>You sit in the castle dining hall.
>Besides you, it’s completely empty at the moment.
>It’s morning but you haven’t actually followed a schedule.
>Did everybody else have breakfast before now?
>Now you’re eating breakfast on your own, munching on a slice of bread with butter and cheese.
>You weren’t awakened to breakfast in bed this time.
>Pity.
>Or maybe that’s okay since you might’ve been woken up earlier than now.
>Being dragged out of bed sucks.
>So you enjoy the calm silence of your current situation.
>Until hooves slowly clop across the floor from behind you.
>Sounds like a single set. Just one pony.
>You swallow your current mouthful and turn around in your seat to see who it is.
>A yellow unicorn, her coat occasionally reflecting light and seeming to shine like gold, walks towards you.
>Her mane is the colour of rust.
>She stops in front you and gives you a serious look.
>She’s tall, although not freakishly so.
>But still close to alicorn-standard. Maybe Luna’s height.
>For a few seconds, she doesn’t say anything.
”... Hello.”
>”Enjoying breakfast?”
“Yes.”
>Her stern glare makes you a little uneasy.
>She walks closer, pulls out a chair magically, and takes a seat next to you by the table.
>Although she hasn’t brought anything to eat.
>She glances momentarily at your food and then focuses entirely on you.
>”You sleep a lot.”
>That sounded more like a statement than a question.
“Okay.”
>You get the strange feeling you’re about to be interrogated.
>She seems an awful lot like she’s here for something specific and it’s not food.
“Why are you here?”
>She tilts her head.
>Her stern expression changes to something vaguely amused.
>”I’m here for you, of course. Isn’t this a better time?”
>You look at her.
>Quietly wrestling with confusion.
>Have you met this unicorn before?
>She just looks back at you.
>No more comments coming from her.
”Did one of my friends arrange something, or…?”
>The unicorn sighs.
>Deeply.
>Then looks at you scornfully.
>”I thought you were smarter than that.”
>For a second her eyes are green and predatory.
>… Oh.
>OH!
>You almost slap yourself.
“Fuck, should’ve seen that coming…”
>Chrysalis chuckles.
>”Yes, that’s what I was thinking.”
>The stern façade melts away as you become aware of the person behind it.
>The fake unicorn smiles the familiar evil smile, although with a lack of fangs.
>”So, enjoying breakfast?”
>You’re reminded that you’re supposed to eat and quickly take another bite of your food.
>Chrysalis nods as if taking it as an answer.
>That makes a thought pop into your head.
>Ignoring the food in your mouth, you voice it.
“You don’t eat?”
>”Don’t talk with your mouth full.”
>You shrug at her, not feeling like caring.
>That makes her smile slightly.
>“I can ingest solid things, if that’s what you mean.”
>Well, that partially satisfies your curiosity.
>You wait for her to continue.
>She looks at you for a moment before picking up the hint.
>”I don’t eat regularly like ponies. Love is my food, not…”
>She gestures at your crumb-filled plate with a hoof.
>”… this.”
>You swallow your mouthful.
>Interesting.
>”The apple farmer once tried to feed me.”
>What?
“You mean Applejack?”
>”Yes, that one.”
>She looks away as she thinks back and smiles with amusement at whatever she remembers.
>”She gave me apple fritters. Tasted horrible, I don’t know why ponies love them so much.”
>You can’t resist snickering at the thought.
>Then a bit of logic makes you realize something.
“Wait, was that when you were disguised as Cadance?”
>She blinks.
>”Of course.”
“Oh.”
>Back when she nearly toppled Celestia and Canterlot.
>Chrysalis’ suddenly snorts.
>”Don’t look like that! Your mood is ruined too easily. I’ve done much worse things than attack this city.”
>Did your line of thinking show?
>Then you almost frown.
“Was that last part supposed to cheer me up?”
>The disguised queen just grins.
>You’re about to make a remark when you hear the hall’s door open.
>Taking a look, you see Pinkie Pie standing in the doorway.
>Looking straight at you without moving.
>You raise your hand and wave at her.
“Hey.”
>She still doesn’t move.
>You look back to your yellow companion.
>She speaks before you can.
>”I hope you’ve enjoyed the meal. I’ll be on my way, I’ve got things to do.”
>Her tone was back to the stern disguise, her expression once again the façade from before.
