“You’ve been quiet,” Cadance remarked, a hoof caressing the top of Chrysalis’ head. “What's wrong?”

“Isn't it obvious?” Chrysalis muttered through the alicorn’s chest fur. “You’ve lost your horn, and I failed.”

Cadance sighed. “This again? I thought we already talked this out. It wasn't your fault. You didn't know how strong he was, and I was never very good at unicorn magic anyway.”

Chrysalis pushed away from the alicorn and glared up at her. “You should not be so flippant about your disfigurement. You lost something important, and I have yet to prove that I am anything more than a leech.”

“You are not some parasite to be discarded,” Cadance stated firmly, gripping the other creature’s face. “You are a person deserving of love.”

Chrysalis scowled. “I do not deserve your kindness, and certainly not your love. The only thing I do deserve is a swift death.”

“Don't say that,” Cadance growled. “You did nothing wrong.”

“Yet because I exist you have lost most of your memories and half of your very soul!” Chrysalis retorted, pushing herself up on the bed. “In fact, I should kill myself. At least if I die then it would return to you, and you would be whole again.”

Cadance sat across from Chrysalis and fixed her with a disapproving look. “You can't do that.”

“And why not?” Chrysalis challenged. “All I have to do is attack our jailer with significant fury, and he shall be forced to slay me.”

“It doesn't work that way,” Cadance countered. “The split has changed us both. There is no going back to how things were.”

Chrysalis scoffed. “And why not? As soon as I have perished, you shall inherit your soul.”

“It's not mine, not anymore anyway,” Cadance replied. “Can't you see? It's already adapting to you. Your eyes are proof of just that.”

“I…” Chrysalis wanted to argue, and her body was tense, yet she had no release. “You aren't lying to me, are you?”

“Do you think I’m that type of person?” Cadance replied.

Chrysalis sighed. “No. You may be many things, but dishonest isn't one of them.”

“Powerful magic has a mind of its own, and it seems like the magic you inherited from me is already changing you,” Cadance continued, running a hoof down Chrysalis’ cheek. “It probably won't stop with your eyes either.”

“That is the least of my worries,” Chrysalis exclaimed.

Cadance chuckled. “I suppose we should focus on escaping first. That does seem like the most pressing of concerns.”

“How?” Chrysalis replied, gesturing about the room. “There are no ways out, save for that window, and even if we managed to break through it, we’d have to descend down a mountain.”

“I’ve still got these,” Cadance replied, raising her wings and giving the feathered appendages a wiggle. “Plus I know enough pegasus magic to keep us warm for a day or so.”

Chrysalis opened her mouth to respond, only to close it and really stare at the alicorn. “You’re serious.”

“I mean, it's either that or hope that my crazed sister returns and doesn't decide to kill me,” Cadance answered with a shrug.

“That may still be your best bet,” Chrysalis reasoned. “Since you are free of ‘corruption’, she should allow you to return to your old life.”

“Chrysi,” Cadance began, her tone low. “She left me in the care of a madman who tortured me, then tried to have me killed. I don't want to go back to my old life for obvious reasons.”

“Fair,” Chrysalis admitted.

“Now, are we going to try thinking of a way out of here or are we going to keep wallowing in self-pity?” Cadance pressed.

“I suppose we could try planning… something,” Chrysalis muttered.

“That's a good start,” Cadance proclaimed.

“But what about food and water? I don't think he's going to feed you again after all that,” Chrysalis asked.

“My alicorn endurance should keep me healthy for a few weeks,” Cadance replied.

“I had better hurry,” Chrysalis exclaimed, hopping up from the cot. “Now, where to begin?”

“The toilet--er, hole,” Cadance replied, pointing to the rusted pipe in the floor. “There has to be a way out through there.”

“Right, I’ll start by trying to unscrew it and maybe find a way into the sub floor,” Chrysalis exclaimed. “You keep an ear to the wall so we’ll know when he's coming.”

Cadance nodded. “Good plan.”

Lying on her side, Cadance watched as Chrysalis flitted about the room like a moth caught in a lamp shade. Though humorous, the alicorn didn't have the strength to even laugh, nor could she even let her amusement be known. All she was capable of was to listen to the hallway beyond their cell in hopes of hearing their jailor coming.

Something she had yet to acomplish.

Though Cadance couldn't tell if that was due to some manner of incompetence on her part or if he simply hadn't come down in an entire month. It was a grim thought, but one that made Cadance a little hopeful, as it meant there was a chance he didn't know about their escape plan. Which was currently on hold, as Chrysalis was busy hunting down a rather elusive cockroach.

“Aha,” Chrysalis muttered, spearing the tiny insect with a metal fragment. “Got you.”

She then trotted over to Cadance and proudly displayed her catch.

“Augh,” Cadance groaned.

“I know alicorns are not strict vegetarians, so don't try to pull that on me,” Chrysalis countered.

Cadance muttered to herself.

“You need to eat something,” Chrysalis stressed.

“Fine,” Cadance whispered.

Chrysalis placed the grim morsel on the other female’s tongue and sat back, watching as it was devoured. To her credit, Cadance only gagged twice, and in the end, she did swallow the entire thing.

“We can't keep doing this,” Chrysalis muttered, tossing aside the piece of metal. “The pipes barely leak enough to get you a drop or two every few minutes and there is hardly anything edible down here.”

“It’s fine,” Cadance croaked, waving a weary hoof at the other side of the room. “Keep going.”

“Cadance, it's going to take me months to get through that pipe,” Chrysalis exclaimed. “You need food now.”

“It’s fine,” Cadance muttered.

Chrysalis shook her head and trotted away, then knelt back down over the hole.

From her spot on the cot, Cadance could tell that her companion wasn't really focusing on removing the pipe. Rather she was staring off into space and squinting intently at something only she could see. The sight annoyed Cadance, yet the alicorn didn't have the strength to berate her newfound friend for her efforts.

Sure enough, the faint tugging on her magic Cadance had grown familiar with faded, only to return almost immediately. It was clear to the alicorn that Chrysalis was trying to stop herself from feeding on Cadance, a noble but ultimately useless endavour. The other creature had made several attempts to stop at this point, and like this most recent one, they had ended in failure.

I wonder if it's even possible for her to stop? Cadance thought to herself.

As if to answer her unspoken question, Chrysalis growled to herself before leaning back down. Once more she started to work at the pipe, slowly loosening the bolts which held it to the ground.

The stomp of bipedal feet shocked Cadance from her bout of introspection.

“He's coming,” Cadance whispered.

Chrysalis immediately leapt up and sprinted over to the cot, falling soundlessly into the bed. The creature then put herself between Cadance and the door, much to the alicorn’s continued annoyance. A few seconds later, the magical wall faded away, revealing the misshapen dragon standing just outside their cell.

“Ahh, so you still live,” he exclaimed. “As does our resident alicorn, wonderful.”

