"Wake up, my dear cerulean," A calm, soft voice called Arden from his slumber. Then he felt fingers running through his face, down his neck, it started to move down his torso when Arden opened his eyes. Arden had grabbed the arm that was running through his body.

Who he saw was Zecora, she was on top of him. She barely had any clothing on her, her eyes were weird. Arden had never seen her like that.

"Hello. Why don't we enjoy ourselves?" Zecora said getting closer. When she was almost kissing him, Arden used his other hand to cover her mouth.

"Get off me. Chrysalis," Arden said, the zebra eyes widened.

"W-what are you talking about?" She stuttered.

"I'm not stupid! I figured out a way to see through your disguises."

The zebra continued on top of him. Grabbing her other arm Arden turned the tables on her. 'Zecora' had a malicious smile on her face.

"You just wanted to be on top? Dominant type?" Arden let go of her and left the room. "Was it something I said?" he heard from behind him.

"Chrysalis, your eyes have flash green from time to time. It gives you away." He said sitting down by the table.

"What gives me away?" Arden heard. The front door was open, and Chrysalis was standing by it. While Zecora was still in the bedroom. Arden's eye twitched, 'What the fuck?' He was in a haze for a few moments, then he saw Crysalis smiling.

"Chrysalis! Change her back! NOW!" He shouted.

"I didn't do anything!" Chrysalis said smiling.

Chrysalis smile disappeared the moment Arden pressed her against the wall. Arden's right hand was on her throat, his left was close to her horn. Chrysalis' eyes widened, her horn started to glow, and her eyes lit up. Then Arden heard groans. he looked in the bedroom, Zecora was trying to get on her hooves.

"Don't ever pull another stunt like that! If you do, I swear I'll squeeze your horn until it cracks. Did I make myself clear?"

"C-crystal," She gulped. Arden saw her trembling, tears in her eyes.

"Sorry," Arden said letting her go. "I'm a bit 'protective' of those I care about."

"D-dully noted," Chrysalis said placing her hand on her neck. Arden saw something familiar on her hand, his ring. "W-what?"

"I left that ring with Rarity. You stole it, didn't you?" Arden said crossing his arms. "Why did you take it?"

"Because I was curious about its purpose." She said looking at the accessory. "A direct line to Celestia? Aren't you special?"

Arden just sighed. "Special, no. Crazy enough to help a random mythical creature? Yes," He said leaving Chrysalis and going to Zecora. "Are you okay?"

"Arden! The Changeling! Is..." Zecora started. It seemed she didn't remember about being under a spell. "What transpired?"

"Chrysalis put you under a spell, left the hut, stole my ring from Rarity, and came back. Then I forced her to bring you back to your senses and warned her of the consequences of doing it again." Arden explained to the zebra.

"W-what did this one do while under the incantation?" She asked, her face was turning red.

"You basically...how do I put this?" Arden said, scratching his chin. She needed to know what happened. Otherwise, Chrysalis could use that later on. "She made you attempt 'courting' me." The zebra's eyes widened and she became red like a tomato.

"A-and, what did you think of it?" She was fidgeting.

'That is her question? Seriously? Does she think that I? Oooooooo...I think I get it.' Arden thought, hearing her question. "I thought it was Chrysalis using a disguise. I made you get off me and left the room."

"Oh," Zecora said with her ears dropping. 'She might like me. I know I like her. But better not get ahead of myself. Especially with Chrysalis around. This might be a remnant of her spell.'

"Why didn't you do anything with her while she was under the spell?" Arden heard from behind him."What I used basically increased a certain desire. So, why didn't you take your chance?" Arden looked back at Chrysalis. 'Are you fucking kidding me?'

"Because I thought it was you!" He screamed back at Chrysalis. "And another thing, Zecora doesn't need your spells to get my attention! She is amazing enough as she is!" Arden stopped the moment he realized what he just said. He looked at Zecora, she looked very pleased based on her smile and slightly blushing. His head slowly turned towards Chrysalis, she looked like she was having the time of her life.

"Well, chief. What are the plans for the day?" Arden asked wanting to change the subject. "More tracking lessons? Maybe some potion brewing?"

"Training grounds for you we shall search." Arden's ears perked up. "This one shall not allow you to be in the same predicament as the previous day. Train yo in the art of fight I shall."

"But didn't you say that-" Zecora gestured him to stop.

"This one cannot bear to see the unicorn in such state again! This mare shall place in you the same faith you showed her by trusting your life to me." Zecora said locking her eyes with Arden's. "If this will be more than just for your well-being. Time will be the one to tell." Arden had his eyes open wide. 'She is amazing.'

"If that's the case, I have a suggestion," Arden said. "I think it's better for us if you go search for a suitable place to train. While I stay here and watch over Chrysalis."

"Absolutely not! It's better to have more eyes on her!" Zecora shot back.

