//------------------------------// // Mare vs. Machine // Story: The Queen of Hearts // by Pumpernickel Rye //------------------------------// Mare vs. Machine Pinkie Pie slowly stirred from her slumber as she was awoken by the birds singing in the house. She found their voices to be much more soothing than her alarm clock back home and wished her marefriend would lend her some, but that would require taking care of them. She wasn’t ready to get up just yet, so she remained on the comfy bed and began thinking. Today, she would help Cherub with Flam and then she would be able to expand her business, allowing her to create more love. Pinkie prayed that this would be enough to bring the unicorn out of her grouchiness. She wondered for a while what brought her back to that in the first place, but maybe she would find out soon if everything went well. She rolled on her back and stared at the ceiling, thinking about Cherub in general. She recalled talking with Celestia about how she knew so little of her. Why did she hate telling others about herself? She always got angry when Pinkie tried to obtain further details about her since day one. She had never even given the names of her ex-fiancé or her sister. She was actually improving her personality before, but something undid all of the progress and it was her mission to find out what. Her friends, however, were not that much concerned about her. They have all known her for being unfriendly and it wasn’t too much of a surprise to see her act this way, but Pinkie knew there was more to Cherub. She used to laugh at Pinkie’s jokes, find joy in her or Luna’s company, and even smile in such a happy way. She actually worked hard to ensure that Pinkie ended up winning Fluttershy’s heart, which Pinkie wished to repay her for. She looked at the empty side of the bed. Things between her and Fluttershy have been great ever since they got together. Pinkie occasionally slept over with her and they would talk, play, and even kiss when her animals were asleep. Their relationship was a powerful one and it was all thanks to Cherub. The pegasus was the only one of her friends who encouraged her to help the matchmaker. Fluttershy was personally afraid of her, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t concerned about her. Whenever Pinkie felt down about not being able to make Cherub happy, she could always depend on Fluttershy to make her feel better. The Element of Laughter sat up and stretched, finally ready to start the day. She got out of the bed and left the bedroom, finding the pegasus in the hallway doing some house work. The shy pony took notice of her and went to her marefriend. “Good morning, Pinkie,” Fluttershy greeted warmly. Pinkie smiled and kissed her on the lips. “Morning, Flutters. You’re up early.” “I got up to make you breakfast today. Come down and eat it.” “Thanks.” Pinkie went downstairs into the kitchen and sat at the table, eager for some food. Fluttershy placed on the table in front of her some waffles and a glass of milk, which Pinkie proceeded to devour. “This is good,” she said through a stuffed mouth. Fluttershy giggled from the sight of her sloppy eating. “I’m glad you like it. You’re going to need all your strength today and I just want to make sure you’re ready.” Pinkie swallowed her food. “I’m totally ready! We’re going to help Flam find a special somepony and after that, everything is going to be better! Cherub will be happy and so will Luna once they start talking again!” “I hope so. How do you think Cherub feels right now?” The earth pony halted her eating, recalling how furious she had made her the night before. “Fine...” “Still angry?” she asked worriedly. Pinkie placed her silverware on the table and let out a defeated sigh. “Angry and sad.” Fluttershy stood behind her and wrapped her forelegs around her. “What are you going to do, Pinkie?” “I have everything figured out. We just need to succeed and then everything will be fine! All she wants to do is make Cupid’s Arrow bigger, so that’s what I’m going to do, no matter what.” Pinkie finished and pushed the dish in front of her. “Thanks for breakfast, but I need to get going now. I promise to tell you how it goes when I’m done.” “Alright then.” The pegasus followed her to the front door and they kissed each other. “Good luck, Pinkie. I know it’s been tough for you, but I know you can do it. You’ve never given up on anypony and I am sure you can help Cherub be happy.” The mare blushed heavily. “I have more faith in you than anypony.” “Aw, you’re so sweet.” She gave her another kiss. “Bye, Fluttershy! See you later!” Pinkie then skipped her way to Ponyville, having absolute confidence that everything was going to be fine. As Fluttershy stood by the doorway, one of her hens ran to her and jumped around. “Is something wrong?” The chicken continued to cluck frantically, waving her wings around and motioning towards the henhouse. “You’re missing some eggs? Don’t worry, little hen, I’m sure we’ll find them. I’ll look for them right now.” The kitchen was filled with the sound of sizzling as Chrysalis poured the yolk onto the frying pan. The day before was thankfully not too difficult for her, though incredibly stressful. All she needed to do was help the other idiot brother