#Mud Briar | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

i-dream-of-twilight-sparkle · 2 years

Text

A few days pass since Starlight’s first conversation with Chrysalis. As she hinted before, she needed to find a good time for a few guests of hers to have the time to tag along. She informs the group she brought with her to stay behind the portal until she signals them over, so as to not overwhelm Chrysalis right from the forefront. Especially with how overzealous a particular two (Or even 3) members of the group could be.

Chrysalis’ time of solitude is disturbed by the sudden appearance of a portal, only Starlight comes out holding her binder. Though the portal stays open as she walks closer to Chrysalis’ cell. The unicorn greets her ‘patient’, with a warm smile.

Starlight: Gooooood morrrrrnnnnnning, Chrysalis!

Chrysalis has enjoyed the last few days to herself since Starlight left her. She had the feeling someone would come down to turn her to stone in between sessions. Yet, she was left to her own devices, mostly sleeping, and thinking of how the world has changed. The tranquil silence was broken however when Starlight arrived once again. Chrysalis lets out an audible groan and looks back to Starlight with a grimace.

Chrysalis: Are you always going to be this chipper in the mornings? Ugh...

Chrysalis looks and sounds like she had just woken up, her mane disheveled and her eyes half lidded. She lets out a loud yawn and rubs her eyes, taking a moment to stretch and crack some of her joints. Sleeping on the cold, hard ground doesn't do much for her. The extra light from the portal behind Starlight made Chrysalis shield her eyes as she was still adjusting to being awake.

Chrysalis: And are these lights meant to be part of your interrogation session? Or did you not shut your portal on the way here?

Starlight giggles for a brief time

Starlight: As somepony who's been headmare or at least a counselor of a school for a long while. I have to be kinda chipper in the mornings, the future generations deserve as much positive reinforcement as possible... of course., don't get me wrong... I don't mean to imply you're a child... I'm just saying I've had to make it a habit to put my best face forward to start every day

Chrysalis stares at Starlight blankly as she explains why she's so cheery.

Chrysalis: I wasn't asking for your whole life story but fine, do what you wish...

Starlight nods and continues

Starlight: But yeah, I’ve left the portal open. I told you I was probably going to bring guests this time, they’ll be arriving once I give them the signal. But before I do…

Starlight opens her binder, lifts up a pencil with her magic, and then places the pink tab into the clippers along with note paper after it.

Starlight: I have an important question for you… Don't worry, it's nothing serious. In fact after the last session… I thought I'd dedicate this one to some levity after our last conversation got into some pretty heavy subjects. No more talk of cults, apocalyptic timelines, or deceased family members today. We're going to have a lot more fun today, but as for my question.... ahem... Chrysalis, can you tell me.... what tends to make you laugh?

Starlight stands there waiting to jot down what Chrysalis says.

Chrysalis groans at the mention of guests, but at least she can mentally prepare. Even if she'll never truly be ready for what's to come with today's session. Chrysalis does let out a small sigh of relief that today won't be as heavy as the last time.

Chrysalis: That works for me as well. I'd rather not dwell on those thoughts again anyway. But in regards to what I find ‘fun’...

She gets close to the cell's entrance, looming over Starlight with a sinister grin, sinisterly chuckling

Chrysalis: I'm sure you can guess what I deem 'fun'... Nothing satisfies me more than the suffering of my enemies, feeling my body swell with power from somepony's love. Knowing that my plans were a success! That is what's fun for me! If that wasn't obvious before, it should be now…

Chrysalis had a feeling that's not what Starlight meant, but she still wanted to try and intimidate her...for her own sake of 'fun'

Starlight sighs, she figured that would be how Chrysalis responded. She still jots down the awful things Chrysalis currently finds funny as to hopefully look back through the binder long after all these sessions finish and pinpoint when she began to get through to her.

Starlight: But say you weren’t on a conquest expedition, when you still had the hive, did you do anything purely for your leisure and/or entertainment?. I know you might get some enjoyment out of planning in itself, but say everything’s ready and you’re just waiting for the specific day. Something you do that gives you some joy to pass the time as you await the “perfect time to strike” so to speak.

The lack of a full reaction makes Chrysalis pout a bit. She steps back when Starlight gives her the specific scenario she described.

Chrysalis: When I'm not planning to conquer...?

She looks down and thinks, having a rather serious look on her face. Everything she can remember that she's done over the years has been either planning, plotting or enacting said plans. The concept of recreational fun hasn't crossed her mind in decades! The last 'hobbies' she had were all developed for the sake of a plot against ponies!

Chrysalis: I… um… hmm… this shouldn't be so difficult...

She mutters to herself, there had to be something! She thinks back even further, back to when she was younger and bright eyed. It clicked with her and a small smile came across her face though she did try to prevent Starlight from seeing it.

Chrysalis: I… I did like practicing my transformations. A changeling takes pride in what they can turn into, and as Queen I had a plethora of forms! Ponies, Griffons, inanimate objects, dragons! Nothing was out of reach!

Starlight’s actually somewhat surprised to get an actual constructive answer, even noting Starlight expressed great pride in her transformational skills, but nonetheless she knows very well that many of the changelings she’s become friends with very much say this too about their shapeshifting abilities. She excitedly writes this down into her notes on her binder.

Starlight: Oh of course! That makes so much sense… The versatility of your shapeshifting provides plenty of possibilities for whenever you have free time!

Tell me, did you have any particular favorite forms to take on?

Chrysalis thinks further about the transformations she's taken on over the years

Chrysalis: I've had plenty over the years, so it's hard to choose just one...

She looks around her cell, almost like she's internally measuring it. She paces around, making sure she's correct with her assumptions before looking back to Starlight.

Chrysalis: I think it would be more fitting to just show you, but let me stick to ones you might recognize...

She snickers before taking on the appearance of Cadance! Even speaking with her voice

Chrysalis: It's been a while since I took on this form. Do you know how long it took me to match her personality and tone? Still, just so much pink… and this mane… ugh...

Starlight nodded as Chrysalis became Cadence. Though she takes this opportunity to tease Chrysalis a little bit.

Starlight: You say you matched her personality? I don’t know about that… From the recaps I’ve heard, Twilight was pretty suspicious of you from the start. I suppose you did fool everypony else, even Cadence’s own fiancé at the time. But I don’t really know if a plan based on hoping ponies think a normally kind-hearted pony like Cadence has suddenly become so harsh and demanding only because it is her wedding day is all that foolproof…

Chrysalis scoffs and protests, putting her nose in the air as to relive the bridezilla she portrayed Cadence to be

Chrysalis: Psh, everypony else took it in stride. All it took were some crocodile tears and they believed me! I didn't factor Twilight Sparkle being the nuisance that would be a thorn in my side!

She transforms again, this time into the photographer that took samples of the mane 6 when she made their evil doppelgangers

Chrysalis: Now this form, I know you remember!

