“You know, you're much more devious than your ponies give you credit for.”

“I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about; I just wanted to have my good friend with me throughout the day.”

“See what I mean? 'Good friend.' That title holds about as much value as my old one.”

“I'm not lying Chrysalis, you know that you're just in denial~”

“I don't 'deny' anything, I just see the practical purposes of doing this and identify them as your primary motivation.”

To this Celestia had no reply as another noble stepped up to plead their case. This had been the routine all morning long. A pony comes up, pleads their case, Celestia helps or doesn't, then it's on to the next. Today Celestia had opted to bring Chrysalis along to day court. This was for a multitude of reasons, but the primary one was she wanted the company as she was not in the mood to deal with most of the petty issues the nobles brought to her attention. Though that did not mean there were no practical purposes to this little idea.

Celestia was not as air headed as some would think, she knew that by doing this she could gauge a few things: public reaction to the rehabilitation of Chrysalis, her ability to interact with less than tolerable ponies, and how well she can deal with extended contact with one individual. In truth this was an experiment of sorts. Still the company was the best part... even if said company was not happy to be there.

“In conclusion, my associates and my own business would greatly benefit from a tax reduction this year.” While thinking Celestia had managed to miss the entire speech the noble had prepared. Luckily for her the ever observant changeling beside her was quite focused. She even managed to notice the lack of attention Celestia had paid.

She whispered, “He wants a tax break to keep more of his income since he 'generates so much commerce.' Honestly it seems he just wants to make up his losses for the fiscal year by getting a reduction.”

Refocusing on the task at hoof and taking into account the new information Celestia quickly decided on a course of action. “I'm sorry but our treasury can not afford to give you or any large business tax breaks. They are one of the primary sources of revenue for our government.”

He turned his nose up and started to trot away. “I didn't know that our princess took advice from an overgrown insect.”

At this remark, like the similar ones she had gotten all morning, Chrysalis simply had a deadpan look on her face while the petitioner trotted away. The reactions of all the ponies coming in today had been on par with her expectations. Not to say they were high, things just happened as previously thought. Nobles turned their noses up to her, common folk were terrified, soldiers were weary, and the few members of other species that came in showed only disdain for the former queen.

“How much longer must I sit here and deal with all of these petty complaints? So far noting productive has been done and my patience is basically nonexistent at this stage.”

“Don't worry, a few good things happen every day. You just have to wade through the thick of it to get to the real issues. Like this mare here.”

Looking down to the pony walking up to the throne Chrysalis noticed she wasn't trembling as much as other petitioners. She also gave off an air of determination that would take something rather serious to break. She bowed as all of the others did and started to speak. “Good afternoon princess and uhm, friend, I came here today on behalf of my little brother. He didn't want to bring any attention to this subject or himself but I can't stand by and watch something like this happen. He was formerly employed by a member of the noble caste as a cook. He also recently came out, as it happens this noble did not want, and I quote, 'one of his kind,' touching his food; my brother was fired for that alone. There were no issues up until that point and this qualifies as workplace discrimination.”

“May I ask what his employers name was?”

“Civil Suit, your majesty.”

On the inside Celestia laughed, though her princess mask didn't change in the slightest . That happens to be the same stallion that had come in complaining that his hot coffee lawsuit didn't go through. “I will deal with him, no need to worry about that. While I will not force him to hire your brother back there is a better option.” Lighting her horn she conjured up some paper and a quill, quickly wrote a few lines , then gave it to the mare. “That is a letter stating the bearer will have a new job at the castle kitchens. Do you find these arrangements acceptable?”

The look of pure elation on the mares face was enough of a tell, still she wanted to voice her gratitude. “Yes your majesty! Thank you. I'll go give this to him at once.” She dashed back through the doors and Celestia let a small smile come to her face.

“It's moments like this that make court worth doing. Helping someone who is down on their luck through no fault of their own. It is something that has and always will bring me joy.”

As Chrysalis observed the mare beside her the passing of millennia in her eyes started to show. With how she acts the majority of the time it's easy to forget how old Celestia is and how much she has seen in her long life. To think that something as simple as bringing joy to others could make her so content, even if she has done the same things countless other times. It actually managed to make the changeling smile, a real one at that. While she would never openly admit it she saw a little of herself in Celestia, at least in this regard. When she still had a hive Chrysalis took a great amount of pride in her work as queen. She was always happy on the few occasions when there was no struggle. Her children had smiles on their faces and that brought one to hers too. Wanting to see ones subjects happy is something that all good rulers have in common. If a ruler does not care for those they govern everything will fall apart from the bottom up.

