“I can’t believe that Celestia is letting us stay at the castle for New Years!”
“Well what do you expect? We did end a war that threatened Equestria.”
“A war that you started.”
“True. But I think Celestia and Luna like having someone to talk to. You know, someone they can actually relate to.”
“Perhaps. I’m just glad-“
“Parasite queen!” A bulky looking red pony shouted when he saw Chrysalis round the corner. Even four, almost five, years after the failed invasion and the treaty between Changelings and ponies, most still hold a large grudge towards Chrysalis. As soon as he called out, all looked towards the two walking down the street. It was the same as usual: a few vulgar slurs, sour looks and hateful eyes, and even a rotten tomato, which Amor managed to stop with his magic before it made contact.
“You’d think they’d be nicer after Hearth’s Warming”
“Really? Who still throws tomatos?”
Chrysalis let out a large sigh. “Anyways. I’m glad we can get a vacation. A day or two away from the hive should be good for us.”
“It should.” Another tomato flew through the air, and Amor caught this one in his aura. He shot a wicked look before hurling it back in the direction it came, narrowly missing a somewhat ‘innocent’ looking pony. “Are you done sight-seeing or am I going to continue to stop rotten vegetables from raining down upon us?”
Chrysalis giggled. “I’m done for now. Let’s head back to the castle.” And just before they left, one last rotten edible launched through the air. Amor didn’t see this one, until it struck him between the eyes. Flames could practically be seen engulfing his pupils as the crowd scattered through the snow covered streets like frightened roaches after the lights were turned on.
“Yeah, let’s go. Now please.”
“Amor! Chrysalis! Welcome back to Canterlot, and happy New Year.”
Amor and Chrysalis both bowed once they were in front of Celestia’s throne. “We still have a few days til’ the year ends, but thank you none the less. How have things been going recently?
“Wonderful! My sister and I have grown closer than ever, the Crystal Empire has returned and has been restored to its former glory, and my pupil has finally become Princess.”
“Sounds like we missed a lot since we left.”
“I very much wanted for you to come to the coronation, but you didn’t show up. I thought I sent an invitation.”
“You did. I received it, but we were busy. I don’t even remember what we were doing.”
“Either way, I’d like for you to meet her someday. And Chrysalis, I would like for you to meet her properly.”
“Again, I am sorry for how I acted then. We were desperate, and I made a huge mistake that I will never live down.”
Celestia waved a hoof. “It’s alright. I know you regret what you’ve done. I’ve tried to convince Twilight the same. She’s still very skeptical, but I’m sure a face to face meeting will prove otherwise.”
“Yes…maybe one of these days…”
“Although I am still a bit angry about our little tussle…”
Amor chimed in when he saw the awkward tension between Celestia and Chrysalis. “Let’s change the subject, shall we? Has anything else happened?”
Celestia put a hoof to her chin. “I’m sure you know of Discord, the Draconequus that once ruled Equestria in a state of permanent Chaos.”
“I vaguely remember. I wasn’t alive at that point in time.”
“How old are you now?”
“I’ve lost count.”
“Anyways, he’s returned, and he’s also been reformed.”
“I don’t know whether that’s good news or bad, so…okay?”
“I feel the same way. He conveniently ‘forgot’ about the seeds he planted for his… plunder vines, I believe they were called. Those vines captured Luna and I, and attacked nearly all of Equestria.”
“Is that what those were? I thought the hive just had a weed problem.”
“Yes, well. Back to the New Year. Have you two planned your Resolutions yet?”
“I did.”
“I don’t,” Amor said with the same expression on his face.
“You didn’t plan one?” Celestia was somewhat surprised.
“I never have.”
“You’ve never had a New Year Resolution? There hasn’t been anything you’ve wanted to change about yourself?”
“Oh trust me, there have been plenty of flaws I’ve found within myself that I want rid of. But trying to change yourself is futile, it’s best to accept it and move on.”
“Oh don’t fool yourself,” Chrysalis said as she rolled her eyes. “You may not try to change them, but that’s one of the few things I get from you is how much you want to change this or that to make yourself better!”
Amor looked at Chrysalis, bemused. “And maybe one of them is to stop complaining out loud.”
Chrysalis opened her mouth in protest, but stopped herself short, knowing that anything else she would say would just fuel the fire. “Either way, you will have a resolution this year.”
Celestia chuckled. “Alright you two, that’s enough. Maybe you should get some rest. It’s getting late, and I need to set the sun. You still remember where the guest room is, correct?”
“Yes, we can find our way there, thank you. Goodnight.”
Amor and Chrysalis walked to their room with no hurry, retaking in everything they left.
“Good show with the whole resolution thing. I needed something to talk about.”
“I wasn’t joking.” Amor looked at Chrysalis, puzzled, trying to find some sort of tell. There was none. “You will have a New Year’s resolution by the end of the year, I’ll be sure of it.”
“You can’t be serious! You’ve never had one, what makes you expect me to?”
“Oh yes I have. I make a new one every year, and I’ve already planned one for this year.”
