CHAPTER 2: PREPARATIONS

Chrysalis remained curled up in her corner, sleeping peacefully, dreaming.

In her dream she saw images of the vast kingdom of changelings, before it'd been destroyed. She couldn't help but think it was beautiful, her expression lit up at the mere sight of it. Then, darkness swarmed over the kingdom, it slowly started to deteriorate, rot away into nothingness. The vast structures crumbled effortlessly as if they were made of paper. Chrysalis's eyes widened, she shook her head "No!" she screamed. She watched in horror as the destruction continued, then she felt something forcefully turn her around, before she could see what it was, she woke up.

SPLASH!

She blinked a bit, shivering, cold water drenched her face. She had trouble processing what'd just happened, she staggered to her hooves, shaking somewhat as her tiny bug-like wings flapped. Suddenly she was greeted by the voices of two obnoxious ponies, they were dressed like Lunar Guards and had disgusted expressions on their faces. They looked to each other before eyeing Chrysalis who was still in somewhat of a daze.

"Eyeck, what is it? It looks like a giant bug." The other guard shrugged "Princess Luna wasn't kidding when she said they were housing a monster down here it seems." His fellow continued "Well either way, we need to keep our distance, no telling what type of things it could do if we get too close." One of the guards beckoned at Chrysalis, holding a bowl of some old bread mixed with vegetables "Hey, look what I got, food, comon, come and get it." The guard cautiously lowered the bowl into the cell, as Chrysalis peered at it with wide eyes. She'd looked quite hungry, eyeing the food, craving it.

As they backed away to give her some space, Chrysalis rushed over to the bowl, scorching down the food like some sort of dog. As she ate, to her surprise, she found it tasted dreadful, it wasn't filling, but it would have to suffice. Why wasn't she getting the satisfaction out of this meal? Why did she still feel painfully hungry, starving, craving for something else in specific? As she ate her food she cried, practically eating the bowl, I'm still so hungry! She began to scrape at it, trying to rid herself of this feeling of starvation.

The lunar guards just stared at her observingly, one nudged the other "Greedy little thing huh?" The other sighed shaking his head "It's not that it's greedy, Princess Luna said they feed off love or something. I'm not entirely sure how that's supposed to work but hey, why do you think we were sent down here? We certainly don't love each other." The guard stuck his tongue out at his comrade "Bleh, that's for sure."

Chrysalis's eyes snapped wide, feeding on love would rid her of this torturous feeling? She was confused, how was that even supposed to work? She shook her head, who cared, anything to get rid of this insatiable hunger. She ran over to the bars of the cell, she was practically groveling, begging "Please, give me some love! I'll do anything! It hurts so much!" The lunar guards backed away, their disgusted expressions returning to them.

"Eyeck! Back, back I say!" one of the guards laughed "Haha, 'please give me some love?' ah, comon, let's get out of here, we did our duty." The two guards rolled their eyes with smug smiles, just walking away from her cell and making their way down the hall. Chrysalis looked pained to see them leaving, she started to cry.

"Please, please don't leave me here! I'll do anything, please!" As they faded from sight, she was overwhelmed with grief, the words barely escaping her mouth as she slumped down in her cell "Please don't go..."

As she remained in her dark cell, she attempted to find things to do to take her mind off her insatiable hunger. She played with the bowl often, wearing it as a hat and even jumping over it as if mimicking a leap frog game. She took pleasure out of hearing the ponies talk from above, it was really distracting, and somewhat fascinating. At times she'd find herself just sitting there, looking up with wide eyes, all these terms they used were so alien to her. Canterlot, Ball, Dances, sometimes it made her whimper, she envied them so much, it sounded like they were so fortunate to be who they were.

Chrysalis just remained in her corner, waiting for the guards to return.

The next day she found her awakening to be similar to yesterday's.

SPLASH!

The guards felt a little bad about needing to splash her with water, but they were told it would be the quickest way for getting her to wake up without the need of approaching her. Once again they brought some food, veggies and a little bread. "Here you go, come get it," one beckoned.

Chrysalis was much calmer today, she sluggishly made her way over to the bowl, eating it at a steady pace then after she was finished, she said nothing, going back over to her corner and curling up.

This was her daily routine.

The guards would come, give her something to eat, and then they'd leave. They would also give her some water at times, but not so often as food for some reason. They returned every morning, giving her a splash of cold water which she'd relish in at times due to thirst, then feed her, then leave. Chrysalis grew used to the hunger, the pain never stopped but she learned to bare with it. This was her life, this was the only life she knew at the moment, she might as well accept it.

Time inevitably passed, hours turned to days, days turned to months.

The seasons changed although she wasn't aware of it, winter had come and gone, spring was near.

It felt unreal, but this was her world so she knew no better. She'd lost track of how long she'd been going through this routine herself, even after all this time her past was still a haze. She never found out who turned her around in that dream, but she didn't really care at this point.