Her tone shifts to being much more bubbly, if sarcastic.

Chrysalis: Wasn't I just the best photographer in Equestria? I was sooooo close to you and your friends, and you never knew it~!

Starlight is taken by surprise and gasps as Chrysalis reveals she was the photographer. Though she sorts of just tilts her head

Starlight: So… you took a photo and a piece of hair from each of Twilight and her friends… and then what?

All I remember after seeing your photographer pony form is we had this awful camping trip, where I don’t know what got into all of us that day. But we apparently got heated with each other, and Applejack was particularly nasty to me. She apologized to me, although I did find out that she doesn’t actually remember saying such things to me… which is odd. What did you even accomplish doing that day? If you were that camera pony the whole time, we still didn’t see you at all until you teamed up with Cozy and Tirek…

If you did anything shortly after that, I’m sorry but… whatever your plan was then didn’t really come up in our radar…

Chrysalis: I suppose you wouldn't know, I'll admit it wasn't the most successful plan… no harm in owning up to it now.

She looks at the purple stick she still had with her

Chrysalis: But it showed me that your friendships can fracture if given the right pushes… think about it, didn't they all seem off to you? Cruel, heartless, acting as if they know better than me and the plans I had in place?!

She realized that she was now thinking about what the Twilight doppel had said to her about needing friends. She clears her throat

Chrysalis: At any rate, that was my doing, convincing enough to fool you anyway… they were too similar for their own good…

Chrysalis then finally changes to something else to change the subject from her experience with the Mean versions of the Elements, stepping back into the center of the cell and transforming into an Ophiotaurus! Speaking with a more snake like hiss

Chrysalis: Of coursssse I do enjoy ssssome of the more dangeroussss formssss. The fear it sssstrikessss and the power that comesss with it!

She laughs before transforming back into her regular form.

Chrysalis: Does that answer your question?"

Starlight nods once again for the Ophiotaurus form, though she just quietly notes down notes about taking the form of Cadence, an undercover photographer, and the Ophiotaurus in the book.

Starlight: Very nice, very nice. Even got you to laugh a little. Thank you for the honest answers! Now how about we bring in our five guests at last. I’ll be right back!

Starlight walks on over to the portal and puts her head and hoof through. Chrysalis can’t tell from here but she’s waving over and telling her friends to come on over. It’s not long before Chrysalis can hear the first clue of at least one of her guests… an all too familiar, and shrill voice that fills her with dread, a scowl immediately forming on her face, and the urge to rip her ears out…

Chrysalis: Alright, which of the annoyances are you going to....

Her ears twitch as she hears a high pitched sing song-y voice from the other side of the portal. She looks at it with trepidation, that all too familiar voice belongs to none other than...

Pinkie Pie: HIIII CHRYSALIS!!

Chrysalis somehow heard that loud, shrill voice from… behind her?

Chrysalis: AAAAH!

Chrysalis practically jumped out of her chitin, not expecting to have Pinkie Pie somehow show up behind her.

Chrysalis: What in the?! YOU!? How did you get in here?! I should have seen you come in!!"

Starlight: GAAAAAH! PINKIE! What in Equestria are you doing in Chrysalis’ cell?!

As both the queen and Starlight are caught off guard by Pinkie’s sudden appearance, Chrysalis is again surprised when yet ANOTHER pony appears at her side. This one much less familiar to her is noticeably just as excitable as the annoyance that Chrysalis is more familiar with. Who comes out singing with an accordion

Cheese Sandwich: ♫ ‘Weeeeeeee are the changelings… WE ARE THE CHANGELINGS! Give us a huuuug, cause we are the changeli…’ ♫ Oh wait, sorry. That’s the wrong Queen, isn’t it…

Pinkie giggles

Pinkie: Yesss give us love and hugs, and caaaaaakes! With plenty of frosting!! Come on, Chryssy, join in!"

The party pony tries to reach out for Chrysalis. Chrysalis jumps back again. Looking at the two ponies with confusion and anger.

Chrysalis: AAACK THEY'RE MULTIPLYING!? GET OUT!

She hisses at the two posing as changelings

Chrysalis: I am not part of your little troupe!"

Then another shrill voice, though unfamiliar to Chrysalis is heard although thankfully for Chrysalis she isn’t somehow inexplicably in the cell. A full-grown pink hippogriff with a patterned blue mane and tail flapping her feathery wings. She also had a badge on her chest in the shape of a fish tail, indicating some sort of status symbol.

Silverstream: HI STARLIGHT! HI QUEEN MEANIE!

The addition of yet another shrill voice adds to her increasing stress levels, but at least this one remained out of her cell

Chrysalis: Uuugh another one?! I am not Queen Meanie, I am Queen Chrysalis!

Pinkie then chimes in while giggling some more

Pinkie: She's totally right, Queen Meanie was Nightmare Moon, this is Queen Buggy! I'd say Queen Cheesy but then that'd get confusing with Cheese here

Cheese chuckles in response to his marefriend mentioning Queen Cheesy. He strikes a regal pose, and bats his eyelashes

Cheese: Am I a pretty queen?~

Pinkie lets out a loud laugh and an over exaggerated swoon

Pinkie: The prettiest in all the land!

She then falls back into a fit of giggles and snorts

Pinkie: But anyway, I get the confusion between her and Moona, I mean look at her!

Pinkie gets right next to Chrysalis, pointing at her exoskeleton

Pinkie: I mean she's tall and dark buuuuuut…

She then pops out of Chrysalis' mane, much to the latter’s shock and horror

Pinkie: Look at this mane! Not flowy at all and it's full of holes!

Chrysalis: STAY BACK! YOU TRY TO KEEP A GORGEOUS MANE WITH THESE CONDITIONS, SEE WHAT HAPPENS!

Chrysalis swats at Pinkie but hits nothing, only air. Pinkie seemingly poofed away and back out of the cell!

Chrysalis: What manner of torture is this....?

Starlight grimaces, while she was expecting Chrysalis to groan at the first appearance of Pinkie. She did not like the overzealous couple putting themselves in danger like that. Not to mention the invasion of the cell quite possibly ruined any potential for Chrysalis to be in a good mood for this session, after a surprisingly pleasant answer to her question. She goes closer to the cell to whisper.

Starlight: I am so soooo sorry about that... I promise these are the only 3 overzealous friends I brought with me. The next two should be much more... tolerable for you...

Though then she thinks about the time a particular member of this couple annoyed even Pinkie Pie.

Starlight: ...Or at least one of them will be

Chrysalis looks down at Starlight

Chrysalis: How do you live with such… clowns? I don't know if I should be feeling sorry for you or be begging to be turned to stone once more. The latter is starting to sound much better at this point… and you're telling me there's still MORE?!

She looked like she was about to start pulling her hair out. It's at that moment another pair walks through the portal. Much more slowly than the others did

Maud: I suppose that's our cue to come in… I heard somepony say stone.