“Oh. Okay.”
>You look back towards Pinkie Pie, feeling a bit expectant with Chrysalis’ reaction.
>The doorway is empty.
>A sense of unease starts to bother you.
“There was a pony there, right?”
>You look at Chrysalis again.
>She’s standing, but hasn’t had time to actually move away from the seat.
>She’s also looking at the empty opening.
>With a serious expression.
>”The pink one is particularly strange.”
“Her name is Pinkie Pie.”
>”I know.”
>Her gaze turns back to you.
>”Come with me.”
>You hesitate.
“Why?”
>Her gaze hardens.
>”Because I don’t want to stay here. I don’t like your pink friend.”
>She turns and starts walking towards the open doorway.
>”But I don’t intend to leave you already.”
>You hesitate again.
>It doesn’t sound like she has anything planned, but you’re still a little worried about being dragged along by her.
>She stops and looks back at you.
>”Well?”
>Her tone is demanding.
>You get up and walk with her out of the hall.
>She leads you down a large hallway as you walk side by side.
“Where are we going?”
>”Not far. Just a short walk for us before I can slip away to somewhere with no ponies around to see me.”
“And if-“
>”I’ll just tell any pony I’m showing you around.”
>She smiles confidently at that.
“And could you actually be doing that?”
>She laughs softly.
>Ominously.
>Even with a fake voice, it almost gives you chills.
>”I know every nook and cranny of this place.”
>But then she loses her happy expression.
>”Tell me, is ‘Pinkie’ a-“
>”STOP!”
>The two of you stop immediately.
>Ahead of you, Pinkie Pie just turned a corner and came into view.
>Speak of the devil…
>And just as suddenly, half a dozen guardponies show up behind her.
>Armoured with brass and armed with spears.
>Uh oh.
>You can hear galloping hooves approaching from behind.
>Chrysalis hears it too and swivels around.
>Another group of guardponies show up, blocking the only way to retreat.
>Pinkie Pie points with a hoof and screams dramatically.
>”THERE SHE IS! GET AWAY FROM OUR HUMAN, YOU BUG!”
>Chrysalis stares at Pinkie Pie, looking downright dumbfounded.
>Then her face contorts into an expression of pure rage.
>”You DARE!”
>Her eyes flare green as they seem to send hate and death at the pink mare.
>The guardponies take it as their cue.
>They charge.
>Hooves thunder as a dozen heavily armoured bodies rush towards the two of you from both sides.
>You know they’re only after Chrysalis, but you suddenly fear for you own well-being.
>The disguised changeling’s horn flashes green and you’re blinded.
>And suddenly flung through space.
>Half a second later your feet hit ground again.
>It takes a moment to shake the confusion, but you notice you’re still in Canterlot Castle.
>In some other hallway. Close to the library, you think.
>Then you notice Chrysalis standing right next to you.
>Because she mutters something incoherent.
>Angrily.
>You let her. This situation is… bad.
>Is it time for her to abandon Canterlot?
>Or, pony heavens forbid, set some plan into motion?
>… and what will happen to you?
>You look at the yellow unicorn, feeling deeply uneasy about everything.
>She has her back turned to you and seems lost in thought.
>Then she’s enveloped in green magic as she changes into a large grey earth pony.
>Her head turns back at you with a harsh glare.
>”Come.”
>You give her another look.
>Her disguise, to be exact.
>Tall, as always.
“You can’t get smaller?”
>Her eyes narrow.
>”… No.”
>Bummer.
>Green magic envelops her again and Celestia appears in front of you.
>She sun princess raises an eyebrow.
>”Better?”
“… I guess.”
>”Then follow me.”
>Once again you follow the changeling queen as she makes her way through the castle.
>You start to feel a bit like a prisoner again.
>The open spaces echo lightly with the sounds of running hooves and distant voices.
>But you move about without any guards showing up.
>You enter a large hall, apparently a crossroad in the castle with tall open doorways at each four walls.
>The disguised Chrysalis looks around and seems to consider which way next.
>But then the sound of galloping hooves gets louder.
>A small group of guards enter by one of the other doorway.
>The leader immediately spots Chrysalis and almost stops dead in his tracks.
>His eyes move to you next.
>He hesitates.
>Chrysalis looks calm and serious, however.