“I can see that you know the feeling.” The words brought Chrysalis out from her own mind and she scowled slightly.

“I did at one time yes. Every good ruler should seek to make their subjects happy. It's the very thing that sustains a kingdom. How can you expect respect from those you rule if you don't hold their best interests at heart?”

“That is very true, I have always thought that-” Celestia stopped as she saw a vast array of emotions fly across Chrysalises features. She looked hurt and angry for the most part but soon her face took on an extremely neutral expression. The temperature in the room seemed to drop a few degrees as Celestia tried to get her bearings. That is when she looked to her throne room doors and noticed the newest guest. A changeling in their more colorful form. It instantly made sense what caused the drastic change in mood.

The Changeling itself looked absolutely mortified. Poor thing had never expected to see the former queen here of all places. If she were to guess this was an emissary of sorts to seek some aid in rebuilding their kingdom. Before Celestia even had a chance to try to diffuse the situation Chrysalis got up and opened her wings. “I'm going to find Luna,” was all she said before flying out the nearest open window. Celestia was left with a scared changeling and a new bundle of problems to solve.

Chrysalis was currently trying not to lose her cool. Seeing one of the wretched creatures that betrayed her... after all that she had put herself through for them all. They just abandoned her, they were supposed to be a family. Together until the bitter end. Chrysalis couldn't hold back a sad laugh. This was no fairy tale, you can't trust anyone in this world, even those you're close to. For now she pushed away the sadness, the anger, the resent, and focused on finding Luna. Earlier she said something about doing some special training at the practice fields. After flying for a few minutes Chrysalis spotted Luna and a regiment of her night guard. Currently they were sitting under the shade of a large tree in the middle of a field.

Making a quick decent she landed slightly behind Luna who was currently talking to what looked like her captain. “I told you we need to have the guard trained for daytime operations too. Not everything will happen to our advantage.”

“I realize that princess, I was talking about me specifically. If this little trinket you made me gets broken in battle I'll be a sitting duck and a detriment to the op.”

“Then you'll just have to adapt and overcome. If it does come down to that just flee from the battle, I cannot be losing you Wolfsbane.”

“Understood and you should probably attend to our guest, she doesn't look to be in the waiting mood.” The captain turned to leave and Luna faced Chrysalis. Instantly she could tell something was off about her. The cold aura around the changeling seemed to weigh down on everything. When she spoke it was with barely restrained rage. “How well do your night guards deal with surprises?”

The off the wall question gave Luna pause before she answered. “They are very adaptive by nature. I was actually going to face them myself and see how well they could change tactics against different magic styles.”

Chrysalises maw split wide open when she heard this. “Mind if I stand in for you? I promise not to hurt them too badly. You can even command them if you please. I just need to blow off some steam.”

This was a difficult decision for Luna. On one hoof Chrysalis didn't look to stable at the moment and could possibly injure her guard. On the other hoof, she would be there to keep them all in one piece and Wolfsbane was here too. Add to that the whole purpose of this exercise is being adaptive; with an enemy like a high level changeling surprises were sure to come. Looking over her selected regiment there were twenty highly trained thestrals, the captain, and herself. The benefits seemed to outweigh the risks and like that a decision was made.

“I will command my guard against you. We fight until submission, with no lethal blows.”

“Agreed I'll just wait over there, tell me when I can begin.” Chrysalis went off about fifty feet away from the tree and sat down. Luna went over to the resting thestrals and began to explain. “Soldiers, the exercise will go as such: our enemy is Chrysalis, the only weapons that will be used are the blunted ones we brought, and we fight until submission. This is a changeling queen we're facing. She has lived long for good reason, be prepared for absolutely anything. I will be acting commander, while I will refrain from direct combat I will restore vitality and provide cover. Captain Wolfsbane will be field team leader. Follow her orders and be sure to stay together. If any of you are singled out you will surely be eliminated. Any questions?”

The group was silent for a few moments so Luna took that as a go ahead. “Form up thirty feet from the target. Go!” With that all those present went to form a rank in front of Chrysalis. Heavily armored thestrals were up front, followed by spear wielding soldiers, and lightly equipped swordsmen in the back. All were ready to take to the skies at a moments notice. Wolfsbane was front and center, ready to lead the charge. Luna was already in the skies behind her squad. “Since you are outnumbered you may have the first move Chrysalis!”