"Having her out there, where we can lose track of her is bad. If she stays here, she won't be able to do anything. I have mental wards to protect me from mind control spells." Arden argued. "And I know how to knock her out."

Zecora tried to come up with a counter-argument. The end result was her giving up. Zecora and Arden had breakfast, while Chrysalis kept to herself in the bedroom. Zecora seemed a bit sad by the events and the outcome of the conversation. Once that was over, Zecora prepared herself and left. 'Zecora, the hidden healer, huntress of the woods. Maybe the training brings us closer or shows that we aren't exactly a match. I sure hope for the first.'

Arden picked the 'Supernaturals' book again and sat down by the table. 'Reading time!'

"If you need something. I'm over here, okay Chrysalis?" Arden asked.

"Keep your voice down. It's annoying."

"I'll take that as an 'okay'," Arden muttered returning to the book.

Chrysalis was fuming for about an hour because of the scolding. That insufferable lovey-dovey zebra got her into trouble again. 'Damn it! If she had gone far enough I could have cut the spell! Then the situation could have developed into a bit of a problem. And now the unicorn won't let his guard down around me. How does he keep dodging my plans?!'

Chrysalis's stomach began to growl, the after-effects of keeping the mind spell and using her disguises to steal the ring. 'Great, now I have to go feed of that freak.' Chrysalis thought she got on her hooves. However, as soon as she did her legs failed her and she fell with a loud thud.

Chrysalis heard steps rushing towards her. Looking at the bedroom's door, she saw the stupid stallion standing there. "What?"

"Are you okay?"

"I am far from okay! I am hungry. Fulfill your end of the bargain." she ordered, showing her fangs. The stallion walked up to her. She opened her mouth, but instead of letting her eat there. The blue idiot took her to the table in his arms and placed her on the opposite side. Then he picked a water glass, filled it, and placed in front of her. "What's this?"

"I don't know about you. But I prefer to eat at the table. And I also like to drink water while doing so," he answered, picking up a book and starting to read it. "Go ahead and do your thing."

"Unlike yesterday, when I was unconscious. By doing this you will feel like you're having your life taken away. I doubt you'll be able to read," she said smiling. 'Let's see you back down on your promise now.'

"Made my bed, time to lay in it," Arden answered with his eyes glued to the book.

Chrysalis ears perked up and she stopped for a second. "Excuse me?"

"What?"

"Aren't you at least a bit concerned about me using you as food?"

"Nope," Arden said, his eyes still glued to the book. "You need me alive."

Chrysalis's eye started twitching. "W-what do you mean?" she asked fearing the answer.

"You're my stalker. I didn't expect to grab the attention of royalty, again. During the attack back at the village, you were the only one 'concerned' for my safety. You kept thinking: 'I need to get him out of here!'"

"BECAUSE YOU'RE FOOD!" she yelled slamming her fist on the table. "YOU ARE A WALKING BUFFET! WHY ELSE WOULD A CHANGELING NEED ANOTHER BEING?"

"I am literally in front of you. No need to shout," he said before looking back at her. "And I am glad you see me as a buffet. It means that I can sustain you better than an appetizer. Hooray for my nutritional value."

Chrysalis tried to come up with a response, all she managed to come up with was "stupid idiot" and huffed, looking away from him. Her stomach started to complain again. Chrysalis locked her eyes to him and started to absorb the energy. The energy came in a bigger stream than in the previous day. 'His energy is different. It...it tastes different.' she felt drowsy and closed her eyes. 'This is a good meal...heh. But it doesn't have a taste. I wonder how he is feeling now. I bet he feels like there is no strength left in him.' Then she remembered. 'CRAP! If I take too much, I might kill him!'

Her eyes shot open and, much to her surprise, the stallion was still calmly reading his book. 'W-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-what? No, this isn't normal. No way I took this much and he wasn't affected. He must be taking it back. If you want to play like that. Let's see how fast can you take it back.' Chrysalis sped up the intake.

The energy kept flowing, without stopping or diminishing. Chrysalis began to feel like when she left the kingdom, back when she had enough power to brainwash a small army. Her body began to return to its original physique, in a span of a few minutes, Chrysalis consumed enough to return to her former glory. Feeling renewed, she looked around and saw a hand mirror on the ground. A simple levitation spell and she could see her reflection.

'I-impossible! I would need to feed off a hundred beings without using my magic to get back to this form.'

Chrysalis' skinny features were gone. Her silhouette returned. Her original appearance was beautiful to the eyes of the changelings and horrid to other species because it represented how many others she feasted upon.

"Holy crap!" The exclamation made her look back at the stallion. "What the heck happened to you?!"

"Disgusted? Go ahead and mock, be scared," she asked, picking up her water to take a sip

"What are you talking about?! You look great!" she chocked and spat the water on him.

"Nice, you okay there?" he asked while the water ran off his coat. Chrysalis was still coughing. "Want me to rub your back?"

