Changing for Love

Chapters

Prologue
Second Chance
Chapter 2
The Carnival

Prologue

Prologue: The Unusual Meeting/ The Strange Encounter

Cadence stood all alone in the garden crying to herself because she was alone, scared, and nervous too, she did not care about anypony else right now, and nothing was able to cheer her up, but princess Celestia knew what she really needed, a friend. As she sat there all alone she soon heard a rustling from one of the nearby bushes that was in the garden that she was currently in. She turned to look at the noise with great fear, “Who goes there?” she asked nervously and soon enough a reply was heard back in a small quiet and nervous voice too.

“Please, don't hurt me, I was just watching, I don't mean any harm, I swear it.”

“Come out then, I wish to see you,” Cadence said staring at the bush.

A pair of deep green eyes stared back at her, “No, please don't make me, I’m a monster, I don't want to be seen by other ponies, my mother says that other ponies are mean, that they don't understand us, that they never will because they don't love us, and that’s why we can't ever be friends, but I was just curious, please don't hurt me, I need to go home otherwise my mother will be furious with me, and I would rather not face her wrath and fury, she’s scary then.”

“Little one, I promise that no matter what you might look like or be I will not bring harm unto you and I shall do my very best to keep you safe until I die. Now then would you please come out so that I may see what you are?”

The pair of deep green eyes blinked and then went behind the bush, “Well, if you promise, mommy never goes back on her own word despite what the others like ponies might say about it. But okay, I'll come out, but don't be quick to anger or fear, and please don't try to judge me either, I want us to be friends.”

“Me too, little one, oh, by the way, I forgot to ask you what your name is.”

“It’s Chrysalis, and what about you?” the voice said back to her.

“You can call me Cadence, but I can't greet you properly unless you come out first,” she said warmly smiling to the bush. She could hear the sigh from this child and soon enough a black hoof poked out… but it was dotted with holes.

“Uh hello there,” Cadence said shaking the hoof, “What are you anyways?”

Chrysalis sighed and took a step outside of the bush and Cadence did everything that she could not to scream at the sight of this thing that only looked like a monster. “We’re called changelings, and well, we feed off of love, and I wouldn't blame you if you decide to scream at me right now because most ponies do just because they’re afraid of something new that they never took the time to know, and I don't want that between us, but I can't control what you do either.”

Cadence looked at the small black filly and slowly decided what to make of her, she didn't look dangerous, but then again, looks could be dangerous.

But she was also just a filly, could she even hurt another pony, even if she wanted to? Cadence didn't know, after all, she did hear that they fed off of love, whatever that entailed. However, the black filly did look quite harmless even though some holes riddled her body in random and various locations and she had clear (sort of blue) insect like wings and a horn and Cadence wondered at once if she could be some type of alicorn like she was. “Are you an alicorn?” she asked. The other black filly, Chrysalis, blinked in chock and surprise at this question and looked at Cadence like she was some sort of strange pony.

“What?” Chrysalis asked in return to Cadence with some slight shock.

“You know, wings and horn, just like me,” she said.

Chrysalis tilted her head and looked confused, but then shook her head, “No, I do not believe that the future queens of the hive or any changeling is a type of alicorn, although I could be wrong, our history is very old and is lost and forgotten at most times, but even the things that are remembered are shaky at best. But before you ask, I’m here because I’m lost, scared, and nervous too.”

Cadence looked at her, “How did you know that I was all of that, how?”

“I can read emotions from other ponies, even see them in colors too, it’s very useful for feeding and smelling, or rather detecting large quantities of love. But then I saw you crying and I was curious and I thought I almost felt bad for you.”

“But why would you feel bad for me?” Cadence asked.

“That’s exactly what I asked myself because the ponies never feel bad for us.”

“Well, I would, and I’m sure that my friends and family would too.”

“Wait, what are you trying to say to me?”’ Chrysalis asked.

“I’m saying that not all ponies are bad, and no matter what you think you are or might be, even if that is a monster which I assure you that you are not, well, guess what, everything can change, even if slowly with time, you can change, I can change, we all can change, I guess maybe even changelings can change too.”

Chrysalis laughed a bit at that last part, “We can change into anypony or anything so I wouldn't imagine physical change would be too hard, just maybe mental and emotional,” she said while Cadence stared at her with shock.

“Wait, you can turn into anything or anypony?” Cadence asked

“Yes, but only if we’ve seen them or it before, the more time you spend with something the better you are at imitating it,” she relied back hesitantly.

“Can you change into me?” Cadence asked with some curious anxiety.

“Well, okay, if you want me to,” Chrysalis said as a green flash went up in the air and there now stood yet another Cadence. Cadence blinked with surprise.

“Wow, you look just like me…” Cadence said.

“I also sound like you too,” Chrysalis said, “Would you like me to change back?”

“Yes please,” Cadence said nervous about seeing herself like this in this new kind of way, she was also kind of worried what other ponies might think if they saw two of her, they might be worried and scared, then again, the sight of Chrysalis herself would probably be enough to scare them anyways and call her a monster.

But Cadence for all that she was worth, did not think she was a monster.

Chrysalis sighed and turned back into her normal form as Cadence smiled at her warmly. “You sure do seem to smile a lot, any reason for that?”

“There’s lots of reasons, but you only need a reason to be mad and/or sad, you don't always need a reason to smile, it can just be something natural that you do, besides, I don't care what the others might think about you or call you, I don't think that you’re a monster and I don't believe that you can be one either.”

Chrysalis looked at her with shock and surprise and then started to smile, “That is literally the nicest thing that anypony has ever said to me before,” she said as tears of joy and relief started to flow down from her eyes unto her face.

“It’s okay, there’s no need to cry,” Cadence said going over to hug her very tightly.

“No, it’s okay, these are tears of joy and relief I think,” Chrysalis said.

“Good, because I don't want those to be tears of sadness,” Cadence said.

“Trust me, they aren't,” Chrysalis said still enjoying the hug, “Thank you.”

“For what? I didn't do anything,” Cadence said.

“No, you did everything just by giving me some time, attention and love.”

“Do you not have that in your own home?”

“You mean the hive? No, my parents are too busy with the rest of the children to even really take care of me as they should, they care about the safety of the hive, and that means all of their children equally, and not just one, even if that one will be the queen someday. I wish that they did have more time for me though.”

“Well, I'll always make and have time for you, even if they won't, and you’ll always be welcome to come over to my house no matter the day or time, you can talk, play, eat, rant, vent, ramble, or do whatever else that you might want, okay?”

“Really?” Chrysalis asked.

“Yes, of course, that’s what I would do for my friends, and I want you to be my friend,” Cadence said to her hoping that this was the right thing to do.

“Are you serious about this?” Chrysalis asked.

“Yes, I am, Chrysalis,” Cadence smiled at her.

Chrysalis smiled, “Very well then, I accept being your friend, whatever that means,” she said. Cadence laughed at her young foolishness.

“Oh, trust me, you will soon see what that means in all the tiny little details.”

“I don't like the tone of your voice,” Chrysalis said nervously.

“Trust me, you soon will,” Cadence said with a great grin.

And with that said Cadence took Chrysalis off to see all the wonders and joys of pulling off pranks, flying some kites, going to a part, makeup (and makeovers), sleepovers (or rather sleep ins, or rather even slumber parties), and also many more things over the years, but for day number one, it was just talking.

They talked on for many hours out of the sight of other ponies even though Chrysalis soon grew to like Cadence and could stand to be with her in her normal form, but she told Cadence that she wasn't quite ready to see other ponies yet.

