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private FF: The Less You Know


GoldieS

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@WiiGuy2014 @Lektra Bolt

Zephyr stood on a six lane bridge leading up to Everfree city, one of many entrances of course. A Praetorian, he was somewhat taller than the average pony, with a set of impressive segmented pincers jutting up from his head. His pink shell covering his wings extended further, hanging out behind him. Like the others of his particular hive, House Pisces, his shell and eyes were a delightfully glowing pink with lighter white where the lights reflected. For this particular mission, he had made sure his ponies had polished his chitin and shell extra well, almost as if he were headed to a fancy gathering back home. 

Behind him, were six drones. Zephyr would have preferred to bring a more intimidating group, but it was probably a better idea to encourage a more... calm atmosphere.

"Now Will, remember what I said... wild ponies are skittish creatures. Irrational, and very emotional. Not particularly logical creatures." Zephyr stated as they stood before the gate, waiting for someone to come and greet them... hopefully. "It's important that we use extreme care to gain their trust. Most already have a phobia of our species..."

The drones, with the exception of Will, stood in a perfect formation behind Zephyr. They stood straight and tall, just as shiny as the Praetorian himself, though of course less regal and important looking. He waited patiently for one of the guards, or someone of equivalent rank as he, to greet them. 

 

Edited by GoldieS
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A part of the shield had been shifted today to cover more of the outside world, purposefully larger for a while just for this task, the area having been previously cleared for habitation, creating room for four new one hundred story skyscrapers. A large construction golem had brought the materials for the last one and the Magitek Corps of Engineers had gathered with me to help. As with the previous three this would take a couple of days per building even with modern methods. I was just erecting the frame today and we would continue over the next week or so. This was the most important part and I had to take great care to place the frame of enchanted alloy perfectly so the building was secure. If the four columns were unsteady, the whole building would be.

This needed perfect concentration and calculations. Focusing my energies and creating a brilliant flash of magical light that could be seen by all in or in the immediate vicinity of the city, I floated up and high above the foundation. I then took the alloy chunks that had been brought over and made them float, all the metal being bent and controlled at once. The chunks were broken up at the molecular level, floating around below me in a swirling mass of destructive metal that would rip up any unprotected living thing. I needed to take great care to do this above the actual place of where the building would be or the swirling vortex would damage the frames for the surrounding buildings. Making the necessary calculations I began to form the four columns, slowly and meticulously reassembling the molecules into sturdy and concentrated one hundred story columns that would stand the test of time, as well as whatever shenanigans the future residents decided to do inside. This took all of a half hour to perform, and when the columns were assembled I threw them down with immense force in carefully calculated locations to form the outside four corners of the building. The city felt the force force but the foundation was designed to minimize it as much as possible. All that would be heard would be loud thump sounds.

The Magitek Corps of Engineers clapped their armored hooves and began to do their jobs, even as I landed at the top of one of the columns to rest, worn out and tired, having used almost all my Mana from making the frames for these buildings. I needed to catch my breath and take the rest the day to recover.

-*-*-

Elsewhere as this was happening a tall Alicorn shaped white Unicorn mare with green mane and tail was approaching the gate where the visitors were waiting. She sensed what was going on and decided to play a game with all involved. Ducking behind a nearby bush, suddenly it was Lektra Bolt in her armor who jumped out from under it, calmly flying over. No sound of jets, she couldn't do that.

She came up to the gate and landed, then looked at the guards. "At ease soldiers, I have this."

The guards looked at her suspiciously and nodded to each other in understanding. They knew who this was. She was a known resident of the city, but not Lektra. They tipped off the real one though, just to be safe.

'Lektra' headed out to meet the visitors as the transparent gate shield was lowered for them to enter. "I bid you welcome to New Everfree, please wait here." Her eyes momentarily flashed dark green with a smile.

-*-*-

I received a notice that my appointment had arrived, waking me up from my rest. How long was I out? The internal timer said ten minutes. The notice also said she was there to play with the delegates. I had better show up before she does something stupid, as it's not like she's really fooling anyone. Ok maybe the delegation. Maybe.

There was a boom as I flew up and changed directions to head to the gate, deliberately overcharging the jets and arriving in mere moments.

There were now two of me in front of the delegates and in unison we both face hooved. Only one actually made the sound of the visor opening and the light thunk of alloy on alloy. Who is the real one?

Edited by Lektra Bolt
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Before the arrival of the Welcoming pony, Will the Changeling took Zephyr's orders and tried to stand at attention. It wasn't as uniform as the rest of the drones, but he still kept a good first impression. I hope that soon I can prove my worth to Praetorian Zephyr; This is the first time I've been to New Everfree and I better not screw this up. He thought.

Then when the pony arrived to welcome them to town, Will spotted the dark green flash of the pony's eyes, but he didn't let on that he knows. For now, he would follow Zephyr's orders first and foremost.

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Zephyr was taken back at first, surprised actually. That is, until the first arrival flashed her eyes... a pointless and unnecessary tell, one that could have easily been prevented if it were unintentional. He was, after all, a drone at one point in his life. He gave her a condescending look, looking down at her even as the second pony finally arrived. 