>”Yes? Have you located Chrysalis?”
>The guard then bows deeply, and the rest follow his example.
>”Your highness, I’m afraid not. The castle is being thoroughly searched, but so far nopony has reported any discoveries.”
>When he raises his head again, he still eyes you suspiciously for a brief moment.
>Chrysalis notices.
>”Don’t mind the human. He managed to escape the changeling. Luckily. Even if we don’t capture her, she will be forced to abandon Canterlot empty-hooved.”
>The guard nods and loses his hint of suspicion.
>But then another group of guardponies gallop into the hall from the opposite doorway.
>”You there!”
>The head of the new group points a hoof at the first group.
>”The Princesses have order-“
>He freezes when he sees the fake Celestia.
>And spots you only half a second afterwards.
>Despite him having a white coat, you swear you can see him go even paler.
>”CHANGELING!”
>The hall bursts into action.
>The leader Chrysalis was talking to leaps at her.
>You stumble backwards on reflex, but Chrysalis stays put and catches the guard in green magic.
>She slams him into the marble floor and throws him back at his fellows, knocking a couple of them over.
>The false sun princess throws another couple of guards that try to attack her away, but you notice the noise of large-scale fighting is filling the hall.
>Recovering from the initial shock and taking a proper look at the scene, you see guardponies fighting guardponies.
>Some of the guards have turned on their comrades.
>You quickly realize they’re changelings.
>You see a guard turn towards Chrysalis and then get tackled by another.
>A couple try to flee, only for one for kick the legs away from under the other and jump on top of him.
>Chrysalis starts zapping guards with beams from her horn here and there, seemingly able to tell friends from foes with ease.
>The confusing mess of a fight doesn’t take long to end.
>The genuine guards lie scattered on the floor, unmoving.
>You hope they’re only unconscious.
>The disguised changelings form up in front of their queen.
>She speaks to them quickly.
>”Follow me. Watch my human. At any encounters, stay quiet.”
>She looks at you.
>Seeing Celestia, even a fake one, give you a hard “don’t give me any trouble”-look is weird.
>She begins trotting out of the hall with her minions forming up around her.
>And you, as it’s clear you’re not allowed to stay back.
>You follow Chrysalis as she leads her small band of false guards through another part of the castle.
>It doesn’t take long before you’re stopped.
>Trotting through a corridor, Princess Luna suddenly appears ahead of you.
>Chrysalis and the group halt immediately.
>Luna is alone, seemingly rooted to the spot and unmoving except for her ever-flowing, night sky-like mane.
>The disguised changeling queen steps forward.
>”Sister, I-“
>”Changeling.”
>Luna cuts her short and glares.
>Chrysalis pauses.
>Then smirks.
>”Well, I suppose you’d have an easy time recognizing me.”
>Chrysalis dips her head and her minions run past you in a charge.
>The fake guardponies rush towards Luna who stays put.
>The Princess widens her stance and slowly lowers her head as the changelings come nearer.
>You have a bad feeling on the changelings’ behalf.
>As soon as they’re almost within arm’s reach, Luna’s horn blazes and a shockwave blasts your eardrums while throwing the disguised guards all across the corridor, tumbling here and there before landing.
>Chrysalis looks shocked as her changelings are scattered across the corridor in the blink of an eye.
>But then she snarls and her horn glows.
>A straight beam of green energy shoots from its tip and goes directly for Luna.
>The moon princess reacts in time with a similar blue beam of her own and blocks the incoming attack just before it hits her.
>The two energies blaze brightly where they clash, lighting up the entire corridor and making it hard to watch.
>You’re frozen in inactivity as the two magical creatures duke it out.
>But you manage to notice the changelings getting back on their hooves, although a few look a bit dazed.
>Luna seems to struggle, stepping backwards and not managing to push Chrysalis’ attack back.
>Chrysalis grins and her eyes glow green while she pushes forward.
>Her followers gather around her and watch the match rather than try to take part.
>Luna then tilts her head and somehow redirects the green beam which continues past her and scorches part of the floor and wall.
>The smell of smoke quickly rises from the blackened patches.
>Christ, these horses are going all out…
>”Ha! Is that all?!”
>The fake Celestia smiles triumphantly.
>Luna scowls back without responding.
>Then she turns and runs.