“No thanks to you, monster,” Chrysalis growled.

“Protective, aren't we?” mused Daurgothoth. “And I do apologize, but I was rather busy running other experiments. Though I find myself with a little extra time at the moment.”

Chrysalis’ gaze narrowed. “What do you want?”

“I want to offer you a simple deal,” Daurgothoth began, unfolding his hands. “I need you, creature. To help me with a few tests, and in return I will feed your pet alicorn.”

Cadance pawed weekly at Chrysalis’s side. “No, don't,” Cadance urged.

Chrysalis stood up from the cot almost immediately. “Three square meals a day with ample water.”

“Of course,” Daurgothoth replied. “Now then, let us continue to-”

“No,” Chrysalis interrupted. “She needs a meal right now.”

Daurgothoth raised an eyebrow. “I suppose I didn't say when this deal began. Fair enough, come with me. I’ll get you set up in the experimentation room and make something for your… friend.”

Chrysalis’ jaw tightened, as if she were considering her options, though ultimately she seemed to give in. Nodding her assent, she walked over to the dragon, waiting patiently for whatever order he would give her.

“Good,” he purred. “Now simply follow me and do try to remain civil. I would hate to use force when a simple request is more than enough.”

“No, stop,” Cadance murmured, pulling herself to the edge of the bed.

“Don't worry, I’ll be back,” Chrysalis whispered.

“It shouldn't even be that long,” Daurgothoth announced. “Depending on how the procedure goes.”

The dragon turned sharply on his heel and walked out the door, Chrysalis one step behind him. Once they were gone, the wall reappeared, and Cadance collapsed back into her cot, what little strength she had vanishing.

Cadance wanted to stand up, to pound her hooves against that featureless magical barrier, but she couldn't. She could barely even stand on her own, and only the use of her earth pony magic was keeping her from passing out. Closing her eyes, Cadance told herself that Chrysalis would be okay, and that she would return, but those thoughts felt utterly hollow.

Chrysalis stared straight ahead, remaining as still and unmoving as she had been for the last half hour. Behind her, Cadance continued to hum softly as she ran her hooves through Chrysalis’ silk-like blue mane. Now long enough to dangle down in front of the creature’s eyes, her hair had an odd number of holes in it.

It was as if someone had used a knife to cut several perfect circles in it, though that wasn't the only thing to be damaged. Chrysalis now had several chunks missing from her hooves, some large enough that Cadance could nearly put her own hoof through. Not like the alicorn would do something like that, as Chrysalis had yet to even let her inspect the wounds.

“I know this is going to sound stupid, but are you sure you’re okay?” Cadance whispered. “You haven't spoken a word as to what happened to you, and it's been an entire month since then.”

“I…” Chrysalis shook her head. “I’m fine. I just needed time to heal and adjust.”

“Were there any more changes, other than your mouth turning color?” Cadance asked.

“My mouth?” Chrysalis went cross-eyed, staring down her muzzle.

Cadance chuckled. “Your teeth are white, and your tongue is pink like the rest of your mouth.”

“And before it was, what? Black?” Chrysalis asked.

“Like the rest of you,” Cadance answered.

Chrysalis hummed thoughtfully to herself. “First my eyes, then this… hair stuff, what's next?”

“Your back is losing a bit of its color now that were talking about it,” Cadance remarked.

Chrysalis turned her head almost completely backwards and looked down on herself. Sure enough, her onyx coloration had begun to shift, becoming an off-green that ranged from a deep emerald to a light lime.

“Augh,” Chrysalis exclaimed in disgust. “How am I going to be intimidating now?”

“I think you are still plenty scary. Though the grassy color of your eyelids is rather pretty,” Cadance remarked.

“R-really?” Chrysalis murmured.

Cadance nodded. “I think your added height would make you super scary to people who aren't as tall as I am.”

“Pretty soon I’ll be able to make you the little spoon,” Chrysalis shot back.

Cadance giggled. “I look forward to it.”

The jovial air vanished the moment the wall disappeared, and a familiar face appeared in its absence. The dragon wasn't alone, however, as he had two small black equine statues standing next to him. Each of which looked like a tiny version of Chrysalis before she had begun to change due to the influence of Cadance’s soul.

“Ahh, good, you’re awake,” he declared with a smile. “That means we can continue with the next test immediately.”

“What next test?” Cadance replied.

“We aren't going to participate in any more of your sick games,” Chrysalis spat.

Daurgothoth ginned. “Oh, that's where you’re wrong, little bug. You are indeed going to assist in my plans. Unless you’d like for me to take off my chef hat and stop bringing you those lovely meals.”

Chrysalis winced. “What do you want?”

“It's simple,” Daurgothoth began, striding into the room along with his statue-like guards. “My newest creations here have proven to be quite resilient, in addition to being skilled fighters. However, they have so few sparring partners.”

“Why don't you fight these… things,” Cadance muttered, gesturing to the two stony creatures standing on either side of the dragon.

“I know how they fight and their weaknesses, it wouldn't be fair,” Daurgothoth replied. “Besides, why dirty my claws when I have two perfectly good test subjects just waiting to make themselves useful?”

“What exactly would you have us do?” Chrysalis pressed.

“Subdue the copies, or be subdued by them,” he answered, opening his hands. “It's as simple as that.”

Cadance and Chrysalis exchanged a look, but said nothing, the glance telling the other all they needed to know.

“We’ll do it,” Cadance exclaimed.

“Wonderful. I would hate to waste resources dragging you around this facility,” Daurgothoth declared.

“Yes, wouldn't that be just terrible,” Chrysalis muttered bitterly.

“Quite, now do hurry up. Time is of the essence,” Daurgothoth claimed, before turning and walking away.

Chrysalis and Cadance were swift to follow after him, the two black statues only a few steps behind them.

“Why are you in a rush?” Cadance inquired. “It seems to me like you’ve already completed your goal and have four months left to spare.”

“I did indeed ‘purify’ you in record time, but that is not my worry,” Daurgothoth replied, adding air quotes to the word.

“You’re building an army to take on Celestia,” Chrysalis reasoned.

Daurgothoth scoffed. “Whatever I could come up with in this short amount of time won't be enough to stand against her. Furthermore, who says I even want to kill her, hmm?”

Cadance gasped. “You want her to wake up the rest of your kind. You said as much before. Something about if she thinks it will save the world.”

“How did you drive her mad anyway?” Chrysalis pressed.

“I did no such thing. That is the handiwork of another,” Daurgothoth replied, waving a dismissive hand in the air as they passed through a large metal entryway. “I merely see what this mystery schemer had planned and am doing my part to push things along, as it were.”

“You're being awfully forthcoming,” Cadance pointed out.

Daurgothoth chuckled. “And why wouldn't I be? The first thing Celestia will do once she returns here is kill me, telling you all this only drives a further wedge between the two of you. Besides, I might very well be lying to you at this very moment.”

