“You want me to what?” Twilight shrieked.

“I’m asking-”

“I know what you said. I just...Have you completely lost your mind?” Twilight asked.

“Please?” Cadance begged, “All I’m asking for is one little favor.”

“A little favor?” Twilight’s eye started twitching slightly, “You call asking for me to house a supposedly reformed villain for an undetermined time and try to be friends with her, a ‘little favor’?”

Cadance rolled her eyes, “Okay, so it’s kind of a big favor. A massive one. But will you do this for me, please?”

Twilight just gave her a deadpan stare. “Give me a good reason why I should. For that matter, why do I have to babysit her? Why can’t you?”

“Because these two,” Cadance said, pointing at the scowling figures beside her, “don’t know how to play nice with each other for more than five minutes. I can’t do my job if I have to keep them from strangling each other all the time. But now that you know about our situation, you can entertain her for a while and I don't have to worry about her getting into trouble.”

“As much as I'd rather hang out with her, she's right,” Chrysalis said. “We both have our duties to do, but neither of us can get anything done if Shining can't control himself.”

“Hi Pot, I’m Kettle,” Shining muttered.

Chrysalis ignored him and continued, “We all know you don't have any important royal duties to attend to so you are the best option outside of me strolling around Equestria myself. Which, to be honest, gets boring very quickly. One can only see Las Pegasus so many times before it loses its appeal,” She then grimaced, “Not even that much love there anyways. Filthy money grubbers.”

“Ugh, fine,” Twilight huffed, “Does anypony else know about this? Actually, does Celestia know? I would hope that you at least had the sense to tell her about all this.”

Shining and Cadance froze at the mention of Celestia while Chrysalis gave them both inquisitive, yet wary looks. The air was thick with tension as neither of them could meet Twilight’s accusatory glare.

Cadance gulped and began to speak, “W-Well, you see…”

“Cadance threatened me not to tell anypony after I found out so Chrysalis wouldn’t get arrested and after I gave Chrysalis a second chance we really didn’t bring it up again.” Shining blurted out. After seeing the betrayed expression on Cadance’s face, he added, “What? It’s true!”

Twilight was suddenly glad she was still bound, otherwise she would have not been responsible for what she would have done. “Are you two KIDDING me?” she screeched, her eye twitching madly, “You haven’t told Celestia that you’re frequently meeting with somepony who tried to invade Canterlot? Do you two have any idea how dangerous that is? And now you expect me to watch over her for some time? I-Jus-Aaaaaaauuughhh!”

Twilight’s mane ignited as she screamed. She hadn’t felt this frustratingly mad since trying to figure out Pinkie Pie. Her cry of rage was abruptly cut off when a blast of cold water smashed into her face, almost knocking her out of the chair. Shaking the wet hair out of her eyes, she saw Chrysalis standing near an open bathroom door with her magic channelling the water while Shining and Cadance were huddled behind their couch inside a bubble shield.

Chrysalis was the first to speak up, “Is this a thing that happens often because I'm starting to reconsider staying with an unstable unicorn.”

“Hey!” Twilight protested, “I am very much capable of making calm, calculated decisions, thank you very much.”

“In all my experience with you, I've yet to see that.”

Before Twilight could form a proper retort, Cadance spoke up, “Actually, Chryssy, you're probably safer with Twilight than Celestia.”

Chrysalis tensed up. “Why's that?”

Cadance couldn't quite meet her eyes as she explained, “Remember that duel you had with her during the wedding?”

“How can I forget? It took almost all the love I had to push her back!”

With a grimace, Cadance said, “Yeeaah. She kinda took it a bit… personally. Let's just say she had a couple hundred statues made of you for creative target practice. Emphasis on creative.”

In an instant, Chrysalis was sidled up next to Twilight with an arm around her shoulder. “On second thought, staying with you sounds like fun. You wouldn't happen to have an alicorn proof guest room, would you?” She had a wide grin that didn't reach the fear in her eyes.

Twilight tried to squirm her way out of Chrysalis’ embrace. “No, I don't. What about Luna? I'm sure she could watch over Chrysalis.”

Now it was Shining’s turn to act awkwardly, “About that. Luna already knows about all of this.”

“Wait, what?” The mares of the room said in unison, though with different following statements.