The changeling barely batted an eye at the threat before her. “Why thank you, how courteous.” An instant later she burst into green flames and what emerged was a surprise to every pony present. A stark white bipedal creature stood before them. Its face was blank except for the two green glowing slits that were most likely eyes. Small spines with the same eerie glow stuck out from its back and shoulders. The creature had one normal looking arm while the other was longer with what looked to be a spherical cage in the middle. Suddenly the creature glowed even brighter as the magic in the air was drained away. That instant Luna remembered this creature from long ago and panic started to rise in her chest.

“Get down now!” She yelled as the creature raised its deformed arm. She cast a shield just in time as a magical blast tore through the air and slammed into the shield. It held up well as Chrysalis seemed to be keeping her promise of not to hurt them too badly. Dropping the shield Luna yelled more commands. “Be ready for absolutely anything and exploit every weakness you see!”

As the guard prepared for the second onslaught the dust kicked up from the first had yet to settle. Chrysalis had already capitalized on this and flanked her enemies. She came from the side before any of the soldiers could notice. Plowing through the heavily armored soldiers in a wild charge with the form of what looked like a draconian hound. She managed to do enough damage to make a few soldiers submit before having to engage with Wolfsbane. While thestrals were generally fast and strong this one was on an entirely different level. Landing sold blows that hurt even through the thick scales of her current form. She blasted a quick gout of flame at the pony to give herself a moment to think.

As the remaining thestrals and Wolfsbane closed in Chrysalis transformed again. This form made some of the weaker willed ponies stop in their tracks. Once again bipedal but with dark sandy looking skin. The most notable feature of this body was the mouth that looked to extend down to its chest. Opening her new maw wide Chrysalis let out a high pitched scream that made everyone double over in pain. As blood started to drip from their ears Luna cast a spell to halt the damage and slightly restore their hearing. Though Chrysalis had already accomplished what she set out to do. Immediately after she stopped screaming the former queen changed into a naga and dealt a crushing blow to Wolfsbane. The front plate of her armor dented and there was a distinctive cracking sound. She submitted as she lay on the ground in a heap.

The rest of the formation quickly turned into chaos as Chrysalis dove in with no concern for her own well being. While taking strikes she delivered her own. Changing between naga, manticore, and finally hydra she was able to beat every pony present into submission. After she went back to her original form Luna landed and was astonished at the damage she was able to take. From head to hoof she was covered in bruises. She was also keeping weight off of one leg and to top it off she had multiple head wounds that were seeping green blood. Despite all of that she had a smile on her face. “Haven't fought like that in ages... I feel a little better now.”

Luna could only watch as Chrysalis collapsed where she stood. All around her the guards were groaning in pain and trying to recover from the beating they just took. “All of you go to the first aid kits we brought with us. Return when you feel ready to do so. You are dismissed until tomorrow.” Luna picked up the battered changeling in her magic along with the woozy captain. In a blue flash she was gone.

A moment later she reappeared in the infirmary wing of the castle, surprising the current nurse on duty. Ignoring the her for the moment Luna gently laid down the captain and Chrysalis on separate beds. Sending a quick message to her sister the night princess looked to the nurse. “Would you please go fetch a doctor. Tell him it is urgent.” As the unicorn dashed to find the nearest doctor Celestia teleported next to Luna.

“Sister I got your message what is so urgent that... what happened?” Looking at the two before her Celestias attention gravitated toward the one who looked like they got the worst of the damage.

“She volunteered to combat my training regiment. Claiming a need to let off some steam. I allowed it since it seemed beneficial. Though I did not expect her to care so little for her own well being. She changed into a variety of forms and devastated my soldiers, one blow was all it took to dent my captains chest plate and destroy the charm underneath, the sun did the rest to weaken her. Chrysalis then decided to dive into the middle of the formation and cause a whirlwind of destruction. All while taking hits from a number of blunted swords and spears. None even got the chance to get off of the ground before she changed into a hydra and snatched them right after takeoff. All in all I'm very surprised she didn't seriously injure any of them.”

Celestia let out a sad sigh and took a seat next to Chrysalises bed. “It's my fault, I should have followed after her when I had the chance. I knew that she was planning on doing something like this.”

Luna sat beside her sister at laid a wing across her back, Celestia leaned into it slightly and continued to look over Chrysalis. “It is not your fault Tia, I let her do what she wanted knowing full well that she was not in the best frame of mind. I could have stopped her but let my rationale get the better of me.”

“I don't blame you Luna and I think Chrysalis appreciates the gesture.” Both princesses stopped and turned to the door when they heard hoof steps coming their way. The doctor walked in ready to deal with his new patients. “Hello your majesties, would you mind telling me all you can about the two patients you brought me today?”

