“Chrysalis I have a surprise for you!” Celestia called out to the door. She had already knocked and received no response. Most of the time when this happened the big bad bug was usually just trying to sleep in. While it was understandable to want to sleep one would believe that after doing the same thing for over a month it would just become routine. Celestia sighed, it was looking like she may have to physically drag the changeling out of bed, again. She cracked the door open and peeked inside. The bed was empty and Chrysalis wasn't in sight. With a quick check of the room the princess noticed the bathroom door was closed and the shower was running. A small smile came to her face as the worry left just as quickly as it came. She casually trotted up to the door and was about to knock until she heard something... interesting. Pressing her ear to the door she could clearly make out that Chrysalis was singing softly to herself.

I stood there and saw them all turn away
Watching and waiting, with nothing left to say
No savior was coming here to save the day
So I turned back... and swore that they would pay

As I walked through the desert with nothing to my name
Thinking and feeling were one and the same
When I emerged from the dust I was but a shell
Walking all alone was my own hell

Trapped in my head I fell to my knees
Crying I begged, please oh please
Come back and stand by me
Come back and be with me
Come back and help me please

Celestia stood in front of the door not knowing what to think. The tune was beautiful yet full of sadness. Chrysalis was still coping with all she had lost and the recovery was slow going. The only thing one can do in this sort of situation is make every moment as enjoyable as possible. With that in mind Celestia burst into the bathroom. “Good morning Chrysalis! I have something I need to tell yo-”

Before the sun princess could finish she was knocked back by a concussive spell she landed ten feet from the bathroom door and when she got up she came face to face with a very angry changeling. “Do you have any sense of decency!? Why would you just burst into my bathroom while it was very obvious that I was USING IT?! What kind of ruler are you?!”

Celestia couldn't hold back a smile while looking at the soaking wet Chrysalis. “I am the kind of ruler that likes to joke with her subjects. By the way, that toxic green blush you're wearing is adorable.” The former queen scrunched up her muzzle before storming back to the bathroom and slamming the door. With an award winning grin the sun diarch walked back up to the door and called out to Chrysalis. “Would you care to tell me why it matters I saw you in the shower? You do know we're naked most of the time anyway right?”

As the changeling continued her silent streak Celestia took it as a win. “Societal standards aside I really did have something I needed to tell you.” The bathroom door swung open a moment later to reveal a squeaky clean Chrysalis.

“What was so important that you felt the need to interrupt my shower?”

“I was just doing court and was reminded of something very suddenly. I took an early lunch to come and tell you that the Grand Galloping Gala is in two days.”

Chrysalis couldn't help but give a puzzled look upon hearing this. “Two days? Isn't that the largest social event of the year for your kingdom? How could you have forgotten about it until two days prior?”

The princess flushed slightly while rubbing the back of her neck. “Well this is actually ahead of the game for me. Most of the time I forget until the day before when the setup starts.”

“I was under the impression that you sent out all of the invitations yourself.”

Celestia blew a raspberry at the old rumor. She never did find out how that started. “I have neither the time nor patience to send out all of those invitations. I have secretaries for that. Personally I would shut this gala down if there wouldn't be serious repercussions for doing so. Alas the nobility need a place to suck up to one another. Though, theses past few galas have been much more fun. The last one in particular was entertaining on account of Discord.”

“I still don't see how you put up with that man-child.”

“He isn't that bad. He just needed a friend, like someone else I know.” Celestia gave a not so subtle nudge to the changeling. She in turn huffed and took a step away.

“If you think by trying to become my friend I'll just suddenly turn into a different person you're dead wrong.”

“I'm not really trying to become your friend since I already am.”

“We are not friends Celestia.”

The sun princess couldn't help but speak in a sing song tone. “That's not what you said at the infirmary~” The toxic green blush returned to the former queens face before she sputtered out a reply.

“I... I said that so you would stop crying, like a child. I can't be bothered to deal with nonsensical dribble like that.”

Celestia kept the smile on her face as she started to leave the room. “Whatever you say~” Chrysalis just groaned in irritation before beginning to follow.

“So where are we going?”

“Well I was hoping you could help me with something.”

“Such as?”

“Convincing my sister to attend the gala with us.”

“What do you mean 'us?'”

“You'll be with me for the duration of the gala. Did I forget to mention that your attendance is mandatory?”

Any trace of mirth had left the changelings features at this point. “I loathe you so much.”

“Don't worry it'll be fun, I made sure to invite my student and all of her friends. With them here things are bound to get out of hoof.”

“If all of them are there why does Luna need to be as well?”

