mother to seek you out, Your Highness,” Seniya said, an urgency in her voice compelling her to speak quickly. “Please understand, the hour is very desperate.”

Desperate? Fluttershy looked over at Twilight and was glad to see that her own concern was mirrored in the young woman’s brilliant eyes. “What is happening?” Twilight inquired.

“Our mother is on the brink of death,” Seniya explained, at last raising her head to face them. “Ever since she expelled you from her presence, she has allowed herself to starve. She has fed on nothing; not love, not food nor drink- she is trying to kill herself by wasting away!”

“Surely you’ve tried to force her to eat by now,” Fluttershy remarked. “Rarity and I spent months updating your medical equipment just in case something ever happened, you have everything you need to help keep her sustained. Surely you’ve tried something!”

Ghara, ever the proud and resourceful leader of the Ravens, struggled to meet the concerned woman’s gaze. “She… she has sealed herself in her quarters, away from all hope of aid. It is a seal throughout the entire chamber, unbreakable save for by great power,” came her low answer. “I have tried everything I can, but she thought us out before we even began to try and break in. We need your aid, Lady Twilight; your power is all that we know capable of overcoming our Queen’s.”

“We would not be here unless it were of a matter of greatest urgency,” Alqa added. “We know she sent you away purposefully. What we have done today in seeking you out will likely be our deaths, but… she is our mother. Please, if there was ever any love for her in your hearts, then we beg you to help us save her life! The life of our mother and all her children need your aid. We forfeit our own, if that is what it requires.”

It was the sign she’d wanted, dreaded, dreamed of. As Fluttershy turned to Twilight, she knew the answer she would give was to find a partner; whether for good or ill, they would see a reckoning come to pass before them. “This is going to get us all killed,” Twilight whispered, the small tinge of laughter born out of fear. “Take us to her, then. Quickly!”

She was drifting away now. The swirling blur of her vision had at last begun to dissipate, swept aside by rattling breaths and empty thoughts that could do little else but look about her world and observe. For too long had she been free of all sustenance and warmth, a strong form turned to rags and bone by the sentence of her own making. Her actions had not been unsuspecting, not foolhardy; Chrysalis had known full well what judgment she would suffer if she cast out her beloveds. But for so long now she had suffered, agonized days that lasted far too long when sleep would no longer come. She had hoped death would come soon, take her away so swiftly that it would be like a specter in the night. Instead, having grown fat with strength, she continued to linger.

And now, each dying day was torturous.

Chrysalis heard something beyond the ringing of her ears and failed to find the strength to rise and see what the matter was. A thump? A flurry of voice beyond her reach? It did not matter, of importance so little that she couldn’t even care. So her children talked; let them. Even if they droned on and on, rushed voices that sounded painfully familiar.

Maybe death has finally come to take me, she thought with a sense of great relief. Death has come for me and will at last end these days. Can mercy find it within to grant me an end at last?

Another great thump, another rush of voices- then a terrific Slam! that was soon followed by the shattering of glass, tinkling bits falling to the floor all about her. An ether veil fell from the world, scales from her eyes. Chrysalis’ vision remained blurred, but the white haze that had befallen it was disappearing. Something was rousing her senses, something beyond her own will.

And the voices grew louder! Still speaking from a distance, but now sounding close; it was a strange thing, really, as though the gap between self and sound was a margin of her own making. And shapes moved about before her, pulling at her form and setting her upright. Familiar forms, now hard at work and moving about her as they tried to do something she couldn’t guess. Chrysalis had always supposed Death as a simple being, an elegance to its methods. Instead, the great reaper took the form of many faces, affixed with a great many items and machines.

“Chrysalis! Look at me,” came a call from across the breach, eyes staring intently into hers. “Come on, focus on me- severe dehydration and emaciation, we’re going to need everything from the medical chamber-”

Was Death saying why she had died? Confusion had always been strong, but this was strange. Perhaps it was the delirium.

“There is… it,” came another voice, more gravely than the others; older. “She… food or water… what keeps our kind alive.”

“Would it overwhelm her if we..?”

“I… small gesture may be safest. But carefully…”

There was a creak of wood. Chrysalis closed her eyes, ready to be taken at last- then a small, comforting press of something against her cheek.

The fever did not fade, but the lessening of its strength was remarkable. The chills that plagued her body began to dissipate, so much of the aches and pain that afflicted her form began to melt away. Death’s embrace was comfortable, peaceful even. She had always been afraid that it would hurt, but that fear was clearly unfounded; if this was to be her end, then it was not such a horrible way to go.

“Chrysalis… can you hear me? Try to look at me.” She was able to focus upon the source of the voice now, finding herself looking into the sharp eyes of Twilight Sparkle. To think that Death would take the shape of someone she’d loved- maybe the end possessed a sense of humor.

“Did I ever tell you of how we came to be?” Chrysalis asked of Death, her words slurred and unstable as her head lolled upon a weak spine. Maybe now, here at the end, would be the best time to tell the story.

“OK, so you can at least see me,” said Death, again setting to work on something the once-regal queen couldn’t see. “Keep talking, Chrysalis, that’s a good girl.”

“Long ago… long before kingdoms and crowns, there were two women,” Chrysalis continued. It was a relief to be able to speak the secret at last. She almost wanted to laugh. “Two women more beautiful than any other… any other in the whole wide world- and they both loved the same man.”

“I’m listening, Chrysalis, keep going… Alright, you’ll have to insert it carefully-”

“Both women wanted him so bad. They would give up… give up everything to be with him… but he only loved- loved one of them in return. The younger woman, so… so confident in her beauty and riches, she had never thought… that she would be the one to be rejected. To be passed over for the pitiful, penniless maid,” Chrysalis breathed.

“There we go, that’s the drip. Now we’ll have to check her back, the sores will be awful-”

A coolness in her form, comfortable and relief to the senses. Delirium remained, but so many of her agonies were fading. “The rejected woman went into… into a fury at them both. So enraged was she that her sanity was lost, for… for a time,” Chrysalis said. “And she was so angry that when she found man and wife together, she cut off their heads and butchered their bodies.” A drunken giggle, for reasons even she couldn’t fathom. “And then she carved- carved out their hearts and ate them!”

Silence all about her world for a moment, perhaps her words a shock even to Death itself. A surprise, really; Chrysalis had seen terrible things in the world, surely the Maker of All Ends would not be left stunned by a story such as this.

“And when my grandmother awoke… she was cursed,” Chrysalis slurred. “Cursed forever. Long life, un… unable to love. Needing to eat love to survive, ruining everyone she touched. A monster. And so was… and so was her daughter. And so am I.”

“Just… just keep talking, Chrysalis,” came the voice of Death, perhaps now recovered from its pause. “Just keep talking.”