He only glanced down at Will when he noticed the smaller drone rather tense and standing at attention. Zephyr chuckled. 

"William, I said pay attention. Not stand attention. Calm yourself, you're my pupil after all! It does you no good to think and maintain the mindset of a drone..."  Zephyr chuckled. "Ah, but you'll get used to it."

The praetorian then adjusted his attention to the second arrival who was apparently in dismay. 

"Ahem..." Zephyr interrupted Lektra's minor meltdown with herself. "If you're not interested in taking this meeting seriously, perhaps we should leave?"

 

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I turned to the delegates, bowing apologetically. That is we both turned, but my doppelganger was mouthing and moving with me perfectly in tune. Mocking. It was all intentional. All of it. She wasn't trying to deceive anyone, nor was she the entire time.

"I assure you sir, this was entirely unplanned. I had planned to show up and treat you with the utmost respect, as I always do those who come on diplomatic missions." As I spoke we both mouthed and moved in complete unsion but sound only came out of my mouth, as it was unnecessary for both to speak. "Frankly, I'm tired. I don't know if you heard or saw, but I just erected the framework for four huge skyscrapers. I'm going to need a rest after, if I even make the whole thing without passing out. Do you honestly believe that I'd plan to humiliate peaceful delegates like this, even if it's just us here, the guards, and your accompaniments?"

My doppelganger stopped following along in synch. She had figured out where this was going as I turned to her. "Chrissy would you stop mocking me and reveal yourself? Can't you see that this is a serious meeting?" I turned to the changeling leader and rolled my eyes to him in her direction.

My doppelganger finally spoke on her own, but this time the voice out of 'my' mouth was not mine as the time she head spoken to the guards. "Of course, I'm sorry. You've been so kind to me these many years, taking me in." 

She tried to look menacing but again this was just for show. With an evil laugh like the time she had invaded Canter with her swarm, the hooves of the me beside me glowed in a green magical light. Slowly but surely the disguise was removed, purposefully slowed down to tease every part.

Finally she was entirely revealed from hooves to the cute crown on her head.

Spoiler

Reformed Chrysalis

 

"That's better." I smiled to my friend. "But did you have to tease it like that and play with them? This is a serious matter." 

"Look I apologized, ok? Just wanted to have a bit of fun. I love it here but we don't get out much." She turned to the changeling leader as I rolled my eyes again, basically prodding her to apologize to him. "I'm sorry I played with you, I was fooling no one. Seriously welcome to New Everfree. I had known for a while the 'Matriarch' was tired." My title was said with such sarcasm and disdain. Obviously she didn't like it but respected me anyway. "She might need to take her rest in the middle of this and I'll take over if that's OK.

"Least you could do, as you had already given a pretty bad impression anyway." I said this as Chrissy just nodded apologetically to me, saying nothing

Edited by Lektra Bolt
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@Lektra Bolt @WiiGuy2014

"Tired?" Zephyr responded curtly. "Your lack of preparation is none of my concern... I came here out of respect fore peace, and a... former friend." 

He pat Will on the back after mentioning the last. "Perhaps the life of a single creature isn't important enough for you to amend your busy schedule, but it is for me. I pulled more than a few strings to arrange this mind you, and many powerful superiors to convince."

Zephyr stomped his hoof. Two of the drones behind him stepped forward, one standing directly beside will and the other beside Zephyr. They quickly expanded, exploding into large hulking creatures, genetic monstrosities not so surprisingly. These one's were tanky if nothing else, with thick chitin plates over their skin and hard elongated shells much like the Praetorian. The difference with these ones, beside size, thickness, and powerful jaws, was the extended insectoid abdomen. It was vaguely translucent, with some sort of glowing pink ichor glorping about within. Their bellies glowed translucent with that same ichor as it traveled up an extended goiter of a throat like a frog's. 

"Under normal circumstances I wouldn't have brought such security, but I suppose it was for the best today." He explained. "I have been directed to execute William should I feel you don't present as trustworthy. As someone I know, I'd rather not hurt him... but my hooves are tied. Will you take this more seriously now?"

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@GoldieS @Lektra Bolt

Will was stunned by the appearance of Chrysalis. He thought she was gone! 

Will was scared by Zephyr's threat. He hoped by some form of past mentor-student relationship he had with Zephyr in the past would at least allowed to at least live. He gave Zephyr a pleading look.

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Gee, why did I think for once this would be a social call? Show them around the city, have a banquet, throw a party with Pinkie, dance together. No they meant to execute one of their own.

I was alerted that a platoon of twenty mixed troops was ready to appear at any moment. That wasn't necessary. At all. Breathe relax. First I turned to Chrissy. "I'm blaming you for this." She scoffed at me, rightfully deferring blame but I was just upset.

The guards behind the changelings stepped up and the transparent shield was lowered. They were now trapped here for the duration. Simply a precaution.