Cadence understood that quite well and so they just talked and didn't move beyond their little secret and hidden garden that they had together. They talked on for many hours about life, their parents, and even more about other stuff too.

“So, what’s your family like?” Chrysalis asked Cadence.

“Well, they’re dead, but princess Celestia raises me like her own daughter.”

“Oh, well, sorry to hear about your parents, but I am glad to hear about princess Celestia, does she take good care of you? What’s she even like anyways?”

“Well, she does take very good care of me if you bothered to listen, and she’s like, well, it’s kind of hard to describe unless you meet her first, but she’s the kindest, gentlest, and most generous pony that I have ever seen before, and humble too, although she will take great pride in some things, even if they seem small and insignificant and trivial too. She also has a reputation for jokes too.”

“Well maybe I can meet her sometime if she’s as nice as you say that she is,”

“Well, I don't know, maybe, we’ll have to see, it depends…”

“Upon what?” Chrysalis asked curious as to what she meant.

“On what she says of course,” Cadence replied back.

“Why? Do you not think that she won't want to see me?”

“No, well, maybe, I don't know, I have a little bit of doubt, but that’s only natural.”

“Oh, very well then, if you say so,” Chrysalis said.

“I do, but I assure you that I only hope for the best,” Cadence said.

“Me too,” Chrysalis said.

“Yeah, I guess it doesn't really matter what we look like so long as we get along and agree on some stuff, if we can do that then I’m sure this will work out just fine, maybe even great depending upon how well we get to know each other.”

“Indeed, I couldn't agree more,” Chrysalis said.

They smiled at each other, waved each other goodbye, and soon a guard could be hard for Cadence, and with a gasp of shock and surprise Chrysalis dive into the bushes again rustling it and making a very loud noise and sounds.

“What was that?” one guard asked moving towards the sounds.

“I don't know, it could be Cadence, the girl is still missing.”

“Let’s go check it out.”

Slowly the two guards approached the noise and found Cadence there all alone.

“Oh, that’s a relief, it’s just Cadence, go tell a guard to go tell princess Celestia this great and glorious news,” the guard said moving towards her, “We were all very worried about you, we would have been here sooner, but I guess fate delayed our arrival because some of the guards are sick and Celestia was taking a nap, but why ever did you leave? Were you sad, did something upset you?”

“Yes, I was upset and sad, when I saw the party and everypony being happy, it reminded me about my parents, and then Celestia said that we were here to honor and remember them, I just wanted to cry and scream and shout, and I ran away, I found this place by accident and I met a new f-,” she stopped.

“A new what?” The guard asked with curiosity.

“Oh, nothing, none of your concern, but I think that I am more than well and fine, I think, no, I wish to return to the party, but I do have a question first, if I hypothetically met someone new, like a friend, would it be okay to bring them along even if they looked… well… let’s put it this way, different.”

“If hypothetically you did meet someone here and they were not already a guest by the princess, a guard, the castle staff, or other such respective class then they would be considered an intruder and it would be your duty and responsibility to report this to princess Celestia and if at all possible, bring them in.

“Why do you ask? Did such a thing happen to you?”

“Uh, maybe?” she said.

“Cadence, I want you to tell me the truth.”

“I don't want to, what if you hurt her?”

“Her? So, wait, you did meet someone new? One that you call a friend now?”

“Yes, I did meet someone new, but I want to talk to princess Celestia about this!”

“Cadence,” the guard said with a sigh, “You should have told us this in the first place, what if they hurt you? You just can't make new friends from strangers unannounced willy-nilly, I’m all for making friends and all, but not at the risk or cost of your own life and safety which might I remind you, we are sworn to protect, you running away puts a whole lot of pressure on all of us to do better.”

“I know Mark… I mean Mr. Notch,” Cadence said sheepishly almost forgetting the rule to call him by his last name since he liked it a lot better, in fact it was rather more of a nickname now than anything else, “But she was just so nice, she had a good heart, I could tell, and if I wasn't there for her to be her friend, well maybe her heart would have turned black and cold just like her parents, I could tell because I can see into the hearts and minds of others, she didn't have a lot of love from her family, respect sure, but definitely not enough love.”

“How can you be so sure of this, about well, any of this?”

“Because I just am,” Cadence said with a slight warm smile now.

Notch sighed and took off his helmet and oh no, Cadence knew where this was going, a lecture, a moral, a lesson, not every guard did this, but Notch was famous for it since he was one of the guards assigned to the princesses themselves, he had the highest honor and reputation possible (although not every medal) and he had grown used to Celestia’s jokes, but he had also taken the habit to try to teach as well, in fact he always said that if he wasn't a royal guard that he would be a teacher, and for good reason too. Cadence sighed, she didn't hate these lectures, after all, they did help her learn and improve, she actually could enjoy and like them, but they started to grow boring after a while, she wanted something new and exciting, not a constant reminder of the past.

“Do you know what this helmet means, what it represents?” he asked. Cadence shook her head eager to get on with this new lesson and moral. Notch sighed, “I thought so, well let me tell you what it means, what all of my armor means. You see the helmet is to protect our head which holds our mind, that means it can protect our knowledge, maybe even help us focus in battle, our chest plate protects our heart, our emotions and feelings and gives us strength.

Our shield is to protect all of us, and our swords, our spears, we use weapons to attack our enemies and destroy the thing that we need to, we end it, we get rid of it, and we do not allow it to continue living, because if it does live it will only bring more harm, pain, agony, sorrow, strife, chaos, and destruction to other ponies, and it is our job, our duty and responsibility to make sure that does not happen and if at all possible that it will never happen. Darkness will try to destroy us only if we let it just like all bad evil things, and guess what, sometimes the darkness hides so well as something else that it’s not because that’s what it is good at, hiding, waiting for the right moment to strike, it poses as something else that it is not, anything else, and the moment that we let it in, that we show it our weakness is the moment that we will lose, because only then will it strike us, when we our at our weakest most vulnerable moment, when our mind, body, and soul is completely and utterly broken and destroyed. And once we do that we may never be able to recover from the damage and pain that it causes us, some things do and will heal in time, but that doesn't mean that there won't be scars left behind to always remind us about the past, and they will always be there to haunt us forever until the day that we die, and no matter what we might try we will never be able to get rid of them because they will remain as echoes and shadows of the past. Do you get what I’m trying to say here, do you?”

“No, not really, but I will guess that it has something to do with protecting our mind, body, and soul at all times?” Cadence said.

“Well, yes and no, it is important to do that, but you also have to always remember why the armor is important, why it protects you, it’s because you wear it, and somepony else forged it, it doesn't matter what material it is made out of, if you don't wear it then it can't help you, and if you do not allow others to help you in the heat of a fight or battler then you will lose and you will fail and you will fall victim to the enemy. You might know how to use a weapon, but nopony else can help you out with it and train unless you decide to take action first. Armor and weapons are only as effective as the ponies that make and use them.”

“So, basically what you’re saying is that I should not only protect myself, but allow others to help and protect me too even if I don't think that they are worthy to do it, or even if I don't like and/or respect them?” Cadence asked.

“Well, yes, more or less, and I ask that you try to respect and like the royal guard, we work very hard at our jobs to make life plain, simple, and easy for you, but if word got out that we lost you it would reflect very poorly upon us and it would take the actions of many to outdo just one action of one pony, after all, the way one acts could reflect a group or race, and anypony not already familiar with it will take great weight on the first thing that they see from the member of said group or race, and until other disprove the actions of one you will probably have assumptions that may or may not be wrong about the group or race.”