The tone was unfamiliar to Chrysalis but the monotone nature stood out compared to the shrill nature of the other guests already there. Maud enters along with Mud Briar, their tone, expressions, and even color schemes all seemed to be the polar opposite of everyone else there. She walked right up to the cell, Chrysalis thought she would say or do something outrageous like the others had. But she was just met with a blank stare. Chrysalis stared back… waiting for something… anything to happen.

Chrysalis: Is...is she going to do this for the whole time? Chrysalis asks in an unnerved tone.

She stares blankly at the two ponies, obviously a bit unnerved, then she waves a hoof in front of their faces

Chrysalis: Hello? Anypony home?"

Maud blinks a few times, and brings out a small rock she shows to Chrysalis

Maud: With the rock formation of your cell, it would make a great addition to our home, we could use an open space for Boulder.

Chrysalis: I hate this…

Chrysalis just buries her face in her hooves with a loud groan. Starlight meanwhile sighs before speaking again.

Starlight: Well… Chrysalis, I guess I should introduce you to our guests.

I know you’re already very familiar with Pinkie Pie, based on all of your encounters with Twilight and her best friends. But perhaps the more significant thing you certainly missed in the past decade in regards to Pinkie is… she has since gotten a colt friend.

This is Cheese Sandwich, he’s a party-loving pony very much like Pinkie and is one of the few ponies in Equestria that can match up with Pinkie’s exuberance. You may feed off their love if you’d like, though be careful… too much might give you a sugar high~

Pinkie Pie and Cheese hug and nuzzle each other as Starlight introduces their status as a couple to Chrysalis

Chrysalis doesn't know how to fully feel, each one of her 'guests' and their quirks make her feel like a fish out of water. The fact that Starlight was the most relatable out of the bunch also didn't put her at ease. She sighs and at least listens to the proper introductions for everyone.

While she may have found Cheese and Pinkie annoying, their love was very much welcome. Though Chrysalis did heed Starlight's warning, the saccharine taste of theirs could quite easily give her a changeling equivalent of a sugar rush!

Chrysalis: I'm never one to turn down a free meal, but theirs is actually too sweet! Good in small bursts, but I don't want to ruin this royal body with....that. I'm not Celestia after all

She let out a small snicker at her own joke. While Pinkie lets out an exaggerated gasp

Pinkie: Too sweet!? Nonsense! There's no such thing as too sweet! You're just used to bitter tastes cause you're just a grumpy gus! Give it tiiiime, you'll love sweets! In fact I've been learning new recipes that may cater to all sorts of tastes, and it's all going to be just so good and...

Pinkie continued to ramble on, Chrysalis decided to just ignore the pink mare and continue listening to Starlight's introductions

Starlight: The pink hippogriff here is Silverstream. She was one of the first students at the School of Friendship, she also serves in a relatively new branch of the Wonderbolts that was created for swimmers called the Waterbolts. Where she has the rank of Captain of her squad.

Silverstream grins and waves with enthusiasm. The title that was mentioned by Starlight meanwhile made Chrysalis tilt her head in confusion

Chrysalis: Waterbolts? They're going for a naval approach now? Hmm...

She eyes Silverstream up and down

Chrysalis: You carry yourself differently from the fliers, that's for sure...

SIlverstream: Hehe, if only there was a pool down here, I could show you my skills!

She's noticeably not as harsh to Silverstream, most likely because she doesn't have much history with her or with the hippogriffs in general. Still that bubbly outlook is grating for her. Chrysalis’ different attitude toward the Hippogriffs as opposed to ponies is notable enough for Starlight to jot down on the binder however. She then moves on to introducing the last two guests.

Starlight: Then the gray pony standing before you is Maud Pie, she’s Pinkie’s older sister. On the outside, she may seem… rather dry. But on the inside, she has a heart that very much matches her more extroverted sister. She is also currently the Professor of Laughter at the School of Friendship ever since Pinkie stepped down after being given the ownership of Sugarcube Corner

And as for the brown stallion right next to her, he is Maud’s very own colt friend whose name is Mud Briar. He and Maud are very similar, a key difference in that Mud has an affinity with trees, while Maud could tell you all there is to know about rocks.

Chrysalis deadpans at the description of Maud. She eyes Pinkie and Maud, multiple times. Trying to see if there’s any actual resemblance between the two, but is completely stumped She then asked in disbelief.

Chrysalis: Those two are related, it can’t be by blood could it?

Pinkie: You’d be surprised! Pony genetics can be weird like that~

Chrysalis just decides to change subjects rather than try to think too hard about genetics.

Chrysalis: And what exactly do all of them have to do with my session?

Starlight: Is it not obvious, Chrysalis? Especially with the first question I gave you? This session is focused on laughter, and I mean the positive aspects of laughter. We intend to get you to laugh with us, and I mean particularly not at our suffering, nor do we intend to laugh about your own misfortune.

And well… Pinkie’s the Element of Laughter. Though her sister is a known comedian as well, she has a very different comedy style from Pinkie. But she’s a comic genius once you get to understand her.

Silverstream is here as an example of how Equestria has diversified overtime. The Wonderbolts have been pony-centric, and obviously pegasus-centric at that for a long time. But the efforts of the School of Friendship inspired the group to start letting non-ponies into the fold. We’ve even had a fair amount of high-flying changelings become recruits since they became eligible! As for the Waterbolts though, Silverstream can fly fine enough… but she does not have the skill necessary for high-speed flight and precision. But she is a top-tier swimmer, so when a group was founded for swimmers that could include not just the hippogriffs who adjusted best to becoming seaponies, but also any life forms that dedicate themselves to swimming in the form that synthetic transformation pearl necklaces give them. She’s just one of many of those who were once left outside of the main area of Equestria. that has been fully integrated into our society ever since the School of Friendship started.

The mention of changelings joining the wonderbolts gives Chrysalis pause. There's a mixed reaction on her face, for a moment proud that there could be such speedy changeling fliers, but then that pride is met with some disgust that they would join what she also recognized was a military force for ponies.

Chrysalis: The world truly has changed since I was last a part of it... And it seems we changelings aren't the only ones in the transformation game… But it seems they are only capable of that one change.

Starlight then points a hoof at the two stallions in the group

Starlight: And finally both Pinkie and Maud’s special some ponies are here for you to give you a taste of each of their love to fuel you both for the day and to hopefully give you your fill between sessions before you get another dose, albeit certainly different flavors of love. They are the kind of couples that found love in somepony practically just like them, but even in couples that love each other for how similar they are. The tastes between them can still differ. Go ahead and get a taste of each of their love! And give me your first impressions of each one.

Chrysalis' stomach grumbled at the mention of having a free meal from the couples, though she's not a fan of the lecture about differences in flavor.

Chrysalis: Love is love, I know how the taste of it works. Still I should be careful with those two...

