It was apparent from the look on her face that Star was happy to see me, but I could detect something else in her too. Something I couldn't quite put my hoof on. Somehow, I knew it was trouble, but I made the decision to ignore it for the time being. There wasn't going to be much of an opportunity to have a heart-to-heart with my friend when the bug was sitting right here anyway.

I smiled politely at the pair, though I only received the same courtesy back from my friend. I wasn't really sure what to say to her, what to say to them. I'd only made the trek to their table for Twilight's sake. She wanted to talk to Star, anypony with eyes could see that. Even though it hurt to know what her real feelings were, I still wanted to help her.

I wanted her to be happy, no matter what it might cost me. I'd asked Queen Cantata if it was okay to leave her unguarded for a little bit. She must've noticed my concern for my friend as well because she gave me permission and some advice.

"All of us make mistakes, Sunset. I bore an unwarranted grudge against my husband for all these years because I believed he left Cadenza and I alone for his own selfish desires. That animosity I passed down to my only daughter, but she managed to overcome it. Now, it is my turn. Perhaps, that is a lesson that Starlight Glimmer needs to learn as well."

Her words had been motivating... and a little scary, if I'm being honest. She'd seen what Twilight had done to Star. If Star could ever forgive Twilight, Cantata could be a shining example of such forgiveness.

I'm just not sure if she ever will.

So I moved to the table where Star and Chrysalis were sitting. I thought that maybe if I was there Twilight would feel a bit more comfortable coming over as well, but now that I was actually amongst the insect and unicorn I realized I had to say... something.

"So... ladies... what were we talking about?" I looked between the two awkwardly. It wasn't the greatest conversation starter, but at least I didn't just sit down and stare at them like a blithering idiot.

"Apparently, murdering each other," Chrysalis looked bored, lifting a limp hoof Star's way.

"Well, I did catch that," I took a sip from my drink. "But tonight is supposed to be a celebration, girls. Can't we put stuff like death aside? At least, for tonight?" I looked hopefully at Star.

...

"...If that's what you want, Sunset," she shrugged with a defeated sigh, though she did smile. "Fine."

"Thanks, Star," I smiled. "And I know for a fact Cadenza doesn't want you dead," I turned my attention to the Changeling Queen. "So can you just act like you're not an abhorrent monster for once in your life? For your sister's sake?"

"I already AM, child," she didn't even look my way to disparage me. "I was doing just fine enjoying my meal until your little marefriend bothered me and ruined my night."

I had to fight not to take the bait. I focused on the changeling, narrowing my eyes. It took all of my willpower not to look Star's way. Apparently, the lilac mare was a lot more levelheaded than I currently was because she spoke up first.

"Was that what you were doing?" Thankfully, she hadn't fallen for it either, choosing to ignore Chrysalis' more provocative comment. She didn't even sound like the queen's words had affected her, nor did she sound disgusted. She just sounded genuinely... curious. "You were feeding on us?"

"Does that trouble you, pony?" Chrysalis was suddenly very interested in the conversation. She was leaned forward in her seat, licking her lips as if she had every intention of devouring Star whole. "I must say, you and Sunset are especially delicious."

I winced, her lack of any sort of decorum or modesty just as disturbing as ever.

"I imagine so," Star chuckled, drawing my stunned gaze. She didn't appear to be bothered at all by Chrysalis'... vulgar comments. Surprisingly enough, she seemed to enjoy it.

Actually... now that I think about it...

I closed my eyes in reflection, remembering back to all the times Star had done the same type of thing.

Star and Chrysalis are a lot more similar than I'd like to admit.

From the crude "jokes" to the whole "controlling and/or taking over other creatures lives". It was obvious they had a good bit in common.

Star isn't a monster though...

...

Not anymore, at least.

...

Still, she does have her less than... desirable qualities.

"I'm me," the lilac mare stated smugly. "Of course I taste good."

Like that.

"And Sunset?"

My eyes snapped open, finding the unicorn looking directly at the queen. "I am a little curious about her... what does she taste like to you, bug?"

"S-STAR!?" I gasped, a fierce blush coming to my cheeks.

"You REVOLTING little PEASANT," Chrysalis spat out the words like simply saying them disgusted her. It was then that I realized what Star was trying to do.