“Nothing could fix it. She’d taken… taken so much. Ruined love, ruined lives… She deserved her curse. So she made her… her daughter worse than her, and her daughter made nests… and the nests tore her apart when she couldn’t feed them anymore. And I did the same to my… to my mother, when the time- came.” Chrysalis breathed a sigh of relief; the truth was out, out from her mind and away from her senses forever. She would die free of the burden of their curse, at least, and that was more than she’d ever expected. “I’m glad I get to die; I deserve it after ruining those girls!”

“You didn’t- Chrysalis, that’s not what-”

“I wish they could have loved me,” Chrysalis whispered, her strength fading fast as darkness fell about her eyes. “I wish I could have loved them. They… were good girls.”

The last of her might slipped away and she fell back against a surface that was soft and comfortable, cool to the skin. If this was the final moments, then none of it was so bad. She’d been given more peace and finality than her miserable state could have ever dared to hope for; maybe this was all she had been waiting for in the end.

The blackness stayed; swift as a river, coursing her mind across an empty current that carried her away from all pain and thoughts of despair. It was a comfort to be this way, so calm and tranquil. She could see stars overhead as she was carried away, twinkling so bright that they seemed like diamonds against fabric of dark velvet. All around her was the cool of the water, the comfort of the ebb and flow that brought about healing. Chrysalis allowed herself a sigh and a smile as she went on with her effortless journey. This was a peaceful time.

And then it disappeared. In an instant, all the blackness around her came to a halt and was turned to a soft glow of light that pressed against the lid of her eyes. One eye cracked open, soon followed by another that made its dry protests. A lamp’s bulb burned on the nearby nightstand, its dim colors bleeding out onto the surroundings that were… her bedroom?

Chrysalis tried to raise her head and immediately felt a stab of pain, the month of inactivity doing its work in making even the smallest of actions agonizing. She couldn’t possibly be dead if something hurt that bad. But just in case-

A second raise of her head and she knew she was most unfortunately alive. Gods above, that hurt!

“Stop trying to move so much. You still need to rest,” said a voice. Warm, soft, and soothing to the ears, the sweetness and concern within it. Chrysalis’ mind, free of the delirium, knew perfectly well who it was, but the cold horror that shot through her like lightning couldn’t accept it. Of all places, this was not where she should be!

“Get away from me,” Chrysalis muttered through gritted teeth. “Please... why are you here?”

“Because I want to,” Fluttershy said softly, leaning over from her place at Chrysalis’ side and brushing away stray hairs that obscured the ailing woman’s vision. “You’re safe. Twilight and I are here, we’ll look after you.”

“You shouldn’t.”

“I want to.” Fluttershy said it so simply, that demure smile on her lips consuming the starved woman’s attentions. “Just keep resting, Chrissy. You’ll be alright.”

“You’re here with me, nothing is alright,” Chrysalis muttered, now wracked with despair even as she made to obey and let her eyes fall shut once more; so the addiction remained. She really had destroyed them.

Sleep came intermittently, whether she be awoken by the activity that transpired at her bedside or her time of rest coming to an end. So disconnected from sunlight and daily rhythm, it was difficult to tell just how long she lay there. But each time she awoke brought a change, a sort of strength to her frame. One moment’s waking saw a glass of water at her bedside, and the strength that was needed to grasp it was found in her fingertips. Another saw a small plate of food, there for her to consume; despite her best efforts to die, a pair of very determined young ladies were bringing her back from the brink, and Chrysalis was more than a little frustrated by that fact.

Another day’s awakening finally saw the clash of intentions. Upright in her bed, eager to finally be away from it –or at least far away from this place she had called home- when the door to her bedchambers opened to reveal Fluttershy, a tray of food in her hands ready to be devoured.

“I hope you’re hungry,” the sweet woman said, setting the tray across Chrysalis’ legs and letting the ripe scent of a pungent meal fill her nostrils. “This meal should be a very special one. Twilight and I think that you’re able to start walking around again; you’re certainly looking a lot better than just a few days ago! I guess you can recover very quickly.”

“Why are you doing this?” Chrysalis demanded. She had strength for this fight now and was determined to spend it. For too long these girls had kept her alive at the cost of their own will; it had to end now, the connection be severed. Even if she had to do it herself, she would see it done. “You know you’re not supposed to be here, look at what it’s done to you!”

“I’m where I’m supposed to be,” Fluttershy replied, an answer that was not really one at all. “Now come on, you! You’ve made a lot of people very worried, and they want to see their mother again.”

Her children had brought them here? Chrysalis opened her mouth to speak but soon found her senses consumed by the smell of the food that lay before her; rich and flavorful just by aroma alone, a slight sweetness in its depths that was… quite familiar. In fact, she remembered this meal: chicken in mole sauce, a small tinge of chocolate to add extra flavor. And only one person would think of that.

“Is Pinkie here too?” The horrorstruck queen asked, eyeing the young woman like a hawk. “Did you drag her back into this?”

Fluttershy’s gaze darted this way and that, a small sigh passing through gritted teeth. “We… she wanted to help. When she found out how you were, I mean. And-”

“You actually brought her back? You were told to leave this place!” Chrysalis fumed, anger and horror at the poor decision enough to help her ignore the stiffness in her movements. “It was bad enough that you came back, but to rope in more of you-! Are you out of your minds? What is wrong with you?”

“That’s about what we expected,” the young woman breathed, turning to the door. “Twilight? Would you come here, please? You were right.”

Chrysalis suspected this whole conversation had been a set-up when she saw how quickly Twilight made an appearance. The other woman must have been listening outside the door, waiting for her to start her protests. It was a smart move, much as the angered queen didn’t want to admit it. “Oh for gods’ sake-”

“We didn’t make Pinkie come with us,” Twilight cut through. “We told her what had happened, and she asked if she could come help. And it’s likely a good thing, too, the food in the larders was starting to rot, the stink would have found its way throughout the entire neighborhood. She’s done a wonderful job of getting rid of the rotten items, what could be saved is helping feed everyone else.”

“But you shouldn’t even be here!” Chrysalis snarled. They had to understand, even if she had to push through an addled mind to do so. “You’re not here because of your own will, you’re here because I wanted you to be!”

“Are you sure about that?” Twilight countered. “You put a seal on the door to keep others out- and it actually took me a lot of effort to break it down, by the way. You’re not happy that Fluttershy and I showed up, and you’re still trying to get us to leave. If we were actually doing what you wanted, you’d be dead.”

“I took control of you. I used you for what I needed to survive. You know this,” Chrysalis shot back.

“Well, you’re not doing a very good job of controlling us, it seems,” came the brilliant woman’s reply. “So why not let us just do what we want and make sure you and your children don’t starve to death?”

