I had the most unpleasant morning call this day. It's been a few weeks since I entered the kingdom and started this whole mess. Adding to that, I haven't' been able to rendezvous with Crystal Dawn since we went our separate ways on our second meeting. However, aside from the scared ponies, most of the situations I could tolerate. Celestia called me to a private tea room by the royal guard. I obeyed as it was a direct summon from the one that had my plans in her hands. Otherwise, I would have told the guards to scurry off before I decided to get angry.

Upon entering the room, Celestia greeted me with a hot cup of tea before I took a seat. As calm and collected as the princess of the sun is, she is also a devious creature with a lot of tricks up her sleeves. You don't create a thousand years of peace with just a smile and a wave. So, it is understandable that I would keep my guard up whenever I was around her.

"Good morning, Chrysalis," Celestia greeted before taking a sip of her tea.

"Princess," I replied while checking the tea for anything suspicious.

"You are a guest. And since you're looking for a chance to start a new, why don't we start anew as well? You may call me Celestia, no need for honorifics," She said with her signature smile. Most would feel calm and comfortable around that, I felt as if a net was being cast at me.

"I always thought your name was Princess and Celestia," I replied with a smirk. "It seems I was wrong," I added with a tilt of my head.

"And it seems you're already targeting one of my subjects before even securing your citizenship," Celestia said with a neutral tone. "And a student from my school nonetheless," She added with her gaze fixed on me.

"I said from the beginning what my goal was. I seek a mate, however, I know about your laws. Therefore, I will not do anything to said subject," I replied while running the tip of my finger at the cup's edge. "Am I correct to assume that this is from the reports from the guards?"

"Correct," Celestia said with a neutral expression.

"Then, did they tell you about the nature of my conversation with the student in question?" Celestia didn't respond. "I knew it. Very well, that student of yours wanted to emulate social interactions within a safe environment. It would seem as he has some issues talking to others outside of mandatory procedures. I guess you could say he has confidence issues," I explained while pushing the teacup away.

"Not possible. That student is the second-best student in my academy. His scores are decent and he has a decent score in physical classes. Better than a lot of unicorns," Celestia replied while pulling up a file with Crystal's picture on the cover.

"You know that you're being extremely creepy right now, right?" I remarked while leaning back. "That kid is stoic as one can be on most occasions when social interaction is required and is related to business. I had to say one thing out of topic for him to crumble and start blushing. Academic scores and physical exams don't represent a pony in their entirety," I added while rolling my eyes.

"I do believe that their behavior in academics and interactions within the school grounds is a valid form to know their behaviors," Celestia replied while placing the file on the table.

"Then, did you know that your precious star student tailed us the entire time I was conversing with Crystal? Using long-distance surveillance spells and illusions to conceal them nonetheless," I shot back causing Celestia's ears to perk. "I know about Twilight Sparkle through the scouts I had in your territory. And I know she is a powerful caster. However, I do believe it is illegal to put unauthorized surveillance spells on any creature, regardless of citizenship or not, am I correct?" I added while Celestia seemed to start to sweat. Smirking at the reaction, I took a deep breath before continuing. "But it's not like I can prove it. So, relax princess, I won't be making a complaint about it."

After taking a few seconds to recompose herself, Celestia adjusted her mane. "Very well. Then allow me to cut to the point. I'll make some questions, you answer them, and you're dismissed, sounds fair?" She said while trying to make her expression from before disappear.

"If it doesn't invade my privacy, I don't see the harm," I replied while screaming internally at her and calling her all the names I learned over the years.

"Why did you approach Crystal Dawn?" Celestia asked while leaning on the table. "If he is as you say, he would not approach you so recklessly. Meaning, you did the first move."

"Sorry to disappoint, but that kid has one thing that can push him to do something reckless, his curiosity. He approached me because he wanted to know what I was. Therefore, it wasn't much as I chose him, it's more like he chose me," I responded with a smirk as the princess scratched her chin in confusion.