"NO!" she shouted in between coughs. "What did you just say?"

"Want me to rub your back?"

"W-what? No! Did you just compliment me?"

"Uh, yeah?" Arden asked, tilting his head.

"Do you even know what you're looking at?" Chrysalis asked, she stood up and pointing at herself.

"If you're talking about the black mare, with green eyes, long green mane, and that seems to have gained an entirely new look out of nowhere, then yeah," Arden said raising an eyebrow at her.

"This form means I'm at full power. Meaning I devoured the love of at least 100 living beings," she said glistening her fangs and making a scowl. "Do you not fear this?"

"You gave me motives to be on guard and angry at you. Not to be afraid." Arden said crossing his arms. "Do you have a problem with your looks?"

"I don't. But you, like every single one of these wretched ponies, should!" she screamed at him, bearing her fangs and her nails getting long enough to work as claws. Chrysalis raised her hand ready to strike. To her surprise, he just stood there staring at her. "Aren't you going to scream?"

"Nope," the stallion said leaning on the table. "Go on ahead. Hit me with your best shot," he said lowering his head, the back of his neck completely exposed. 'The nerve! I'm going to make a shallow wound. Then he'll know his place.'

In one fell swoop, she sliced down at Arden's neck. Or at least she tried when the attack was about to connect she felt her nails hit something hard. Chrysalis looked more closely, around his neck she saw something that looked like metal armor. Bright blue armor that she could see through.

"Hey! It worked," The unicorn said touching his neck.

"What?"

"I can make a shield appear on my body. With that in mind, I made a small shield on my arm, moved it to my neck, and tried to change its shape. Armor is just another type of shield." Arden explained. "This should be interesting. Now I can protect other areas that aren't covered."

Then the stallion stood up and closed his eyes. Chrysalis saw his horn light up, his body tensed up, and then he suddenly relaxed. When he did, a full armor set covered his upper body and limbs. "NICE! Now I-ARGH!" Arden grunted, placing his hand on his head. The armor disappeared, and he fell down on his behind.

"What happened magic-boy?" Chrysalis asked laughing.

"Okay, I don't think I can sustain armor for too long like I do with the shield," he said. "At least I can do another spell that isn't just a shield. That's a 100% increase for me."

"What? You're joking, right?" Chrysalis asked. Arden shook his head and response. "Can you be more idiotic, please? I find it very amusing."

"Sure thing! Want me to set fire on the house?" the unicorn said smiling.

"I rather not, this is the first time in a long while I have an actual roof over my head. Back to your inability to use spells."

"What about it?"

"Did anypony try to explain to you how to do it? Like, they told you how they do their spells." Arden nodded positively. "No wonder you can't use magic. You need to figure out how YOU would do it, peasant."

She saw his ears perking up and his eyes widening.

"They call it 'Harmonious magic' and say it's a way of manifesting their emotions. Urgh, this gives me nausea. Anyway, their magic is more related to logic and way of thinking. They see the world and use its own rules to manipulate it. Each pony understands the world in their own way. They read the spells, grasp the basic concept, and then use their view of the world to use magic. Basically, not everypony cast spells the same way."

"T-then I could?"

Chrysalis just sat down, leaned on the table and closed her eyes. The stallion's face was starting to get on her nerves.

"Learn magic? Yeah. But before you can learn new spells you better practice your old ones. The more you train and develop a spell, more familiar you become with it, that makes you more capable to expand your repertoire. Not to mention you might figure out new uses to your spells, like that armor you just pulled out. That's the first time I saw one of those."

"I-I can do more," she heard him mutter. Then she heard him sobbing, she opened her eyes and saw him crying with a huge smile on his face. 'What is up with him? It's just magic.'

Then she saw him picking the cup that was in front of her and place in front of him. After that, Chrysalis saw him charge up his magic. An aura surrounded the object it started to shake a bit, then it lifted a few centimeters off the table before falling again.

"That was pathetic," Chrysalis said looking at the stallion.

"I don't care! I made a cup float! YES!" Arden's arms raised celebrating that pathetic feat. "THANK YOU!" He suddenly shouted taking her hands.

"Hey, let go of me!" Chrysalis shouted freeing herself from his grip. "Don't you thank me for that pathetic display."

"Can you teach me more?" he asked almost climbing on the table.

"I just told you that you can't rely on another ponies explanations. Are you deaf? Or just a plain idiot?"

"From what Zecora told me, changelings are specialist in breaking down other species magic and mimicking it. Based on how you just explained to me you guys see this entire thing very logically. You guys seem to be observers that understand their inner workings by seeing it in action." the stallion explained getting closer. "You're like doctors from the Renaissance. But instead of dissecting corpses, you dissect magic! I watched the insides of creatures opened and assimilated their functions with their anatomy. If I look at magic the same way as a body, I might be able to understand it and use it! Your explanations could be compared to the physiology of the organ, while magic itself was the organ working."