“You don't need to worry about the captain she just had some fatigue. She should be back up and going soon. Chrysalis on the other hoof used a vast amount of magic in a short span of time and sustained bruises, head trauma, and a leg injury.” As Luna went through the various injuries the doctor seemed to inspect each one briefly before moving on to the next.

“Well I can't be certain on any of this since we don't know much about changeling anatomy. Though my best guess would be the most serious injury she is suffering from is a concussion and severe magic fatigue.”

Celestia nodded her head in agreement. “She did not have enough magic stored up to enter sustained combat. It most likely depleted her reserves.”

“That makes sense, sadly there is nothing I can do about magic fatigue in a changeling. For now I can give her some medication and pop her knee back into its socket. Those along with some healing magic to accelerate the repair of her internal injuries could have Chrysalis up and walking in a few days.”

“Thank you doctor, my sister and I will take our leave now.” Luna proceeded to lead Celestia out of the infirmary. As the two walked down the hallway the eldest sister started to lag behind until she stopped. Knowing her sister almost too well Luna could take a guess as to what she wanted to do.

“Go ahead, I'll close out court for the day.”

“Thank you sister, I greatly appreciate it.” Celestia started to trot back the way they came and was soon back in the room where Chrysalis laid. The doctor had worked fast in setting her leg back into place and was currently casting a healing spell on her while a nurse hooked up medication to her foreleg. The diarch of the sun sat patiently while the two finished up their work.

Once they were all done the doctor approached the princess. “As I said before your majesty I don't know anything about changeling anatomy and can't tell you exactly when she will come to. All we can do now is monitor her vitals and hope for the best.”

The motherly smile spread across Celestias face knowing the doctor did all he could. “Thank you, I appreciate you helping my friend.”

The doctor grinned at the praise. “I wouldn't be much of a doctor if I didn't help those in need now would I? Goodbye for now princess, I have other patients to attend to .”

After the doctor had taken his leave Celestia took a seat by the changelings bed and conjured up a book to read. While she tried to pass the time by reading the constant worry in the back of her mind made it difficult to focus and she only got a few pages in before Wolfsbane decided to get up.

“Good evening your highness.”

“Good evening. Did you enjoy that extra rest you got?”

“Yes I did, thought it would be bad timing to draw attention to myself when the doctor was in here. After all he may have insisted on checking my vitals.”

“Fair judgement on your part, most health professionals would be unsettled by a pony without a pulse walking and talking.”

“Speaking of a pony without a pulse hows that one doing?”

“She should be fine with some rest, but we can't tell for certain when she will wake up.”

“To be fair she took quite the beating, us night guard don't hold back even during training.”

“I'm sure you didn't hold back, yet you still lost. Mind telling me how?”

That was when Wolfsbane started to look uneasy. A captain and being of supernatural power was scared. “She turned into things that none of us save princess Luna had seen before. The first thing she did was turn into this thing that sucked out all the magic from the surrounding area and blasted it at us. If the princess hadn't thrown up a shield we would have been toast, and I think she held back with that blast since that barrier didn't even buckle. She had a few other transformations that were some powerful but well known creatures. The only other really odd one froze a few of the soldiers up on the spot. The thing had a gigantic toothy mouth and screeched loud enough to incapacitate all of us at once. Again if princess Luna wasn't there we all would have been toast. To be honest, I'm worried what else she's capable of if she had more magic. You said it yourself that Chrysalis didn't have a whole lot.”

It only took Celestia a few moments to put all of the pieces together. “Chrysalis is several hundred years old. Meaning she has seen a lot in her life. The creatures you saw her copy did once roam this planet. They were magical constructs that we were unable to ascertain the origins of. Luckily they were all infertile so over time we were able to wipe them out. Chrysalis must have interacted with each one at some point or another before they went extinct. The fact that she can transform into them is slightly worrying as she could have met some even more dangerous creatures. Although, when I think about it she doesn't seem like the type to go around using those forms wildly. In reality it's just another thing we've learned about her.”

“But aren't you even slightly worried about a... a...”

Celestia raised an eye at the captain. “A what? A monster?”

“Yeah... a monster.”

“That is quite the description coming from you.”

“I'm just worried about what she can do is all.”

“So was I when I first met you. Yet here we are.” Both sat in silence for a time before Wolfsbane got up to leave.

“I need to go check on the troops, make sure they got back in one piece. Farewell princess.”

