Author's Note

I give you guys the 4th chapter of one of my most demanded stories, so I hope you all enjoy the chapter my editor helped me make, so as always, thank you for your patience and support and remember to stay tuned for more chapters and remember to keep bronying on

Gaining Love In Another Way

While King Thorax still is unaware that his former queen is in Ponyville, Spike had still spread the news to his friends. He was very clear when telling them not to jump to conclusions. The others had the same reaction as Twilight and Rarity did when they heard he was going to take care of the changelings.

Amongst all his friends, Spike could tell Starlight Glimmer was the most suspicious of Chrysalis. After all, in addition to rejecting the chance to reform herself, the defeated queen swore to take revenge on Starlight for removing her from power. That was definitely a humiliating experience that Chrysalis will probably never be able live down.

Of course, Spike’s relationship with the changelings hasn’t improved much, due to their hostility towards him. They still remained hostile to him even after they were all discharged from the hospital, but Chrysalis was far more calmer of the whole situation.

Because of their dangerous diet, Spike had to give Chrysalis and the girls his love so they wouldn’t starve. Naturally, Twilight always became uneasy whenever he allowed the changelings to feed off of him. However, she knew that it was pointless to try to talk him out of it.

Whenever it was time for Spike to do his shopping, he had to bring along the subordinates or possibly the queen alone. Hornet and the others still didn’t even remotely trust Spike whenever he wandered off on his own. They kept fearing he would just pick up something that’ll harm either them or their queen.

While her soldiers constantly doubted the young dragon, Chrysalis, on the other hand, slightly trusted Spike. She hadn’t adjusted to someone of Spike’s calibur, but she knows he won’t do anything to harm her. Because of his love, she could feel her strength returning to her for the first time in months.

Right now, it has been 3 months since the changelings were discharged. The changeling subordinates still refused to trust Spike, but Chrysalis’ point of view on Spike slowly began to change over time. Though she couldn’t say she trusted the others, especially Starlight.

Chrysalis and her bodyguards roamed around the castle, keeping themselves out of sight from the public eye and checking to see what they can do to ease their boredom. Sadly nothing they found that could peak their interest.

“Ugh! This place is starting to get boring!” Arachnea groaned, leaning up against the wall.

“What do you expect us to do, go out for a little stroll in town?” Aphid asked sarcastically. Of course, this caused Arachnea to glare at her fellow changeling.

“I am NOT going to show myself to these inferior pony pests!” she hissed.

“You seem to be forgetting that it was one of these “inferior pony pests” as well as that traitorous wretch of a changeling, Thorax, that took away our queen’s throne,” Hornet retorted.

“Are you trying to say that we’re the superfluous ones? Because I dare you to say that again so I can rearrange your face!” Tarantula threatened, cracking her knuckles.

Very soon the four insects were going at it, spewing out insults and threats to one another. Their constant bickering and arguing was starting to get on Chrysalis’ nerves. She emitted low growl and approached her bickering bodyguards and bonked their heads against each other.

“That’s enough, you fools! I’m ashamed of those pests having more power over us as much as you are, but if you don’t stop this nonsense, I’ll do it myself! I might be dethroned, but I’ve gotten more of my strength back, compliments of that dragon boy. So don’t... test me!” Chrysalis threatened in a low, scary tone.

Her underlings felt shivers going down their spines when they leader nearly snapped at them. They then got down onto their knees, bowing before Chrysalis.

“P-Please forgive us...” Hornet shakily begged as she kept her head down. Nothing else came from them after that, as they were awaiting Chrysalis’ answer. Calming down, the queen placed her hand on her subordinates’ heads one at a time.

“You are forgiven... this time,” she warned and they looked up at her with relieved expressions. “Now stand.”

“Are you guys fighting again?” asked Spike, walking up to the group. “Seriously, if you want to find something to ease your boredom, you can always go out and look around the town. You’re not prisoners in here, you know.”

“This conversation has nothing to-” Arachnea paused, worried that she might anger her queen. “What I mean to say is how are we supposed to go outside without raising a panic?” she said, gritting her teeth.

“You’re changelings. You can shapeshift into any living creature to hide your identities. You’ve done it before whenever you girls traveled with me to the store to buy groceries,” Spike shrugged, like it was no big deal.