“And that is…?”
“To be a better wife. And not lead any invasions.”
“Fine, then mine is to be a better husband.”
Chrysalis stopped to look at Amor as they reached the door. “Really? You’re not even trying.” She twisted the handle on the door and stepped inside. “And until you plan your own, I won’t talk to you the rest of this vacation. Mark my words, we may have to sleep in the same bed, but I won’t say a thing.”
“Now I know you’re not serious.” He waited for a response, but received only silence in return. “Very funny, now cut it out.” Again, silence. It continued like this for almost three minutes until Amor gave in. “Fiiiine! I’ll set a resolution this year. But I’ll need some time alone to think about it tomorrow.” Chrysalis nodded as she lied down with a wide smirk across her lips. A bit impudent and childish, but what can I do? Amor followed and lied down beside Chrysalis, falling asleep a few minutes past immediately.
Amor awoke the next day to find Chrysalis already up and moving. “Good morning.” She looked at him and smiled, but said nothing. “So you’re really going to do this?” She approached him while still smiling and kissed him on the lips before turning and leaving the room. Amor rolled out of bed quite literally, and walked into the bathroom. He splashed water onto his face and matted down his hair before looking into the mirror. Meh. It’s presentable. He then walked out of the room and down the many stairs, trying to find someone this morning.
“It’s good to see you, Luna.”
“Yes, you too, Chrysalis. It’s been some time since we’ve spoken.”
“I know!” Amor heard two very familiar voices pass conversation between each other. As soon as he entered though, Chrysalis was silent again.
“Is something the matter?” She only smiled in return, causing Luna to look to Amor for answers.
“She’s not going to speak to me until I get a ‘resolution’. I guess that meant as long as I’m in the general vicinity.”
She looked back at Chrysalis. “A bit childish, don’t you think?”
“I thought so. I guess I’ll be leaving for now. I’ll see you two when I get back.”
“Aren’t you staying for breakfast?”
“Nah, I need time alone to think. I’ll let you two get back to your conversation.”
As soon as Amor walked away, Luna looked back at Chrysalis. “Really?”
“Hey, it worked.”
Amor headed out for the day, thinking nonstop about what to do. He had no plans, no ideas, not the slightest clue of what to do or where to start. He began wandering the streets, eyes locked to the ground in front of him, trying to find something. What can I do, what can I do? Let’s see…I could…try to be happier? Nah, that’s impossible. There must be something…perhaps if I ask around town? It’s worth a try. Amor scanned the area and spotted a harmless looking brown mare with a blondish mane wearing a “dapper” looking purple suit standing nearby. He approached calmly, cautiously, trying not to startle her. She spotted him, and as he approached, she at first seemed extremely agitated, but adjusted to a more professional manner.
“Hello, and happy New Year.”
“I don’t see what’s so happy about it.” She snorted as she pointed her nose to the sky, as if she believed she were better than all else. Amor attempted to ignore the attitude long enough to ask his question.
“May I ask, what is your New Year’s Resolution?”
She seemed to grow irritated rather quickly. “You bothered me to ask me what my ‘resolution’ is?” She curled her lips as she spoke. “My resolution, is to stop answering pointless questions, like so. Now, good day!” She trotted off, her nose still pointed to the air. Maybe you should lose the attitude so people could stand you. Geez, I would starve if I had to feed from people like her. Maybe someone friendlier would be a better target. Amor scanned for someone else who looked less aggressive. It was then that he heard what sounded like a thunderstorm overhead. He looked up to see a light blue streak followed by a dark colored streak of clouds. A pegasus landed nearby, and after a brief applause from his audience, he shot straight for the nearest food stand.
As Amor got closer, he got a better look at what the pony looked like. He was a very light blue, at the portions where he could be seen. Most of his body was covered by a Wonderbolt uniform. He waited anxiously after giving his order as Amor approached.
“Happy New Year.”
“Right back atcha! Man I had a lotta fun this year, I can’t believe it’s already over!”
“Yeah I know. So if you don’t mind me asking, what’s your New Year’s Resolution?”
“Oh, that’s easy. I’m going to spend more time with the one I love!”
“Good for you. Who’s the lucky lady?”
Just then, another pony came from behind the counter, holding what was obviously his order. “My pie! Oh I swear I will try to spend every waking moment possible with you!” As he shoved his face into the pie, Amor stared at him blankly.
“So…you really love pie.”
“Who doesn’t? That’s my resolution, to eat as much pie as possible!” As soon as he licked the platter clean, he pulled his face out, still covered in apples, and after tossing the tray into the nearby trash bin, spread his wings. “Well, I gotta go. Seeya!”
He was off like a lightning bolt, leaving Amor motionless. Okay he’s got a few screws loose, but at least he was nicer. I need someone who can actually tell me something! He scanned the area once more looking for someone, anyone, who could answer his question logically. Scanning, he spotted one pony who stood out from all others. She was a unicorn, much taller than most others, with a white coat and pink mane. Well she looks rather lovely. If Chrysalis saw me with her, it would end worse than the invasion on Canterlot. I’ll take my chances.