>Chrysalis reacts right away and gallops after her with her changelings in tow.
>You follow without thinking.
>Chasing Luna, Chrysalis eagerly runs through corridors and various turns to stay on her trail.
>You start to get a worrying feeling.
”Chrysalis…!”
>But then you pass through a doorway leading to a large hall.
>Stuffed with guardponies.
>Before Chrysalis, her minions, or you can react the door is slammed shut behind you with magic.
>Several rows of white, golden-armored guards line the wall.
>Celestia and Luna stand together in the centre of the hall, glaring at Chrysalis’ meagre band.
>Light is filtered through stained glass windows and makes an otherwise intimidating scene somewhat quaint.
>Utter silence fills the hall.
>For once you don’t feel entirely powerless and turn around to try and open the door.
>For some reason you don’t like this situation at all.
>Gripping the door’s handle, turning it, pulling, pushing…
>You slam a shoulder against the solid wood.
>It won’t budge.
>Suddenly you lose sight of everything.
>For a split second everything around you is warped.
>Then you’re looking at Chrysalis’ group from ahead of them.
>You’re standing next to Luna.
>You were teleported.
>”He belongs with us.”
>The blue princess’ remark makes Chrysalis stare at her with molten hatred.
>She’s enveloped by green magic as she finally drops her disguise and shows her black, monstrous, true self.
>The dark queen looks around at the hostile force, and her expression of contempt turns into a knowing smirk.
>”*I* will decide that!”
>She disappears in a green flash.
>A puff-like sound behind you alerts you to hear reappearance.
>You (and the princesses) don’t have any time to react before you’re yanked backwards by the strange sensation of all-enveloping magic, away from the royal sisters.
>The sisters aren’t actually slow, though.
>They twist around before Chrysalis can do anything more than pull you towards her and their horns blaze.
>Twin beams fly right past you, warming your side with magical heat, and Chrysalis’ magic releases you as you hear her screech.
>Then comes the thundering of innumerable of hooves on a marble floor as the guards attack.
>You tumble you the floor, still in motion from the hard yank and unable to save your balance.
>You hear bodies clash and battle-cries all around you, and your first thought is to just curl up on the floor and make yourself as small as possible.
>For a moment that’s what you do.
>You then pull yourself out of your panic and get up, although you still remain VERY wary of your surroundings.
>Bodies fly around in all directions.
>White and black.
>Exposed changelings are intermingling violently with the pristine guards.
>A lot of them.
>A lot more than Chrysalis brought with her and you.
>Some guardponies are trying to gather into formations, but the changelings are scattered all over the hall and striking quickly from all directions by flying around.
>Luna and Celestia aren’t next to you anymore.
>Out of the chaos, a guard suddenly appears right in front of you.
>”This way!”
>You follow the single guard while everything around you is in uproar.
>But he only manages to guide you a few feet until several changelings descend on him.
>He shouts while they trample him, kicking him everywhere.
>A few guardponies break free from nearby and come to his aid, but you back off and try to get to safety yourself.
>Despite the deafening commotion and violence, you remain untouched.
>No changeling or pony is attacking you.
>Suddenly something grabs both your arms from behind.
>With a steady buzz you’re lifted into the air.
>You almost panic as your feet leave the ground without your consent.
>Snapping your head around, you see that two changelings have seized your arms.
>You’re lifted over the battle and ascend towards the high ceiling.
>As you get to see the fighting from above, you can see that the ponies and changelings are somewhat equal.
>Some of the princesses’ guards had been changelings?
>Again?
>Your train of thought is cut short, though, as a beam of blue magic knocks the changelings off you.
>As they’re ripped away from your limbs, you’re sent twirling through the air.
>And down, thanks to gravity.
>FUCK!
>You barely resist screaming bloody murder at whoever did it.
>But your rapid descent is short-lived as magic suddenly envelops you and stops your fall.
>Luna flies by with a glowing horn and pulls you along with her.
>She doesn’t say a word as the two of you soar through the hall, well above the battle.
>The lack of control while being dragged swiftly across open air makes it feel like a rollercoaster ride.
>A really dangerous one.
>Luna then drops through the air, giving you one hell of an intense sensation in your stomach, and lands by an exit to the hall while putting you down on your feet.
>”This way. Quickly.”
>She gallops out and you don’t bother to question her as you follow.