“How can you fools not know something as basic as that?” Chrysalis facepalmed herself. “Honestly, it’s like teaching a bunch of amateurs.”

“Chrysalis, let’s not start something with each other.” Spike replied, resting a hand on her shoulder and causing her subordinates to glare at him. “Girls, relax. I’m not gonna hurt your queen, I was trying to prevent an argument.”

With that, Spike returned his focus to the task on hand, which was grocery shopping. Hornet, Tarantula, Aphid and Arachnea on the other hand didn’t just want to sit still so they did what their queen had told them and disguised themselves so they could go explore the town. Of course that meant they had to restrain themselves from feeding off of other ponies’ love.

Chrysalis stood by Spike as he did his shopping not making much conversation as she did so. She too had to change herself, especially since Equestria knows that she was the leader of the changelings that attacked Canterlot during Princess Cadence’s wedding. Spike noticed how she was staying silent and decided to change that.

“I know it’s a dumb question, but have you ever eaten anything besides love?” he asked, making sure no one else heard him.

“Unless it has a fairly similar taste to love, we changeling cannot feed on anything else. Our digestive systems are highly sensitive,” she whispered. She then glanced around making sure no one was listening.

“What does love taste like, exactly?” Spike whispers.

“It tastes like love, what else is there to say, other than it’s sweet texture?” she explained. Spike ignored the rather bitter tone she spoke to him with.

“Why are you so interested in changeling feeding habits?” she asked.

“I’m just making sure you girls don’t go hungry, I can’t bare to see you girls starve to death,” he answered with a warm smile. This answer definitely caught Chrysalis off guard.

‘Now he’s asking about my diet? W-What is it with this dragon?’ Chrysalis thought. ‘How can one simple dragon show so much interest in me and my last remaining subordinates? This just doesn’t make any sense!’.

Sensing the ex-queen’s confusion, Spike gently placed his hand on Chrysalis’ shoulder and smiled.

“Chrysalis, I know you’re probably wondering why I’m asking you all of this and I think you deserve an explanation. To tell you the truth, even though you caused a major crisis in Equestria a couple of times, you were just worried about your hive and your lack of food source. I don’t blame you, if I were in your position, I’d probably be doing the exact same thing,” he said.

It’s here that Chrysalis started to get a little irritated. “You don’t fully understand the concept about being a true leader! How can you even begin to understand the pain and suffering my hive and I went through all those years ago?” she asked with a hiss.

“I won’t argue with you there, I don’t know what it’s like to lose an entire hive, let alone know what being a leader is like. But I do know one thing: You care for those four girls who stuck by your side just as I care about my friends when they accepted me as their friend, despite my dragon heritage. My point is that friendship has no boundaries no matter what species you are or where you come from,” he explains.

True to what he just said, Spike had little experience with being a leader. Throughout his whole entire life, he’s always been the follower in the group and mostly the chore dragon. Even if it wasn’t as noble as being a leader or ruling an army, he knew that deep inside him, his duties were always helpful to his friends. Of course, he almost became one when he won the Gauntlet of Fire, but he decided to give it to Princess Ember. Things went disastrous when the Mane Six left him in charge of their pets all those years ago.

Spike was able to learn his lessons with dignity and is now proud of what he’s become. A strong and independent dragon who thrives to help his friends, no matter how difficult the task. He doesn’t care if he’s not a leader, because to him, there’s more to life than leadership. Even his friends think so too.

Once again, just what happened to her months ago, Chrysalis felt this weird thumping in her chest, but couldn’t understand why this was happening to her. Maybe it was all linked to Spike’s actions and his personality, which seemed absurd to her. She didn’t want it to get to her, so she tried to ignore it as soon as they arrived at the grocery store.

Upon entering the shop, Spike grabbed a basket before he began walking down the aisles. Looking for different types of food they’ll need to last them until next month, Spike went over the list Twilight made for him. While checking off every item he found, the purple dragon of course, also took note of what Chrysalis said about love having a “sweet texture” to it.

Spike made sure to purchase a few tubs of chocolate ice cream and some chocolate milk. He honestly didn’t know if the ice cream was sweet enough to fit in as a substitute for love, but he went and got them anyways. He checked them out at the cash register and paid the cashier the bits he had in his bag. But then, the cashier got a little nosey.