Ignoring the fact for now of who it actually was being threatened by those behemoths I turned to the leader. "I never got your name. Please, indulge me. You probably know me though, I'm Director Lektra Bolt, builder of all you see and Matriarch of this city. I am almost constantly working to improve the lives of our residents and customers, so it makes perfect sense that I get tired on occasion. But enough about that, since you're obviously so unconcerned." I narrowed my eyes, not showing disrespect, just getting serious. "I had always meant to take things seriously, and you're a no nonsense bug, I respect that. Let's just get to the hay and potatoes here. What would it take for his safe release and the friendship of our nations?"

I motioned a hoof to the city. "If you would like, we could discuss it over a tour of the city. I had planned a banquet of food, the kind we eat anyway. There was also to be a party in your honor, and a lively dance after."

Chrissy moved up and flitted around the behemoths, examining them silently. Not threatening, just examining with a fine eye. These had at one time in the distant past been her people before she decided to give up eating love, and she was curious. Very curious.

This was really her true form, but if anyone thought she was defenseless they would be very much disappointed

Edited by Lektra Bolt
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(edited)

"Praetorian Zephyr, of House Pisces, and current project officer of this region." Zephyr replied. 

He didn't follow right away, considering her question. There did appear to be a genuine crisis of conscious across his face as he battled angrily with himself. For a moment he stamped the ground in thought, before tapping Will on the flank. That, in turn prompted the behemoth beside Will to rudely shove the changeling forward. 

"The needs for his release into your custody have just been met." Zephyr replied as a matter of factly, though he didn't at all go into detail about those criteria. "However, I recommend you remain in this company for the duration of this little tour. While I typically have no patience for traitors... I see few others who could adequately explain some of the stranger cultural trends I will no doubt experience here, William."

His changeling retinue, even after the shield suddenly trapped them in, remained stalwart and focused as ever. If they had any ounce of fear in them, they hid it well. It was generally a matter of course to limit emotions for their species, at least in the modern empire. 

Casually, Zephyr and his group began following behind Lektra. "I had hoped to visit on a more... positive note. Negotiations and discussions are much easier when all involved are relaxed and comfortable, wouldn't you agree?"

He gave Lektra a smile and a slight chuckle as he followed her. "Thank you for meeting me. Though... I do have some curious questions about your... function here."

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I nodded, then bowed as he said his name. Showing respect earns respect. Usually.

As Will was shoved forward, Chrissy grabbed him and placed him safely by her side. Not actually grabbed him as one would expect. Casting a gigantic Dark Magic Claw, soft as a mother's touch and disappearing just as it appeared. She trotted with him as we all headed to a Magitek tram that was waiting for passengers.

I raised an eyebrow. "The needs of his release have been met already? Curious. If you could explain what the actual terms were over a plate prepared by our chefs and confectionery from Sugar Cube Corner, that would be lovely. If you eat meat besides love, you will have to look elsewhere. We have a bit of a problem obtaining it for the less vegetarian residents."

Some were already getting on the tram, off to their daily routine. Our group took the car in the back with a Griffin family and a couple of mixed species and gender ponies further toward the front. None were afraid. Security was everywhere, after all.

I sat with Zephyr, relaxed and happy we weren't starting a fight in the city. His group was free to leave whenever, and I felt a tour would do them good. "I have been working nonstop for about 28 hours. I'm really tired, but for the sake of being a good host I will remain as long as I can. I blame Chrissy if I pass out, heh." I smiled at her and she knew I was poking her for the way she acted at the beginning." I'm comfortable, are you and your group comfortable? This tram will take us a stop next to the Banquet Hall, feel free to to look out at the view below. Or we could just talk? Questions are fine, totally fine." I gave him a friendly grin. 

Chrissy sat with William and turned to him. "I imagine you have questions? I have wronged you in the past, though there's more to it than that." She hung her head

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"Marvelous, of course!" Zephyr replied to Lektra, seeing things going fairly well all things considered... "I'm so delighted to see our first hurdle being cleared so quickly. Truth be told, I was concerned it would muddy our little engagement. Oh! And no need to worry, we're capable of processing most forms of biomass. Usually prefer baggy beetles myself, but I'd be more than delighted to try some of your exotic cuisine!"

He and his retinue of six followed Lektra's group without pause, boarding the tram. It did shake a little when the two fireflies stepped on board... but nothing the system hadn't experienced before. There were some big folks in armor running around the city after all... not to mention some rather large golems. However, instead of sitting down, the fireflies stood in the center of the isle in the back of the rear car, while the other four 'drones' and zephyr sat with Lektra and her group. 

Zephyr decided to stare out the window, quite unable to hide his glee at both the speed of the tram and the grand view of the city. He frowned at one of Lektra's last comments though...

"Forgive me... but I don't understand. I've heard you alone are significantly involved in the cities physical construction efforts... to an exponential degree, unless I'm mistaken. Aren't you concerned you're taking away you're citizens independence?" He questioned. "If you were to disappear one day, your society would collapse, unable to function on its own because they've relied so much on you. Well, at least the areas you personally involve yourself with." 

He shrugged. "We have specialists of course, replaceable ones. But... you're forcing them to rely on you... are you not?"