"Fine, what about the nature of your relationship with him? You were seen in an ice cream store. And he gifted you a case if the report is correct that is," Celestia said while leaning back on her chair.

"That starts to intrude in my private life. Therefore, I'll leave it at it is purely professional," I replied while crossing my arms and letting out a sigh.

"Right, what do you plan to do with this pony?" Celestia inquired with a frown.

"I will do my part in the accord. And when it is over, I will go on my merry way. If he stops being useful I'll end the contract, simple as that," I replied while accidentally looking away from Celestia.

"You've been looking at me in the eye every time you answer. Rolling your eyes and looking away whenever you finished speaking, and only when you finished. So, why did you avert them when you answered that?" Celestia said with a strange tone and a smile that made me uncomfortable.

"I got distracted," I replied readily.

Is she trained in reading body language? If she is, she is reading too much into me. Perhaps a bad habit? I mused while frowning at her. She seemed to measure me from head to hoof.

"I see, very well then, you may go. Thank you for your time," Celestia said before I got up and left.

As I said, it was an annoying morning.

It would seem as Chrysalis is having conflicting thoughts about her deal with Crystal Dawn. Her reactions were neutral in most questions. However, when I inquired about her plans, she broke her facade for a moment. Considering her history, I expect her to try and do something to Crystal. Therefore, I decided to talk to him directly. Summoning him was easy enough, I stood in my office as the headmaster, waiting for him to come.

"Good afternoon," He greeted upon entering the room and closing the door behind him. "I was told you wanted to see me, did something happen?" He added in the tone I expected him to have.

"Good afternoon, Crystal Dawn. Nothing happened. I wish to speak to you about something that worries me. It has come to my attention you've been interacting with a visitor that is under probation. I merely wish to ask about what is your relationship with her. Her name is Chrysalis," I said while gesturing for him to sit.

His ears perked as he took a seat. "Oh, that! No problem. I lack both social skills and knowledge about her as an individual of a different species. You could compare her to a dragon on the second front. Seeing as such knowledge could be of great importance as well as something extremely intriguing I approached her upon meeting her," He replied readily as I expected he would, however, the answer wasn't something I predicted. I expected him to say Chrysalis approached him.

Chrysalis told the truth? That is unusual. Wait, he just said he lacks social skills. Just as Chrysalis said as well. What is happening here? I mused while scratching my chin. The situation was strange. Chrysalis was known for deceit and manipulation. However, she was honest about the events that transpired before our meeting. Better check it, just to be sure.

"I see. Sir Dawn, would you mind if I took a look at your eyes? I wish to verify something," I said while getting up and walking around my table.

"I don't see an issue with it," He replied while removing his glasses. Immediately after he started squinting them.

"I'll open them for a bit. Like this, can you look to the right? Now, to the left? Up? Down? Um, strange" I muttered while analyzing his sclera. Changeling mind spells cause the target's sclera to slowly turn green the longer they were under the spell. His eyes were clear. If he had been struck by a mind spell, he would have at least a smudge on them. Meaning, he was in complete control of his senses.

"Um, I, er, a-are you done?" Crystal stuttered while averting his eyes.

"Oh, yes. My apologies. It seems there are no irregularities with your eyes," I replied while taking a step back.

"T-thank you," Crystal replied while fidgeting on his seat. I expected his behavior to be calm and composed. However, as soon as I entered his private space, his attitude changed. The calm and collected pony was about to have a nervous breakdown. Accelerated breathing, sweating, dilated pupils, and other signs of being nervous were plastered across his face.

This is most unusual. If he was lacking in confidence as Chrysalis suggested, he could be easily manipulated. Maybe, it would be best for me to check with me regularly. I guess it would be easy enough to label this as therapy sessions for self-confidence. I mused while scratching my chin.

"Say, Mr. Dawn, I do believe that I might be able to help you as well," I said while returning to my seat. This seemed to help his condition as the distancing made his breathing return to normal.