“Oh, I see, you’re saying that not only do my actions reflect poorly upon the guards, but also that of princess Celestia too?”

“Indeed, how would it look if the princess could not even take care or track of a simple child like you, especially if they were an alicorn too at that.”

“Well, I’m sorry, I'll try not to do it again.,” Cadence said.

Notch sighed, “I suppose that will work out for now, I know your rules and policy about making a promise unless you know for certain that you can and will keep it, and you also remember all the promises that you do make, it’s actually quite amazing and very honorable is you ask me, if you weren't an alicorn I’m sure that you would make a very fine royal guard serving the princesses and all.”

“Yes, and I thank you for keeping watch and doing your job, duty, and responsibility, but I am a big girl now, I can take care of myself, and I am an alicorn, I have more advanced magic and strength than any other pony even if I don't know how to quite use all of it. But you also need to relax just a bit, please.”

“Thank you for your concern and worries,” Notch said with a slight laugh and smile, “I will take them to note and try to improve for your pleasure.”

Cadence smiled at the small little exchange of talk that they had, and although she was not friends with every royal guard member she did know Notch very well, in fact if she ever did grow up to be a princess as Celestia had promised her then she wanted to take Notch in under her own rule and command (so long as Celestia was okay and fine with that of course). They had spent so much time together that Cadence actually now did consider Notch a friend, her friend.

Soon enough however the sound of a pair of huge great big wings could be heard as a shadow was cast over the garden, but this was not from any wild storm or rain clouds, no, this was from something much closer and much more intimidating too. It was the shadow of none other than princess Celestia herself. Notch as was custom quickly bowed just a little and enough in respect for her (even though Celestia herself had said many times that he did not need to) while Cadence did not move at all since she was technically family of Celestia.

“There you are, my little one, wherever have you been? Me and my guards have been looking everywhere for you, luckily word got to me that you were here. But I hope that you have not gotten into any kind of danger or trouble while you were out and away,” Celestia said dropping down to the ground and landing with light gentle grace. The expression on her face was a hard one to tell, it wasn't anger or sadness, not grief or sorrow, more like relief mixed in with some slight concern and maybe, just maybe a touch of hidden anger and sadness deep down inside.

“I’m sorry auntie, but I was just sad and angry,” Cadence said.

“It is okay, I am glad that you are safe at any rate, now then, will you please tell me if anything strange or unusual happened while you were lost?”

Cadence looked at Notch for advice, but he usually only would just shrug and smile at her as he did on this important (and probably very special) occasion. Cadence however, sighed and looked at Celestia, “Yes, it did.”

“Oh, well then, would you mind telling me what happened, please?”

Cadence sighed again, “I met this really nice pony and we talked for a bit, she was harmless and she didn't even hurt me and I just want us to be friends, she even expressed an interest in meeting you, and she’s sort of like me you know, she doesn't get enough love and attention from her family too, although I don't know why she kept using the word hive, in fact come to think of it I don't even know what a changeling is, but they can't be all that bad if she’s like that.”

Celestia paused and looked at Notch who looked very worried and concerned, “Wait, Cadence, did you say that she called herself a changeling?”

“Yes, why?” Cadence asked. Celestia took a big breath in before she went on.

“Cadence, my dear, what was her name and is she still here?”

“Well, she said her name was Chrysalis and I’m not sure if she’s still here, I mean she did dive into the bushes so she’s probably trying to hide away and all.”

Celestia muttered a curse under her breath and something about only cowards and villains hid, but then she smiled at Cadence, “Well, if she is still here do you think that you can call her back out again? I would like to meet her very much.”

“Uh, okay, I'll try, Chrysalis? Chryssie? Are you here? Hello?”

Celestia resisted every natural urge to gag at the nickname as it was quite familiar to one she had once used, but she did wince in some visible pain. There was no response or movement from any of the bushes and Cadence shrugged it off, “I guess she went away, I don't know, maybe she was scared or something.”

“Indeed,” Celestia said almost to herself, “Thank you for trying my dear, but I must have a word with the guards in private,” she said turning to notch and then leaned in to whisper these words, “Tell every guard to search for a small black filly child, but to also double check every single pony that enters these grounds and gardens, she could be anything or anyone, we have no idea what she could be or what she might not be, we have no idea where she is, but if you do find her tell the guards also this one very important thing above all else, you are not to harm or kill her, capture her alive, but do not harm her and do not try to force her to come against her will, make her feel welcome and invited, I want to see for myself if this child will pose the threat and danger that I think that she might.”

“Auntie Celestia, what’s going on?”

“Shush my child, there is no reason why you should worry yourself over this or about what you might have done wrong, I assure you that this is not of your own doing or faults. But I would politely wish and request that you stay inside more, and away from this spot, unless you think your ‘friend’ would like to meet me here again,” Celestia said hoping for the best possible outcome.

“Well, I don't know, maybe, I didn't really get the chance or time to ask her…”

“Very well then, that is fine my child, all is well, all is alright and fine.”

“Are you sure? You seem very anxious and nervous.”

“Yes, everything is fine, and I am only concerned which makes me worried.”

“Oh, okay, but what is your concern and worry about?”

“You and her, but most of all, you. Now please, go to your room, this is not a punishment, it is merely just a precaution my child, please, go.”

Cadence sighed, “Very well then, as you wish,” she said leaving to go to her own room and soon enough every guard was searching for Chrysalis, but she was never found that day or in the following days because she had left, and it would not be for a very long time (in the terms of Cadence) that she would be able to see her again. And when she finally did, things had changed very dramatically.

Second Chance

Chapter One: Second Chance

It was about two or three weeks after Cadence first met Chrysalis that she got the chance to meet her again, but things had changed very dramatically.

More guards now lined the whole entire castle and palace, and Celestia herself required that at least two guards be with Cadence at all times, four to eight (or even more) if possible. Cadence was unhappy with this situation and to make matters even worse Celestia asked that if she did see Chrysalis again to report it to the guards who would then get herself on her own orders. And now these new rules and orders were starting to wear down on Cadence and bore her, after all, she wanted nothing more than to make a good friend, and this was interrupting the time that she could foal sit a very special somepony named Twilight Sparkle who she also called a friend and despite the young filly’s shy and timid nature and passion for books, she gladly called Cadence a friend back. Cadence sighed and played around with a board game at the garden that she had last seen Chrysalis in, she was hoping that she would come, and if not, well then, she was waiting for something else to happen, something fun and exciting unlike all the old boring political matters and rules and laws that Celestia had to deal with all of the time, how frustrating it must be to be a princess.

And yet how rewarding it must be too.

Cadence herself was both scared, nervous, and excited to be a princess one day, but for now she just wanted to rest, relax, and enjoy herself too. But her plans might have to wait as she soon saw a pair of familiar green eyes staring at her.

She sighed and walked over to them, “You do know that if I see you that technically I’m supposed to report you to the guards, right?”

“Yes, but can we talk for a bit? I swear it’ll only be for a few minutes at most.”

Cadence sighed, “Fine then, but only a few minutes, I don't want to get caught.”

“Thank you! Anyhow I just wanted to say thanks for giving me this time and another chance when most ponies won't even dare to look at me because…”

“No, don't say that word, you’re not a monster, I don't care what the others call you or what they think, but I would never think that, or call you that either.”

Chrysalis smiled and poked her head out a bit, “Thanks for the support.”

“What are you doing? You’re going to get us caught!”

“Well, if we are caught and Celestia tries to deny our friendship she clearly isn't the pony you think she is and you can choose to run away with me, and if she does accept it, then no problem, besides, I can handle a few royal guards on my own, my mother makes me train and practice with other ponies all the time.”

