#I MAY BE GIVING MIXED SIGNALS ABOUT WHAT THOSE NEEDS ARE

[helianskies]

kid you not my right hand is going thru it rn not only the cyst and recurring pain but the other day i trapped my palm while taking down a washing line so have bruised and taken out a lil chunk of skin so that entire side of my palm is sore to the touch and now i have been BITTEN. TWICE. ON THE SAME WRIST. AS THE CYST. AND NOT BY A SEXY VAMPIRE. WHAT HAVE I DONE TO EARN THIS TREATMENT, UNIVERSE? i dont just mean the vampire but maybe a lil bit of me kinda does actually just mean that idk

[intuitively-her]

You've been through many trials and tribulations that have only made you stronger! I'm getting specifically that you don't look like the things you've been through. From the outside, you actually look perfect, or your lifestyle does. People would never know the sacrifices it took for you to get here though. Most people wouldn't have even made it through some of the obstacles that you've faced. I also get the vibe that you're very reserved with your energy. Kinda like you don't speak unless spoken to. Not in a bad way though. You could be an ambivert. ENTJ? INFJ? You don't have to do the most to get attention, it comes natural to you. You know how to stand alone. Never been a "follow the leader" type. Your balance and stability are surprising as well. It could be because of your age. Or maybe you used to live a reckless lifestyle but managed to pull yourself out of it. I feel like you have a tendency to go ghost for awhile, but then randomly pop out on some new sh*t. People can never keep up with you. You're an enigma. It kinda frustrates people tbh.😂 On the flip side, you are very loving to those closest to you. You always trust yourself and follow your heart to wherever it leads you. You are your top priority and will always make sure your cup is full before giving to someone else. If your love is not being reciprocated, then you will simply leave. Your love is intense.❤️‍🔥 You could be a gift-giver or you enjoy doing acts of kindness. You always know what to do/say at the right moment. Lastly, your star qualities are VERY attractive to others.🤩 You're so humble about it too. You could be an influencer or have an active presence on social media. You have a lot of copycats and people that try to emulate your energy. It never really sticks though.

Confirmations: Confident, Intellectual, 777, Sarcastic, Smart-ass, Mixed signals, Intimidating, 1010, Charming, Promiscuous, Friendly, Competitive, Creative

You always find a way to turn your pain into power! It doesn't matter how many hardships you face, you never let it keep you down. You're always onto the next best thing. Always looking towards the future. Someone here likes to take solo-trips often or you enjoy hiking/being in nature. You often come up creative ideas or new ways to make money. Always willing to learn something new. That trait of yours is highly admired by your bosses/higher-ups. You work very well with others. When people work with you, it quite literally increases their luck and money flow. So be mindful of who you share that energy with. You are such a kind and loving individual, even at your lowest. Give yourself more credit boo!❤️ You're very committed to your self-improvement and personal goals no matter what you go through. That's something to be proud of.

Confirmations: Famous, Sexy voice, 111, Friendly, Funny, Someone here has a cat that is very clingy, 444, Pretty skin, Hermoine from Harry Potter, Elusive, Life of the party, Genuine, Beautiful, Seeing 8's everywhere, Someone here owns an exotic animal or you want one

You know how to transmute any negative energy/situation that is sent your way. You are an alchemist. This is my witchy pile.🔮 You like to play fair and see both sides in situations. Very unbiased. However, you'll also put a b*tch in their place if needed. Cause I'm getting that people like to come into your energy to test/bully you for some reason. But you shut that sh*t down real quick.✅ You may be very introverted, or you have this innocent/naive vibe to you. A lot of people blindly trust you. They know you would never try to cross them. You're a big risk taker. You might do something unconventional for work. People love how you march to the beat of your drum always. You might spend a lot of time alone or you keep a close-knit group of friends. You're not afraid to stand alone whatsoever. Nobody can steal your happiness. That is what's most powerful about you.⭐

Confirmations: Genuine, 911, 818, Mysterious, Intoxicating, 717, Witch, Self-absorbed, Pretty eyes, 737, 777, Uptight, Predator, Intellectual, Elusive

You're more than what meets the eye. From the outside, you seem very shy or monotonous even. But you're a true gem baby.💎Your charisma and charm is one of a kind. You stand out without even realizing it. Your wit and sarcasm is very attractive. You have a very unbothered vibe to you. In your own lane, and outta the mix. It makes me think of "Daria". You might go ghost pretty often. You're very big on self-care and your alone time. On the go a lot. ✈️People feel like they can't get ahold of you anymore. You're very focused on self these days. Me vs. me kinda energy. You're a natural creator. Very artistic and out of the box. You might've been this way since childhood. You're often the topic of discussion to those around you. People really enjoy having you around, whether you know this or not. You're a sweetheart once you truly open up. People feel lucky that they took the time to get to know you. You're a true friend.🩷

Confirmations: Clingy, 111, Wife, Light skin tone, 222, One night stand, Player, 999, Mixed signals, Addict, Psychic, Lazy, Outgoing, Eccentric

💖Please do not copy, repost, or steal my work. Thanks!💖

I missed you guyss xx!!🩷🩷🩷

[majimasleftasscheek]

Hihi! Do you have any minedai headcanons? (Idk how to write aAAAAA)

hmmm I had to give this a good think cuz I normally don't obsess about them too much (compared to a certain other pair lmao) but here's what I got 👀

*note! gonna be a mix of silly and more realistic ideas. my interpretation of minedai is pretty unserious

Daigo

genuinely enjoys mine's company, as uptight and neurotic it may be. because daigo was given the chairman position, a lot of people don't respect him other than mine so it's nice to hang out with someone who, despite being overly respectful, is kind to him. he feels a lot at ease with mine, able to be more himself n all that. it's not much but it means a lot to daigo

that said, he totally goes out in his casual clothes when able and is still very goth coded. Mine makes intense but silent notes about every little thing in those outfits and thinks it's very cute when there's little details like tiny skulls n things

likes to do go out spontaneously when he can and takes mine along. mine thinks something like that is way too dangerous for a chairman to be doing but daigo confides that he's not worried if mine is with him (with an ulterior motive to loosen the giant stick up mine's ass to get him to live a little). cue mine choking on his heart

I like the idea of daigo being oblivious to mine's obsessive behavior to an extent. he becomes so used to mine's quirks that he writes it off as oh he's just like that lol. but he's not wholly dumb to it. he'll be lowkey flirty and that's when mine's questions daigo's actions like "why is daigo smiling at me? is he sick? I should call an ambulance..."

genuinely has zero idea what type of things mine likes. tho daigo grew up in a bougie type of life and mine currently lives it, he can assume things like fine arts and fancy shit tho personally he removed himself from that sort of thing as he got older (to avoid being anything even close to his dad lol). comparatively, daigo lives more modestly so gift giving is up to guessing but mine accepts literally anything from him and frankly refuses to give him hints as not to place expectations accidentally

likes to spar with mine and was surprised to see that daigo was decently capable of protecting himself and finds his informal style of fighting very charming. he's seen daigo fight before, but it's a bit of a different intensity when it's just to two of them trying their hardest to impress

has a network of friends/allies like kiryu, kashiwagi, etc that mine keeps a closer than needed eye on. daigo does get frustrated that he has to explain he trusts these people wholly and it's often a point of contention between them

very much likes slow days when they can just chill with each other, however that may be. cuddling is prime even if mine gets mad hot and sweaty so daigo keeps a full body towel handy. it's not unusual for daigo to go out of his way to prod mine for reactions as it's the highlight of his day

Mine

definitely has a shrine dedicated to daigo. for funnies: has weird shit like used napkins, articles of hair, etc just funky stuff someone wildin' would keep. realistically I think he'd be a lil more modest - having photos and baubles, typical normie shrine shit

absolutely has a folder on his phone/computer of "selfies" with him and daigo. most of them are just regular photos you'd find in like newspapers, half of them are blurry as hell, and there's a few he's taken himself but poorly done because he did it under a table or something. and of course there's many photos of just daigo, doing all assortment of things from working hard to hardly working

he's caught by daigo occasionally but mine attributes his behavior to "trying to find better phone signal" as he aims it coincidentally at daigo's spikey heeled boots. even when they're together together, he still does this on the sly

insists on paying for everything whenever they're out but with enough convincing, he'll back down and internally melts when daigo tells him he's just happy to have his company. has a habit tho of "making up" for what he didn't pay for such as ordering lunches n things before daigo can refuse

obvs very violently protective of daigo tho avoids being so in front of him as much as possible. it's very common for someone who's spoken ill of daigo to get their ass beat or thrown into the Tokyo Bay some days later. has a network of people dedicated solely to routing out daigo haters

is often confided to by daigo about the stresses of running the clan and it takes a lot out of mine for him to not be cold and calculating with an answer. has had to learn sometimes people just want someone to listen

at first, mine thought such confiding was some limp dick shit but over time realized that daigo never wanted anything out of such confessions which is unexpected. to have someone be so trusting and vulnerable with him is incredibly valuable

would have "sounds of daigo talking about stuff" recorded and sleeps to it every night. be assured clips of daigo sneezing are in there too

if he was in dead souls, he would be going turbo murder throughout the city just to dent the population of zombies that could even potentially get a whiff of daigo's darkness allure™ cologne. if infected, I imagine he'd have the will to remain loyal cuz the power of simp compels him

[howlsofbloodhounds]

I was thinking about the possibility of Killer finding a young Papyrus in a destroyed AU and taking him under his wing and I was thinking of possible reasons why he would do this, you know?

While he's with Color, I feel like, in his mind, it would feel as almost the only option. Well, rescuing him that is, not taking care of him after. But, anyway, that's what Color would do and what Color would want him to do, and, while Killer is the type to test limits, he's also desperate for the approval of those he feels are in charge (which isn't exactly the case with Color, but their whole thing is rather complicated).

That said, I think while with Color the rescue is where their interactions would stop. Color would probably help him find someone more suited to take care of young Papyrus in the Omega Timeline, and Killer isn't the type to get attached so easily so he'd be happy to let go.

Now, while he's living under Nightmare is a different story.

Mostly because, under Nightmare, his directive is not to kill anyone. Dead people don't suffer after all. But also, a universe that is almost entirely empty is pointless for the God, so he may want to get rid of that one to free up some space.

So, imagine Killer sneaks this Papyrus into the castle behind Nightmare's back and, at first, it is entirely because my guy is following the Nightmare directive: no killing unless Nightmare specifically approves of it. Going behind Nightmare's back was less intentional and more of a result of Nightmare not caring/paying very little attention to someone as hopeful as Papyrus.

Once at the castle, keeping Papy hidden and protected feels like the only way to keep respecting the no killing directive, whether it's an extended Bad Sanses situation or not. 'Cause Nightmare would lose his mind if he found out that Killer is smuggling people behind his back and he has fits of violent rage when that happens. And he doesn't think when he's angry (and, of course, Killer's the one paying the consequences for whatever he ends up doing, so no thanks). And if Dust is there, having a Papyrus anywhere near him is just a bad idea.

It would also be interesting to see how exactly Killer goes about taking care of Papy. Because, to me, in his mind he would soon start to see Papy as just either one of his cats or one of his weapons who need routine maintenance and little else. Which would be a terrible existence for the poor guy, because I don't think that Killer would be the type to talk with those much...

That does feel like Stage 2’s mindset, yes. Especially when serving Nightmare. I feel like Killer be widely torn in all directions on what to do with Papyrus under Nightmare—his instincts, feelings, and orders all sending him mixed signals.

Feelings from Stage 1–the internal horror and impeding dread, the horrific guilt and shame, yet still the selfish desire for something familiar, to try and wash away some of his sins.

His orders from Nightmare not to kill, and yet his training from Chara dictating that he kill Papyrus. He training to be attuned to Chara’s needs and wants paired with the same lingering attachment he had with Chara making him feel compelled to care for the child and basically become a doormat—instinct to bend and mold himself to Papyrus’ will the exact same way he did with Chara.

The underlying fear and resentment of yet again finding himself at the whims of a damn child that fuels Stage 3. The constant reminders that isn’t just any child, or a Chara, but a Papyrus—his biggest enemy. The one he has to kill. Impending dread of what’ll happen if he keeps trying to resist, what’ll happen if he does give in.

I’d imagine taking care of a Papyrus under Nightmare will send his Stages into a whirlwind of conflicting desires—and he’d be torn between wanting to escape and hide away from it all, but knowing he has to be present, because who knows what’ll happen if he switches into another Stage.

He wouldn’t be able to attach himself to the kid in this environment, he’d actively keep himself distant and detached, would probably avoid trying to be in higher Stages around him—and as a result, the kiddo would likely feel like Killer isn’t really..all there? Aware? He may even feel dehumanized on some level, as if a robot is taking care of him than anything real—even if this robot is being very meticulous and isn’t hurting him. Yet.

Perhaps Papyrus would feel the need to tread carefully, but may also feel a sense of safety and being seen while with Killer—he always seems to know what he wants and what he needs before Papyrus himself does. But I’d imagine he’d very confused between the “good, sad” brother (Stage 1) and the “cold, robot” brother (Stage 2.)

He has all sorts of ideas of what could happen if the kid is caught—he knows because he’s often the one doing it all, with eyes watching his every move, body acting on autopilot. He won’t sugar coat it either—he’d make it very clear to Papyrus what is likely to happen to him if he is ever seen, caught, heard. If he doesn’t listen to and follow Killer’s orders.

But ultimately I don’t think Stage 1 would want Papyrus there. With Nightmare. Even if a part of him selfishly doesn’t want to part with him either.

He can’t afford attachments, he can’t afford having more responsibilities, more burdens and drains on resources—and he will also feel guilty for thinking of his little brother like that, but he doesn’t feel he can control those thoughts. To him, the second he brought this kid within reach of himself, he’s already sealed his fate.

Nightmare wouldn’t hurt or kill this child. He’d have Killer do it. And Killer could never think to say no when he’s “like that”—even when he hesitates, and something seems..off.

Papyrus will die, he thinks. Every other Papyrus has—usually by his own hands, as he watches from behind his eyes (st1) or from a 3rd person view (st2). But maybe some small part of him, a flickering light, would want to try. Keep the kid alive until a better option is available out of the castle—even if it means dumping the kid in some neutral AU with some clothes and weapons and coin. Becoming a little faint memory in the kid’s mind, or better yet, forgotten entirely. Finding him a better brother.

(Imagine Stage 1 giving little Papyrus tips on how to handle and behave around him when he’s “like that.” Something about how he won’t hurt Papyrus, not unless “the bad man tells him to,” and to stay safe he must hide away from the bad man.)

Things will likely be different in his Good Ending though, where he’s away from Nightmare and has Color’s support and help. I think it’s in this ending where Killer would have a harder time letting go. In all this new, Stage 1 wants to cling to something familiar. Something grounding. Even if it’s painful.

If Killer is ultimately able to maintain the care for the child, would probably differ based on interpretation, adequate care and support, and how far along he is in recovery.

But also..would he even be allowed to have a child? Given his history, if the Omega Timeline has something equivalent to the CPS or a foster system, would they have to evaluate him if he ever attempted to legally adopt the Papyrus? If he has to give the kid up anyway, would any adopted or fostering family even allow a known mass murdering terrorist visitation—supervised or not, rehabilitating or not?

Even if Killer ever wanted to become a parent or caretaker, he’d likely face heavy scrutiny and judgment during and after the whole thing. Maybe some brave souls would even try to step in and remove the kid themselves.

[aboutescapism]

enjoy the silence II | ao’nung.

ao’nung x fem!sully!reader

previous part | part two | next part

synopsis: Ao’nung’s words had hurt you, but his contradictory actions hurt you more. You realize your mistake in your idea that you’d be a good match, but it may have already cost you your life.

genre: angst.

contains: more pining from reader, mixed signals, ilu riding. mentions of near death experience, suffocation, overwhelming feelings. ao’nung literally being so confusing. requited love after all?

a/n: welcome to the second installment of enjoy the silence! the first part ended up being posted two days earlier than expected (the last time i ever schedule a post) and still needed scenes added but, i’m so happy you all loved it so much anyway! i tagged everyone who asked to be tagged. thank you guys so much for the support!

The morning after Ao’nung had said those things to you by the shore came quickly. After he had stalked off, you went back to your mauri, purposely taking the long way home to be with your thoughts for a while. Did you read his signs wrong? Was he even giving any signs to begin with? Or had you been clouded with the illusion of being a perfect pair that you hadn’t even considered how Ao’nung felt?

Your siblings could feel your slight sadness when you arrived back, but no one had questioned it much, save for a few, “Feelin’ alright?”s from your father. Moving to Awa’atlu had affected everyone, they had felt the overwhelming ache of homesickness every once in a while, they understood you were feeling down. If only they knew, your once source of happiness was now your source of distress.

Despite that, you weren’t angry with Ao’nung. Not at all. You understood where he was coming from completely. As the future Olo’eyktan, he needs to protect his people. That means protecting them from humans, and your family had brought that threat. If anything, it’s natural for him to be hostile towards you. That didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. But you were resilient.

You just had to prove to him you were more than what was running in your veins. 

Today, like the past few days, was filled with training. Ao’nung was paired up with you, again. You felt uneasy at first, not wanting to make him more uncomfortable with you. He gave Tsireya a look, almost begging to switch partners. She only rolled her eyes and smiled when you reached them.

He must’ve told her how he felt about you, or maybe she had heard his harsh words to you last night. Either way, you’re sure she smacked him upside the head for upsetting you. Tsireya took a genuine liking to you, and she may or may not have been doubling her efforts in winning over the Sully family due to her liking of Lo'ak. 

Once all together in the shallow water, Ao’nung began to call to the Ilu. Almost immediately, they swam up and circled him. It was mesmerizing, watching him call them so effortlessly, how they swam up to him so fondly. 

“These are Ilu. If you want to live here, you have to ride,” he explained. You were excited, you had little trouble claiming your Ikran, surely this is no different.

Ao’nung faced you, pointing, “the demon girl will go first.” Your eyes widened, suddenly intimidated. But, you had to show him you weren’t just some forest girl with five fingers.  

You swam up to an Ilu, petting it. It clicked at you, nudging you affectionately. This creature was so gentle, so sweet to you. Your Ikran was nothing but the opposite when you claimed it; squawking loudly, attempting to throw you over the edge of the cliff. You gained some confidence from its gentle demeanor, and climbed on top. Tsireya and Ao’nung swam up beside to keep the Ilu still and allow you to make a bond. 

“Make the bond, and hold here,” Tsireya gestured to the handle. You pulled your queue from behind you, bare, pink nerves ready to make a connection. You took a deep breath and made the bond with your Ilu. Suddenly, you felt its being as whole, as a part of you. You felt its breath, its fins, how strong it is, how eager it was to swim with a new driver. 

“Breathe from here, remember. Hold your breath when you dive, the Ilu is fast. But it will know when to go back up for air. It feels you, you feel it,” Ao’nung placed his hand on your upper stomach like he had done when training your breathing. You gasped quietly, not expecting such a gentle, forward gesture from him. Especially not after last night’s exchange.

Your golden eyes made contact with his, your brows furrowed in confusion. Hadn’t he just reprimanded you for just merely existing? Now he was touching you so delicately, like you’d break from too much pressure. Had last night really just been a bit? Just a teasing joke? Maybe he didn’t hate you after all? 

His mixed signals made you feel fuzzy, your brain suddenly so confused. The Ilu felt it, too, and began to thrash around from the uncertainty you felt at Ao’nung’s touch. He removed his hand from you, much to your disappointment, to calm the Ilu back down to stillness. 

You shook the thoughts about him out of your head, you had to focus. “I’m ready, I can do this.”

“Start slow, don’t hurt yourself,” Ao’nung’s tone was firm, but worried. Perhaps he did care for you.

You took another deep breath, and went off into the water. 

You started slow, like Ao’nung instructed, getting comfortable with being pulled through the water by the Ilu. Gradually you sped up, gliding through the reef with ease.

The rush of adrenaline that flowed through you only made you more and more confident. The beautiful reef had you hypnotized, you felt so much while being wished around the glowy underwater plants and animals. The swirl of colors dizzied you in only the best way, leaving you in awe.

You reached a hand out to brush against the foliage as you flew past it. It was so soft to the touch. It only reminded you of Ao'nung's.

What he said greatly hurt you, joke or not. The contrast of his words then and now was so confounding to you. And with the thought of him back in your mind, you became tense, now losing your focus. You lost your balance on the Ilu along with your secure grip.

This thrashed you around some, but you could regain your composure. Unfortunately, it was proving difficult.

You underestimated the force of the water. Your grip on the Ilu faltered more with the ever growing speed. You couldn’t keep up, the pressure was too much. The rush of the water was now pulling you back, straining your limbs. Dreadful fear filled you when you realized, inevitably you’d be knocked off and sent into waters you weren’t familiar with at all, with animals and creatures you’d never interacted with. 

You had underestimated the difficulty of riding an Ilu, just as you had underestimated Ao’nung’s impact on you. It was all too similar.

At first, you’d been confident and blinded by excitement. Excitement of meeting your seemingly perfect match. Excitement of trying something new. You weren’t careful, not assessing the situation completely before you dived in headfirst.

You didn’t take Ao’nung himself into account, how powerful his actions, his feelings are just as the water’s force is on your body now. Oh, how your impulsivity ricocheted back to you, but ten times stronger. Whiplash from Ao’nung’s mixed signals and the rush of the current you’re trying to push through. 

You had to let go, you realized. 

You had to let go of the Ilu before you hurt yourself. You had to let go of your delusional idea of yours and Ao’nung’s relationship before it drastically hurts you. Or him. You couldn't bear the thought of hurting him, in any way.

He didn’t feel the same, he never would. Spiraling down this idea would only complicate things more. You needed to let go.

With that, you took your grip off the Ilu, ripped from the back of the creature and sent off into the water. 

Your breath had begun to ran out and you were so far down, clouded with thoughts of needing air and needing Ao'nung. Neither would come to you soon enough.

Unbeknownst to you, a pair of azure eyes caught sight of your descending figure before it was too late. He couldn't bear the thought of you being hurt. The thought alone was what was driving him to swim to you faster.

Ao'nung needed you, too.

taglist! @maxiel4life @aonungmyaddiction @awkward-halfhug @bratsukisworld @bigdikzaddy @iheartamajiki @adaiasafira @holysaladapricothero

[ilovewritingsm]

Nerds♡

Pairing: male nerd insert × female reader

TW!! Contains: nsfw topics, rude reader, reader leads him on, p in v, unprotected, cunnilingus, fingering, nerd has a big dick, nerd is down bad 😭, very light angst, hurt/comfort, creampie, barely plot the I just wanted 2 write smut lol

The way he stares is almost creepy if he didn't look like such a lovesick puppy 24/7. He can barely speak to you, tumbling over his words as he asks for the simplest favor "D-do you have a uhm, pencil I could p-please borrow?". I mean, he's practically begging for attention, constantly stealing passing glances, hoping, praying you'll just give him a chance.

He's so cute. Why wouldn't you give him a chance?

Well, kinda. leading him on, doting on him having him do your work, he's just happy to spend time with you and be useful. You toy with him, giving him hugs everything you see him as a "friendly" gesture, ignoring the hardening feeling against your thigh (and the way he'd run off to the bathroom at the slightest touch from you), kissing his cheek when he does your paperwork as a "reward".

In his mind, you two are practically married. Though he does get the occasional reality check when he sees you with other men in your workplace.

Eventually he decides he's had enough he needs to get to the bottom of how you feel about him the mixed signals were confusing him and he can't stand to see another one of those stupid pathetic men stop by your desk. (Seriously, you could do better, girl..)

"Hey, c-can we talk, in private?" He manages to stutter out, "yea sure." You replied, your voice tinged with concern. He leads you to a more seculded part of the office one where if he were rejectedhe wouldn't have to face the scrutinizingstares of your coworker. "Do you, uhm, do you like me?" He mutters the last part to afraid to even look you in your eyes, fidgeting with his fingers. "What?" You ask partly because you can barely hear him and partly because you were shocked he managed to build the courage to finally ask you. "I asked if you like me? I feel like you do, but I keep seeing you talk to these other guys, and I.. I don't know.". You were so shocked and put on the spot that you couldn't even respond, "Can we talk about this later?"

The whole way home, he's near tears. It was obvious you didn't like him. You just said that to soften the blow. You were simply leading him on, but he was just stupid enough to believe you.

Meanwhile, you were trying to figure out if you actually even liked him. He was cute, he was clearly so in love with you, so infatuated. You thought back to the way he would look at you, and you felt your cheeks burn a little. The way he'd basically beg for your attention, how couldn't you like him???

The next day, you call him over, much to his suprise. A simple text to him not detailing much feeling it was better to tell him in person than over text "Can you come over, I want to talk.". He immediately hops in his car (after a long shower and brushing his teeth and putting on a decent outfit). He responds with a simple text back, "Omw".

Before long, you heard timid knocks at your front door. You answer the door and meet with him standing in front of you with a small nervous smile plasterd on his face. You take note of how he made himself look nicer, and it makes your heart flutter. "May I come in?" You quickly open the door wider, and he steps in with a small "thank you" so polite and sweet. And his nose is met with the almost overwhelming aroma of you.