"How so?" He inquired with his voice gradually returning to normal.

"Acquiring social skills is a fine goal to have. However, it will mean nothing if the subject lacks the confidence to use them. What do you say that we work in that area here? I am the principal. And I have to help my students. So, you could come here once every two weeks to work on that, how about it?" I explained while leaning back on my chair.

"Work on my confidence? Are you sure you have the time for that? Princess, with all due respect, I doubt you have enough time for yourself," He replied with a different tone from before. He sounded concerned. And I will admit, I was slightly taken back by this.

"What do you mean? I have time for all of my subjects," I replied with a soft smile.

"You may have time for everyone else. But, I hope you don't mind me saying it," He said while fidgeting again. "You look tired most of the time when you are walking the corridors alone. I pay attention whenever something moves outside the classroom's windows. So, I've seen you wandering about with a look similar to my father's. And I know he is tired. I know it might not be my place to say it. But please, try to take care of yourself before trying to take care of others. Otherwise, you will tire yourself out," He explained while looking at the floor.

Now, in all the time I've been ruling, very few were the ponies to tell me what I should do. And fewer were the ones to show concern for my well being. For the past twelve years, the only ones to care that much were Twilight, Sunset, and my niece. However, it would seem that there was one more.

This is a pleasant surprise. I mused while letting out a chuckle.

"Fine. I will consider taking some time for myself, if you consider my offer for help, do we have a deal?" I said in a soft voice while smiling.

"That I can work with," He replied with a bright smile.

After that, Sir Dawn left the room. It would seem as I added one more duty among my countless others. But unlike many of them, those one seems to be one bound to be entertaining, or at the very least surprising.

Report number 2159

Subject: Stranger.

As usual, I went to the princess to deliver my reports on my independent studies the princess. My next subject was to be the strange mirror she has hidden in her lab. However, I think I'll need to postpone that subject as it would consume too much of my time. And the reason for that is there is something that caught my attention.

When heading to Celestia's room in the academy, I saw an unfamiliar face. A grayish pink pony wearing glasses entered the room before me. At first, I thought of intruding, however, I contented myself with eavesdropping. And I must say, for a unicorn with glasses that looks like he spends more time with himself than others, he has a considerable amount of courage. Speaking up to Princess Celestia and telling her what to do? Not many ponies that can do that.

It may sound strange, but I believe I need to observe this pony for some time. Verifying how one such as him managed to get entangled with such unusual events sounds like an interesting research subject, for myself that is.

At any rate, the stranger's name is Crystal Dawn. And as far as I know, he is a student in Celestia's School.

I am unsure if there is a creature above Princess Celestia, or it was something so far beneath her that it is as powerful. Because if there is, they decided to target me as a test subject on how much they can mock a mortal. Several problems have prevented me from meeting with Chrysalis. Moreover, I have stalkers. Every single weekend, whenever I leave home, I noticed someone tailing me.

I am unable to discern their identity. This pony (assuming it is a pony, it is all conjecture at this point) wears a hood and tries a bit too hard to hide. So, more than once they were called out by guards and such. But, since I didn't make much of a fuss, they just tried again whenever I went out to deal with my issues.

Adding to the list of things getting in the way of my meetings, there is now Princess Celestia. While I do appreciate her concern for my self-confidence, I would prefer to be able to tackle one problem at a time. I may be able to optimize my time to make the most of my routine, but I'm starting to juggle too many things at the same time.

And today during class, not one, but two unexpected things occurred. We were past the second period and waiting for the teacher to come to our next class. However, instead of a teacher, I saw a familiar face. Chrysalis entered the room without much ceremony.

"Crystal Dawn! Are you here?" She asked loudly while I sunk in my chair. "I'll keep calling out from classroom to classroom until I find you!" She added with a devilish smile.

She is well aware that I am here. This is to mock me!

"Don't you dare!" I screamed while slamming my hands on the table. As one would expect, this made the entire classroom look at me.

