//------------------------------//
// Royal Relations 
// Story: Chrysalis's Rehabilitation 
// by Darth Severus 
//------------------------------//

As Twilight woke up in the room she had been staying in at Thorax's castle, Spike told her, "Hey, Cadence just sent a letter. She confirmed Chrysalis was telling the truth about a Crystal pony helping her out when her shelter collapsed in a blizzard. The colt finally came out of the closet and admitted to helping her."

Twilight thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps she really has reformed... well, you should go let Thorax know that she's not lying."

Spike nodded, "I already tried to find him, but he must have gone into town. You don't think he's going to confront her, do you?"

Twilight shook her head, "No, that would raise too much attention. He might have gone to talk to her, but I don't think he'll try to confront her."

Meanwhile in town...

Thorax walked into the café to see Chrysalis drinking a cup of tea and sat in the seat across the table from her. He asked her, "So, why exactly are you back? I heard Spike's story, and while Pharynx doesn't believe it, I'm hopeful it's true."

Chrysalis nodded, "I understand why Pharynx is unsettled. I already know there are things I've done that even I can't forgive. But I'm trying to change. This new form is a first step, isn't it?"

Thorax smiled, "Yes, it is. And I must say, the form suits you."

Chrysalis blushed lightly, but said, "Thank you Thorax, that's very sweet of you." before finishing her tea and saying, "I must be going, I don't stay at the inn for free, I still need to make money."

Thorax thought about giving her some money to help pay for her inn room, but if he did, people would suspect he was in a relationship with her. Not that he didn't want to pursue a relationship, but it wasn't the right time while he was still somewhat unsure of her intentions. "I suppose I'll see you around some time." before heading back to his castle

When he arrived, Spike told him, "Hey Thorax, I just got a letter from Cadence. Chrysalis was telling the truth about that colt helping her. The colt even admitted he helped her."

Thorax smiled lightly, "Good, that's a start. It seems she's staying at the inn for now. I'd like to invite her here, but that would just raise questions from guards and the other town's-ponies."

Spike nodded, "Yeah, good point. How should we act for now?"

Thorax thought for a moment, "If she's sincere about her change, she might try making new friends. We'll see how that works out, if other Changelings want to be her friend, she really could be trying to change."

As Chrysalis got to her new job at a book store and net café, her boss asked her, "Hey, I never learned your name by the way. I am your boss, so it would be helpful to know your name."

Chrysalis gulped, she couldn't tell him her real name, it could cause panic, before thinking of a name, "My name is Anteni. I'm sorry I didn't tell you my name sooner."

Her boss said, "No worries, we've been busy, so I forgot to ask. Well, we're about to open the store, so get ready." before turning the closed sign on the door to open. "Good luck on your first day Anteni." before going into his office.

Chrysalis sighed in relief when her boss went to his office and believed her fake name. As a customer came in, she smiled and said, "Welcome to Metamorphic Café! How many hours would you like?"

The customer told her, "I'm just here to see if the newest Power Pony comic is in stock."

Chrysalis checked the computer and said, "Yes, we just stocked up on them. Comic section, row six, section I."

The customer thanked her before going to get the comic and purchasing it.

Throughout the day, Chrysalis had made a few friends who shared a few of her interests, and she was actually feeling happy. When her boss came out of his office, he told her, "Why don't you take your lunch break?"

Chrysalis smiled, "Thank you sir. I'll be back in an hour." before leaving to get lunch, when she was invited to share lunch with one of the friends she had made during her shift. As she sat down with her friend, she asked her, "So, which Warriors book did you buy? I'm a new fan, so I'm still on Into the Wild, so please, no spoilers."

Her friend smiled, "Don't worry, I won't spoil anything. I just started reading Forest of Secrets, the third book in the original series. So far it's very good."

Chrysalis smiled, "Sounds like I'll enjoy reading it. I'm already hooked onto Warriors, and I'm actually thinking of getting a cat and naming it Firepaw."

Her friend giggled, "That's adorable! A bit silly, but still adorable."

As Chrysalis's lunch break ended, she headed back to her job until her shift ended. He boss told her, "Good job today Anteni. I'll see you tomorrow." before the two of them left.

Chrysalis hummed a tune to herself on her way back to the inn, "I've finally made some friends. It feels good to have someone who likes me for myself instead of fearing my position."