CHAPTER 3: AFFECTION

Chrysalis's eyes were wide, as she, along with both princesses, were making their way out of the dungeon she'd been trapped in for so long. She walked slowly, practically limping somewhat, but Princess Celestia was patient, Luna however couldn't help but groan every time Chrysalis seemed to fall behind. As Chrysalis followed the two beautiful princesses before her, even now she couldn't help but stare at them in awe.

It made her heart ache somewhat, these were the ponies that had put her down here, they'd slaughtered her kind, and took her prisoner, isolating her in the dark for months. How could she still feel admiration for them? She winced somewhat, running the thoughts through her head. But these were also the two that spared her life, that gave her a second chance, a chance at redemption. Chrysalis still wasn't even sure who was in the right, her memories were but a haze and all she knew was her kind were considered monsters, the slaughter was a necessary evil according to Celestia. Was that true? Should she be grateful they even considered taking her? Should she be happy she didn't have her memories? Were her kind really no more than rabid dogs that needed to be put down? So many questions ran through her head, and every single one only confused her more, causing her to sink into a deeper depression.

Maybe I should be grateful.

The thought was fleeting, but it meant much. Without realizing it, she'd practically made a decision. Either way, at this moment, as she looked up at Celestia who only seemed to give her caring affection, it made her eyes swell with tears. She couldn't help but feel happiness, even though these ponies were likely to blame for ruining her entire life, they took her out of the dark, and Celestia, oh how she was so kind. Ever since she'd woken up, her life had been a total nightmare. She saw the corpses of fellow changelings, her home in ruins, was taken prisoner, treated like some caged monstrosity for months, and now somepony was finally showing her some kindness. Somepony was actually treating her like she were no different from any other pony.

It meant the world to her.

As they continued to trot down the hall, Chrysalis noticed at the far end they were coming closer to a large wooden door. Her eyes grew even wider, her body began to tremble as her heart raced, it was finally coming to an end. As they arrived at the door, Chrysalis stopped dead in her tracks, she looked over at Celestia as if, still seeking her approval. Princess Celestia just looked back at her with an affectionate smile, muttering "Are you ready to take a look at your new home?"

Chrysalis was frozen, she didn't even know how to react to such words. She simply said nothing, just looking ahead as Luna let off a light "Tch," pushing the door open softly with her hoof. As she did so, they stood in front of a large pair of stairs leading upward. Even this was mesmerizing to Chrysalis, the beautiful marble material the stairs were made out of fascinated her, they looked so beautiful compared to anything she'd ever seen before, and this was only the stairs leading out of the dungeon, and deeper into the castle. The castle she yearned to see for so long, that she could only imagine in her head as everypony enjoyed themselves at these so called dances and balls. She would finally be able to see it herself.

As all three of them slowly began making their way upstairs, Chrysalis peered over at Celestia, then at Luna, both who had very different expressions regarding her. Chrysalis knew Luna didn't like her very much, it was only obvious, she wanted her dead, and for what she wasn't certain of just yet. Chrysalis recalled her guards, they'd mentioned when they'd first seen her Princess Luna had informed them she feeds on love. Chrysalis felt regret, even to her, that sounded quite dreadful. Feeding on love, what kind of monster does that? And it had to be true, even now she could feel the hunger quelled up inside her, begging for satisfaction. It didn't take a genius to figure out by now, that was the first step. Chrysalis had to beat her temptation, prove to the princesses she didn't need to feed on love to survive, and she finally did it. No matter how desperately she wanted to feed, she wouldn't, because even after all they'd done, she still yearned for their acceptance.

These two ponies, her guards, and Discord, were practically all she had. What would angering them, and despising them accomplish? She grieved for her fellows but, who were they to her? She couldn't even remember any personal attachment she had to any of them, family, friends, nothing came to mind, besides physical appearance. These two however, for all she knew they could have been saving her from herself. They were beautiful & powerful, they were rulers, princesses, masters of their own world, Chrysalis could only envy them, but perhaps she could prove herself to them, perhaps she could show them she wasn't as they described. She already seemed to be making progress, perhaps even someday, she could be just like them.

As they arrived at the top of the stairs, Chrysalis continued to admire everything, every little detail, every little speck, everything was just absolutely beautiful. The corridors they were trotting through were decorated with golden streaks of paint, the walls and floors were made of a shiny marble material, spectacular windows etched with intricate designs as if telling a story of their own, could be seen all around. Chrysalis had never seen anything like it, there was that craving feeling again, except it wasn't for love, it was for this very kingdom. Jealousy overwhelmed her, these princesses had it all, loyal subjects, authority, power, respect, this beautiful castle. She looked down in shame, she was practically a fly compared to the two of them.

As they continued to trot throughout the castle, heading to one destination in specific, at some point Luna peered over at Celestia, wincing at her somewhat as if sending a hidden message. Celestia nodded, obviously taking the hint, as usual there was something that irked Luna, but they would not discuss it, not now at least. Celestia and Luna led Chrysalis to the entrance of a beautiful room, as Celestia opened the door, she chuckled "Take a look at where you'll be staying."