After climbing the steps to where I was sitting, Chrysalis took a seat beside me. At a dangerously close distance might I add. There was no personal space for me. Anyone can guess what happened to me. I felt nervous and my cheeks got hot.

"Don't be so nervous. In a regular relationship, your partner will attempt to sit close to you in some situations," She whispered to me while everyone in class looked at us with looks of utter shock.

"What do you want? I thought we were supposed to meet during weekends. And I know that I haven't been able to meet up. I have some issues at home that needed handling," I whispered back while covering my face.

"I've been studying, however, I do believe I could benefit from simulating some of the old tests. I wanted your help with it," Chrysalis replied with a whisper directly into my ear. "I learned that classes are open to the public here, so I thought of meeting up with you to discuss this matter," She added while making her fingers walk on my arm.

"I don't mind helping, but please, stop drawing attention to me!" I whispered angrily while turning to face her before jumping on my seat as something slammed on my table hard.

"Are you Crystal Dawn?" A unicorn mare inquired while leaning forward with a frown on her face. She had a yellow coat with a red and yellow mane. She wore a long-sleeved cyan shirt with a pair of blue jeans. I had never seen her around the school before. I was about to open my mouth when Chrysalis pushed the unicorn back with her index finger. "What do you think you're doing?" She asked Chrysalis with a scowl.

"That's my line. I'm having a conversation here," Chrysalis intervened while I just stared at the scene with a considerable desire to turn into an ant and run away.

"Excuse me? Do you call that a conversation? Have the decency of not hitting on a minor!" The mare shot back with a scowl. "You old hag! Do you think I don't know what you are? You parasitic bug! Warmonger. Why don't you run back to your hole on the ground and leave the ponies alone? Oh right, you don't have a hive anymore. I know all about your situation," She added with venom.

And this is when I did something stupid. When I make a deal/partnership I defend my partner until they give me a reason to undo the contract. I was yet to meet a pony that I would maintain a deal to the end. But, based on Chrysalis's behavior thus far, I have no reason to distrust her. Therefore, I took action by getting up and slamming both my hands at the table while scowling deeply at the stranger.

"Now listen closely, who I am doesn't concern you. I have no business with a mare that is not only rude but dares to think she has the right to expose someone's past without thinking of the consequences. So, you either apologize and leave or shut the fuck up and leave. Did you understand me? Or do I need to draw it for you to understand it?" I shot back while leaning closer to her with my eyes locked on hers. She seemed taken back by my response before staring at me with interest.

"Hey!" A third voice intervened, it was Cadance. "I need to talk to you two, now!" She said while pushing the yellow unicorn out of the way and teleporting me and chrysalis away. "Ok! The scene is over," She said while sitting back on a chair.

I felt a bit of nausea crawling up its way to my mouth before covering it with my hand. The surge of courage gave way to nervousness and hyperventilation. I am not a hero. I am a freaking mad pony. I should go to the sanatorium. I mused while leaning on a nearby table.

"That was Sunset Shimmer. She studies under my aunt. I think having access to certain knowledge got to her head. Or so I'm told," Cadance said while awkwardly scratching the back of her neck. Meanwhile, I tried not to vomit. "Sorry about the sudden teleportation. But the scene was spiraling out of control there," She added while letting out a nervous chuckle.

"No, urgh, problem," I replied while fighting nausea. "Are you ok Chrysalis?"

There was no response. Chrysalis looked confused, worried even. She had a look of disbelief while looking into my eyes. She looked, vulnerable. Chrysalis stared at me for a couple of seconds before shaking her head sideways.

"Our deal was to emulate common scenarios in a relationship. Not to completely emulate one. You are pushing things too far," She said with a scowl on her face. "We are not together. We will not be together. So, keep the lovey-dovey act to a minimum while I tutor you. And you tell me more about your operation while helping me get my citizenship!" She ordered before taking Cadance's arm. "We need to talk more. I have a deal with you as well if I'm correct!" She exclaimed while hastily rushing out the door.