“Hey Spike, is this your new marefriend? She’s kinda pretty,” he asked. Due to him assuming such a thing, Spike began to blush and looked over at Chrysalis. At the moment, she has disguised as a unicorn mare with cream white fur, baby-blue eyes and a long light blue mane.

“Uhh, no she’s just a good friend of mine. R-Right?” Spike asked Chrysalis, chuckling nervously.

“Right... Of course,” she replied, deciding to go along with the act. In normal circumstances of course, it wouldn’t have been so easy to call herself Spike’s friend.

The cashier squinted his eyes, growing even more curious. Chrysalis was starting to get uncomfortable with the nosey pony gawking at her. Careful not to make a scene, she levitates the bagged groceries and grabs Spike’s hand, pulling him out of the store.

“We’re getting out of here... now!” Chrysalis demanded.

“R-Right...” Spike replied.

“Hey, if things don’t work out, just let me know and I’ll take good care of her!” he shouted out, waving good-bye to Spike. Unfortunately for him, he had no hope of a future with Chrysalis.

‘No way in Tartarus am I going to end up with that pathetic little wretch! His love isn’t even worth the trouble draining. To think that I actually lost to such a weak species,’ she thought to herself.

‘Well, it could’ve been worse,’ Spike thought letting out a sigh. Well at least the grocery shopping was done. Hopefully the sweet taste of chocolate ice cream will make Chrysalis loosen up.

Spike and Chrysalis had returned to the Castle of Friendship and brought the groceries into the kitchen. Every cupboard, cabinet, and even the fridge and pantry was completely filled by the time he was done. Spike prepared a chocolate ice cream sundae for Chrysalis after he finished putting the food away.

Chrysalis didn’t know what to think of this new food. It had the sweet aroma, but was not sure if it was going to damage her digestive system.

“What is this garbage?!” she snarled.

“It’s a chocolate ice cream sundae. I bought for you and your subordinates. I didn’t know if it was going to be a good substitute for love, but I did take note of how you explained love having a sweet texture to it. Go ahead and try it, it’s sweet,” Spike said.

Skeptic, Chrysalis takes another look at the sundae, still not sure if it was safe for her to drink it. She sighs in defeat and grabs the straw and brings it to her lips. She draws in the chocolate milk through the straw, taking a few sips of her sundae. The second it hit her taste buds, she pulled away and gulped down a few sips.

“Well... how does it taste?” Spike asked, crossing his claws behind his back. There was a long pause between them until finally...

“I suppose... this’ll do for the time being, but I’m not going to give up on love entirely, so I suggest that you don’t get comfortable. I won’t lie, this does taste similar to love,” Chrysalis admitted.

‘I’ll take that as a sign that says she likes it. Well, at least I found her another food source to keep her satisfied,’ Spike thought, letting out a sigh of relief. He watched as Chrysalis continued to sip the sundae, wondering if he should warn her about brain freeze.’

Sadly, Chrysalis’ eyes shot open and she put the sundae on the counter before gripping her head, shouting in pain. She glared at Spike with the intent to pulverize him.

“What in Tartarus did you DO TO ME?!?!?!” she snapped.

Once again, Spike raised his hands in self-defense. “Hey whoa, take it easy Chrysalis! I was just about to warn you that you can’t drink cold things like sundaes too quickly or you’ll get what we call a brain freeze. Trust me, I learned from that experience as well,” he explained.

Chrysalis glared at him for about 15 seconds before going back to her sundae. This time, she made sure to not take big gulps out of her drink. After she finished the milk, she was careful to consume the scoops of chocolate ice cream. For her pride, Chrysalis didn’t show any signs that she was enjoying her ice cream, but she still continued to eat. Spike can tell that she loves her new food. It’s only natural she wouldn’t show her emotions to anyone.

When she finished, she sighed and patted her stomach and let out a burp. She covered her mouth, blushing intensely. Spike laughed, earning an adorable, pouty glare from Chrysalis.

“How dare you laugh at me!” Chrysalis said, puffing up her cheeks in embarrassment.

“I-I’m sorry...” he said calming down. “I just thought that was a cute burp,”

If he had kept what he said to himself, he wouldn’t have heard four more hissing sounds from the kitchen doorway. His body froze and he looked to see Chrysalis’ bodyguards giving him the death stare and cracking their knuckles. Spike was in deep trouble. Apparently, her bodyguards don’t tolerate anyone disrespecting their queen like he just did.