She gestures over to Pinkie and Cheese. Still weary about their love being too sweet. She takes in a deep breath, giving a sample of their love. It's beyond sweet, but not unbearably so. The taste is like a freshly baked cake, topped with the most decadent icing in the world. She audibly gulped and stopped herself from gorging on more.

Chrysalis: That was… w-what I was expecting… incredibly sweet in an almost too addicting sense...

She licked her lips and brought her attention to the other couple, doing the same motions as before. The taste was also sweet...yet had a saltiness to it. Fittingly like rock candy

Chrysalis: Interesting, sweet and salty…

As she finishes her sampling of the couples’ love, Chrysalis looks at the group before her. She thinks to herself and rolls her eyes

Chrysalis: (So they're going to try and get me to laugh? The only funny thing about this will be their failures to do so.)

Good luck then, you'll need it. Because I do not see how this lot is going to get me to join in on a laugh. I don't see how that one could even come close.

Maud retorts in her driest tone

Maud: And I don't see how you could have ever been a queen and yet here we are.

Mud Briar can't resist getting into his matter-of-fact face and tone as he says

Mud Briar: Technically, she's a former queen

Starlight immediately frowns, knowing full well Chrysalis wasn't going to take that lying down.

Chrysalis: What did you just say?!

Chrysalis gets as close as she can to Mud Briar despite the barrier between them

Chrysalis: Former queen? FORMER QUEEN?!

She slams on the barrier and snarls

Chrysalis: I am and always will be a Queen! Do not speak as if you understand my species! Keep that talk up and I'm going to 'technically' make you a former pony! You insignificant little worm!

Maud then steps in

Maud: If he's a worm, then what does that make you? An ant? A spider? You started as a grub after all, right? What do you think, Mud?"

She turns to her coltfriend, ignoring Chrysalis' threat completely. Chrysalis blinks in astonishment, did they not hear her? She got no reaction from the two.

Chrysalis: ARE YOU TWO EVEN LISTENING TO ME?!

Maud continues to think on insects Chrysalis could be instead

Maud: With that noise, you could pass for a cicada…

Chrysalis' eyes twitched

Chrysalis: I...I...wha....

Mud Briar opens his mouth and curves his tongue in disgust at the mere mention of worms

Mud Briar: Uggggh, worms disgust me. The common earthworm sometimes can destroy roots… and then there's the hyphantria cunea, otherwise known as webworms, that make their way into trees before becoming moths which in large numbers could defoliate many trees...

Chrysalis: Good, it was meant to be an insult! And don't start listing off worm facts! I could care less about that!

Chrysalis growls before looking at Maud

Chrysalis: And you! Don't compare a changeling queen to a common bug, arachnid or insect! We are far more advanced than that!

Maud shrugs

Maud: Fine, but just so you know… you started it in the first place… but if I may say one more, I think you'd be closer to a roach, you've got those shells, you can fly..."

Pinkie then takes a moment to chime in

Pinkie: Awww come on, she's just a big ol bugaboo pony! Besides, once she gets all those colors like the others, I'd say she's more like a beetle!

Chrysalis: Oh don't you start! And I am not a pony! And I'm not like those false changelings above!

Chrysalis stomps on the ground. She was still angry but trying to get a word in edgewise with this group was like trying to sell a fur coat in the summer.

Chrysalis: Are they always like this?

Starlight: Preeeeeeeeeeetttttty much.... although... Mud, I think it's about time I ‘technically’ correct you. Earthworms actually very rarely eat live roots. In fact, Earthworms in the soil have their fair share of benefits to a tree. Maybe you've had some bad experiences with worms in the past. But whatever you did left those worms desperately hungry, to the point that they had no choice but to eat the living tree roots, whereas normally they have many other options to eat instead...

That’s not too far off from what Chrysalis' method of feeding off love is come to think of it. Chrysalis forcefully made herself and her changelings practically forever hungry, whereas the more healthy changelings above can be left full for weeks on end if they've socialized enough. Earthworms do the same, just replace the outward love with decaying roots. And live roots as an analogy for when a changeling goes too far and tries to suck every last amount of love in our bodies.

Mud Briar is brought into a brief fit of deep thought

Mud: I guess you have a point there, Starlight.

Chrysalis is surprised that Starlight stood up for her in a sense. Though the depiction of starving worms, and forcing them to be desperate does make her think back to how she ruled. She looks away from the group for a moment, muttering to herself in her mind.

Chrysalis: (I did what I had to… it was the only way we could survive… the only way we could be strong…)

Chrysalis then turns toward the group once more with a small grin

Chrysalis: So much for causing laughter, I think at best these ponies will only cause headaches! Technically, I'm still thinking that just being a stone statue might still be better than this…

Maud overhears this

Maud: But why would you not want to be stone? I’ve actually sort of envied yours, the big centaur, and that psychopathic fillies fates’ a little

Chrysalis eyes twitch again before asking in an utterly baffled tone

Chrysalis: You're kidding right?! ...I actually can't tell if you are or not! Who in their right mind wants to be frozen as a statue for the rest of eternity!?

Maud just nonchalantly blinks some more

Maud: ...I wouldn't mind. When Mud was a statue, he was the dreamiest he's ever been.

A small smile comes across Maud's face, only for a moment. Chrysalis can feel a sudden burst of love coming from Maud but the thought of preferring to fully be a statue still confuses her. She whispers to Starlight

Chrysalis: I think now I can see how her and the pink one are related, they're both crazy

Silverstream meanwhile remembers the time that Mud was a statue

Silverstream: Ah yes! I remember that day... wasn't that when... you, Mud, Trixie, Maud, and my brother were looking for me when I was studying a cockatrice, Principal Starlight?

Starlight nods

Starlight: It was, yes. Whew, that was a doozy of a day... thankfully we found you safe and sound. Although in the case of Mud and Maud, it did inspire them to go see Twilight for a little bit. Maud restocked on this magical rock candy that could transform ponies into living, and moving rock ponies. And Maud wished from Twilight to make a variant for Mud that could transform ponies into a treant form. Safe to say they've been using them commonly ever since, sometimes they become their respective interests. Sometimes they let themselves be the other's interest to mix it up.

Maud holds up one of the candies to Chrysalis

Maud: Don't knock it til you try it, being a golem is… rock solid.

This pun is met with laughter from Pinkie, but an eye roll from Chrysalis.

Chrysalis: So you ponies really can't help but mimic changelings can you, trying to beat us at the transformation game? Hmph, I'm insulted that you'd even try! Living stone, living tree ponies, you still cannot measure up to what I'm capable of!"

Maud: Then show us, unless you're all talk.

Silverstream: Ooo ooo ooo, me first! I want to see you transform into an aquatic form! Just like how I can!

Silverstream's necklace glows, and her entire body then is enclosed by bright yellow and pink waves of magic, once the stream of magic dissipates. Gone is SIlverstream's more bird-like features, her hindlegs and tail replaced with that of a large, and long fish-like tail and her face looks more pony-like. Not being able to stand in this form, she sits down on the ground and flicks her tail a couple of times.