Chrysalis's expression sunk as she gazed around inside, they couldn't be serious, she'd be staying here? The room was gorgeous, the violet sheets that covered the bed, the curtains, the carpet, the bathroom, it was all too beautiful to describe. Chrysalis made her way inside slowly, going over to the bed, then running her hoof gently along the sheets, she, the monster, would be sleeping on this? This beautiful bed fit for kings and queens? She gazed back at Celestia, unaware of the tears that rolled gently down her cheeks, she lowered her head and back hooves, she couldn't hold it in. This feeling of relief, this undeniable happiness, her lower lip quivered as she eyed both of them, muttering "Thank you, thank you so much."

Luna looked puzzled, even she saw no ruse in the changeling's affection, she was honestly being sincere? Impossible, these were the very same monsters that attacked her subjects peacefully in their sleep, now it was showing heartfelt gratitude, something was off about this one, and Luna could sense it. She hot her gaze at Celestia who'd just continued to comfort Chrysalis "Of course little one, you have proven to us that you are willing to change for the better. So with hardship comes reward, now you get accustomed to your new room, I will return for you shortly, we have much to discuss. I would also like for you to take a bath, i'm sure you would like that yourself hm?"

Chrysalis looked at Celestia somewhat confused, raising a brow curiously "Bath?"

Celestia's heart sank. She nudged her head slightly in the direction of the bathroom "That room over there, it is where you will take your bath, just, experiment a little, I have no doubts you'll figure it out."

Chrysalis's expression lit up as she closed her eyes with a nod "Okay!"

With that Luna and Celestia took a few steps in reverse, leaving the room.

Celestia raised a brow "Oh yes, and by the way, what's your name little one?"

Chrysalis's eyes snapped wide, name? What is my name? She pondered that for a moment, before something came to mind. She recalled when she'd first woken up, the first words she heard as she'd entered this frightening new world. 'Wake up, Chrysalis?' Chrysalis? Is that my name? She looked back at Celestia and Luna, looking a bit hesitant to speak, she managed to say it "C-Chrysalis...my name is Chrysalis.."

Celestia smirked "Chrysalis hm, what a lovely name. Well Chrysalis, I will return for you, until then, enjoy yourself, you've earned it." She closed the door as she finished, her and Luna attending to other business.

Chrysalis remained silent for a little while longer, before bursting up on her two back hooves in happiness. "I did it! I did it!" She cheered continuously. She pranced around in circles, hugging the sheets, messing with the curtains, rolling around on the carpet, checking out the bathroom, happiness was practically spewing from her. She smiled passionately looking around the room. That Discord was wrong, I did it, I proved to them I wasn't a monster, and now they're giving me a chance. I've earned their acceptance, and i'm happy! I just have to keep working hard, then everything will be perfect, Chrysalis smiled softly, everything will turn out just fine.

As Celestia and Luna made their way to Celestia's bedroom, Luna immediately snapped at her upon entering.

She growled "Sister! I know you've noticed, why do you continue to ignore it?!"

Celestia made her way to her bed before glancing at Luna with little interest "Notice what?"

Luna sighed heavily "This creature, it is far too passive with us, it cares not for what we've done! It shows gratitude, affection," her nose wrinkled somewhat with the last word "Love. It is all a ruse to fool us, even now it is scheming! I know you to have noticed!"

Celestia seemed highly upset by Luna's words "Sister, you are far too paranoid. Why do you not trust in me, in my plan? I have never failed us before, I don't intend on doing so now. I am doing the best I can to ensure we succeed with the best possible future, for all of us. You must have faith in me, and you must also have faith in these creatures. I know in my heart it is possible for them to change, feeding on love, it is horrific yes, but it is of their nature." Celestia made her way back to Luna, placing a hoof on her cheek "But It can be managed, controlled, and this little Chrysalis will be the first, she will pave the way for her kind, and ensure the peace between ponies and them alike. My plan is flawless sister, it will not fail, even now all is perfect. It accepts us because it's been broken, now we can move on to step two."

Luna's eyes saddened somewhat, as she looked at Celestia, as if pleadingly "And what happens if you're wrong dear sister? What happens if it's for a different reason entirely? What happens if that very reason comes back to haunt us, I do not like this sister, not one bit. I understand your reasoning, but, we cannot fix everything! These creatures, even if we managed to change one we can't possibly change them all. It is unfortunate but we must act accordingly, they are a threat that must be stopped, while any roam there is a chance for our very society to crumble beneath them. It is us or them sister, there is no harmony, not with this, to them we are prey, not friends! Don't you understand that?!" Luna snapped.