"Do you want tea?" You ask pretending the tension in the air isn't looming over you. "Yes, please." He answers almost too quickly, ready for you to get this over with. You boil the water and pour you and your guest a cup, placing it down onto the small coffee table sat in your cozy living room. You sit down on the couch a comfortable distance from him. "I just wanted to start off by saying sorry for making you wait...I uhm, I'm also sorry for leading you on.." He knows you mean no harm. In fact, you are apologizing for it, but he'd be lying if he said hearing you actually say it out loud didn't hurt. "I like you. I like you a lot and I'm sorry-mm!" Before the words could fully leave your mouth, he had his mouth on your arms, pulling you in.

Though it was sudden it was welcome, you kissed him back with just as much passion and fever. It's a sloppy, drooly, loving mess of a kiss. It's pretty obvious he didn't have much experience in this. He pulls away, and you almost whine at the lack of contact. "I- I'm sorry I didn't mean to." He apologizes once again, tripping over his words, but before he could finish, you interject, "It's okay, I want to kiss you." He flushes a light shade of pink before nervously and a bit more calculatedly diving into the kiss again.

This time, he feels bold, he gently licks at the bottom of your lip, requesting entry, and you comply, opening your mouth for him. He eagerly and sloppily shoves his tongue in your mouth, nervously licking against your tongue, which elicits a small moan from you. He takes this as a sign to go further and picks up the pace more your tongue and gently pushing you into the couch.

You fall back easily, and your legs find their way around his waist, the tent in his pants so clearly visible you swear you could see the outline. He notices you staring and nervously covers himself. You giggle and move his hand away to get an eyeful to which he allows you to look at your face for any signs of a negative emotion, his features etched with concern. You look a little shocked by how thick it was. Sure, you'd felt it against your thigh more times than you could count (whenever you hugged him) , but that was nothing compared to seeing it.

He stares at you, concerned and nervous, "I-is something wrong?" He asks his voice slightly shaky, and you quickly responded "No no not at all. it's just...so big" You say a little breathless. He immediately hides his face to avoid you seeing him blushing like a little girl. You giggle and move his hands from his face, pulling him into another loving kiss.

The tea was now long forgotten about as he grinds into your thigh, teasing you. And all of a sudden your clothes are getting too hot and you need to strip. You start pulling off your shirt and he stares in awe as you bra-coverd breasts spring out from under your shirt once fully taken off. "M-may I?" He asks nervously while looking up at you and your respond with a breathless "Yes.". He immediately is pulling off your bra, albeit a bit slow due to inexperience but once it's finally off he gently gropes your chest looking at you for any signs of discomfort. You look back at him face contorted in pleasure as you arch you back and whine.

Before you know it, you're stripped down to your panties, and he's stripped to his underwear. You kind of stare 'jesus he was much more well built than you thought' to yourself, not bothering to hide your lingering gaze. He lays on your chest sloppily, suckling kissing and nipping at your nipples with the sound you whining his name over and over again, egging him on. He runs a hand down from your breast to your underwater and looks up at you for approval. To which you eagerly nod sucking in a breath of air.

He gently pulls your soaked panties down your legs, leaving a small trail of wetness down your thighs. He shakily rubs a finger along your slit and you gasp, his eyes darting up to your face as you look at him begging for more. He gently slips in one finger, easily, and you whine. He slowly pumps his fingers in and out of you, being careful not to hurt or cause any discomfort. His thumb brushes over your clit with every gentle thrust.

"Please, more I need more." You manage to choke out, and he does as he's told adding another finger and you clench around it then he slightly repostions himself dropping to his knees and you look down at him awaiting whatever he has in mind. He gently licks at your clit his two fingers thrusting in and out of you with a steady rhythm. You moan his name loudly, begging him for anything and everything. He complies greedily suckling on you clit before adding another finger thrusting all three in and out of you.

Before you know it, you can feel the knot in your stomach tighten, and you start needily moaning his name over and over again like a mantra. He starts to speed up his movements wanting to please you. Then all at once you feel it snap, you squirt everywhere, in his mouth his chest your thighs his face and all he does is greedily lap at you drinking up as much as possible.

You try to catch your breath, your walls involuntarily clenching around his lanky fingers. "You okay?" He asks nervously, "Don't worry, I'm more than okay, you did so good. " You praise him gently, to which he smiles in response."Can you still like..uhm, you know?" He mutters, and you giggle at his nervousness. "Yes yea, I can, I think."

He stands up and slowly tugs at the waist band of his boxers, and he looks up at you, nervous. He finally drops his boxers and you look at him admiring him for a few seconds. Its cut with a pretty pink flushed tip and just large enough to test how far you can really stretch. "Jesus..."

"What?" He asks concerned "nothing it's just so fucking pretty." You say breathless as you sit up and grab his hand pulling him closer. "Can I?" You ask him gently, looking up at him."Yes, please." He answers quickly, eliciting a giggle from you. You take it into your hands, and you see him tense up. "Hmm..." You spit on it much to his suprise and embrassment before giving it a few tugs, and it takes him everything not to finish right then and there. "Can you?" You ask him expecting him to lead because you were a little nervous to take him.

He positions himself between your thighs and gently rubs the tip along your folds. You throw your head back in pleasure, and he quietly whines. "You're ready?" He mutters barely above a whisper "Yes yes I'm so ready, please just -" You're cut short when he inserts the tip, eliciting a small wail of pleasure. He slowly pushes into you gently until he's at the hilt, and he let's out a long, drawn-out groan before grabbing your thighs a bit roughly and pushing them to your chest. "Fuckkk." He moans, pushing himself deeper. He starts to slowly thrust in and out of you

"Please please please please-" was all you could moan out as he gently thrusted in and out of you "need you to relax a little it's t-tight" you blush and listen to him relaxing yourself. Then he begins to pick up the pace thrusting in and out of you at a medium pace "y-your so godamn pretty hmph- God you don't know how bad I've wanted this" He mumbles into your ear "so tight just- fuck- like I thought you'd be." He says like a pathetic loser.

He speeds up his thrusts, and you're singing his name over and over and over and over, adding to the lewd symphony of flesh on flesh and the wet noises. You feel yourself getting closer and closer, tightening up around him and whining louder. And he gets closer to, getting uncharacteristic rough, shoving your knees to your chest, pistioning in and out of you with reckless abandon.

You can't hold any longer. Everything is too much as it all comes crashing down at once when you scream his name, gripping his arms so tight your nails could draw blood. He groans loudly as you tighten around him, and he opts to grind into you, his thighs grinding into the plush of your ass. Your eyes roll to the back of your skull as you finish. He whines and gives you a few more sloppy thrusts before spilling inside, you filling you up.

You both lie there for a few seconds, catching your breath. "Thank you so much." He mutters, burying his face into your neck. You giggle. "Thank you." you reply in a breathless and tired tone. You cuddle up to him, enjoying his presence.

After a few more minutes, he gently let's go of you, and you frown at the loss of warmth. "Uhm, where are your washcloths?" He asks politely a juxtaposition to the rough way he was pinning your knees to your chest less than 30 minutes ago. "They're in my linen closet, right there." You say pointing a finger to the linen closet left of your living room. He stands and grabs one before wetting it with warm water and squeezing it out and returning to your side. He rubs the mess off of your thighs gently, and you whine quietly, still extremely sensitive.

After cleaning most of it off he grabs your hand gently helping you stand up with shaky legs. "Sorry.." He mumbles referring to your weak and sore legs. "Yea a little rough pinning them to my chest." You say jokingly and he immediately apologizes but you reassure him as you both shakily make your way to the bathroom.

He turns on the shower and hops in with you. The water is warm, soothing your sore muscles, and you relax into him as he holds you. He helps you wash up, rubbing the soapy washcloth down your back and neck, helping you wind down. You return the favor washing his back as well.

Once you both step out, the need to sleep over takes you. You both dry off, and he goes into the living room to grab his clothes, but you stop him before he can. "You can't sleep in those clothes they're way too uncomfortable." You say concern etched into your features. He smiles before responding "Well I'm not sleeping in them after all, I can't drive home naked." You frown slightly. "Drive home?" You repeat "yea I need to go home. I can't stay over." He replied, slightly confused. "Why are you busy with something?" You ask. "Well, not really, I just figured you wanted me to go." He says a little timid you look up at him befuddled. "What no, of course not I want you to stay," you say, holding onto his hand. He smiles and looks at you.

You both manage to find clothes to wear out of your closet and then lay down. His hands find their way around you, and you hold him tight. "I'm happy you came over tonight..." You whisper quietly. "I'm happy too." He responds before burying his face into your neck. "Goodnight, I love you." The words slip past his lips so easily that it's like he's said it a million times before, your heart tightens in your chest and you squeeze him tighter.

"I love you too."

Writers note: let me know if yall want more like inserts/oc's also if you guys prefer hc's or fics. I'm not the best at writing smut but I'm trying 😭 constructive criticism is welcome!! (Also I'm not sure if it's fully proof read just know I tried my best)

Edit: I fixed most of the typos and tried to make it a little less...graphic? Lol, also, I'm SO sorry I forgot to give a tw for the creampie sorry if that bothered anyone, but it's in the tw's now!! And if u made it this far and enjoyed it please consider a reblog currently trying 2 grow this blog :3

[bluebelly-sun-serpentine]

Hello! Some info about this blog:

COMMON TAGS:

#bluebellyphotos (original photo posts)

#bluebellytalks (text posts and reblog comments)

#flora (plant and landscape photos)

#fauna (animal photos)

#arthropods (bugs and friends)*

#invertebrates (includes slugs and bugs and other critters)*

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*For spiders I also give content and trigger warnings in the tags. You can block spider posts by blocking #cw spiders or #tw spiders. I try to be responsive to reasonable content warning requests so send me an ask if there's anything else you want me to add to my tags.

FAQ:

What camera and lenses do you use?

I use a Sony A7Riv (a mirrorless digital camera) and most often I am using a 35mm prime lens (the FE 1.4/35 GM) or the less fancy but still serviceable 85mm prime (FE 1.8/85). I bought them all used off KEH, which I really recommend for anyone in North America trying to spend less money on gear. The majority of the photos posted here were made using that camera body and one of those two lenses, although I do occasionally use converters and lenses from old analog SLRs. I don't post my film work to this blog, but if you want to know about analog cameras and film photography, shoot me an ask.

Where was this photo taken?

After deliberating for a long time, I made a decision to not share geolocative information with my photos unless I was making a larger text post about the area and its history. I remember the world before geotagging and instagram, and I have really mixed feelings about – on some level – reducing the landscapes and lifeways I cherish to their aesthetics. While I do trust most of you to treat the places you visit with care, I've also seen a lot of trampled superblooms and summit queues for that one perfect shot. So if I'm going to tell you where something is, I also want to include information about why that place is so special. Unfortunately, most of the time I am too tired to write something long enough to do the place justice.

How do you edit your photos? Do you use presets, and if so, which ones?

For years this has been my workflow: I import everything into Adobe Lightroom Classic, which I like for its organizational capacity more than anything else. I built my own presets, each for specific lighting conditions, weather conditions, and landscape types, which I apply as photos come in. Then I do a second pass and make adjustments on each photo. I may share preset packages at some point – I just have to get around to it. I delete a lot of work, because the Sony a7riv files are enormous. I export everything for tumblr at or below 2000 pixels on the long edge, so the file sizes you guys see are comparatively small (want a larger file for some reason? send me an ask). I do work with photoshop as well, but generally not for the photos I post to this blog. I have been considering moving everything over to Darktable, which is open source.

NEW FOLLOWERS:

I get a lot of bot followers. If your blog has a profile pic, a header image, and some text in your info section that was clearly written by a human I’m much less likely to accidentally block you. I don't need you to list identity information or post a picture of yourself (I am glad you protect your privacy). Even just changing your blog’s colors can help signal you are human to other tumblr users, but if you get blocked it's almost certainly because you looked like a bot and I was going through the motions of clearing them out. If I notice your blog posting AI content I will block you even if you appear to be human and friendly. My only real aim with bluebelly-sun-serpentine is to encourage us all to pay attention to the world around us and to celebrate what that attention can do to connect us to all kinds of life, and I feel like ai is just kind antithetical to that, so I do my best to keep it off my dash.

[anangelwhodidntfall]

basically y/n has worked in the palace for years and she’s really really close with eric, she thinks she loves him but is always getting mixed signals from him, like he gets really deep in conversation with her and will hold her hand sometimes but then he thinks of her as a friend. one day eric’s mom sets her up with vanessa (a princess who looks like vanessa from tlm) and eric decides to give her a try and y/n desperately wants to be with him but doesn’t know if he actually feels the same way back. eric slowly is gonna realize over the story he loves her but is afraid to loose her because he’s not good with emotions. Vanessa is very rude btw. i was kinda thinking a slow burn thing if you know what i mean for y/n and eric and vanessa always gets in the way but if this is too much it’s okay! love your story’s!!!

also in the second paragraph i meant eric mom sets *him* up with vanessa not her 

Plastic Hearts: Prince Eric

Your relationship with the prince was very complicated, you two have been best friends for years but there's one thing about that you had a crush on him and you thought he liked you back, but you always got mixed signals from him. One minute you guys could be holding hands and having deep conversations and then the next it's telling people that you are just friends and being less talkative with you.

Currently you and Eric were walking around the markets on just talking and looking around while he held your hand which made you smile. The sun was starting to set making the sun hit you just right making him think about some things that were probably unrealistic. 

"Do you wanna go watch the sunset?" You asked him. 

"I would love to." He said as he started leading you two down to the beach where you two sat next to each other.

That night y/n fell asleep with a smile on her face even if it was another conflicting emotion from Eric, it was still a nice day. Eric laid awake that night thinking about y/n and if it was even possible for him to like her in lover way. 

"Do I like y/n? Could she even like me back?" He thought.

Eric shook those thoughts from his head as he got up and got dressed for the day before heading to the dining room for breakfast with his mother. 

"What's going on mother?" Eric asked his mother noticing there was another place set at the table for someone. 

"I have decided to set you up with someone!" She said happily as Eric looked at her confused.

"Set me up with someone? Mother I don't...." Eric started to say but his mother stopped him.

"No Eric it's time you started looking for a wife...now princess Vanessa will be here any minute." She said as the doors opened.

"Your Majesty and Prince Eric, may I present to you Princess Vanessa." Grimsby said as she curtsied. 

"It's so lovely to meet you both, I can't wait to see where this relationship goes." She said as the Queen nudged Eric. 

"It's lovely to meet you as well. Please join us for breakfast." He said pulling out a chair for her. 

Y/n was walking through the castle completing her chores when she saw Eric and some girl she's never seen before. 

"Oh y/n, this is Vanessa." Eric said introducing the two of them. 

"It's nice to meet you." Y/n said as Vanessa just glared at her. 

"Y/n is my best friend, we grew up together." He said with a smile. 

"Your friends with the help??" Vanessa said as y/n looked at her in shock and as Eric gave her a dirty look. 

"Well Eric I should get back to work, I'll see you in a bit." y/n said as she went back to her work. 

This is what would happened each time that her and Eric were together or stop and talked to each other, vanessa would find some find to way to interupt them and be rude to y/n. Eric also started to realize that everytime he was with Vanessa he couldn't help but wish it was y/n there instead. 

You had been waiting for Eric at your usual spot when you saw Vanessa approaching her which made her nervous as it hit that Eric didn't leave that note for her. 

"You will never be with Eric so you need to leave him alone! You are nothing more than a pathetic leech who can't see when someone clearly doesn't like them." She said as the tears fell down your face. 

"I understand." You said quietly.

Eric had come back from a walk where it hit him that he was very much in love with y/n, he just never realized it until now. After breaking up with Vanessa which wasn't easy to do as she made a whole scene, he went to find y/n, only she wasn't in the kitchens where she normally was.

"Where's y/n at?" He asked one of the maids. 

"Oh my prince she is packing, she's leaving for the summer and is currently home packing right now." She said making Eric panic. 

No she can't leave! He thanked her and started running towards her house hoping to catch her before he lost her forever. 

Y/n couldn't stand here and keeping playing this game, with Eric on whether or not he would ever like her so she decided to take up her aunt's offer and go live with her for the summer just to get away from the castle for a bit. She was loading up her things into a wagon, when she heard footsteps approaching her. 

"Y/N please don't go!" Eric said as she turned and looked at him.

"Eric I can't keep doing this with you, this isn't fair to me. One minute we are holding hands and having deep talks and then the next you are telling people that we are just friends and being closed off with me. I'm tired off all the mixed signals Eric, I like you a lot but I can't keep doing this with you not knowing how you feel...." You said as you felt Eric press his lips against yours. 

"Y/n I didn't know that I was in love with you or that I had feelings for you until Vanessa came around, everytime I was with her I couldn't help but think about you and how much I rather it be with you. I'm sorry it took me so long to realize this but please don't go, please give me a second chance to prove myself to you." He said holding your hands.

"I would like that alot, will you come with me? I was gonna spend the summer with my aunt." You asked him with a smile. 

"I would love nothing more sweetheart." He said as he helped you into the wagon. 

[quimichi]

MATCH UP TRADE ♡

@kamesama compared to your work of art, mine feels like--shit lol. I really really hope that you like this one-and that i made no mistakes---I thought you two would be cute ♡

GOJO SATORU

@ listen- i read about you and saw gojo flash before my eyes because you're so down to earth and you seem like the type of person who can 'tame' him in a way

@ ok sooo random bf hcs~

@ you mentioned that you often wear things like beige and dusty pinks. Would honestly look so cute beside the angelic gojo- yk the light aesthetic is giving

@ and maybe one of those silver rings is a gift from him 🤭

@ he honestly seems like the type of guy to give silver jewelry as presents, if he would ever gift you jewelry at all. He gives you more plushes or other useless shit he won in arcades or just randomly found.

@ better clean those random plushies, you never know-

@ just randomly comes to visit you at most random times like: "Hey babe, just got back, brought us snacks, lets watch Ghostbusters" or something-

@ practically invites himself lol@ definitely told Nanami about you, poor man has to suffer through rants and rants with no end in sight. Oh and bragging, "take a look at my girlfriend" way

@ nope, you're not allowed to he insecure with THE Satoru Gojo

@ keep him on a leash cause many girls AND boys will swoon over him. He's loyal, trust me, but--others are not lol@ if he wants to be extra romantic he brings you coffee and warm croissants to bed ♡

@ yes, he will 100% remember every random ass fact you ever told him. Why? Hyperfixation lol

@ oh and you don't need to worry about physical touch cause this man got his hands EVERYWHERE, respectfully tho

@ so, why did i pick gojo again? Hes a mess, you're not. Although I would say that most of the time opposites do NOT attract, some do and it can be super cute. And this is one of those cases

@ you will unfortunately encounter a mess at first, especially when you both caught feelings. You mentioned you hate mixed signals but i feel like gojo would give them, not intentionally tho! He just doesn't know what to really do with them-he knows what he feels and all but handling such stronh feelings? Nah-

@ also, Gojo may seem like a fun guy with no commitment, i personally think its the opposite. He wouldn't be in a serious relationship if he wouldn't 100% trust you and would imagine a future with you

@ his job makes it all a bit harder and having someone that not only understands and accepts is difficult to find, and he found that someone in you

@ he trusts you a lot and shows his vulnerability to you very openly, you just...don't hurt him. He's far more fragile than he shows to be

[themuse-if]

Hey, hey!!🤗

So, I was a little curious about a topic involving NFSW questions, but I wasn't sure if you were okay with that type of question, so no need to answer if you're uncomfortable.

I wanted to know what ROs are like when they are in makeout sessions with Mc, for example: are they more gentle and affectionate or are they more passionate and wild (if you know what I mean🤭😏). And also if possible, could polys routes be included in this scenario? (only if you want, of course)

Bye, bye!!

Hey! I am definitely ok with NSFW questions, romance is a big part of the story after all! I've honestly been waiting for this! I'll be using a scale of 6 emojis for spicy vs sweet levels.😚=sweet 🥵=spicy. Some may be all spice and others all sweet and some could be a mix of the two.

ONLY KEEP READING IF YOU WANT TO BECOME A GIGGLING, SQUEELING MESS! USE YOUR IMAGINATION TO CREATE VIVID SCENES WITH THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK! Then tell me about them in the comments. 😘

Roxanne/Robbie: Ro is definitely one to take the lead. They are a bit rough, MC will have hickeys everywhere from all the biting and sucking. Not only will Ro's lips be all over MC but their hands will too in their hair, on their chest, on their hips guiding MC into a slow deep grind...ok is it hot in here or is it just me. All in all I would say that Ro is down right sinful. 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵

Joleen/Johnny: Jo is a bit more of a mixed bag the moments leading up to each little make-out session will determine a lot. If MC was throwing heavy signals their way then Jo will take the hint and pin them down ready to get hot and heavy. If MC is being sweeter than cotton candy with little pecks and giggles then Jo will be to, with sweeter more romantic kisses. I would say that Jo likes to feed off of their partners energy and then aim to please. 😚😚😚🥵🥵🥵

Delphine/Desmond: De is naturally a nurturer, but I would say that they have some soft dom tendencies when messing around. They will have the obvious control leading and guiding MC's lips and body, but they will always read off of MC to make sure that they are comfortable. And if MC can handle it then expect them to get a little rough.😚🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵

Rina/Ren: R doesn't have a ton of experience so they will need MC to take the lead at first. Though they may move pretty slow at first after a while they wont be able to get enough of sharing soft and sensual alone time with MC. Study sessions and late night practice will turn into hushed make-out sessions in the dark corners of the library and practice studios. 😚😚😚😚🥵🥵

Everly/Everett: Eve is a performer through and through so you can be sure that they're going to put on a little show for MC. They'll memorize every touch and the sighs they bring out from MC, the same way they memorize lines for a play. They will observe and read MC like a book so that they can give them exactly what they need every time. 😚😚🥵🥵🥵🥵

Karla: Karla knows how to go with the flow. She'll take MC from soft sighs to barely able to catch their breathe, all with a lazy smirk on their face. Karla knows when to build up and take it back down, moving with the rhythm regardless of if there's music playing. 😚😚😚🥵🥵🥵

Faye: Faye may be an edgy cool girl but she really is a softy at heart. She super sweet and adores the little moments between long languid kisses and feather light caresses. Don't be surprised by her looking at MC's every detail with those icy blue eyes. 😚😚😚😚😚🥵

Sebastien: Seb is for lack of a better word, suave. Once he takes off his glasses revealing those deep brown eyes, MC knows they're in for it. MC will be melting from the eye contact alone. And his grip on MC's waist, hips, ass...oh my lord 😳. The rough scrape of his stubble matching the way he holds MC so tight they can't tell were he starts and they begin. 😚😚🥵🥵🥵🥵

Maxine: Max is sugar, spice, and everything nice! They know MC really well and use that to their advantage. They've known MC for longer than they can even remember and their feelings run just as deep. Max craves MC just as much as they cherish them. Everything feel easy and seamless, one second the two are a mess of giggles and the next they're grabbing at each other's clothes. Years of what ifs have built up to the type of passion Max can only share with their best friend. 😚😚😚🥵🥵🥵

Silas: Ah Silas our, friendly and self controlled, Resident Advisor. There's something so sexy about breaking the rules. If Silas is making out with MC, his advisee, then he's all but shattered them. You can expect things to get hot, heavy quickly once he's reached his breaking point, once he's desperate for MC. He'll have MC's back against the wall and make quick work of satisfying both their needs. Maybe he'll take things a bit further than making out, just to get MC out of his system. Then again, maybe he wont be able to stop himself from wanting more than just a one time taste. 😚😚🥵🥵🥵🥵

I'll let you use your imagination for the poly routes given what you've learned about them as individuals. Have fun 🤭🤭🤭

The Rebel Rejects:😚🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵

The Exes (Faye + Karla):😚😚😚😚🥵🥵

[thewayuarent]

The main conflict of Sand and Ray

In my previous post about SandRay dynamic I was talking about Ray’s addiction and how it could influence their relationship. But this conflict is based on external factors - Ray's addiction, as the Sand’s savior syndrome are their important characteristics, but not so much the basis of their personalities as a consequence.

Third episode gave me an understanding of some key traits of their characters, which are the basis of their main, internal conflict. What I mean by that is they’ll have a lot of fights caused by some reason or another (addiction - possibly, Mew thing - definitely yes, financial status - maybe, whatever else I don’t know probably everything, this show is a mess) but all these fights are going to happen because they have completely different view on life.

Ray is living in the moment where tomorrow may never happen. In ep1 Sand make that comment

and personally, I’m not sure of Ray knows himself. He doesn’t think ahead. Moreover, he is prone to avoidance - his drinking in a way helps him not to think about what’s happening in his life. He actively seeks ways to not thinking.

So he finds Sand. I mean, of course he likes Sand, but what’s more important, he can turn all of his time and energy on that guy he knows for a couple of weeks or something. One night together and Ray immediately imprints on him like a baby duck? Sure, why not. They both agreed that will be one time thing? But it was good, they both want more, complexities what,

Sand, on the other hand, is basically opposite. He always thinks ahead. He gives up to the moments in ep 2, but he’s concerned about it immediately. He analyzes everything - Ray’s behavior and his problematic tendencies, his own reaction, their relationship - and I can guess comes to some disappointing conclusions.