“Why didn't you say so earlier?”

“What do you mean she knew?”

“Since when?”

Shining rubbed his neck, “She, uh, kinda knew what was going on since the morning after we…” he glanced at his sister, “Um, after the anniversary. I was hoping to use her as a backup to arrest Chrysalis, but for some reason she took Cadance’s side. As for her watching over Chrysalis, I think that if she does, then that means it’s easier for Celestia to find out.”

Chrysalis nodded, “Not like I was going to stay with her anyways. I don’t want to think about what Luna would drag me into.”

“Gladiator style sparring matches and drinking contests,” Cadance said matter-of-factly, causing Chrysalis to blanch.

Twilight frowned, “Okay, so leaving Chrysalis here isn’t much of an option, but that still doesn’t erase the fact that I’ll have to make sure she doesn’t try to drain Ponyville of its love. I can’t watch her and spend time with my friends simultaneously.”

Cadance coughed, “Well that was kind of another reason for her to stay with you. If she was with you, then you could help her gather love energy.” The tension in the following silence was palpable. Cadance smiled like a con-pony desperate for a deal.

Twilight returned it with an incredulous look. She really wished she was free so she could pinch the bridge of her nose. “Cadance, you do realize how ridiculous that sounds, right? What makes you think I’m going to just line up ponies for Chrysalis to drain of their love? Housing her is one thing. Letting her feed off my friends and I is completely different.”

“It doesn’t have to be your friends,” Chrysalis said, shrugging her shoulders, “I’m not picky where I gather love. However, it’s still part of my duties. The only reason I’ll agree to stay with you is if you help with it.”

Before Twilight could give a retort, Cadance spoke up, “Twilight, she’s already gotten a lot of love from me. While you were asleep, I asked how much she usually gathers and it’s not much at all. Now if she were to go with you, she may still gather enough. Friendship is just another form of love after all.”

Cadance smirked, “Who knows? Maybe you can devise a new method to acquire love? With a bit of experimentation, you could find a more efficient way of gathering love. Of course, that may require a bit of research into how changelings gather love and all sorts of little details. I mean, you could probably make a whole project out of it, and who knows? It could lead to peace between ponies and changelings and you could receive a No Bell Peace Prize.” She said the last few words in a sing song voice, like she was offering a treat.

Twilight responded with only a blank stare for a few moments before saying, “You know, the funny thing is I know what you’re doing... but you’re completely right and I hate it,” She then turned to her brother, “What about you? I’m surprised you aren’t objecting to this idea.”

“Oh, I am,” Shining said. “Believe me, I don’t like the idea of her sleeping on your couch as much as you, but at least you can keep tabs on her and make sure she doesn’t try any of her old tricks this way,” He blatantly ignored the two death glares directed at him from the mares on his couch, “The only reason I’m agreeing to this is to oversee security if you do let her stay. As long as you’re safe, I’m happy.”

Chrysalis rolled her eyes, “Ugh, spare me. You make it sound like I’m going to smother her in her sleep or something. If anything, I’ll probably draw all over her face.” She flashed the purple unicorn wicked smile full of dark promises.

Twilight made a note to hide all her markers when she got home. “Well, I certainly appreciate your concern, Shining, but I’m pretty sure I can handle her myself. I live in Ponyville, after all. Besides, I’ve got a few anti-changeling measures I’ve been wanting to try out for some time. Now can somepony get me out of this stuff already? My arms are starting to go numb.”

“Huh, I guess you were right,” Chrysalis said as her horn lit up, breaking Twilight’s bonds, “She really is a sucker for science.”

“Hey!” Twilight jabbed a now freed finger at her. “Research is one of the cornerstones of society as we know it. Without it, we wouldn’t have half the things we do!”

“Whatever, nerd. I’ll play along with your research, if only because I’m a little curious as well,” Chrysalis pointed a finger back at Twilight, “But the moment I’m strapped to a table or getting probed, I’m draining you first.”

Shining sat up straight and raised a fist, “You try anything with Twilight and I’ll- Ow!”

“Ahh!” Chrysalis yelped.