“She has a tendency to skip any social events and as such she doesn't know many ponies. I was hoping she could make a new friend.”

“So you want her to find a new friend among all of the nobles; the very same ones which you have nothing but positive things to say about?” Chrysalis replied with heavy sarcasm.

Celestia can't help but grimace slightly. “They aren't all bad... just most of them.”

“Well it's not like I have a choice in the matter, what have you tried so far?”

“Asking politely, to which I got a very curt no. Bribing her with food, weapons, and books. Aaand that's it.”

“Really? Not very creative are you.”

“Well that's why I came for your help. I knew someone as clever as you would be able to get her to agree in no time.” Upon hearing this Chrysalis held her head a little higher.

“A nudge in the right direction is all it will take.” When the two arrived at Lunas chambers Celestia knocked on the door.

“The answer is still no Tia. I refuse to waste any more time with those snobs.”

“May Chrysalis and I come in?”

“You may.” Celestia pushed the doors open and Chrysalis quickly followed. The room they were in was a stark midnight blue with stars and galaxies painted on the ceiling. The walls were lined with weapon racks and book shelves. Luna sat at a large mahogany desk in the corner going over paperwork.

“Did you come to bribe me with something better than a half eaten pizza this time?”

“Whether or not you agreed you still took the pizza. But no I'm not here to bribe you. Chrysalis, if you would.”

“Right.” She stepped forward and came face to face with Luna. They were mere inches away from one another. Their gazes locked for a brief moment before Chrysalis broke the tension. “If I have to go you do too.”

The finality in that statement reminded Luna of the way her parents used to make her do things she didn't want to, so she put on the best pouty face she could. “But I don't want to!" She replied in a high pitched whine. "All the ponies there have their heads shoved so far up their flanks that they could taste the back of their own tongue.”

“Then just bring someone you like along. You are close to your captain right?”

Luna grimaced before answering. “I suppose, she won't want to but it's only fair that she suffers along side her charge. You owe me for this Tia.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “What? Why do I owe you? You're doing this of your own free will.”

“Yes I am because you are forcing Chrysalis to socialize with all of those 'elite' ponies. Now she won't be the only one there that doesn't want to be.”

Celestia sighed and hung her head. “I try to do something nice and this is all the thanks I get? Fine, fine. I have to get back to court, see the two of you later.” After the door closed behind her sister Luna shot a curious glance in Chrysalises direction.

“Have any plans to make this night more bearable?”

“Besides drinking a few bottles of wine prior to the actual event? No. I'll be sure to think on it though.”

“Hmm, well I have more paperwork to get done so I need to get back to that.”

“Right I'll be going then.” Not wanting to walk all the way back to her room Chrysalis instead transformed into a bird and flew out of the open window. One quick loop around the castle later she was back in her cozy room. After changing back she was about to start looking for something to do, until she heard a voice.

“Oh this should be so fun! Another member of the reformed villan club! You have no idea how boring it was getting having meetings with myself.”

“Where are you hiding Discord?”

Chrysalis felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see none other than the lord of chaos himself. “So I can expect to see your bright shiny smile at the gala then? You should be better company the Schmoozy. Between you and me he's kind of a handful at parties.”

“What do you want? I don't have the time or patience to deal with you.”

Discord cast a curious look around the room. “Well you don't seem to be busy right now, as for your patience I have found that closing my eyes and counting to ten helps.”

Chrysalis sighed and started to rub her temples. “Just tell me what you came here to tell me and then leave me alone.”

“Fine if you want to skip all of the pleasantries that's alright with me. I just wanted to be sure that you knew this gala is what you make of it, the same can be said of everything else as well.”

Chrysalis stopped her temple message and gave Discord a serious look. “What is that supposed to mean?”

The lord of chaos gave her a crooked grin. “Exactly what I said, just think of it as some friendly advice. Now I mustn't be late for tea with dear Fluttershy, tootles.” With a snap of his claws he teleported out of her room. The rather simple advice was stuck on repeat in Chrysalises head.

After thinking on it for a short while the meaning struck her and the changeling couldn't help but smile. “This could turn out to be a very entertaining party.”

For the remainder of the time before the gala Chrysalis was much more quiet than usual and Celestia was anxious to find out why. Before the gala she was in her usual spot at the top of the stairs, she had been waiting for Chrysalis for over fifteen minutes.

“I apologize for being late, did I miss the grand opening?” The voice had an eerie familiarity to Celestia and when she turned her head she found who it came from. Looking at her was an exact copy of herself. Chrysalis even managed to get the facial expressions down pact. When the implications donned on her Celestia just laughed at the perfection of this little joke.

