//------------------------------//
// Forgiveness 
// Story: Chrysalis's Rehabilitation 
// by Darth Severus 
//------------------------------//

As Spike and the girls had woken up, they went to meet with Thorax. Spike asked his friend, "So, what do we do now? I mean, it's not like we can up and ask her if she's really Chrysalis."

Thorax nodded, "That is true... Perhaps we should just keep an eye on her for now."

Pharynx growled, "I still think this is just a farce. There's no way Chrysalis could get past the barrier."

Thorax sighed, "Pharynx, you were able to reform, and so were Starlight Glimmer and Discord. I understand it's hard to believe, but maybe, just maybe Chrysalis really has changed."

Pharynx rolled his eyes but nodded, "If you say so. But I'm still going to be on my hooves, just in case."

After meeting with Thorax, Spike went out into town to see if he could find Chrysalis. He saw her walking out of an inn and walked over to her, greeting her, "Hello! You're a new face around here. My name's Spike!"

Chrysalis smiled lightly, "Spike... you don't have to pretend you don't know me. I'm not foolish as I used to be. I know Thorax knows who I am, but I want to prove myself to him."

Spike chuckled nervously, "Ok, yeah... But how did you metamorphize?"

Chrysalis sighed, "That's a story full of pain. I traveled past the Crystal Kingdom, deep into the ice. That's where I found something that I thought only exists in my worst nightmares. A relic called the Jamba Heart. It spreads hatred to anyone who is influenced by its power. At the time, I was still plotting to form a new hive, so I saw it as a threat to that plan. I studied it for a long time, but I could never find a way to destroy it. I started to lose hope, knowing that if the Jamba Heart was still around, I'd never be able to form a new hive."

Spike raised an eyebrow, "So what changed?"

Chrysalis continued, "One day, when my shelter had been destroyed by a blizzard, a young Crystal Pony helped me get to safety. He showed compassion to someone as evil as me. Something in my heart changed that day. I realized that love isn't a one way street, to earn love, you have to give love. That's when I metamorphized. I'm grateful to that young colt, he helped me despite all the problems I've caused. I'm also thankful to have met you Spike."

Spike was confused, and asked, "Me? What did I have to do with it?"

Chrysalis explained, "You showed Thorax the true meaning of love, and you also taught it to me. It just took me longer to understand what love truly is. If you'd like, would you like to be my friend?"

Spike smiled, "Of course! I truly believe you've changed, although others may not. I'll gladly be your friend."

Chrysalis smiled and nuzzled Spike, "Thank you Spike. If you see Thorax again, tell him I'm truly sorry for all the pain and chaos I've caused. Also, can you apologize to the girls for the whole wedding fiasco?"

Spike smiled and nodded, "Of course, no problem." He headed back to the castle and explained what happened.

Pharynx scoffed, "Her, understanding the true meaning of love? Doubtful, I still think she's just playing us like a game of chess."

Thorax sighed, "While I don't like admitting it, Pharynx has a point. Chrysalis is extremely manipulative. That's what makes her so dangerous. I find her story about a Crystal Pony helping her get to safety a bit odd. Perhaps contacting Princess Cadence would be a good idea, just to confirm her story."

Rarity pointed out, "Chrysalis did tell Spike to apologize to us for the chaos she caused at Cadence and Shining Armor's wedding, that at least proves it is Chrysalis. Most of the Changelings here weren't around for that incident."

Twilight nodded, "Thorax, I'll get in contact with my sister in-law, you just take care of your kingdom. If Chrysalis truly is scheming to reclaim the throne by force, you're going to need to be prepared for that."

Pharynx smiled, "Right! I'll get the troops to train double-time!"

Thorax sighed, sometimes he thought his brother took his job as the General of the Changeling Brigade a little too seriously, but nodded at Twilight, "Thank you Twilight, that's very appreciated." Thorax walked back to his room with Spike at his side.

Spike felt as if Thorax was hiding something, "Thorax, is something wrong? You seem a bit distracted."

Thorax paused before saying, "Don't tell my brother but... I think I might be in love with Chrysalis. It's a nightmare right now. I actually had a pretty bad nightmare last night with me and Chrysalis. I'd rather leave that sort of thing to my shrink though."

Spike raised an eyebrow, "You see a shrink?"

Thorax nodded, "Sometimes the stress of being king gets to me."

Spike could understand that, the Friendship Academy had put a lot of pressure on Twilight, especially after the incident with Cozy Glow. "Ok, I get that, Twilight's had the same kind of problems."

Thorax chuckled, "I'd be surprised otherwise."

As Thorax walked into his room, he went out to his balcony to see Chrysalis watering the flower gardens again. He sighed dreamily, "I know I'm in love with her... but I can't let my emotions get in the way of this. If I do... it'll ruin me." before laying down in his bed.

Meanwhile...

Pharynx was spying on Chrysalis as she watered the flower gardens. He had to admit, her body was gorgeous, but he still didn't trust her. "What kind of dark magic is at work here?"

Chrysalis sighed, "Pharynx, I know you're there. You don't have to hide."

Pharynx was shocked that Chrysalis knew he was watching her, but then he noticed his wings were buzzing and growling at his wings, "You betrayed me!"

Chrysalis giggled lightly at Pharynx getting angry at his own body, but then got serious, "Pharynx, I know I've done a lot of bad things, some of which I can't even forgive myself for. But you didn't agree with the new ways at first, but your brother put so much trust in you to protect the kingdom, you were able to change. Give me a chance at least."

Pharynx grumbled lightly and said, "Fine, but know one thing. Play with my brother's emotions, and even the author won't be able to fix what I'll do to you."

Chrysalis looked confused when Pharynx said something about an author, but nodded anyway, "I'd never toy with Thorax's emotions. But thank you. I should get back to the inn." before leaving the flower gardens and heading back to her room at the inn.