>”My sister will handle the changeling queen.”
>While running behind her, you wonder about that for a second. Last time…
>But then you remember that Shining Armor isn’t here anymore.
>Could Chrysalis actually lose the fight this time?
>As the two of you hurry through the castle, there’s a deep echo of a cracking explosion.
>You slow down at the worrisome sound.
“What was that…?”
>Luna stops her gallop at your question.
>”I do not know but now is not the time to find out.”
>Probably true.
“Where are we going, though?”
>Luna glances at you with a hint of annoyance.
>”I haven’t thought of anywhere specific. Only to get you out of Chrysalis’ reach.”
”Made the plan in a hurry?”
>”Yes. Now please, we shouldn’t simply stand here.”
>But then your hear galloping hooves approach.
>Luna looks towards the direction you came from and you do the same.
>A single guardpony is coming towards you at full speed.
>He reaches you and gasps for air before making his report.
>”Your Highness! The changelings… escaped. They blew a hole in the wall and fled, and we couldn’t stop them.”
>Luna frowns.
>Then looks at you.
”… I didn’t know changelings had explosives.”
>”No tools.”
>The guard continues.
>”They… hurled themselves at the wall. And used magic.”
>That rings a bell.
>Luna still looks confused, though.
”It’s a trick of theirs. They can, uh, inflame their horns. Or something like that. They look kind of like meteors when they do it.”
>Luna’s eyes go wide.
>”That is a startling technique.”
”Yeah, it can look pretty intimidating.”
>Luna then turns to the guard.
>”I appreciate the information. You may return to my sister.”
>He bows his head and immediately gallops back in the direction he came from.
>So…
“What do we do now?”
>Luna touches her chin with a hoof in the typical gesture of deep thought.
>”… I’m not sure. The changelings fled but they are a deceptive lot. We won’t return to Celestia just yet.”
>She turns around and starts walking further into the castle.
>”Follow me.”
>You do as commanded and tag along.
>Luna keeps an eye out as you reach another hall, turning her head this way and that as her teal eyes scan every corner.
>The castle has become eerily quiet.
>Luna moves forward, slowly and cautiously, into the hall.
>You move at a more relaxed pace, trying to keep your steps silent but letting her do the guarding stuff.
>You pass through the hall peacefully and you get to admire some tapestry along the way.
>The two of you move further into the sizeable castle.
>Or maybe towards an exit. You’re not completely sure.
>”Tell me…”
>Luna walks ahead of you and still keeps her eyes direct forward.
>”You made it known that the changeling queen treated you… strangely. But well and poorly, correct?”
”Yeah.”
>Funny time to converse but you can play along.
>… or maybe it’s an okay time. There isn’t exactly a lot happening.
>”She seems very eager to re-capture you.”
”… Yes.”
>Is this going somewhere?
>”Could she be smitten with you?”
>You pause.
>Luna turns her head around, looking back at you, and smiles.
”Oh thank god, you’re joking.”
>Aware of her humour, you chuckle.
>She laughs too, a very pleasant sound with her smooth voice.
>”Yes. I’m trying to be more agreeable.”
>She slows down and ends up walking side by side with you as you continue through the castle to apparently nowhere in particular.
”Agreeable?”
>”Yes. Or likeable. Sadly, ponies are still hesitant to accept me are wary whenever I appear before them.”
>Her expression becomes noticeably sad.
”Because you’re- you were Nightmare Moon?”
>”Yes. I have discovered that my tyranny inspired an annual tradition that remind them of my… cruelty.”
”Ouch.”
>”Indeed.”
>You’re tempted to pat the blue princess on the head but restrain yourself.
>She’s cute and sad, but it would probably be a little undignified.
>Luna leads you through a tall double door, to a large hall with a tiled floor, tall stained-glass windows, and a stage for musicians.
>It’s devoid of ponies right now, though.
>But you’re pretty sure you’ve seen it before.
”Didn’t Rainbow Dash destroy this place once?”
>Luna bursts into laughter.
>”Yes, she did! Or perhaps ‘destroyed’ would be an exaggeration. She only knocked over those pillars.”
>She points a hoof to the rear wall which is mostly ordinary windows that show a garden on the other side.
>A line of greek-ish pillars support the ceiling.
>”But I’ve only heard of it. I sadly did not attend that gala. Were you there?”