“Better say your prayers, scaly! You just signed your own death warrant!” Arachnea hissed.

“Nopony, and I mean NOPONY laughs at our queen!” Aphid snarled.

“And anypony who does so gets the death sentence via massive love drain!” Hornet said, gritting her fangs.

“Any last words before you face your punishment?!” Tarantula growled.

Spike nearly trembled in fear when the four bodyguards threatened him like this. They charged at him when he had nothing to say, but before they could get close to Spike, Chrysalis got in front of Spike and stopped her subordinates using her magic.

“That’s quite enough out of you, you fools,” Chrysalis said. “Nopony disrespected me and I’ve told you a hundred times before to keep your attitudes in check! Remember, Spike offered to take me and you girls in out of the...” she felt weak when she strained herself to say the following, “...kindness of his heart!”

Her subordinates were left in shock.

“Y-Your highness... d-did you just...?!” Tarantula asked, stepping backwards.

“Don’t push your luck in having me say it again! Now apologize to Spike or I will drain out whatever amount of love you girls have stored away inside of you! And don’t say you don’t have any, I can smell it from a mile away! You drained the love out of some of the locals in town behind my back, didn’t you?!”

Tarantula and the others got onto their knees shaking in fear. After all, they had no other choice but to confess. They couldn’t hide anything from their queen.

“W-We admit it milady... w-we just couldn’t help ourselves...” Tarantula said keeping her head down. “Please... forgive us...”

Chrysalis was about to tell them off again, but she stopped as she saw Spike walk towards them. Stopping and kneeling down in front of Hornet, she looked up before the dragon embraced her.

“W-What are you doing l-lizard...?” she asked, but got her answer as she felt the power of his love. Instinctively, she began to feed.

Once Hornet got her fill, Spike moved on, doing the same with the other three. He was feeling a bit dizzy because of how much energy they’ve drained, but it was worth it.

“What are you trying to prove, dragon?!” Chrysalis asked, suddenly concerned. Though still dizzy, Spike managed to turn around and smile at her.

“T-They wanted to... find something... to eat... so I... gave them my… my love. I... I won’t let... any of them... starve to... to death,” he said, panting. Waddling over to the cabinets, Spike grabbed a cup and poured some water into it from the sink. He took a few sips from the cup and sets it down before he nearly collapses.

Chrysalis caught Spike and and held him in her arms, suddenly feeling more concerned. Ordinarily, she and her bodyguards would have laughed, but they were actually worried this time.

“Help me take him upstairs, we’ll discuss your disobedience later,” she said having calmed down.

“Y-Yes milady!” they said in unison. Doing as they were told, the four helped their queen carry Spike’s exhausted body back to his room. Not once have they ever felt guilt since the day they were hatched, but that was beginning to change. They now knew what it was like to take advantage of someone and regretted their decisions.

Upon reaching Spike’s room, the changelings gently laid the dragon in their arms onto his bed. Spike was barely managing to keep himself awake.

“Thank you...” he said with a chuckle. “After a good nap, I should feel a little better...”

“D-Don’t try to act so tough!” Arachnea scoffed, but Spike didn’t stop smiling. Seeing that one faint, bright smile, all four bodyguards felt a swift jolt pass through their entire bodies and experienced the same strange beating in their chests as Chrysalis did not too long ago.

“M-May we leave my queen?” Aphid asked turning to look at Chrysalis, who nodded. The four bodyguards all left in a single-file line. Chrysalis was about to leave as well, before Spike called out to her.

“Hey... Chrysalis come here a sec...”

She went back to Spike as he requested and was caught by surprise when he leaned up to her and kissed her on the cheek. He left his lips there for a few seconds before he pulled away with a smile. No words were spoken and Chrysalis just turned her head to look into Spike’s eyes.

“W-Why did you...?” However before she could get an answer, Spike had fallen asleep. Watching him snore softly, Chrysalis put a hand on the cheek he had just kissed and slowly backed away.

The embarrassed changeling turned to the doorway, placing her hand over her chest, which was still thumping. She sighed and walked out of Spike’s room, closing the door, pondering about whether or not if... she was starting to fall in love of if he was falling in love with her. Either way, something about this new feeling was making her feel more complete than she ever did in her whole entire life.