Amor approached the unicorn, trying to act professional. Once he reached her, she didn’t notice he was even there until he spoke up. “Good day, and Happy New Year.”
She shook out of her daze enough to finally spot who was speaking to her. She reared back a step at Amor’s menacing form, but stepped forward again once realizing that he meant no harm. She put on a calming smile as she responded. “Hello.”
“You seem like a rather reasonable person to ask. If you don’t mind, what is your resolution?”
“Oh, that is a rather odd question to ask. If you want to know, my resolution is to do more of what I love. A life without something that brings you happiness is rather depressing.”
A voice called from the distance. “There you are! Come along darling, we must be going!”
At the call the unicorn turned. “I must go. It has been nice talking to you.” She walked away, posing several times along the way. Well, that was a little more helpful than the crazy pie guy, but I’m still nowhere.
Amor found himself sitting on the front step of Canterlot Castle, still trying to figure out what to do. “This is harder than I thought. I can’t think of anything at all!” He looked to the royal guard standing erect nearby. “Do you have a resolution?” The guard didn’t reply, or move, or do anything for that matter. He acted as if Amor wasn’t even there. “Yeah, thought so.”
“MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!” A maniacal laugh came echoing through with no known source. The guards simply scattered at the sound, leaving Amor sitting alone on the step. He looked for the source of the voice, but it found him first. He felt a fur-covered paw over his shoulder, and turned to see the red and yellow eyes of…something. “Well, it sounds like you’re having quite the problem! May I help in any way?” He spoke as if in a constant state of sarcasm. He had the gray head of a horse, the horns of a deer and a goat, one snaggled looking fang, and a body made up of many other creatures.
“What in the world are you?”
“Oh, allow me to introduce myself. I am Discord.”
“I’ve heard of you. You used to rule over Equestria in a state of chaos.”
“Ah, those were the good old days weren’t they.” He teleported in front of Amor, reclining in a long, floating chair. “So, your queen has chosen not to speak to you?”
“How did you…”
“I know everything that goes on in this castle. By the way, I’d recommend staying away from Luna’s room at night. She gets angry when you disturb her.”
Amor looked irritated. “What do you want?”
“Well, I was rather bored today and I just happened to overhear your little conversation last night. I figured this would be interesting, so I followed you around today! Smooth moves with Fluer Dis Lee, by the way, you really wowed her!” He began laughing uncontrollably.
“You’re really annoying me, so why don’t you answer my question?”
Discord teleported beside Amor again and began investigating his body as he spoke. First he pulled off his insectoid wings and began looking at every mark on them. “Well, it amused me so watching you run around to find whatever it is you were looking for…” he tossed the wings aside and picked Amor’s horn off of his head, doing the same. “And I felt a little left out. You went out to talk to all of these ponies, but didn’t bother to come and see what I thought!” He dropped Amor’s horn and plucked out his fangs and pulled off his shell. “So, I just wanted to talk to you personally. You know, ‘hey Discord Happy New Year and all’.” By the time Discord was done talking, Amor looked like a normal pony, other than the holes riddled through his body. With a snap of his fingers, Discord turned Amor back to his normal self. “So…anything you want to ask me?”
Amor sighed. “If I ask you, will you leave me alone?” Discord nodded enthusiastically. “Fine. What’s your New Year’s Resolution?”
“Oh, that’s an easy one! To have more fun! This world would be too boring without a little chaos, so I’m going to spread as much as I can next year!” Discord patted Amor on the head with his lion paw. “This has been a nice little talk. I enjoyed it soo much! Bye!” And as fast as he appeared, he was gone, leaving Amor to sit on the step again. By then, Luna had begun raising the moon.
“I…I think I know what my resolution is.”
Amor wandered the castle looking for any sign of life. It was almost midnight at this point, and large crowds were gathering outside the castle, waiting for the final moments of the year. Amor took his place beside Chrysalis overlooking the thousands. Celestia and Luna were on the front-most part of the balcony. “Chrysalis, I believe I have a New Year’s Resolution.” She looked at him expectantly, eagerly waiting for his answer. It was then that the crowd began chanting slowly.
“Thirty! Twenty-nine! Twenty-eight! Twenty-seven!...”
“I’ve asked around town to get a start at this, and while some were helpful, others were…less so.”
“Nineteen! Eighteen! Seventeen! Sixteen!...”
It took some time to piece it together, but I found that my resolution is to protect those I love better, and spend more time with you. I almost lost you so many times, I won’t let that happen.”
“Five! Four! Three! Two! One! Zero!” Everyone began cheering uncontrollably once they reached the final number. Chrysalis turned to look Amor in the eyes and looked at him lovingly.
“Happy New Year, Amor.” She then kissed him for the first time of the year.
Author's Note
it's almost midnight at the time that I am posting this, so happy new year! I started this a few days ago for the holiday, since I missed Christmas. hope you enjoyed.