“Wait, what do you mean by train and practice?”

Chrysalis smiled, “You would not like the details, trust me on this.”

“Well okay then, fine, but if I get in trouble for this I blame you.”

“No problem, I can live with that.”

“And if I ever escape my punishment I will find you and I will kill you too.”

“Well, okay then, great, let’s go!” Chrysalis said bouncing over to the guards.

Notch turned to look at her before shouting out one of the strangest things that he had ever heard or seen before, “Hello there, my name is princess Chrysalis, I am a changeling and it’s so nice to meet you and I’m friends with Cadence and I would also like to meet this princess Celestia, can I please see her?”

Notch could only draw two conclusions from this, either this girl was crazy, or she was stupid, or quite possibly she was both. “Uh…” he said not sure of what to say or how to respond. The other guard however, did not hesitate to respond and instead instantly rushed off to go see Celestia despite his own shock and surprise at seeing this strange new and unusual girl.

“Well, are my demands going to be met or not?”

Demands? “Uh…” Notch said again. Chrysalis scowled at him.

“Is that all that you can say or are you just mentally ill instead?”

“Chrysalis! That’s not a very nice thing to say!” Cadence said.

“I know, but I find insults are usually the quickest way for a pony to respond to you and whatever your questions might be, other ways include love and pain.”

“Oh, well, okay, wait, what did you say for the last part again?”

“Nothing!” Chrysalis said. Notch at this point was way confused.

“I’m sorry, can somepony please fill me in on what’s going on here,” Notch said.

“Ah, he speaks! And best of all he won't steal waifus away!”

“Chrysalis, if you’re going to speak please try to make some kind of sense.”

“Wait, so I’m not the only confused one here? Well, that’s a relief to hear.”

“Indeed,” Cadence said trying to gain some kind of control over the situation.

“Wait, hold on, what are you again?” Notch asked Chrysalis.

“A changeling, do you not know what that is?” she asked.

“Well, sort of, I heard you suck love out of ponies?” Notch said.

“Well, sort of, we feed off of it, we live off of it, it’s the only way that we can survive, all other emotions we can feed off of if we knew the magic, but they wouldn't be as tasty or as great as love. Oh, and if you have heard rumors about us changing into anything, that is true, well, more or less,” Chrysalis said.

“Oh, well okay then, now if you would please wait here for the princess I’m sure that all of your questions and ours can and will be answered in a reasonable manner, I mean the princess is the kindest, gentlest, and most generous pony that I have ever seen, and she probably has the purest soul as well.”

“Ugh, I hate it when ponies elevate a leader to god-like status.”

“Why?” Cadence asked. Chrysalis snorted in anger and frustration.

“Because a leader should be feared or loved and also have respect too, if they do not have that then they cannot lead, and while I do agree making one a god is good for intimidation of your enemies, it doesn't send out a message of humility either although we do respect strength and power, that being said it’s ridiculous the lengths you ponies will go to for making something so small, plain and simple so large, big, and huge, you overexaggerate it way too much in my opinion.”

“Well okay, we all have our own faults, nopony is perfect and Celestia is no exception to that rule no matter how much we might praise her.”

“Okay, very well then, that makes sense now, I guess that I can accept that.”

“Thank you, now then, anything else you want to say?”

“Nah, it can wait until princess Celestia gets here.”

“Okay, very well then, we shall wait,” Cadence said.

They waited in silence for some time until Celestia decided to arrive, “Well, hello there, my little ponies, it’s so nice to see a new face here, I assume that this can only be the ‘friend’ that you talked about even if only briefly, right, Cadence?”

“Yes, it is, her name is Chrysalis and she’s…”

“The changeling princess, nice to meet you, princess Celestia,” she said with a slight nervous smile unsure if she should bow or not, “Do I bow?”

Celestia smiled at her, “There is no need my little one, after all, royalty has no need to bow to other royalty even out of respect, but I am curious, how and why are you a princess? You look so young and yet you still do not rule?”

“No, that would be my mom Queen Mantis,”

“So, the rulers in your society are Queens then, therefore female?”

“Indeed, that statement is completely true.”

“What about the kings?”

“Oh, the queen will either usually kill them after mating or keep them alive to well, let’s put it this way, buck with,” Chrysalis said with a slight smile.

Celestia raised an eyebrow at the child using such a word but quickly put this concern aside for far more pressing and important matters instead. “Very well then, next question, why are you so far away from your own home, little one?”

Chrysalis scowled, “Please don't call me your little one anymore, and to answer your question I’m away from home because I don't get enough love and attention, and I also wanted to see if I could make a friend, I was also curious about the ponies. My mom barely gives me anything other than lessons these days.”

“And are you sure that there can be no ulterior motive either by yourself or your mother for you being here trying to make and be friends with Cadence?”

Chrysalis blinked in surprise, “No, my mother doesn't even know I am here right now, but if she did I bet she would be furious, she hates ponies.”

“And you do not?” Celestia asked respecting her name calling wishes.

“I still have to make up my mind on that, but I am starting to warm up to them although I suspect that this may not have been the case if the past was different.”

“Indeed,” Celestia said wondering what alternate universes that could and would and might result in, “And why do you want to make a friend?”’

“Because I feel all alone, and I just don't hope to make one new friend, but many.”

“Yes, I see, and Cadence is the one that you would call your first friend?”

“Yes, and my very best friend at that too,” Chrysalis said with a slight smile.

“Yes, I see and does she make you happy being with her? And what about your family and/or parents and/or siblings? Do they not make you happy?”

Chrysalis tilted her head sideways and considered the question, “Not in the way that Cadence or a friend ever could even if they did change to what I wanted them to be because once I am Queen I will have to look out and keep the whole entire hive safe and do everything in their interest with little regard to my own, which is why I think there is some pressure on me to mate or at least have a friend so I can deal with the stress and just talk and ramble on and also vent too, I also want more than one just in case anything ever happens, you know.”

“Yes, I see, next question, why do you have holes in your body?”

“They have always been there, well at least they have been ever since I started to steal the love from other ponies, and I know that it’s wrong, but it’s the only way that my kind can live and survive, the only way that we know how to.”

“Okay, very well then, although I suspect with time and some patience we may soon enough find a new way for you to live and survive without stealing or taking love, but that is for later, right now I still have some questions for you. Okay, next question, would you like it if you could come here to the castle and live with us? This would have the advantage of you getting to spend more time with Cadence and to see her, and to get away from your family, but should you ever wish to leave or take a break, or even to invite more of your family, that would be okay and I will not restrict you although I do wish you would ask me for my permission first before bringing anymore of your family along to the castle.”

Chrysalis nodded and smiled, “Yes, I would like that very much so, but I doubt that I would ever bring my family along even if I did enjoy this place, but I will always keep your words in mind and I will try to ask as much as possible, but hopefully not so much that it becomes annoying because I would not want that.”

Celestia blinked with some slight shock and surprise, “Okay then, but you seem nervous and/or excited, can you please tell me what you are feeling right now.”

“Oh, well that’s very simple and easy, I’m nervicited!”

Celestia sighed and giggled at the same time at this statement of joy, “Thank you, now then, would you like to spend the night here or not?”

“I would like to spend the night here with my friend!”

Once again Celestia blinked with surprise and shock, but she continued to smile warmly at the filly nonetheless, “Very well then, I am sure that can and will be arranged, and on behalf of the city and nation, I, princess Celestia, herby formally welcome and invite you to stay in the Canterlot castle in the land of Equestria and I sincerely wish the best of luck with your stay and that you may be happy and should you ever have need of anything do not hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you princess Celestia! Oh! I can't wait to be living here on my own!”