“I can see you already found a way to enjoy yourself. How long did it take to come up with this?”

“About fifteen minutes.” Replied the non-Celestia. “Discord was the one who inspired this. A little chaos to start the night.”

“Well then lets get this show on the road. Open the doors!” The usual crowd of ponies poured in to start the night but unlike before they all stopped when they saw there were now two rulers of the sun. The mass confusion and worried murmurs were almost enough to send Chrysalis into a tizzy but she held back. After all it would blow her cover. Through the crowd six familiar mares and a draconequus made their way to the front. While the mares started wide eyed at the spectacle before them Discord just smiled and kept walking. When he almost reached the Celestias he split himself in two and gave a dramatic bow to both.

“Good evening Celestia and Celestia. Quite the rude crowd we have tonight hmm? Not very polite, just standing there, staring, like fish in a tank.”

The Celestia on the right said in a voice just loud enough to carry across the room. “You're very correct Discord it seems like my subjects are not in the mood to greet their ruler tonight.”

The Celestia on the left carried on. “Since we are seemingly just a road block how about we just skip the meet and greet and get right to the party?”

“What a wonderful idea Celestia.”

“Thank you Celestia. Come along Discord, the chefs made some of those tiny sandwiches.”

“I'll be along in just a moment.” He snapped his fingers and popped next to Fluttershy who was watching the exchange like every other pony. Discord quickly scooped her up and snapped his fingers again. This time he appeared by the Celestias that were trotting up the stairs. Fluttershy gently flapped her wings and landed next to the trio.

“Uhm... he-hello princess Celestia-s. I'm sorry I didn't come up to say hello. There were just two of you and... uhm.”

The Celestia on the left spoke out. “Don't worry Fluttershy I'm not mad. If anything I'm rather pleased. That greeting session can take up a lot of the night and always leaves me exhausted. Thanks to Discord and Chrysalis I can enjoy the entire duration of the party.”

The draconequus let out a light laugh. “It was the least I could do seeing as both of you are adding your own chaos to the mix.” He lifted a claw to wipe away a crocodile tear. “They just grow up so fast!”

As they entered the ballroom the mass of hoof falls could be heard behind them. Fluttershy glanced back at the noise. “Oh, it looks like every pony wants to catch up.”

“Yes how about we hit the snack table before they do.” Fluttershy was quickly dragged away by a hungry Discord, and with the prank over Chrysalis changed back to her original form.

“So what do you typically do after all of that nonsense is over with?”

“Well lets see... I usually just chat with acquaintances until I don't feel like it anymore. Then I retire to my chambers.”

“...Really? That's all you do?”

“For the most part yes. On the bright side Luna should be arriving any minute now. She had to go and drag Wolfsbane from the barracks.” Both turned when the herd of ponies started to filter into the main ballroom. As Chrysalis looked over the crowd she was already getting a taste of fear and curiosity. With all of the emotion directed at her Chrysalis was in for a decent meal tonight. While watching the crowd five particular mares stood out. They were approaching quickly and were only slightly less confused that the average party goer.

When they approached Celestia was quick to make the first move. “Twilight my dear friend, how are you doing?” They shared a quick nuzzle and Twilight smiled up at her former mentor.

“I'm doing great princess, I started work on some experimental runes and the results are looking promising.”

“That's wonderful, you should be sure to share your results with the Arcanium. I'm certain they would love to see your research. How are the rest of you doing?” The remaining four mares all gave some variation of 'good' as a response.

“I'm glad to see all of you doing so well. Now if you'll excuse us we need to go and find my sister.” The pair trotted off and left the mares behind. “For being so keen on talking to you they had no intention of speaking with me.”

“What did you sense from them?”

“I sensed curiousity, a little fear, and some animosity.”

“I apologize Chrysalis. I made sure to write each of them explaining the situation. It just seems it will take some time for them to adjust to the idea. I mean most of them are still getting used to Discord.”

“I'm not worried and my feelings aren't hurt. The fact that they don't wish to interact with me was only an observation.”

Celestia was about to rebuttal when she saw her sister by one of the drink tables. She nudged Chrysalis and directed her over. When they arrived something was a little off. Wolfsbane was in her usual captain armor and Luna was in her silver ornamental armor. With the intricate reliefs, sleek design, and bladed helmet it looked better suited to be in a museum. Both looked extremely out of place in a ballroom full of ponies in dresses and suits. Celestia just laughed softly to herself as the two were exchanging small talk over wine.