Cadance pulled tighter on their ears, “Neither of you will be doing anything to each other if I have anything to say about it.” She let go of their ears, but that didn’t stop them from glaring daggers at each other. “Now get going, Chryssy. I’ll lend you some bits for a train ticket.”

****

‘If somepony told me this morning I would be on a train with the changeling queen, I’d have called them crazy.’ Twilight thought as she stared at Chrysalis, who was trying to ignore her by reading some magazine she had ‘picked up’.

Because they were in public, Chrysalis had adopted the form of a dark grey pegasus mare with a forest green mane and yellow eyes, wearing a simple white blouse and skirt. She kept the same figure as before, but shortened her height to about average for a pony. Her cutie mark, from what the skirt revealed, was an emerald in the shape of a heart. What disturbed Twilight the most was how normal Chrysalis acted. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought Chrysalis was just another mare on a train. If Chrysalis could pull this act off so well, then why didn’t she impersonate Cadance again? Questions brewed in Twilight’s mind, growing exponentially as she-

“You know you could just ask me, right?” Chrysalis’ voice interrupted, not bothering to look up from her magazine. Twilight jumped in surprise with a small yelp as her horn flared with magic.

“How did you-”

“-know you wanted to ask questions? I can feel your curiosity, remember? Plus, you wouldn’t stop staring at my face.” Chrysalis smirked as she glanced at Twilight.

Twilight blushed in embarrassment, “Oh.”

“I’d suggest you save your questions for later. For now, I have one of my own.” Chrysalis put down the magazine and folded her hands in her lap “What’s the plan?”

Twilight blinked, “Excuse me?”

“Cadance said that you worked on ‘friendship studies’, whatever that means, and that you could help me gather enough love when I’m not around her.” Chrysalis leaned forward. “So what’s your big plan on how to make this work?”

Twilight kept a wary gaze focused on Chrysalis as she spoke, “Well, for starters, I’m going to have to break the news to my friends. You know, the ones you turned against me at the wedding?”

Chrysalis stared back unflinchingly. “What? I’m not apologizing for having stopped a nosey mare. Not like you were the ones who beat me in the end anyways”

“Regardless,” Twilight said, rolling her eyes, “They need to be in the loop too for this to work. I’m not sure if they’ll all be as accepting about this. We’re going to try to take it slow and show them that you aren’t a threat. After that, provided they all agree to help, we’ll try to think of some ideas for you to do to gather love and I’ll record how well it works.”

“As long as I don’t have to do matchmaking or cooking, I’m open to whatever.”

“Alright then,” Twilight said, crossing her arms “For now, I want to know why you’re being so friendly. As much as I don’t like it, Cadance seems to trust you for some reason. How do I know you’re not just playing along for now?”

Chrysalis frowned and rolled her eyes. “I’m beginning to wonder if you’re just Shining in disguise. For your information, Cadance offered me a large sum of love energy if I helped her with her anniversary.” Chrysalis locked eyes with Twilight. “I had her pinned to the wall, ready to leave, and I ended up waiting for her to return from her night on the town so I could receive a massive sum of love. She gave me a second chance despite having the perfect opportunity to lock me up. I’m not stupid enough to turn that down if it means more love energy like that night.”

“Are you really that desperate for love?” Twilight said, half curious and half snarky.

“Are you desperate for food to eat or air to breathe?” Chrysalis retorted, smirking when Twilight couldn’t respond, “As Princess of the Hive, I am obligated to gather love to keep my people alive by any means necessary, be it invasion or making peace. You’re lucky I’m more open minded than my sister.”

Confusion spread across Twilight’s face. “I thought you were a queen? Wait, sister?” Chrysalis’ response only opened more questions than answers.

Chrysalis averted her eyes. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“But-”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Chrysalis gave a firm glare, causing Twilight to drop the subject.

There was a thick silence between them for the next minute. Twilight tried a few times to restart the conversation, but it was clear that Chrysalis was unwilling to answer any personal questions. In the end, Twilight decided to change over to a new topic that needed investigation.

“So….How exactly did wrestling factor in making friends between the three of you?” she asked innocently. Twilight didn’t understand why Chrysalis suddenly blushed and facepalmed.