"What is this?!" A third voice sounded from the entrance, it was the zebra. Arden looked at the door and ran towards her. He hugged her and spun her around. "W-what is going on?"

"Come, come!" Chrysalis saw him pulling her back to the table. "Look!" He said before charging up his magic and making the cup repeat the movement from before. "I just learned a new type of spell! I was asking Chrysalis to teach me more!"

"How come the cerulean was not able to perform such a simple task? And why would he require her help?" Chrysalis crossed her arms looking at Zecora. "And while on the subject. What has happened to her? The Changeling was thinner than a dried branch when I left. Now, it looks like it has been living a good life for a while."

'Time to mess around. Oh, this is going to be just delicious.'

"Because he held his end of the bargain, and what a feast that was. Thank you, darling." Chrysalis said in a sultry tone, looking at him with dreamy eyes.

"What?" Arden asked tilting his head. "A few minutes ago I was, let's see. 'Peasant', 'idiot', 'stupid', 'pathetic'. I kinda lost track of the others, however, not even once did you refer to me like that, or look at me in that manner."

"Whatever are you talking about darling?" Chrysalis asked ignoring Zecora giving her the evil eye.

"Since you're in such a good mood," she heard Arden say. The unicorn left the room. When he came back, he had a sword in his hands. "This thing is enchanted. Mind telling me what it does?" Chrysalis eyes widened when she saw the blade. 'Please take it away, I don't like it. But, I'm curious.'

"S-sure," Chrysalis said taking the blade. "But it will take a while, this one seems to be more complex than the ring."

"Okay, take your time," Chrysalis just watched Arden turn to Zecora. "Did you find what you were looking for?"

"Yes, the ruins will provide great grounds. The rubble may be used to construct makeshift gear for you to work with. Lifting weights and such."

"You're planning the whole workout, aren't you?" Chrysalis saw the zebra smile and nod at him. "Nice, when do we begin?"

"Tomorrow," Zecora responded. Chrysalis noticed her looking at the book Arden was reading. "Today, your first lesson in potion crafting. Go on ahead, the fire won't start itself."

Chrysalis watched the unicorn hesitate before doing what the zebra asked. She then watched the zebra giggle and humor herself while Arden struggled to light the fire without using matches. The zebra's eyes were focused on him, Chrysalis could no longer see the hostility from before.

'I bet I can take a good amount from her if I disguise myself as the unicorn. Then the...wait. I'm not...' She placed the blade on the table and touched her stomach.

Chrysalis passed the last few years in a diet of sorts. From time to time, she would find a pony who would give her a decent amount of energy. However, it didn't matter how much energy she took she would always feel hungry. In fact, even when she was back at the hive with her full power she would feel the hunger. But right now, it was gone, she didn't feel the need to eat. She never felt better actually.

"What are you planning?" The zebra's words pulled her back.

"Nothing, in fact. I'm finding this entire situation rather odd." Chrysalis said looking back at the zebra. "Serious question: What did he do to get you to be so entranced with him?"

"This one doesn't need to answer your questions." The zebra shot back.

"Fair enough," Chrysalis responded shrugging. "So let's take a look at this sword."

Chrysalis fired up her magic. Simple incantations required only that she looked at them. The complex ones were given away by her eyes failing to see through them. Once the spell started, she began to see inner workings of the blade. Experienced hands worked on that, the blade had two enchantments etched into it. One marked the user and allowed him to call the blade to him no matter how far away they were. The weapon would disappear from one place, and reappear in the user's hand. The second one was curious, the user's harmony would generate an artificial soul that would inhabit the wielder. 'That seems a bit weird to place on a sword. It doesn't have a purpose.'

*BOOM*

The sound of a small explosion broke her concentration and the spell. Looking at the source, Chrysalis saw Arden's face covered in a pink powder. Zecora was by his side laughing. Arden was just scratching his chin. Chrysalis just stood there seeing them try to brew a potion. They looked like they were having a blast. 'How? How can they act like that after he just failed miserably?'

"You fell for it," she heard Zecora say. "The recipe you followed, but a plant very similar you were supposed to use. A common mistake that is."

"So that's what went wrong. I remember about plants mimicking others but never had to differentiate them. Shouldn't there be a warning on the chapter?"

They went on to discuss more brewing. 'If I want to get past those mental wards, I need to get on the level of that zebra. However, I can't rely on my disguises. Body, check. The rest, need to figure it out. The spells, I might be able to get closer by using the magic lessons. Since he doesn't seem to be bothered by this body. I might be able to use it to my advantage. I also need to get him closer to Celestia. The closer she is to him, greater will be the lengths she will go to keep him safe.'

"Another try we can give. But on another day it will be. For now, this one shall prepare some food." the zebra said wiping his face to take away the powder.