“Even if it costs you your free will?” the queen challenged. “You’re choosing to be a slave, and for what? To save a heart-eater! Do you not understand who I am?”

“I do, thank you very much,” said Twilight testily, “So please stop trying to stop me. I love you; Fluttershy loves you, Pinkie loves you. We’re here because this is where we want to be.”

“You can’t love me and you know it!”

Twilight’s patience came to an end at last, the princess giving a magnificent groan of frustration as hands pulled at face and hair alike. “Oh for heaven’s sake, will you shut up!” she cried. “You’re not going to get your own way for once in your life, you unbelievably whiny brat! We love you, we want to be here, and you’re going to get better- so get over your bad attitude and just live with it already!”

The words shook the luxurious bedroom, the silence that followed after of a thunderous kind. Chrysalis gaped at the furious woman, desperately wanting to continue the argument but finding herself slapped into submission by the sheer force of speech alone. Surely Twilight knew what sort of danger they were in, what even these simple acts of kindness would cost. Chrysalis couldn’t be loved, or love in return; Twilight’s choice was to take part in a willing lie, to be a slave to someone else’s will. So even if it was Chrysalis’ will that she leave, still the beautiful woman would stay-

But then again, that didn’t make much sense, did it?

“You yelled at me,” Chrysalis whispered.

“Yes I did,” Twilight snapped, hands on her hips and refusing to budge. “And I’ll do it again, so help me- if you don’t let us take care of you, I’ll… I’ll- hey, stop laughing!”

But Chrysalis couldn’t help it! In all her years of life, the countless souls she’d met across endless miles of road and choices, not once had she ever been scolded- not once! Yet now here she was, trying to convince a mind-controlled person that they were mind-controlled and trying to use mind-control to get them to leave, and even failing at it! The whole thing was a mish-mash of contradictions and paradoxes so great that she couldn’t do anything but laugh or burst into tears. “You yelled at me!” she gasped. “Oh my goodness… that was hot!”

It was too absurd a reaction for the girls not to join in; no one quite got the joke the same way, yet the three couldn’t keep smiles and mirth away. It made no sense, was all quite insane, so the thought only made them laugh all the harder until self-control was lost in the rush of air and emptied lungs. It was quite a while before any of them began to at last catch their breath and come to a halt, wiping away tears and clutching at the stitches in their sides.

“Chrysalis?” Twilight said.

“Yes, Twilight?”

Twilight bit her lip, trying to prevent her growing smile. “Your mind-control is worthless. And you are such a brat.”

“Whatever you say, then,” the wearied queen replied. “I am at your command.”

“I certainly hope so,” the young royal said. “Chrissy… eat, and then we’ll get you cleaned up so you can start walking around. Get better, and we’ll… we’ll see what comes next.”

“What comes next is finding your brother,” Chrysalis said. “Whatever has happened to him, whatever enchantment that befell him, I’ll- we will fix it. You have my word.” Perhaps an impossible task, but one that she would see done. One wrong she at least had the chance to make right, and so thoroughly deserved for those she loved.

Twilight smiled. “I was hoping you’d say that,” she murmured. “Now I know I made the right choice.” A small curtsey and the young woman made for the door, departing to places and duties out of sight.

And so it was just the two of them, Chrysalis and the girl she had tricked right from the start, their roles now reversed and putting them to shame. She’d never felt so powerless, her own life not even in her control any longer. Instead, this sweet, slender young woman who she’d once thoroughly deceived now dictated her future- their future, and she would simply have to accept it. Of all the things to expect…

“You know we’re staying, right?” Fluttershy asked, absentmindedly playing with the wrinkles of the bedsheets. “That we’re not going to leave anymore?”

“You’ll stay,” Chrysalis said. “Forever.”

“With you, forever,” she affirmed. “And it’s only because we want to. You never chose that.”

“And if you’re wrong?”

Fluttershy smiled. “But I’m not. You ought to know that by now, silly.”

Instinct took over; a hand, frail and still trembling from weakness, reached out to find itself enclosed in the gentle grasp of another. A small warmth that burned in her heart like candleflame, intensified and set to glowing as they rested against one another; heartbeats felt across flesh and bone, small feelings that were a comfort to her soul. As Chrysalis breathed in her faithful beloved, she felt a shudder in her spirit that made tears spring in her eyes; for the first time in her life, she thought that she might really know what it felt like to be belong.

“I love you,” she whispered.

A small giggle. “Love you, too, Chrissy,” Fluttershy breathed, leaning in close for the long-awaited inevitability. “Welcome home.”

And as those soft lips found their pair, a wearied queen knew she was free.

The quiet home began to fill once again; slowly, over the course of time so as to be discreet. It was not a wild, chaotic time filled with sultry moments or lavish unions, but instead a simple series of arrivals that set fretful hearts to resting. Chrysalis did her best to protest, at least a little; she had to make sure that each reunion was of their own making, not a decision made out of fear or force. But each time another came, all that met her objections was a simple finality; they would remain.

Pinkie’s permanent residency saw Chrysalis’ children renewed, so many of them following the vibrant woman around like a string of adoring puppies. Hanging on her every word, her every order, glad to have their favorite caretaker in their presence once more. The miasma of fear that had permeated the nest dissipated, swept away by the joyous sounds of Pinkie’s laughter. The quiet nest that had once been on the brink of extinction was coming alive once more.

For a time, there was little activity to speak of beyond the simple comforts of each other’s company. Fluttershy and Rarity’s reunion was one of tears and comfort, yet all that came from their rejuvenated romance was a simple embrace and the holding of hands. Applejack’s rush into Luna’s awaiting arms was only a fierce hug, not a sudden frenzy that needed to be dealt with in private quarters; Rainbow’s greeting to Cadance was only a kiss of her hand, a meeting between a lady and her suitor.

Chrysalis couldn’t ignore the stab of guilt that came when the Princess of Love put her arms around her, the incredible comfort that radiated from her more hurtful than pleasant. After all, she had been the first to suffer, if not the most to suffer, from the Changeling Queen’s actions. What right did she have to accept any kindness in return? “We’re going to find him again,” Chrysalis whispered into Cadance’s ear. “You have my word, we’ll find him, and we’ll break whatever curse lays upon him. For you, I’ll see it done.”

“I know you will,” Cadance replied. “That’s two promises you’ve made to me now, if you remember. Is there still a room for me until the time comes?”

“For as long as you need it,” came the reply. “You are under my protection for the rest of our lives.”

There were small moments, here and there; hugs and gestures, touches and presses of lips upon cheekflesh- but never more, no spark that would set them aflame. Even when hinted at, suggested, Chrysalis would guide them away from such paths of thought. Something was keeping her from moving forward, from that last act of carnal union that would see them fully bound once again. “You’ll know when the time is right,” was all the queen would say in response. “You’ll see.”