*****

The train soon arrived at the station and they stepped off into the streets of Ponyville. It looked like a nice, small town with ponies walking around and pegasi moving the clouds for the evening. It was a lot like any other small town that Chrysalis went to on one of her love gathering missions, but something about it was…different than the others. She just dismissed it as paranoia as she followed Twilight through the streets.

“So are we going to do the grand tour now or later?” Chrysalis asked idly as she looked around at the ponies and shops they passed.

“After I check up on Spike. I need to make sure he hasn’t eaten all the ice cream again,” Twilight replied.

“Spike...He’s that pet dragon you brought to the wedding, right?” Chrysalis asked, tapping her chin as she searched her memories.

Twilight turned to glare at Chrysalis. “He’s not a pet. He’s my number one assistant.”

Chrysalis smirked back. “I hear he’s also part of what keeps you sane around here.” That got a startled reaction from her.

“How do you know about that?”

Now it was Chrysalis’ turn to act sheepish as she recalled the knowledge. “I may have been a little revenge hungry since the wedding and tried to figure out the best way to get back at you and your friends.” Seeing Twilight’s concerned expression, she quickly added, “I never really got around to it and by the time I did it wasn’t worth the effort.” Chrysalis put on a wide grin in hopes to placate Twilight, but it seemed to have the opposite effect.

“If you’re trying to give me reasons not to trust you, then you’re doing a fine job at it.”

Chrysalis tried to respond when she was suddenly tackled by a pink blur. She tried to fend off her assailant, only to find herself unable to move. Chrysalis stopped struggling when she locked eyes with the crazy mare.

“Hi! My name’s Pinkie Pie. What’s your name? Are you new to Ponyville? GASP! I need to plan your ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party right away!”

“Get off me, you crazy mare!” Chrysalis screamed as Pinkie kept talking and talking. She was about to blast this mare to the other side of Equestria when Twilight’s magic separated the two of them.

“Pinkie! What are you doing?” Twilight asked

“Silly Twilight. My Pinkie Sense told me that you were coming back with someone that used to be a Meanie McMeanerson and is a Friendly McFrienderson, like Trixie. The only problem is that I can’t figure out who this is!” She gasped loudly, “What if she’s somepony else’s enemy, like Dashie! I bet she made a bunch of enemies in school. Or maybe she was like Gilda and was a meanie pants or- mmphmpphmmmnnph!” Pinkie’s mouth was covered in a pink glow by a frustrated purple unicorn.

“Pinkie, I thought we talked about this, remember when you thought that Time Turner was some sort of time traveler?” Twilight asked, hoping to push some rationale into the situation. To her dismay, Pinkie gasped loudly again when her mouth was released and words poured out like a flood.

“Omigosh!Youv’ealreadybeenherefiveminutesandIhaven’tevenplannedyourwelcomepartyandifyoudon’tgetyourpartythenyou’llbesadandlonelyandwon’thaveanyfriendsandthat’sgonnamakemesadandthat’snotfunforanyponyandI’malreadylatetobakeallthecupcakesfortheparty!Gottagobye!” And just as suddenly as she came, Pinkie disappeared in a whirlwind of pink. Since Chrysalis was in the way, she was sent spinning for a few seconds before crashing to the ground on her back, groaning in pain and exasperation.

“Twilight? Can we go now? I don’t feel so good,” Chrysalis groaned. All the shaking had left the changeling quite nauseated, not to mention the pain from the hitting the ground. As her vision refocused, she could see Twilight smirking at her.

“Consider this payback for planning revenge.” Twilight helped Chrysalis up and put an arm over her shoulder to help steady the sickened mare.

“I’m afraid to ask, but is that mare always like that? It was hard to believe the reports I read about her.” Chrysalis felt her stomach lurch as she moved.

“Yes, but you get used to it. Oh and don’t try to question what she does. Save yourself the trouble of trying to understand Pinkie.”

Chrysalis glanced at her, “Do I want to know?”

“It’s a long story.” Twilight said, “I’ll tell you some other time if you want.”

As the two of them made their way through the town, Chrysalis eyed the ponies walking by, mentally taking notes for potential sources of love should she need it. Of course, she also took notes of possible avenues of escape should events turn for the worse. When they reached the center of town, Chrysalis noticed a familiar face through a store window.

“Where are you going?” Twilight asked as Chrysalis walked away.