“You aren't, at least you mostly aren't,” Chrysalis exclaimed. “I can taste it.”

Daurgothoth stopped and turned to the black creature curiously. “You can… taste it?”

“Your dishonesty,” Chrysalis replied. “It's… sour.”

The dragon blinked owlishly several times before erupting with laughter.

“Oh, that is rich. Poetic too,” he exclaimed. “To think that your ability to feed on ambient magic would alter itself in such a manner. It must be Cadance’s aspect affecting your physiology.”

“What is going to happen to her?” Cadance inquired, her curiosity getting the better of her.

“Who knows?” Daurgothoth replied with a shrug. “Soul manipulation was common during the war, but the host so rarely survived transfusion that actual data was almost non-existent. Though if I were to make an educated guess, I would say that it’s form will gradually become more and more organic.”

“I am not an it, I am a she, and my name is Chrysalis,” Chrysalis declared.

Daurgothoth rolled his eyes. “I was speaking about your body, not you as an individual. Though I am a little disappointed you didn't choose a more intimidating name, Cadance. She is an assassin golem, not some butterfly that alighted upon your windowsill.”

“It’s fitting,” Cadance retorted.

“Agree to disagree then,” Daurgothoth replied, stopping before a large vault-like door. “Now then. These two shall be your first opponents, and if you succeed, then I more will come. If you manage to defeat all of the golems I’ve grown, then I will grant you some manner of boon.”

The dragon paused and scratched his chin. “Cake, perhaps.”

“What about proper bedding, or a heater?” Cadance replied.

“No, no. That would introduce too many variables. Ah! A heating rune would be perfect.” Daurgothoth smiled. “Then it's settled, defeat my golems, and you shall have a nice warm room to retire to. How does that sound?”

“Whatever, let's just get this little charade over with,” Chrysalis declared.

“As you wish,” Daurgothoth replied, stepping away and spinning the large circular door.

A firm push was all it took for the enormous hunk of steel to glide open, revealing a wide square room. Passing through the entrance, Cadance briefly marveled at the sheer size of the space while Chrysalis kept her gaze on its inhabitants. Who numbered nearly thirty and were lined up around the walls, each one staring emptily at nothing in particular.

“Creepy,” Cadance muttered.

“Watch out,” Daurgothoth warned. “They are nearly perfect copies of your new friend here.”

“They are nothing like me,” Chrysalis exclaimed.

“I suppose you’re right,” Daurgothoth mused. “You are rather unique now, aren't you?”

Chrysalis swatted the dragon’s hand away from her face. “Let’s just fight already.”

“Wait, what is this place?” Cadance asked. “It looks like a vault, but it's so huge and empty.”

“You are correct,” Daurgothoth answered. “Though its contents were predictably looted, it once housed a significant fortune. It will also serve as the perfect sparring space. Now then, please stand in the middle of the room.”

“Come on,” Chrysalis urged, tugging Cadance forward. “Stay behind me, I’ll protect you.”

“I can protect myself,” Cadance stated.

Chrysalis tapped the side of her head. “Not without your memories of combat, you don't.”

Cadance grumbled, but reluctantly followed Chrysalis to the center of the room. There Chrysalis stood at the forefront, her stance wide and her body tense. By then Daurgothoth had taken position near the exit, leaning heavily on the wall and observing the pair.

He then whistled sharply, and a pair of the strange golems readied themselves.

“Begin!” he shouted.

In an instant the two pitch black creatures surged towards their foes, sprinting directly at Chrysalis. Who stepped forward at the last second and slugged the closest golem across the face with enough force to put it off balance. With the golem’s momentum broken, Chrysalis had just enough time to turn and block the coming strike from her second foe.

She struck back a second later by punching her enemy before dancing away from its partner. Staying aloof and out of range of her attacker, Chrysalis was confident, though that confidence was fading quickly. Despite her landing some fairly weighty blows, the golems seemed undamaged and were unbothered by Chrysalis’ attacks.

Still, she continued to duck, weave, and punch back whenever possible, only staying a few milliseconds ahead of her opponents. Who only became faster and stronger as time passed, while Chrysalis began to noticeably slow. Minutes ticked by, and Chrysalis was steadily forced to give ground while also offering fewer and fewer attacks of her own. Her stomach burned, and her body began to grow heavy, until at long last she had slowed to the point that she couldn't move fast enough to dodge.

Chrysalis stumbled away from the punch and rubbed her cheek, her stolen memories leaving her unprepared for the real thing. The second blow nearly knocked her off her hooves, and Chrysalis stumbled back, only to get hit a third time a mere moment later. Each attack felt like getting hit with a brick, and Chrysalis could tell that she was quickly collecting new injuries.

A fourth, then a fifth hit came soon after, each strike knocking her further and further off-balance. Before one of the creatures turned and bucked her hard, sending Chrysalis flying. She hit the ground a moment later, her eyes rolling around in their sockets as she struggled to figure out which direction was up.

“Hmm, disappointing,” Daurgothoth muttered.

Chrysalis only barely heard him, though she did hear Cadance loud and clear.

“Back off!” shouted the alicorn a second before she put herself between Chrysalis and her attackers.

Though clumsy, her shove carried the weight of earth pony magic and was enough to knock the golem off its hooves. Cadance then blocked the second foe while Chrysalis stumbled into a stand. Her weariness was gone, washed away by a wave of emotion that filled Chrysalis with unparalleled strength.

“Is that… love?” she muttered.

Brushing off that question for the moment, Chrysalis resisted the urge to help Cadance and instead moved to flank. The golem didn't even have a chance to react before Chrysalis leapt upon its back and drove it to the ground. She then used her hooves to bash the creature’s head against the floor until it stopped twitching a few seconds later.

Chrysalis then hopped back up and moved to assist Cadance, who was currently weathering the hail of punches sent her way. Despite the flurry of blows, the alicorn seemed unharmed, her natural resilience allowing her to shrug them off like nothing. Though seemingly invincible, Chrysalis knew that her friend was in trouble, and moved with all the speed she could muster.

This time the golem saw Chrysalis coming, though even then it didn't matter, as she was too fast. A buck to the side sent the creature flying, but before it could get back up, Chrysalis drove her hooves into its back. And again, and again, until at long last something broke within the golem, and it lay still on the ground.

Breathing heavily, Chrysalis pushed herself back up, stumbling briefly before being caught by Cadance.

“Are you alright?” whispered the alicorn.

“Yeah, I’m fine. And you?” Chrysalis asked, turning around to find that Cadance seemed okay, though she would likely sport a few new bruises fairly soon.

“I’m okay,” Cadance replied.

“Sloppy, but not bad,” Daurgothoth remarked. “Let's see how you do against four.”

Before Chrysalis had a chance to level an insult his way, the dragon released another sharp whistle. Prompting four more of the creatures to step forward and fan out, surrounding Chrysalis and Cadance. Who backed up, swiftly moving to cover one another as best as they were able.