And as time passed before them in its swift flow, they soon did.

Their moments of comfortable solitude came more often than they once did; in the labyrinth of rooms and floors that made up the nest, the rejuvenated queen and her ladies would often retreat into its depths to be alone. Away from prying eyes, only one another for their company, even an entire day could pass by without a care in the world. They were together, and to ask for more than that was perhaps a bit too much to risk hoping for. This second era of togetherness was something that was meant to be cherished in peace; whatever came next would come on its own time without any hurry or fuss.

“Oh, man,” Rainbow muttered through a mouthful of noodles, “Pinkie, I am never going without your cooking ever again. I don’t ever want to eat anything else unless you’re the one making it.”

Pinkie, sitting against Twilight in the corner of the lounge and nestled comfortably on a loveseat, gave a little laugh at the enthusiastic remark. “You live just two streets away from the bakery, silly. Why didn’t you come down and visit if you were hungry?”

Rainbow paused at that question, momentarily muted by an uncertainty or an unwillingness to answer. “I… I don’t know, why I didn’t,” she eventually said in a murmur. “I guess I just didn’t… after everything we’d done, I figured it’d be- awkward.” The vibrant athlete paused in her meal to look about the room. “Did- I never saw any of you the entire time we were gone. Can anyone say different at all?”

A roomful of shaken heads, save for two. “Fluttershy came and visited me for a little bit when Seniya came searching for us,” Twilight answered. “And I was starting to crack, so… good timing, I guess.”

“Yeah.” Rainbow picked at her meal, strangely morose in countenance for one so brash. “I wish we hadn’t left,” she blurted out. “I think we should’ve stayed, should’ve tried to talk this out. I don’t feel like I was doing anything- you know, against my will. I- I missed you all…”

As the prismatic woman’s visage continued to cloud, Rarity leaned over and held her hand in a calming squeeze, a smile on her lovely features that spoke to her willing forgiveness. “Make it up to us sometime, darling,” she said warmly. “And I think we’d all need to return the favor.”

“This time, we stay together,” Luna said, her strong voice rippling through the room like the ocean tide. “I will not be torn from any of you again, not if I can make the choice to remain. We belong together, to the end. Surely none of you would say different?”

A scoffing sound came in response, an unexpected sound from the mild-mannered Fluttershy; taking all of the tumult and reunions in stride with an ever-present smile, the young woman had felt little need to speak much since their number had been restored. “Of course none of us would!” she said, sounding almost indignant. “I’m better when I’m with you. I’m happier because, well… this is where I want to be.” Her strong emotions that had flared up just as quickly vanished, she returning to her steady meekness. “You all… no one minds that, right?”

“Without you, my love, there would not be any ‘us’ at all,” Chrysalis said, and meaning every word. “And I am glad that you belong here.” It was a truth that she wished had come from her lips long before now, long before any separation had come to pass and seen her endure such emptiness. But here, with so little time left to spare, she had at last found the opportunity. “I hope what bonds you all share continue, no matter what circumstances come to pass.”

A strange thing to say, and the fact of it did not go unnoticed. Twilight had turned to say something to Pinkie sitting beside her, but stopped and turned to her beloved with an uneasy expression on her face. “And what would make you say that?”

Because I can feel her coming. Chrysalis knew the potency of her presence full well, and if she was already this close then time was about to run out; this last meeting of minds was to decide all their fates, for good or for ill. With a treasure so valuable at stake, she knew it would need to be seen done. “I have done something none of you are going to like,” she cautioned. “All of you will be safe, at least I think so. But this may be difficult to endure.”

Twilight gazed at the woman she adored and saw in her eyes the melancholy that was tinged with fear, terror of a potential finality; armed with such a shrewd mind, it did not take much to figure out just what was coming. “Chrysalis, what did you do?” she whispered.

Chrysalis’ smile turned wan and became a grimace. “We have to know for sure, Twilight,” she said. “There’s no other way.”

“But not like thi-”

The door to the lounge was pushed open; slowly, not with force that spoke to any rage or great urgency, but calmly thrown aside to reveal the loveliness of Princess Celestia striding towards them, seemingly unsurprised to see Chrysalis there before her. Even after her great efforts to sever the parasitic connection that had wound them all together, the sight of the once-great queen yet again surrounded by her bevy of willing beloveds was not a shock. All that stood before the sunlit royal was all that she had expected, and not an ounce more.

All eyes darted to their unexpected guest, the mixture of reactions speaking to shock, fear, and even anger. After the misery that had come from their separation, the sight of the one who had orchestrated such an ostracizing was not what any of them had wanted to see so soon. They had only just begun to be comfortable in each other’s presence, not even truly able to drink deeply of one another; it was far too soon to endure another wave of isolation! How could she have known that they had come together in harmony yet again? Why did she have to even bring it to an end at all?

Their first question was swiftly answered, and from a rather distressing source. “You received my message,” Chrysalis said, rising to her feet and meeting her guest with a small bow. “I’m grateful that you came so quickly.”

Celestia surveyed the hostile group, unfazed by their distress at the sight of her. Considering just how deeply the infection had gone, it wasn’t much of a surprise. “They came back,” she remarked. “And you did not send for them?”

“We came because we-”

Chrysalis raised a hand, gently shushing Fluttershy’s outburst before it had even begun. “Patience, darling,” she said. “In due time; for now, it is just Celestia and I.” A turn back to her fellow royal, no hostility between them as though this clash of kingdoms were little more than a mere social call. “I was likely on the verge of death when Twilight and Fluttershy returned. They were quite keen on keeping me alive.”

“Interesting.” Celestia eyed the aforementioned pair and found herself met by defiance in the both of them. “And the others? Summoned by my former protégé, or of their own free will?”

“Pinkie came at their request. The others… as though it were instinct.” Chrysalis sighed, beholding her dear loves and trying to ignore the pounding of her heart; what was to come next was crucial. “Would we ever know if it was of their own will? Even if I sent them away –countless times over- would they still return? Like a moth to a flame, or can we tell a difference? Is this choice, or did I truly enslave them so deeply?”

Celestia took her time in answering the question, pondering her companion as the thought was mulled over. It was not a light query to ask; the weight of her answer would ripple across them as a stone striking water, especially when it would affect all of them so deeply. Chrysalis had once been her enemy, yet had deliberately sought out her aid. What belief she had possessed in the queen’s villainy was more or less gone, even if her actions had created such negative consequences.

“I… I don’t know, Chrysalis,” she said at last. “We may never know. I wish I could give you a better answer, something more tangible, but…” A long, wispy sigh as the beautiful woman of sunlight shook her head. “Addictions of the heart are hard to break, and you were buried deep within them; the likelihood that this is something that we could truly sever seems just- we’ll never be able to be sure.”