“I have some business to attend to,” Chrysalis said, glancing back, “Wait here.” She kept walking and stepped inside the confectionary store she spotted named Bon Bon’s Bonbons. The shelves were lined with various treats that would make many pony’s mouths water, but Chrysalis was more interested in the mare behind the counter, who was currently busy with another customer.

“What are you doing?” Twilight asked in a harsh whisper, jumping inside before the door closed.

Chrysalis rolled her eyes and whispered back, “Must you be so nosy? I told you I have business here.”

“What business? What are you planning?” Twilight asked, but before Chrysalis could answer, the other customer had left.

“Hey there, Twilight,” Bon Bon called out, “What can I do for you?”

“Um, well...”

“Actually, I’m the one here on business,” Chrysalis said, stepping up to the counter.

Bon Bon blinked. “Oh, well what’s your name, Miss?”

“Call me Sweet Heart.” Chrysalis gave a wide smile and flashed magic across her eyes, the common signal for undercover changelings. “Could the three of us speak in private?”

Bon Bon’s eyes widened and the flicked between the new mare and Twilight. “O-Of course!” she stammered before rushing to flip the open sign and shutter the blinds. She then opened the back door and gestured for them to follow. Once they were alone together, Chrysalis dropped her disguise, causing Bon Bon to jump in fright.

“Princess!” After the shock passed, Bon Bon immediately knelt, though she was still shaking. “What’s going on? Am I in trouble? What’s Twilight doing here? Is that Twili-”

“Silence!” Chrysalis commanded, “Now stand up.” Once Bon Bon stood at attention, she continued. “I will overlook you speaking out of turn as I am in need of your services, but rest assured that you are not in trouble.”

“What do you need me for, Your Highness?” Bon Bon asked, relieved yet confused, “Is it more reports?”

Chrysalis shook her head. “No, I have a more important mission. I need you to send a report that I’m going to be out on an unexpected love gathering trip and that I will be out of contact for the time being. It’s short notice, but have them put my appointments on hold until I return.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Anything else?”

“Hold on a second!” Twilight cried, drawing both mare’s attention, “Are you telling me that Bon Bon of all ponies is a changeling? How?” Her confused stare switched between the two.

Bon Bon winced. “Sorry, Twilight.” she said. She morphed an arm into a changeling arm, and then back to a pony arm. “If it makes you feel any better, I don’t cocoon ponies.”

“I’m more concerned by the fact that you’ve been hiding in plain sight for however long you’ve been here!” Twilight said, her voice rising, “Why are you even in Ponyville?” A few strands of her hair started to pop out of place.

“She’s one of many permanent undercover drones who help passing changelings integrate among the locals,” Chrysalis explained, “Not every changeling is good at impersonating a pony.”

Twilight took a few breaths to calm down. Once she was composed enough, she asked, “I suppose that makes sense, but does Lyra know?”

Chrysalis cocked an eyebrow. “Who’s Lyra?”

As if the universe was waiting for that moment, the aforementioned mare walked in through the back door of the shop.

“Hey, Bonnie, do you know where my-” she froze when she saw the three mares staring back at her as if petrified by a cockatrice. “Uh, if this is another one of those ‘integration meetings’, you forgot the sock on the doorknob.”

Bon Bon threw her hands in the air. “Lyra, what have I told you about using the back door?” she yelled.

Lyra grinned lewdly. “Use plenty of lube?”

“Lyra!” Bon Bon’s face, as well as the other’s, blushed, though Chrysalis’ eyes narrowed on the mint mare.

“Aw come on Bonnie, you know you like it when I use your back door.” CLANG!

“I am sooo sorry about that, Your Highness,” Bon Bon apologized, her face beet red. She stood above Lyra’s prone form with a pot held in both hands. “Lyra tends to speak before she thinks.”

“Aww, you love me, you kinky little minx!” Lyra’s muffled voice said before the pot came crashing down on her head once more.

“It’s fine,” Chrysalis said, as she fought to keep her voice level. “I simply trust that you don’t let her interfere with your work.”

“Oh, hey, you’re that queen that tried to invade Canterlot,” Lyra said, “Just so you know, I’m not mad about you hypnotizing me. It’s super hot when Bonnie does it to me.”