”No, but it’s an easy story to remember.”
>You had had a good laugh at the pegasus’ expense.
>She didn’t immediately forgive you for that.
”So this is where parties are held…”
>You step further into the hall, walking on the red carpet at the entrance.
>”Not common parties, mind you.”
”Right, right. For the aristocracy and all that.”
>Of course the parties would have to be refined.
>You look around and notice the highly stylistic brass pony statues with extremely thin limbs and bodies.
>”… Equestria is a diarchy.”
>Oh.
”Don’t mind me, I’m just throwing words around.”
>You hear Luna giggle behind you.
>”I could always educate you on the intimate workings of Equestrian society.”
>You turn around to face her.
>She’s walking towards you with a smile.
>Then her eyes suddenly settle on something past you and she freezes.
>You get a sinking feeling and turn back around.
>On the other side of the hall, in the doorway leading to the garden, stands Chrysalis.
>Smaller dark shapes lurk on the other side of the windows.
>Chrysalis smiles.
>Maliciously.
>”Or I could educate you on the workings of changeling society.”
>Her smile grows bigger, revealing her fangs.
>”… if you come with me.”
>Luna immediately walks up in front of you and faces the queen.
>”There will be no such arrangement, changeling.”
>Chrysalis stops smiling and snorts.
>”As if you can decide what happens now…”
>The big changeling looks behind her for a moment and her minions begin to enter the hall.
>Slowly creeping inside from behind her and spreading out, like spilled ink.
>There’s a lot of them.
>… but not as many as you might’ve feared. There’s a finite number, not an unending tide.
>Luna stays put.
>Chrysalis goes back to smiling evilly.
>”We COULD do this peacefully. Just give him to me.”
>”No.”
>Chrysalis doesn’t seem bothered by this and keeps smiling.
>”Then I’ll take him.”
>The changelings around her move forward.
>They stay together and move en masse as they slowly make their way towards Luna and you.
>Luna’s horn suddenly flashes once with magic.
>The changelings stop.
>Chrysalis blinks and looks around in confusion.
>Nothing happens, though.
>The hell was that?
>The night princess looks back at you with a serious expression.
>”Fear not. Everything will be fine.”
”Should we be staying here…?”
>”Yes. It will be fine.”
>You decide to trust her.
>You’re reasonably sure she wouldn’t deliberately get you re-kidnapped.
>Chrysalis looks at her minions with annoyance and they start moving again.
>Luna lowers herself into a more threatening stance.
>A buzzing sound occurs and some of the changelings lift into the air as the flock comes closer.
>Suddenly, Celestia pops into existence on the musical stage.
>Chrysalis snaps her head in her direction with a look of shock.
>The approaching changelings stop and look from one princess to the other in confusion.
>Celestia gives Chrysalis a stern, angry look.
>”So my sister has found you…”
>Chrysalis’ look of shock quickly changes to one of rage.
>Her green eyes move and settle on you with a glare that almost makes you take a step backwards.
>”GET HIM!”
>The changelings rush forward with the unmistakeable command, while Luna and Celestia jump into action as well.
>Luna’s horn glows as it creates a blue barrier, and the changelings closest to you run headlong into with much the same result as if it had been a brick wall.
>Celestia’s horn shines brightly before it fires a steady golden beam directly at Chrysalis, which Chrysalis quickly counters with a beam of her own.
>The beams clash with in a blinding light, and the two enemies are stuck in a very familiar test of magical might.
>Luna widens and adjusts her barrier as the changelings try to move around or fly over it, and it soon spreads until it envelops the two of you in a large bubble.
>Behind the changelings you can see Chrysalis and Celestia try to overpower each other as their beams burn brightly between them.
>But this time…
>Chrysalis looks angry and determined but her green beam is slowly pushed back.
>Her changelings are still trying to find a way around Luna’s barrier, gathering around it like an eager crowd.
>Several of them throw themselves at it, but slam into it with no effect.
>Then the expected explosion behind them makes them turn around.
>Chrysalis rolls across the floor, her wicked horn smoking as if scorched, and comes to a stop several yards from where she was standing a moment earlier.
>Celestia is standing on the stage with her wings spread and still has the stern expression on her face.
>The changelings’ change their priorities in a heartbeat.