I am unsure as to why my attempt to stand up for Chrysalis backlashed in such a manner. But I will admit that I felt good for a couple of moments before the adrenaline died down and I broke into a panicked mess. Perhaps my attitude was too close to a real relationship? Well, Chrysalis is an interesting creature, in more than one way. And while that interest does make me want to know more about her, the feeling isn't the same as described in the novels I read.

Upon meeting, my heart didn't skip a beat. I felt no annoyance or animosity towards her. I didn't feel a need to be by her side. However, I did miss her company. Being as alone as I've been made me realize that once you have someone to talk to, being alone eats you away. I guess you can say I consider her a friend. I better figure out how to remedy this situation. I have no desire to lose something I worked so hard to attain. Especially now, that she is angry.

Strange, this is an unusual response to her absence. I should investigate this further. But, who can I speak with? Wait, there is one option. She has friends. But, I don't want to talk to her.

It's decided. I will speak with Twilight Sparkle about this unusual response to the absence of someone I believe I consider a friend. As much as it pains me to do so, I will need to do something about this predicament.

So, I have a bad habit. It's been a part of my personality before I became an alicorn. I tend to make pairings in my head. And since I became an alicorn of love (whatever that implies, I wish I had some help uncovering what exactly I can do) this habit of mine became worse. If I see a pairing, I need to put in a lot of effort to NOT intervene. But as of late, I have met two creatures that made me feel fully invested. And it is something odd. Especially since my initial attitude was hostile towards one of them. And I didn't register the presence of the other until I spoke with him to apologize (not to mention he was the first to scold me or get angry at me after I became an alicorn).

Chrysalis, the Queen of Changelings (or ex-queen), is an oddball. Not only is she hard to read. But when her walls crumble for a couple of seconds, you often see something that isn't what you would expect. Like her looking vulnerable. Or her being scared at someone defending her. The second was something that I witnessed after an incident involving one of my aunt's students, Sunset Shimmer.

Dragging me away from Crystal (who defended her in a very emphatic matter, rather unexpected considering how shy he is in most situations), Chrysalis took me to her room before closing the door and taking a seat on the bed. Sinking her fingers on her head, Chrysalis looked at the floor for quite some time while shaking her head ever so slightly to the sides.

"This is wrong," She muttered while looking down. "This is not what I've planned. I can't have a pony become attached to me. He is a minor. That could prevent me from getting my citizenship. And Celestia is already breathing down my neck," She continued while running her fingers through her mane. "All the careful planning, down the drain because of a single pony."

"Chrysalis, what is the problem?" I asked hesitantly as I assumed that I heard several things I wasn't supposed to listen to.

"The problem is how quickly I seem to be losing everything!" Chrysalis shot back while getting up. "I made careful plans to get here. I bet everything to get this far. I am tired of just SURVIVING. And now, because of a simple little pony getting attached to me, I could lose it all!" Chrysalis added while holding her head and walking around.

"What's the problem? You made a friend. Friends protect each other. Unless, did you see the love in Crystal when he spoke up for you?" I inquired while trying to hold in the squealing. I will admit that I hid in the library for a few minutes to see what they would do. And after that, I started imagining them as a pair.

"What I saw doesn't concern you," She said with venom, I took it as a confirmation. "The issue remains. I cannot allow that. I need to keep this deal professional. We have a FAKE relationship. I emulate what it feels like to have a companion. He helps me with studying ordeal and gives me some information," She explained while heading to the window. I simply chuckled at the entire story. I wasn't aware of that detail until that moment.

"Are you serious?" I asked with a smile on my face. "You're in the basic premise of a romantic comedy. How can you expect that to work the way you want?" I asked before chuckling at the face Chrysalis made.

"Life isn't a book, Princess. There isn't the slightest possibility of me ending up with a broken noble like him! I came here to find a companion with resources so I could live comfortably. He can't afford a decent meal. That couldn't be further than what I seek if a dragon kidnapped me and took me to the dragon lands!" Chrysalis said while stomping her hoof.