“Nor that what I feel for them is genuine love.”

“It’s impossible to know. You know your history, your heritage. A curse like that is strong magic, not easy to wipe out,” Celestia said. “There may never be a way of stopping it.”

Chrysalis swallowed hard; so that was to be how it ended. “I know a way,” she said, voice beginning to tremble. “And I will need your help.”

Celestia eyed her companion, wary of the cryptic reply. “What do you ask of me?”

“I ask,” Chrysalis said as she fell to her knees, “that you sever the connection once and for all. You must kill me.”

One could have heard a pin drop, the room becoming deathly silent and icy as a tomb as the elegant queen’s request rang through their spirits. Bowed before her once-enemy in utter submission, the great leader of the Changelings was asking for an eternal severing, one that would end her cursed bloodline and restore her beloveds to their fullness once more-

“Wait a minute!” Twilight said, the first to recover and regain her senses. “Chrissy, you can’t just- but you said yourself that you don’t even know!”

“It is the only way- it is the only way to be sure!” Chrysalis fired back, her voice ringing hot as protests began to spill forth and ring in her ears. “I will not see you bound to me unwillingly, not any longer. If my death is what will set you free, then so be it.”

“I chose this!” Fluttershy sputtered. “I love you, isn’t that proof enough? What makes you think that you’re making me do anything?”

“You will not interfere. This is for you, for all of you! I was never meant to do this to you, and I will not see you punished for my failures any longer. So stay silent and let this come to pass, I am begging you!”

Surrounded by obvious distress and given such a deadly task, even Celestia found herself unnerved by the Changeling Queen’s willing walk into oblivion. “You’d willingly sacrifice yourself to spare them,” she murmured. “Chrysalis, you do understand what you’re asking- I have to make sure.”

“If there is no other way, so be it,” Chrysalis said. “I will not have slaves any longer; beloveds, or nothing at all. Just… Celestia, promise me something.”

Celestia, growing increasingly discomforted by the ghoulish scenario, struggled to look the beautiful queen in the eye. “I’ll try.”

“Keep them together. Make sure of it,” Chrysalis pleaded. “Just because I… they belong together. Even if it’s without me, they belong together. Look after them, be for them what I could not, in my stead. Please. My children, my armies- they belong to you. Wield them well, and see them safe from the curse that I have put upon them.” Her heart clanging wildly within her chest, her emotions wrapped away and torn from her spirit, Chrysalis bowed her head and waited for the searing knife-edge of paracasual force that would sever flesh, blood, and bone alike; an end to a curse and an enslavement all at once. It would not be enough to redeem her people nor herself, but it would be an end to a long, drawn out death that lasted centuries. Perhaps that would at least be something.

Celestia knew what was being asked of her. Chrysalis had willingly offered herself as sacrifice, pleading for the royal to be her personal grim reaper. Yet just mere inches behind were the distraught, furious, pleading faces of those who cherished that splendid queen, begging for their lover’s dying wish to be utterly denied. Fluttershy’s tears scalded her own skin, Rainbow’s fury burned hot in her eye, Twilight and Luna kept shaking their heads and mouthing “no” to her endlessly. All around her was a multitude of requests that pelted her heart and mind like hailstones, leaving her so unsure of what to do. If she was right, then the spell would dispel like the clouds and they would be free of this incessant servitude, bound only to one another and willingly so. She would be able to see them cared for, see the Changeling horde secured and safe from themselves and the world around them. It would be a monumental victory. But if she was wrong… if she was wrong, then Celestia would crush so many hearts at once, break bonds of genuine love, rob countless children of a mother, and see her own name be stained by murder. And she would only have one chance to get it right.

A small tremble, a feeling of energy pouring from her fingers and trying to take form; instinct was fast at work and trying to see the task done, power dripping out from fingertips to take the shape of an executioner’s blade. It would all be so simple, so easily done. Nothing more than a small flick of the wrist, and the war would be won before it had even begun. But now she was surrounded by pleading faces, knowing she would have to face countless more if she were to leave this place. Motherless children, bereaved lovers, and her own reflection that would see little more than a killer. She’d always been a guardian of her people. And here this beautiful queen knelt, offering all of her principalities to be made part of her kingdom, even her own life- all so that what she held might stay safe and whole.

Maybe it was an act, a façade; maybe it was an act of love, too. Perhaps she’d just have to guess.

Chrysalis’ hammering pulse beat strong beneath her fingers as the sunlit royal took the queen by the wrist and brought them both to their feet, trying not to laugh at the wide-eyed stare of shock that came from those dark-green eyes, pockmarked by blotches of red that came from unbidden tears. The lovely Changeling had expected a swift death, a finality; instead, she was being met by an uncertain mercy. What a choice I have made, Celestia thought wryly.

The darkened woman held her breath, not sure that what she endured was real. “Celestia..?”

The glorious princess sighed, shaking her head as lips came to form a smile. “Heavens knows how I’m going to regret this,” she said. “Dry your eyes, Chrysalis. For now, I am convinced.”

A lightning bolt struck the room and thundered in a chorus of gasps, wind pouring through as forms rippled in delight. It couldn’t be real, a mere delusion of the mind to shy away from reality- but Celestia was there, wiping away Chrysalis’ tears and holding her steady as the queen was overwhelmed.

“But- you don’t know for sure!” Chrysalis gabbled. Why was she trying to reason against this? Self-loathing, suicidal ideation, shock? “What if I betray you- betray my Ladies? Even against my own senses, what if-”

“Perhaps you will. Perhaps you won’t,” Celestia said. “But I am willing to believe in your choices today. You may live on, Chrysalis; your children may live on, your Ladies remain by your side. And I shall be here, to watch and observe the truth. For as long as it takes.”

Chrysalis’ trembling continued unabated, elk fever setting in as the specter of death crept away from her form and off to the ether; she was going to live, and she was going to stay with her Ladies! The beautiful beloveds that had made life worth living, awoken her spirit for the very first time – she would never have to leave them ever again! She wanted to cry, laugh, anything at all as she held to Celestia and tried to summon more controlled sensibilities. But so close to the edge, and now met with ecstasy, mere words did not seem enough to fully encompass herself.