"Alright," the unicorn responded when Zecora finished cleaning his face. Then he headed back to where Chrysalis was and sat down. "Found out anything?"

'I better use everything at my disposal.'

"Unfortunately no. It's too complex, I'm going to need more time, sorry," Chrysalis responded, she tried her best to sound really disappointed at herself. Looking at the stallion she noticed him, tilting his head, he looked like he wanted to ask something. "What?"

"First, no worries about the sword. Take your time. Second, how long does the energy you got keep you satisfied?"

'Asking about how my body works? Let's play with that.'

"Sorry, but I don't feel like telling you how my body works. I might be inclined to show you though," she said winking at him. The zebra might be closer to him. But Chrysalis knew how to manipulate ponies. 'Males are so easy, I bet he is already starting to consider this.'

Chrysalis watched the stallion staring at her wide-eyed. Then he frowned at her, he didn't seem pleased at all. 'What?! This has to be a joke.'

"Okay. Cut it out," Arden said crossing his arms. "I may not know you. But I can tell you're forcing the attitude. You may need me, but you despise me."

'DAMN IT! How does he know?!'

"How?" Chrysalis asked dropping her facade. "Changelings can change their tones and emulate any emotions they so desire. You shouldn't be able to see through it."

"Just like I shouldn't see through your disguise?" he asked smirking. His attitude was getting on her nerves. Of all the ponies she had to deal with, he was the most annoying so far. Chrysalis also noticed that Zecora was giggling as she heard the conversation.

"How can you do that?! ANSWER ME!" she yelled, slamming both of her hands on the table. "DOES IT HAVE TO DO WITH YOU COMING FROM ANOTHER WORLD? IS IT YOUR EYES? TELL ME!"

"I don't feel like telling you how my body works. I might be inclined to show you though," he said in the same tone as her. Chrysalis felt blood rush to her head.

"And given your reaction right now," he said leaning on the table getting closer to her. She started to feel more uneasy the closer he got. "I dare say you are entertaining the idea."

'W-what is happening? T-the way he is looking at me is different. H-his persona is different. Did my approach work? I-if he kisses me now. I-I will have my path through the mental wards.'

Chrysalis' felt her face get warmer and warmer. He was getting closer and closer when he was a few inches from her face. Chrysalis closed her eyes and tried to prepare to cast the spell as soon as he touched her lips.

"Boop!" Chrysalis heard this and felt something touch her muzzle. 'Did he just?'

Opening her eyes she saw his index finger right in front of her while he made a silly face. "Got you."

"YOU INSUFFERABLE IDIOT!" Chrysalis shot at him. If she could see her own face, she would see that her face was green as an emerald. Her eyes were glowing with all the anger, the frustration her face was the manifestation of all of her emotions. "WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU?! YOU SHOULD BE AFRAID OF ME! YET YOU SEEM TO NOT GIVE A DAMN ABOUT WHAT I AM! YOU CHANGE YOUR ENTIRE PERSONA AND PLAY ME FOR A FOOL! YOUR VOICE, THE WAY YOU LOOKED AT ME, HOW?! HOW CAN YOU EMULATE ALL OF THAT?!"

"And she's back!" Arden exclaimed falling back in his place. "And to answer your question: I did that because I was afraid."

"What?"

"Your behavior changed. I was afraid of how far you would take your lie. Really scared, so I decided to show you how you sounded when you made that offer." Chrysalis could not believe what she was hearing. "Take it from me, you don't want to keep what you're feeling locked away. If you want things to actually work, you have to be honest. To others and yourself ."

"Oh yeah? And what if the one you are honest with doesn't like it?!" Chrysalis spat with venom. "What then?!"

"You try to find some common ground. Respect the other's opinion. You can't expect to be loved by everypony. I bet that even Celestia has enemies."

What was he doing? Confessing?

"I'm just one little guy with not much to offer. I got nothing to back myself with, except for those I met. You're royalty and have a lot of power to back that up. Zecora is a skilled huntress and an amazing being all around." Chrysalis sneaked a peek back at the zebra, Zecora stopped what she was doing and was paying close attention to the conversation. "You don't need to be desperate. Just be yourself. I bet things will go your way eventually."

Was the stallion trying to reassure her?

"Why do you care so much?"

"I always cared. The problem was that I tried to ignore it since others were scared by my concern," she watched him reach for his chest, a pained expression on his face. "I'm trying to get over that. But I'm stuck. Even when my eyes didn't allow me to see, I could still feel when something was wrong with others. I guess that part is still there. So I knew that something was wrong when I first met you. I just don't know what."

"Better keep your concern to yourself. I can handle myself just fine," Chrysalis said huffing.

'I am not about to accept advice from a pony. But I don't think I can use that attitude anymore. If he can tell when I'm faking, I will be forced to be myself.' Chrysalis thought. The only one who knew who she was and how she acted, was her own reflection. Being Chrysalis would probably be the most difficult thing she ever did.