Frowning at the situation, I took a step back. Chrysalis was very reserved. But when flustered she spilled things out without even thinking about it. And somehow, the topic of her relationship with Crystal kept throwing her off. She could deny it all she wanted, but she was fond of him. I could tell, the string connecting them was thin. And it became visible when Crystal defended her. For now, I can only sense positive relationships that are strained. So, when I saw the line connecting those two, I knew something was up. I knew I couldn't just force her to be in love with him. However, I could help her make amends and save the only connection she had to ponies besides me and Celestia.

"Fine. I'm sorry for saying that. So, here is a suggestion. If you can't bring yourself to be in that deep of a relationship with him, can't you settle with being friends? He is your first and only contact with ponies outside of the castle. So it might be natural for you to have at least some degree of attachment to him. And maybe, you're just afraid that him getting the wrong idea could ruin that?" I said using Tia's negotiator tone.

Chrysalis looked at me before raising her hand to her chin. She started pacing with a frown on her face. Her eyes darted from one side to the other while her wings made a small buzz.

"Do not assume things from me, Princess," Chrysalis said while pacing around. "I don't get attached to tools. Once they served their purpose, they become dead weight. And as such, they must be discarded as to not hinder us," She explained with a strange look in her eyes.

"I'm sorry for assuming things," I answered while looking attentively at Chrysalis.

"You better be sorry," She said with her voice cracking before she took a deep breath. "You are not to mention this to anyone," She added with a more serious tone.

"I promise," I replied before leaving the room.

Definitely the best ship I found so far. Sadly, one that I don't think will set sail while Chrysalis remains like that. Let alone last while that is strained like that.

It would seem that I have assumed too much about Mr. Dawn. After my little talk to him, I grew curious about the colt and decided to ask about him from Twilight who takes advanced classes with him. Both of them are one year ahead. So they might have plenty in common, especially with how he is always at her heels in the leaderboard. However, as I am most unfortunate, I forgot that Twilight visits her parents every Wednesday. Therefore, I only found Spike organizing the books in Twilight's study.

What follows is my conversation and the information I gained. Things that I found rather interesting.

"Hello, Spike. How are you?" I inquired after seeing the little drake as he carried a few books to their shelves.

"Princess Celestia! I'm doing ok! Thanks for asking. Do you need to speak with Twilight?" Spike asked while placing the books on the shelves. Dragon strength is a remarkable thing, even as a child Spike can lift a considerable amount of weight with just one hand. It makes me wonder how much will he be able to lift once he becomes an adult drake.

"Yes, is she here?" I inquired while watching him place the last book and pull up a scroll with a quill. He seemed to be filling a checklist.

"I'm afraid not. She went to her parent's house. Today is Wednesday. Why do you ask? I can relay the message," He replied while placing the scroll in his pocket.

Smiling at the helpful little drake, I decided to have him relay the message. "Well, I wanted to confirm a few things with her about one of her colleagues," I replied while taking a seat at the study's table. Spike promptly hopped on the one in front of me and slumped over the tabletop with both his arms stretched as he tried to keep his head above the tabletop. "Crystal Dawn, are you acquainted with him?"

"Oh! That bright pink unicorn Twilight is always talking about!" Spike said while standing up with his tail shaking. "They are good friends! Twilight always talks about him. And they are always chasing each other in school! That's what she said! She even told me she was really angry with him recently. Something about him talking to another mare, Chrysalis I think it was. I think she is jealous. But she seemed a bit frustrated," He blurted out with a smile. "But I think it's awesome! He is someone Twilight always talks about even more than her friends! And they are always competing too! And I like how he doesn't care that I am a dragon!"

I had to stop for a couple of seconds and process that amount of information. I had no idea that my precious student was so close to someone. Nor did I know that Mr. Dawn was that good of a friend. I can only assume that her frustration is related to what she overheard from Chrysalis and Dawn's conversation. She must know something I don't. I should confer with her after we have a conversation about Mr. Dawn. Can't have her making any brash decisions since they are so close.