“It has been a long time since I last saw you in that armor Luna. Tell me, did no dress strike your fancy or are you planning something I should be aware of?”

Luna smiled as she downed the rest of her glass. “You know me sister, not the biggest fan of dresses. I also wanted to dress up for the gala since I have not attended in so long.”

“I just didn't want to come.” Wolfsbane chimed in. “I was perfectly content sitting at my desk and filing reports, when at the last minute this one shows up and declares that I must attend the gala with her.”

“Really Luna? You knew about this a few days ago and didn't give her a forewarning?”

She blushed slightly at the oversight. “It may have... slipped my mind until tonight.” She shook herself to regain her composure and was right as rain a moment later. “Let us not dwell on that, we are here to have a good time! Come, drink with us!”

Celestia and Chrysalis shared a look and both shrugged their shoulders. It took almost an entire table of wine and champagne to get the four supernatural beings to a state of intoxication. All of the party goers were shocked at the sheer volume they consumed. While some cheered from the sidelines others were uncomfortable seeing their diarchs downing alcohol like ambitious teenagers. By the time they were finished the bulk of the party had left.

“Why don't we continue this somewhere else?” Luna inquired. “Maybe someplace with stronger drinks?”

Wolfsbane was the first to speak up. “I can show you a place the guards like to go when off duty. They have stronger stuff and great music.”

“That sounds perfect. Will the two of you be joining us?”

Both Celestia and Chrysalis shared a look and seemed to come to the same conclusion. “I think I'm just going to retire to my chambers for the night.”

“As will I. Most wouldn't appreciate my sudden appearance anyway and I don't feel like donning a disguise.”

Luna blew a raspberry at the two, which the captain thought was hilarious, and trotted off in the direction of the gates. “Have it your way! Remember not to complain to me when you regret this in the morning!”

Celestia chucked and started towards her room with Chrysalis closely behind. “I don't think we will be the ones regretting something come morning.”

“Hmh, you're not wrong, we need to be sure to knock on her door extra loud tomorrow morning.”

“I'm not that cruel, I think I'll just 'accidentally' drop a plate or two at breakfast”

When the two arrived at Celestias door the sun diarch paused after she opened it. “I know you said you wanted to go to bed... but I have a personal cache of wine. Would you like to share some with me?”

Chrysalis took a moment to ponder. On one hoof she was socially drained for the evening, on the other Celestia wasn't too hard to tolerate... when they were both intoxicated that is.

“I don't see why not.” The large smile that came to Celestias face was slightly irritating but Chrysalis was not in the mood to point that out. She followed the sun princess into her room. Celestia lit a fire in her fireplace and placed two large pillows in front of it.

“I'll be back in just a moment.” The bubbly princess nearly looked like she was bouncing as she totted off to presumably get the wine. As Chrysalis took a seat and waited she couldn't help but think of her host. For a ruler who had seen so much violence and cruelty throughout her long life the princess was in a joyous mood most of the time. She also managed to hold on to her child like sense of humor. Chrysalis actually smiled at the thought. Now that she was thinking deeper into it, that fact is actually quite incredible. For one who has lived for so long to not become jaded is nothing short of a miracle.

“This is from a recent harvest so it's not a vintage but I still find the taste quite exquisite.” Celestia took a seat beside Chrysalis and poured herself a glass. As she went to pour one for her guest the changeling stopped her. After giving Chrysalis a questioning look she simply held up a hoof and lit her horn.

Wisps of green magic flowed and coalesced into a ball of swirling energy. It began to spin faster and faster until it transformed into a liquid and poured itself into the former queens glass. She looked immensely satisfied and Celestia was left to gaze in wonder.

“What is it?”

Chrysalis smiled as she explained. “A special trick a few changelings and myself know. We can take the raw emotional magic we have stored and turn it into pure liquid emotion. It drains our reserves so it can only be done when one has somewhat of a surplus. The drink itself acts as an amplifier for everything ones feels. If you drink when you're sad it will make it worse. If you drink it when you're happy it will make the mood even better. I am feeling quite good at the moment so I wanted to treat myself.”

Celestia only gazed more intensely at the new liquid as if trying to unlock the secrets of making some herself. Finding this amusing Chrysalis began to laugh, Celestia noticed what she was doing and tore her gaze away. She was slightly flushed with embarrassment. “My apologies.”

Chrysalis waved her hoof and shook her head. “It was amusing is all. Would you like some? I can spare one more glass.”

The sun princess blinked in surprise. “Really? You don't mind giving up some magic for me?”