“Celestia, I-” she returned to the ground, this time on one knee as she held this glorious woman’s hands in her own. “What you have done is, is- my people and I belong to you, forever! I am yours to command, to wield so long as I have life. Anything you ask of me, I will give it. My Ladies and I are yours to enjoy-”

Celestia, taken unawares by the unexpected offering, flushed a sudden red at the offering. It was one thing to be said, but the fact that Chrysalis seemed to mean it- and the rest of them also, all caught up in the overflow of joy that they were more than willing to agree. She hadn’t come here expecting a harem, nor did she really need one! I mean, it even- well, it wasn’t too terrible, but… “That is not- not necessary, Chrysalis,” she said, smiling out of her embarrassment. It didn’t help that each one of them was truly lovely to behold, and likely highly experienced under the great queen’s tutelage-

“No! No! I insist, I am yours,” Chrysalis pressed, caught up in her own fervor and quickly losing control. “Anything you ask of me, anything! I will gladly give it, I swear!” And as if to prove it, Chrysalis swooped upon her conqueror and took hold of her lips in a fierce, overwhelming kiss.

“Wow.” Applejack gawked as she watched the two royals be united, Chrysalis’ forceful passions taking the sun princess by surprise and sending her to staggering. It was as though it were more than just a kiss, more than mere affections; this was a sealed promise, a peace that would continue to last ever longer. Even if it began with such intense, passionate feeling. And it wasn’t at all bad a sight to witness. They all knew Chrysalis could kiss better than just about anyone on the earth, but the sight of her so deeply wound about Celestia wasn’t unappealing. Two beautiful women bound by the mouth, such supple bodies pressed against one another- and if any of their guesses were right, Celestia’s slowly loosening form might just suggest that she was enjoying it a little; an awkward giggle came here or there, and for more reason than one.

Only short minutes ago, the air had been cold- now it might be starting to warm up a little.

Chrysalis relinquished her kiss from Celestia’s stunned lips, the two still face-to-face as the first crescendo came to an end. They could look upon nothing but one another, see into the depths of each other’s eyes; the joyous queen saw pools of soft color like precious jewels; the sunlit princess beheld dark colors like the dark of a forest, set alight and burning with longing. A longing, she realized, that was starting to take hold of her own spirit.

“That was- different,” Celestia said. “Umm. I’ve never… never made peace with someone quite in that way.”

Chrysalis knew she must press her advantage. Now, before it was too late. “I hope you enjoy what comes next, then,” she whispered, her voice becoming silken in sound. “After all, I’m only the beginning. We’re yours- whenever you want us.”

“I-” Celestia’s voice disappeared for a brief second, then she simply shook her head and sighed in defeat. “Oh for heaven’s sake.” She took Chrysalis’ head in her hands and returned the kiss with her own fervor, unable to resist the temptation of those succulent lips any longer. “Don’t disappoint me, will you?”

Chrysalis glowed with delight, taking her newfound ruler in her arms and eager to reward an unexpected act of mercy. “I wouldn’t dream of it!”

Held fast in the embrace of her one-time foe, Celestia found herself rather at odds with herself and just how she was supposed to feel. She hadn’t really meant to kiss this woman back, but had found herself somewhat caught up in the moment; after all, she was supposed to be the calm, sensible one. But Chrysalis was in a frenzy, searching for her lips and finding them with a ferocity unmatched. The overflowing queen was relentless in her physical caress, eager to make every loving kiss be the best she’d ever felt- and try as she might to return things to a more sensible level, Celestia couldn’t help but enjoy the feeling of Chrysalis’ own plump pair, even offering more than one kiss of her own.

Why are you enjoying this? She asked of herself, even as she put her arms about the queen’s neck, a hearty tremble as the first slickened touch of something delectable upon her lips. You shouldn’t be joining in. You don’t even know what you’re supposed to feel!

Another long stroke across her lips, and Celestia felt herself weaken. Oh gods help me, she feels amazing. Chrysalis’ touch was better than the finest silk, her sweet scent like an aphrodisiac; the longer they kissed, the more the sunlit princess found she enjoyed it- and wanted even more.

“Wait- wait, just a moment,” Chrysalis gasped, pulling herself away for a brief second, regarding her partner with a fire now burdened by uncertainty. “You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to- I don’t want to push you, I’m not trying to… to trick you or-”

“You’re fine, Chrys,” Celestia said, soothing as one could be when they found themselves hungering. “Now you’d better spit on my tongue or else-!”

For those watching the sapphic scene unfold before them, to push away a blush was impossible; Chrysalis had been charged right from the beginning thanks to her whirlwind of emotions, but to see Celestia become just as willingly frenzied only made it more delicious. Each of them already knew Chrysalis’ sensuous beauty, the bountiful breasts and the lines of her figure that had so willingly transfixed them all; she was sexuality in all its glory, magnificence of lovemaking unrivaled. But now they were regarding someone new, the regality of the greatest princess of a kingdom now set afire by her own lusts. Celestia possessed a sultry finesse all her own, eagerly matching the great queen’s decadence with her own unique flavor. Perhaps enflamed by one another, the two were being pushed beyond any restraint- and the results were magnificent to watch.

“Oh… Mmmf…” Twilight couldn’t tear her eyes away, but she needed to stop. It was awkward to just watch, to do nothing at all and simply stare. But wait, was it? She’d even commanded some of her friends to make out for her own pleasure, why was she even trying to be ashamed? With her body practically steaming, the younger princess was in no mood to simply cool down; with princess and queen so intentionally entangled, there was no reason to hold back. And she needed it to be fierce, something remarkably potent! “Luna, would you-”

“Too late.” Pinkie’s giggle brought the brilliant woman from her inner world and back to reality. Pressed against the wall of the lounge and most definitely occupied elsewhere, Luna and Applejack had returned to classic form and had become deeply entangled, making out with such a ferocity that the poor farmgirl’s shirt had been torn open so that her freckled breasts were free to be fondled, the night princess happily kneading away as though it were instinct as her favorite partner held the two fast together and met each tonguestroke with her own sloppy actions.

Perhaps they felt the young woman’s burning stare upon them as they enjoyed each other, for the two lovers suddenly broke apart and turned to the crowd that continued to sit and stare at their small world’s unraveling. “Couldn’t wait, sorry,” Luna breathed, turning back to her farmgirl and stripping away what clothing remained. They had gone without one another for too long to be subtle any longer.

It did not take long for the others to pick up the cue. Cadance was in her element and began to work her magic, centering herself on the couch and bringing in Rarity and Rainbow for an incredible dance of salivating delight, the union of their sexual intensity and passionate romanticism like a symphony of angels. Too open and free to be anything but soaking, the three women giggled and sighed as they felt the waggling of one another upon succulent morsels, closing in upon one another with each new lick. And the sight was oh, so marvelous; she couldn’t resist enjoying the view…

“Aw, you’re just gonna leave me all by my lonesome, Twilight?” Pinkie’s voice was in her ear, playful and teasing. Distracted from her own pleasures, she found herself looking into a pair of warm blue eyes, her beloved right atop her and eager to please. “You don’t need to touch yourself unless you really want to. Mind if I help instead?”