He knows Ray is a problem. He knows relationship with Ray will be a problem. I find it very interesting to compare these two lines:

Ray is almost in self-defense mode he’s basically like “Oh no I gave mixed signals so this guy may think I’m into him but I’m so obviously not” (yes you are)

Where Sand is saying “I know you are problematic and I don’t need that in my life” (with those eyes yep I believe you)

So he resists. He reminds them both about their status as friends in (almost)every dialogue they have in this episode.

Except for this one. My boy, you are flirting hard, is there something with the air or what?

So he knows things can go off the rails very easy very fast. But he gives in to Ray - not once, but twice. Because while he can understand what’s bad for him, he’s still prone to it. Letting everything go and living in a moment is very attractive idea and I can get Sand easily here.

The problem is, he just can’t afford it. Sand is in a constant survival mode. He have several jobs, he does illegal stuff for money and he has no option but to think through every aspect of his life. He can’t just control some parts of it and let go on others, he needs clear vision of his future.

So yes, the financial aspect plays a big part in who they are. Ray is rich rich and therefore he has no need to think about tomorrow. He is safe. He doesn’t need to think about job, or count expenses, or worry about future. Sand does.

Offtop but I really love the little details about their financial statuses. Sand never eats in university cause money. Ray can start a hotel business after one phone call. And my favorite is the cigarette thing. As a smoker I know NOTHING in the world makes me put on a whole cigarette. Not even a hot guy. Apocalypse can wait while I finish it. So yeah this shot was my moment of realization that Ray is very rich I’m not joking.

So what do I think gonna happen next? Ray will continue to push through, Sand will continue to give up (resisting in a process and tho giving quite mixed signals). Eventually they’ll come to a moment when Ray’s inability to think ahead will hurt Sand. And Sand will probably hurt Ray back. And the rest is history (I honestly don’t know what’ll happen this show is a mess).

And of course their relationship is not only about conflict, I find them very depressing but still very promising. There are a lot of great interactions going here but that’s probably a theme for another post.

[cirusthecitrus]

Horde Prime's body language and mannerisms part 3/3

"Expressing facial emotion is a privilege reserved only for Prime"

Despite Prime trying to present himself as this perfect holy being who is above feelings and emotions his face is very expressive. And he's just so fun to look at! Whether he's drawn extremely goofy, unbearably cute or legit creepy

Part 1 // Part 2

1 Prolonged eye contact 👁️👁️

Prime's second favorite activity after touching people without their consent is staring intensely at them!

He can't actually "see all", but he's still trying to grasp as much as he possibly can

Prime likes to talk, but he can also be an attentive listener when he needs to. He allows his opponents speak their mind and gives them time to think and articulate themselves. All that so he can quietly observe and "read" them and find out what they actually think before they can even say a word. It's most notable with Catra. He'd often give her that "I know what you are" look X)

In some instances his stare is used to pressure people into agreeing with him and doing as he says. Or to simply scare them

Again, I've remebered HP being much more talkative than he actually is. There are many moment in the show where Prime is just... watching and patiently waiting for something. Obesrving others just to find something that can help him channel the conversation to the right direction. Like when he waited for Glimmer to try any dish on the table so he could comment on it. Or when he watched her and waited for a needed reaction when he showed her what he's been doing to Etheria

And he also often reacts without any sound or word. His true emotions are simply written on his face. They're seen in his eyes

But when HP really wants to hide them, only then does he open his mouth

2.1. The 👁️w👁️

I've talked about this before, but it was a long time ago, plus i wrote it in a reblog to another post, so now I'm bringing this back in my own post

Throughout the show Prime quite often does this one thing where he silently stares at his opponent while a knowing smile slowly spreads across his face. His eyes don't move and at no point does Prime break this intense eye contact. It looks like his whole expression changes, but the eyes stay the same. He may be smiling now, but there's still this hidden agression and venom behind those cold eyes. This is still a death stare

Most of the time Prime does this when he finds his opponents' attemts to intimidate and threaten him amusing or when he simply tries to hide his displeasure when something goes mildly wrong

But sometimes his smile is sort of a mixed signal and it's easy to read this expression wrong. One can misinterpret it as a sign that the danger has passed and Prime is not going to do them any harm after all. But in reality this smile only means that Prime has finally decided how he's going to kill them

Just like face touching, this is one of Prime's signature moves when he's trying to assert dominance, demostrate his confidense and assure that he's still in control of the situation. Or like in s4 finale scene, to warn his future victim of upcoming danger

3. "No war, no pain"

This moment has always stood out to me and all because of this face. It's such a strange almost out-of-character expression, it's both silly and a little unsettling

Here Prime is trying to make Glimmer help him find She-Ra to active the Heart - so it should be obvious that it's all bullshit and he's ready to say anything to justify his plans and made his intentions seem noble and "good actually"

He speaks in his usual voice too. But damn this manic look in his eyes haunst me to this day

Seems like he's not even looking directly at Glimmer. It's like he dissociates for a second

In this brief moment it feels like Prime is actually done with the current world and cant wait for all this "pain" to be over. What if all this time Prime was just planning to go out in style but also take everyone with him (cause how dare the world exist without him right)? This speculation contradicts his whole "Prime stays eternal" shtick, but going all this way and destroying the universe just so he can have a flashy death sounds like a Horde Prime thing to do (just remember the finale)

Or maybe he really wants to start anew and erase all the evidence of the shit he's done to the universe over the years. Or there's actually nothing behind those eyes i dunno *pokes prime with a stick* be more nuanced damnit!

4. Ears!

Sadly, we don't see spacebats move their ears much, but I think I can still work with what we got

Despite limitations in animation Prime's ears do move from time to time. And in his case they don't exactly indicate what he feels at the moment, but rather show HP's overall emotional state. His ears droop a lot during the two final episodes, and no wonder - since at the time Prime was already losing it and growing more desperate. Plus he was literally connected to the Heart of Etheria, must be overwhelming as all hell

His ears also change position in the middle of HP's passionate speeches, probably indicating that he's getting a little bit carried away - and this idea is so cute to think about :з

5. The vessel room scene

So many interesting expressions here! Probably because this is like, the only scene where Prime is all by himself (Hordak is mainly a background noise to him really). He's not as dramatic as when he's sitting on his throne surrouned by his clones or when he's tormenting his "guests" or confronting his enemies. There's no audience to act so dramatic and pretentious for

What i've noticed is how expressionless he is around his clones when no one else is watching. No smiling, no creepy touching. He's more distant and not as intrusive when its not for a show

This scene also gives a small glimpse at what day to day life of the horde clones probably looks like, as well as at their regular dynamic with Prime. And their relationship here is more mundane and cold than it is intense and horrifying. HP sees his brothers as any other tool, and just like with tools he doesnt even think about them until he needs them for something

Maybe thats what also makes Prime's touch such a powerful weapon - he doesnt normally do that. Which makes the clones both dread and crave his attention and his touch so much

I'm analysing this whole scene simply because we never see Prime like that anywhere else in the show. I mean look! I've never seen him being hesitant before and after this moment. He is only like that around his old vessel. Which again, brings up the question of his past and whether or not there is something Prime doesnt want to come back to. This body stores memories about the First Ones, his enemies, whom he himself called tyrants. Who knows what was happening back then and how it all might have affected Prime

Another small moment I like. Its so calm and quiet and lowkey almost intimate? Again, very unsual for Prime. And then there's this almost forced bitter tiny smile. It can mean two things - Prime has trouble connecting to the vessel (boo boring) or there are some memories which Prime finds pleasant. But again - they're are only memories

6. These eyes are always watching

Prime barely if ever closes his extra eyes. Well, mainly due to them not being animated - they rarely move, and never blink. Most of the time those eyes are stuck on his face like a decoration. BUT I think this only helps to reinforce the idea of Prime being this all seeing entity

No one can sneak up to him, even if his main eyes are closed... well, unless u try to come up from the left :p

7. Blink-blink

I said Prime never blinks with his extra eyes. I was wrong! He does just that in... literally only one episode. And not just blinks - some really weird shit is going on with his extra eyes during Hordak's purification scene. It looks like a nervous tic of some sorts. Nothing like that ever happens again - not in this very episode, not in any others. Why are they suddenly so animated??

Does whatever this is in the pool water hurt his eyes or is Prime just showing his sadistic excitement over his little brother being tortured?

Also, his eyes are only doing that when Prime talks about suffering and "being freed of pain" which is... an interesting reaction (especially if you remember omy previous speculations)

Well, that's all what I could find. Hope you found my HP ramblings interesting :)

[psychics4unet]

Hello, hope you're doing well 🤗 may I please have a free reading?

what are messages from my guides about my love life ?

to be specific I really want to be with my actual desired person and many readings I got in a span of three months until yesterday confirms that, however today I had one saying that they do not see us together. But when like a week ago I started doubting again that me and my person will be together my guides sent me a very specific sign of him to not doubt it and it made me happy. But that didn't serve me since today I got a negative one (yet yd a positive one) sincerely all this makes me physically in pain but I have no intention to give up bec I know not being with him would me make feel incomplete and I even made clear to my guides that I want to be be with him even if not forever, specially when it was them that brought me to him.

Thank you so much 💗💗💗 (I leave feedback) - ♍♏♎ (my big 3)

Free Chakra Psychic Reading! 💫💖

I’m connecting with your heart chakra 💚, the center of love, emotions, and connection. Your guides are sending some messages of reassurance and clarity. There’s definitely a lot of energy swirling around your love life right now, and they want to help you understand and process it.

The first message I’m getting is patience. I know this feels frustrating, and the mixed signals from different readings are causing doubt and confusion 😓, but your guides want you to know that love, especially the kind of deep connection you're craving, takes time to fully align. Trust in the timing, even if it's not unfolding exactly as you expect it to 🕰️. Keep holding onto the feeling that things will come together.

The second message is about trusting your inner knowing. The specific sign you received from your guides when you were doubting wasn’t just a coincidence. They sent it to you as confirmation because your connection with your person is strong 🌟. Even though you're receiving conflicting messages, deep down, your intuition is in tune with the truth of your situation. Stay connected to that inner feeling, and remember, your guides have your back 🧘‍♀️✨.

The third message focuses on surrendering the outcome. I know you want to be with this person, and your guides understand that. They are suggesting you release the pressure of needing a specific outcome or timeline. Sometimes, when we hold on too tightly, we create resistance. Loosening that grip will allow the universe to work more smoothly in your favor 🌌💫.

Summary: Be patient with the process, trust the signs you've received, and let go of the need for control. Your guides are working behind the scenes, and the connection you feel is real. Keep your heart open, and let things flow naturally 💖🌿✨.

Got questions or need some insight into your life? I'm here to help with personal psychic readings! For just $7, you can get answers to up to 7 questions! More info at:

In case anyone else here on tumblr would like a free psychic reading, Click the link and follow the instructions (I answer only to those who follow the instructions, thank you):

[sleep-can-wait]

Flowers For Her - Hirynne ~ College AU Part 5

Another note. Mixed feelings swirled through Brynne as she gazed at the card placed on the table.

It was a pale brown with very faint white clouds blooming here and there. Vintage, probably, she thought to herself.

On one side was a tiny pressed flower. A matte green stem with a white flower gilded with pink on the top. On the other side were tiny, black words written in cursive, forming a small paragraph.

For two weeks Brynne had been getting these anonymous notes, each like this but with a different flower.

She quietly slipped the paper delicately into her backpack and went to serve a different customer.

---

Brynne really tried to focus on work, but she couldn't take her mind off of the anonymous letters. Not for even a second.

Not while doling out cups of coffee. Not while she rode home on her bike. Not even while lying down staring dazedly at the ceiling.

Brynne held the card high over her head so she could reread it while remaining in bed.

Gladiolus. It is mainly used to show the strength of the character. This is a quality I admire in you.

Strength. Something that was of value to Brynne. But it wasn't talking about how large her muscles were, (though they were quite large) it was talking about her personality. Stubbornness was a quality she had as well.

She sucked her breath in sharply as her mind drifted to the one who wrote this.

It was a girl who was a year younger than her, who went to the same college as she did. Brynne had seen her a few times in the hall and would occasionally wave to her. She would wave back.

But that was it. The girl would also frequently visit the cafe and leave the notes with a big tip before rushing off and Brynne never had the time to ask her about it.

As she drifted off to sleep, she decided to finally do something and confront her.

---

Tomorrow she would come again. As soon as Brynne came home she hurled down her bag and made for her laptop, for once not bothering to make a snack first.

She wasted no time, frantically tapping away at the keyboard, finding just the thing she was looking for, before running off again out of the door. This time snagging an apple on the way out. What? all this running was making her hungry.

---

"How may I help you, miss?" Brynne held up a hand to signal that she needed a moment to answer, and inhaled air rapidly to catch her breath.

"I'll have one of those." She said after making sure she wouldn't faint from lack of oxygen.

"Right away, miss."

---

She was back.

"I'll have a cappuccino, please." Brynne jotted it down in her notebook and opened her mouth to say something, but immediately chickened out.

"Here." She handed the drink over and took a deep breath, slapping her cheeks to focus herself.

You are Brynne Tvarika Lakshmi Balamuralikrishna Rao. And you are not weak. You are a master of many things, such as playing the harp. You have wrestled people three times your size to the ground, and you can absolutely ask a girl to-

She was walking away. Shit. Brynne ran after her.

"Wait!" The other turned and looked at her questioningly. Oh wow, she's really pretty. Brynne skidded to a stop before her.

"Um, I just wanted to... give you something. For all the other times." She shoved her hand forward, holding a bundle of bright yellow sunflowers. Her eyes were squeezed shut, too embarrassed to see the other's reaction.

"Thank you." She took them with a grateful smile. Brynne opened her eyes and felt heat rushing to her cheeks and she quickly averted her gaze to the ground.

Otherwise, she might start staring at the other's brown hair that fell prettily in curtain bangs, or her warm hazel eyes, or her-

Stop it, Brynne.

"You know," She gently rubbed the flowers' soft petals. "Sunflowers mean-"

"Friendship. I know. I bought them because I would, you know, like to..." She trailed off nervously. The other beamed, clutched the sunflowers in one hand, and held out her other.

"Hira." She smiled shyly and took it.

"Brynne."

"Hold on, I forgot to give you this." Hira took out another letter and placed it gently on Brynne's palm.

She read it and smiled at the irony of it.

Blue Iris. The symbol of hope. Something I wish we could all have in life. Maybe for us, too.

----------

Huge thanks to @burntchickennugget2468 for this!

(On Ao3 and Wattpad as well)

[becauseimanicequeen]

RANDOM THOUGHTS: Big Dragon ep. 5 (rewatch)

(These are my random thoughts from my rewatch on the 29th-30th of March 2024)

Since my rewatches may contain spoilers, I’m putting my random thoughts after the “Read More” link.

I’m excited to see more of the confrontation between Yai and Mangkorn. And then I’m hoping for more moments with Big. I want Mangkorn jealous because I feel like it’s about time he turns straightforward rather than just provoking Yai and giving him mixed signals.

When Mangkorn told Cherry he already has someone, he means Yai, right? Because he and Hong are just childhood friends. All of us know they’re not actually getting married. Mangkorn means this more as in someone else already has his interest (possibly his heart) and I’m pretty sure it’s Yai (considering his reaction when Yai shows up). Mangkorn looks like he was caught cheating by his boyfriend. So, if he’s feeling that way for Yai, why not just clear it up? No, Mangkorn turns confrontational instead (granted, after Yai punches him, but still).

Btw, that moment in the pouring rain with ”Dancing with the Devil” playing is my kind of vibe. It’s tense, melancholic, and filled with complicated feelings. It’s beautiful.

And then Mangkorn uses the video as leverage to have sex with Yai again. And they do so without having cleared anything. They’re both such a mess. And I love them.

That red light surrounding them… Yai is completely in Mangkorn’s world now.

I understand why so many BLs are using the pushing-up-against-glass moments in their sex scenes. There’s something vulnerable and raw about them (especially if they’re pushing up against windows for the whole world outside to see), not to mention the potential for dimly lit silhouette shots that I, personally, find beautiful.

You can say what you want about why they were having sex in the first place (like I just did above). However, looking at just the scene… It was beautifully lit, the shots were great, the song matched so well with the whole scene, and the roughness and desperation in the acting matched the characters really well.

Once again, Yai is wearing Mangkorn’s color (red) and Mangkorn is in darker colors (which are Yai’s usual shades). 

It’s annoying how cute they are while they still haven’t cleared up any of the shit. I mean, sure, actions speak louder than words to some. I can definitely back that up. So I’m sure some think Mangkorn has shown his feelings for Yai at this point. However, it’s a lot more powerful when those actions are backed up by words, or when the actions mirror the words. He needs to say something, not just use sex as a way to communicate his feelings. And, especially not use the leverage he’s got (the video) to keep Yai close to him.

Side note: I’m someone who is in contact with my intuition a lot and I’m pretty good at reading between the lines (especially in real life), so I can easily understand what people mean without being told. However, I still want people to pluck up the courage to tell it to me straight. Otherwise, it’s like they’re begging me to purposefully misinterpret them, and if that’s what they want, then that’s what they’ll get. I mean, as a girl, I was conditioned to be the “good girl” from an early age, so I aim to please and can purposefully misinterpret them for fun all day long. Because getting people what they ask for, especially when they don’t actually want it, is my favorite way to please others. But, I digress…

At least they’re communicating a bit now. But they still haven’t cleared things up about Hong… I mean, sure, Mangkorn said she was just a junior of his, not his girlfriend. But there’s more to it than that (we’ve seen it). Just be honest. Even if that means the end of both of you for the moment.

Mangkorn’s surprised look during that snack scene… He’s got it just as bad for Yai as Yai does for Mangkorn. Why doesn’t Mangkorn just admit it? Out loud. So Yai will hear it too.

The reason I’m pushing for Mangkorn to speak up is because the misunderstandings at this point revolve around him rather than Yai. The video situation and the Cherry situation have been cleared up. But there’s still Hong. The misunderstanding about Hong will keep pestering them until Mangkorn speaks up. At least if he’s honest, no matter how Yai is going to react (I remember how he did react), they can go their separate ways for a while to solve their own shit and then get a fresh start together.

Pong and Park showing up with aprons over their suits and doing those weird poses at the gate is too funny. They’re so weird. I love them to bits.

Yai is back wearing his dark green again. Is it time for him to snap out of the spell Mangkorn has on him?

Yep, seeing that photo of Mangkorn and Hong. The spell is broken. I feel so bad for Yai because he keeps misinterpreting situations and no one is helping him stop (Mangkorn, I’m looking at you).

Nadear is so fucking pretty.

The way Mangkorn is half panicking when Yai asks him about Hong…

That scene… There’s so much to unpack here. But one thing that stood out to me was the double standard. Mangkorn said that if he’d told Yai the truth, he would’ve lost Yai, which he didn’t want. I don’t know if Mangkorn realizes what he’s actually saying there, but he basically admits to being selfish and not caring about Yai’s feelings or his right to choose.  Then, moments later, he accuses Yai of not caring about his feelings and calls Yai selfish (which, in some cases, I can understand since Mangkorn is under pressure from his family and it might be too much for him to be under pressure from Yai as well). So, in a way, they’re basically the same. The only difference is that Yai doesn’t deny it, he recognizes that they’re both the problem.

Another thing that stands out to me is that Mangkorn basically wants Yai to read between the lines. When Mangkorn admits that he didn’t tell Yai the truth because he was afraid of losing him, it acts as a confession of Mangkorn’s feelings for Yai. That’s the message he wants Yai to get. Mangkorn is clearly in a difficult situation because of his family, so it’s understandable that he might not be able to be straightforward about his feelings (as in actually speaking up about them). On the other hand, by keeping it from Yai, Mangkorn is also taking away Yai’s right to choose whether or not he’s okay being with someone who just admitted he has to marry someone else after graduation. Yai’s right to choose should (ideally) be respected, just like everyone else’s right to choose. But Mangkorn wanted to take that choice away from Yai by not telling him the truth (out of his selfishness).

Honestly, they should go their separate ways until they’ve cleared up their own shit.

Of course Nine shows up when Yai is drowning his sorrows.

Fuck, the way Yai’s speech made me cry (and I’m not even a crier). He just melted my stone-cold heart.

Wait, was that a photo of the three of them (Yai, Mangkorn, and Hong) together as kids? Or was it Yai, his sister, and Nine?

Oh, it was Nine’s bar. It’s obvious he would be there, then.

There’s Jet again. All I see is Top from DFF. I just can’t unsee it…

Oh, look at Yai. He’s willingly wearing Mangkorn’s color (red) now. Poor baby is so in love and heartbroken.

So, Yai is scared of worms. But we all know he loves the one-eyed snake.

Of course it would end with Mangkorn seeing Yai and Nine together. I feel bad for him. But I’m also loving it. I love the heartbreak because I know the reunion will be all the sweeter.

This was another great episode, I really liked it. Misunderstandings, complicated feelings, the heartbreak… I loved it. Can’t wait to see how they’re going to resolve the situation (because my crappy memory can’t recall). Also, I’m eagerly awaiting that scene where Mangkorn goes down on Yai in bed (but I can’t remember when that will show up).

[i-dream-of-twilight-sparkle]

Starlight Glimmer was quite cheery as she made the final preparations for the next lesson. She felt more confident than ever that she was succeeding in helping Chrysalis turn a corner. While in every previous lesson had one thing or another she was worried about. 

Whether that was Pinkie's shrillness, Cheese Sandwich being just as off putting as his marefriend sometimes, and the know-it-all attitude of Mud Briar in the Laughter lesson. 

Or a reunion with Cadence and Shining Armor getting too heated, then there was the spoiled Flurry Heart thinking she can change Chrysalis just by looking cute... and that's not even getting into how Discord almost drew all her progress back into the negatives during the Kindness lesson. 

She also wasn't sure how the one-on-one talk with Thorax would go, though the Changeling king felt it was an important step. Starlight's just thankful she had Ocellus there to help balance out Chrysalis.

And the egos in the room that were a part of the Loyalty lesson had her wondering if they'd even mix. Though luckily, those turned out to be the types Chrysalis could vibe with the most.

But now that she's onto Honesty, there were little-to-no worries this time. Well, maybe just a tad about Pharynx when he shows up. Maybe also a little if the subject of Tarsus is brought up too. But even those seemed tiny compared to how devastated she felt the moment Discord decided to step in all of a sudden. Starlight couldn't see anything going wrong on that level when they have all the good hearts they’re bringing in today.

The Apple Family had not too long ago finished their annual harvest and the ponies (Along with a certain yak) that Starlight approached about showing up for this lesson were more than happy to assist anyway they can. They standby waiting for Starlight to give them the signal from outside the portal. Starlight jumps through the portal and approaches Chrysalis' large barrier cell with a confident, excitable smile.

Starlight: Good afternoon, Chrysalis!

Going into this lesson, Chrysalis was actually… feeling good. She was even looking forward to the lessons now. Though her pride would keep herself in check. She was only doing this for freedom! For her personal goals, definitely not because she came to see Starlight as a friend. At least, that's what she was telling herself. But the truth was that even if Chrysalis didn't want to say it out loud, Starlight was helping her in ways she never thought possible. 

She'd kept her family life to herself until Starlight had chipped away at her defenses. And now, Chrysalis had been willingly sharing her history with her… it was a change that still scared her… but at the same time, it gave her hope. Maybe things can be better. When Starlight approached her cell, she had a noticeable smile for Starlight. And the wings on her back looked shinier than they were at the end of the Loyalty lesson.

Chrysalis: Heh, is it that time already? And so soon after the last one? Not that I mind, I highly doubt we have much concern for today. I know Applejack will be coming along and besides a potential sour look, I'm sure this lesson will be a breeze.

She sounded quite confident, but considering the lesson is about honesty, Chrysalis may have more difficulty than she thinks.

Starlight nods, and gives a warm smile

Starlight: Yeah, I'm positive this lesson will go pretty smoothly. Maybe there will be some tension for when it's time to call down Pharynx... as no doubt with having seen Ocellus and Thorax again. It's about time you spoke with him too.

Though I will say, things will be pretty different this time around. You won't need to answer a question on when you've been more honest. Nor come clean to how many times you lied, as a changeling queen who's a master of deception. I assume there'd be way too many to count.

This gave Chrysalis some pause.

Chrysalis: Ah… yes, Pharynx… I've no doubt he has some choice words for me... He was always so loyal to the hive. I kind of expected to see him in the previous lesson… but given his tendency to speak his mind without filter, it's fitting you chose him for this lesson.

And hmmph… you dare to assume that I've not been honest! Oh the audacity! I've been a paragon of… pffft, I cannot even make that bold faced of a lie. But you do make a blunt although fair point. If we were to catalog every lie I've ever told, we'd need a multitude of books to fill them!

She seemed almost proud of that statement. But it was clear that Chrysalis had become much more comfortable with joking around with Starlight.

Starlight chuckles a little before her face turns more serious

Starlight: To be frank, today's lesson will be more about us being honest with you... there are many things I withheld talking about until now. Crucial information that has come out in the time you've been gone. But I promise there was a reason for it, I'm not sure any of the previous lessons could have been as cleanly done if I had told you what we'll delve into today from the very start.

But before I talk about this, we are also bringing in our first few guests near immediately. Especially Applejack, who as the Element of Honesty. She will help assure you that everything we're going to say today... is the truth. 

Chrysalis: What do you mean that you'll be honest with me? What sort of information have you been withholding, Starlight Glimmer?