"Sure," The stallion said raising his hands. "I got a little sappy there, sorry. At least we got our changeling queen back."

"What?"

"The Queen with amazing acting abilities. The Queen that can change into whatever she needs. I bet that if you stopped trying to force the interpretations and moved more freely while in character. Nopony would ever see through you again."

"My interpretations are not forced, you idiot," she said with venom, however, she could feel her cheeks getting warmer. He did compliment her acting. At least that much was accurate.

Chrysalis remembered her impersonations. No matter how accurate her disguises were, ponies would still be at least a little suspicious. 'Could he actually be right? If I change how I act when I'm disguised, could it look more natural?'

"The food is ready," Zecora's word brought Chrysalis back. She came to the table and sat by Arden's side, the food looked like edible herbs. The zebra looked pretty pleased with what she heard because she actually brought some food to Chrysalis as well. "As bad as a guest you may have been, her hospitality this one needs to show."

Chrysalis had eaten before, even though she didn't need to. She did like the sensation of doing it. Chrysalis ate the food along with them. And once she was done, she went back to the bedroom. 'I better make the most of the situation, having no comfort at all to have this. I should, NO! Don't get distracted. You got the hunger away, now you can focus more. We need to figure out how all of this will work. How I can take advantage of both of them.'

"These knots are getting more intricate by the day," Arden said carefully untying Nightmare. The mare was still escalating her get up. Once he finished untying her, Nightmare quickly got on her hooves and started to punch his chest meekly as she cried.

"You idiotic peasant! I still got a score to settle with you! You do NOT have permission to be obliterated by any other being before then! Understood?!" She screamed while sobbing.

'Impressive, she managed to say all that without stuttering.'

"I thought it didn't matter to you if I got blasted into oblivion," Arden said looking at her.

Nightmare stopped her crying, her ears perked up, and her wings shot open. Immediately stopping her previous behavior, she assumed a more composed posture. Nightmare's makeup restored itself, her mane was fashioned the same way as the previous day. Her usual superiority complex was back, and her glare as well.

'And there she is, I prefer when ponies act like themselves, and changelings too.'

"I-I don't. H-however, I refuse to allow a being such as yourself to hold a victory over me!" Nightmare said haughtily.

"Alrighty then," Arden said walking away. "Time for the beatdown."

Arden was stopped because of an obstacle. Nightmare ran in front of him and stood there with her arms wide open. Arden tried to walk around her, but she would keep getting into his way.

"Er, what gives?"

"Didn't you hear a word I just said, peasant? I said you are NOT allowed to get blasted into oblivion by anypony else but me!" Nightmare scolded him, her eyes tearing up.

"Okay, let me explain," Arden said sighing. "The thing I'm fighting outside will kill me if I don't defeat it. I got back up in the real world to keep my mental state stable. As of right now, it can't harm me. The only thing it can do is force me to wake up. When I simply wake up as if I had a bad dream."

Nightmare kept her pose and deepened her frown. 'Gotta give it to her, she is a very determined mare. It's nice, but I need to get through this. Let's see if that trick still works.' Arden thought, preparing to get past her. In a blink of an eye, his body turned into a cloud and reformed itself behind her. Once he was past Nightmare he dashed like a madman through the door. Just as expected Arden heard her scream at him as he passed through the door.

Another thing Arden was expecting, was the figure manifesting in front of him. The moment it appeared, Arden tackled it using the momentum he built up when passing through Nightmare. Unlike the previous day, what Arden used wasn't lost in the attack. The tackle put him on top of the pony, and Arden started punching it on the head. Arden felt that his body seemed to move more freely. It felt like something changed. Like a weight was lifted from him. After a few strikes, Arden noticed that his hands were slowly disappearing with each blow.

Suddenly Arden was forced to stop, the stallion used one of his arms to hold Arden's head. The pony got on his hooves, lifting Arden with one arm. "I can give." Arden stopped feeling below his waist.

Before the creature could say its next phrase, Arden hit the pony's arm right on the joint bending it the wrong way and forcing it to drop him. The pony stared at its broken limb. After a few moments it forced the arm back into place, but by the time it managed to do it Arden's lower half had reconstructed itself.

With a quick sweep of his leg, Arden made the pony fall. Arden then tried to jump on top of him. The moment he jumped, however, Arden found himself frozen still in the air. The unicorn had its horn glowing while it smiled at Arden. "I can take."

Arden passed out. However, he noticed that with each night, it would become harder for the pony to send him away. Another thing he found odd, something changed in his fog form. It was lighter, faster. It healed faster. Was it the attempts? Was it something that happened in reality? Those question plagued his mind when he fought the pony.

"Thank you for the food," Zecora heard the changeling say in a low tone.

