Bonds

"Art those really thou last words?"

A distinct voice could be heard in the distance as Chrysalis closed her eyes for the final time in her life. Or at least, that's what she thought she did. Her eyes snapped open, and in a short moment of pure shock she realized she could see! Too bad all she could see in front of her was darkness. But she had heard something, and that meant that her senses were coming back, and that was a good sign. A sign she was more than a little grateful for.

But then she saw something that made her take that gratitude right back.

"We believe we asked thou a question. Art those really thou last words? Would thou liketh those words to be the ones engraved on your tombstone for all of eternity?"

Chrysalis knew that voice. That booming tone, that ancient, regal speech. It couldn't be her! But there was no mistaking that voice. It had to be her! There was no one else it could possible be!

Chrysalis was shocked at this revelation. Surely she couldn't be here for her? But then again, she was the only one in the entire cave at the moment, and she was also the only one that, just a few moments ago, was inches away from deaths door. She scrambled for what to say, not wanting to sound as pathetic as she felt in front of who she thought this was. However, when it didn't come, she settled on saying the one thing that came to mind as soon as the question was asked. And so, no wanting to make them wait any longer she said, "No!"

The voice seemed to ponder this for a moment, for it had grown quiet. Then, with a slightly less booming, yet still regal voice, the voice said, "Good. For we hath something of dire importance to discuss with you."

As this was said, Chrysalis could just make out a pair of eyes. These were not just any eyes however, These eyes were menacing, fierce, and hungry. Those eyes seemed to be the only light in the perpetual darkness that had clouded her vision. In fact, they seemed to suck the light right out of everything around them until they were the only visible things in the room.

That is until she heard footsteps, and out of the all consuming darkness walked the single, solitary last girl Chrysalis had ever wanted to see.

There before her, in the flesh was Nightmare Moon, in all her wicked glory. Her armor glistened in a non-existent light and her hair swayed in an invisible wind that seemed to blow for her and her alone.

"It's you! B-but, it can't be!" It was at this point that Chrysalis did something that shocked them both. She prayed. Prayed for her life. Prayed for a chance to go back to when she was about to die even. Anything to get away from this mare.

This was Nightmare Moon, scourge to ponykind and the only thing she had ever thanked Celestia for doing in her life. She needed to get away, but she was soon distracted from her thoughts by a voice.

"Why dost thou pray? Dost thou not recognize a god when thou sees one? Your prayers will be heard even if you do not speak them aloud green one."

"B-but, It's...you!" Came Chrysalis' weak reply.

"Yes, it is I, Nightmare Moon. You know, if thou truly do desire death, I can grant you a peaceful one. You will pass without any pain."

"But...Celestia banished you!"

At this, Nightmare Moon's expression changed to one of controlled rage, and Chrysalis shrank back in actual fear "Don't you dare speak her name in front of me." was all she said before calming further.

"I see you like to get right to the heart of the matter... That is exactly what I came here to discuss with you."

This got Chrysalis' attention, and she leaned in closer. "What is it?"

Nightmare Moon smiled a wicked smile at this."It is simple, green one. I desire vengeance. And you will help me."

"You want...to get revenge on Celestia? For banishing you?" Chrysalis said, more in a tone of confirmation than questioning.

"Precisely." was all the armor clad girl said. "Am I correct in assuming that you desire some form of payback as well?"

Chrysalis thought on this a moment. Revenge. She had wanted it before. But not anymore. She had given up. She had been soundly defeated. She would never win. Revenge was the furthest thing from her mind these days, especially with her body in such a condition. "No. I couldn't do it even if I wanted to. Especially not like...this." She gestured to her battered beaten and...and... and nothing.

Her body was in perfect condition. She looked up in shock at the girl before her.

"How did you...?"

"I am a god, remember?"

Chrysalis was about to hug the god princess. Yes, hug her, when a hand stopped her cold before the action could even be put into practice.

"No hugging!"

Chrysalis tapped her hands together sheepishly and grinned nervously. "You can...read my mind?"

Nightmare Moon simply gave her a questioning look, as if the answer was obvious. Which it was.

Chrysalis seemed to get the hint. "Oh...right, yeah. A god."

Then chrysalis had a thought. "But if you're so all powerful, why come to me?"

Nightmare Moon simply gave her another questioning look, which she returned this time.

The mare sighed before answering. "It is simple, green one. I need you."

"You need me?!" said Chrysalis in disbelief. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Why would an all powerful god need her. "But...what could I do?"

"You misunderstand me, green one. It is not your strength I seek, but rather your mind."

"My mind?"

"Indeed. I am not at liberty to tell you of my plan, for even I do not trust the likes of someone who would dare bring harm to Equestria."

She glared at Chrysalis, causing her to gulp.

"Now, allow me to ask you again. Are those the words that you want the world to see on your tombstone, green one?"

Chrysalis thought on this a moment, pondering what she should do. She had given up on getting her revenge. She had been beaten so badly that she had been only inches away from death only a moment ago. If anything, she had to do this to repay her. No. That wouldn't do. She had to do this for herself. All these years Celestia has denied her her chance at survival, her chance at a proper life. She had almost cost her her chance at this life as well. She would have her revenge if it was the last thing she did!

"No, they aren't. And don't call me green one. My name...is Chrysalis. Rouge Changeling Queen." Her royal demeanor had returned to her speech once again. For all intents and purposes, Chrysalis was well and truly back.

"Fitting Title. Very well, then, Chrysalis. Come with me, into the darkness..."

After that moment, Chrysalis followed Nightmare Moon into the void of darkness she had come from, and was, presumably, never to be seen again.

But the one question remains. Where did she go?