Suddenly, someone started knocking on the front door. Spike promptly ran to it.

"Oh! Hello, Crystal!" Spike said from the entrance. My ears perked up while I decided to take the opportunity to listen to how they referred to each other. "Is there something you need?"

"Hello, Spike. As much as it pains me to admit it, I need to speak with Twilight. It is a matter of utmost importance that I believe only she will be able to help me," Crystal replied with a neutral tone.

"I'm sorry. But she isn't here. She is at her home," Spike retorted while I got closer to listen to it all better.

"Really? Well, then I'll go there. Thank you for the help, little guy," Crystal replied before I heard the sound of steps rushing away from the study.

After that, I spoke with Spike about how he was doing for a bit and left. Learning that my little Twilight was so close to Crystal Dawn was a surprise. I wonder how they got so close.

A mother always worries about the situation of their children. Shining Armor has some issues with his grades in regular tests. But he excels in the physical tests. My little Twilight does the opposite. Shining has friends and plays with them. Twilight has ponies labeled as friends, but she never plays with them. So, one could say that they are balanced out. However, I cannot say that I am happy about this.

So, you can imagine my joy when I received a visitor today. A pony coming to see my Twilight for advice on a private matter! I was so happy to see that she was a reliable friend, that it tore me apart when I heard what happened. I drank my tea while Twilight had just finished organizing her room. She always took exactly fifteen minutes to rearrange her things and get ready for teatime.

That was when I heard the knocking on the door. It was loud and somewhat rapid. It felt like someone needed to enter with urgency. So, I rushed to the door after placing it on the table. Opening the door, I found myself surprised at the sight of a young colt with a bright pink coat and a somewhat ruffled mane. Based on how he was breathing and the sweaty mane, he came running to our house.

"H-hello," He said in between breaths. "Is, Is Twilight Sparkle at home? My name is Crystal Dawn. I'm her classmate. And, and I need to ask her for advice. I am in a rush, so I apologize for the inconvenience of appearing unannounced and uninvited," He explained while breathing through his shoulders.

"Oh, sure. My daughter is upstairs. Please, follow me," I replied while taking a few steps back.

After leading Crystal to my daughter's room, I pretended to walk away and hid at the corner of the hallway. I waited for a while as he knocked on the door and waited patiently.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Sparkle. It's me, Crystal Dawn. I need to speak with you. I need your advice. Would you please consider letting me in?" He said in a clear voice while standing at attention before her door. I had heard from Crystal Dawn from my daughter several times. I knew he was a strange one, but their rivalry is exactly what pushed my daughter to be the best at school. And as far as I am concerned, he always put an effort into beating her fair and square. He was the only reason Twilight even bothered to make the minimal effort in P.E. So, even if my daughter didn't realize it, I knew they were friends, odd ones, sure, but friends nonetheless.

"What do YOU want here?" Twilight asked while opening the door. "I won't let you through the door. We can talk in the corridor," She said in an annoyed tone.

"I'm fine with that. I just need a few pointers. And since you're the only one I know about that has the information I need and speaks with me on a somewhat regular way, I had no choice but to turn to you," He answered in a neutral tone. That was his way of saying he trusted her enough to come to her with this. Having dealt with an introverted son before, it is somewhat easy to understand when someone like him speaks.

"YOU asking ME for pointers? What exactly are you searching for that only I can help with? I thought you didn't need any help," Twilight replied in a snarky tone I never got hear before. I had heard she used to speak more freely like this when she was dealing with a certain odd colt. It didn't take long for me to connect the dots. But I have to say, it is adorable to see her act tough.

"I don't require pointers in the academic field. That much is true. On a social field, however, I lack its abilities in every aspect. So, I have no choice but to turn to you," He replied readily and without hesitation. Twilight's tales of him not backing down or admitting he was behind her were true, so for him to admit he needed her help, I knew it was something of great importance to him.