>They dive through the air on their buzzing wings as they charge Celestia.
>Celestia sees them coming and doesn’t move.
>Her horn then lights up, like an explosion, and the changelings are thrown back by an immense force.
>Luna’s barrier suddenly dissipates and she gallops forward to join Celestia in fighting the changelings.
>You don’t bother with watching but instead try to spot Chrysalis.
>She’s where she fell, struggling with getting on her feet.
>Luna and Celestia are now busy throwing the changelings around as they stubbornly try to fight the much more powerful ponies.
>Feeling upset in a way you’re having difficulty understanding, you hastily sneak towards the beaten queen.
>Your feet move across the floor much more silently than hard hooves, even with shoes, and you reach her while the battle continues undisturbed.
>She’s sitting, trying to support herself on weak legs, while her head hangs low and her long mane covers her face like a hood.
>You kneel down and grab her shoulders, or what would pass for shoulders on a bipedal creature.
”Chrysalis.”
>She looks up quickly, obviously surprised, and looks at you in confusion. Then shock.
>”Why-“
>You don’t let her finish, instead opting to not waste time.
“You need to get the hell out of here!”
>She blinks, still having astonishment written all over her large cat-like eyes.
>Then her astonished face turns into a pleased grin.
>Her horn begins to glow and you feel her magic grasp your entire body.
>The force pushes against you from all conceivable angles and shoves you down onto the hard, cold floor.
>You wonder if you just did something stupid.
>Chrysalis’ evil cackle resounds through the room, and the battle is interrupted.
>You can turn your head just enough to see the changelings pull back and land between the queen and the princesses, still protective of Chrysalis.
>Luna and Celestia stare at Chrysalis and you in horror.
>Chrysalis stands on wobbly legs but her expression is entirely smug.
>”Look at this. I’m sure you won’t make any sudden moves now, right?”
>The two princesses’ eyes flicker between her and her minions, but they stay still at her rather obvious implication.
>The large changeling looks down at you with clear satisfaction.
>”I have what I came for. Now you just need to let me go.”
>Celestia remains horrified, but Luna takes a step forward and looks furious.
>”And why would we do that?!”
>”Because…”
>Chrysalis pauses and gives the ponies another smug look.
>”… I have Twilight Sparkle.”
>What?
>Now it’s your turn to look at Chrysalis in astonishment.
>”So if you don’t let me go you will never see your precious pony again.”
>Is she bluffing?
>Luna looks incredulous while Celestia looks even more horrified.
>They both hesitate.
>Then Luna speaks.
>”And why should we believe you?“
>Chrysalis snorts but doesn’t lose her smug expression.
>”When was the last time you saw her? It’s been a while hasn’t it?”
>Oh god…
>The princesses exchange looks.
>Grave ones.
>Luna then turns back to Chrysalis.
>”And we could just-”
>”Luna.”
>Celestia interrupts her.
>”Don’t.”
>Chrysalis giggles in delight at their plight.
>”Yes. Don’t. Think of what might happen to poor Twilight if you do anything rash.”
>You’re lifted from the floor, still immobile and feeling like you’re encased in iron.
>Chrysalis looks at you with great pleasure.
>”I’ll just take this and be on my way.”
>Then her eyes go back to the princesses, and the pleased expression turns suspiciously sadistic.
>”… and your little unicorn will get to live.”
>She starts walking, her steps a bit uneasy and weak but her gait still having clear degree of self-satisfaction in it.
>You hover along with her, imprisoned in her green magic.
>The princesses stay in their places while following her with glaring eyes.
>Chrysalis exits into the large garden, and her changelings follow right behind her.
>Her threat is successful.
>Her bluff, you hope.
>Her insectoid wings begin to buzz noisily as she ascends into the sky, quickly followed by her minions.
>You feel the cool air brush against your skin as you’re helplessly pulled towards the sky as well.
>You’re turned the wrong way and too rigid to turn your head to see what kind of scene you’re leaving behind, so you’re stuck watching the clouds come closer.
>Then you’re brought in front of Chrysalis and face her.
>Her mane billows around her face from the wind as she looks at you with a downright giddy smile.
>”You’re such a sweetheart, I could kiss you.”
>Then her already-glowing pulses once with light.
>You suddenly feel dizzy.
>”But you know how this is…”
>And everything turns black.