“Yes, me too, I wish only the best of luck for you and joy too, nothing more.”

“And in your experience what is the best way to make friends?”

“Be yourself, but there is no one way to make friends, or a best way, and the only way that could ever be false is if this society was not the way it already was.”

“Thank you princess Celestia, thank you so much,” Chrysalis said.

“Please, just call me Celestia, no titles are needed around me.”

“Very well then, as you wish, Celestia,” Chrysalis said with a slight smile on her face now, she was clearly enjoying herself, and maybe she liked to tease too.

Celestia grinned, “Are you resisting the urge to tease me right now?”

“Very much so, princess,” Chrysalis grinned at her. Celestia sighed but then a light chuckle before patting Chrysalis on the head warmly and lovingly.

“Yes, I do think that I shall grow to like you although I can easily imagine us being enemies too,” she said with a suggestive glare at her.

“I have no intention of being your enemy now or ever, princess.”

“As do I. Now then I have some royal duties to attend to, but the guards will be more than happy and willing to guide you and you may stay in the castle as long as you wish, I do request only one thing however, do not try to cause trouble and do not leave the grounds of the castle walls for your own safety and protection, inside I can protect you, outside I cannot and will not give you that promise. If you leave whatever happens will be of your own doing even if the crime committed is not yours. Cadence will also be here to help you out as you might need it, but she and other students of mine like Sunset Shimmer have our own duties and other things and stuff to do, even if not royal like my duty and role is. I hope that you are and will remain happy at this castle and as always I wish you only the best of luck, good day, I will see you later, Chrysalis.”

“See you later too, princess!” Chrysalis said back to her.

Celestia merely just sighed and rolled her eyes in response to the child as she slowly flapped her wings and then flew away. “So, now what’s going to happen?” Notch asked (saying the thing that was probably on all of their minds right now).

“Well, I would think that you have to do what we want, right?”

“Within reason, yes,” Notch said worried about where this was going.

“Okay, good, don't worry, I won't ask anything naughty, but I might ask something tough though, tell me, how good are you at hoof wrestling?”

Notch smiled, “Chrysalis, I am the very best at that.”

“Good, then I challenge you to a duel.”

“You’re on princess!” he said with a nervous smile trying to remain confident.

The first-round Chrysalis somehow managed to win, but Notch was still calm as it was a 2/3. But then she won again, and he made it a 3/5, and then a 5/7 after she won again, and then a 7/9, and after that she decided to quit to spare him anymore shame and humiliation. “How did you manage to do that?” he asked after losing to her for the last time. She grinned before responding.

“I’m tougher than I look, my mom trained me that way.”

“Well then, tell her I respect and appreciate her for that, and you too.”

“If I ever do see her again I will, but I can't make any promises.”

“Okay, fine then, that’s understood, but can I get some rest now?”

“Sure thing, I don't mind, you deserve it anyways, Notch,” Cadence said.

“Thanks, I'll find a replacement for me, see you soon though.”

He left and another guard soon took his place and then Cadence and Chrysalis played and talked some more and Cadence even showed Chrysalis her super-secret friendship dance rhyme and they laughed and giggled and smiled until it started to get dark, and when they could see that the day was ending and that night was coming Chrysalis commented that she was starting to get sleepy and tired, Cadence couldn't agree anymore with her and they made their way to the bed chambers although for Chrysalis she would have to sleep in a guest room although Cadence had her own, but Chrysalis was reluctant to sleep alone and the guards begrudgingly let her stay and sleep with Cadence for that night only.

Little did they know that the one night only policy would soon turn into many days, weeks, months, and even years in the castle as time slowly went on marching forward until it was no more.

Chapter 2

Chapter Two: (The) Friendship Grows (on)

The next day Cadence didn't want to waste a single second or minute that day, she intended to make the most of it and live it to the fullest thing that she possibly could. She didn't want to waste it, but she didn't know where to start either, but she did know one thing, she wanted to have some fun. So, with that thought in her mind she smiled as she slowly leaned up over the bed to wake up Chrysalis. “Chrysalis, time to get up, it’s light and the sun is out now…”

“But what if I don't want to get up?” Chrysalis moaned and groaned.

“Too bad, I’m forcing you up anyways against your will.”

“Why though? Is this your form of punishment or is it some kind of torture?”

“Why can't it be both?” Cadence grinned at her mischievously.

“If I was more awake right now I would hate you so much.”

“I know,” Cadence said with a slight giggle, “Now come on! We have a full day ahead of us and I want to use it to the fullest, possibly by having some fun!”

“Okay, well do you have any ideas of how to start that off then?”

“Well no, not exactly, but I’m sure that with you here, I will.”

Chrysalis blinked and rubbed her eyes and then soon enough she started to smile, “Well, I have a few ideas myself about how we can get into trouble, but that is only if you’re up for it of course, my naughty little girl.”

Cadence bit her lip and then grinned, “Well go on, tell me first!”

Chrysalis grinned and turned into Cadence and said, “Why don't I show you?”

Cadence grinned as she looked at the mirror version of herself, “Oh yes, you are very naughty, I like that, I think that we’re going to get along just fine.”

Soon enough the two of them were up and about out of their beds and they did decide to eat breakfast first (well, Cadence did anyways at least, Chrysalis on the other hoof claimed that she had no appetite for pony food and instead just lived off of love, although how she was getting that right now she would not say or elaborate upon when asked even repeatedly about it over and over again) before they went out to pull off their pranks (which Cadence now surprisingly let Chrysalis take over although Cadence still did come up with most of the ideas about who to prank next and how and also in what manner too). All together they pranked the chef, the mail pony, a few royal guards and the librarian and an artist as well, so overall it was quite a success (in Cadence’s mind at least since she still had yet to ask Chrysalis what she thought about all of this). But soon the time for pranking came to an end when Notch caught them in the act.

“Well look what we have here, two little silly girls wandering about the castle all alone getting into trouble and quite possibly breaking several rules and code of conduct and social skills and manners too, whatever shall I do? Oh, I know, maybe I should throw them in the deep dark cold dungeons below because of how naughty they were, or maybe I can flog them in public, or maybe I could always just let Auntie Celestia give them a hard talking to, it doesn't matter what he punishment really is so long as it fits the crime, and your crimes are very naughty girls, I think I shall have to take away your desert privileges for a week or two, or maybe three, well, what do you think the punishment shall be girls?”

“No, please not the flogging or the dungeons, or Celestia, or the deserts! Please no!’ Cadence mocked screamed while actually sort of begging for it at the same time. Chrysalis took all of this in hoping to learn from this new experience and hoped that whatever this meant that she could somehow manage to do it in the nearby future, but by Cadence’s giggles she wondered if this was serious or not even though she was trying to stand straight up but kept falling over somehow.

“Well, I have to punish naughty girls somehow, everypony that commits a crime has to be punished somehow, and I can't let you two off of the hook just because you are royalty or noble, but I agree, no flogging or dungeons, and I suppose you could have desert, but that’s not really up to me now, is it? No, I think you should have a very stern talking to princess Celestia, yes, that’s what we’ll do! Yes, that does seem like a very good idea to me, now then, if you will please just follow me along to your doom and punishment all will be well because I don't want to force you into this and make you feel bad, but it is my royal duty and honor to do so!”