“You defend, I’ll attack?” Chrysalis offered.

Cadance nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”

Together Cadance and Chrysalis met the first wave of attacks as a unified front. Cadance blocked and generally did her best to become the largest, most obvious target around. While she was the focus, Chrysalis wove her way through the fight and sprung upon their distracted foes.

At first the pair’s movements were sloppy, slow, and uncoordinated, with the two nearly bumping into one another a few times. As time passed , they grew faster and far more harmonious. Within only a few minutes they had struck down two of the golems, and no longer even needed to glance at one another to convey their thoughts.

Throughout it all Chrysalis greedily drank the love directed her way, using it to heighten her natural abilities. Soon Chrysalis was a blur of movement, easily evading her enemies and striking them from the sides. Together they were a perfect team, one which didn't need to utter a word to one another to move in harmony.

That connection was deeper than just simple coordination though, and Chrysalis could almost physically feel it in her chest. Whenever Cadance moved to block a strike meant for Chrysalis, or Chrysalis struck down a foe intent on punching Cadance, it grew deeper. The sensation was almost like a warm spot in the pit of her stomach, or at least where Chrysalis’ stomach would normally be anyway.

Chrysalis grunted, and with a twist, she shattered the final golem’s neck. With that done, she raised a hoof, knowing instinctively that Cadance was ready to pull her up. Sure enough, the alicorn soon hefted her friend to her hooves, and together they looked over to Daurgothoth expectantly.

“A good start, now let's see how you handle ten at a time,” exclaimed the dragon.

Chrysalis gritted her teeth. “Bastard.”

“Isn't this enough?” pleaded Cadance.

“No,” Daurgothoth answered simply.

The ensuing fight, and the one that came after that was difficult to say the least, but not impossible for the duo. Though Cadance suffered the majority of the injuries, Chrysalis had been knocked around more than she would have liked. In the end they lay on the floor amidst the inert remains of nearly every single last one of the black golems.

“Interesting,” Daurgothoth remarked. “You are more skilled than I realized.”

“We beat your stupid game, now do as you promised,” Chrysalis growled.

Daurgothoth raised his hands in a placating gesture. “Of course, and in fact I think a bit of a feast is in order.”

“What do you mean?” Cadance asked.

Daurgothoth had already turned away however, and whistled sharply, summoning a few new guards from outside the room.

“Escort these two back to their cell,” he commanded. “I’ll be by to give them their gift soon enough.”

Cadance and Chrysalis exchanged a glance, a silent, unspoken conversation passing between them. Chrysalis wanted to try besting the half dozen golems ordered to serve as their escort, but Cadance shut that down. They were too battered from the recent fights to make an escape attempt and needed time to recover their strength.

Though reluctant, Chrysalis accepted this and walked alongside the alicorn as they departed the room. While walking, Chrysalis couldn't help but wonder what that strange feeling had been, and what it might mean. Her memories were of lust-filled nights and hate-filled battlefields, leaving her with precious little to reference on this subject.

Brushing aside those thoughts, Chrysalis focused simply on following Cadance. After all, though the victory may have been a small one, it was still worthy of a celebration and a chance to relax. Two things Chrysalis was looking forward to.

“Still no one?” Chrysalis asked, not looking up from the pipe.

“Nope. Just the two guards he has posted outside our cell,” Cadance answered.

Chrysalis shuddered. “Creepy little things. I wish he’d send them away.”

“Is this some kind of self-depreciation thing? Because if it is, I am going to be so disappointed in you,” Cadance retorted.

Chrysalis snorted. “No. It's like looking in a mirror, only wrong somehow. I don't know how to explain it.”

“I think I understand,” Cadance muttered. “How goes the pipe?”

“Good,” Chrysalis replied. “I've managed to pull it free and give us enough room to go deeper, but have to explore a bit more before I can be confident about our escape.”

“Don't want to get lost down there and break out, only to get caught immediately,” Cadance reasoned.

“Exactly,” Chrysalis replied.

“Wait,” Cadance perked up. “I think I hear something.”

Chrysalis hastily inserted the pipe once more, using her dexterous hooves to screw the bolts back into place. She had just enough time to clamber back into the cot alongside Cadance before the wall disappeared and Daurgothoth stood in its place.

“I see you’re enjoying the warmer domicile, good,” he remarked.

“Yes, it's so kind of you to not let us freeze to death,” Chrysalis exclaimed.

Cadance sighed. “What do you want?”

“I would really like to return to my full natural form, and to enjoy a fine chardonnay, but alas none of us are going to get what we want,” Daurgothoth replied with a chuckle. “What I need, however, is for you to listen and accept the deal I am proposing.”

“And what exactly is this deal?” Chrysalis demanded.

“Simple,” Daurgothoth began, unfolding his hands. “I want you to stop trying to escape and to stop being so antagonistic.”

“What could you possibly give us to make such a demand worthwhile?” Cadance retorted.

“I would swear to leave you two alone, save for when you are fed,” Daurgothoth answered. “Think of it as a cease fire of sorts.”

“Why? And what is stopping you from going back on your word?” Cadance asked.

“I could come up with a contract if you would like,” Daurgothoth offered. “You must know about the power such magic can hold over those that sign them.”

“We do, but that still doesn't answer the why part of our question,” Chrysalis pressed.

“I don't want to deal with you,” Daurgothoth answered. “I have much to do, and little time to do it in. That, and I would like it if the last few months of my life are not spent chasing you around.”

“I suppose that's reasonable, you only have three months left to live, after all,” Chrysalis pointed out.

“As do you,” Daurgothoth retorted. “Or do you think Celestia is going to let the physical manifestation of Cadance’s ‘corruption’ walk free?”

“I need time to think about it,” Cadance exclaimed, interrupting the angry tirade she could sense from Chrysalis. “Could you come back tomorrow?”

“I could,” Daurgothoth conceded. “Though I would warn you against wasting my time. I have been patient until now, but that may change.”

“We won't,” Cadance quickly replied. “Waste your time, that is.”

“See to it that you do not,” Daurgothoth declared, turning on his heel and walking away.

The second after he left, the magical barrier reappeared, and the two prisoners were alone once more.

“That lying rat,” Chrysalis muttered. “I should have known he would try to undermine our attempts to escape.”

“But was he really lying? I didn't get that impression,” Cadance replied.

Chrysalis snorted. “He wasn't. I could tell that he was being slightly untruthful, though it never reached the point that he outright lied.”

“That's… something,” Cadance muttered.

“You aren't thinking of taking it, are you?” Chrysalis asked, a hint of fear worming its way into her voice.

“Never,” Cadance immediately replied. “I would not sacrifice you to save my own hide. No matter the strange circumstances of our meeting.”

“Thank you,” Chrysalis whispered.