Chrysalis tilts her head, looking much more serious. But given the information that had come about during her time away, she assumes it was withheld so as to not overwhelm her with it. 

Chrysalis: Well, Applejack is honest to a fault, I know that much. If anypony lies, she'll be able to call it out… so fine, bring her and the assortment of others in. I'm sure it'll be an interesting bit of discussion.

Starlight prepares a pair of gum. Though in this case, she pulls out two at once. In order to have enough gum to make a larger bubble for the portal.

Starlight: Just a heads up that one of our guests has grown quite big. But as huge as they are, they have a big heart... in both a metaphorical sense, and also literally given a yak's anatomy.

Starlight chews the two packs of gum and begins to blow a large bubble. A big loud pop is heard as a portal is opened into the chamber.

The first one to step in is in fact the large guest that Starlight was referring to. It was none other than Yona, who beams a smile as she arrives at the scene. Her excitable footsteps enough to make small tremors in the underground chamber.

Yona: Yona Yak has arrived! Yona excited to meet friend Ocellus' mother!

Next to go through the portal is a yellow pony with red hair, and a big bow. The 3rd and final member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Apple Bloom. Behind her is a cart she drags in that has many bottles of what seems to be some kind of drink. With an aptly named Applebrew's logo on both sides of the cart.

Apple Bloom: Howdy, Chrysalis! Ah heard from the other crusaders y’all been meetin’ up wit’ them during ya lessons and also getting t’ know their tricks o’ the trade. So ah hope ya don't mind that ah brought some special drinks! Ah'm sure ya'll like em! They are made with love after all!

Chrysalis looks a bit surprised by some of the guests, she obviously recognizes Applejack and by extension, Apple Bloom, but the others all seem new to her. The yak, Yona, whom Chrysalis could gather was Ocellus' friend. Though the other pony that comes in alongside Applejack, she has no frame of reference for. She sees her cutie mark, a star with musical notes on it, but it doesn't ring a bell. 

Coloratura: Wow… so you're the Queen of the Changelings. Uh, I'm Coloratura. Though friends call me Rara. It's nice to meet you.

She seemed a bit more reserved than the others, Though Chrysalis can taste a very distinct flavor of love coming from her… and it was directed at Applejack!

Chrysalis: Well now… this is certainly an interesting assortment...

As Applejack walks forward, she seems to stare down Chrysalis a bit. Given how Chrysalis' whole style of villainy includes lying as much as possible. No one would fault Applejack for still holding some mistrust of the Queen. But as much as Chrysalis can feel the air of judgment by the strong farmer. Applejack also trusts Starlight enough to know she's doing the right thing. After all, this is hardly her first rodeo when it comes to other villains that have turned good and/or have had a chance to turn a corner since.

Applejack: Howdy there, Chrysalis. Ah'll admit it's not all that easy t' know what t' say t' ya fo’ the first time in ah long while. But ah have heard Starlight has made progress wit' ya. And ah didn't detect any lies from her mouth. But ah'm here t' make sure y'all haven't been usin’ ya dirty tricks t' deceive her... Y'all got that? 

Chrysalis walked up to the edge of her cell, looking down at Applejack with a smirk.

Chrysalis: Oh believe me, Applejack, this whole experience has been an odd one for me as well. I may have managed to fool even you the first time we met when I posed as Cadence, but I'm not foolish enough to try and lie while in the situation I'm in. Last thing I desire is to be turned to stone once more. I will earn my freedom, and you can judge any way you want. I'm sure you've spoken to your other friends who've had their time with me. Did it seem like ah've tricked them?

Applejack nods

Applejack: Yea... ah've talked with Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Rainbow about how each o' their sessions went. Ah was surprised Dash seemed t' have the most glowing thoughts about their session. Not that the others didn't have good things t' say. But somehow Rainbow was happier about the session then Pinkie was fo' hers. Which is odd, because if ah recall correctly... Rainbow Dash lost, but Pinkie won against you in different competitions.

Chrysalis: See? Glowing reviews for the Queen! But I'm hardly surprised, perhaps you'll be singing a different tune by the end of the day, hmm?

Applejack: Though... another thing... Fluttershy oddly seemed ah bit mo' reserved, but also giggly as if she was hiding somethin’. Fluttershy bein' reserved would have been normal ah long while ago, but she's taken quite ah bit o’ strides since then. Given Fluttershy was happy, ah can't imagine it was somethin' bad. But it does make me curious o’ what she did during her session with y’all that left her that way…

Starlight: That does sound like strange behavior for Fluttershy... maybe I'll have to go see her sometime soon. But we'll get this session done first.

Chrysalis was a bit confused by the mention of Fluttershy's strange behavior. She didn't recall that lesson ending on the highest note.

Chrysalis: Odd, I have no clue why she would have had that reaction considering... well, an uninvited guest...

Chrysalis snarled for a moment before taking a deep breath.

Chrysalis: It doesn't really matter though.

Starlight: Anyway... Chrysalis. Obviously, you know Applejack relatively enough, and you have seen her little sister Apple Bloom before. Though naturally, she's since become a hard worker at the farm like most other Apple family members. She’s become a very skilled tea and potion brewer after many years of friendship with a nearby zebra named Zecora. As she mentioned, she's brought many of her most popular drinks on the cart. If you're thirsty, feel free to ask me to teleport a drink into your cell.

Our big friendly yak here is Yona, she took over as the Teacher of Honesty at the School of Friendship once Applejack stepped down. Like Silverstream, Sandbar, and Smolder from earlier sessions. She's another of your daughter's closest friends.

Yona: Ocellus always says yak love is filling! Cause Yak have best and biggest hearts in the world! 

Starlight: And lastly, the pony you're probably least familiar with is none other than Coloratura. She's a world renowned pop star in Equestria who was a close childhood friend of Applejack's. She's also Sweetie Belle's manager... and as I'm sure you can tell already... but her and Applejack's friendship blossomed into something more in the time you've been gone.

Applejack blushes and looks at her famous marefriend with a warm smile as Starlight tells Chrysalis of their status. Wrapping a hoof for a hug around her lover's neck.

She looks at the others there as Starlight gives them all a more proper introduction. Apple Bloom looked quite proud of her accomplishments especially.

Apple Bloom: Ah'm sure ah've got somethin' that'll wet ya whistle! Plenty o’ flavors t' go around too! 

Coloratura also blushed and hugged Applejack back before looking at Chrysalis

Coloratura: I don't suppose you may have heard some of my music?

Chrysalis looked at the group with a curious look. It was clear why Coloratura was there now, the taste of her and Applejack's love was palpable. With Applebloom it was quite obvious as well, being Applejack's sister and all. But with Yona, Chrysalis could taste something… familiar. It caused her to smirk.

Chrysalis: I will certainly take you up on one of the drinks, I could use it, given the flavors of love I'm tasting right now. And Applejack, I'm delighted to get such a flavor of love between you and your famous marefriend. It’s like a fine wine… it certainly was good on its own when it was fresh… Starlight mentioning you two were close friends as children certainly makes sense with that in mind… but I’m sure it was nothing compared to what it is now. I congratulate you on finding true love… 

And speaking of which, Yona was it? Yes… I recognize the love coming from you… I tasted it weeks ago from Sandbar… yes, it's clear now. Interesting~

As for Coloratura's music... I cannot recall specifically… perhaps if you played music from that time frame, I MIGHT recognize it. 

In reality, Chrysalis had heard some of Coloratura's songs but it was back when she was going around as the Countess. Her minions bringing back some loot from their raids of pony homes that included records and music players.

Yona blushed at the mention of Sandbar

Yona: Sandbar... best pony Yona has ever met. So kind... so smart... if only pony spines weren't too brittle for yak strength. Yona would hug Sandbar tighter than anything in this world!

Chrysalis chuckled

Chrysalis: Well that's one thing we can agree on in a sense. Pony bodies certainly are fragile.

Starlight walks on over to Applebloom's cart and looks through the flavors. She doesn't know Chrysalis taste buds enough to know what flavors she'd particularly move toward. But she decides on just picking what she knows is one of Applebloom's most popular. A tea that's made out of the freshest apples of the Ponyville orchard, as well as fresh Pears from the old Pear family orchard. With the rivalry now just about fully healed, the Pear family works hoof-in-hoof with the Apple family. It's most certainly what Pear Butter and Bright Mac had always wanted.

Starlight: Here Chrysalis, try this apple-pear mixed flavor tea. There are other flavors to pick from, but this one I think is the flavor Applebloom is most proud of for a multitude of reasons.

Chrysalis takes the tea that Starlight teleported in. Applebloom looks on expectantly, hoping that Chrysalis will enjoy the product. She put a ton of effort into making every single drink and potion after all. Chrysalis took an initial sip and seemed pleasantly surprised. Of course apples were the apple family's namesake, but the addition of the pear flavor really made this tea shine. While not as good as love was to Chrysalis, she can appreciate the flavors here. Not too tart or sweet, it was just right.

Chrysalis: Not bad… not bad at all… I can see why it's popular among you ponies.

Applebloom: Haha! It's ah best seller fer ah reason! Mixin’ mah ma and pa's specialty o’ apples n’ pears!

The mention of parents did make Chrysalis flinch a bit but she just kept drinking the tea to avoid saying anything in regards to it.

Applejack hugs her grown-up younger sister

Applejack: Them brews y'all learned from Zecora has certainly started our family's newest tradition! It's too bad Granny and Grand Pear passed befo' they could ever get the chance t' try this mix. Goldie Delicious probably would have loved it too.

Chrysalis hadn't paid much attention to the guest's attire. But when Applejack mentioned the old ponies that have since passed away since she had been in stone. She noticed both Applejack and Apple Bloom reflexively touched the colored shawls around their necks. Chrysalis could tell that this meant the two sisters were wearing what had once been their deceased family member's heirloom. She could feel a tinge of what sadness does to a flavor of familial love, although oddly it didn't feel as if they've been dead for years and they miss them. Chrysalis initially just dismisses this as the two having gotten over their grief enough not to show too much. It's still hard to see any family members pass, but those who lived full lives and died relatively peacefully she imagines is an easier pill to swallow... especially considering what Chrysalis herself has gone through with her family. 

Applebloom: She's been ah great teacher fo' sure! And ah know they would've loved t’ try it... but they know o’ our efforts! They're always with us after all!

Chrysalis looked somber, noticing not only Applejack and Applebloom's attire but the sadness tinged love as well. There wasn't a snarky comment or some snide remark given at the mention of the family they've lost. After all, she too had been mourning for those she's lost more openly as of late. She took the comment about their family always being with them as a more figurative phrase rather than literal. She looked to Starlight and whispers, actually being courteous to give the sisters their moment.

Chrysalis: ...Can we just get to the lesson first before… whatever this is over here?

Starlight: Certainly, Chrysalis. Alright everyone, it's time to te-

Suddenly the door into the chamber is slammed open, Starlight's head turns fast to see who's barging in. It's Pharynx, with a very noticeable scowl on his face.

Starlight: Oh, hi Pharynx... you're here early. I was going to call you down a little later after I've informed Chrysalis about a few important things. But if you want to speak with her now, I won't stop you...

Pharynx: This was not going to wait, I'm done with waiting! I've been patient long enough and she needs to hear what I have to say!

Chrysalis grimaced when Pharynx barged in. She knew he'd be showing up, she just didn't think it would be so soon. He was her clear favorite back when she was in charge. But now… this seemed like he was ready to rip her a new one. While Chrysalis had become more accustomed to the changelings' new looks. Seeing Pharynx look somewhat similar to Thorax in his new form still took her by some surprise. But she found it interesting he still had a much darker color scheme compared to the others.

Chrysalis: Pharynx, it's... been some time since we last-

Pharynx: No, you will not speak! You will just listen to what I have to say! I've held my tongue because I trust my brother and Starlight. But you... you turned your back on us, on the hive! And we grew without you...

Applejack just about grimaced with Phayrnx's sudden entrance. She whispers over to Starlight

Applejack: Best give Pharynx his space to' say his beef wit' his Ma.

Starlight nodded as she whispered back

Starlight: Exactly what I was going to do...

Starlight walked back by the others side

Starlight: Pharynx, shall we leave you alone to discuss things over? Both your brother and Ocellus had their chance to have a 1-on-1 conversation with Chrysalis. It'll be only fair if you'd like us to do the same.

Pharynx nods but keeps his eyes locked on Chrysalis as the group gives the two some space. Once they were alone, Pharynx paced back and forth, almost expecting some kind of quip or snarky comment from Chrysalis… but she was actually staying quiet, willing to listen to what he had to say.

Pharynx: Hmph… got nothing else to say? You may have the others fooled, but not me. There's no way you actually want to turn over a new leaf. You were so willing to toss us all aside… you were willing to use us, not for the hive, but for your own means! There's no possible way you want to just… change! All you once taught me, about the glory of the hive, how changelings could be strong.... was it all a lie?! Tell me!

He was clearly and understandably angry. His drive had always been striving towards protecting the hive, whether he was the older style of changeling or the current form, that part rang true no matter what. Chrysalis looked down and sighed.

Chrysalis: I did use you all for my own gain, yes. Pharynx... look at me, you'd know if I was lying. I… I don't know what I ultimately want, but I want my freedom, and I don't wish for any harm to befall the hive. But I still firmly believe in the strength of the hive… now more than ever. I can see how much I was holding you all back as much as I hate to admit. I'm not asking for forgiveness...

Pharynx: Good, cause I'm not looking to forgive… you… you broke our hearts! You may have thought we abandoned you, but you abandoned us! Even after a majority of the hive transformed, some of us remained. We believed in you! S-so… don't… don't give me hope… don't you start acting like a mother now… You always criticized Thorax for being a traitor… but you were the one who betrayed us! YOU DID, NOT HIM!

Chrysalis looked down, Pharynx wasn't wrong. Chrysalis had done those things, she trampled on the hopes and dreams of her most loyal changelings for her own gain.

But she felt something, Pharynx's love for the hive… but there was more there, perhaps he may have still had a shred of hope for Chrysalis? But it was something he didn't want to believe to keep himself from being hurt again? It was like what she'd been doing in avoiding her own past family issues.

Chrysalis: Pharynx, I cannot deny what you've said… and this doesn't leave this conversation, but… I'm trying… I want what's best for the hive, still… it's why when I get free, I will not ask for an immediate return to a position of power. I merely want to live… and perhaps… be in your lives if you'll allow...

She was letting herself be vulnerable with him. It felt like an inverse of the conversation she had with Thorax.

Outside the chamber doors, Starlight meditated internally. In some ways, Phayrnx's time with Chrysalis allows her to prepare herself to tell the queen all the truths of the world that have changed how all lifeforms on the planet look at life itself since Chrysalis was imprisoned in stone. She knows it's all going to be hard to take in for her, but this is one of the most important discussions to have if Chrysalis is to be walking around freely again.

Applejack meanwhile just bides her time, she knows the Changeling royals have a lot of family drama to get over. She's lucky that outside the rivalry with the Pears, there hasn't been too much infighting in her own family. She's been over protective of Apple Bloom, but they hardly argued compared to how Rarity and Sweetie would sometimes get. And that's not even getting into what was learned from Rainbow's session about Chrysalis' old hive.

Yona: Hey Apple Bloom, Yona is thirsty. mind if Yona grabs a bottle or 2 of tea from your cart?

The large yak asks for a brief moment of levity during the current situation.

It was quite a tense situation for all involved. Applebloom nodded to Yona and let her have any choice of drink. In fact, she gave everypony there a freebie.

Applebloom: Ah can't imagine what it must be like t' have such anger towards another family member. Ah mean, AJ and ah have had our squabbles in the' past, but nothing like… well that.

She looked to her older sister.

Applebloom: Ya think they'll really be able t' resolve their problems?

Applejack shook her head

Applejack: Ah wouldn't be mah honest self if ah said ah was confident in this working out smoothly. The royal changeling's family issues are far above any pony's family issues ah know about. Chrysalis lost just about her entire family in that strange sinkin' island disaster. And her new family is full o' complicated issues that stem from Chrysalis' attempts t' make sure what happened t' the old hive never happens again... surprisingly, ah can kind o' relate... ah never wanted anything like what happened t' Ma n' Pa again... it's why ah babied ya so much before ya dared going t' that cursed fire swamp when y'all were still little... 

Ah suppose it's different that Chrysalis actually had ah target t’ be mad at,  some pony that we don't know, whereas... with mah folks... it was ah freak natural disaster that ah couldn't have stopped. Ah still think Chrysalis went too far with tryin' t' take over Equestria over it. But ah won't lie that she's ah lot mo’ relatable then ah'll give her credit fo'

Applebloom chuckled a bit.

Applebloom: And ah fully understand why ya did what ya did… And ah'm glad t' have somepony like you t' always look out fo’ me, AJ. Still… ah know she was once our enemy, but ah can't help feelin ah bit sorry fo’ Chrysalis. From what the crusaders have told me, she's… really tryin’, at least in her own way."

Meanwhile back on Chrysalis and Pharynx's end. Pharynx was still letting every bit up pent up emotion out at his mother.

Pharynx: How am I supposed to be so sure you won't turn tail and run once you're free!? You wanna live in isolation again!?

Chrysalis: I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WANT, OKAY!? I know already that I'm not meant to be the sole ruler anymore… my time is long past. I just… I want to see what the future holds! But that thought also scares me! But let me tell you one thing, I'm not running! If I wanted to, I could have already tried! But I'm doing this not just for myself, but for you and your siblings along with the rest of the hive!"

Pharynx seemed stunned by this revelation. He knew she wasn't lying.

Pharynx: You… you still think of what could be best for the hive?

Chrysalis: I never stopped thinking about the hive! Yes, I will admit I was too prideful, and let my ambitions get the better of me. I do still want my revenge for what happened to my original hive years ago. 

HOWEVER, those… stupid… nonsensical… annoying ponies… they… they're letting me see things I didn't think possible… I want to keep going, Pharynx. And I want you to be there, too. I told Ocellus the same essentially. I don't expect us to be in a happy mother-son relationship whe… I mean if I get out of here… but… I would like to see how much you've grown as a leader....

Pharynx paused for a moment to process what she just told him. He gives her an odd look.

Pharynx: Wait a moment… why would you tell this to Ocellus? What does she have to do with any of this?

Chrysalis flinched, she didn't realize Pharynx had been kept in the dark. She assumed either Thorax or Starlight may have filled him in.

Chrysalis: (Oh of all the... great, just great...well I'm already in this deep, no going back now.)

Pharynx, as a royal changeling you should know… Ocellus is one of us. She too is a royal changeling. She was to become my heir… at least… that was the original plan...

Pharynx was stunned, he thought he'd been aware of everything going on in the hive. To have this bombshell dropped on him was no small thing.

Pharynx: WHAT!? All this time, she's… she's supposed to be a… a queen?! And you only tell me this now?! I was one of your most trusted changelings! Don't think you can pull this kind of stunt! Why hide it at all? Of all the lies you've told, that's rich even for...

Chrysalis looks at him with a very serious gaze.

Chrysalis: Pharynx, I've lied about many things withheld much from all of you… but I'm not lying right now. Ocellus was meant to become the new queen of the hive. And should she choose to accept this role, that’s still the plan.

Pharynx: You… you can't be serious. Does she know?! Is she aware!? Does Thorax know!? Why… why was I not made privy to this information!?

He slammed his hooves to the ground.

Chrysalis: ...They've been made aware recently, yes. I've kept this information because it was to ultimately protect the hive!

Pharynx: DON'T TALK TO ME ABOUT PROTECTING THE HIVE, LIKE YOU ACTUALLY CARE!

Chrysalis: I HAVE ALWAYS CARED FOR THIS HIVE! I DID WHAT I DID SO THAT THE HIVE WOULD REMAIN IF THE WORST WERE TO HAPPEN TO US AGAIN!

You may not believe me, Pharynx. But my heart has been and always will be with this hive. I will always want to see my changelings thriving!

Pharynx looked shocked by this. He knew she was being genuine but he also felt angry that he wasn't made aware of any of this sooner. 

Pharynx: Why… why didn't you just tell us this from the beginning, why did you turn your back on us.... why didn't you...

Chrysalis: I WAS SCARED OKAY!? IS THAT WHAT YOU WANTED TO HEAR?! THAT YOUR QUEEN FELT VULNERABLE AND WEAK?!  I THOUGHT I WAS LOSING MY HIVE ONCE AGAIN!

Pharynx: What do you mean by again!? Stop beating around the bush and just tell me!

Chrysalis sighed...

Chrysalis: Fine… let's start from the beginning.

She then began to tell him the history of her family and the original hive… at least from what she knew.

Chrysalis: …And that’s just about all I’ve told Thorax and Ocellus. Although, if I may add… there is one factoid that I have not told them yet, that I can reveal to you first… I hope this somewhat makes up for not sharing this information with you sooner, the identity of the mass-murdering pony that has fueled my desire for revenge…

Pharynx nods Pharynx: Alright… who was this pony? Just thinking about this pony’s name is enough to make Chrysalis involuntarily growl, as there was no one, not even Discord. That Chrysalis wishes nothing but pain and suffering on. Even as Starlight has slowly gotten Chrysalis to be more comfortable around ponies she used to regard as enemies, she feels she’ll never get over her hatred of this particular one.

Chrysalis: Her name… was Sunset Shimmer… Celestia’s protege before Sparkle came along. I witnessed her kill your great Uncle Tarsus, and ran away as she left my family to die in flames! I also suspect she was responsible for the deaths of your grandparents, I can’t say for certainty… but if she would do what happened at Mt. Thrace… poisoning my parents hardly seems below her.

Pharynx looked very conflicted by this information. He wanted to call Chrysalis out especially in regards to whom she saw as her true enemy, Sunset Shimmer… but he also could tell she wasn't lying and that made no sense to him. 

Pharynx: (This… this is so much to take in… she's been having this over her head this entire time? This is why she drove us so hard? 

But I don't understand, Starlight has brought her mother to see us before, she doesn't strike me as the type to have done such vile actions. 

If she did, she wouldn't be a spirit right now… but wait… she doesn't know any of that… and I've never seen her look so sad about family… heck, I don't think I've ever seen her look sad before, she's never shown this kind of emotion to any of us. Perhaps Starlight really is changing her slowly…)

After a moment to think, he looked at Chrysalis with some understanding.

Pharynx: I think I get it now… why you made the choices that got us to this point... I still don't forgive you for turning tail and running, and also what you tried to do to all of us in your anger when you partnered with Tirek and Cozy Glow… but I get it now...

Chrysalis: Pharynx, I'm still sorry you were the last to find out. But I...

He held a hoof up to stop her.

Pharynx: I just need time to process all of this. But… maybe, MAYBE I'll give you a chance when you're freed.

(And I know when she finds out about spirit summoning… she can see her siblings. Then I along with Thorax and… Ocellus, we can meet them too)

Pharynx walks toward the door, and signals to Starlight and the others they can now return to their session. He thinks for a moment about telling Starlight what Chrysalis told him about Sunset, but he knows for sure it would drive a wedge that won't easily be removed, it'd quickly turn this session into a disaster. 

Perhaps, he also has a feeling that the two will soon debate this for themselves later. A hope that if Chrysalis learns about how only the good or otherwise normal living beings become spirits, maybe she'd wonder if she was mistaken somehow about Sunset's role in what happened to the previous hive. His mother wouldn't question the very judgment of the cosmos themselves... right?

Regardless, he thanks Starlight for the time to talk and proceeds to sit back as the group resumes their session with his mother. Though certainly not without a lot of things swirling through his mind.

Starlight, Applejack, Apple Bloom, Coloratura, and Yona meanwhile all walk back to where they were before Pharynx interrupted. Starlight looks at Chrysalis with a warm and concerned face, only knowing that there was quite a bit of yelling.

Starlight: Are you ok, Chrysalis? If the session with Pharynx was too upsetting, we can leave you alone for a little while before getting into the meat of our session...

Once the others came back in, Chrysalis let out a sigh. She wasn't prepared to deal with Pharynx so early on in the lesson, but if that was the roughest part of her day out of the way, she assumed the rest would go smoothly.

Chrysalis: Don't start worrying about me, I was expecting to have that conversation eventually, just not so soon… still, I will be fine. Let's just continue. You said that this lesson would be mostly about you all telling me truths and showing me honesty, so that'll be rest enough I assume. 

Pharynx stayed in the corner, not wanting to speak up again but he looked to Starlight, hoping she knew what she was doing. 

Applebloom held up another one of her bottles of tea.

Applebloom: M-maybe you'd like another bottle of mah apple n' pear tea? It'd help ease th' nerves...

Chrysalis: ...you know what, sure. Glimmer, teleport it in here… please...

Starlight nods, and floats up another bottle from Apple Bloom's cart and in mere seconds it disappears before immediately reappearing on the floor of Chrysalis cell.

Starlight: Drink as much as you need, because... and I must stress this... what I'm about to tell you, will shake everything you've ever believed about our world and life itself. Though I may at least reassure you that I don't mean it in a bad way, in fact, there's a good part of this that will feel like the best news of your entire life. But regardless, do not be surprised if your brain is absolutely overwhelmed by the information I'm sharing with you today. If you need a breather just to comprehend it all. Feel free to speak up as I go on... ok?

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow as she took a sip of the drink. This seemed odd coming from Starlight but she shrugged. Considering all the things she's seen in her life and the things she's already been told, she didn't think there was anything left that could actually shock her.