"Social? Oh, is this about that Chrysalis mare? The one you've been acting all chummy with?" Twilight asked with a level of poison that made me uncomfortable. That's when I knew for certain that Twilight didn't just see him as a rival. Even if she didn't realize it, she was jealous of him having his attention set on someone else.

"Yes. It is about her. I value my contracts up to a fault. And I defend those that are in a contract with me. That is a given. However, as of late I realized that I used somewhat extra care when dealing with her. And this seems to have upset her. I don't understand why. But this bothers me. I don't understand why this is. And I can't afford to break a contract. So, I need to understand what is this that I am feeling. Why do I regret making her mad? Why is it that I have much interest in her that seems to push beyond the fact that she is from a species unknown to me? I need to understand what exactly is this that I am feeling. I need to know if this is what it feels like to consider someone a friend. So, please, can you confirm if that is what I feel?" He said in a disturbingly neutral tone that was slowly cracking as he seemed to let his distress and anxiety show. I felt bad for the poor colt.

And this is when I heard my daughter's response. Peeking from the corner, I saw her face. The greater the distress Crystal displayed to her, the greater seemed to be her animosity. Her face contorted into a spiteful scowl right before she took a deep breath. "If you can't tell how you feel," She said while gritting her teeth and clenching her fist. "Then you don't deserve whatever it is you two have! You already broke your contract, you idiot!!!" She shouted before slamming the door on his face.

How can she just say something like that? This is cruel. For both of them. She needs help with these feelings of hers. Otherwise, she might end up hurting him and herself. And the poor lad doesn't seem to understand how social interactions seem to work. So, he turned to the one pony he could turn to. And she just tells him he isn't worth what he has. I mused while looking at the colt standing there in front of the door with a dumbfounded expression.

Suddenly, he turned toward me and started walking. His jaw hung open as he moved it up and down several times. Then, as he walked past me, I saw a tear in his eye. "A feeling I can't understand. Something that causes distress and forces the afflicted to do things they wouldn't normally do. Those feelings align up with the stories. Does this mean that, in the end, I actually understood how it feels to be in a relationship?" he muttered to himself as he walked past me. "She is right. I broke the contract. I need to remedy this."

Well, it would seem that he is at least catching up on some things. I concluded with a confused expression as he left the house in his weird trance. I knew the colt needed help. But I had to first lead my daughter on the right path. Maybe I will contact him later on and try to lend a hand. These two need some serious help before any of them make a mistake they might regret.

It is ridiculous. My stupidity knows no bounds. I overlooked a crucial detail on the deal we discussed. Chrysalis specifically stated that she would teach me how a relationship works. Meaning, that the emotions something like that could bring forth would be part of understanding how a relationship works. However, it was to be a makeshift relation that should only be focused on when on official dates. Meaning, that I should not have pushed it when she walked up to me and asked for help. I could probably have avoided that incident altogether if I had warned her about my tendencies to defend my contractors.

Therefore, I needed to correct this situation pronto. Otherwise, both parties' plans would be severely jeopardized thanks to my mistake. And I knew exactly how to remedy it. With quill in hand, I prepared the parchment to received the contract before writing away.

I, Crystal Dawn, in complete control of my mental faculties, hereby agree to keep my relationship with the one known as Chrysalis strictly professional, save for instances in which both parties have agreed on a temporary meeting known as "date." In which Chrysalis will simulate a romantic relationship scenario in which I, Crystal Dawn, shall act accordingly.

In exchange for the experience of learning how to behave in such situations, I, Crystal Dawn, agree to aid in Chrysalis endeavors to acquire citizenship.

That was probably the simplest thing I could come up with. The deal we made wouldn't last long after she got her citizenship. I do believe she has other plans once she manages to attain her rights. Plus, this will give her some room to add her terms.

Author's Note

Another one! Yay!

I'm grateful for your patience. Let me know what you think of the story so far!

Thanks for your patience!!!!