Cadance smiled and extended a hoof, pulling the creature in close. “Don't worry, I would never betray you. I don't think I’m even capable of doing so.”

“I seem to have inherited your more duplicitous and whimsical nature,” Chrysalis muttered.

“Change can mean many things, not all of them bad,” Cadance exclaimed.

“I know, I know,” Chrysalis murmured. “I just can't help but feel like I’m the worst parts of you.”

Cadance grabbed Chrysalis by the chin and forced their eyes to meet. “Not worse, or better, just different. Don't fall for Celestia’s black and white rhetoric. There is no part of us which is inherently evil.”

“I…” Chrysalis looked away. “Thank you, Cadance. I needed to hear that.”

“I felt as much.” Cadance rose from the cot. “Now then, let’s see about finding a way out of here. We have less than twenty-four hours to escape, and I don't want to waste even a second.”

“Right, I’ll keep at it,” Chrysalis offered.

“And don't be so dour, tonight we’ll be free mares,” Cadance exclaimed.

Chrysalis smiled. “I sure hope so.”

Chrysalis and Cadance both leaned against the magical barrier to their cell, ears or head pressed to the wall. In the distance they could hear the odd step thump of their jailor’s feet as he walked away from them. They remained there, listening patiently for several minutes before finally hopping back up and sprinting over to the hole in the floor.

Chrysalis leaned down and used her dexterous hooves to twist off the bolts which kept the pipe in place. Once it was free of its mooring, Cadance shuffled over and gripped the heavy hunk of metal in both hooves. She then rolled her shoulders and pulled with all of her might, ripping the thing straight out of the ground. Somewhere down below the metal twisted, and sheared off, allowing the alicorn to toss the thing aside.

“Damn, Cadance, that was intense. Kinda hot too,” Chrysalis exclaimed, muttering that last part as quiet as she could.

“I figured since we don't have to move it into place anymore that I’d take out a little aggression,” Cadance replied.

“Well, uh, follow me, I guess,” Chrysalis remarked.

The creature then slipped down the hole in the floor, and into a tight crawl space filled with metal pipes of various sizes. Cadance followed close behind, the alicorn having a little more trouble than the remarkably flexible creature she was being led by. Though difficult, it wasn't impossible, and together the pair made their way under the hallway next to their cell.

Through the distant grate they could make out the shapes of their guards, their dark eyes still staring off at nothing. Chrysalis didn't give them a second look, but Cadance felt her gaze captured by the strange creatures. There was something off about them, and for a moment the alicorn was certain she saw a spark of green in their otherwise empty eyes.

“Are you coming?” Chrysalis whispered.

“R-right, sorry,” Cadance muttered.

“Try not to stare at my butt too much,” Chrysalis teased.

“I’ll try, but it's hard ever since you sprouted a tail to match your mane,” Cadance retorted.

“Ouch,” Chrysalis cursed, her head hitting a low-hanging pipe.

Cadance giggled softly to herself while Chrysalis grumbled beneath her breath and continued crawling deeper. Together they made their way ever further into the winding, seemingly endless array of machinery and metal. There were times they sat quietly, waiting for a patrol to pass, and other times where they were forced to maneuver through incredibly tight confines.

Throughout it all, Cadance couldn't help but stare at her companion, her curiosity getting the better of her. Chrysalis had changed over the last four months, and was now at least mostly biological. She retained her hard exoskeleton, but had gained wings to match her silky, ethereal mane and tail. There were other changes, but by and large, Chrysalis was just growing taller and gaining a personality of her own.

She's kind of pretty, Cadance couldn't help but think.

Chrysalis stopped and sniffed the air. “Is that… attraction I smell?”

“N-no,” Cadance quickly replied. “How much longer do we have until we reach that exit you mentioned? I’m starting to cramp back here.”

“Not far,” Chrysalis answered. “There are a few more turns, and then we’ll be at the grate I loosened a few days ago.”

“Then it's just that one hallway and that door, right?” Cadance inquired.

“Yeah. I think it's near the exit, but I can't be certain,” Chrysalis replied.

Cadance hummed thoughtfully to herself, but remained silent and allowed Chrysalis to maneuver through the tangle of pipes. It wasn't long before she eventually stopped beneath what looked like a storage room of some kind. Though she couldn't see much due to how dark it was, Cadance could make out large dark squares above her. Each big enough to fit an alicorn inside of them, they crowded out the majority of the room, leaving only a few square feet near the exit.

Chrysalis pushed open the grate as silent as a whisper and peaked her head above the floor. After several seconds of quiet, she slipped fully into the room and extended a hoof towards Cadance. Who took the offered appendage and stood straight up for the first time in nearly an hour.

“Stars above, that killed my back,” Cadance whispered. “Remind me to take up yoga or something once we’re out of here.”

“Pfft, ponies,” Chrysalis muttered.

Cadance rolled her eyes. “Let's just get out of here.”

“Right this way, princess,” Chrysalis exclaimed.

“Just lead the way already. I’m covered in too much rust to deal with your sass,” Cadance retorted.

Chrysalis snickered quietly to herself as she leaned against the large metal door. Big enough to admit a fully grown dragon, the exit was rather daunting, but Chrysalis was unbothered by it. Her finely honed senses were more than enough to detect what might lay behind it.

“We’re clear. I don't sense any emotions, nor do I hear anything moving around,” Chrysalis murmured.

“Wait, I thought you couldn't detect those golems. What if they’re out there?” Cadance asked, grabbing her companion by the shoulder.

“Then we deal with them,” Chrysalis replied.

“Let's hope it doesn't come to that. It always feels weird to kill those things. It’s almost like I’m hurting some kind of proto-you,” Cadance muttered.

Chrysalis shuddered. “I am nothing like them. Your soul changed me.”

“Still, if they were created from you, then they must have a part of that soul, right?” Cadance pressed.

“Please, let's not talk about this right now,” Chrysalis whispered.

Cadance bit her lip, temporarily taken aback by the terror and anger in her friend’s voice. The alicorn reached out and gently squeezed Chrysalis’ shoulder.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn't have brought that up,” Cadance murmured.

“It's fine, let's just get out of here before we contemplate any more philosophical problems. I don't have the headspace for such high-minded concepts at the moment,” Chrysalis retorted.

“Er, right,” Cadance whispered to herself.

Chrysalis leaned forward and slowly turned the spinning many-handled door knob until it clicked. A gentle shove pushed it open and allowed a thin slice of artificial light to enter the tiny storage room. Followed closely by a pair of black hooves which grabbed Chrysalis by the shoulders and hauled her out into the hallway.

“Chrysalis!” Cadance shouted, sprinting after her friend.

Two steps outside the door, Cadance found herself in the middle of a circle of midnight black golems too numerous to count. Chrysalis was next to her, having thrown her attacker aside and gathered her bearings. The pair exchanged a confused look before they heard the familiar sound of clapping coming from somewhere to the right.