Chrysalis: Sure, Glimmer. What is this world shattering information you have to tell me? I highly doubt what you have to say is that shocking. But go ahead.

The rest of the group could see how she didn't seem to really believe this, little did she know what Starlight was going to reveal.

Starlight takes a deep breath, she knows Chrysalis is in for quite a ride.

Starlight: I'll begin with a summary at how we began to discover this new information, pardon me if some of this is information I've already mentioned a while ago to you but the context is important. Shortly after well... the defeat of your team up with Tirek and Cozy. Princess Celestia delayed her retirement by a year. It also served to give Equestria a transition year to prepare for the beginning of Twilight's sole reign in Canterlot.

This last year before Twilight succeeded to the throne allowed her some freedom for some special plans in her last year living on a regular basis in Ponyville. However, the special plans found her this time. For a wedding was going to take place in Saddle Arabia, and it was between two friends that live there that Twilight and Spike are close to. Plus, the Royal Family was hosting it at the palace, and giving Twilight full freedom to invite as many guests as she wanted. She quickly got the idea after spreading this news to the other Elements to invite many of the family and friends met across her time in Ponyville for a special Royal Ball prior to the wedding. 

It was a fantastic night all-around, believe it or not many changelings were invited to gather for the atmosphere of a wedding ceremony. And many fantastic Equestrian Talents were put on stage, including Rara here, and well... a rather strange moment where Trixie cramped me and her into a lamp using a strange wish from Twilight. It was even a little emotional for me that night... I was still a little peeved at my father for a spat I had with him in the weeks prior to the ball... He still wouldn't tell me who or what happened to my mother even after all these years I've known him.

Though thankfully, I also had a nice bonding moment with Applejack there. We talked about our families, Applejack's deceased parents. And my own mom, who i didn't know was deceased yet nor did I know anything about. There was still hope at the time my mom was still alive somewhere to find out my true destiny at last. Somehow it all slipped my mind in the years I got to know Twilight, but I didn't once ask for a wish if she could help me find my mother. But that was certainly going to change the morning after.

Chrysalis listened intently. At the start, it just seemed like some standard fare pony business, nothing to do with her. She didn't see how some wedding was going to shake her perception of the world. If anything, her view of weddings was soured ever since her failed attempt in Canterlot to pose as Cadance all those years ago. She started to look a bit bored though she did look a bit bemused when she mentioned being stuffed into a lamp.

Chrysalis: Wait...are you a genie now, too? Is that the shocking revelation? And… your father wouldn't tell you about your mother? I don't see why he would withhold that information. From what you've told me, she was a soldier who died honorably in the line of duty. Why hide that?

She'd gotten invested again, especially with the mention of family. Applebloom and Coloratura hugged Applejack as Starlight continued on. 

Starlight: However, I was not the only one that night that was thinking of a long lost mother... Spike had a plan to visit the bones of his birth mother that were still sitting in a cave somewhere in the desert nearby. The morning after the ball, he, Twilight, Princess Celestia, Malakhar, and the Sultan of Saddle Arabia went together to the spot where Spike's birth mother laid to rest.

He went there to pay his respects, and although he of course expected no response of any kind. He spoke to the skeleton of his mother of how happy he was that he found Twilight. And also softly spoke a desire that he would have liked to meet her while clutching the dragon tear necklace he wears. He didn't think anything would come out of it, but he wished to know who she was and more. Even if it sounded silly.

Chrysalis: So he got to have a moment with his deceased birth mother, good for…

Chrysalis gasps as Starlight interrupts and continues on

Starlight: But that's when a real miracle occurred... a large comet-like entity came down from the sky and into the cave forming a giant sphere before all that witnessed it. It would then shapeshift into none other than a spirit of Spike's dragon birth mother. At that moment, we discovered... that Dragon Tears... when wielded by a dragon... are capable of allowing us to summon, and speak with, the spirits of the deceased... 

Chrysalis reacted understandably with shock and disbelief, spitting out some of the juice she was drinking.

Chrysalis: EXCUSE ME?! Glimmer, I've heard and seen many things over the years, but you cannot just expect me to believe that the dead can be returned to the mortal plane! What you're saying is impossible! ....it has to be...

They could see a flicker of hope in her eyes, as if she wanted them to prove her wrong. Applebloom spoke up.

Applebloom: Ah know it's hard t' believe. But it's the truth. Spike... he's able t’ bring down spirits o’ the deceased… it's how ah... got t' meet mah parents fo’ the first time.

Applejack: Trust me, Chrysalis. Ah hardly believed it either. It sounded way too good t' be true, even when mah folks showed up. Ah denied as hard as ah could, ah didn't want t' get mah hopes up. That changed, when ah truly felt their embrace fo' the first time since ah was ah little filly…

Seeing Applejack confirm this made it much harder for Chrysalis to deny. She knew Applejack was honest to a fault… but she still had some doubts. Or perhaps she didn't want to get her hopes up herself. As her mind went straight to thoughts of seeing Arista, Spur and Tarsus again.

Chrysalis: You're actually serious… I require proof then! Show me… show me… a… spirit...?

Starlight nods

Starlight: Exactly what I planned to do. Chrysalis, we actually have two more surprise guests to introduce you to. Allow me to open up another portal, to see for yourself...

Starlight opens another pack of Portal Gum. Just a pony-sized bubble this time though certainly tall enough for the spirit of a certain stallion.

Starlight: Chrysalis, I would like you to meet... the spirits of Pear Butter and Bright Mac. Otherwise known as Applejack's late parents.

As Starlight introduced them to Chrysalis, transparent hooves poke out of the portal and soon their faces are visible. The spiritual couple walk towards the group side-by-side. Both Applejack and Apple Bloom with big warm smiles. You'd think after a decade they'd be fully used to having their parents capable of being summoned down. But inside their hearts, they'll always cherish that they can see them again despite the tragic fate that fell upon them.

Pear Butter graciously bows for Chrysalis as a courtesy for royalty in the room, despite the imprisoned status Chrysalis still currently has. 

Her eyes widened when she saw Starlight already prepared for this and had portaled in two ponies. Chrysalis could see through their bodies and they had an otherworldly glow to them… interestingly enough she could taste the love they had for each other and their family. On a personal level she was also surprised to see Pear Butter actually respect her royal title. Bright Mac did something similar as he removed his hat and bowed for a moment. Chrysalis was rendered speechless, her eyes twitched. She couldn't process that she was seeing spirits of the dead right in front of her.

Starlight: I'm sure you have many questions. Like how is this possible, if spirits exist where do they go, and what is the purpose of their afterlife, etc. I promise you there are answers for at least most of your questions. If there's a question you have that we don't know yet, it's because this is still generally new to us even after a decade of this being a now worldwide discovery.

It might be a tad easier to just go by the order in which Twilight and Spike learned of how all this worked. It actually wouldn't be long after they summoned Spike's birth mother, that they summoned a more knowledgeable spirit thanks in part to Princess Luna, Somnambula, and Kubuya. With them they were able to summon the first ever genie who had herself return to mortality more than 1000 years ago, and she filled those who were in the cave that day of what's in the afterlife, and we even understand now just what life has been this whole time if you can believe it. You could say... the purpose of life has been discovered, at least for our planet.

I suppose to get ahead of one question I'm sure you may have in your mind... yes, we will gladly summon your most cherished family members. Spike is currently out of reach right now on a diplomatic mission, but I promise he'll be here next time. And you'll get to have the miraculous reunion that the Apple Family had with these two for yourself. We could even set it up for as early as tomorrow morning so you're not waiting for too much longer. 

This was a lot for Chrysalis to take in. She took a seat on the ground, still looking absolutely stunned by this revelation. She never would have imagined there was a way to speak with the dead or that there was an actual afterlife for their planet. 

Chrysalis: ...I think I can see why you waited to tell me about this… I would have just laughed it off and called you insane... I'm seeing those two and I still can't believe it...

This made Bright Mac chuckle as he simply phased through the cell barrier. Chrysalis can now hear the echo in the spirit’s voice for the first time. It sends shivers down her spine.

Bright Mac: Oh believe me, it's still ah tad weird on our end too. But ya get used t' it after ah while. 'sides, ah get t' see mah children again all grown up too!

When Starlight mentioned allowing Chrysalis to see her family again too, she stood up in shock. Some tears about to fall.

Chrysalis: A-AR-ARE YOU SERIOUS, STARLIGHT?! I… I can see them again?

This little outburst took Pharynx by surprise, but it did confirm that she was truly genuine when they had their conversation in regards to their family. He said nothing, but there was a small smile on his face. Chrysalis did take a moment to breathe and while she was a bit upset that it wouldn't happen today, she didn't even think such a thing would've been possible had she not seen proof in front of her.

Chrysalis: They've been gone so long… what's one more day? Arista… Spur… Tarsus... I… I can see them again… talk to them...

Applejack: ...And hug 'em!

Applejack says as she wraps a hoof around her mother for a warm embrace, the spirit mother gladly returning the hug.

Yona sighs

Yona: Yona would like to hug pony ghosts! But yaks can't...

Starlight giggled

Starlight: Yeah, I suppose one of the first things I can mention is only those who were close enough friends with the deceased when they were alive, or related by blood are needed to summon them in the first place. But a bonus perk for those that miss their departed friends and family. Only they can actually touch their spirits. 

Starlight demonstrates by waving a hoof through Pear Butter and Bright Mac and all it is doing is simply phasing through them. If there were any remaining doubts now, the fact that some ponies could physically touch them while others can't proved this wasn't just some hologram trick. The Apple sisters were truly touching their parents, while those who were unrelated could not do so whatsoever. These were indeed magic spirits of some kind, and Chrysalis' eyes shined in a way many of the guests there had never seen up to this point. 

Chrysalis looked baffled, but in a good way with this overload of what was indeed perhaps the best news she’s ever heard.

Chrysalis: Hug them? But they're ghosts… how would you...

She watched as both Applejack and Applebloom actually hugged both Pear Butter and Bright Mac. 

Chrysalis: ...The more I learn, the less I understand... So you're saying that not only can I speak to them, essentially it can be like olden times?

She looked in awe at the sight before her. The taste of the love coming off this group was unlike any of the previous pairings. This was a love that existed across life and death itself. She couldn't describe the flavor but she knew she liked it.

Chrysalis: This is one time I will say… you ponies have truly found a way to amaze me... spirit magic... never in my wildest dreams did I think such a thing was possible. Oh! That reminds me then...

She looked to Starlight

Chrysalis: If this is possible, you must've been able to find the truth out about your mother then, correct? I'm assuming you've spoken to her spirit?"

Starlight nods her head

Starlight: Yep! Indeed, I have. Although, there will be time to tell you all about that soon. There's still some things in particular about our world and the afterlife that you need to know before I get to what it's personally meant for me. I did wonder if maybe my mother should have also been a guest for this session, but I decided maybe that'll be better saved for next time. Applejack's parents serve as a good example of the miracles of Spirit Summoning already. I am certainly looking forward to when you meet her though, once you do... So much about me is going to make a lot more sense!

Chrysalis: Well given your magical power, I'm going to assume you gained it from your mother… so saving her for the next lesson does make sense.

Pharynx let out a silent sigh of relief. Because he was aware that Chrysalis would need some prep time before meeting Sunset. Right now, she needed to be slowly acclimated to the reality of the world and the afterlife.  

Starlight: For now though, before I explain how the afterlife works. There's new facts about our world's astronomy that I must mention that only the deceased spirits could have told us about barring us ever inventing a safe transportation that could reach space prior to the summons we started with a decade ago, cause one thing you should know... is most beings that have ever lived... are actually circling the globe as we speak, and have been doing so ever since life began. 

Chrysalis' face twisted in more disbelief at the reveal that the spirits are circling around the planet at all times.

Chrysalis: What...? How does that even work?! I've never seen literal ghosts flying though the skies, if they're circling the globe, where are they?

Bright Mac: Ah can give ah bit o’ an explanation. See, ya actually do see us up their either as stars or comets shootin cross th' night sky! See, we spirits are part o’ ah soul shield. We're protectin our world and the planet itself! And it ain't just exclusive t' ponies and other sapient creatures, but other animals and plants too!

Chrysalis: Soul shield...? Protecting the world? Uh… it feels like there’s been plenty of saviors… believe me…

Starlight: As oddly convenient as it sounds, for the most part. The soul shield is invisible to us. But as Bright Mac mentioned, we can on occasion see what look like comets orbiting the planet. Though I do believe AJ has some thoughts on this subject that isn't confirmed, but it's our best guess at the moment.

Applejack: Ah don't even know for absolute sure if this is how it works. But there is somethin' o' ah theory ah've brought up with everypony. On nearly every large Apple Family reunion prior t' the first time we summoned Ma and Pa, Ah'd look up at the night sky and there would be these pair o' comets n' the sky. Ah often wondered if in some way, that was mah folks giving the only message they could that they're lookin' over us. Ah may actually have been right in some fashion, the comets may in fact have been them. Although if it was, it's nothin' they did entirely on purpose as they can't recall ever knowing they were being seen.

Anyhow though, the gist o' this theory o' mine is that when certain spirits are being thought about deeply on the planet. Such as ah family reunion, it makes them more likely t' appear in the sky. It's kinda hard t' test something like that however. Especially when it's just easier t' bring them down and have them there fo’ the reunion.

Starlight: Frankly, if every spirit was visible all the time. Night time would barely exist as the sky would be too bright and probably disorientating to look at. Imagine having trillions upon trillions of comets circling the world constantly. It'd certainly be a mess... 

Bright Mac looked to Pear Butter and chuckled.

Bright Mac: Ah gotta say, ah think mah daughter's explanation is quite a fun one. Pear and ah do love it when th' family gets together!

Chrysalis still seemed so lost, the rest of the group was fully aware of how this all worked and she was like a deer in headlights. But she did wonder about the shield itself and who was part of it. She looked at the two spirits before her.

Chrysalis: ...During your time in this... soul shield or whatever...did you see changelings that look somewhat similar to myself there...?

Pear Butter: Of course we caught a glimpse of a great number of changelings in our time up there. Although, I doubt we'd be able to tell easily which ones were those you knew, amongst the many generations that came before them. Up in the soul shield, we generally mingle with our fellow deceased friends and family. Interaction does happen between spirits who never knew each other when we were alive. But it's rather sparse for the more recently dead to converse with everyone. The more ancient the spirit is, the more freely they can travel the shield to speak with others. If a conversation between two spirits that never knew each other is deemed important to do, many former tribal shamans and elders from the days of our cave pony ancestors that have learned about every culture that has come up since their time will arrange it.

The less sentient spirits such as Dinosaurs that are even older than our ancestors just go about anywhere they please. In fact, there's this little raptor pack that would always come by me and Bright Mac. Not gonna lie, I'd have been terrified of them if they had been around when I was alive. But when there's no such threat given well... we're already dead... they're oddly cute!

Pear Butter giggles 

Bright Mac: Oh yeah! Ah can't wait t’ see them again! Kind fellers they are! It's funny, when we're all spirits they seem as docile as any kind o' pet!

Chrysalis looked a bit disappointed. But this made sense. Starlight already said they'd be able to summon her family tomorrow, but she at least would have hoped that she could get some information now if possible. At the very least she felt comforted to know that changelings of the past were not left to the wayside.

Chrysalis: Hm… disappointing… oh well, with literal trillions of apparent souls to go through it makes sense. Hmm, this soul shield… if it contains all the souls of everyone who's passed on and is protecting this world… it must be quite powerful. Maybe it's for the best that neither I nor any other one you all deemed as villains tried to harness it for ourselves.

Her understanding of how the shield worked is a bit off but she was still learning after all.

Starlight: I do have something to say in terms of... villains and this kind of magic in a bit. But I still need to start off with a few more crucial details. Given your dislike of us ponies, you've probably questioned why we're the ones that have the authority to move the sun and moon around. Whether that's Twilight currently, Celestia & Luna before her, and then the Unicorns in the Pre-Equestria era. 

Chrysalis: You actually do bring up a good point, even for as long as I've lived, you ponies were in charge of the sun and moon. While it's something we begrudgingly had to accept, though I am well aware control can easily be ripped away with the right tools. I never did understand why you deemed yourselves worthy to control them…

Starlight continues

Starlight: There was actually a very long period in our planet's history in which no one had control of the Sun and Moon...

And back then... that meant... the sun and moon... did not move at all!

What's more, our planet does not rotate. As such, half the world was a desert scorched by the then eternal sun. And the other half was a frozen nightscape where the only light was from the moon and far away stars. 

She grimaces at the thought of a dry hellscape or a permanent dark & icy tundra as a home and neither sounded like good options. 

Starlight: Most of life and/or civilization having to be in the parts of the world that served as a vertical equator that were in an eternal state of being in between day and night. An eternal twilight and/or sunset you could say. Hehe!

Starlight winks, making something of a pun. Although the mention of the latter word for the transition between day to night makes Chrysalis jump before she calms down, assuming Starlight only meant the word and nothing else.

Starlight: There's a possibility it was once normal for the sun and moon to move on its own, with the planet rotating until a sudden event caused that all to change.  There is however a strong theory about it that has come out in the past decade, this is where I can start elaborating when it comes to soul magic and villains. You may have not noticed this explicit detail, but I said MOST deceased spirits go up into the soul shield... I'm about to tell you what those exceptions are. 

Despite her not liking the fact that ponies control the sun or moon, the idea that they used to move on their own and the planet used to rotate seemed like absolute nonsense. 

Chrysalis: Oh please, I find that theory hard to believe...

(Though to be fair... she's been showing me many things I once thought as impossible so… hmm…)

She looked a bit concerned at the mention of exceptions to the soul shield.

Chrysalis: What kind of exceptions...?

Starlight: To put it simply, evil or otherwise antagonistic beings that never came to regret their actions. When those kinds of beings pass away, they do not go up to the soul shield. In fact, they just about lose all existence and sentience they ever had when they were alive. Transforming into dark magic that does nothing but ravage or weaken the planet.

The most well known example might be the windigos. They were once a rival tribe of our ancestors that centered their culture of hatred and violence in the frozen tundras when the world was split between desert and glaciers. Their spirits in some way stuck around, but they do nothing but feed on hatred and bring the cold winters they once thrived in with them.

And the strong theory I mentioned has only come up recently within the past decade, but the death of Grogar might have been what released enough dark magic to stop the sun and moon from moving naturally, along with the planet's rotation.

This might explain why culturally, Equestria isn't fond of executing our foes.You might bring up that Sombra has been killed on multiple occasions, but he was a special case. He had infused himself with dark magic where he placed a powerful spell that allows him to control himself in a dark magic form, though the catch is he ends up trapping himself in a void should he be defeated by the magic of love and/or friendship. With only powerful feats of magic such as the Crystal Empire's sudden return or well... Discord willing his return to both our chagrin. Some even say he might have secretly allowed himself to be killed by Celestia and Luna, or at least was aware of this as a long term Plan B. 

The reason we don't do executions isn't just because we're naive and friendship-happy, there's actually real consequences that come from the death of those who died evil. So if there's even a sliver of a chance to help turn someone's life around. We take it, otherwise we use petrification for those who were either too far gone to save or just waiting for the perfect opportunity to redeem them. 

Chrysalis' expression sours even more from this information. She seemed to take it almost personally

Chrysalis: Look, if you wanted to just tell me that I won't be going to this soul shield or whatever, you could just say it to my face without beating around the bush… though being trapped in stone or cursed to nonexistence… neither sounds like a suitable end...

She rolled her eyes at the mention of Sombra being an exception

Chrysalis: Oh great, one of the most whiny and pathetic villains to roam Equestria stumbled on technical immortality… Though I suppose he's like the windigo in that regard. They can never be truly destroyed... but now I get why you ponies are so adamant on trying to reform every single one you deem as a villain. And why you turned myself, Tirek, and Cozy Glow into stone...

Starlight: Chrysalis... I wouldn't be saying any of this to you if I didn't think there was hope for you... but I apologize if I made you feel like I was passively-aggressively saying you don't have a chance.

Perhaps a slight change of subject is in order though... the discoveries Twilight and Spike found out while talking with Jinn brought more context onto Spike's dragon tear necklace. The gem on that necklace is made of crystalized soul magic. The same exact stuff that spirits like Pear Butter and Bright Mac here are made out of. Dragons are our largest and longest-lived sentient creatures on the planet, they as such have the most soul magic within them. A dragon tear sometimes showed up when a dragon was about to die, creating excess soul magic that is left by the dragon who passed away. Spike's the only known one to make a dragon tear of his own and live, but that required a traumatic moment where a monster of a pony named Zathir nearly had Twilight kill all her friends and Spike while being brainwashed.

Just a chip of those are powerful enough to transform ponies into what we know are genies. Which gets into another few twists about this. We call the magic that makes up the Dragon Tears and spirits as soul magic, though it's true that actually the souls that are in every living being we know of are also made of that kind of magic. Which gave us 2 major discoveries... one was that magic isn't just power, nor is it just magical spells and/or friendship. All of life itself... is magic too!

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow.

Chrysalis: What, are you saying that my supposed reformation undoes the things I've done? How would it determine this level of good or evil?

She seemed more curious even though the rules didn't make too much sense to her yet. It was a lot to unload on her. And that only increased as she was told of the nature of the spirits and by extension, genies.

Chrysalis: To think dragons had such power locked within them… this soul magic, it sounds even more powerful than the power pure love would give. Stronger than the power of the most ancient of artifacts...

It almost sounds like Chrysalis is thinking like her villainous self... but...

Chrysalis: It's good we didn't know about its existence then when Tirek, Cozy and I teamed up... it would have been badly abused

Was she... glad that they didn't know about soul magic? Pharynx's eyes widened in surprise, hearing her praise a power and not desire it.

Starlight: As for the other discovery, Genies like Twilight are actually half-spirits. For let's just say... genies and spirits have a few similarities... Pear Butter and Bright Mac, why don't you two demonstrate for yourselves at least one of those.

Pear Butter looks in Bright Mac's eyes before nodding. They soon float themselves in the air, and their lower bodies merge into a waving, curvy tail from the hips on down. Swirling around the chamber in a majestic dance in the air.. 

Chrysalis: If genies are half-spirits, how does that work, you cannot be alive and dead at once... And what other similarities do they have? And if you have these tears, why not make more genies?

She doesn't get an answer to her second question but she does watch the two apple family spirits dance and fly around in a way that makes them look more like genies themselves.

The two spirits fly for a little while longer before coming back down having given a sufficient example of Spirit flight.

Starlight: I could go more into detail about how genies as half-spirits work. But I'm sure you're already quite overwhelmed with what we've already told you. It may be best to save some details for you to learn as you get accustomed to being free again. The most important similarity between Spirits and Genies is they are both able to grant wishes. However, that in itself has a big difference in genies are capable of granting the wishes of the living. Whereas spirits only attend to the planet's wishes.

...Which yes, that means our planet is in a way, alive on its own. Although more akin to a plant-like soul that can't speak. But just like how earth ponies can feel out what plants need, spirits can do the same for the planet. And that's how the soul shield was formed, as the planet's desire is for itself to be protected and that as much life as possible lives happy so that the day comes when more living beings pass they add strength to the shield rather than damage the planet. What the shield protects the planet from are stuff like stray meteors or a solar flare burning through our atmosphere.

We don't know if there are other planets out there that work like ours. Maybe there's other planets that have their own soul shield. Or maybe we're some outlier where we're the only planet where magic has evolved this far, and quickly enough to the point that life itself is synonymous with magic. But either way, every living being has a soul that makes them as magic as any other. The way they live their lives affect whether they add strength to the soul shield, or unfortunately transform into dark magic.

As long as they have some form of love in their hearts, they'll always have a chance of being among the trillions of souls before us. And you shouldn't underestimate yourself, Chrysalis. The soul shield does not judge based on past actions, what's more important is where you are when your time comes. You've done evil deeds, but so have I. It would be cruel if one terrible action defined your fate.

Maybe forcing ponies into cocoons for your changelings to drink their love dry is still a dastardly act. But you never went so low as to end a pony's life. That's still a moral compass that we can build off of. There's a big difference between you with more unrepentant evil like Zathir, who as I mentioned before nearly killed Spike in front of Twilight's eyes... or Cozy Glow... who along with her family... had a role in the death of my mother...

Chrysalis once again felt lost within most of the explanation, looking very much like a student who didn't study for a test. While she picked up on some key details, the talk about the wishes of the planet and the idea of going beyond their own seemed to go right over her head. However the talk of how the shield judges those who pass on does hold more of her attention. Starlight makes a valid point that she too used to walk a villainous path. Of course looking at her now, no one would believe that. But it did mean Chrysalis had a chance should she take her redemption seriously. 

Chrysalis: So it's forgiving to an extent...

She smirked

Chrysalis: To be fair, I didn't kill anypony but it wasn't from a lack of trying! But I also cannot extract love from a corpse so... there's that.

She said trying to bring some levity in her own morbid way. It was clear this talk of potential death and what may happen to her actually got her a bit nervous. Seeing proof that there is something of an afterlife does make her worried for where she ends up when her time comes. 

Chrysalis: You speak of those who would cross all lines then... So that wretched demon who killed my family and most of my original hive would be among that list as well. Hmph, good riddance then.