Zephyr rose a brow curiously. His comments sounded more accusatory than anything, perhaps merely a result in differences in philosophy than anything. Feelings towards one's ideology could be strong at times. 

 

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14 hours ago, Lektra Bolt said:

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I nodded, then bowed as he said his name. Showing respect earns respect. Usually.

As Will was shoved forward, Chrissy grabbed him and placed him safely by her side. Not actually grabbed him as one would expect. Casting a gigantic Dark Magic Claw, soft as a mother's touch and disappearing just as it appeared. She trotted with him as we all headed to a Magitek tram that was waiting for passengers.

Chrissy sat with William and turned to him. "I imagine you have questions? I have wronged you in the past, though there's more to it than that." She hung her head

Will couldn't stop staring at the Beautiful Chrysalis. He soon snapped out of it and whispered."Yeah, I have several. First of all, I still remembered your words when we last crossed paths and Starlight's rescue squad defeated you. You swear revenge on her and even shamed me for being the only Changeling there that didn't turn beautiful after Thorax showed the rest how to share the love. So, my first big question is what happened to you after that?"

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We were moving way slower than I could fly in my suit or any of changelings could fly, but the advantages of doing things this way were three fold. First of all it was a good way for the visitors to meet some of the population and see the goings on in the city as we flew over it's beautiful towering skyscrapers with the shield above us. Secondly, it was a nice way to show how secure the residents felt, that even with these deadly looking visitors they felt completely safe. Thirdly, this tram flew directly to the nearby our destination. Hopefully I didn't waste time sending this message of how peaceful the city was. I snapped back to reality as I noticed some repairs being done by members the Magitek Corps of Engineers below. I wondered how the building of the four new skyscrapers was proceeding.

I turned to Zephyr, listening to his inquiry. "You're not wrong, but there are corrections that need to be made. It's true I'm involved in 80% of the city's construction and repair efforts and don't sleep for long periods of time, but this has always been a thing. I've trained myself to work longer, about a day and a half with proper nourishment, at the expense of needing about a day's worth of sleep after and being able to wake up at any moment if necessary." Let's let that sink in. "Secondly, they are not confined, and their independence is not in question. Anyone who decides to leave can, and their request is honored. Our residents enjoy a very high standard of living, protection from the outside world, and security. They don't want to leave. All at the request of enlisting and serving a month in the Alloy Legion on a monthly rotation. Most do, and are patriots. Some don't and work other jobs, and some are freeloaders who we keep around since they don't cause trouble." This was probably not what he meant by independence though, that they are dependent on me. I paused to look out over the city below us.

I then turned back to him. "Ah, but you probably meant another way. That they're too dependent on me. I have no problem with this. I enjoy my work, and I'm far from defenseless. I've existed since before the plague, and I'm not going anywhere. I will turn to dust when I feel like naming a successor, but until then the city is perfectly fine. I'm not replaceable, but until I can find someone else with my particular skill set and talent, I must continue to exist for the good of my people and their well being as they exist for the good of the world." I sighed. "I hope one day I will not be necessary, but that day is a long time coming."

Chrissy sitting with Will bit her lip, sadness washing over her. She had been blushing profusely from being looked at so much. She then finally spoke. "That. That was not me. That was another Chrysalis, another life. A life I had diverged from earlier, when I was defeated by Twilight Sparkle and locked in a castle. Our only company was a mirror Pinkie Pie who made fun of us with riddles. Princess Luna came to me during my confinement, and I had been given wonderful dreams of a life I could choose. A life she refused when she escaped." Tears streamed down her face and she wiped them.

"This was when I was created. Yes created. I am in some ways Chrysalis but also not Chrysalis. Original Chrysalis rejected the dreams, she rejected improving her life. As she was waking up, I begged Luna to release me from the dream. Release me and allow me to live the life she threw away." The tears were still streaming and she was not making an effort to wipe them, making a small puddle. This was a very traumatic and emotional memory for her.

"As Chrysalis escaped that castle I was left behind, a carapace thrown away. But no, I was alive. Luna had used her immense powers, power over dreams and the night, to give me the life she couldn't give her. Created by her, I inherited some of her abilities." Chrissy sniffled loudly. "A living changeling, created by Luna out of a dream made real. No hive, no people, left to wander the world. I was unable to show my face, her face. The face so many hated. I created a new form based on the dream Luna showed me, and took on a new name. Not Chrysalis, just Chrissy."

The tears wouldn't stop and her puddle on the floor grew larger. The cleaning constructs in the tram cabin came to clean up the mess. "I of course kept up on her deeds and misdeeds, and when Thorax helped a large number to transform at the battle with the other me, I decided to do it as well. I was there among them, hiding in plain sight. This was my way to fix my past mistakes, our past mistakes, to become what Starlight offered her." Chrissy sniffled and wiped her face with her right hoof again. She was happy and smiling.

"After that, we diverged again and I lost track of her again. I suppose she lived a full life, maybe transformed at some point. I guess once she passed away I became the only one, the only Chrysalis. Luna said that my magical origin and power was why I've been able to continue living longer than most of our people do."