They're playing a game.

I couldn't participate, -- I was way too chaste a pony to do something so scandalous with an enemy like Chrysalis -- but I could silently cheer my friend on.

"What's wrong, cockroach?" she leaned forward like Chrysalis had been seconds ago, a wide grin now on her face. "You can dish it out, but you can't take it?"

"Oh I can take all sorts of things, peasant," the queen moved her hoof in a back and forth motion in front of her open mouth. I really wasn't sure what she was insinuating, but it had caused Star to flinch. "The Queen of the Changelings must be ready, willing, and able to successfully bree-"

"STOP!" Star lifted a hoof in front of herself, the other covering her mouth. She looked nauseated. "Unless you want me losing my dinner all over the table, you won't say another word."

"EXACTLY, WELP!" Chrysalis cackled in delight. "That same feeling of revulsion you have right now is how I feel when I think of repulsive creatures like you and Sunset Shimmer making lo-"

"H-HOLD ON!" it was my turn to cut in. I lifted a panicked hoof, hoping it was enough to prevent any further discourse. There was no point in trying to make a play with my horn. Chrysalis had already made it clear she wouldn't be intimidated and I really didn't have a problem with anything Star had said thus far. "I think I know what this is about," I glanced to my left.

Wh... WHERE IS SHE!?

I groaned internally, but was able to keep a straight face. Twilight wasn't at the table with Princess Cadenza and the others anymore. She wasn't coming to our table either. I had no clue where she was. I wasn't sure if I should be happy or saddened by that. I wanted her here with us, sure, but with how Star and Chrysalis were acting, I'm not so sure things would go very well.

"I'd love to hear this," Chrysalis rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair once again.

"Wh... what what's about, Sunset?" Star was confused, but I knew her much better than she might think.

"You two didn't get a chance to fight with each other," I began. "So now you're trying to... one up each other with your words..."

They both glanced at each other. I took a deep, shaking breath, summoning all of my courage.

Come on, Sunset! You got this! They'll like it!

"Whenyoucouldbedoingotherthingstoeachotherwithyourmouthsinstead," I spoke way too fast, and it wasn't said with the utmost confidence, but the widening of their eyes indicated that my attempt at playing along with them had at least gotten through.

...

Both laughed after a moment of stunned silence, neither able to hold in their mirth.

I waited, feeling awkward and hoping it was at my joke and not at my expense.

"Not bad, Sunset," Star wiped a tear away as her laughter finally came to a stop.

"I can see why you love this one so much, peasant," Chrysalis grinned. "I guess it's not just because she's tasty."

"Nah, she's smart too," Star took a swig of her drink, a wide smile on her face. "And a whole lot more than that."

I blushed, looking down at my clenched hooves. Star and I had a lot to discuss after all this was over, but at the moment, I was glad I'd managed to impress her, if even just a little.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

In the end, Twilight never joined the three of us. Shortly after her disappearance she did return to the party, but she went right back to her table, sitting down with Princess Cadenza and Shining Armor. When I realized there was no possibility she was going to come over, I headed back to the queen's side.

Shortly after I moved back to my table, Star did the same, returning to Trixie and the rest of the Elements. It wasn't the last night in the Empire I had envisioned, - celebrating the victory we all achieved with my best friends -- but at least things had winded down amicably. A glowing smile was plastered on Star's face as she partied with the girls from Ponyville and while I was slightly disappointed that Twilight hadn't gotten a chance to speak to the lilac mare, I was in good spirits as well. I noticed a shift in Twilight when she'd come back. Something had to have happened to her that improved her demeanor.

After coming back from... wherever it was she'd gone off to, she was all smiles and elation. She even managed to keep from looking Star's way for the rest of the night. I joined in on that jubilance, the five of us -- Princess Cadenza, Queen Cantata, Shining Armor, Twilight, and I -- speaking, eating, and making merry until the wee hours of the morning.

Even Chrysalis had interacted with some of the wait staff, though I'm not sure if that's because they were her children or if it's because her mood had managed to improve after her chat with Star and I. Either way, the rest of the night went smoothly for all of us.

It was quite a rollercoaster of a day. Unfortunately, it wasn't all positives. We'd not received word from Nurse Quartz on Sunburst's condition.