"What are you after?" Zecora asked checking the stallion's pulse. "This one hasn't forgotten about your tricks this morning," She still had a bit of a headache because of the spell.

"Nothing. I-I don't know, since I'm gonna be working here for a while I might as well try to be a decent guest." Chrysalis said keeping her eyes on the stallion's face. Zecora raised an eyebrow at that, the Changeling wasn't being herself.

"Your attitude is very different from before. This isn't going to make this one like you more," Zecora said keeping a close eye on the development of the unicorn's state. This night was going more smoothly. "Thankful I am for you are keeping your end of the bargain."

"I may be an actress, and I may hate ponies. But this guy isn't one, though he looks like one. Neither are you," Zecora didn't buy that, the Changeling had to be lying. "Believe me if you want. I have a favor to ask, but feel free to decline."

'I do not trust her. But she's got me intrigued. Hearing a request wouldn't hurt.' Zecora thought gesturing Chrysalis to continue.

"Do you happen to have blank scrolls? My head has been kinda hazy from actually sharing a roof with others for more than one night. I've been thinking about writing down some thoughts as to get my bearings," Chrysalis said, her eyes focused on the cerulean the whole time.

"Forgive this one, but I do not think it to be wise for you to trust you with that," Zecora answered taking her eyes away from the Changeling and the stallion.

"However," Zecora saw Chrysalis's ears perked up when she caught that. "Your actions allowed this one to hear what he thinks of this mare," Zecora continued, hearing his compliments made her feel really happy. Especially when Arden said that she didn't need the Changeling's spells to get his attention.

'What sort of problem could she cause with some pieces of paper?'

"As a sign of gratitude, this one shall entrust you with an old diary. Plenty of pages are left in it." Zecora watched the Changeling stare at her for several moments.

Out of nowhere, Arden just sat up. He had been in trance for only two hours. "What the fuck?" He asked touching his head. "Where is the drowsiness? The fatigue? The hunger?" A few seconds passed with him like that, until his eyes widened. "There it is." Then he fell back unconscious.

"Did you know this guy can trigger a Harmonious heart on his own?" Chrysalis asked. Zecora's ears perked up at that. She had watched ponies back in the village make music without instruments and refer to it with that name. However Zecora never managed to see one up close. "It usually takes five or six ponies to trigger one."

"Up his sleeves many surprises he has. An opportunity like that, this one can't let pass," Zecora said turning to get something to eat. "Does the changeling want something to eat?"

"No," the Changeling responded. "I'll sit by the table and sleep there."

"Very well," Zecora said. After eating, she returned to her room and changed her clothes. Once she was done, she got an old blanket she had, the old diary she mentioned, and a pencil. Heading back to the room where the changeling was sitting down with an odd look in her eyes. She looked confused. "Here is the diary you requested. Also, a blanket to keep you warm."

"I know I asked once." Zecora heard while placing the diary on the table and handing the blanket. "But I'll ask again: what do you see in that stallion? He doesn't have the greatest looks. He hasn't any magical talent even though he is a unicorn. His talent has made him sick. Yet, you seem to be entranced with him."

Zecora looked at Chrysalis, the Changeling was staring at the table. Something seemed to be bothering her. 'Could it be?'

"Why are you so bothered by what I see in him?"

"Because..." Zecora tilted her head, the changeling seemed to want to say something. However, she was struggling to come out with it. "Listen, I will tell you what it is. However, you are forbidden to tell this to him. I know that he wasn't always a pony. But he is now, so he might take their side if he found out."

"As long as you don't bring harm to him. This one shan't say a word." Zecora reassured. The Changeling was opening up for some reason, this could be Zecora's chance to determine how much she could trust the creature. "A question I must ask, however. Why would you trust whatever it is you're hiding to me?"

"You're an outcast in a foreign land. Just like myself. You are not a pony, the race that brought misfortune to me and my kind. For some reason, I feel more inclined to tell you," Zecora raised an eyebrow at that. "I won't beat around the bush. You heard me mumbling about using him as leverage with the Sun Princess. Have you wondered why I would do that? Especially since I hate ponies?"

"This one can't negate facts."

"Around 167 years ago my mother, Queen Metamorpha, received a visitor in our kingdom. At the time our kind was having some issues with the current regime, problems with communication, and many other things that were putting us in a vulnerable state. So the most fortuitous thing happened, this visitor I mentioned, had a plan. A network connecting the minds of all changelings, allowing for fast communication, sharing intel, speeding the voting process, and so forth." Zecora watched the Changeling keep her gaze on the table, almost as if she was talking to herself.

"The catch was that the unicorn would only share his plans if my mother were to marry him and make him the king of changelings. Seeing the situation of our country decay, and that the unicorn had placed a series of wards to protect his mind. She was forced to marry him." Zecora saw a small tear roll off the Changeling's eye.