Celestia's face darkened, her hoof slowly falling from Luna's cheek as she turned around, shaking her head then looking up. "I never thought i'd hear such words come from your mouth sister. Such hopelessness, we've created this kingdom, we've provided stability, an organized system, and prosperity for our subjects. Is it so wrong to wish the same for all creatures of this world, creatures such as Discord, Chrysalis? I will not fail them, just as I've never failed you, just as I've never failed this kingdom, there is an answer for everything sister, you just have to find it. I only wish I thought of it sooner before committing such a horrendous act."

Luna gritted her teeth looking down "I feel no regret for what we did. We did what we had to, to ensure the safety of our subjects, of our kingdom! You dream of peace between all the races of Equestria dear sister?" Luna raised a hoof "Well you shall never have it! Even now, as Discord attacks areas surrounding our very home, you try to see the good in him! You claim to seek the best possible future for all sister, yet you risk us, the ones who matter most, to achieve it? When will you realize this is foolishness? You've grown soft over the last few centuries dear sister! If you do not recall, we've had to fight to get here ourselves. We've had to endure, suffer, persevere, to get where we are today! Mother, Father, not even they achieved what we have! And you're willing to risk it for monsters? Monsters like we've dealt with for countless millennia!?"

"ENOUGH!"

Celestia raised her voice, she sounded frighteningly intimidating, even causing Luna to tremble somewhat, as she did so, the room seemed to darken, but, the mood calmed as Celestia's expression sunk. She looked down, she looked grief struck, speechless, she spoke in a barely audible tone this time. "We've,...burned many bridges to get where we are Luna. And a painful lesson I've learned, over all this time, is once a bridge has been burned, you can attempt to repair it, but it will never be exactly as it was before." She looked at Luna, a desperate look in her eyes, she seemed tired, lost, then looked back down once more "I don't want to burn anymore bridges sister, not anymore." She gave Luna a determined glance "I want to build a better world, through things such as friendship, and love. I know it's possible, we just have to learn to give it a chance."

As Luna looked at her sister, she to wished not to debate anymore on this topic. She sighed heavily before looking back to Celestia "I– I understand. Fine sister, I know we have disagreed on many things recently but, I admit, we've had it my way for some time to. I shall follow, but I won't be forced to enjoy it." She approached Celestia "But tell me, for I am still very curious. This phase 2, of your plan involving the creature, tell me of it. I will not question it, but I will not be kept in the dark any longer."

Celestia smiled softly at her, raising her own head somewhat "Fair enough."

As Luna lowered her back hooves, sitting, eager to hear what her sister had to say, Celestia spoke.

"Phase 2 is simple sister, it is love." Luna raised a brow as Celestia continued "Love can be just as powerful as any magic, which is probably why these creatures feed on it. Love is power, but power can also be used in many different ways as you know. The creature is broken, and now we start the repair process, we will build her up, into something entirely new, entirely different. No matter if she despised us before, she will love us through dedication, and reasoning." Celestia trotted back and forth as she spoke, as if fascinated by her own words "We have given her love, and she will give it in return. She will learn to use her powers for good, and we will guide her every step of the way. She will come to accept her need to throw away that horrific hunger, due to her love for us. Then when she's ready, we'll move on to the rest of her kind, teach them as we taught her, they will learn to eat like the rest of us, and use their magic for good. It is all about love sister."

Luna looked down, pondering the idea, she still didn't like it but sighed heavily "Alright, it sounds reasonable."

Celestia's expression brightened as she wrapped her hooves around Luna "I knew you'd understand!"

Just as they were in this touching moment, the doors to Celestia's room busted open. A frantic guard rushing through "I'm sorry to disturb you your highness but, this is of utmost importance! Please forgive my sense of urgency!" he bowed.

Celestia and Luna cared not for his lack of discretion.

Celestia nodded to him "It's fine, what news do you bring?"

The guard paced heavily "It's Discord! He's the one behind the attacks!"

Luna snarled as Celestia winced her eyes, her expression saddened Discord....

By this time, Chrysalis had already managed to get used to how to work the bathroom. She played in the tub, splashing in the water as she seemed to be impersonating the Princesses "Oh why yes Chrysalis, you have proved to be a loyal and caring creature! I bestow upon you the greatest honor." Chrysalis raised a hoof as if impersonating Luna next "Yes, I apologize whole heartedly for my disrespect towards you, please accept my apology!" Chrysalis chuckled "Why it's fine Princesses, really, I am grateful for your kind words." She suddenly impersonated Celestia again "With the approval of us both, and everypony a part of this kingdom, we promote you to Princess Chrysalis!"

She raised two hooves in the air as she smiled looking up. She chuckled somewhat as she looked down, closing her eyes halfway and lowering her hooves, talking to herself. "Aha, a princess? Who're you kidding? At best you can become a, I don't know, a floor scrubber? Well, at least it's something." She leaned back in the tub, running a hoof through her green silky mane for a bit "Wouldn't it be nice though, to be a princess? Perhaps, even a queen." She chuckled somewhat, looking up once again "Hehe, me, the monster, a queen? It does have a nice sound to it though, hmhm, Queen Chrysalis...." Next Chapter: Chapter 4: Darkness Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 29 Minutes