Starlight: Most likely, yeah. But... how about we get to a happier conversation. I can start getting into what spirit summoning's done for us. The first summoning outside of Spike's mother and Jinn were in fact Pear Butter and Bright Mac themselves. Twilight felt it the best way to begin spreading the miracles of spirit summoning to reunite two parents who died way too soon with their much older children.

Others that have reunited included Celestia and Luna's generations of their most loyal staffers and guards, Twilight's friend Malakhar with his grandfather, Pinkie's family with Granny Pie, and all sorts of others.

Pear Butter: Speaking of Pinkie, I don't think we mentioned yet a certain discovery within our family to Chrysalis yet that wouldn't have been possible without spirit summoning!

Applejack: Oh yeah! Ah almost forgot, y'all not going t’ believe this Chrysalis. There was this one time Pinkie joined mah family on ah road trip because she found some sort o' blurry family tree book that might have confirmed we were related. In the end, Goldie Delicious' family records ended up being too smudged t' find out the answer fo' absolute certain. But we would find out later thanks t' all this spirit stuff. Granted, it's ah little distant still. But mah grandma on the pear side o' mah family was Pinkie's grandma's sister. Which means me and mah siblings have been second cousins with Pinkie and her sisters the whole time!

Starlight chuckles

Starlight: Honestly, all you're going to do is confuse Chrysalis about pony genetics even further. She was already puzzled that Maud and Pinkie were sisters, let alone this! But... I suppose I'm not so different. My mother had a pretty bright color scheme all things considered, I think most of my coloring came from my father's side!

Speaking of which, I am eager to tell Chrysalis about the day I reunited with my mother's spirit... but are there any last questions you have about spirits, soul magic, and/or spirit summoning before we move on?

The talk of reunions and spirit summoning does put a gleam in Chrysalis' eye, the group can see how hopeful she is to see her own family… tomorrow.

Chrysalis: You speak of all these reunions… you'd best follow through on your promise. I… I want to see my siblings.

She tilts her head at the mention of the apple family's extended roots.

Applebloom: Aw yeah, that was a fun trip, sure we almost met our untimely demise at the bottom o’ ah waterfall, but we got some great pics out o’ it! Plus, we've made that dangerous route ah bit o’ ah tradition!

Upon learning that Pinkie is indeed related to the apples, Chrysalis sighed and shook her head.

Chrysalis: My condolences, your family tree is now a hodgepodge of absolute insanity. You have my sympathy… pfft, pony genetics are just an absolute nightmare... I pity anyone foolish enough to try and figure it out.

She spoke with a heavy amount of sarcasm. When Starlight brought up herself into the conversation and her own family.

Chrysalis: I feel if I try to figure out anymore about the soul magic, spirits or what have you, my head is going to burst. Why don't we stick to something a little more… grounded. So the day you reunited with your hero soldier of a mother. That must have been a shock for her to hear you went down a villainous path… not that I'm interested but… how did that all go...?

Starlight paused for a moment, though smiled still

Starlight: She... did scold me a little. But I fully explained to her why her untimely death was the first domino to fall in a long string of events that I didn't have too much control over. Maybe I could have chosen to ignore things such as the manifesto about equality. But I was still too upset about Sunburst leaving. And then fate had the audacity to actually give me my cutie mark after trying out my mother's spellbook, as if destiny was laughing in my face to give me a cutie mark just as I was being convinced by the manifesto to hate them.

I had a lot of pent up emotion when I came clean to my mom. It was probably the longest time I cried since I was only a filly....

And all my mother did, was just what good mothers do. Hug, and comfort me in my worst moment...

Admittedly, I feel like all you'll do is laugh at me that a grown pony like me still needed the comfort of my mother. I'd even understand it if you mock me for it.. but... I never felt what a mother's comfort was like for my entire childhood... it was a lot more crucial to my development than I ever thought possible. Twilight filling in as a surrogate older sister filled in a void, but when I got to speak with my actual birth mother... everything just flowed out... all the tears... all the memories... everything that had led me to the life I lived up to that point...  everything had finally come full circle in my life. It was an emotional moment, but it was a needed one. I know myself more than ever now, and I know my mother will always be proud of me.

My mother was the angel I needed to set me on the path I'm on today. And I'm excited for when you get to meet her tomorrow!

Chrysalis listened intently, the whole group could see that despite what she said about not caring, she clearly did. But not only that, Chrysalis was thinking on how she'd talk about the things she's done to her siblings, specifically Arista and Spur. Tarsus.. he wasn't one for mushy emotions. Though the mention of her mother doing what 'good mothers do'... it made Chrysalis feel… guilty. She looked to Pharynx and then looked away as their eyes met. She was not going to be winning mother of the year anytime soon but… perhaps it's something to work on. 

Chrysalis: ...No, I won't laugh... I… I kind of get it. Though in my case… I don't need my parents, though I still long to see them again, but it's my siblings, they were to me what your mother is to you in terms of that needed support. Heh, I will laugh somewhat at taking in Sparkle as a sister. But coming from someone who had siblings to one who doesn't? I do not know if you have biological siblings. 

But perhaps I shouldn't judge too harshly. And yes, I too look forward to meeting this hero mother of yours. I may not have respected ponies during her time, I can however respect a soldier who was at their most powerful. Besides, much like our exercise with Cadence and Shining Armor to laugh at Sombra. Perhaps your mother and I can exchange barbs at Cozy's expense!

Applejack places a hoof on Starlight's shoulder.

Applejack: Ain't nothin' wrong 'bout sharin' ya feelings 'bout family... the loss o' my folks early in mah childhood had ah tremendous effect on me as well... Ah nearly quit Apple farmin’ altogether and attempted t’' try living wit’ mah aunts and uncles in the Orange families in Manehattan just t’ try if ah change o’ scenery could help me wit’ mah grief... but that only added homesickness t' so many emotions swirling in mah mind. Ah rainbow would eventually give me ah sign that ah should go back home. Realizing that wherever ma and pa were, they'd want t' see me happy back at the humble barns o’ Sweet Apple Acres.

It's thanks t' Granny, Big Mac, and the sudden importance o’ needing t’ step up fo' Apple Bloom when she was only ah foal helpin’ drive me forward. Ah never really fully got over mah parents' deaths. Ah freak rare natural disaster that just happened t' ruin mah life out o' nowhere... sometimes the way death can come suddenly can be scarier then some evil perpetrator. Because at least in those cases, ya’ll have something t' blame. Where loved ones just being at the wrong place at the wrong time... just makes it seem like the universe has it out fo' ya. It can make ya paranoid, and overprotective o' those ya still have...

Bright Mac, Coloratura, and Applebloom hold Applejack close.

Applebloom: Ya may have gotten on mah nerves sometimes with ya constant worryin’... but ah'm glad that ah had ya there, AJ.

Bright Mac: We never intended t' leave th' family so woefully unprepared fo’ what happened t’ mahself an Pear… but we couldn't be mo’ proud o’ who ya became.

Hearing about the loss of family members puts Chrysalis in an odd mood. But seeing Applejack be able to reconcile some of her feelings with the spirits of her parents… in a weird way, it gave her some hope for her own family reunion.

Chrysalis was a little afraid to ask her next question, wondering if it could be a touchy subject with spirits. But she figures if it is a sensitive topic, they can change subject quickly enough.

Chrysalis: How exactly did you two die? Gruesome question I know, but… considering how relatively young you look, I cannot imagine it was a natural death.

Pear Butter looked at Bright Mac with a bit of a grim look, but both of them nodded figuring that it was important to tell.

Pear Butter: As Applejack said... it was a rare natural catastrophe... we died at a place called Flame Geyser Swamp. Now even the name of that place already doesn't sound like the most inviting place, but it's a convenient place for all sorts of deliveries and ground routes for travel...

Starlight nods confirming that

Starlight: Me and Trixie once went through that place when we were trying to get to Saddle Arabia together. I actually nearly got burnt by one of the geysers before Trixie saved me. I didn't even know that place held such a dark significance to Applejack. When I learned that's where they died sometime afterward, I felt quite guilty that me and Trixie were singing all happily through that place. Luckily, Applejack wasn't too fussed about it.

Applejack: Despite how dangerous that place looks, over 90% o' ponies goin’ through get out o' there generally unharmed... And even most o' that 10% are grazin’ burns and/or had the first aid necessary t’ get them t’ ah hospital. It's just ah shame mah folks were in the 2% or less that were fatalities…

Pear Butter: We weren't killed by the flames however, it was something far worse that's generally dormant under the swampy floor, and was not watched for by our scientists yet because of how rare the event of such an eruption was: Toxic methane gas

We did try to leave our delivery cart behind to flee from the gas, but the cloud was still too fast. It caught up to Bright Mac first, and without thinking I immediately went back for him. Although, I doubt I would have been able to outrun the cloud anyway. If I was going to suffocate to death, at least it meant me and Bright Mac would have our last moments together... 

Applejack takes off her hat and places it over her chest

Applejack: We wouldn't find out what happened til' 'bout 3 days later. Granny Smith recovered their bodies, and naive lil' me thought they were jus' sleepin'... only fo' reality t' set in like ah thunder bolt as ah felt the cold temperature o' mah mother's hooves... ah brutal way t' learn that those closest t' us aren't promised t' be with ya forever...

Applebloom: Ah even tried t' foolishly go and make ah trip through there bah mahself… and nearly paid the price if it weren't fo’ Applejack. Dang Chimera almost made me lunch.

She looked at Applejack and then at her parents

Applebloom: At th' time Ma and Pa died, ah was jus a baby then. Ah never got t’ really know them till we were able t’ see them with spirit summonin’

Chrysalis looked quite somber about all this.

Chrysalis: Of all ponies… I never would have assumed we had something like this in common. It is… painful to have your loved ones ripped away...

She took a deep breath, even though she'd been telling her history more openly now, it didn't make it easier.

Chrysalis: I too lost my parents suddenly... They were murdered, though we never got true closure on who truly did it. But it's what started my hatred and distrust of ponies. I saw them as infallible, invincible beings… only for reality to quickly dash that thought.

Applejack: Huh, really now... Ah'm sorry t' hear something similar happened t' ya folks too... and ah hope whomever did it got their just desserts one way or another. Doesn't matter if they were ah pony or not, they'd never be ah friend o' ours.

Starlight takes the opportunity while Applejack and Chrysalis talk to note much of what they've gone over today in her notebook.

Yona: Yeah! Historically, murder was crime all yaks rose up to crush evildoer together... although learning about this dark magic stuff... might be why avalanches become common in yak country... but yaks strong, and very hairy, we survived them all!

Pear Butter: I'm sure Spike would gladly allow you to see your mother and father again along with everyone else you miss when you see him soon. I have faith your parents were great if you were able to have children yourself like Ocellus. 

Chrysalis: Oh believe me, Applejack, who I suspect to be my parents' murderer is one whom I’d wish the most terrible fate upon them possible. You may all be trying to redeem me, but that feeling will not change. Starlight may already know this, but while you, Sparkle, and the others may have been a thorn in my side… you do not even come close to the anger I feel for who I blame for everything. I think it’s highly likely my parents' murderer and my hive's murderer are one and the same...

Coloratura: I cannot imagine what that feels like but to hold onto resentment for so long...it leaves you hollow inside... wouldn't you rather face your family with the love you feel over the resentment?

Chrysalis sighs, especially when Ocellus is brought up.

Chrysalis: Who she became is in spite of me, not because of me. She rose to the occasion because I was not there. But… I know my parents and my sister will be thrilled to meet her… and the rest of my lineage.

She looked at Pharynx with a small smile, trying to bridge the gap between them.

Pear Butter turns toward Coloratura

Pear Butter: Sometimes it's not that easy just to get along again with family when there's resentment... especially when that resentment is within the family itself... we've since made up, and I'm glad he's with us in the Soul Shield along with both my mother and my mother-in-law now. But my father about dis-owned me when he learned I chose to marry into the Apple family over moving to Vanhoover with him. He couldn't get over some ridiculous business rivalry over his own daughter's feelings...

I never got to hear a real apology from my father until after I died, and if spirit summoning had never been discovered by Spike. I'd had never found out how much he's changed, and our reunion in the Soul Shield would have been more than awkward, to say the least...

This statement actually worried Chrysalis, she misses her family. But at the same time, she knew their deaths came not long after a nasty argument after years of tension between the four of them. Would the spirits of her family still hold on to that same resentment over their last argument. 

Would they guilt trip her for being the sole surviving royal?

Or maybe worse… one or two of them could be disgusted at what she's done, and what she had become. It makes her wonder for a moment if summoning them would even be worth it, but she shakes her head and realizes even if they say they never want to see her again. That hearing their voices one more time would be enough. 

Bright Mac looked at Pear with some sadness.

Bright Mac: Ah do wish he'd have just accepted us while we were alive… but it does warm mah heart that he did finally change his tune. Heh, he's up there wit’ us now and insists that ah call him Pah Pear. Course he'd never have changed if it weren't fo’ AJ, Big Mac and Applebloom here…

Applebloom smiled up at her father.

Chrysalis: I... I suppose you have some point there. I… I had an argument with my parents before they'd left. Now that I think about it… same went for my sister and my younger brother. I've been so caught up in the thought of seeing them again… what if they don't want to see me?

Chrysalis had intended to keep that thought to herself, it's only after she said it, that she realized it wasn't an internal thought. She was feeling more comfortable being open and hadn't realized it.

Pear Butter: I don't know the extent of how bad your last discussions with your family went, but even if they're still bitter about anything that happened before their deaths. There will be plenty of time to work things out. Sometimes just the reunion itself will supersede any other emotion. You might not even have to worry about apologizing to each other until the dust has settled after a joyful reunion.

Of course, I don't mean to make light of what your argument was about. I imagine as part of a royal family, it was a much more serious affair than the feud my father had with the Apple Family. The family feud my father had with the Apples is one thing, but in the grand scheme of things it only impacts at least two families and at most the agriculture of when Ponyville was still only a small, rural town. In your case... a whole nation, or hive rather, was on you and your families shoulders. Making decisions that impact hundreds if not thousands of your subjects.

Chrysalis: Indeed, both times it was regarding the well being, future direction of the hive, and… erm… debating about waging conflict… hmm...

That gave her some pause now that she thought about it. Every time she got into an argument of how the hive should be run, she lost something. The first time, it was her parents, the second time, her siblings along with 90% or more of her old hive… and then when she was confronted years later, by Starlight and her son… she lost her crown. 

Chrysalis: (No matter how many years pass… I keep making the same mistakes…)

Applejack: Yea... sometimes ah wonder how ponies like Twilight can handle all o' that politics and junk. So many things ya have t' keep in balance t' try t' make everyone happy. When there's inevitably going t' be someone who very vocally hates ya decision no matter what y'all do.

Twilight trying t’ increase relations with other nations through the school o’ friendship got some severe pushback from ponies like Chancellor Neighsay who was adamant that education in Equestria was fo’ Ponies only. Luckily, he changed his tune when Cozy made her move. But ya’ll would think friendship fo' all is somethin' everypony in Equestria agreed wit’ even back then.

Even besides Cozy, it was ah big wake-up call that Equestria needed the School o’ Friendship more than the other nations to be honest. We ain’t teaching friendship t' non-ponies purely fo' the purpose o’ gaining new allies. Even our own country had some things t' learn from other cultures. It wasn't ah one way street when it comes t' knowledge bein’ passed.

Yona nods

Yona: Yona remember well! Chancellor pony thought yaks were too dim-witted for friendship. But Yona proved him wrong! And now yaks like Yona can teach friendship to ponies themselves! 

Coloratura: I've had contractual spats and things like that, and of course Applejack knows the issues I had with my former manager, Svengallop. But I fully agree, we're barely scratching the surface compared to what royal problems are like.

Chrysalis raises an eyebrow when she hears mention of Cozy being a wake-up call for ponies.

Chrysalis: Hmph, I could have told you that. It doesn't surprise me that there are ponies who think themselves superior. You may not have seen it, but what do you think it felt like to be seen as nothing more than monsters? And before you mention the actions I've done, keep in mind the injustices we've had thrown at us by ponies. Yes, the actions I took while being Queen were possibly not the way to go about things… but I speak out of my own experiences. I'm sure even Pharynx would agree.

Pharynx: To an extent, yes. But I know they are not the monsters we've generalized them as either. That too is a two way street, mother. 

Applejack: It is kind o' a wonder why Celestia was never able t' have her own attempts at uniting Equestria with non-pony nations on the level Twilight has. She never seemed like the type o’ leader t’ not even TRY t' make good wit’ those who could have been potential allies. 

Celestia was ah fantastic leader from ah pure domestic point-o’-view, but her foreign relations record seems t’ have been at least ah little spotty in hindsight. She avoided war fo’ the most part, even with threats from the Yaks at one point...

Yona: Heheh... yeah... Prince Ruthorford known for shouting hyperbole as leverage with other nations back then. Almost never actually meant it, but yak's large bodies and tendency to smash very intimidating. Yaks got bigger slice of negotiations through threats... has mellowed out since though. Threats no way to be friends with others after all.

Applejack: ...But otherwise it feels odd that Celestia may have never tried t' reach out t' the species we now covet good relations with. She didn't strike me as one t' be careless about others strifes. Regardless, if they were ah pony or not. Not t' mention somepony like Neighsay being able t' get into such high positions under her nose with the kind o' beliefs he once shared. But ah suppose even Celestia can be fooled. Chrysalis probably knows all about that since Shining and Cadence's wedding.

Chrysalis was silent for a moment, looking down. She spoke in a lower tone.

Chrysalis: Oh, that's where you're wrong. Celestia did try. Of course none of you were even born then… the only exception being the two who are spirits now.

Bright Mac: Wha? Ah don't recall hearin' that, then again, ah was so focused on the farm duties, ah never kept up with the politics and such…

Chrysalis: Blissful ignorance... Well, allow me to inform you. She was well aware of our existence then. There was even a meeting among the leaders of different species' nations at the time. A potential peace treaty that would have begun the process of uniting this world long before Sparkle was even a thought in her mother's mind… unfortunately… two of the leaders were murdered in cold blood by a pony assailant! I'm sure you can imagine why tensions rose and no sort of peace talks were thought of after that. Who wants to sign a peace treaty to a nation that just had an assassination take place?!

Chrysalis slammed her hooves to the ground, huffing. But she took a moment to compose herself.

Chrysalis: And I'm sure you can guess who those leaders were…

Applejack: Oh Celest-

Applejack actually stops herself mid-sentence. Realizing that statement has a bit of another meaning when something of such bad timing ruined the former Princess' own attempt at uniting with other nations.

Applejack: That's just downright awful, we could have been friends the entire time! And some rogue pony dared t' buck it all up… causing other nations t’ wait til' ah new face and new approach was made with Twilight in charge t' try again. Hard t' imagine how different the world would have been had ya parents lived t’ see this union through...

To be frank, it also sounds like ah miracle that didn't outright start ah major war between the Changelings and Equestria. Assassination is no joke. How was ah conflict not ignited from somethin' like that?

Chrysalis: Are you starting to understand now? Why I believed ponies could not be trusted at that time? I had my reservations about my parents going and we argued about it… and that was the last time I ever saw them alive.

Now it was making sense why Chrysalis was so spiteful towards ponies, even before the destruction of her hive, the pain had existed before that even occurred. 

Chrysalis: And you see, Applejack, had I… or rather had my older brother gotten his way, we would have gone to war. We just needed time… time to heal from the loss, time to reinforce our strength, so that no one would ever harm us again!

Her voice was getting louder as she recalled this.

Chrysalis: And when we were already down… you ponies sought to… exterminate us! Our reinforced hive became our tomb! At least… that’s what I’ve believed…

The room just about falls silent, there's not much anyone could say. They've truly come to understand why Chrysalis' went on to do what she did. But hearing what happened still doesn't make it any easier. The only noise Chrysalis could really hear in the immediate aftermath of her loud statement, was the sound of Starlight's pencil writing in her binder. She's been doing that for quite a while in fact, besides when she chimed in when the discussion was about the Flame Geyser Swamp. 

Perhaps she's just trusting Applejack and the others with conversing with Chrysalis all on their own. Still, it felt odd to Chrysalis that she hasn't been talking as much as she has in the other lessons while Chrysalis recalls what she's telling. She couldn't help but wonder if Starlight was ignoring what she was saying. As for most of this conversation, she had her nose in the binder. The urge to remind Starlight that the traumas of her past are not to be noted down like its homework rises.

Chrysalis is silent along with the rest of the group, but she looks to Starlight who's writing up a storm.

Chrysalis: You're oddly silent for a change, you usually try to stop my anger from boiling over. What, does my plight fascinate you that much, Glimmer? Or are you just ignoring me? In fact, I'm surprised to not hear any follow up questions to the things I've said thus far. Say something!!

Starlight: Oop!

Starlight's head perks up from behind as Chrysalis yells out at her. She bows apologetically

Starlight: I-i'm sorry, didn't mean to make it look like I was ignoring you. I thought I'd let Applejack and her parents handle things while I jot stuff down... although, I suppose... there is one more thing I should own up to...

I... I'm actually aware of much of what you've said today already. In fact, I've known at least some details from even before any of our lessons started...

Applejack gasped in surprise

Applejack: Wait... really, Starlight?! Why didn't ya fill us in on this? What Chrysalis told us was very much new information t' me!

Pharynx: You knew of my family's history and didn't bother to let me know about this!? What about Thorax or Ocellus!? Did you know before them too!?

Starlight: Don't get me wrong, I didn't have ALL the details before the lessons. But... I've known about Chrysalis old hive the entire time, as well as the names of her royal siblings and her parents, and what happened to said hive. Frankly, I didn't expect Chrysalis to even be anywhere close to saying her sister's name up until at the earliest... the loyalty lesson, let alone her other siblings. The fact she mentioned her existence at all during the Kindness lesson seemed like a miracle, and I could tell from that point I was sneakily making great progress with her... even if Discord almost ruined it entirely.

If I had mentioned it earlier, she would have likely been alarmed that I knew so much and demanded how I knew. I can only say that the source of how I got this information... was my mother's spirit. And I couldn't say that until she was made aware of spirits and/or the soul shield. The only other conclusion she might have thought about, is I used a time travel spell to find out about her past.

Applejack: Alright... but that still doesn't explain why y'all didn't tell us!

Starlight: Well... to put it simply, it might have annoyed Chrysalis even more. If she was telling a story, that everypony in the room knew about already. That she wasn't aware they already knew. Best to have someone there to learn it from her.

Yona: Hmm... Yona supposes that’s a good point...

While the group was surprised by this, Chrysalis however was the most stunned by this news.

Chrysalis: Excuse me?! You've known? Beyond the things I've already told you?! How?! How could such information have leaked?! You heard Pharynx! Not even my own children knew of the hive's past! Explain yourself!

As she and everyone else listen to Starlight's explanation. She does make excellent points about keeping it hidden so as to not upset Chrysalis. Which both is logical… but still upsets her anyway. Because she knows Starlight is right... But when she mentioned how she got the information, it did raise a few red flags in her mind.

Chrysalis: I wouldn't have guessed you would use time travel to look into my past. Especially your genuine reaction to the fear of what the potential alternate timelines you'd already created were… but your mother's spirit knew? That information was not readily available, even amongst ponies. I'm aware your mother died a soldier… but how high up was she to be privy to such information? Who was your mother?

Starlight raises a hoof

Starlight: Calm. Down. Both of you... Take a deep breath, and relax... 

Starlight pauses to let the two have a brief breathing exercise. She can tell they're eager for answers, but she needs them to be thinking more logically and open-minded.

Starlight: You have every right to be upset at me for not sharing or at least telling you that I already knew. But once again, I urge you to remember. Chrysalis, you yourself did not want Pharynx to know yet that Ocellus was meant to succeed you one day until you were ready to tell him. 

And Pharynx, we feared telling you too soon would have put the present hive in a difficult situation. Not to mention how you might have interrogated poor Ocellus as if she had been secretly programmed to one day take sole control of the hive just like her mother did. Yes, I knew a lot of what Chrysalis told us. But many changelings here would need to hear it from your mother themselves to confirm that what I said was true. And either Chrysalis was still in stone, or she wasn't quite trusted yet. AKA still a risk of causing the hive to think that she was trying to retake the hive again.

Both Chrysalis and Pharynx grumble in a similar manner. Starlight is making valid points for both of them. Pharynx looked off to the side, trying to protest this while Chrysalis looked away, saying nothing for now.

Pharynx: I… I wouldn't have… I grrr...  I wouldn't have been mad once I assessed she wasn't evil… I wouldn't have yelled… much. But If only someone had told me she was my sister sooner, this wouldn't be an issue!

Chrysalis looked back at him and snarled.

Chrysalis: I did what I thought was best at the time! Had the hive stayed the way it was, you would have learned the truth when the time was right! Plus, if I told you at any given point after my own banishment, would you have believed me!? Would any of you!?

Pharynx quieted immediately. Chrysalis sighed and looked back at Starlight, the latter continued to speak.

Starlight: As for the identity of my mother, I'll get to that. But there's still some things that I haven't told you yet that are very important too. I've mentioned my still living father as far back as the Kindness lesson. But I nor did anypony else mention his name, did they? Before I mention my mother, I should talk about him too, and possibly other details in terms of my own family history.

Chrysalis: But what does your father have to do with this, Glimmer? What, was he a high ranking soldier too? What does he have to do with me?