"The unicorn kept his end of the bargain, sharing his plans my mother and him started to work on the network. As they did, my mother started to believe that he was actually kind. For he would treat her drones well. He would be kind to her during their time together. After thirteen years of partnership, he only mated with her once, and it was around that time it happened. That was when she discovered his plans." Zecora watched Chrysalis's face form a scowl as she bore her fangs.

"She uncovered a diary where he kept the schematics for the entire spell. The bastard placed a backdoor, that gave the ability to the king to take away the free will of my kind. The backdoor was placed inside the crown he made for himself, a lustrous accessory made out of jewels and gold. At the end of his journal, he placed a note: Assassinate the queen. That fact alone made her despise him, and anything he created." Zecora felt sad for the creature. If that story was true, then Chrysalis had a fair reason for her actions.

"My mother made sure that he didn't see what hit him. He was dead, and most of our drones questioned this. They actually cared for the king. Even in death, the bastard continued to trouble my kind. A Civil war was at our door, luckily for my mother, the drones decided to apply the tattoos designed for the network to show their support to the late king. White tattoos that covered the user's body. Seeing her subjects turning against her because they cared for a pony who lied to them. She activated the network. However, instead of using her knowledge to show them the truth. She..." This time Zecora saw the Changeling grit her teeth and clench her fists.

"She used the backdoor. Deciding that no changeling would ever again be tricked by any race, she took away their free will. Days later she discovered that only mature drones could be linked to the newly dubbed 'hive-mind'. To ensure that none of them would rebel, she placed all the young into a slumber until they had the age to undergo the linking." Zecora noticed that the Changeling was now trembling as she held both her arms.

"Only the changeling queen can have children. A special feeding ensures that. The feeding makes it so that, as long as the queen does not mate, she will continue to lay eggs. My mother was pregnant, so she could no longer lay any eggs. She despised me with every fiber of her being since I was a reminder of her forced marriage, and her mistake of trusting another race. She wanted me to become of age and undergo the same process. I didn't agree with her rule so I ran away. At the age of 110, I was on the outskirts of this town."

"But why does the changeling want the stallion?"

"I want Celestia's army to raid the changeling hive, and take down my mother. I will then destroy that blasted crown and free my kind. For that to happen I need some sort of leverage, he is going to be it." Zecora looked at the Changeling in a slightly different light now.

"If everything you just said is true. A noble ruler you will be." Zecora commented. "This mare shall not mention this to the stallion. And this one appreciates the trust placed upon her."

"Thank you, I needed to get this off my chest."

"Now it would be wise to rest. Tomorrow the stallion shall begin to progress in the path of the warrior and the wizard." Zecora said leaving the room and laying by Arden's side.

'Now I got the zebra's favor. It felt good to tell somepony about my story. A win-win situation, I get her to start trusting me, and I get to take a load off my chest. I can't have the stallion figure this out or he might try to take the crown. Celestia might try to use that blasted crown if it meant to keep her blasted ponies safe. They can't know about its nature, the zebra won't be an issue. I can simply erase her memory if she decides to open her mouth.' Chrysalis thought while pretending to sleep.

Once she was certain that both Zecora and Arden were fast-asleep, Chrysalis used a spell that allowed her to see in the dark. Picking up the diary and the pencil, she started to write down a letter. Chrysalis mimicked Arden's handwriting.

Dear Celestia,

I know it's been a while since I last contacted you. And I am truly sorry about that, however, I needed to isolate myself in order to proceed with my treatment. I'm breaking one rule of my treatment because I have to ask two things. And I implore for you to be honest in your answer.

First: What do you think of me? I want to know your opinion of me as a pony.

Second: What am I to you? A friend? A tool? Or something else entirely?

Please, if you cannot answer this immediately wait until tomorrow night between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM to answer. If you answer this before or after that time, I might be caught.

Your friend, Arden Sila.

When she finished writing, Chrysalis tweaked the enchantment on the ring so it wouldn't make a sound when it activated. She tore the page from the diary and held it over the gem. The incantation activated, and the parchment was sent away.

'That should give me something to work with. After that, I'll need to start acting to get the Sun Princess to definitely desire him. This has to happen in order for my plan to work. He doesn't need to desire her. I can still use him as a walking snack after the hive is under my control and my kind has their free-will returned. I bet I can keep him to continue feeding me after everything's settled, even if it's tasteless the sheer amount of energy should keep me from worrying about being outclassed by any other being.' Chrysalis thought, waiting for a response on the letter.

She noticed that it was past 1:30 AM, Chrysalis then went to sleep. A few hours later, she woke up due to her body being shaken gently. Opening her eyes she saw Zecora standing by her side with a change of clothes in her hands.

"You may borrow these, those rags are not fit for a kind ruler." The zebra said in a soft tone. That was a complete 180º for Zecora's attitude. "Now let us wake the cerulean. The time for training is upon us!"

"Very well," Chrysalis responded taking the garments and donning them.