“Oh no! Not princess Celestia, she’s the worst!” Cadence cried out. At this point Chrysalis was very confused, was this serious yet somehow still being taken as a joke. If so then it made no sense, but if it was a joke then why did Notch seem so serious about it? Or perhaps she could just be reading the whole entire event the wrong way, well, maybe, she still didn't know, yet, but she hoped to.

“I know that she is ‘the worst’ but you still must come with me all the same, sorry, but you must face the ultimate of all evil but fair judges for your crime, the worst crime that is above all other crimes, stealing cookies, because guess what, cookie stealing is not allowed in the kitchens and it must be punished by the highest law possible so guess what, that could mean the death sentence for you! And do you know what that means? No more cookies for the rest of your life! No more anything for the rest of your life! Maniacal evil laugh!”

“Oh no! Surely this cannot be true! I love cookies! I want cookies and other sweet stuff and things for the rest of my life! A life without cookies is no life at all!”

“Well then, it’s lucky for you that you will have the death sentence because then your life would be a very short and sweet one to end with indeed Cadence!”

“Wait, hold on a second, I’m confused here,” Chrysalis said.

“Oh, don't be, Notch is usually so over the top and serious, but he can also joke around too sometimes, although he is serious about Celestia, don't worry, you’ll either grow to love and understand his jokes, or you won't,” Cadence said.

“Well okay then, I guess that works out with me, but is all of this really required or needed? I mean if you’re going to punish us, just get on with it already.”

“Honey, it’s called a joke, try taking one sometime,” Notch said.

“Oh, well okay then, I guess that I can try that out,” Chrysalis said.

“Good thing, now then if you two don't mind please follow me, I must report your crimes to the highest law possible, that being princess Celestia, and you two shall both be punished accordingly, but I hope you two get the dungeons.”

“No! Not the dungeons! Anything else but the dungeons! No!”

Notch let out a playful fake laugh and then slowly led the two of them while Cadence continued to be overdramatic about their situation (even to the point where Rarity would consider it overdramatic, even for just a small child). Soon enough they arrived outside of the doors to the royal throne room where princess Celestia did all of her royal duties during the day. Notch slowly raised hos hoof and knocked on it nervously and soon enough a voice replied back in a very warm and gentle tone and manner, “Come in, the door is always open you know,”

Notch muttered under his breath and then slowly pushed the door open to reveal a plain and simple room which wasn't something that Chrysalis had not expected, sure it was very big and large and spacious, but very few things stood out, sure there were a few paintings and some statues too (and was that a fountain over in the corner or just her imagination instead?) but other than that it was completely empty and devoid of anything special or unique about it other than all the colors that just vibrated and made the whole entire place feel alive. Chrysalis didn't know what to expect of the throne room, but anything that she might have thought it to be was quickly thrown out the window once she stepped inside. She looked around, gasped, and then said, “Are throne rooms around Equestria always this plan and simple? An are they always this large?”

Celestia let out a small light chuckle, “Well, I don't know about size, but yes, they are almost always plain and simple since we like to be practical and logical building a castle and we would rather not waste any money unlike some rich and fancy nobles. But you are not here to hear me complain about the nobles so I must ask you this, what are you here for and what do you want from me?”

“Well, we are here for your advice on these two I guess because of a crime they committed, cookie stealing,” Notch said pointing to the two ponies.

“Oh dear, this is quite serious, isn't it? Cookie stealing is a very serious crime and can only be punished by the most severe punishment ever conceived of, something far worse than the cold deep dungeons of Canterlot or a public flogging, or even taking away your desert privileges for a time, it’s even worse than water torture, no, this is a punishment only fit for a naughty girl who is also a cookie stealer, and I regret to inform you that I must be the one to carry this out since I not only made the rules, but I have to enforce them as a fair judge too, and this sometimes means acting in the best interest of the public even if it means that I won’t be popular, but for your crimes I will give you the most intense and painful punishment that was ever conceived of, death by tickling!”

“No!” Cadence said as Celestia leaped off of her chair (someone who was not a guard or the royal staff at the castle would probably not only think that this was highly strange and unusual, but also uncalled for as a princess, but then again, Celestia was always rather unique, strange, and different as a child) and she dived towards Cadence who was unable to escape her grasp and soon enough Celestia was scratching her in every part that she could think of while Cadence rolled around on the floor laughing and giggling with hysteria. The laughter and joy was not limited to them however as it soon spread to and infected Notch who tried to repress a grin and his laughter but soon enough he too fell victim to it, and although Chrysalis was still somewhat confused she still joined in.

Celestia kept up the tickling for a few minutes until none of them could stand it anymore lest they die out of laughter and joy because of their lack of breathing properly. Eventually they managed to get their laughter to die down, but they all still had smiles plastered over their faces, “Well Notch, do you think that Cadence has suffered enough for her crimes or should I give her some more?”

“Whatever you think is fair my princess,” he said with a grin thinking about the now appropriate nickname for whenever Celestia pulled off a prank like this, he and many other members of the guard called her Trollestia, and it was a very appropriate nickname (one that they would always keep secret though).

“Very well then, I think that she has suffered enough for one day, but do not do this again cookie thief or the punishment shall be much worse, you have my mercy and forgiveness, but do not take advantage of my charity, or else.”

“Okay, that has been noted and taken down in file in my mind.”

“Yes, indeed, and I thank you for that, but the same goes for our guest more so.”

Chrysalis gulped nervously and she could already tell that she was serious about this, hidden in her words was a very subtle but plain and simple message, ‘Don't mess with me, or else’. Notch knew this as well and he knew that sometimes the words of the princess could have double, triple, or even more meanings to it then what it seemed to be at the first glance (or rather, first listen to).

“Uh, okay,” Chrysalis said nervously. Celestia merely grinned and gave a light chuckle before moving away from Cadence back to her own throne.

“Anyhow, you are excused from your crimes, but I do request that you keep the trouble down for the castle staff and royal guards and that you try not to do it again. But I did enjoy this time with you very much so, thank you for it.”

“You’re welcome I guess,” Cadence said as she got up and turned to leave.

“Wait, I wish to speak to Chrysalis alone please.”

“Yes, of course my princess,” Notch said gently leading cadence out the door and then he proceeded to both close, shut, and lock it as well.

Chrysalis gulped nervously in fear for what Celestia might say to her. What happened next in the conversation that they had she did not expect. “If you’re nervous or scared then make yourself at home, maybe even have some tea.”

“Uh okay, wait, what?” Chrysalis said.

Celestia smiled at her, “You heard me, but come my child, sit, wait, talk, there is no need to fear me, and the only reason that you are here right now is so that we may talk. You see while I would prefer to speak to your mother I know she is unwillingly to speak to many because of many reason, but I guess that since you are royalty that you will have to do for now. Anyhow, everything I do is in the interest of others and rarely will I ever make time for myself or family, and that is a mistake that I intend to never make again due to some certain events of the past. But me speaking to you right now is out of both concern and love for Cadence who is almost like my own daughter to me, she is very special and precious to me, and I would never allow any kind of harm upon her if I can ever help it. Now then I only wish to know a few very simple things that I feel are plain and small enough to ask, and if you do not answer I will not think of you any less, although I will be more concerned for Cadence which might influence my potential choice and the outcome of you spending some more time with her. Now then, will you please tell me if indeed the hive does not know you are here right now? I only ask this because I fear your family will not be so warm and welcomed and open to my own or the royal guards and staff of this castle either.”

“No, but they will find out that I am missing eventually, sooner or later.”

“And do you suspect that your mother knows of your absence right now?”

“I have no idea, but I do fear what might come once she does fine out.”