Starlight shakes her head

Starlight: Nah, my father was as average as a unicorn could be. Any and all magical skill was inherited from my Mother's side. Perhaps that was to his advantage in their relationship, because when my mother married him. She was actually seeking a much more normal lifestyle after the sights she's seen.

His name is Firelight, and he's lived in the humble town of Sire's Hollow for as long as I can remember. Chrysalis gasped as she heard Starlight’s father’s name, not to mention the fact he happened to live in Sire’s Hollow. A dark possibility gets in her head as she looks to the side, she hopes beyond hope that it’s not true. 

Chrysalis: (Firelight?! She can't possibly be... no… it must be a coincidence… Please… let it be just that… otherwise…)

Starlight: My father had fond memories of the simple life shared in that little town. Though that can get a little to his head, because he's often afraid of change. Like any new buildings going to destroy what he loved about the town. He used to clash a lot with Sunburst's mother who was once determined to turn Sire's Hollow to be like a mini-Las Pegasus with resorts, hotels, and keep up to date with all the current trends from technology, fashion, and more.

My mother first met him on a relatively routine assignment. My father was lovestruck the moment she saw her. He approached her carefully from behind... although, all that got him was a suplex as she thought he might have been some criminal trying to mug her.

They'd one day get married, and have a baby all their own. Which grew up to be me, but not too long after I was born. My mother went on her final mission that she hoped would be her last one before retiring for good to live a simple life with my father. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the last thing she did alive…

The worst part about this is my father never found out what happened to her until many years later. He held onto hope that she was still alive even mere seconds before seeing her spirit for the first time. He never told me who she was though, because he was afraid that if I found out who my mother was. I'd end up following in her footsteps, and end up disappearing like she did one day. It annoyed me to no end. You and Pharynx can be mad at me for not disclosing what I knew earlier. But imagine having information hidden from you for longer than your entire childhood. Especially when it turns out that the identity of my mother was key to understanding who I am for the longest time.

Starlight points to Apple Bloom

Starlight: It's thanks to Apple Bloom and her friends that helped show me that my mother's identity was the most important aspect of my life. My cutie mark practically depended on it. And that was why I was only fueled further in my hatred of Cutie Marks. My father would turn out to have perfectly understandable reasons for hiding her identity from me, but... that still angered me more than anything…

Without a clear sign of what my Cutie Mark was, I had to try to interpret it myself. And my best guess, was that I was gifted the magical power to end Cutie Marks all on my own and create the equal society that the manifesto that indoctrinated me at the time beckoned me to make.

I believe I told you earlier that my cutie mark story was similar to Twilight’s, only  in her case she understood what her mark meant. Whereas I had absolutely no clue what mine meant. What was the raw magical power I have meant for and why did I have it? That was a question that has bugged me for most of my life. 

It finally became clear though, the day Spike summoned her for the first time.

My mother was special obviously. But I didn't expect just how special she'd turn out to be... she'd prove to be none other than... one of the most powerful unicorns to ever live.

Chrysalis hoped for any detail that could dispel her worst fear, but unfortunately, nothing Starlight says contradicts with the possibility. And she despairs internally as Starlight described her to be a particularly powerful unicorn.

Chrysalis: You know, you'd mentioned your home before during our kindness lesson… I thought nothing of it then. But… it's strange, the more I thought about it…

I did find it an odd coincidence that you happened to live in the same town my scouts and I used to scour for… a long hated target…

(There's no possible way… her mother couldn't be… no, Starlight would have told me a name by now. We're frien- tch, what am I thinking?  Hmm... not once has she said a name for her mother... and if said mother was able to give her information on the truth of my original hive… no. NO! It's impossible! She couldn't be… I had no data on her having a child… or Starlight being her child! Wait… wait, I’m really afraid to ask her this question… but I need to know the truth… now….)

Chrysalis was listening intently, her face growing more serious and also distraught. The dots were all connecting in her mind but she needed confirmation.

Chrysalis: What was her name… please… don't tell me… it's… it's... Sunset Shimmer…! For all the love and mercy of this world, please tell me that wasn’t her name!

The group could see Chrysalis' anger bubbling, she was clearly trying to hold herself back. But this put Pharynx on edge, he knew what was coming...

Starlight's eyes widened, she is aware Chrysalis probably knew Sunset from before. But she was not expecting such a rise in vitriol in Chrysalis' voice.

Starlight: Why... yes... but... why do you seem to be so upset...?

Then she gasped

Starlight: Wait... you cannot possibly think... that... that she was responsible for what happened?!

Just about the whole room gasps, if Sunset Shimmer is who Chrysalis blames for everything. This session was about to take a turn for the worse, and fast.

Chrysalis was shaking in anger now, her horn started to crackle. She looked both angry… and hurt by this revelation. And the sparkly color of her wings shift all the way back to the way they were before.

Chrysalis: I don't think she did it, I KNOW SHE DID! I WAS THERE WHEN YOUR MOTHER KILLED MY BROTHER! SHE DESTROYED MY HOME!

She slammed her hooves on the ground before going right to the edge of her barrier. The rest of the group looked very much on edge.

Chrysalis: And you… you've been playing me for the fool this whole time! Oh it must be sooooo funny for you? Tch, I should have known, your magic power, that snark, you're her in every single way!

Everyone else knows where this is going, and some have trouble thinking if there's anything they can at least try.

Applejack: Now hold on t’ ya horses, cain't we all calm down fo' ah moment and discuss this like gentlemar-

Starlight: No.

Starlight angled her eyes as she bluntly interrupted Applejack. Starlight herself stomps the ground and snorts.

Starlight: I will not stand for this absolute SLANDER! If my mother was guilty of what you say, she wouldn't have become a SPIRIT! Have you already forgotten that?!

Phayrnx attempts to whisper something that he hopes calms the situation.

Pharynx: Listen, I know what you told me before, but I've met Sunset’s spirit and she isn't like...

Chrysalis gave Pharynx a look that shut him up immediately.

Chrysalis: And you chose to say NOTHING about that until this exact moment?! Yet you had the gall to yell at me for hiding things. Stay out of this, child. KNOW YOUR PLACE! 

She looked back to Starlight

Chrysalis: Then it seems this universe is just truly in the favor of ponies and far too forgiving... Mass murder is fine if it's against what this world deems as monsters? To think I was trusting you! Your mother is no better than Cozy Glow! You can deny this all you want, but you were not there, you did not see what I saw! I WATCHED AS SHE KILLED MY BROTHER! I WATCHED AS SHE MADE THE VOLCANO DESTROY THE HIVE!

Her tone then got colder.

Chrysalis: And do you know what she did? She ran away… thinking she'd finished the job she started at the summit of world leaders…

The comparison of her mother to Cozy Glow only gets a larger rise of out Starlight. Veins just about popping from her forehead

Starlight: That's it... THAT'S IT! I really wanted to delay mentioning this until you got to see your family's spirits... but obviously, I have no choice but to start hammering home the harsh truth... your older brother, Tarsus... WASN’T the great king you think he was... He manipulated you and the rest of your old hive from the very start, my mother had no plans on harming anyone else when she traveled to Mt. Thrace. She went down there specifically to take him down... SHE WAS DOING YOUR HIVE A FAVOR!

And you know what else my mother told me? Despite Tarsus being her target... she said she tried to save him at the end of their duel as he hung off a cliff... but he didn't WANT to be saved. My mother believes he purposefully flung himself to his death to manipulate you one final time. 

And with what we know about dark magic, Tarsus' soul probably expedited and empowered the eruption into the unstoppable force that would not just flow through all layers of the hive... but also sink the island. And I wouldn't be surprised Tarsus was at least slightly aware that might happen…

Yona hugs Apple Bloom tight as she shivers at the scary sight of the argument between these two. Poor Apple Bloom feeling the large yak's strength, thankfully Apple Bloom has bulked up quite a bit of muscle ever since, not to mention an earth pony's naturally stronger body then the other types.

Yona: Apple Bloom! Y-y-y-y-yona's scared! What can we do to calm pony and bug queen down?!

Applebloom looked terrified, not having felt like this since she was a filly. 

Applebloom: Ah… ah don't know! Ah've never seen Starlight this angry and Chrysalis looks ready to take us all down. B-but that barrier should hold her in, right?

Chrysalis gets an equally angry look as Starlight starts speaking about Tarsus.

Chrysalis: Doing us a favor…? DOING US A FAVOR!? How dare you, Starlight Glimmer!? You and your mother know NOTHING of Tarsus! He only wanted to enhance and reinforce the hive, make us stronger than ever before. Furthermore, he SAVED MY LIFE from your mother! The only reason I am alive now is because of him!

You claim that she tried to save him!? NO! That is the true lie here. I had to watch as she kicked him to his death! SHE PUSHED HIM IN! I SAW IT ALL, STARLIGHT GLIMMER!

Chrysalis slammed herself against the barrier holding her.

Chrysalis: SHE IS THE REASON I DESPISE YOU PONIES! SHE TOOK EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE AWAY FROM ME! AND YOU DID THE SAME WHEN YOU PARTNERED WITH THORAX ALL THOSE YEARS AGO!

Pear Butter looked in Bright Mac's eyes

Pear Butter: Is... is this a look at what our daughters have faced on their adventures?! I'm almost positive we ourselves might have been overprotective of them if we had been around…

Bright Mac looked equally terrified, he and Pear may have been spirits and were technically not going to be harmed but they still felt the fear for everyone else in the room.

Bright Mac: Ah... never imagined this is what they've faced all these years... one sec that Chrysalis was nice in her own way and now... ah don't know what's goin’ t’ happen...

As the argument between the two continues, the power rising from Chrysalis starts to shake the chamber. Getting more and more intense by the second. And there was the beginning of a feeling this wasn't isolated to this room. As Chrysalis' power, much of which she's gotten over the past 4 sessions feels like it's created a fault underneath the hive that begins to endanger the whole thing's structure. Neither Starlight nor Chrysalis realize it yet, but the others certainly do.

Applejack: Gaaah! What in tarnation's happening'?! It feels like this whole place is ‘bout t' collapse! Starlight! Chrysalis! Please whatever ya do, ya gotta calm down! Ya’ll might kill us all!

Mere moments later, both Thorax and Ocellus arrive on the scene obviously distressed with this turn of events.

Ocellus: Mother! Starlight! Professor Applejack! YONA! Why is everything shaking?!

Thorax: Pharynx! Please tell us what's happening! 

Chrysalis continued to stomp and slam against the barrier, her magic crackling the strongest it's been in years. She can't even tell she's shaking the hive, she's so focused on her own anger right now.

Chrysalis: YOU LIED TO ME! Made me think we were connecting! And you didn't even bother to tell me that you were the daughter of my family's KILLER! All because this is just some project to you! SOME WORTHLESS ASSIGNMENT!

Applebloom: Ah… Ah think we need t' get outta here! It ain't safe!!

Coloratura: Aaaah!! Applejack, what do we do!? You're used to fighting villains, how do we stop this!?

The group is shocked to see Thorax and Ocellus but given the circumstances, it makes sense they'd arrive.

Pharynx: You two! It's… it's Chrysa- ...it's our mother! She was told the truth of who Starlight's mother is and just... she's losing her grip on her anger, and it's causing the whole hive to tremble! We need to prioritize saving everyone and the hive itself!

Starlight: Listen here, Chrysalis. I HAVE NOT LIED TO YOU A SINGLE TIME THROUGHOUT ANY OF OUR SESSIONS! And I certainly have not done so today! In fact...

Starlight turns toward Applejack

Starlight: Applejack, have I lied today? You'd tell me if you thought so, right?!

Applejack stood silent for a moment, really more focused on the shaking. But she soon replies

Applejack: Uh... yeah... You  haven't lied one bit. But I think there is more pressing iss-

Starlight: QUIET!

She interrupts in a way that almost mirrors when Starlight herself was still a villain.

Starlight: Now... I need you to tell me if you detected any lies from Chrysalis today...

Applejack side-eyes the shaking chamber and everybody is worried. But the quicker she responds, the quicker she can hope to get Starlight to focus.

Applejack: ...Starlight, Chrysalis has not lied one time today either

Starlight: WHAT?! What are you talking about?! She said such horrible things about my mom. You cannot possibly belie-

Applejack suddenly raises her voice

Applejack: STARLIGHT! THAT'S ENOUGH! There's ah big difference between a lie, and ah perception o' the truth! And right now, there's no way t' prove it t' Chrysalis fo' certain' until we show her family’s spirits! 

And if ya'll don't stop this verbal wrasslin' and start helpin'... all o’ us down here, plus ah huge section o’ the hive above will be suddenly joinin' that soul shield!

Applejack finally gets through to Starlight, with this wake-up call of a statement. She shakes her head, and looks around now realizing that yes, the chamber was shaking. And the power emanating from Chrysalis threatened the very structure of the hive.

Starlight: Oh... oh no.... What.... what have I done.... 

Chrysalis only gets angrier as Applejack speaks about Starlight having only told the truth. The hive rumbles.

Pharynx: Mother, stop this! If you continue, you'll..

Chrysalis: CEASE YOUR CHATTER, THIS IS BETWEEN MYSELF AND HER!!

She grins after hearing Applejack says Chrysalis has also told only the truth.

Chrysalis: You see?! Even she knows, I did not lie! Your mother is a MURDERER! And if you think for a second I will align myself with you any longer, you've got another thing coming! To think I was starting to trust you, believe in you! You would much rather stab a knife in my back just when I look away, right as I fully trust you!

She slams against the barrier, still angry… and heartbroken. Blind to what she was doing. But when she hears Applejack yell about the potential destruction of the hive, she slows down… but is still just as angry.

Chrysalis: This cursed barrier is the only thing protecting you from me... If it wasn't here… I'd... I'd...

Applejack sternly turns towards Chrysalis

Applejack: Now don't y'all start putting words in mah mouth. Ah didn't confirm Sunset was indeed y'all hive's killer. Only that ya truthfully believe that, it's not technically ah lie if that's what yall’ve always believed. But reminder that ah also said Starlight hasn't lied either.  Only one o’ y'all have the real truth, but bringin' down the hive on top o' us isn't goin' t' get the real answer!

Applejack then turns toward Starlight's direction

Applejack: Now, Starlight. Give me ya big pack o’ portal gum. We need t' get most that are down here ah way t' safety.

Starlight's still distraught that the situation has deteriorated this much and this fast. It felt like all of a sudden, all the previous sessions were for nothing, and they were back to square one. Or possibly even WORSE than square one if possible. The worst part is, Starlight too believed Chrysalis was making a change. And suddenly, the identity of her mother and the queen's adamant belief that she killed her family has seemed to reverse everything.

Starlight solemnly nods, says nothing. And gives her whole pack to Applejack. Though Applejack makes sure Starlight keeps one for herself. Applejack brings out a piece of gum and quickly works to create a portal that leads straight to Sweet Apple Acres

Applejack: Apple Bloom, Yona, Rara... get on back home, if the worst case scenario happens, I'd rather neither of you die like this...

Pear Butter: Wait! Applejack... you're... not doing what I think you're doing... are you?!

Applejack just tips her hat solemnly to her mother.

Applejack: Ah'm goin' t' try t' help get as many changelings upstairs t' safety befo’ potentially the whole thing goes down... if... ah end up goin' down wit’ the metaphorical ship... at least we'll be together forever... in the soul shield..

Yona: Wait! Professor Applejack, can't we just get Princess Twilight here with that gum?!

Applejack: Trying t' bring ah force like ah genie t' stop Chrysalis forcefully might speed up her descent into madness. With lives still at stake, Chrysalis may still yet hesitate long enough fo’ enough o’ us t’ get out safely. But tryin' t' take the easy way out is only goin’ t' make Chrysalis want t' inflict some sort o' pain on Equestria, even if that includes her own race in the process... speaking o’ which...

Applejack turns towards the other changeling leaders and/or future leaders. Thorax, Pharynx, and Ocellus.

Applejack: Y'all get t’ safety too, Ah know ya'll probably want t' help ya subjects upstairs. But if ah recall correctly, the royal changelings are the most important to keep alive to rebuild. Ah don't think ya subjects would blame ya if y'all decided t' seek safety.

The three royals think about it for a moment. Though Pharynx insists that he needs to help their subjects upstairs. Meanwhile, Ocellus shivers a little in fear. Though soon she takes a deep breath, and puts up perhaps the bravest face she's ever shown.

Ocellus: No... I'm not leaving! This isn't who my mother is... Now that I've come to understand her... she's... actually probably counting on me getting to safety... for if she goes with the hive while I survive, then it'll all be up to me to at some point create the next hive. 

But if I refuse and mom still goes through with this, then... as sad as my death would be... it would prove my mother just couldn't let go of her grudge enough to even save me... her own daughter... and her legacy would be she was willing to let her own race die without even attempting to figure out the truth of the matter.

It was a risky bet, but Ocellus was really putting a huge ultimatum on Chrysalis’ shoulders. If Chrysalis goes through with this action, she will not just destroy herself. But potentially put the changelings on the brink of extinction. Will her years-long grudge with the ponies be too much to get over that she'd sacrifice her own race's existence?

Meanwhile, as cracks begin to form on the walls. It becomes obvious to Starlight. That the only thing holding up this chamber will soon be the barrier. And as more of the distress of the current situation gets to her, nearly the entirety of the changeling's existence, Applejack's life, all suddenly endangered by a sudden turn of events. Tears flow from the corner of her eyes, as in her mind. She has only one action she can think of doing... but she waits until more are safe before going on with this.

Applebloom was not having any of this plan, she was clinging to her, trying to convince her to do anything else but stay.

Applebloom: Absolutely not! Ah can't lose you, AJ! Ah… ah cain't take care o' the farm wit' just Big Mac and Sugar Belle! Ah... ah know ya'd be ah spirit but… no! Not yet! It ain't ya time yet!!

Coloratura however knows that determined look, she knew there was no convincing Applejack… but that wouldn't stop her from at least saying her piece.

Coloratura: Applejack... you have to come home… I'll be waiting for you there... 

Bright Mac: Darlin’, ah'm proud o’ ya fo’ standin ya ground. but this…

Applejack tips her hat

Applejack: It wouldn't be the first time somepony in our family went far befo’ they should have...

Applejack not so subtly looks on over to the spirits of her parents. She gives Apple Bloom a tight hug, just in case this was the last time both of them were alive. She then approaches her special somepony.

Applejack: If... there's an opportunity at the last second. Ah'll try t' see if ah can make it out just fine. But fo' now...

Applejack moves in for a big, long kiss. With the same purpose as her hug with Apple Bloom.

Applejack: Now get goin' y'all. Just remember… we will see eachother again soon… regardless of what happens here…

Yona: But... but... Yona not sure pony spirit is the method we want when we do meet again....

Yona herself tears up for her old teacher, and whom she succeeded as the teacher of Honesty. Luckily, Applejack has also blown a big enough bubble for Yona to fit. Reluctantly but gradually, Apple Bloom, Rara,  and Yona all cross the portal. Pear Butter and Bright Mac also do so despite no danger to their spirit forms. But there's not a lot they can do here, if their daughter ends up joining the soul shield from this. It would be more bittersweet, they'd be together forever. But they'd also prefer Applejack to have the long life they couldn't have. The portal remains open, the ponies who cross nervously watch as if they're behind a window on the scene.

While the group reluctantly lets Applejack potentially sacrifice herself while saving lives. Thorax, Ocellus, and Pharynx are trying to get Chrysalis to stop her anger or at least calm her down.

Pharynx: Listen! Don't you care what happens to the hive!? To us and especially Ocellus!? You told me your love is for the hive above all else, was that a lie?!

Chrysalis' face twists and contorts, she's angry but she can also see what she's doing… yet the idea that all this time, she was actually bonding with the daughter of her family's perceived killer. It was too much.

Chrysalis: Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP! I… I...

Her horn is flaring, she can hear the screams of everyone, not just in the immediate area but in the hive above. Her mind flashes back to the moment she watched her original hive be destroyed. These screams were the same... She looked at Ocellus, Pharynx and Thorax. They weren't budging despite all this. The only one damaging the hive right now, was her.

Chrysalis: No... what am I doing...? You… your family has taken everything from me... GRRRRAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!

She slammed her hooves down once more… and stopped. 

Chrysalis: Get out… just… get out...

Nearer to the barrier, the three royal siblings of the changelings stand their ground in front of Chrysalis. Even the once cowardly Thorax, stands tall even on the brink of a potential untimely end. And he sternly stares down his mother. For once, Thorax looked like the leader Chrysalis hoped he would be.

Thorax: Mother, you must realize how foolish this would be to end it all here... you potentially bring us to extinction... when it's pretty clear the ponies aren't our enemy... don't you see Applejack behind us? She's willing to sacrifice her life, a happy life that includes a close sisterly bond and true love…

Let's say you're hypothetically right about Sunset... you'll only prove to show that you're the same as her if you dare bring the hive down right now.

The three stand firm even as Chrysalis tries to urge them to get out, it just means Ocellus is correct. Their presence is allowing Chrysalis to hesitate. And as long as she does, that gives more time to save more of the hive should Chrysalis break down and give in.

Chrysalis stares down at her children, glaring specifically at Thorax from the comparison to Sunset.

Chrysalis: DON'T YOU DARE COMPARE ME TO HER! I'M… I'M NOTHING LIKE HER!

She was wavering, the rumbling to the hive was stopped but it was clear that Chrysalis could still go over the edge at any moment...

Pharynx: Then stop this! You'll destroy the hive if you continue! Destroy your legacy! And as you've told all of us now, if we go, the future of the hive dies with us... And we're not going anywhere, mother.

Chrysalis looked like a caged beast… yet there was that level of uncertainty on her face. She didn't want to destroy the hive… but she couldn't hold in these angry feelings any longer. 

Chrysalis: Why don't any of you just listen to me!? Why must you be so stubborn!?

Pharynx: Seems like the apples don’t fall far from the tree.

Though as they continue to stand, Starlight suddenly approaches closer to the barrier. A sad, but somewhat determined look in her eye.

Starlight: Applejack, Ocellus, Thorax, and Pharynx... you're doing well to get through to Chrysalis so far... but... this ultimately comes down to me and me alone... It was I who was entrusted with Chrysalis' care, it was all the previous sessions that gave Chrysalis all the love and power she's using that currently threatens the hive now... you're not the ones who should be laying your lives down...

...I'll ...I'll be right back...

Starlight makes a portal of her own, to an undisclosed location but presumably somewhere around where she lives. Applejack, Thorax, and Ocellus all look worried.

Chrysalis flinches. She then steps back as Starlight approaches the barrier, putting herself in a defensive stance.

Chrysalis: I will not destroy this place, but I will not go down without a fight, Starlight Glimmer! I will not... h-huh!?

Thorax: Huh... what... what is Starlight going to do...?

She was just as confused as everyone else who remained when Starlight portaled away.

Chrysalis: h-Ha! Like mother, like daughter! Run away! Fine... it's… better this way...

It's only just about seconds later when Starlight returns, and she even closes up the portal she created using her magic. In her mouth is a small bag, with a single large pill in it. Tears are flowing from her eyes as she looks back at everyone in the chamber.

Thorax takes a good look at what Starlight brought back. And when he realizes what she's got right there... he gasps.

Thorax: Starlight... no... you... don't have to do this...

Starlight turns her back, tears still streaming from her eyes.

Starlight: I'm afraid I do, Thorax... if... I don't make it... please... tell Twilight and Spike... they can summon my spirit... so I can say… I’m sorry…

Starlight's horn charges up and in a flash. She ends up inside Chrysalis half of the chamber.

Everyone else on the other side of the chamber or watching from a portal all yell out in unison

Applejack/Thorax/Ocellus/Pharynx/Yona/Coloratura/Apple Bloom/Pear Butter/Bright Mac: STARLIGHT, NOOOOOOO!

As soon as Starlight is in the chamber. She quickly opens the small bag and ingests the pill inside. It's bitter tasting and makes Starlight's entire body shiver in an unpleasant feeling. As magical sparks come out of her horn, before they dissipate into nothing.

Starlight then turns around to look Chrysalis in the eyes. Tears still streaming from her face.

This brought Chrysalis into utter confusion, what did Starlight just do? She had to know, She wondered if maybe Starlight was perhaps preparing to take her on in one last duel to the death. But that face did not look like somepony about to challenge her, it looked more like… surrender.

Chrysalis jumped back immediately upon seeing Starlight in her cell. She got in a defensive stance, her horn crackled with a bright green glow.

Chrysalis: GLIMMER! Come to fight me yourself after all!? Fine then! I'll take you down with me!

At first she assumed the pill Starlight swallowed was something to power her up in some way, but the reaction the others gave was not one that made her think that for long. But she still stood ready to fight, even if Starlight wasn't looking the same.

Chrysalis: What was that!? What did you just swallow!?

Starlight paused, taking a deep breath before answering

Starlight: It's... a pill... that temporarily disables all tangible magic... it's... made from the same material that your anti-magic field was made out of. Only we now use it for medical purposes such as when a unicorn's horn was going haywire... I am thus... completely defenseless for the next few hours...

If... you insist... that my mother is the killer you think she is... then please, don't take your frustration out on your own hive and your own family... 

I'm right here... hit me... hit me as hard as you can... even if... even if it kills me... you'll finally have the revenge you’ve craved for so long. You’ll send me to see my mother who won’t be expecting me, you’ll leave Twilight having to find somepony else as her new student, and better yet... you'll still be alive... although... you should probably expect to be turned back to stone... most likely permanently.