Everyday was the same. Nothing new happened, just the same old dull routine. Chrysalis had gotten a little bigger, not that much bigger, she was still practically a filly. Her mane had also grown in length, her horn was taking on a peculiar shape. As she listened to the ponies converse above, it was humorous how easily she could identify them by their voices.

A pony up above stated "I must say that is a lovely dress you have on!"

Chrysalis twirled her hoof with a bored expression "Mr.Daring Mane."

Another voice replied to the pony "Why thank you Daring Mane!"

Chrysalis continued to twirl her hoof "Mrs.Perky Plum."

Daring Mane laughed confidently "My pleasure Perky Plum!"

Chrysalis looked over at her bowl with a grumpy expression "Hey, don't look at me like that." The bowl said nothing, Chrysalis sighed "Well, sure I know it's too easy, but it's not like I can make the Princess bring in new ponies, sheesh." She pouted & looked to the left, then eyeing the bowl, it still said nothing.

In the royal quarters of Canterlot Castle, Celestia was laying comfortably atop her bed, flipping through the pages of a novel, the book was titled Secrets of the Timelord. Her horn was glowing a vibrant yellow color, ceaselessly moving the pages for her with the touch of magic. Even as she relaxed, she was the living embodiment of elegance, beauty, most would envy the natural grace their princess possessed, who wouldn't? Celestia chuckled as she mumbled to herself while skimming through the book "Oh Starswirl, you never cease to amaze old friend, I hope your journey bolds well..."

Suddenly the door to her quarters opened, a infuriated Luna trotting inside "Sister! I have much need to speak with you!"

Celestia's eyes widened as she noticed Luna's sense of urgency, she sighed heavily before closing her book, then focusing on Luna, giving her sister her utmost attention. "Of course dearest sister, what is you need to speak with me about?"

Luna nodded, taking full advantage of the situation "It concerns Discord, we have not seen him in months sister. What is it you're planning? It's obvious he is plotting against us, I say we quit stalling and find him before he causes anymore destruction within our borders, I wish to take the entire battalion, we will hunt him wherever he hides, just give me a chance to search!" Luna pleaded.

Celestia looked at her sister with a grim expression, she lowered her head, then denying her sister as Luna's eyes widened. "Sister, Discord is no fool, yes I realize it is likely him responsible for the attacks. But until I am positively certain I won't have you risking your life over it." For a fleeting moment Celestia looked as if she were in agonizing pain, as if somepony took a spear to her heart, her brows furrowed in discomfort, but as quickly as it appeared, that expression was gone, revealing her familiar grace. "So until he reveals himself, I will not have you running around making accusations. Discord is no simple being, he is powerful, it will likely take more than you and the battalion to overpower him, I'm sure you know this."

Luna gritted her teeth in anger, looking down, yes she did know, even with all her power Discord would not be easily bested, not even with the entire battalion backing her up. But she was flustered, worried, where was he? What was he scheming?

Luna gazed back up at Celestia, defeated, saddened "Yes, I understand. But why do we sit idle and let him roam freely? Together we can defeat him, it's obvious he has gone rogue, I always warned you sister, just as you keep your pet down in the dungeons, I've warned you that Discord would inevitably turn on us. He will not learn, he will never learn!"

Celestia cringed a bit in reaction to these words. Yes Discord had disappeared for the last few months but would he really dare betray her trust, would he be so foolish enough to go against her rule? She knew Discord, he was smart, he wouldn't do something if he knew it to be a bad strategic move, would he? Key points surrounding Canterlot had been getting sacked recently, utterly decimated, it was not the work of a common foe, but neither sister could link it back to Discord directly, there was nothing relating to him at the sites. Luna had her suspicions but Celestia was still skeptical about the entire thing.

Celestia winced at Luna "I will put my faith in Discord, until then, we will speak no more of this sister."

Luna scowled "Ugh! Why are you doing this sister? Why are you willing to risk your very subjects for these things? These monsters deserve no mercy!"

Celestia sighed, "They did not ask to be born monsters Luna. I only wish to perfect them, shape them into creatures that can live in harmony within our lands. I will continue to attempt this, and if I fail, they will be put down, you have my word. But Discord is known to be a little unorthodox, for all we know he can just be visiting another region of Equestria. We have come to accept him as an ally, so I will not make such a decision until we are absolutely certain he has betrayed us."

Luna sighed heavily, before turning to leave "Fine, do what you will, it's always been like that anyway. Now if you don't mind i'm going to go ensure the safety of my subjects sister."

Celestia smiled "No, now that were on the subject I wish to speak with you concerning our other peculiar guest. The creature in the dungeons sister, how does it fare?"

Luna raised a brow at Celestia, a little skeptical at first, and confused "Wha? Why are you even- uuugh, it's doing fine. It remains hidden in the dungeons. Surprisingly enough it still lives, although we've cut it off from its main food source."