This time, Chrysalis grabbed the pot out of Bon Bon’s hands and brought it down on Lyra’s head with a resounding clang before storming out of the room. Twilight and Bon Bon stared after her departure with wide eyes. After a moment’s silence, Twilight looked down at the dazed unicorn.

“Uh, is she going to be okay?” Twilight asked.

“Don’t worry, she’s got a thick skull,” Bon Bon said, “I have to beat some tact into her every once in a while.”

“Yeah, and it’s kinky when she does,” Lyra said before passing out, causing Bon Bon to facepalm.

Twilight shuffled toward the door. “I’ll just, uh… follow Chrysalis. Yeah.” She stepped out, but stuck her head back in to add, “We’re not done here. I have a lot of questions, just so you know.” On that note she left to meet up with a re-disguised and fuming Chrysalis outside. “Shall we continue?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, and let us never speak of that again.” Chrysalis said curtly, walking away from the store.

It wasn’t much later that Chrysalis noticed that they were approaching a very peculiar tree. There was a door, some windows, and even a balcony with a telescope. She had heard of some stores that mimicked the wares they sold, even seen a few (the one that sold bread rolls and éclairs still made her laugh), but she couldn’t figure out what this place was for. When they were closer, she could see that the sign indicated it was a library. Odd.

“Twilight, why are we going to the library?”

“That’s where I live.” she replied casually.

“You live in a library?” Chrysalis said in disbelief.

“Is that a problem?”

“No. It’s just another thing that I thought was completely ridiculous about you and your friends is actually true. I guess Bon Bon wasn’t lying in her reports.” Chrysalis noticed Twilight’s serious gaze upon her. “What? I wasn’t going to do a lazy job of revenge in case some fluke happened. Besides, it’s not my fault you ponies are weird.”

Twilight rolled her eyes and entered the library with Chrysalis close behind.

The inside of the tree library was about as much as Chrysalis expected. Wall shelves all around cut into the wood of the tree with a reading table, a couch and several large cushions in the center. A small desk sat off to the side, probably the circulation area, given the size of the place.

“Huh, seems cozy. If you like books that is.” Chrysalis commented.

Meanwhile Twilight called out, “Spike! I’m home and I brought a guest!”

“In the kitchen!” came the muffled reply from a nearby door. The two mares followed the voice to find a short dragon who wore an apron over a pair of khaki pants and a green, collared shirt, facing away from them. Judging by the rhythmic sounds of wood on metal and the position of his arms, he was mixing something into a bowl. Meanwhile, his tail held a bowl of crushed sapphires that he occasionally snacked from.

Chrysalis didn’t pay much attention to him throughout the wedding, but she did recall him being a little shorter. He was about chest height, if one didn’t count his green spines on his head. In terms of body, he was a bit lanky, though he did have some muscle, likely from lifting heavy books all the time. Overall, he didn’t look like a very intimidating dragon.

“Hey, Twilight. Who’s that?” Spike asked, glancing over his shoulder.

“This is...um…” Twilight looked over at Chrysalis as if asking for a name.

“Call me Sweet Heart,” Chrysalis interjected, “I was instructed by Princess Cadance to work with Twilight on studying love energy.”

Spike turned around to stare at Chrysalis with a puzzled look, “What do you mean by that? I thought Cadance already knew all about love energy. Y’know, being the princess of it and all.”

Twilight spoke up this time. “She may be the Princess of it, but there’s always more to learn, just like there’s always more friendship lessons to learn.” She finished with a smile.

“Uh-huh,” Spike said, unconvinced, “Like what?”

“Uhh…” Twilight looked to Chrysalis for help, but only received a shrug in response. “Alternate ways of acquiring love outside of a relationship?”

Spike stared at Twilight, then asked, “Is this an excuse to go to strip clubs or something?”

“Absolutely not!” Chrysalis shouted, “I am not resorting to such methods of gathering! I swear I’m going to completely drain the next pony to even suggest something even remotely related to sex!”

A stunned silence followed, leaving Twilight and Spike with wide eyed looks while Chrysalis fumed. It was only broken when Spike questioned, “What do you mean by ‘drain’?”