“Child, I shall do my best to protect you from whatever punishment or pain that your mother might have, after all, a home is where the heart is, and your heart was not set with them because you clearly did not feel love or attention either.”

“Yes, I was isolated,” Chrysalis said.

“Yes, I can clearly see that now, but tell me this child, why do you call Cadence your friend? Do you call her a friend? Do you know what a friend is, or rather, what one is supposed to be and represent? And if you are her friend, do you have the intention to keep her safe at all times regardless of your own well-being, health, or life so long as you are in good condition to do so?”

“Well, that’s a lot of questions, but yes, she is my friend and I will gladly call her that until the day we die, and a friend is another pony who is not your family even though it can feel that way sometimes, and they’re supposed to look out for you, take care of you, make you feel safe, warm, loved, they give you attention, gifts, stuff, things, money, and in return you give them all that you can give even if lacking because sometimes you never know what another pony might need, maybe time, maybe love, maybe attention, maybe some sort of combination, whatever it is you can learn it just by waiting for them to talk and you need to give them time first. And a friend is the best pony that you can have for you outside of your own family, but just because you pay somepony else to be there for you doesn't mean that they will be your friend, like Notch, he’s a friend to Cadence because he knows her so well, and you’re her friend to, but you’re her guardian first. And yes, as her friend I do want to keep her safe, make her feel loved and give her my attention and all that I can give when she needs it. I know that sometimes we might fight and fall, but that’s what friendship is all about, learning from your mistakes, growing, and then moving on from it.”

“That is a very surprising answer from one so young at your age,” Celestia said.

“My mother taught me well and said that what ponies said were lies, but I always doubted that, and that’s why I really went out, to see who was telling the truth.”

“You doubted your own mother?”

“Yes and no, I also wanted to experience it myself, if she was telling the truth I thought that I was prepared for it, and if not, well, I didn't know what to expect, certainly not this, but then again, I don't think that anypony could expect this.”

“Indeed, you are quite right, thank you my child, that is all, you may go now if you wish, and if you require food or beverage just let the castle staff know.”

“Thanks, but I would rather feed off of love.”

“If that is what you wish my child,” Celestia said.

“There’s no need to call me your child, you can just call me Chrysalis.”

“I know, but I want to make you feel welcome and loved, Chrysalis.”

“Oh, well okay then, thanks for everything Celestia,” Chrysalis said.

“You’re welcome,” Celestia smiled at her.

Chrysalis nodded and smiled and left the room slowly trotting away while Celestia let out a soft sigh of relief, as far as she could tell Cadence would indeed be safe for now, at least she would be, unless the changelings attacked…

But Celestia could not and did not wish to think about that or any other sad moment in her life, no, she wanted to instead focus on the good that she still had all around her every day no matter how little that might be.

And right now, she knew what the next good thing was going to be.

“Princess Celestia, three ponies are here to see you as soon as possible, their names are Night Light, Twilight Velvet, and Twilight Sparkle, they are here about their daughter for your school of magic,” a guard said outside the door.

“Good, please send them in, I wish to speak to them at once,” she said.

She smiled and eagerly welcomed the next good thing into her life.

The Carnival

Chapter Three: The Carnival

Despite the age gap difference between the two friends (Cadence was 12 and Chrysalis was 14, Twilight Sparkle was 6, Notch was like 26, and Celestia, well, nopony knows for sure, but she is well over 1000 years old) they still got along very well and shared in many things and activities (and lots of fun and trouble too). Most of the things that they did together were fun and silly, but Celestia in all of her wisdom recognized the need for young children to go out and play and clearly the castle walls were not enough for the two of them and so she allowed them to go out to a nearby local fair only upon a few certain conditions, Chrysalis was to remain and be disguised as another pony (but not be a duplicate as to raise attention or suspicion either) and they were also to bring guards along with them. Cadence did request that Twilight Sparkle be there too and Celestia quickly agreed thinking that the more friends that Chrysalis made, the better, and so with that in mind Sunset Shimmer also went along with them too, and also Shining Armor, but other than the guards themselves (and the parents of Twilight Sparkle too of course) no other parents were there with them to keep watch. So, it would be no surprise that the children somehow managed to ‘get lost’ (as in shake their parents off their tails, literally) and hide away from them.

Well, it might come as a surprise to those that do not know children at least.

“So, will we be safe in here, are we hidden?” Chrysalis asked.

“Yes, of course we are!” Cadence said taking a few bites of the delicious pink cotton candy (to which Chrysalis tried some of it and actually did like it), “We will be safe here, we just have to avoid the guards and the parents like a game.”

“Oh, well okay then!” Chrysalis said.

“Ugh, it’s a very boring game,” Sunset said, “Why are we even trying to hide away? Wouldn't it make more sense just to stay so they would trust us more and well you know, so that way we wouldn't get into trouble and all!”

“Hey, I think this is fun! Besides we can't all ride on the same rides.”

“That’s only because you’re not big enough yet, but if I were a princess I don't think I would care about all these silly stupid rules, I would get away and be rid of them, and if I were a princess I could do anything that I wanted when I wanted it to happen, I could have servants and slaves and guards to protect me.”

“If you were ever a princess Sunset nopony would like you because being a princess isn't all about yourself, it’s about others,” Cadence said.

“Bah, with my power as a princess I could make them like me, and if they didn't well, being feared is a good option just in case they don't love me.”

“How can you say that?” Cadence asked.

“Because, I can, I have the right of free speech,” Sunset said with a smile.

“Yes, I know,” Cadence sighed.

“I want to be a princess someday!” Twilight piped up.

“Oh honey, I’m sure that you will,” Cadence said.

“Yeah, wings and a horn and a crown, but still obsessed over books, yeah, I bet that’s what she’ll be called, the Princess of Bookworms and Eggheads.”

“Hey! That’s not a very nice thing to say! Besides, it’s not nice to crush her dreams and hopes and you don't know what she could be either!”

“Oh yeah, well name one thing she could be the princess of.”

“Friendship,” Cadence said.

Sunset snorted, “Yeah right, the day she’s Princess of Friendship is the day that I turn human. But come on, let’s go back.”

“Nah, I like it here,” Chrysalis said.

“Seriously? This is the maze of mirrors, I can get looking at yourself, especially if you use your imagination, but even I can handle so much of myself.”

“Ha! The great and powerful Trixie would never get tired of herself!”

The voice came from afar but they all sighed and groaned before they moved on, “Okay, I can get that, but I still want to stay here.”

“Why though?” Sunset asked.

“Because Cadence is here!” Chrysalis said.

Sunset sighed and then glared at Chrysalis, “Look, I don't know who you are or where you come from or even why you two call each other friends, but let me make something very clear to you, I don’t like you and I don't trust you either and until something happens that proves me wrong I never will either. I won't ask you to get lost since you clearly seem to be Cadence’s friend although I don't know how you ever managed to do that since you seem so thin and scrappy, I question how your parents even kept you alive even if only just barely, I mean what are you, poor or something like that? It’s amazing and quite ridiculous how the standards of princesses have dropped so much to include filth like you not only into the Canterlot school for the gifted and magically talented but also so much as to be called a close friend of a princess because if I ever were a princess I would never call you a friend, and it would take a lot before that ever did happen, maybe by saving my life or something else that is equally great too.”

Chrysalis was practically in tears at this point and Cadence tried to shoulder and comfort her, “Sunset! How can you say this to her, and in front of me too!”