“No I don't mind. As I said before, for some reason I'm feeling very pleasant tonight.”

Celestia was overjoyed at the friendly gesture from Chrysalis. She immediately drained half of her glass and offered it up for a refill. Chrysalis chuckled to herself and filled the other half with liquid emotion. They both raised their glasses in a toast.

“To good times and good friends.”

“Don't get too far ahead of yourself.”

The glasses clinked and Chrysalis took a sip of emotion. The joyous mood she had been feeling was increased twofold and she couldn't help but giggle to herself. Celestia had opted for another route and had drained her glass in one go. When Chrysalis saw this she burst into a laughing fit. As she was rolling on the floor clutching her sides Celestia was left to wonder.

“What? Did I do something wrong?”

For a moment Chrysalis gained enough composure to answer. “You are in for it now, I can't wait to remind you of this night for the rest of your unnatural life.”

Before Celestia could make sense of the statement her gaze drifted to her giant bed. “Oh!” She dashed over to it and started to roll around on the covers and rub her face on the pillows. “Chrysalis have I ever told you how amazing my bed is? It's so soft, and warm, and comfy, and soft... wait did I already say that one? Never mind it doesn't matter, I just like it so... wait!” She dashed over to her desk in the corner and started to angrily glare at it. Meanwhile Chrysalis had not been able to stop laughing. She did however find time to take sips of her own drink in between giggle fits.

“So desk. You think you're so important? Just sitting in the corner like the tombstone of fun! I always have to sit at this thing and muddle through heaps of paperwork. Well what if I just got rid of you hmmm? Then I wouldn't have to deal with that paperwork anymore!” As she enveloped the desk in her magic, hellbent on destroying it, she looked over at the laughing changeling.

The desk was saved as Celestias eyes focused on Chrysalis. With her gaze locked she bagan to slowly and carefully make her way over to the fallen queen. When Chrysalis didn't hear Celestia going on about anything else she opened her eyes to see what was happening. She nearly jumped back as the sun princess was a mere inch away. Her gaze was steady and piercing, like she was looking past everything and staring directly into the changelings soul.

As panic started to rise in Chrysalises chest Celestia began to speak in a soft and serious tone. “You're not a bad person. When I look at you I don't just see someone in need of help. I see so much potential in you Chrysalis. You act jaded and uncaring but I think you feel things deeper than most other creatures do. You try to act as if you don't, after all, most see strong emotion as a sign of weakness. But it can be a strength, it can be what drives you past everyone and everything to achieve your goals. You have already showed on multiple occasions that your love can drive you to do incredible things. It was the love of your children, your subjects, that pushed you to take care of them by any means necessary. I can't help but admire that... because it reminds me of myself and my sister when we were just starting this kingdom. We fought, we killed, we pillaged, to keep our subjects alive and well. While I would still do anything in my power for the kingdom I have lost the will, the strength to do anything to protect them.” She pulled back and gave a bark of a laugh.

“I send others to do my dirty work and solve my problems now. I lost something that I valued so much. All because I couldn't bear to come that close to the grim reality of things again. But you... you have built your kingdom from the ground up more than once. You have seen people you love die, leave, and betray. Yet here you still stand, all the stronger for it. I suppose the point I'm trying to make here is I admire you and what you are capable of. No matter what form you take don't change Chrysalis please... this world could use someone like you.”

Chrysalis was speechless. How could she not be? Never before had she gotten such genuine praise from someone deserving of legitimate respect. It was moving... to hear and feel that she meant each and every word that left her mouth. Her mind was nearly screaming at her that this was all an elaborate trick. That if she let this mare in she would end up stabbing her in the back just like her own children did. While she was still scared of what may happen she was determined to try, at least for now. In an act that she surprised herself with Chrysalis moved over to the still form of Celestia and pressed against her side, laying her head down and closing her eyes.

“If you tell any living soul about this I swear I will throw you in a pod again.” Celestia smiled down at the creature she felt was now genuinely her friend and draped a wing over her back. “I would never dream of it Chryssi.”

Author's Note

What up people, how's everyone doing? So I really like this chapter especially the last scene. Normally my writing is fueled by alcohol or energy drinks but I was listening to killigrew while writing that last part and it honestly felt like it wrote itself. So if any of you like chillstep/melodic dubstep killigrew is fuckin awesome. So if you're still reading thanks and I hope you're liking what I'm putting out. (Also if anybody wants to know the hardest part about writing this one was that tiny ass little song at the beginning. I swear it took longer to write that than the next four pages... I don't music very well.)