Chrissy hugged Will, picking him up and placing him on her lap on top of a soft pillow made of dark magic. She sat with him like this, hugging him from behind while occasionally still dripping on his head. But no, these were tears of joy. "So you see. I am Chrysalis, but also not. I am her dream made reality, a living dream duplicate with all her memories and experiences up to that point. I diverged with her at a certain point in life. I am so sorry for what I did to you, and for what she did to you as well. You are probably the only one of our people left from those times, and I wish I had been there to watch over you. So in a roundabout way, I've been wandering around and living with ponies these many years. Many many years."

The tram made a stop to take on some more passengers and let others out. We would be getting off at the next one.

"What about you? How are you still alive? Do you hate me? I hope not. I have her memory of casting you out, believing you were weak. Why would she do that? I don't have an answer for this rash decision. All life is precious, and besides the ponies in this city, you're the only one I have left from the old world. I thought I lost you too." Chrissy hugged Will tightly and fluffed the pillow of darkness under him

Edited by Lektra Bolt
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The two fireflies glared at Chrysalis and Will. They were thoroughly disgusted by the conversation they were having, taking just about everything they despised and mashing it up into one convenient package. What could be worse than Chrysalis... let alone a REFORMED Chrysalis, perhaps the only queen to ever absolutely fail hair hive in such a spectacular way, and giving rise to the green shells and their ilk. To make matters worse... the traitors seemed entirely too friendly to one another. Without actually absorbing the words of the conversation itself... all they saw was proof they had been in collusion this whole time. Why else would they be so friendly?

"Mmm... I see..." Zephyr replied to Lektra, having confirmed his assumptions. He couldn't help but overhear the other two's conversation, but he was quite a bit better at brushing it off and focusing on the task at hoof. 

"Interesting." He said, perking up again when the tram stopped to let off its variety of passengers, he was clearly intrigued by the mix. "The safety and security of your citizens is of utmost importance! Certainly commendable, which is why I'm delighted you will likely be more than accepting of my terms and offers."

Zephyr beamed with excitement, before a sudden thought popped into his head. "Oh! I apologies, you wouldn't be averse to any... unscheduled detours, would you? I have so many things I'd like to see. I ah... I've never visited a city of such magnitude! The colonies back home across the shimmering sea are built purely for efficiency, at least my houses. Perhaps we could uhm... visit one of your schools? If it's not too much to ask of course..." 

He blushed, a little embarrassed for some reason about his request. There were few genuine enjoyments in life for a Praetorian, but the young an innocent happened to be one of those for Zephyr. Creatures without a care in the world, only focused on the here and now rather than the mundane of every day life. Grubs' certainly had it better, most were selected for duties and 'responsibility' after they reached the age of eleven, sometimes sooner. That included the non-native classes within the hive. Everyone had to pull their weight. Those that didn't... well, they were re-purposed as needed.

At least the ponies and other such creatures under the control of a single changeling had their over watcher's discretion. Zephyr himself had a few dozen serving in his abode, doing nothing more than cleaning, preparing meals, and purchasing goods with the occasional gardening. Typical house chores. Otherwise, he generally allowed them to do as they pleased. 

Zephyr shook his head, his thoughts rambling on. "Just uhm, curious about the education they are receiving." He said to justify his request. 

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1 hour ago, Lektra Bolt said:

."What about you? How are you still alive? Do you hate me? I hope not. I have her memory of casting you out, believing you were weak. Why would she do that? I don't have an answer for this rash decision. All life is precious, and besides the ponies in this city, you're the only one I have left from the old world. I thought I lost you too." Chrissy hugged Will tightly and fluffed the pillow of darkness under him

Will was amazed by the warm feeling he got from Chrysalis, no, Chrissy. Will sat in silence for a few moments before before responding.

"Oh, you hugged me! The old you never hugged me, ever! She casted me out just because I get the best love nutrients feeding off of love between same-sex ponies, especially Stallions, instead of the usual stallion and mare. Yes, I'm gay.

"As for how I'm "alive". Well, I guess this body is just a reincarnation of the original Changeling from long ago. But I have all his memories up to a certain point. I guess seeing you brought those old memories of my past self back. 

"By the way, what's this pillow?" Will asked looking at his seat.

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"Well I am my own bug. I'm allowed to hug whoever I feel like, and right now I feel like hugging you." Chrissy said this just as the darkness swirled a bit around her and the pillow flickered but didn't disappear yet. "Oh no, it's discharge time again. That pillow is Dark Magic. Although I'm alive, I was made from it and Shadow Magic. Not only can I use it, but I must also discharge it occasionally."

"No, you're not your own bug, you're my bug." a much more raspy voice, one that she recognized. It could be heard near enough to her that the others wouldn't hear but Will probably could. It sounded like her in the distant past. "You will be my earthly vessel, and I will return to this world!" 