“I never really cared about you or liked you either, it’s only because of princess Celestia that I am even here today instead of studying like I should be! I mean do you have any idea of how annoying it is to listen to your pathetic annoying little requests and complaints every single day? It’s frustrating! If I didn't love books so much I would tear the pages out because of how annoyed I was! I don't hate either of you, but I don't have to like you either no matter what other ponies even like princess Celestia says that I should do! Well guess what, I don't really care for making friends because I only care about power and being the best to impress! But Celestia and all you other ponies always get in the way which is why I don't like any of you! If you just left me alone I would already be a princess by now! And if Celestia had better standards for ponies I would not act this way!”

Cadence too was now in tears, “No, it’s not her fault,”

“The point me to the pony whose fault it is for all of this!”

“Simple, you’re looking at her right now, it’s you,” Cadence said.

Sunset’s scowl of anger deepened as she looked around the room at the mirrors to only see herself, “No! You lie! It’s Celestia’s fault and it always has been!”

“If you can't admit your own faults then the blame will only ever be with you.”

“You know, I thought that you could actually be my friend and that I might find one pony that I liked, but I see that even now this is an impossible and foolish hope and silly dream, it’s better to have power than to have friends.”

“I can't believe that you’re actually saying this right now,” Cadence said.

“Oh, trust me, you better believe it, and I’m going to confront the pony who’s to blame for all of this, for everything! That’s my plan right now at least.”

“Good, because we don't want you here anyways,” Cadence said.

“And I don't want this new friend of yours here either, Chrysalis, my gosh, is that even a proper pony name? Your name sounds so gross and weird and different too, so strange and unusual, and I wonder, but no, it couldn't be unless…”

“Sunset, what are you rambling on about?” Cadence asked.

“Oh, nothing, but tell me, do either of you faint at the sight of blood?”

“No, why?” Cadence asked with some slight concern and worry.

“Oh, no reason at all,” Sunset said grabbing Chrysalis away from Cadence and then using her magic she slammed her into a wall of mirrors, hard.

Then Sunset started to use her magic to choke the life out of Chrysalis. She was completely focused on the task and soon enough she got the result that she wanted (even if it wasn't one that she was hoping for) as Chrysalis struggled for breath and soon found that only trying to breathe mattered, not even the illusion spell mattered anymore as it soon broke. Once it did Sunset gasped with shock and surprise, “No, I can't believe it, princess Celestia would never allow you in the castle, to get this close to us, she would never allow a monster to…”

Chrysalis didn't hear anything after monster, that was all and enough, it was only due to the magic of Cadence that she was refrained.

“I can't believe she would allow this to happen, surely she was ignorant of this, right? I mean that can be the only logical and reasonable…”

“No, she knew, and she allowed it, in fact she helped Chrysalis.”

Once again Sunset blinked with shock and surprise, “No, she would never help a monster, I can't believe this, I need some time to think alone.”

Sunset ran out and away just as the guards arrived because luckily enough Twilight was not here to witness anything after she commented about wanting to be a princess because Cadence quietly told her to get her parents and the guard too, Twilight was curious but could see that it might turn into a fight, and by the sight before her something very bad had indeed happened to them. “What happened here?” she asked walking up to Cadence with mild curiosity.

“Me and Sunset had a fight and she ran away to get some time to think,” she said to the young little filly, but in her eyes, there was a much deeper story instead, one that Notch knew she would tell later given some time to relax.

“Oh, well okay then, do you think that things between you two will get any better?” she asked trying to put on her best fake smile for Cadence.

“Honestly Twilight, I don't really know, I just don't know…”

“Well that’s okay, it doesn't matter what she does now because I'll always be here for you, always,” she said nuzzling into the side of Cadence for warmth and love.

“Yeah, I know,” Cadence said with a grin still trying to hide and protect Chrysalis the best that she could with her wings but Twilight was just too curious.

“Who are you trying to hide under there?” Twilight asked

“Under where?” Cadence replied.

“You know there, under that thing, your wings silly!” Twilight said.

“Oh, well that’s just Chrysalis trying to hide and get some free time alone.”

“But why is she hiding?” Twilight asked.

“Because she’s scared, and she’s hurt, and she’s different too,” Cadence said.

“Well you’re different, and I like you!” Twilight said.

“Yeah, I know that, but I just don't think it’s a good idea for her to see others right now,” Cadence said still trying to hide her away from Twilight.

“No, it’s okay, if she thinks that I am a monster, then so be it, but I would rather have ponies know of my true nature sooner rather than later, Cadence.”

“But Chrysalis, are you sure that you want to do this? She’s just a child!”

“I know, but come, let us see how she will react to me,” Chrysalis said pushing her wing away and then slowly coming out from underneath it still in her true form and then she started to walk towards Twilight. “This, my child, is my real form, my only true form, the only natural one, now please, tell me, do you fear me? And if not then please do tell us what you think about my appearance.”

Twilight looked up and down at Chrysalis nervously trying to smile, but failed, ultimately, she whimpered just a little bit and backed up away in fear. “I think you look just fine, but I don't know if I would want to hug you,” she said.

Chrysalis sighed but Cadence comforted her, “I think most children would probably just scream and point at you because you look different, and other ponies might too, but at least I didn't, you’ll always have me no matter what happens, no matter what other ponies might say about you, we’ll always have each other whenever we need the help or support no matter what happens.”

“Yeah, sure thing, right, we’ll always have each other,” Chrysalis said.

Twilight looked at the two of them hugging each other with surprise but thought it best not to comment anymore about the situation or on them either. The guards were there too but did not move, act, or say anything either even though they all saw Chrysalis in her true form. After a while Cadence stopped hugging Chrysalis and then turned around to face the guards. “If you have a problem with us, with me, or with her, say so now so that we may know who to trust because I refuse to work with any guard that cannot accept the differences of other ponies, because if you can't do that then why are you even here right now? I find it honorable and worthy of respect if you can accept change and differences too, but I do not want to worry about any of you trying to hurt my friend just because you don't like her or just because you think she looks different, strange, or unusual, if you don't think that you can at least tolerate her then leave, I’m not asking that you like her, I’m just asking for you to put your hate aside, and if you don't like her right now, then say so, but if you keep silent and try to harm her later then I swear you will be punished as far as the law can go, I will not hold back any mercy or kindness and compassion for you, and you will not get a second chance unless I truly think that you have actually learned something. Now then, is that understood?” she asked very loudly.

Every guard in the room nodded their heads, “Good, then I also trust that you can and will keep this secret from any other pony too, right? This also includes your friends and family, not just the castle staff and royal guard you know.”

Once again, every head in the room nodded in consent.

“Very good then, now if you don’t mind I would like to enjoy the fair if at all possible, and if not then we shall require escort guards on the way back.”

Chrysalis sniffled and then slowly looked at Cadence, “I think that we can both stay here just a little bit longer, right?” she asked.

“If you want to, I’m not forcing you into anything,” Cadence replied.

“Thank you, okay, very well then, I wish to stay, just for a bit though.”

Cadence smiled, took her hoof and Chrysalis found the strength to cloak herself and then that’s exactly what they did, they stayed behind. They played for a bit more and rode on a few more rides, but then it was time for them to leave.

Soon they went back home to the castle and Cadence hugged Chrysalis good night, and so did Celestia too surprisingly enough, but when she heard the disturbing news of what Sunset Shimmer did she seemed very upset about it.

However, the only thing that she would say upon the matter was that she would take care of it, whatever that meant. With this reassurance, the children went to bed while Celestia sighed and looked out her own bedroom window at the moon.

“Soon my sister, soon we shall be together again, but for now I have problems that I must deal with, stuff to do, and things to finish to prepare for your arrival,”

With these words Celestia stared at the moon long into the night.