That could only mean one thing. His fate was in my mentor's hooves. That wasn't as bad as it might sound. I knew that was the safest place he could be, but I was still worried. I wanted him to be okay. Right now. But I didn't have the power to make that happen, so all I could do was place my faith in Celestia.

Heading back to my room for the last time after the party was over was sobering, to say the least. It felt like I'd been in the Empire for months at this point, not a few days. I was tired, though not from a lack of mana or strength. It was more from mental exhaustion. Everything had worked out in the end, but I was certain the future held many uncertainties.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna would definitely be visiting the Empire sometime soon. The creation of a third alicorn demanded their prompt attention. My mentor wasn't the type to put things off for later, which was a good thing because there were so many other issues in the Empire that she needed to address.

Cadenza becoming the new ruler of the Empire. Queen Cantata stepping down. Sunburst's injury. Chrysalis and the rest of the changelings.

Couple those things with my newfound strength and my mentor had a number of things on her plate. It was a lot of stuff to deal with and I had to be there for her if she needed me.

Then there was the issue with my friends. Twilight had to talk with Star. I knew the lilac unicorn. She wasn't so altruistic as to let what had been done to her go without repercussions.

Severe repercussions.

I'd have to be the one to bring them together. I'd have to play the arbiter.

It wasn't something I was looking forward to, but I'd do anything for my friends, even force them to face one another.

Entering our room, I was surprised to find Star asleep in her bed, snoring quietly. Twilight was nowhere to be found, which I honestly kind of figured would be the case. If she hadn't wanted to get close to Star while she was awake, I was fairly certain she wouldn't be comfortable sleeping in the same room as her.

She probably made other arrangements with Cadenza or Shining Armor.

More than likely, she was going to stay the night in another room. That made the most sense. With her being the only other worry I could do anything about at the moment, I rubbed my face with a hoof, yawning as I crawled into my bed. It was unbelievably comfortable. Even moreso than all the previous nights. Just as I was about to drift off I heard a quiet voice speak.

"H-hey... Sun?"

Her soft tone rattled me. There was no hint of the usual bravado or confidence she possessed, just a meek pony who was seeking something.

"Yeah, Star?" I tried to reply in turn with as much kindness and warmth as I could. I'm not sure if I did a good job.

...

"I... I'm sorry."

I bristled.

What? Why?

"Sorry? For what, Star?" I had to fight to keep my tone even, to keep calm.

What could she possibly have to be sorry about?

...

"I wasn't there to help you. I... I let my guard down and you... that traitor... she... she just... I'm sorry, okay?"

The desperation in her was palpable. It made my heart ache all the more. Why she'd ever think something like that was beyond me.

"You don't have anything to be sorry for. You were there for me, Star. You're the reason I was able to win. Your trust in me... even after you'd been hurt so bad. You're the reason, Star. You're..." I didn't know how else to put it into words.

...

"You're the one who made me stronger, Star. Your faith in me."

...

...

...

...

...

"I love you, Sun. I... I love you so much and I know how you feel about her and I can't... I don't think I can..."

...

I thought she might try to continue, but the slight sniffling coming from her bed hinted at the state she was in. She couldn't be tipsy, at least, not to my knowledge. I steeled myself and replied.

"I won't lie to you, Star. I do love Twilight. I... I really do."

I had to gather my thoughts. I had to be gentle, but I had to be honest too. It was dangerous territory, and completely uncharted.

...

"But... I have feelings for you too. After everything that's happened and getting to know you better, I... I'm not really sure what it is I feel, but... something is there and I can't deny it."

I didn't want to deny it. There was obviously something more than just friendship between us. I could feel it. But it was different than what I felt for Twilight. Still... it was no less strong.

...

"I'm sorry, Sun."

Again!?

"W-what!? Why!?"

"If you'd have never met me you could've just-"

"Please don't say things like that, Star." I had to cut her off. Thinking like that wouldn't be good for anypony. The silence that settled on us wasn't exactly reassuring either and I couldn't think of anything else to say.

...

...

...

"I mess up everything, Sun. No matter where I go or what I do, I somehow manage to make everything worse for everypony around me." She was growing more and more frantic with each word uttered.