“Please!” Twilight pulled down on her skirt and spread herself wide so as to lay forth a meal; after all this long waiting, she knew Pinkie would be hungry.

Now falling against a comfortably nestled lounge chair, Chrysalis pushed her lover down against its soft frame and crawled atop, marveling at the beauty of this woman who so willingly had taken her offer at last. She could imagine everything about her, the decadent form beneath that robe of white and gold. Where should she begin? Breastplay? More kissing, maybe a long suckling of her tongue? Or should she just dive right into the heart of the matter and make Celestia sing? There was too much to explore, to enjoy- how could she hope to pick?

“Can’t decide?” Celestia grinned up at her, clearly able to guess the hungering woman’s confliction. “If you can’t make up your mind, then…”

“Of course! Take your pick, my darling,” Chrysalis breathed.

“Well, then…” A snap of her fingers and their clothing left them in a blink of an eye, the two royals now bare and able to be viewed in all their magnificence. Chrysalis eyed her partner in wonder, at last able to really know the perfection of Celestia’s form. Those breasts were so shapely, her form so wondrous to the eye, at last there for her to drink in! “Why don’t you let me explore you for a little while?”

“Anything!” Leaning in more closely, the perfect queen crept forth a hair’s breadth and let her own succulent mounds await their new mistress’ passions. For only a moment were they untouched, Celestia taking hold of her new prize and enjoying herself; wild licks along breastflesh that made the Changeling Queen shiver, flicks of the nipple that sent lightning through her skin. And she’d only just started, the sensation of this woman upon her amazing-

She could only cry out once before her mouth was forced into silence by a kiss, one she knew by heart; Fluttershy had come to caress her face and find the lips of the one she loved, bringing Chrysalis’ calls of delight to a soft sigh held fast by the longing presence of another. Unwilling to go to another’s arms, waiting patiently for the right moment in which to bring herself into the fold, the gentle-hearted girl had sought out the one she longed for, at last able to have her so deeply yet again. Yet not in quite the same way; Fluttershy was the gentler of the two, quieter and softer in her acts of affection. This kiss was neither, a frenzied thing like one driven mad by hunger- enough to bring the darkened queen’s focus away from the pleasures upon her breasts and to something nigh insatiable.

“My darling butterfly,” Chrysalis whispered, words caught between swift presses of lips as she tried to keep up with the delights of those around her. “What on earth has you so-”

“I missed you,” Fluttershy said, her voice burning with sorrow and longing. “Please, I- don’t make me stop. I need this.”

Make her stop? The feeling of Fluttershy drawing out her serpentine tongue for a slow, deliberate suckle was enough to make the overloaded loveseeker nearly catatonic. Pleasured in two places at once by such beautiful beings was so much to take in, if not too much. As the sweet woman continued to suck away on that delectable morsel, so came the sensation of teeth gently tugging at her nipple; pain, but of a far more pleasurable palate, a bolt of lightning that trailed ever downwards. Even Chrysalis, ever the mistress of sex and desire, found herself beginning to weaken at the knees, struggling to hold herself together. It shouldn’t feel this good, but she was surrounded by the passions of so many love-starved souls- herself included! The heady romance filled the room to overflow, a pristine aroma that was only heightened by being held in the midst of it by such physical delights. It was intoxicating, overwhelming, and she could hardly believe she had lived to see it.

“Oooh, oh my god,” Chrysalias breathed, her smile almost dazed as her sweet beloved at last relinquished her loving caress. “Fluttershy..!”

Fluttershy beamed, eyes shining as bright as stars at the sight of one so priceless brought to such arousal by her own actions. Once shy and timid, terrified of even the thought of romantic actions, now she had this perfect woman weak and practically begging for more- more of her! “I told you I loved you,” she said in a faint giggle. “Didn’t you believe me?”

It was Chrysalis’ turn to take control, that brilliant, salivating muscle pouring into her awaiting mouth and eager to rediscover the realms of flavor and delight that lay within. Oh, how she’d dreamed of this moment, Fluttershy at last returned to the world in which she belonged. Here in the grasp of this perfect queen, utterly lost at her touch. Why had she ever left, ever agreed to do so? It was a crime that she’d ever-

But then she was pulled away, left unfocused; yet not quite, as a new sensation came forth and brought her sweet tongue out into the open. New, unfamiliar in both flavor and action, yet still quite pleasurable all the same. As the sweet tang of Chrysalis disappeared, Fluttershy’s eyes went wide as she realized it was Celestia who now kissed her, the princess’ gentle tongue slowly exploring her own. Blushing fiercely at the thought that these two perfect royals wanted her, Fluttershy returned the sunlit woman’s exploratory licks with ones of her own; so she was to be part of them now? The idea wasn’t a bad one, and she certainly wanted her to feel welcome- and she did feel quite good…

Celestia pulled away, leaving Fluttershy a bit dazed from the unexpected kiss, thin strands still connecting them for the briefest moment before Chrysalis plucked them away for her own tastings. To the young woman’s eyes, the sun princess was beginning to quite enjoy herself in these throes of passion, despite her initial reservations. Perhaps, just like her sister, she possessed a bit of a wild side.

“What was that for?” Fluttershy asked.

“Just to see what the fuss was about,” Celestia said with a grin. “No wonder she loves you.”

Another flush of red, so she said her thanks with a kiss instead. “Thanks for everything,” she replied.

“Now- Chrissy,” Celestia said, turning back to her prize, “Show me what you can do. I hope she won’t distract you too much.” Her legs began to spread just a tinge, enough for the message to sink in.

Chrysalis looked beneath her frame and saw the glorious sight of Celestia’s slit, there for her to plunder and already beginning to dribble. This gorgeous princess was aroused and aching for release because of her, and she would be allowed the gift of finishing the job. Oh, it was simply too good! Slithering down to the floor and pushing those smooth legs wide, Chrysalis began to lick away- but only just. Small strokes along her outer lips, gentle brushes that would only graze. If she was to leave Celestia fully satisfied, she would need to act with the utmost finesse; a passion fit for a most beautiful princess.

But perhaps easier said than done. Just as she planted a kiss on lower lips, Chrysalis felt hands grasp her bottom and spread them wide; Fluttershy’s doing? Judging by the tentativeness of her actions, yes, but she’d never tried to eat her like this before, not there. She’d always been too unsure of herself or simply more interested in enjoyment elsewhere. Yet she was most definitely digging deep-

Oh gods help me! Fluttershy was deep within her and was not trying to be subtle. With absence came longing, and that longing was now heightened by pleasures in realms of her body she hadn’t felt in ages. With her sweet love already feasting on her ass and doing a fine job of it, suddenly the task of leaving Celestia well and truly satisfied was a little more daunting- or more invigorating, she couldn’t quite tell which. Only one way to find out!