“Congratulations on making it all the way down here. I must say I didn't think you could fit that fat flank of yours through the piping,” Daurgothoth shouted. “You should be thanking me for the diet plan I put you through.”

“You,” Chrysalis muttered, a hiss coming from deep in her throat.

“How? I didn't detect any scrying spells, and that heating rune was just that. A rune and nothing else,” Cadance asked.

“That's the problem with you ponies,” Daurgothoth began, shaking his head. “You take to magic so easily that you use it to fix all of your problems when there are, in fact, easier solutions.”

“A machine of some kind?” Chrysalis pressed.

Daurgothoth chuckled. “It's fairly analog, but I’ve been listening to you from the next cell nearly the entire time.”

As if to prove his point, one of the golems disappeared in a flash of green magic and in their place stood a copy of the dragon. It then hobbled away, matching Daurgothoth’s distorted gait perfectly.

“How do you think these creepy things were going to infiltrate pony society? Hoods and cloaks?” Daurgothoth exclaimed, laughing loudly at his own attempt at humour.

“What now?” Cadance asked.

“Now you’ll probably fight me, I’ll win, then I’ll throw you back in your cell,” Daurgothoth answered. “Normally I’d simply kill you, but these past few months have been remarkably intellectually stimulating. That, and there remain some tests I wish to perform on the both of you.”

“I won't let you touch her,” Chrysalis hissed, stepping forward and rising up to her full height.

“I think you’ll find that threat is as empty as your head,” Daurgothoth retorted. “End this charade. I have a curiosity to satisfy.”

With a word, the wave of black golems rose and crashed against the pair in a titanic clash. Yet despite the weight of numbers, Chrysalis and Cadance managed to stay afloat amidst the horde. Cadance blocked, pushed, shoved, and generally made space for Chrysalis, who made short work of the first few foes.

Her hooves gripped and twisted the head off one golem, only to shift and immediately shatter the knee of another. A trio of their fellows attempted to chase Chrysalis down, but were blind-sided by Cadance charging into their midst. Together the pair fought tooth and nail just to avoid being swallowed by the many mindless soldiers rushing them from all angles.

And for a few minutes, it almost seemed like they might win despite the odds stacked against them. Their movements were already perfectly synchronized, yet over time they grew somehow even more harmonious. No words needed to be spoken, no looks exchanged, they simply knew what the other needed before they even recognized it themselves.

Cadance extended a wing across Chrysalis’ face, blocking a buck with a bit of pegasus magic. Chrysalis then immediately exploded from behind the feathery cover, grabbing the golem’s back legs and swinging it like a club. Cadance didn't need to watch to know that the creature was out of the fight, as she was already turning to block the next blow.

Together they moved and swam together like they were two halves of a single larger whole. Their every twist and feint calculated to protect, or utilize the opening granted by the other. They even felt a spark of realization near the end, and learned the true understanding of cooperation. In that instant they truly knew what it was like to support and work with someone in such an intimate manner that it was akin to baring their souls to the other.

Even still, it simply wasn't enough. For every golem they felled, two more took their place, and as the minutes dragged by, things only got worse. Cadance’s blocks became sloppier, her wounds multiplying by the second. Even Chrysalis, her body super charged from the love flowing into her, couldn't hold on forever.

There were too many of golems, and soon Chrysalis found herself fighting alone. Spinning around, she knew Cadance was out of the fight before she even saw the alicorn’s prone form. Pinned beneath a dozen black golems all pummelling her, Cadance had no hope of escaping them.

With a wordless scream, Chrysalis threw herself at the horde, knocking aside several of the golems and covering Cadance with her body. Wrapping her hooves around the alicorn, Chrysalis braced herself for the beating of a lifetime. Sure enough, a hail of blows rained down on her from all angles, filling her with more agony than her body seemed designed to process.

Unable to handle the wave of pain, Chrysalis blacked out briefly and came to a moment later. Looking around, she found that she could barely move, her entire body aching so bad she thought she may die. Ignoring the cries of her pained form, Chrysalis searched desperately for Cadance.

Only to find Cadance being lifted aloft by many black hooves, her body covered in more bruises than fur. Though injured, she was alive and awake, her one remaining eye staring intently at Chrysalis. Cadance’s lone forehoof trembled like a leaf as it reached out towards her companion.

“Chrysalis,” Cadance whispered through bloodied lips.

“Let her go,” Chrysalis muttered, rage building in her chest. “I said, let her go!”

The golems stopped for a moment before a whistle prompted them to return to work once more.

“Let her go, let her go, let her go!” Chrysalis shouted as loud as she could.

Despite her yelling, the golems continued to carry the alicorn away, leaving Chrysalis alone with her captor and his remaining soldiers.

“Interesting,” Daurgothoth muttered. “Throw this one back in her cell, but before you do, heal her wounds. I have tests in mind for her.”

Chrysalis wanted to utter some manner of insult, but her strength finally failed, and she fell to the ground, unconscious.

Cadance awoke with a start, only to find herself in a familiar and altogether terrifying position. Her limbs were stretched out and bound by thick metal clamps which secured them to the steel slab she was lying upon. A small white plastic barrier obscured everything below her neck, a sight which confused and horrified her for reasons she could barely understand.

In an instant her breathing became quick, her heart pounded, and a sudden chill was accompanied by a surge of cold sweat. She tugged vainly at her restraints, pushing as hard as she could at her bindings to no avail. She wanted to shout, to scream her heart out, but her throat was uncomfortably tight, and Cadance was barely able to utter a sound.

“Relax. I’ve made sure to provide the proper anesthesia this time so you shouldn't feel a thing,” Daurgothoth declared, the dragon appearing from the shadows and stepping in front of Cadance. “I apologize for not putting you under completely, but I admit I’m feeling a little vindictive. It will take some time to replace all the golems you destroyed.”

“Wh-what?” Cadance muttered.

“I’m going to kill you,” Daurgothoth replied, raising his hand and revealing a thin black shard of metal the length and width of a pencil clasped between two fingers. “Not right now obviously, nor will I really be the one to do the deed, you see, rather this will. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, maybe not in a thousand years, but eventually this little shard will do you in.”

Cadance panted, her eyes searching desperately for any sign of help.

“All it has to do is travel from wherever I implant it up to your heart,” Daurgothoth continued. “It will repel magic, slow your healing, and make removal all but impossible.”

The dragon chuckled, slowly circling the bound alicorn. “Now, I know what you're thinking, why is he doing this? Well, it's simple. I’m bored and spiteful. I have use of you now, though in time that will change. That and I feel like dangling a sword over your head for the rest of your life.”

“Now,” Daurgothoth declared. “Are you ready for surgery?”

Cadance desperately shook her head.

“Too bad,” Daurgothoth replied, drawing his arm back.