"William, you must get away from me for a bit. It's not safe to be around me when I have this much concentration." She made the pillow vanish as the darkness around her swirled out of control and her form flickered, at one moment becoming transparent, and then the transparency became Chrysalis. Chrissy, still in control of herself, jumped out a window to the streets below, startling the other inhabitants of the tram as the window broke. There were gasps and someone screamed.

I turned to Zephyr. "Seems you'll get your wish after all. The nearest Discharge Station is next to a school. Let's follow her, we must make sure she's safe." I jetted out the window, scooping up William and following Chrissy as she was flying to the Discharge Station before it was too late. Her form was flickering between her beautiful self and the old one she gave up, screaming in pain.

I followed her carrying William and as she landed in a small crater, some of the populace got scared and panicked. There was panic in the streets as Legion members headed over. Some were calming the residents, and two behemoth Ground troops were helping the by now snarling Chrissy into a glass chamber that had appeared from the ground. It was connected to a clear tube that ran into the ground below. The darkness was attacking them as it struggled to take control and was making her struggle as well.

I placed William standing up on the floor, hoping our visitors were following. If they had a bad opinion of Chrissy, this might actually improve their outlook.

The chamber had been designed to contain this 'event' and began it's work. Crystals on the inside of the transparent coffin like structure drained off darkness and shadow energy like a sponge. The occupant relaxed, letting it do it's work. The magical energy traveled up into the giant purifying crystal at the top outside of the structure, swirling in there until it became the same teal color as much of our Magitek. The energy was then drained down into the pipes, to be sent to a Mana processing station to be used by the city.

Chrissy was fine for the time being. She was no longer struggling with herself or covered in evil energy, and her form had stabilized. She was her usual self again. The chamber opened to let her out and she fluttered out, allowing it to disappear into the ground again, looking down at the ground sad.

Alloy Legion members were working to calm residents and helping them disperse. One of our many schools was across the street.

I turned to Zephyr and his delegation, as well as William. "I'm sorry you had to see that. Chrissy has issues with herself. Inner turmoil." Looking specifically at the young changeling I patted him on the head. "She could probably use a hug right now, even though you might be scared and confused."

Edited by Lektra Bolt
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Everything happened rather suddenly and unexpectedly. Zephyr, though surprised, kept his cool and maintained control over his retinue of lings. Once the tram stopped, he patiently waited on the platform outside the doors. He didn't make a move towards the school, or further to have a better look at what was happening with Chrysalis. Instead, he stood, scowling at the scene with his two fireflies on either side doing the same. 

Zephyr glared at Lektra, clearly angry and displeased at the turn of events. "I have no interest in continuing this tour." He stated bluntly. 

"You seem to think I'm some sort of simple minded creature, one that can be swayed and influenced with so called unforeseen events and subtle manipulation. I understand the desire and purpose of showing others your supposed 'importance' by claiming fatigue and tardiness due to your... tireless efforts for the masses. But this... Intimidation? I am not at all amused."

Zephyr's elongated shell split open down the middle to reveal his wings as he spread them out. "I see this as one of three results. First, you're arrogant enough to believe showing off a former queen will sway my beliefs and opinions, having 'tamed' her unstable side. Second, you're stupid enough to think bringing along an unstable changeling to begin with is an excellent and safe idea. Or third, you are genuinely oblivious to the dangers in the world around you and out of touch with the safety of your citizens. Or perhaps their safety isn't as important as your personal friendships?"

The praetorian scoffed indignantly. He shook his head, already deciding which of those was the case. 

"We'll be deploying weather and climate control spikes in your local region. As you clearly aren't interested in frank discussion, there will be no debate on this matter. Good day." He stated, giving a curt nod he began to buzz his wings in preparation for take off.  

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1 hour ago, Lektra Bolt said:

I turned to Zephyr and his delegation, as well as William. "I'm sorry you had to see that. Chrissy has issues with herself. Inner turmoil." Looking specifically at the young changeling I patted him on the head. "She could probably use a hug right now, even though you might be scared and confused."

Although Will was indeed scared and confused, he DID want all races, whether Changeling or Ponies, to get along! That is his greatest Hope and Dream. He approached the hurt and sad Chrissy and gently gave her a big hug! "It's okay" Will whispered to her. "If you truly want to change for the better, I will do everything in my power to help you do that!"

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I flew in his face and sat on what he has that passed for a muzzle. Face forward and starting into his eyes. If he was going then I would come along for the ride. I placed my hooves on his face mandible, hugging him.

"You are free to leave, of course, but I'd like the chance to at least explain and see if you could see the bigger picture. Grant me that, will you? I am very interested in frank discussion, so much so that I am delaying my rest to make sure you are comfortable and happy during your visit. That's how much I see you as important."

Staying on his face like this and looking right into his eyes, I began to speak as I do when I address a friend. I really wanted to be friends with this bug and his nation."I do not think you're a mindless creature, a confused one sure. Please. Throw away your preconceptions about Chrissy. I don't know what you think she is and how much you heard of her tragic story, but she is not what she appears. She is an ambassador of this city first of all and who had wanted to conduct this entire visit herself, she is secondly not the original Chrysalis who everyone knows has long passed on, and thirdly she is a very troubled soul who has been trying to make amends for the original's mistakes all her life. Her very long life. There's no showing off going on here, and she had originally wanted to conduct this entire visit all on her own." I paused as Chrissy trotted over to Zephyr to stand in front of him lightly bringing Will along in her telekinesis and placing him in a good viewing position to be involved, sniffing and clearly still in pain from that endeavor.