“See you later captain.” As she left her hoof steps were near silent, leaving Celestia alone with her thoughts once again.

Looking over the resting form of the changeling she could only try to think of ways to help. Each idea lead to a dead end. Each dead end left the sun princess more and more hopeless. In unicorns, magic fatigue goes away with time but a changeling has a bank of energy they need to stay alive. Chrysalis had drained this to the point where she passed out. Top onto that the physical injuries and no way to actively transfer magic to her left no real options for Chrysalis.

The more Celestia thought the deeper down into the spiral she went. These thoughts were the ones that kept her company throughout the next few days. Every day she would hold a shortened version of day court and then head to the infirmary. Each day she was greeted with the same sight as the day before. There was no change in condition but her vitals were still fine. As Celestia sat in the same spot once again a dark thought sparked through her mind. 'What if she never wakes up?'

However much she hated to admit it the possibility was not deniable. Chrysalis could have used too much magic at once to recover. Celestia felt the despair weigh down on her chest. When the sobbing started and tears began to fall there was nothing that could be done to stop it. She had let it happen again, she let one of her friends die when she could have done something to save them. It was her fault, Chrysalis had come here for help... even if she would never look at things that way. When she was weak and had nothing left she came here. Even after such a long life Celestia had never gotten used to moments like this. Being absolutely powerless to help someone she made a promise to. Once again she had lied and let someone down; once again she just sat idly by and let things play out. It was times like this that she-”

“Hey if you could relax a little that would be great. All this despair is upsetting my stomach.” Celestia stopped her bawling and looked up with puffy eyes to find Chrysalis looking at her with a mix of pity, irritation and gratitude. The changeling was not prepared for the sudden full power alicorn hug she got. While Chrysalis struggled for breath Celestia didn't want to let go. “Chrysalis I'm so sorry I didn't stop you. I should have been a better friend and stayed with you while you were feeling that way. Could you ever forgive me?”

When she got a gurgling sound in response Celestia realized she was hugging someone with internal injuries that weren't fully healed yet. Letting go Chrysalis gasped for breath and took a moment to collect herself. “Why in the name of all that is holy did you think that was a good idea?”

Celestia couldn't help but smile at the irritated changeling, which only served to aggravate her more. “Sorry, sorry, I'm just... really glad you're awake again I couldn't help myself.”

“In the future keep your hooves to yourself. I'm not one of your touchy feely ponies.”

Celestia put a hoof to her chin in mock thought. “No promises but I'll think about it. That aside how are you feeling?”

“Like I got ran over in a stampede. My entire body aches and my head is killing me. The only reason I'm awake is because of the magic I've gathered while asleep. If I had to guess that was you?”

Celestia nodded, “Yes I shortened court for a few days so I had more time to visit. My hope was that you could passively gather my emotions and the extra magic would help you recover.”

After hearing this Chrysalis calmed down considerably. Upon further inspection of the little magic she did have it was clear to her that it came from hope and worry. Apparently enough of each to pull her from the brink of starvation. “Why?”

Celestia tilted her head at the question. “Why what?”

“Why did you worry so much about me?”

“I... I didn't do anything to help you when you needed it. When you left I could have followed but at the time I thought it would be better for you to sort it out on your own. I failed you as a friend, doing nothing for you in a time of need.” Fresh tears started to fall as she continued. “You could have died Chrysalis. I hate losing friends so much. No matter how many times it happens it always hurts. I'm supposed to be able to care for every single being I call friend. But I have watched so many die, some even right before my eyes. I let down the ones who trusted me and I will never forgive myself for it. For so long I've kept to myself because I can't stand to see those close to me go. I thought I just lost another friend...”

As Celestia shut her eyes and the tears continued down her face she felt a gentle pull and was face to chest with Chrysalis. The changeling had pulled her into a hug on the edge of her bed. As the alicorn returned the gesture she calmed down almost immediately.

“Don't expect this kind of thing often, it only seemed fair to help you after you helped me.” Celestia could only nod and nuzzle deeper into the embrace.

“Here is the truth, I very well could have died from magic fatigue and starvation because of a rage fueled decision that I made. You are the one that saved me. Without the constant flow of emotion I probably would have never woken up. So thank you Celestia, for saving me and for being a good friend.”

Author's Note

What's up everyone, I totally did not forget to put a note in this chapter... seriously. No worries though my trusty sammich made me remember for some reason. So I'm hoping the story is going along at a good pace for everyone. Also this is now the longest story I have written to date and I'm honestly not even that far into it yet. Keep expecting a new chapter every weekend.