Cadance braced herself as best as she could, but even knowing it was coming couldn't prepare her for what was next. The dragon’s hand rammed its way into her torso, her flesh parting around the intruder with a strange ease. Then, once the shard was nestled between a pair of organs Cadance couldn't identify, the dragon removed his blood-slick digits.

With a word, her wounds closed, though Cadance could still feel the shard of metal wedged somewhere in her torso.

“There, now was that so hard?” Daurgothoth chuckled. “Let's send you back to your little pet now.”

Cadance barely even heard what the dragon said, as she was already slipping into the blissful embrace of unconsciousness.

“How much time do we have left?” Chrysalis whispered softly.

Cadance shrugged. “A few weeks? It's been nearly six months.”

“We’re running out of time,” Chrysalis pointed out.

“And ideas,” Cadance added.

“Kinda hard to brainstorm when you can't mention anything aloud,” Chrysalis muttered.

“I mean, we can still spitball,” Cadance offered.

“I suppose,” Chrysalis admitted.

The pair were quiet for several long minutes while Cadance scratched her chin and stared off into space. She thought back to that moment when they were fighting, and they had reached a sort of zen state where they were one. Bringing that memory to the surface, she half expected to feel connected once more, only for Chrysalis to seem unaffected.

“Dance with me,” Cadance urged, standing up suddenly.

“What? But I don't know how. Nor does this feel like the time,” Chrysalis retorted.

“Trust me,” Cadance urged.

Chrysalis glanced at the alicorn and sighed. “Alright then.”

Rising up, Chrysalis awkwardly allowed Cadance to take the leading role of their dance. Her missing hoof made things extra difficult, but as soon as they began to move, that handicap faded. Chrysalis adapted, allowing Cadance to move and support her weight while they started to go through the motions.

At first it was slow, unpleasant, and difficult, but soon they were flowing from one action to the next with ease. Cadance could almost hear the band swelling as they shifted from one part of the waltz to the next with effortless grace. Within a few minutes they had reached that same zen state once more, only this time they never looked away from one another.

Cadance wasn't sure how, but she put across the sentiment that although they had cooperated well, they had screwed up. Chrysalis' nod of affirmation confirmed that she understood the unspoken statement, though she was clearly confused. Pushing forward, Cadance pressed upon the fact that Chrysalis was connected to the golems that had atacked them.

Though Chrysalis tried to disagree, she couldn't help but find herself without a valid argument. Cadance latched onto this thought and urged Chrysalis to try again, to command them not using words but her willpower. They twisted, Chrysalis dropped her partner into a dip, and then parted with a bow, their silent conversation now over.

Chrysalis then turned to the exit, and after glancing hesitantly at Cadance’s hopeful face, tried the alicorn’s suggestion. Her eyes closed, her focus became distant, and her entire body tensed up. Minutes ticked by with Chrysalis growing only more and more frustrated, though she didn't give up.

Until after nearly a half hour, the wall fell away to reveal that their jailor was nowhere to be seen. All they could make out were the two golems standing patiently outside, each one staring intently at Chrysalis.

Cadance’s grin split her face in half, and she danced in place, much to Chrysalis’ amusement. The alicorn stopped soon after and held up a hoof, pointing back to the wall. Chrysalis nodded and urged the guard to make the barrier appear once more.

We’re ready? Cadance thought to herself.

Chrysalis stepped out of the cell and began to walk out towards the lone exit, the sound of dainty hooves following close behind her. With a smug smile on her face, she strode onwards, uncaring to the loud clank her hooves made against the metal floor. Her companion followed her lead, striding down the hallway without a care for who might hear them coming.

As they neared the exit, a familiar sight appeared, the dragon slipping through the door and eying them both curiously.

“How did you get out?” he demanded. “You cannot even physically utter the command words for my guards.”

Chrysalis merely smirked and mentally commanded her companion to launch their attack. Which they eagerly did, throwing a hunk of floor at the dragon’s head with incredible speed. Daurgothoth ducked out of the way of the first projectile, but was hit square in the nose by the one Chrysalis had torn from its moorings.

The dragon cursed and sputtered under his breath, desperate to regain control of the situation.

Chrysalis and her companion charged forward, sprinting as fast as they could. Before their foe had a chance to recover, they were upon him, tackling him in unison and knocking the dragon to the ground. They didn't stick around to follow up on their brief moment of success, however, and continued past him down the hall.

Chrysalis continued to lead, running headlong down the passage as fast as her hooves could carry her. She didn't need to look to know that her companion was swift on her heels, hooves clanking against the floor. A crash came from behind them a second later, the dragon having slammed his way through the half open door.

“You will pay for that!” he bellowed.

The mismatched gait of the deformed dragon could be heard clamoring from a good thirty feet back. Though not as coordinated as the four-legged creatures he was chasing, the dragon was remarkably fast. Able to not only match their speed, he was actually catching up, though thankfully Chrysalis had a head start.

Running down a hall, she leapt through another door left conveniently open for her and kicked it shut as she passed. Though it didn't seal completely, that didn't matter, and Chrysalis continued on without pausing for more than a second.

Mere moments later, their pursuer reappeared, crashing through the metal barrier with the force of a runaway train. The steel barrier hung loose on its moorings, the dragon’s wrath nearly rending it completely apart. He didn't stop there though, and continued to run after Chrysalis as well as her companion.

Who were already ducking into a side passage, pausing once more to close the metal door behind them. This time Chrysalis gave it a spin before leaping over the railing and using her new wings to descend down the narrow stairwell. Again her companion followed close behind, rapidly descending down dozens of floors in no time at all.

About halfway down, Chrysalis heard another deafening crash accompanied by the scream of tearing steel. Urging herself a little faster, Chrysalis landed a few seconds later, immediately sprinting towards the next door. She didn't make it far before a titanic crunch filled the room, alerting her to the fact that their pursuer had leapt down a good twenty floors.

Chrysalis could also make out the word that was not a word and knew that it was intended to rob them of their strength. Chrysalis as well as her follower were not, however, seemingly affected, as they simply sprinted on, shutting the next door behind her. Again, she continued on, knowing full well that her companion’s fluffy pink hooves would secure the exit.

Sure enough, they were greeted by the sound of Daurgothoth's enormous form slamming into the barrier. This time it remained steadfast in its place, the dragon no doubt still recovering from the considerable fall he had just taken. Snickering to herself, Chrysalis dashed down another hallway, making her way into a large laboratory.

Like everywhere else she had passed through, the door was open, and there was no one else around. No midnight black guards or defenses moved to block her, giving her more than enough time. Together they crossed the mostly open space, tipping over everything that looked breakable along the way. Enormous barrels were turned over, tubes of strange liquid were toppled, and tables were flipped with great pleasure.

“What have you done!” Daurgothoth bellowed from the entrance a second after bursting through it.

“We had a little fun!” Chrysalis shouted, her companion giggling excitedly at the remark.