Chrysalis huffs

Chrysalis: You dare challenge my transformative abilities!? Ha! Paltry transformations such as that are no issue for a changeling queen! Watch!

Green flames dance around Chrysalis' body as she begins to transform. Pinkie's eyes widen as she pulls popcorn from seemingly nowhere. Maud meanwhile is still looking unimpressed, but that is her standard appearance. When the flames dissipate, Chrysalis is shown to be more like Silverstream yet she has a more shark like appearance, sporting gills and razor sharp fangs.

Chrysalis: Hmph, impressed? I took your form but added something that suits me better!

Silverstream and Pinkie clap and grin.

Silverstream: That’s so cooooool!

Pinkie: Oooooh very nice~! Now do me! But like… the younger me! See if you can remember what I used to look like!"

Chrysalis: Really....?

Chrysalis sighs and once again transforms, her body becoming much smaller to match Pinkie's original younger self. Though it's clear Chrysalis is struggling to smile like Pinkie does. Cheese is immediately brought into a fit of nostalgia seeing the younger Pinkie that Chrysalis transformed into

Cheese: Ahhh... those were some good times... I remember the day of not only our Goof-off but our work together on Rainbow's birthaversery like it was only yesterday...

Cheese gently wraps a hoof around his marefriend's neck and hugs her tighter looking up as they remember the days they first properly met. As the couple reminisced about the past. Silverstream clapped like a seal for both of Chrysalis transformations.

Silverstream: Now how about a more avian form, like how I was when I first got here!

Once again Silverstream's necklace glows, and pink and yellow waves of magic envelop her again as she reforms into her hippogriff form once more.

Silverstream: CAW CAWWWWWW!

Silverstream exerts a loud bird call that echoes through the bottom layer of the hive before gigglesnorting. Silverstream clearly paid a lot of attention to Pinkie during laughter classes.

Pinkie also lets herself be taken back by the memories, embracing Cheese

Pinkie: Ahhhh yeah, could you imagine that I actually thought you were trying to replace me as Ponyville's party pony? I was so silly back then! Oooh, you know I wonder how Chryssy here would stack up! She looks like a party pony, but can she act like one?

Chrysalis rolls her eyes but can at least appreciate another taste of Pinkie and Cheese's love for each other. Before she can transform back, she hears Silverstream's request.

Chrysalis: No, you're not getting that answer. Anything's better than this form… I'll show you my transformative superiority!

Chrysalis didn't realize she was still using Pinkie's voice when she said that, it did elicit a dull chuckle from Maud and a giggle from Pinkie. The flames burst around Chrysalis once more but instead of fully dissipating, they remained as she transformed into a large green and black phoenix

Chrysalis: How's this for your avian needs?

Silverstream once again claps wildly, she’s loving all of Chrysalis’ transformations.

Silverstream: Aweeeeessoooooooommmmeeee!

Meanwhile, Maud whispers something to Mud and then looks back to Chrysalis. She reaches into her pocket and holds up Boulder

Maud: How about you transform into Boulder? See if you can match his big personality"

Chrysalis pauses, unsure if Maud is being serious.

Chrysalis: What....? Really?"

Starlight chuckles awkwardly knowing this is going to sound very strange to Chrysalis

Starlight: Uh... yeah... Boulder is Maud's... pet rock... Mud Briar has something quite similar as well, a tree branch he calls Twiggy. But hey, don't we all have some strange attachment to an inanimate object? I myself had a houseplant I named Phyliss! Sadly, she wilted some years ago... but I do have her ‘daughter’, Phyliss Jr.! She follows in her mother's root steps very much! Just like I do!

Silverstream: I didn't bring them here... but I do have plenty of seashell friends back in Seaquestria!

Pinkie: I’ve had my fair share of inanimate friends! Madama LeFlour, Rocky, and more!

It takes a moment for this information to sink in for Chrysalis. She blinks a few times, then lets out a very audible sigh

Chrysalis: I was right, ponies are crazy...."

Pinkie laughs

Pinkie: Aaaaw come on! Then what was that branch we saw in there with you?"

Chrysalis glares at Pinkie, yet at the same time she looks as if she'd just been caught red hooved.

Chrysalis: Y-You saw nothing! Just a trick of the light! Nothing more! F-fine I'll transform into that rock if you so desire! Inanimate objects are within a changeling's repertoire!

She said quickly, trying to change the subject. The flames engulf her body once more, and she shrinks down to boulder's shape and size, albeit with a face

Chrysalis: See? I-I can do it just fine! ....moving's impossible but that's the point of inanimate transformations I suppose..."

Cheese: I did see that branch too, dear... but I didn't want to comment cause I thought it was... well... you know... one of those... ‘adult toys’... I didn't want to butt in on the Queen's... ‘habits…’

The mere mention of a branch in Chrysalis cell perks up Mud Briar's interest

Mud Briar: You carry around a branch too? ...May I see it?

Chrysalis: IT'S NOT FOR THAT! N-NOT THAT IT EXISTS IN THE FIRST PLACE!

Chrysalis barks, in the boulder form it looks like she's making short hops. She quickly transforms back into her normal form, rushing to a corner, trying her best to hide something within her cell. But since all eyes were already on her, it was having the opposite effect of what she was trying to do.

Maud: You realize we all saw that right....? There's no point in hiding it. Now that we know it's there. Maybe it just needs more friends. Twiggy and Boulder don't bite.

Maud says while holding Boulder even closer to the cell

Chrysalis: No it does not!

Chrysalis snarls once more, this time waving her hoof in front of the group, not realizing that was the hoof that was also holding said branch. Now everypony could see that she did indeed have it, and it was an oddly familiar shade of purple too

Cheese: Huh, why does the color of that branch seem... familiar... it almost matches Princess Twilight's coat

The excitable hippogriff waves her hands as if she was answering a question in class again.

Silverstream: Oooo ooo ooo! I bet Chrysalis really actually wanted a Twilight Sparkle plush or figure, but she doesn't have much money! So she's going for the next best thing! Chrysalis painted the branch the Princess's color, she just needs more material! If we can get her some decorations, maybe some glitter... and voila! She'll have her very own creative keepsake of the Princess!

Pinkie: Ooooh maybe you’re right, Silverstream! Maybe all this time she's been a secret fan of Twilight! Don't you worry, Chryssy, we won't tell her!

Pinkie winks

Pinkie: No wonder she's acting all secretive, she's just shy!"

Chrysalis: You will do no such thing! And I am not shy!

A greenish blush came across Chrysalis' face, not only did they see the purple branch, but now they were assuming it was from some forbidden love for Twilight Sparkle!

Chrysalis: You are correct that it looks like her coat color but only because it was what I used to make her doppelganger! But it has no basis in ....ugh, love for Twilight Sparkle! Are you all so dense to think I, the queen of the changelings with a hatred for ponies, would have a love for THAT mare?!"