If revenge is all you've truly wanted... direct all your power onto me! And no one else! PLEASE!!!!

As Starlight states this, the rest of the group gasps loudly.

Yona: NO! YONA WON'T LET YOU DO IT!

Yona just about pokes her head through the portal. Though Apple Bloom and Coloratura use all the earth pony strength they have to pull back the yak. They almost slip, before suddenly they get the help from someone at the farm. None other than Apple Bloom's big brother Big Macintosh. Who combined with Apple Bloom and Coloratura, are able to pull even a yak like Yona from doing something reckless.

Applejack: Starlight...

Applejack shakes her head, all this going in has distracted her from what she set out to do. Try to save the changelings. She uses this time to finally get things straight

Applejack: Pharynx, come with me. We'll save as many as ya kind as we possibly can... Ah don't know what will become o' ya mother and Starlight at this point. But in case things still turn out fo' the worse, we need t' get goin’, pronto!

Thorax: Go ahead, Pharynx. Me and Ocellus will stay down here. We don't know what's going to happen next, we might at any second be together again up in the soul shield. If this is the end of the Changelings, let's take some pride in our last moments.

Ocellus herself has waterworks in her eyes at the present situation

Ocellus: Mother... p-p-please... don't.... don't hurt Starlight! I beg of you! You're better than this! I know you are!

This gesture stunned even Chrysalis, Starlight was just going to...let her do this? A wicked smile comes across her face

Chrysalis: Oh… oh this is just… AHAHAHAHAHA!!! So be it then! I hope you're prepared to take every bit of my wrath I have for your mother… I'd say to tell her I'll see her in Tartarus but well… neither of us will be seeing each other after today!

Something about her laugh sounded off though, it was maniacal but also… kinda forced. As if she was only trying to convince herself. Chrysalis was in too deep now to back down. For a moment, she and Starlight just stare each other down. Pharynx looks back at the two before turning to Applejack.

Pharynx: Curses! How could it have come to this!? This is exactly what I thought she'd do and yet... GRRRRAAAAAAH! I… I can't let this be how things end!!

Chrysalis looks to the others and speaks in a cold tone.

Chrysalis: I have no intention of harming this hive, I do not care what is done to me after this. This world, this universe sees me as a monster, a relic of the past. I do not belong in it, Ocellus. And since she wants to pay the debt her mother owes, then I will gladly inflict it upon her.

She turns back to Starlight and grimaces. Seeing that face, she thinks about the previous lessons, the genuine laughs she's had, the heart to heart moments she's had with the others and Starlight. Was she really going to throw it all away? This felt familiar… like when she chose to align herself with Tarsus over her parents… or her siblings. Starlight could see her hesitate, even start to cry, but her horn still charged up to its max.

Chrysalis: JUST GET OUT OF MY LIFE ALREADY! BEGONE, STARLIGHT GLIMMER!

And then she fires in Starlight's direction...

Everyone else watching, especially Ocellus and Thorax shout large screams of "No!" as Chrysalis prepares to charge that blast that was meant to end Starlight's life... a loud magical explosion is heard. Everyone averting their eyes as the brightness of the explosion lights up the chamber.

Ocellus: No... Starlight.... Noooooo!

She wraps her hooves around Thorax, crying into her older brother's shoulder presuming she was gone even before the dust clears… 

Though as the smoke of the blast disappears. There's... an image of a lilac pony... still standing where she was.

Starlight closed her eyes, crying, and grimacing as she prepared for the last bit of pain that would send her to the soul shield and reunite her with her mother forever. But after a while when she definitely heard the explosion, she felt no pain. If this is what dying instantly felt like, it felt odd. She dared to open one of her eyes. To see what's happened... Chrysalis used up her blast. But all she did was create one tremendously sized crater. That just manages to avoid even singeing Starlight

Starlight: w-w-w-what? C-ch-ch-Chrysalis... d-did... did you... m-m-miss?

Remarkably, Starlight had been spared. But everyone else watches cautiously, as they don't know yet if that was just a misfire. Chrysalis could still easily go for another attack. How truly cruel would it be for the queen to make it look like she was about to spare her, only to do the coup de grace mere moments later.

Chrysalis is the only one who's expression hadn't changed, it's unclear whether or not Chrysalis will just fire again or… if she's intentionally sparing Starlight. Her horn still had smoke trailing off of it but it didn't spark anymore. She walked right up to Starlight and whispered into her ear.

Chrysalis: While you may have asked for death, I will not give you the satisfaction. I won't be like your mother was to my hive. Now get out, leave me be. I'd much rather die alone… 

Go tell Sparkle you failed, there is no redemption for me. Your failure is the price you pay, not your death. Just… stay out of my life, Starlight Glimmer… Because if I see you again... then I will kill you. Consequences be damned… This whole ordeal… it's just… just...

She looked away, clearly starting to shed some tears.

Chrysalis: IT'S JUST SO  POINTLESS, ALL OF IT! JUST LEAVE ALREADY! YOU HAVE YOUR PATHETIC PERFECT WORLD, JUST GO AWAY!

Shock and awe are on everyone's faces as they hear that Chrysalis won't be going through with it. Not taking down the hive, and not even ending Starlight's life. Ocellus and Thorax feel like saying something, but they just about fear something they could say might make Chrysalis change her mind in a hurry. It does at least give them time to converse with those still watching from the portal to Sweet Apple Acres.

Thorax: Other than teleporting in a small object like a plate of food, this barrier is resistant to changeling magic. We can't teleport inside, nor can we open it. Otherwise, Chrysalis would have easily been able to open it herself once she got enough power. The pill Starlight ate is still going to last for a few hours, and we don't know if Chrysalis could decide to finish Starlight off anyway if she's in there for too long.

We need a unicorn to get her out...

Yona: We... we could try to get Princess Twilight here... now that there's time.

Big Mac: Nnnooooope. Ah have just t' solution.

A moment later, Big Mac brings his wife Sugar Belle to the portal. She walked in, and had been told of the situation as her husband retrieved her. Sugar Belle approaches the barrier, teleporting a whole pony is actually a huge ask for Sugar Belle but at least it won't be for a huge distance. It might take a lot out of her still to try, but she's no less determined to help Starlight get back to safety.

And the meaning of a former Our Town villager saving her is not lost on Starlight as she braces for the teleportation spell.

The baker unicorn charges her horn with all her might. She winces in pain as she attempts a spell that's still a bit far above her skill for frequent use as a burn mark begins to fade at the end of her horn. But this was an emergency that had to be done. Sugar clenches her teeth to try to get through the pain as a glow emanates from Starlight before a bright flash makes Starlight disappear from behind the barrier, and a mere 2 seconds later she's brought back to the safety of being outside the barrier. As soon as Starlight's on the other side again, Sugar Belle almost faints, though her husband catches her. She's breathing heavily as if she had just run a marathon after performing that spell. But it worked, a huge relief on everyone's faces that no one was killed or seriously hurt after all.

Pharynx and Applejack had managed to evacuate nearly all the changelings up top, though they certainly did realize the shaking had stopped. Applejack and Pharynx did hear a large boom, while still looking for lost Changelings. They might have thought that Chrysalis did indeed go ahead with killing Starlight, but when Applejack uses another piece of Portal gum to check. They see that Starlight's relatively unharmed, and Applejack's brother and sister-in-law have arrived.

Applejack: Big Mac! Sugar Belle! What y'all doin' here? This place was in danger o’ crashing down not too long ago!

Sugar Belle: Applejack, it's alright. The crisis is over... for now... Chrysalis has stopped. And she seems to have only fired a warning shot instead of striking Starlight. Big Mac stepped in to help hold in Yona, and I was called over to help teleport Starlight back out. Everyone's going to be ok...

As the others each breathe a deep sigh of relief. Applejack hugging everyone of those watching from Sweet Apple Acres, joyous tears from both Apple Bloom and Coloratura that Applejack won’t have to sacrifice herself after all. Starlight looks across the barrier at the moping Chrysalis.

Starlight: No... there's still one of us... that isn't ok, yet...

The group wonders who Starlight is talking about. And it becomes clear, Starlight was referring to Chrysalis. Despite what she had said and had nearly done, Starlight still considered her one of them. The Queen confused as she ever was, even after threatening her own kind, accusations of the worst kind against her beloved hero mother, and even almost killing Starlight herself. Starlight has not given up on her. She thought about just laughing, and saying how naive Starlight is still once more. But if she does laugh, it feels forced more than ever. And there was this feeling, that Starlight's refusal to give up on her... was actually working. 

Pharynx had rushed in along with Applejack and was just as shocked to see that Starlight and Chrysalis were both still standing. But he could see the smoldering crater next to Starlight, the blast that caused it would have easily killed her. Pharynx was at a loss for words on what to say to Chrysalis. Things were unsettlingly calm… but it was clear the problem hadn't been resolved.

Chrysalis just… stood there, turned away from the rest of the group. Her mind processing her own actions as well. She hated Starlight's mother, and she was so angry at Starlight… so why couldn't she follow through? Why did this hurt more? She tried to laugh as she would when she was in charge, but it sounded forced… fake. Each laugh was followed by a few tears.

Chrysalis: Get out...  get away from me...

The tone of her voice sounds like she’s trying to still sound as cold as ever, but there was a hint of her holding back a very intense despair. She couldn't bring herself to say anything else. Starlight was safe but… this lesson of honesty and potentially any other lesson… was over.

Everyone there agrees it's probably time everyone starts heading home. Thorax, Pharynx, and Ocellus are going to have their hands full with the changelings who had feared for their very lives. The fact many of them could have been killed all because of Chrysalis' grudge against Starlight's mother is probably going to take a long time for them to forgive their former queen, that is… assuming there is any chance left of redeeming her to a status where she's walking around freely again.

Soon, the only one's still in the chamber besides Chrysalis. Is Starlight and Applejack.

Starlight: Chrysalis, before I go... I need to tell you something.... really important...

Believe it or not, the way you're feeling right now. Is something I've felt too...

After I traveled through time that is... sure... the fact that we found out time travel only creates alternate universes and doesn't change the present from where we traveled lessens this issue. But... that still doesn't excuse what I indirectly did to all those timelines…

You may be feeling terrible right now, but I've technically pulled the trigger multiple times when you think about it... I doomed one Equestria to a lengthy war with Sombra, and others from the rule of Nightmare Moon, Discord, you, Tirek, and worst of all... Cozy Glow. I cherish all the friendships I have back in Equestria, but I know there are other versions of them that are suffering... or even no longer alive/were never born in said universe because of my actions...

I... even nearly threatened to just stay in the past by ripping up the scroll. I felt Twilight could certainly have gotten herself and Spike back to their universe while my punishment is to stay in one of the universes I created forever. I felt Twilight would have been more than justified to punish me in such a way... but instead she decided she wouldn't give up on me that easily.

And I think, this is the time where I must do the same for you... I'm very sorry for hurting you deeply. In this case, it doesn't matter who is wrong and who is right. The emotional impact is all the same, and I've failed as a counselor. I said before that one of the worst things to say to a patient like you is to say "You're wrong" and my anger briefly made me forget all that.

Today, I've failed you as a counselor... and I've also failed you as a friend...

I'm not sure what's to come next... Though I'm going to have a talk with Twilight about how to proceed, I'm going to try my best to speak on your behalf... but if Twilight decides this isn't working out and it'd be safer to put you back in stone for a while longer... then I deeply apologize with all my heart again...

I hope to see you again soon... but... in case we don't... I truly did enjoy the time we spent together before today... I still believe with all my heart that you can still be one of us, I saw plenty of potential for it. But there's still much emotional turmoil to sift through obviously, that I didn't expect... I hope we get another chance.

But for now... Goodbye, Chrysalis... and... thanks... for sparing my life...

Despite everything that happened to this point, Starlight manages to give Chrysalis one more smile. 

Chrysalis just let Starlight say her piece. There was no snarky rebuttal, no angry outburst either. Just silence, Chrysalis could clearly hear her, but she was stuck in her own little world. Holding back any more emotions, not wanting anyone to see her in this way. She'd just thrown away an opportunity to get rid of not only someone she'd just thought of as one of her greatest enemies, she would have in turn killed the daughter of the one whom she hated the most. But she couldn't do it. 

Chrysalis: We're not… we aren't friends... just… just go away. I don't care what happens to me…

(Time travel… going to some alternative universe… sounds better than being here…)

Starlight turns back toward the portal still left open to Sweet Apple Acres. Now the only one left in the chamber was Chrysalis and Applejack. The farmer herself approaches the portal, but before she enters she turns toward Chrysalis' direction

Applejack: By the way, while ya didn't lie at all befo’ or during ya argument wit’ Starlight... ya have lied 3 times since...

The first, when ya said yall'd rather die alone.

The second, when ya said yall'd kill Starlight the next time ya met

The third... what ya said just now... ‘bout ya ain’t bein' Starlight's friend...

Applejack tips her hat one more time, before jumping back into the portal. It soon closes, and Chrysalis is once again left all alone. For how long, she wouldn't know. And an uncertainty comes to mind, where the next time ponies come down to see her, it could mean a return to her stone prison once more.

Applejack's words rang in Chrysalis’ head. She didn't want to believe that...or rather, she was trying to convince herself that it wasn't true. Once Applejack had left through the portal, Chrysalis broke down. Crying to herself as she tried to figure this all out on her own for now.

Time stands still for the next few hours as everyone involved go back to their homes and feel more thankful to be alive after a very tense situation. Those in Ponyville are a bit concerned for the changelings back in the hive, they wonder if there’s a good amount of changelings who even want to go back inside the hive when it was very nearly their tomb. They hope eventually Thorax, Pharynx, and Ocellus can help calm their subjects.Starlight Glimmer went to her own room in Ponyville’s castle, lying in bed as her magic slowly recovers from not just the effects of the pill. But all the lingering thoughts in her head. She had nearly met the end of her life had Chrysalis not hesitated and fired off a warning shot instead. She almost gave up everything she’s worked for, the School of Friendship, her promising future as a potential Princess, and so much more. She thinks of how upset her father would have been to see her as a spirit. Not to mention what her next conversation with Twilight as a spirit would have been like.

That reminded her, she still needed to see Twilight after what had just happened. She’s sure Twilight will be devastated that anything like that happened without warning. Starlight knows that just because no one was seriously hurt, Twilight’s not going to suddenly think this was no big deal.

Before attempting to go to Canterlot, Starlight reaches for her binder and writes down a major paragraph about what had just happened. She cries as she recalls the argument she had with Chrysalis. Everything seemed like it was going all according to plan, and she felt Chrysalis was really connecting with her. But while she was within her rights to defend her mother from the queen’s accusations. In her anger, she forgot to account for Chrysalis’ feelings. And as long as Chrysalis fervently believes that her mother was responsible for what happened at Mt. Thrace, and that her brother Tarsus was a righteous leader. It’ll remain the last remaining obstacle to finally unlocking Chrysalis’ heart once and for all. 

All they can do now, is hope they can find a way to carefully tell Chrysalis why her recollection of the events is mistaken. Whatever they do, they can’t lose patience with the Queen. It was a very traumatic event for her, and questioning her memory of perhaps the one moment of her life she insists she remembers vividly is only going to make her double down, maybe even just clam up and refuse to talk further.

Starlight just feels frustrated that she let her anger out at the worst time, and in some way feels partly responsible for what happened back there even if Chrysalis is sure to get the brunt of the blame. It was part of why she was willing to sacrifice herself so that no one else would have to lose their lives all because she riled up Chrysalis in defense of her mother’s honor.

However, despite the situation she finds herself in. She still held a belief that there was room for Chrysalis to grow. She understands that will sound crazy to those who were only made aware of what happened at the end of honesty as opposed to everything that came up positively in the previous lessons. But in some ways, she feels that moment where Chrysalis had the option to take her revenge and kill Starlight for the perceived sins of her mother meant something significant. 

Chrysalis couldn’t find it within herself to kill Starlight despite now knowing that she was the daughter of the pony she hates more than anything, even knowing Starlight had described her as a great hero. Chrysalis tried to play it off that she wouldn’t do what Sunset allegedly did to her brother and more indirectly the rest of her old hive. But Starlight remembers another moment that may have very well paralleled what happened.

When back in the Kindness lesson, she had a chance to show how cruel she could still be by doing something to a small creature like Angel Jr. as punishment for Fluttershy and Discord messing with her when Discord interrupted the session. Much like Angel Jr., Starlight managed to endear herself to Chrysalis to avoid being attacked or drained of all their love.

It gave her just enough hope that things can still end for the better. But explaining to Twilight after both her, Applejack, and many others' lives were in danger sounded like it was going to be difficult. Starlight attempts to get herself to move to get ready to portal over to Twilight’s castle. Although it’s likely Applejack still has the pack of portal gum, so she’ll just have t-

Suddenly a flash of magic appears in the room that startles Starlight.

In mere seconds, Twilight appears with the most concerned look on her face that Starlight’s seen in years.

Twilight: STARLIGHT! Are you OK?! Applejack told me everything!

Starlight probably should have seen this coming, it’s probably even highly likely Applejack herself used the portal gum to reach Twilight first. But at least Starlight doesn’t have to move much, as she’s still a little drowsy from the effects of the pill. Though by now her magic was gradually coming back.

Starlight: Y-Yeah… I’m ok… Twilight…

Twilight: Are you sure?! AJ told me you almost let Chrysalis kill you even though you know she’s wrong about Sunset! What were you thinking?!

Starlight: Now now… I know it sounds bad…

Twilight: That’s because it IS bad! We could have lost you! Even with spirit summoning, death shouldn’t be taken so lightly! Did you think about what your family and friends would think?!

I… I… I clearly overestimated Chrysalis’ progress. Perhaps we should put her back in stone an-

Starlight: No…

Starlight spoke a little too quietly, though Twilight did realize she interrupted her. Twilight: Can you repeat tha-

Starlight: I SAID NO! Don’t put Chrysalis back in stone!

Twilight grimaced

Twilight: Huh?! How can you say we shouldn’t when she not only nearly killed you and Applejack. But also nearly everyone of her own kind?!

Starlight: Twilight, take a deep breath and relax. Before I tell you why, I need you to be in a calmer mood. You don’t freak out as much as you used to, but you are Twilighting a little. Twilight: Does this situation not warrant a little twilighting?! But… I see your point… Twilight does some breathing exercises and tries her best to calm her mind. It’s a little difficult given the great weight of what just happened. But she trusts her student that she’ll have a sufficient answer.

Starlight: Twilight, I need you to think what if you were in Chrysalis shoes.

How would you feel if something happened to your parents, your brother, and almost everypony you knew in Canterlot and Ponyville perished in a horrible event.

And then think about what if you had a suspect of who was responsible. Years ago while you aren’t as sure you also suspect they had something to do with your parents’ sudden deaths. Then at some point, you saw them personally “kill” Shining Armor in front of your eyes. They run away, and hundreds if not thousands die shortly afterward. You’d think this same criminal had something to do with the mass murder event too.

And then years later, you’re imprisoned by those of the same species as this suspected killer, you end up slowly becoming friends with one of them that visits your cell across many weeks. Only to find out that this visitor happens to be the daughter of the suspected killer. And not only is this killer not seen as an unspeakable being, but they are CHEERED as great heroes of modern society and maybe even looked favorably upon by the universe itself. Making it sound like what they did to you and those who perished was somehow justified in a twisted sense to the world.

Now also imagine you’ve gradually been getting stronger before you find out this visitor is related to the killer. You can then use that power to get revenge by striking down the killer’s daughter, her friends, even if that possibly means yet another mass death event happens at the place you’re imprisoned in. including many of your own kind…

Can you imagine… how that would make you feel?

Twilight pauses, thinking over every little bit of detail of an increasingly bleak hypothetical scenario. Twilight: I… I… I guess I would be angry… if… the one who I thought was responsible was revered. Like the universe for some reason decided that myself, my family, and/or many ponies like me aren’t even worthy of value, and more like trash that must be taken out if the suspected mass-murderer is celebrated more than reviled…

I’d… certainly be tempted to seek revenge, or at the very least philosophically wonder why even the universe itself sees us as such lesser beings that those who would want to commit atrocities against us are rewarded…

I’m still not sure I would have done what Chrysalis just did… but… I can kind of get it now…

Starlight smiles, happy that her great friend and mentor understands.

Starlight: Chrysalis is a soul that’s been tortured perhaps more than anyone we’ve ever come across. It doesn’t entirely excuse her actions, but between the relations with her old hive already having been a complicated mess before it all went terribly wrong. She was then pressured on restarting a hive all by herself, adding the struggles that can come from motherhood for multiple children as well as being a sole ruler. All while keeping all of the emotional scars that the sinking of Mt. Thrace she had hidden from everyone. Leaving all her thoughts and feelings locked inside her own mind. 

I have to imagine it was always hard for her to even sleep without thinking of her previous hive. We just need to take a calmer approach, and find a way for Chrysalis to confront the truth of what happened that day. It’ll be difficult, and may even require her to come face to face with the spirit of my mother. Where she’ll be highly defensive, and scared out of her mind on the inside.

I doubt my mother’s words will convince her straight away, there’s no doubt she’ll find any way possible to deny anything she says. But she still does need to hear the story from her point of view, not to mention talk at length with my mom to get a sense of her personality and hope at the very least some seeds of doubt are planted. If we can at least get her to ask herself something like “Is Sunset truly the monster I thought she was?”, we will be getting somewhere.

Admittedly though… that’s pretty optimistic all things considered. There’s also the possibility this still doesn’t work and we’re left with almost no options left… but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try! You’re going to think I’m crazy… but I still have hope in Chrysalis.

I know that giving her a chance to kill me sounds like the kind of impulsive decision I’ve made before… like when I switched Celestia and Luna’s cutie mark all those years ago… but I did actually put some thought into it. Even if I put my own life on the line as the price if I was wrong…

It allowed us to really see if Chrysalis truly can be changed. If I ended up being killed, it would have been a tragedy no doubt… but it would not have been in vain. As it would have meant there was no turning back for Chrysalis after all. Unable to let go of her grudge with us ponies enough to even consider sparing a defenseless pony she was growing close with.

But since she didn’t, it actually provides more proof that these lessons have been working. She wouldn’t have spared me if she found out who my mother was probably as early as before the generosity lesson. I also think that since I was willing to put my life on the line all for her emotions. The fact I’d sacrifice much of the promising future I’d told her about, if it meant that she could finally have some form of satisfactory revenge on my mother… that might have touched a cord in her. 

She got to know me more personally now that we were no longer fighting as hero against villain. What I’ve told her about my own past, reflected much of her own. Chrysalis was just very upset that she had somepony to connect with. Only to find out that I’m related to, and are fond of her “worst enemy”.

I even told her before I left, that the self-loathing she was clearly in was not far off from something I’ve done… and you were there. So you should know very well what that was…

Twilight nodded

Twilight: Yeah… I remember all those nights where I had to reassure you that all those timelines you inadvertently created doesn’t make you a terrible pony…

Starlight: And I needed as many reassurances as you possibly could give me at that time. It didn’t matter how friendly I was with everypony. I’d get back into a rut thinking of how in another universe, I indirectly ruined the pony I just hung out with’s life or might have even gotten them killed. It’s not like those other versions of them would ever find out it was indirectly my fault… but the guilt was still there. I can never thank you enough for supporting me at that time… if you weren’t there… I… I might have… I might…

Twilight: …Carried out what Chrysalis could have done, but only by and to yourself?

Starlight pauses, lowers her head, while tears stream down her face.

Starlight: Y-y-yeah… p-perhaps…

Twilight wastes no time and gives her faithful student a much needed hug with both her hooves and her wings. They sit together saying nothing for a little while. Before Twilight quietly speaks.

Twilight: …Then you should know the next step, upon tomorrow morning. You’ll get your chance to reassure Chrysalis won’t take matters into her own hooves and just decide to end it all for herself in a world she doesn’t feel like she belongs in. We need to tell her that she does in fact belong in this world in any way possible.

Though if I may say something for just the two of us, not as a friend… not as your mentor… but as a potential foster sister…

Please… try not to risk your life like you just did ever again… please… I… wouldn’t be able to take the blame off myself if anything were to happen to you…

Tears stream down from Twilight’s cheek while Starlight gasped

Starlight: Huh? But… it wouldn’t have been your fault at all if Chrysalis had killed me…

Twilight: Maybe not in a direct sense, but I would have still been the one to give you this mission. I might have felt a guilt similar to how you felt about those timelines! You deserve a long life of happiness after all you went through in your early life. And I’m sure your mother would want the same…

Even if in this case it helped us to know where Chrysalis currently stands, I don’t want to see you anywhere close to throwing away your life like that again… please, can you promise me that, Starlight?

Starlight’s eyes flow with tears, and a soft smile as she’s touched that Twilight cares this much about her. She’s always known how much she does care about her, but nonetheless it’s great to once again hear how much she means to the princess. It truly feels like they’re now what they may have once supposed to have been: Foster sisters for as long as they can remember.

Starlight: Of course, Twilight… I don’t intend on going anywhere anytime soon…

They tightly hugged one more time, and would start planning for tomorrow morning. Today turned out to be a more emotional day than anyone ever expected. It would soon be time to bring this all to a head, and show Chrysalis the true magic of friendship at last… before it was too late.