As Celestia’s sighs of contentment began to join in the growing symphony, the siren song did not go unnoticed. Twilight, still seated in her place by the table, was watching the spectacle with some degree of awe. Considering what was transpiring before her, it was difficult to say who was most enjoyable to watch. After Pinkie had lathered away her affections, the curvaceous cook had gone to join Applejack and Luna’s ravenous feasting, both she and the farmgirl setting themselves upon the moonlight princess with an almost violent fervor that even her potent skills could barely contain. Yet there on the couch was another delightful sight as Cadance continued to guide her partners along; she, Rarity and Rainbow Dash bound to one another by long, glistening bands of saliva as they fingered one another. With each new lick of tongue came a new sigh, each wiggle of a finger brought a new shudder. The three were positively soaked already and still they held, wanting to enjoy one another for as long as they could possibly manage before falling to exhaustion. And there was Celestia; crying out as she was pleasured by Chrysalis, the hungering queen in a struggle as Fluttershy buried her tongue deep in her ass, only adding to the spectacle. And Celestia cried out, her own sounds like something from heaven. Oh, how she’d longed to hear this! Princess Celestia in the midst of ecstasy, driven mad by love and delight… why shouldn’t she add herself to the mix?

She saw movement coming closer out of the corner of her eye, almost a blur in the midst of this wondrous delirium. Celestia forced herself to turn her head and take notice, focus away from the delights that lathered away below and hold on a little while longer. The presence of another, coming towards them so as to join in- and it was Twilight! Perfect timing, she rejoiced silently. A reason to endure further, to push her own passions out and enjoy Chrysalis’ skills for as long as she could; Twilight’s schoolgirl crush had gone unsatisfied for far too long. It was about time she apologized for such a cruelty.

“Twilight-! Twilight, take a seat!” Celestia called, a small twitch in her eye as she felt another lick. “On me, quickly! Let me make you scream!”

The brilliant princess’ eyes shot wide open. She’d come over with the intent of simply gaining a kiss; apparently she would get far more than that, if not everything she’d once dreamed of. Wasting no time and not wishing to hesitate on such an offer, the young royal cut loose and took a seat atop Celestia’s face, just enough room for her dream princess to explore in whichever way she saw fit-

The first hearty licks did not take long to arrive, enough to make the now-experienced woman gasp in excitement. Celestia’s sounds of delight had only been bait, meant to draw her in; now she would add to the symphony a sound all her own. Whether it be some awoken voraciousness within the solar royal’s heart, a hidden desire for her former student -if that was the case, it was rude to wait this long- or the presence of Chrysalis driving her to madness, the young woman couldn’t tell. Nor did she care, perfectly content to let Celestia eat her fill and set her to singing. Occasionally she would pull at Twilight’s labia, teasing nibbles that would give off shots of electricity; her tonguestrokes were what she preferred best, deep dives in between that would lather back and forth in between and sending the poor girl to squirming. She’d just sat down, well-licked by Pinkie’s thorough cleaning, and already she was struggling to hold the tide of ecstasy.

Chrysalis plucked away in between folds- and then was forced to pause, a magnificent shudder ripping through her perfect form and nearly toppling her senses. What on earth had gotten into Fluttershy? She felt marvelous, lack of experience be damned! And those little squeezes of her rump that would come as though from the pleasure of the act, perfectly timed alongside deep, thorough licks that plunged her deepest depths. Absence of love had made her weak, and this excessive feast was pushing her to the edge. And to think she usually held right till the end-

Another shudder, this one without warning; she was close, and Celestia had yet to give any quarter. As much as she wanted to enjoy the rush of orgasm, she still had this exquisite princess to ravish; restrained no more, the maddened queen plunged fully into her lover’s slit and plundered whatever she could, tongue sliding through every nook and cranny she could find and striking with such a ferocity that her partner trembled from the mere contact. This way and that, everywhere in between- any small portion of space she could find until Celestia’s writhing finally became a great, seizing motion as she held back that last morsel, one final motion that would unleash the flood for just one instant longer-!

A quick lick of her depths and Chrysalis broke, unable to restrain herself any longer. Fluttershy’s magnificent love of her hindquarters reached its zenith and she felt her joys spill forth like the crash of a wave. Unable to continue on and enjoy the fulfillment of her efforts and lap away at the gushing of her princess, Chrysalis simply sunk into the feeling and let herself enjoy the sensation that came across her body and consumed her senses. Sweet, wondrous relief, at long last! For far too long she had been left hungry, aching for the comfort and presence of another. Now she breathed out, strength slowly returning as weakness was pushed away in the face of love given freely; never had she gone without for so long, and then suddenly given so much so quickly. The reunion with her beautiful beloveds was at last real, made even better by the addition of one last companion. Never would they have to hide away in the dark, fearful of discovery; they were safe, and they were free.

The sensation of hands upon her chin roused the delirious woman from her happy thoughts, Chrysalis’ focus pulled away from within so as to meet the tenderness of Celestia’s lips- and finding them sweetly flavored by Twilight’s own juices! Suddenly awake to her surroundings, the darkened queen realized just how much had transpired outside of her contented bubble; Fluttershy was embracing her from behind, small kisses on her neck as the young girl whispered away words of happiness while Twilight still sat on the lounge chair and seemed to be reveling in the recently-made memory.

“I hope I made it up to you,” Chrysalis said as Celestia’s kiss at last released her.

“Hmm…” Those gorgeous eyes twinkled, lips stained yet still brimming with mischief. “It’s a start,” she replied. “Although you were indeed… quite wonderful.”

“You can thank her for that,” a hand placed on Fluttershy’s own and rousing the girl from her sweet nothings. “Without her, I… and here I thought I’d stolen her away.”

Not keen on being the center of attention, Fluttershy simply smiled and tried to wave away the flush of pink on her face. “I didn’t make you do anything at all,” she said. “You’re being silly.”

“Oh, I am certainly not,” Chrysalis said, suddenly finding that her young beloved’s naked form was something that required her attentions. “My little angel, what would I have done without you there to save me?”

“Saved you?” Celestia echoed in a faux gasp, leaving the younger woman blushing all the more. “So I have her to thank for your wonderful efforts.”

“But I didn’t-”

“And she convinced me to help out,” Twilight interjected, sliding in behind her former mentor. “And she knew that Chrissy wasn’t going to hurt me, and brought me in to join the fun…”

“Sounds like I have someone to thank,” Celestia remarked. “I hope you don’t mind if we return the favor- do you?”

Outnumbered four to one, Fluttershy was overwhelmed in a heartbeat, taken by surprise and soon left transported; the sounds and sights of their reunion had only just begun.

I figured the last major chapter should be a longer one. Sorry if it's a bit much.

Keep reading, I guess.