Maud: You say that but then why keep it around if you didn't feel anything?

Maud asks while tilting her head

Maud: If you don't want it, then give it to Mud, he'll happily take it off your hooves.

Chrysalis: NO!

She blurts out, holding the branch away from the group

Chrysalis: It...I....It gives me comfort! Something to talk to! That's all you need to know!

Her eyes twitched, this was the last thing she wanted these ponies to find out about

Chrysalis: (This is like Cozy Glow finding out about it all over again…) You will not mention this to anypony!

Mud Briar: TECHNICALLY, we already knew, because of Dis-

Starlight instantly teleports to Mud Briar's side and shushes him

Starlight: Ixnay on the Discorday...

Starlight whispered sternly towards the tall brown stallion.

A death glare is shot in Mud Briar's direction as he's about to mention Discord's name. She slowly nods her head when Starlight stops him in a way that says.

Chrysalis: You just got lucky she stopped you…

It was quite clear Mud Briar is not winning any points with the queen. Mudnods, while Starlight makes an effort to change the subject

Starlight: Ok now... I think that's quite enou-

Silverstream: WAAAAAIIIIIIIT!

Starlight: Huh? What is it, Silverstream?

Silverstream: I have ONE more transformation request for Chrysalis, then we can move on to the next thing! Can I please, Starlight?

Starlight blinks, and shrugs

Starlight: Uh, I suppose...

Silverstream: YAAAAAY! Chrysalis! Can you... transform... into... A STAIRCASE?!

Silverstream's request takes her by even more surprise than Maud's request did

Chrysalis: What so you can just walk all over me than you already have?

This whole ordeal has been a ridiculous display in Chrysalis' eyes. It was asinine, insane...in fact it was laughable. But she wasn't going to let out a genuine laugh just yet.

Chrysalis: Fine, I'll turn into the best staircase you've ever seen!

Green flames once again dance around Chrysalis' body, soon going as wide as the cell had allowed. She changed to a jet black set of stairs, complete with ornate looking green handrails. Her eyes were on one stair while her mouth was on a lower set. It did look a bit odd but she completed Silverstream's request

Chrysalis: There! Are you happy now? Gonna just tread all over the queen!? Go ahead! I already feel ridiculous, I could almost laugh!

Although Chrysalis expected this to be just another joke at her expense, she instead hears a loud and long squee from the Hippogriff. The queen felt the sensation of a child and her favorite toy, but instead for this full-grown hippogriff for something as mundane as a staircase.

The whole conversation about a being and an odd sort of attachment to even objects that are incapable of loving them back still provided some interesting flavors of love for the Queen even if it is more hollow compared to mutual love between two actual living beings.

Something about it, perhaps reminded her a little too much of when she too was once so innocent to the "evils" of this world, and had a fascination for every little thing she saw for the first time and could transform into...

Silverstream was not as young as she was a decade ago anymore, but she still carried much of what Chrysalis could call naivety, but also a sense that the hippogriff still had a sort of innocence that could very well be envied. Even if Chrysalis first instinct is to dismiss it as she simply being smarter than the hippogriff that spent a little too much time under the water in her early life

The fact that Chrysalis tasted genuine love from Silverstream over her being a staircase took her by complete surprise.

Chrysalis: (She...actually loves staircases? What a strange creature...but I'm not going to say no to another free meal...And that look on her face…)

She actually takes some time to remain in the form before transforming back. Looking at Silverstream she can't help but see a younger version of herself. A smiling, wide eyed Chrysalis, the thought made her look away from the group.

Chrysalis: (There's something I haven't thought about in some time… nor felt this kind of love in so long either…)

She soon shakes her head though

Chrysalis: (No...I was just a naive grub back then. That time is past…)

She mutters to herself internally before looking back at the group with a bit of a smirk on her face. The closest thing she's given to a smile this whole session.

Chrysalis: Does that satisfy your transformative requests? Did I not prove my superiority?

Starlight: I'm not so sure the transformation requests were meant to be a contest, although... that does give me the idea of one last activity for the day... How would all of you feel about a laughing contest... though not just ANY laughing contest... an EVIL laugh contest! Where our contenders will belt out their best "Mua ha ha's" they can muster!

I was going to have just the contestants be just myself and Chrysalis. But... I am willing to take at least one volunteer from the rest of you to join in, if you'd like. Every one else will be given cards that represent a score out of 10, so you can be our 4 judges!

Chrysalis raises an eyebrow at Starlight's contest suggestion. She doesn't look enthused by the idea, yet she doesn't protest to it either.

Chrysalis: You truly think you can beat me at that, Starlight Glimmer? Please, if mua ha ha is your best attempt, you should just give up now!

The prospect of a laugh off is just too much for Pinkie to resist, she starts to bounce in place.

Pinkie: EEEEE I have to join in!

She rushes over to Cheese

Pinkie: Cheesey, I need you to be totally fair with the judging. I'll be sure to make you proud as my super special party pony!

She then turns to Maud

Pinkie: And Maud, you're one of the funniest ponies I know, so I know you'll be a fair judge. But don't give me an advantage just because we're sisters!"

Maud blinks and nods

Maud: You can count on me to be fair and balanced, Pinkie. I wouldn't be a good comedian if I just let you win.

Pinkie hugs her sister and her special somepony before stepping forward

Pinkie: I will be the third competitor in this laugh off!"

Chrysalis stifles a laugh

Chrysalis: Oh this will be too easy. Tell you what, I'm actually feeling what's that word… generous? You two can go first. We should save the best for last after all.

Starlight: Alright, I'll go first then. Just give me a moment to see if I can... ‘get back in the zone’, so to speak... Ahem...

Starlight takes a moment to attempt to channel her former self. As a way of helping her feel like who she used to be, she holds a mirror as she uses her magic to change her mane into her more matronly haircut from those days. She smugly grins to the mirror, and then looks toward the judges.

Starlight: Anypony want a cutie mark stolen? You know, just for old times sake?~

She giggles, clearly only kidding. By now, Starlight can now laugh about her past self having come to terms with her past the more she's carried on. The longer it's been since her Our Town ruling days, the more it begins to simply feel like a blip in her life.

At the same time though, that makes it rather difficult for Starlight to really get back into form. As she even struggles to even think just how many mwa's and ha's she should say in a row. She audily hums a bit trying to get back in the rhythm of a good evil laugh. Before taking a deep breath before...

Starlight: Mwa... ha ha.. MUUUWAAAA- cough cough AaaaAAAAAaaack!

Starlight gets into a bit of cough fit.

Silverstream: Oh no! Principal Starlight, are you ok?!

Starlight coughs a bit more, but tries to recover herself.

Starlight: No! I'm… cough ok…! cough Looks like I just didn't… cough catch my breath enough…! cough Sorry...

Her coughs finally begin to die down, and she takes some time to make sure her coughing fit stops.