"I'm sorry, really I am. I was not trying to intimate you. Without going into the traumatic full details that clearly make me cry just thinking about, I am a living changeling created by Princess Luna from Dark Magic and have the memories of Chrysalis up to a certain point, but I'm not her and I'm my own bug. Yes I'm unstable, but I have been working through it for over three hundred years. This thing happens to me every three days, and I use my power discharges to help the city. I too am a contributing resident." She paused to breathe and check herself for bruises."I am not tamed nor do I want to be tamed, but I am effectively a Dark Magic and Shadow Magic generator and the memories I am ashamed of are inside me. Please I hope you can understand, I had not planned on this, and it happens on it's own when my past memories become too strong from feeding on the energy I generate naturally." She patted Will on the head and kissed his horn."My immense power comes at a price, and hearing some of my original people were visiting the city, I had hoped to beg them for help. I'd hoped to bring this issue up more casually, but how can one really tell someone 'Oh I'm reformed but my power threatens to corrupt me?' while seeking help?" She reached out a hoof in friendship, sniffling a bit, hoping he would reconsider. "I'm not Chrysalis, not anymore, and I haven't been for many years. I hope it's nice to meet you Zephyr. You may call me Chrissy. Please, I prefer it, and I'm really sorry again if I caused you any inconvenience."

I'd been sitting on his face hugging him all the time Chrissy had been speaking. I slid off his face finally."Do you think we could resume your visit? Please? If you could at some point help her deal with her inner turmoil, we would appreciate it very much."

Edited by Lektra Bolt
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Zephyr was caught off guard by her sudden response, not quite expecting her to grab onto his head and essentially hold  him down. The two fireflies moved to respond, but some signal sent by their commander put them at ease. Well, somewhat at ease, they remained uncomfortably close to Lektra, snarling in preparation to do the deed if need be. Of course, they held themselves at bay for the time being. 

Zephyr channeled his magic, both pincers on either side of his head glowing purples and pinks. Just as Lektra let go and tried to step back, the changeling shoved her back even further. Fortunately, as annoyed as he looked, he wasn't all that perturbed by her entirely physical response. The others were though...

"Is that so?" He rose a brow, finally looking towards Chrysalis and Will. "So the traitor queen, the one that abandoned her hive when they needed her most, one that appears interested in hiding behind whatever facade she's created and unwilling to accept responsibility for her actions?"

He huffed. It was clear he didn't fully grasp, or perhaps not even believe what Chrysalis or 'Chryssy' was saying. Likely the latter... her tale was a cautionary one told to his kind, a reminder of how thinking oneself superior to those around them could result in utter destruction. What made all this worse, was that both the traitors were in the same place, hitting it off relatively well all things considered. Perhaps his emotions really did obscure his judgement this time, letting will go that is. It didn't matter to him if she was 'reformed' or phase zero as his kind called it, more the point her person was there. 

"Help?" Zephyr replied incredulously as he stared at Chrysalis, before giving a suspicious look to Lektra. "Not only have I convinced my superiors to suspend any possibilities of hostilities between our two nations before even meeting you, I've also released a known traitor into your custody as a sign of good will. Now you and that... thing... are asking for my help? Doing what exactly, removing the miasma from her being? And what incentive do I have for doing such a thing?"

"I would have much rather not been brought here under false pretenses..." He growled to Lektra.

Zephyr then shifted his focus back to Chrysalis. "Even if I did want to help it, I would need additional Praetorians, and perhaps even a hexapod to amplify my abilities. I am very hesitant to bring a weapon of such magnitude and value anywhere near your city at present... current events notwithstanding."

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Will blushed when Chrysalis, no, Chrissy kissed his horn. He heard her story and felt sorry for her. He stood close to her as she tried to talk to Zephyr.

Will realized he could never go back to Zephry's Hive. If his life were to continue, he hoped it could be here in this city with Chrissy and Lektra. "So, what will happen to me now?" He asked them.

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Zephyr glared at Will. "I've already released you, traitor. Keep pressing your luck and I'll apprehend you again."

He huffed a few times, considering 'Chrisie's' request. He didn't like the idea of helping the former traitor queen though, the very same that helped to destroy her own hive. There was no telling what others might think of him if he assisted both a traitor and the cause for all of those phase zero reformed changelings. Then again... he didn't have to 'help' her. Instead, he could 'clip her wings', figuratively speaking, effectively destroying her more powerful dark magical abilities. Such an act would surely be seen as beneficial, to destroy this new Chrysalis and leave her a shell of her former self by removing the miasma within her. 

She leaves happily, New Everfree is thankful, and he's removed a dangerous threat from the world. Sounds like a win all around, but he wasn't going to let it be just the one victory. 