Again she heard the word which would normally rob her of her strength and again it washed over them both. It was followed by the one that had opened her wounds and caused her immense pain the last time she heard it. Just like the last, this other command fell on deaf ears, leaving Chrysalis and her companion unbothered by its uttering.

Slamming shut another door, Chrysalis gave its handle a spin before sprinting down another hallway. She wore a wide smile, one she knew was mirrored by her bright pink companion who was only a few steps behind her. This time though, Daurgothoth was able to catch up a little faster, the dragon having evidently grown used to smashing doors at this point.

Chrysalis was unbothered by this and just kept on running down the many winding hallways. Until at long last they found an enormous vault door large enough for even an ancient dragon to pass through. Like the others, this one was ajar, and allowed in a thin slat of bright white snow.

“Not so fast!” Daurgothoth shouted.

The dragon, empowered by rage, slammed into Chrysalis, nearly crushing her beneath his considerable weight. A second later, she found herself gripped by the throat, hefted off the ground, and suspended alongside a familiar pink shape. They both kicked, thrashed, and did their best to escape, but the dragon’s hold was like iron.

“How did you open all those doors? Where are my soldiers?” he demanded, shouting directly into Cadance’s face.

Chrysalis fell slack, a smile crossing her face despite the situation she found herself in. “Why don't you open the door and find out?”

“As if I’d fall for such a pathetic trick,” Daurgothoth scoffed.

“No, really,” Chrysalis urged. “What, did you think we could escape you at this point? You could just crush our throats.”

Her pink companion nodded eagerly in agreement.

Daurgothoth gnashed his teeth silently before seemingly giving in, pushing open the door with his foot. Allowing him to see many distant shapes dotting the horizon, most of whom were little more than black specks. One, however, was a bright pink, and upon her back was borne the same creature he had held aloft in his right hand.

“What,” Daurgothoth muttered.

Chrysalis grinned and shed their disguises, revealing the two black golems beneath the magical illusion.

“Is it really that big of a surprise? Of course they would respect the word of their mother more than some stranger,” Chrysalis exclaimed.

“But my defenses, my traps…” Daurgothoth murmured in shock.

“I may not have magic, and you may not have had the ability to teach my spawn that magic, but I know someone who does,” Chrysalis claimed.

“You used them to saw through the bars of your cell, then distracted me in order to extract the rest of them,” Daurgothoth reasoned. “Allowing you to escape with my entire staff.”

“You’re such a smart guy,” Chrysalis exclaimed.

“But how? You didn't utter a sound. I was listening in the entire time,” Daurgothoth demanded.

“Cadance and I don't need words,” Chrysalis answered. “Oh, and don't bother bluffing. We know you can't pass that door, and no attack you know can reach us all the way out there.”

Daurgothoth shook his head. “But why, why didn't you just kill me? Surely with such an army you were capable of that.”

“We thought about it,” Chrysalis admitted. “But then we realized that whatever cruelty we could imagine would pale in comparison to whatever Celestia could think up.”

Daurgothoth shuddered.

“I thought as much. Besides, we couldn't trust you to heal Cadance, so there wasn't a point to sticking around,” Chrysalis finished, crossing her borrowed hooves across her chest.

“I…” Daurgothoth’s mouth slammed shut. “Are they changing, like you have?”

“A little slower, but yes,” Chrysalis answered.

“Fascinating,” Daurgothoth muttered.

“Have fun getting killed by Celestia, you fat stupid overgrown slug,” Chrysalis spat, her insult abruptly ended when her puppet’s head was crushed.

Chrysalis jerked up, a cackle already on her lips.

“I assume everything went off without a hitch?” Cadance asked from beneath Chrysalis.

“Oh yeah,” Chrysalis replied. “The stupid oaf bought it hook, line, and sinker just like you said he would.”

Cadance giggled to herself. “He likes to act logical, but the second he's mad, all those smarts go right out the window.”

“True,” Chrysalis agreed.

Together Cadance, along with her small army of nearly a hundred pitch black creatures strode through the chest-high snow. The wind whipped their sides, but the scent of freedom was so intoxicating that they didn't even feel the cold. Chrysalis’ musings were cut off when they stopped abruptl,y and Cadance angrily cleared her throat.

“Now could you please get off me? You’re heavier than you look,” Cadance declared.

“But what if I want to stay atop you,” Chrysalis whispered huskily, nipping the alicorn’s ear. “It's nice up here.”

Cadance shuddered. “Then I would say you need some more real world experience before you can tease me like that.”

“What are you talking about?” Chrysalis demanded.

“Chrysalis, you’re like six months old, and are mostly a collection of my stolen memories,” Cadance replied. “You need a chance to grow and become your own person before we can even think of doing… that.”

“You really did lose all your naughty memories. You don't even know what the act is called,” Chrysalis teased.

“I do too!” Cadance shouted.

Chrysalis snickered. “I understand completely though. You want to give me the chance to choose something else. That, and you feel weirdly like you’re grooming me.”

“Quite,” Cadance muttered.

“Well, I’ve already made my choice, and I choose you, but I respect your decision regardless,” Chrysalis hopped off the alicorn’s back. “How about we come back in a good twenty years and see if we both feel the same way about one another?”

“Thank you,” Cadance muttered, staring guiltily down at the ground. “I know you don't like it, but I don't want you to feel like you have to choose me.”

“It's okay,” Chrysalis replied with a shrug. “I understand exactly how you feel.”

“I guess you do,” Cadance murmured.

Chrysalis smiled and saddled up next to Cadance. “Now then, are you ready to find somewhere warmer than this blasted wasteland?”

“Are you kidding me? I’d be okay settling down in the nearest desert for a couple years,” Cadance muttered, shivering uncomfortably.

“That wouldn't be a bad idea. Celestia certainly wouldn't think to search the badlands,” Chrysalis mused. “Not a bad idea at all.”

“Oof,” Chrysalis muttered, her hooves going to her head. “What the heck happened there? I didn't mean to show them all that.”

“That was a bit more intimate than I would have liked,” Cadance admitted in a low, gravelly tone.

“We should…” Chrysalis stopped and gaped silently, glancing around the room.

Cadance followed her companion’s gaze to find that they were the only ones who had escaped the grip of their spell. Not only that, but Sunset was suffering, her face contorting into various horrified expressions.

“What, what's going on?” Spike demanded. “I thought you were all going to stop at the same time.”

“That was the plan,” Chrysalis muttered.

“Then what happened?” Spike yelled, grabbing the changeling by the shoulders. “What's going on?”

“We don't know,” Cadance admitted. “The spell was supposed to give them the experience necessary to utter the word for cooperation, not… this.”

“Then how do we snap them out of it?” Spike pressed.

“I don't think we should,” Chrysalis warned. “The magical whiplash could kill them.”

“So what… we just sit here?” Spike yelled.

“It's all we can do, Spike,” Cadance answered.

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