Starlight: Alright, let's try that again...

Starlight gets her chance for a mulligan

Starlight: Mua ha ha... Muuuuuua ha... ha? Ha ha ha... mua la.... Muha Muha haaaaa!

Starlight tries many more variations of this, but the laughs barely sound evil at all. She's just mixing up the stereotypical evil laugh around, even Silverstream is cringing and scratching her head in reaction to Starlight's attempts. Mud Briar on his part yawns, and Cheese tilts his head and frowns.

Cheese: Did she really rule over a town laughing like THAT? I don't know how that could’ve happened…

Silverstream: Yeaaaaah.... I'm sorry, Principal Starlight.... but...

Silverstream puts up a 4 card

Silverstream: a 4's about as high as I can give... And even THAT might be a bit too generous...

Cheese meanwhile puts up a 2, and sticks a star shaped sticker that says “You tried” on it

Then Mud Briar puts up what looks initially like a perfect 10 which raises Starlight's hopes a bit. Until she realizes there's a decimal point added between the 1 and the 0 on the 10 card. That's a 1.0 out of 10. Beyond just being harshly rated, she's confused on why Mud didn't just use the one card

Starlight: Uh, Mud Briar. There's already a 1 card in your possession. you didn't need to edit the 10...

Mud: I prefer a decimal point system when it comes to rating out of 10. It has more nuance than the average 10 point scale. Whereas 1 out of 10 would be the equivalent of the worst evil laugh of all time normally. Instead a 0 or a 0.1 would truly fit the bill for an accurate score of that magnitude. Your laughing was bad, but it least counts as an evil laugh. You could have still done far worse

Starlight deadpanned

Starlight: Gee, thanks...

Maud held up a similarly edited card as Mud Briar's. Though it was a 1.5

Maud: I have to agree with Mud, there was an attempt made but it lacked conviction. The laugh was sort of there but you almost sounded confused rather than evil. We were nice enough to allow the multiple attempts too..."

Chrysalis stood back in the cell, withholding her laughter from Starlight's attempt at a villain laugh. She covers her mouth with a hoof, but it's clear she found it funny.. .just not for the right reasons.

Pinkie puts an arm around Starlight's shoulder

Pinkie: Aww don't worry Starlight! It just means you're way more good than evil!

Starlight smiles and nods to Pinkie's comfort.

Starlight: Heh, yeah. A silver lining is that this just means I really have left my past behind me.

She says as she reverts her mane back to normal

Pinkie: Now it's my turn! You all be nice now, I don't get to try this kind of laugh often!"

She clears her throat, followed by some odd vocal exercises.

Pinkie: Mi mi mi mi, pbbbbth blah! Bleh bleh!

It was quite the odd display, with even goofier faces to go with it.

Pinkie: OKAY, NOW I'M READY!!

She physically pushes down on her eyebrows to look ‘mean’, her mane even going flat as she takes a deep breath before letting out her evil laugh

Pinkie: Heeheheheheeee HAHAHAHAHAHA! Ahahahahahaha!

It was actually quite an impressive start. Pinkie even grabbed her face to complete the 'gone mad' look, however, she caught a glimpse of what she looked like in some of the reflective rocks and then burst into a different kind of giggling fit.

Pinkie: Hee hee hee! Ha ha ha snort hahahaha!

That moment of evil laughter quickly shifted to Pinkie's normal laugh, her mane poofing back up to its regular look. She fell back on the ground, kicking her legs and continuing to giggle as if she were being tickled

After Pinkie's performance. Silverstream claps for her former teacher, even though Pinkie doesn't teach at the school any more. Silverstream and a few of the other Student Six still call them professor as an honorary title.

Silverstream: Well done, Professor Pinkie!

The pink hippogriff lifts up a 9, whereas Pinkie's special somepony is actually a bit nervous of which card he should pick. He's going to rate her high, there was no doubt about that. But he wonders if Pinkie would still be disappointed in him if he didn't give her a perfect 10. Though at the very least, Pinkie's word about being a fair judge gives him some form of out. He ultimately picks the 9

Cheese: Very nice, my little cupcake! I'm only deducting a point for the laugh becoming not evil at the very end... I'm sorry if you wanted a perfect score...

Mud meanwhile puts up another edited score with 7.8 before simply commenting

Mud Briar: Seven point eight. Too much hehe's

Maud holds up an 8.5 and even gives a small smile

Maud: Very nice, Pinkie. If you didn't crack at the end, you would've gotten a higher score. I think you still might be able to take the win.

Chrysalis in the background, rolled her eyes dismissively as Pinkie bowed to the judges

Pinkie: Thank you! Thank you! I really had to stretch my laugh muscles on that one! You never know, I might be the next supervillain!

She giggles, clearly joking

Pinkie: Getting to be around all of Equestria's villains gave me a lot to work with!

She looks back towards Chrysalis

Pinkie: Now it's your turn, Chryssy! Show us what you've got!

Chrysalis: I'll admit, that was a far better attempt than I thought you'd make. It's almost a shame you have to be up against me. Otherwise you would actually win. Especially against that previous display.

She said, clearly taking a jab at Starlight

Chrysalis: But allow me to show you all how it's done.

The room goes silent as all eyes fall on Chrysalis. She lowers her head so that her mane covers her face.

Chrysalis: Hm hm hm hm…

She starts off with the low chuckle

Chrysalis: Heh heh heh heh heh heh…

Her voice picks up in tone, getting louder, she raises her head just enough so that they can see her fangs

Chrysalis: Gya hahahahahahaha!

Her voice bellows through the cave, with her voice already having a reverberation to it, it adds to the overall echo

Chrysalis: BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

She flings her head back, now using her wings to flutter as high as she can within her cell. Her voice now at it's maximum volume causes a bit of rumbling around them as if her laughter was shaking the room. It could make your hair stand on end, all that was missing was some thunder and lightning. She flutters back down with a very confident smirk

Chrysalis: That is how you do it!

Cheese Sandwich and Silverstream are both overwhelmed with chills from Chrysalis laughter.

Cheese: Well.. she is obviously the reformee for a reason...

Silverstream just nodded along, oddly quiet for someone of her personality. As the both of them give the Perfect 10's that Chrysalis was expecting. Giving Chrysalis all the confidence that she's won this silly little contest before it was all down to the monotone pair. Though both Maud and Mud seem oddly deep in thought.

Mud: Hmmmm... that WAS good... however... I feel you may have oversold it a little... evil laughs don't need to literally shake their surroundings. That's a quick way to alert the heroes to your presence for your inevitable defeat, not to mention if it weren't for Changeling engineering being as solid as it is. It could quickly invite a rockslide to end your evil plot for the rest of time. Nonetheless, this is a solid 7.7 from me.

Chrysalis looked smugly at the two 10 scores she got from Silverstream and Cheese

Chrysalis: To be expected~!

Turning to Mud and Maud however, the former’s score quickly soured her mood. She scoffs as she responds to Mud’s judging.