Zephyr sighed. "Fine. I agree to help you... Queen." he said the word begrudgingly, she was still a queen after all. Should he tell her about the other exiles?

"Let us continue on our tour. We now have a great deal more to discuss." He closed his shell and relaxed, along with his followers. "Proceed."

The praetorian gave a polite tilt of the head in acknowledgement to Lektra. 

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Let's not anger the guard bugs and start a fight with anyone. I was glad he was feeling better. "Personal space. Noted, sorry."

I was silent as he explained his reasons for still disliking Chrissy. It seems her explanation had either gone over his head or he was clouded by historic preconceptions to actually let it sink in. Regardless she had said her piece, and what was left now was to actually find some way to find proof other than the naked eye. A scan would probably not work. She did in fact accept responsibility, for the actions that she considered her own at the time, but bringing this up again would just seek to cause issues. We'd just diffused a delicate situation, let's not add fuel to a calmed fire.

"Thank you for accepting my request to remove the malevolent feelings from me. I haven't been queen of anything for a very long time, not since the other me took over that life, but you could continue to use that old title if it makes you feel comfortable." That was all she said, as it seemed to take him a while to actually accept and she didn't want to anger him further than he had already been. She was a dark magic and shadow magic generator, so that was the only thing that could be done. Her magic ability wasn't going anywhere, and to attempt to do anything else would have ill effects. The killing kind. We had tried everything we could, but that malevolence still remained. Perhaps the changelings knew something we didn't, even if they really disliked her.

"No false pretenses, just transparency and an idea that suddenly came up." I said this with a smile as I led the group inside the school. It was a multi-grade kind of thing so there were foals and more grown up residents as well as adults going for higher education degrees all in one building. There were many floors so I had to ask which grade he wanted to see. There were of course other facilities like this around the city and this was only one of them.

"Um, which grade were you interested in seeing, exactly? We need to get the right visitor's passes for the right floors." I asked this as we entered the skyscraper and stood in the lobby, various species of students and faculty filing past on the way to classes or work. The receptionist was looking at the changelings a bit scared, but more confused than anything really

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Zephyr only gave a cursory glare at Chrysalis. He tried not to even look at her, or Will for that matter. The praetorian was thoroughly displeased by the current turn of events, and the impromptu continual changes in plans. This was not at all how he planned things to go... not that he had a specific itinerary, but he expected quite a bit less strife and excitement. He got enough of that out in the wildlands. 

"Very well. Let us proceed." He responded to Lektra as they walked into the building. 

He looked around curiously, even at the main hall as they entered, getting glimpses of some of the students rushing through the halls. Most classes were in session at the time, but there were always a few going to various rooms for different reasons. His changeling retinue trailed in behind him, two by two with the two fireflies directly behind Zephyr. 

He paused when Lektra posed the question about grades. The changeling tried to consider what she was referring too... did she mean intelligence levels? House Pisces didn't really have schools in the typical sense... a pod of twelve to twenty grubs were assigned a single caretaker. That caretaker remained with them until the grubs were old enough to be assigned responsibilities and sent off for specialized training. Until then that single caretaker was responsible for teaching them basic concepts, and provide additional teaching to those under their care that shows aptitude or interest in various areas. That meant there was no such thing as school breaks or 'days off', as the process was a daily affair. Colts and fillies, and other young creatures were generally mixed in with the grubs. 

Zephyr blushed a little, looking back at Lektra with a little bit of embarrassed confusion. "You mean intelligence phases or... age? I suppose I'd like to start at one of the newer uhm, grades." 

Zephyr reached over, partially using his magic, to pull Will beside him. He lowered his head to whisper to the other changeling. 

"What does she mean by grade?" he asked with his whisper. 

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I facehooved at his reaction. "Oh sorry, completely my fault. Cultural difference, apologies."

"I could have told you that it would have sounded weird to him. I understood it due to living with ponies so long, but changelings have a different hierarchy." Chrissy chimed in here, looking over a the receptionist.

I turned to Zephyr looking red in the face, embarrassed. "We have what's called grades, separated by age. Fillies and colts learn together for a couple of years, and then they advance to the adult years when they're a bit older. Advanced classes are obviously adult, but we have had a couple of geniuses who advanced through the program quickly that were in those classes at ten years old. By young you probably meant them." I nodded to the receptionist to give us passes for one of the floors where the young were schooled. There were many of each kind of grade.

"Here you all are, just wear these on your um..." The white Unicorn stallion looked over at the visitors curiously. "....Neck? Head? Horns? Um sorry, I'm not sure. Please wear your Visitor's Pass wherever you feel it would fit and still be visible. Thank you for visiting Learning Facility 21 and have a nice time." He said this with a smile as he gave out the passes to everyone to put on.

I'd been here before and led everyone to the elevators. Students and faculty filed about, getting on and off. No pony was intimidated by the changelings, everyone felt safe with the Legion standing nearby.

"Shall we?" An elevator arrived and the guards blocked it off for our group to use so we didn't have to use different elevators. I headed in first followed by Chrissy

Edited by Lektra Bolt
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