Celestia smirked at her sister, "Then I believe it's time."

Luna shook her head, somewhat puzzled "Uhm, time for what?"

Celestia fluttered over to Luna eagerly "For us to move onto phase two of my plan. It is time we welcome it as a guest in our home."

Luna gasped, taking a few steps back "WHAT?! HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND SISTER?"

Celestia shook her head "No I haven't, trust me, everything will make sense with time."

Luna gritted her teeth, unable to hide her rage, she paced, taking in a deep breath before sighing heavily. "Fine, once again you make a decision that can cost us everything, but I'll stand by your side sister."

Celestia smiled expectedly, as if she knew Luna would say those words "Thank you sister, you won't be disappointed. Now let's go, I wish to see it for myself."

Discord padded through the field of snow, around him, fire engulfed the entire area. He glanced around searchingly, wincing his eyes somewhat as his arms were crossed. He seemed highly focused at the moment, as he muttered to himself "Not here either it seems."

"DISCORD!"

Discord glanced back at the origin of the voice. It was a unicorn, obviously a high ranking member of the Celestial Guard based on his armor, Discord recognized him. "Oh, it seems i've finally been spotted, how unfortunate. Have you been tracking me Bravemane?"

The stallion snarled somewhat "I always knew you were a lying scoundrel Discord! I'll put you down myself!"

Discord chuckled lightly "Will you now? I assume you'll become the king of Equestria next?"

The stallion gritted his teeth, he levitated his spear with magic, obviously offended by Discord's words.

"Heh, cocky words coming from a cowardly traitor!"

Discord remained composed, he raised a brow "Traitor? Wouldn't that mean I was your ally?"

The stallion snarled, letting off a mighty roar, then charging Discord head on. Discord simply sighed, keeping his arms crossed. He did not move from his spot, instead, just as the stallion attacked, the snow surrounding Discord moved on it's own, suddenly turning into chocolate icecream it protected Discord like a makeshift barrier. The stallion's eyes widened as he seemed shocked, his spear was useless, the icecream was impenetrable? Discord just stared at him with a bored expression as with a flick of his claw, the stallion was knocked off his hooves, getting flung backwards like a ragdoll.

The stallion struggled back to all fours, he still had a determined expression staring down Discord.

Discord questioned him in a curious tone "What? Would you prefer strawberry?"

The stallion continued his charge as Discord rolled his eyes "as much as it would please me to entertain you Bravemane, I have more important business to attend to." With that Discord vanished, he still spoke however "take your news back to your princesses Bravemane. Until next time hmhmhm."

Chrysalis remained in her cell, but surprisingly enough she was chuckling, happily.

She lowered her head towards her food bowl, raising a brow with a smug smile "Ya know! You really need to lighten up!"

The bowl said nothing.

Chrysalis gasped "Next you're gonna tell me i'm the selfish one, mhm, sure sure."

The bowl still said nothing.

Chrysalis moaned in discomfort rolling her eyes "Listen shiny, I'm doing the best I can alright!"

Suddenly she heard the sound of faint trotting down the hall. Chrysalis blinked a bit, then laughed softly, she trotted over to the bars of her cell, waiting for the guards to show up. She spoke in a humored tone "You guys do realize it hasn't been six hours yet right? I mean really guys, comon it's not that hard to remember." She closed her eyes chuckling a bit to herself as the trotting got louder and louder, then halting in front of her cell. She placed her hoof on her chest confidently as she smirked, still with her eyes closed "Yea, uhuh, that's right, even down here I remembered my time!" She opened her eyes but what she saw wasn't the guards, it caused her expression to sink dramatically, her body trembled as she immediately scurried back against the wall, even stumbling somewhat. Standing in front of her cell, were both Princess's, puzzled expressions on their faces.

Chrysalis spoke in a nervous, hushed tone "P-Princesses uhm, hello, w-what brings you here? I– I swear I didn't do anything bad, honest."

Luna's nose wrinkled in disgust as her eye twitched "It got bigger..."

Celestia smiled at Chrysalis "There's no need to be afraid little one."

Chrysalis peered at Celestia curiously.

Celestia continued "Would you like to know why we've come?"

Chrysalis hesitantly spoke "W-Well, if you don't mind telling me."

Celestia laughed softly before nodding "How would you like to get out of this nasty little cell?"

Chrysalis's eyes widened, was she serious? She was offering her a way out of this dark, damp place? She hadn't seen these two since she was first taken, now they were offering her a way out. Chrysalis's expression lit up, did she do it, did she finally prove to them she wasn't some evil monster? She nodded at Celestia eagerly as Luna sighed, Celestia returned the affectionate look and then opened the cell door.

"Then come, let us begin."

Next Chapter: Chapter 3: Affection Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 42 Minutes