"Stop it." I had to do something or she might completely break down at any moment.

"But it's the truth, Sun! When I was little! Back in my town! Even now, with you and... her. If I wasn't around the two of you could be happy together! And even though I AM here I can't even protect you, just like..." she let out a noise that was a mix of frustration and despair.

...

...

...

"Just like who, Star?" I sat up, looking her way.

"It doesn't matter. I don't even deserve your friendship, Sun. Why would I ever deserve your love?" she rolled over, turning away from me. "I'm not worth it."

"Star, don't-"

"I wish I'd never been bor-"

"STOP IT, STARLIGHT!" my horn ignited in a fiery display of sunlight, illuminating the entire room as if it were day.

...

...

...

"I'm sorry." She finally spoke once my horn's energy faded away, but she sounded cold now. Almost lifeless. I couldn't take it. I had to try something. I had to take a risk.

...

"Do you... do you regret it, Star?" I could feel the tears coming on.

"Do I regret what?" She was caught off guard by my question.

Please. Maybe...

"F-Falling in love... with me?"

"OF COURSE NOT!" She didn't hesitate for a second to respond, her shout filled with desperation.

...

I was relieved. More than that, I was happy. So very, very happy.

"I was so happy, Star," I felt the tears rolling down my cheeks. "When Chrysalis told me you loved me... I was overjoyed." It was the honest truth. I didn't know what else to say that might help her.

"But..?" she lifted her head slightly, as if she was about to turn back around.

"But... if you're not happy, then I don't think I can be either."

...

I chuckled bitterly.

Who knew friendship would be this difficult?

I'd initially thought the task Princess Celestia had given us would be a stroll in the park. I couldn't have been more wrong. One of my best friends was deeply in love with me. My other best friend... was in love with...

What a cruel joke.

Who or whatever had thrust such a fate on us was a malicious demon. I didn't know how it would all end up, but I knew what I wanted right now, at this moment.

"Do you regret not being able to protect me, Star?"

I figured it had to be because she thought she owed me or something silly like that. If it was, maybe I could use that guilt. It might be horrible of me, -- to exploit her like that -- but it was for the best.

...

...

"Star?"

"You know I do, Sun." She wasn't happy about me pressuring her to answer, but I had to do it. I had to try and fix things. Between ALL of us.

"Then I want you to do something for me, and after that, we'll call it even. Is that okay with you?" I asked when she didn't immediately reply to me.

...

"What is it you want?"

...

"You, me, and Twilight are gonna talk about this like adults. All three of us. Together."

...

...

...

"And if I refuse?" she'd cooled a bit, but there was still an edge in her voice. Fortunately, it was easy enough to answer her question.

"Nothing, Star," I smiled. "I won't force you to do something you don't want to."

...

...

...

...

...

"Only for you, Sun."

I let out the breath I'd been holding in.

"Thank you, Star. Later today on the train th-"

"Not then," she shut me down instantly, bringing a frown to my face.

"Why not?"

"I already asked Trix and the others if I could make the trip back to Canterlot with them."

Oh...

At first, I was disappointed.

"OH! Okay!" I grinned. Upon reconsidering, it was probably a good thing. I didn't just want to spring all of this on Twilight, after all. If the two of us made the trip home together, I could tell her about it on the way. On top of that...

"So you made some more friends?" I asked, my happiness projecting in my voice.

"Something like that," she shrugged. "Once we're back home and settled in we can do it then, okay?"

"You promise?"

"On my life, Sun," she flipped back over flashing me the most beautiful and vibrant smile I'd ever seen. My heart fluttered.

"I'm gonna hold you to that, Star," I gave her back the best smile I could muster.

"I'd be cross if you didn't," she yawned.

...

"Good night then, Sun," she pulled the covers tighter over her body.

"Good night... Star," I laid back down, getting comfortable and doing the same.

Author's Note

And with that, the Crystal Empire Arc is complete. I thought about having a big ending or something extravagant, but I think this works better in the long run. Hopefully, it was enjoyable for some of you (if not all) and you return for the next. Thanks to all of you who've read, commented, liked, and shelved. I said it before and I'll say it again, it means the world to me. Until next week. Love y'all.