Chrysalis paused and realized what she blurted out. “Did I say ‘drain’? I meant, uh, ‘strain’!” She gave a nervous chuckle, “Y’know, like... fitness stuff? Strain your muscles? Eheh.” Unfortunately, it didn’t seem to convince Spike and Twilight just facepalmed during the explanation.

“You’re a changeling aren’t you?” Spike deadpanned. He put down the bowl and picked up a skillet, brandishing it.

“...No?” Chrysalis’ eye shifted around the room, as if searching for an escape. She turned to Twilight for assistance who was pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Just drop the disguise. He was going to find out anyways.”

“Find out what?” Spike asked, eyes still locked onto Chrysalis, hands tightening around the skillet handle.

Chrysalis sighed, “You’re right. I suppose I should introduce myself properly.” In a flash of emerald fire, Chrysalis dropped her disguise. “I’m Princess Chrysalis and I’m-OW!” Chrysalis doubled over, clutching her face and glared at the offending skillet before a motion caught her eye. She tried to dodge, but another pot clipped her shoulder, sending her to the floor with a cry of pain.

“There’s more where that came from, you wedding-crashing jerk!” Spike yelled as he chucked more pans at Chrysalis who struggled to deflect them away with her magic.

It was only when Spike started grabbing sharp objects that Twilight stepped in, casting a spell to immobilize everypony and object in the room. Spike was in mid-throw of a cleaver while Chrysalis was curled up and using a chair as her cover.

“Twilight, what the heck?” Spike asked, “I almost had her beat!”

“I dink he bwoke my nose!” Chrysalis cried out.

Twilight took a deep breath before glaring at Spike. “I let you use the pots and pans since Chrysalis did have it coming, but there will be no knife throwing!” She used her magic to wrench the utensils from his hands and put them back in the drawer. “Now if you would let me explain-”

“Explain why you brought home a villain that nearly took over Equestria? Because that’s totally a good idea to do.” Spike said, rolling his eyes.

“Hush, you. I’m already this close to revoking your gem allowance for a week!”

“For what?” Spike exclaimed, but Twilight continued on.

“Look, Chrysalis is going to be staying with us for the time being so that we can figure out the best way for her to gather love energy.”

“Really?” Spike folded his arms. “Let me guess, another reformed villain assignment from Princess Celestia?”

“No, this one’s from Cadance,” Twilight said, “Princess Celestia… doesn’t really know about this.” Twilight couldn’t quite meet his questioning gaze.

Spike gave her a deadpan look. “What.”

Twilight held up her hands. “To be fair, I didn’t really find this out until today either, but it’ll be fine! This is going to be a quick project that, should the results prove positive, will help both changelings and ponies and it’ll be so spectacular that Celestia won’t notice that I’m going behind her back about all this and won’t send me to the moon for it!” Twilight finished with a manic grin, her eyes unfocused, and her chest heaving.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how much of a bad idea this is,” Spike said, “On a scale of one to giving Pinkie coffee, this is probably up there with kicking a puppy right in front of Fluttershy.”

“Ib it makes ya feel any bedder, dis was Cadance’s idea,” Chrysalis commented, still nursing her nose.

Spike sighed and closed his eyes, muttering, “Crazy mares…” He then looked at Chrysalis. “Fine, but if you try anything funny, I’m gonna torch your mane. Now can you let us down, Twilight?”

“Oh, right.” Twilight’s horn winked out and Spike and Chrysalis stumbled as they regained control of their limbs.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, it seems I need to go pull out the extra bed,” Spike said as he left the room, “First aid kit is in the upstairs bathroom by the way.”

“Jerk,” Chrysalis muttered.

“You did deserve some of that,” Twilight commented.

Chrysalis rolled her eyes. “Whadever. Jus’ helb me wid my nose and show me do my bed. Id’s been a long day.”

Author's Note

Sorry I'm a little late with this one. I had hoped to get it out before break ended, but proofreading took some time and had to rewrite the ending bit again.

Changelog: Just about everything. Added the Bonbon and lyra scene. Also changed Spike so he wasn't some big guy and would better reflect his age.

May take a break for a bit to work on other stories, including a few special clopfics. because goddammit I have about 7 stories that need to be done and some of them almost are ready to publish and they've been sitting there for a very long time. just fuuuuuuuu-