Chrysalis: Hmph, you just don't understand the nuance of the laugh! There's a grandeur to it, subtlety be damned! Forgive me for being used to doing it in a throne room and the like!

(Seriously, 7.7?! I'd like to see him try to match my laugh!)

She looks to Maud, hoping that she will at least appreciate her laugh.

Maud looked down at her score that she initially wrote, but Mud made a good point. Chrysalis' laugh, while it was consistent with the challenge and evil nature. It was clearly being hammed up and like Starlight's, had a bit of a forced tone to it. She can be seen writing something in before holding up a 6.5.

Chrysalis' jaw dropped, she thought she put her all into that laugh! She stamped at the ground

Chrysalis: 6.5? 6.5?! EXPLAIN YOURSELF!

Maud: While your form was well done, it's like Mud said, your performance was overdone. Something tells me it's not one you would have actually done with one of your plans going well. Are we wrong?

Chrysalis: I...I...how dare you!" She looked away, as much as she didn't want to admit, they had a point. Chrysalis let herself get swept up in the competition. Almost like...she was having fun with it and couldn't help but go over the top. "You've got to be kidding me....biased much?"

It took Pinkie a moment to do the math in her head, but when it clicked, she let out a shocked gasp.

Pinkie: Does this mean....I WON!?

Starlight: Hold on... let me check the math on this... Not that I don't believe you Pinkie, but... I want to be sure...

Starlight counts all the scores including herself on a sheet of paper in her binder. She only had an abysmal 8.5 out of a possible 40. Before getting into Chrysalis score next, before counting Pinkie's score

Starlight: Ten plus 10,, plus seven point seven, plus six point five is 34.2...

Now... Nine plus nine, plus seven point eight, plus eight point five is...

Starlight gasped loudly

Starlight: Thirty... four... point... THREE! Pinkie! You've won by literally a SINGLE decimal point!

Pinkie: OH MY GOSH, I DIDN'T KNOW I HAD IT IN ME! I'd like to thank all the villains we've defeated that inspired my laugh! That includes you two of course! We'll have to do this again! See if I can keep hold of the title of Number 1 villainous party pony!

Pinkie beams and giggles. She heads on over to Cheese and Maud’s side to hug them both in celebration.

Chrysalis: I cannot believe this, I was robbed!

Chrysalis protests while Pinkie prances around the room

Chrysalis: Just you wait, the next time I'll be on top where I belong! You won't be keeping that title for long, Pinkie Pie!

She barked before realizing what she just said. 'Next time'? Did she really just imply that she'd want to go through this ridiculousness again? That there would be a next time? No, there's no way she could want that! She looked down at Starlight

Chrysalis: At least I know my laugh was far better than yours, what even was that laugh? I thought you were a villain yourself at one point in time! There's no possible way you could have stricken fear into hearts like that! Even with all my transformations, I don't think I could mimic that"

She said with a genuine chuckle, though she didn't even bother to hide it that time.

Starlight internally hoof pumps having gotten that chuckle out of Chrysalis. Though she doesn't rub it in the queen's face, instead she just writes it down on the binder. 'Chrysalis can't resist a good competition". She puts an asterisk and puts a note to self on the bottom to keep this in mind when it's Loyalty day.

Responding to Chrysalis' jabs at her, she just shrugs.

Starlight: Hey, I've been out of the villain game for a while now... once again the silver lining is that it's indicative of how much I've really changed since then. Maybe in a decade from now your evil laugh could end up weakening too if you're not careful~

Chrysalis: Ha! Now that's the funniest thing I've heard all day! No matter what you may think, Starlight. I'm still going to be myself. In fact I can guarantee my laugh will still be just as wicked as ever!

She laughs, though it doesn't sound like much of an evil one, in fact it almost sounds cute. Though with all the commotion from the other group only Starlight would have been able to hear it.

Starlight: On another note though, I think with that we're done with laughter lessons for today. Thank you so much for your participation, Chrysalis!

Chrysalis: Phbbbt, you ponies are just too ridiculous, thinking I can change like that. I'm just glad this session is coming to an end. I'll be looking forward to some much needed silence.

Starlight: However… before we go… Pinkie, take this piece of portal gum and see if you can bake us some cupcakes. And I have a particular flavor and design in mind...

Chrysalis looks at Chrysalis for color references

Starlight: Dark chocolate, heart shaped sprinkles, with green and dark cerulean frosting!

Chrysalis’ ears do perk up at the potential of surprise desserts that will be coming their way via Pinkie Pie. Even more curious as to their description.

Chrysalis: Trying to satiate me with sweets? You know that won't work on me right? ...I'm not going to deny free food of course, but do not think that accepting it means anything!

Pinkie nods and grabs the portal gum

Pinkie: You got it! I had a feeling I'd be baking some cupcakes, luckily I've always got a batch baking at home! Give me just a sec! I'll make sure to give Chryssy an extra special one with a little horn too!

She activates the portal and hops in as Chrysalis shakes her head and asks aloud towards Starlight

Chrysalis: How do you even manage to live alongside them?

Starlight chuckles

Starlight: It takes time to get used to their exuberance, but each and every one of them grows on you as you get to know them better. There's a charm to having friends around who simply want to see you face each day with a smile.... or at least tell you poems about rocks as you fly kites with them in some particular cases.

Chrysalis shakes her head

Chrysalis: Hmph I would think one would be driven to madness like that. I'll just take your word for it...

Internally though Chrysalis thinks back to something Mean Twilight had told her, about needing friends, and then the memory of the time she spent with Tirek and Cozy popped into her head. As much as she had a feeling that they would have stabbed her in the back, she also can't deny there was something there. Something building before it had all crashed down. She'd seen the magic of friendship up close too many times to deny its existence but she still didn't want to accept it.

Pinkie came back rather quickly, it was definitely much sooner than one would expect to bake a whole batch of cupcakes and let them cool properly. Yet, there she was with a full tray of cupcakes that looked just like Chrysalis' color scheme.

Pinkie: Here we go everypony! There's plenty to go around!

She darts around the room, placing a cupcake in everypony's hooves in a flash of pink light. Even somehow making her way into Chrysalis' cell to give her the special cupcake of honor. It not only had the additional horn but it had a smiley face with fangs on it too to represent Chrysalis.

Chrysalis: This is...

She stared down at the tiny smiling face looking back at her. Despite everything she'd done to them in the past, they were still willing to give her a shot. And nothing they did felt forced either. She saw the smiles on Pinkie, Cheese, Silverstream, and even saw the small smirks on Maud and Mud.

Chrysalis: I still think you're all crazy…

#my little pony #my little pony friendship is magic #starlight glimmer #queen chrysalis #IDOTS stories #chrysalis #changeling #Earnest Empathetic Change #pinkie pie #cheese sandwich #silverstream #maud pie #mud briar #transformation

10 notes · View notes