and then the money would come rolling in. With that, her business would produce more love faster, she’d be home where she belonged, and then crush Equestria under her hoof. She wasn’t excited with the idea as much as she used to be. The changelings were apparently now really fond of ponies, so she couldn’t go forward with her invasion scheme unless she could show them Celestia’s true intentions. But even before their new opinions, she still had second thoughts. Luna and Pinkie were certainly likeable and she wasn’t sure she would want to hurt them. But when she overthrew Nymph, what was she going to do? Proceed with the negotiations like her sister was doing? It was pointless and they wouldn’t let her rule again. She had no clue about what she was going to do. She sat at her table with her breakfast and a glass of hard cider for her drink. She felt she was going to need some alcohol in her system just to get through the day with the thoughts currently plaguing her mind. She at least felt more relaxed from her alone time last night. Once she finished, she just sat at her desk, trying to think about today rather than later on. Soon Pinkie entered and Chrysalis felt slightly relieved for the distraction. “Hi, Ms. Cherub!” the earth pony greeted in her cheerful voice. “Are you excited for today?” “I suppose,” she answered without much enthusiasm. Pinkie took her seat without looking away from her. “Something wrong?” “I’m just feeling a little anxious, that’s all.” “Don’t worry. Everything will work out. You always know what to do because you’re so smart!” Chrysalis actually smiled by the compliment. “I am smart, aren’t I?” “Yep!” She could still see some sadness in her boss. “Is there something else wrong?” “Huh? Oh, it’s nothing.” “Were you thinking about your sister?” the pony guessed. Chrysalis physically winced. “Kind of.” Concerned, Pinkie got up and sat in the seat in front of her desk. “Do you want to talk about it? I’m a great listener!” “No,” muttered the false unicorn as she moved her eyes away. “I thought I made that clear last time.” Despite her hostile tone, Pinkie still continued her supportive tone. “Well I’ll be here if you need me, Cherub. You can always talk to me about anything.” “Thanks.” She flinched upon hearing the name. Cherub was a disguise that she had held longer than any other and she worried that if she didn’t figure out what to do soon, the name would be a permanent part of her life. Still, she was somewhat glad Pinkie was around for her, even if she couldn’t really ask for her help. Their time together was spent only in silence. Chrysalis was in no mood to make conversation and Pinkie knew she would not get anywhere from asking. The false unicorn pondered what topics they could talk about during their wait that didn’t involve her, but talking could only strengthen her bond with her. Eventually, they saw the car pull up in front of Cupid’s Arrow. Even though Chrysalis had been waiting for this moment, she was dreading it. “Get ready, Pinkie.” The door flew open as the twins jumped in, creating quite an entrance like before. “Ta-da!” “It’s the Flapjack brothers!” Pinkie yelled excitedly. “That’s Flimflam to you!” corrected Flim. The changeling just sighed, actually not impressed by them this time. “Hello again, you two. Let’s just get this out of the way and then make some bits.” While they sat in front of her, Chrysalis pulled out a file from her drawer. “Alright Flam, you’re profile is exactly like your brother’s with an exception.” He happily nodded. “That’s right! I want you to find me a good looking stallion with deep pockets and lots of charm. That shouldn’t be too hard for you, right?” The matchmaker just stared at him as he reminded her of somepony else. “Have you ever met a unicorn named Rarity?” He tapped his chin and thought for a few seconds. “Can’t say I have.” “I’m sure you two will get along fine. Speaking of which, these kinds of ponies are much more common in Canterlot and Rarity is the kind to know a lot about them, so we’re going to have to ask her to see if she knows one we could get you with.” “Sounds like a plan,” said Flim. The brothers stood up and Pinkie ran to the door. “Follow me! I’ll show you one of my bestest friends!” exclaimed Pinkie happily. The three ponies walked and talked together while Chrysalis dragged behind, weighed down by misery. They arrived outside Carousel Boutique and Chrysalis knocked on the door. The door opened and Rarity appeared, surprised to see her and Pinkie visiting during a weekend. “Oh. Hello, you two. What can I do for you both today?” “We need your help.” Chrysalis stepped aside and pointed at the stallions behind her. Rarity quickly recognized them and gasped. “You two! You almost drove Applejack and her family off Sweet Apple Acres!” The stallions just smiled at her. “Don’t get upset with us. It’s the nature of business. Plus she won, so I don’t know why you’re angry,” remarked Flim. Rather than argue, she just looked back at the mare. “Why did you bring them here?” she questioned hostility. “Stache-face here wants a rich stallion as a coltfriend and I thought this would be more of your field of expertise since you’ve spent quite some time in Canterlot and have plenty of connections,” answered Chrysalis. “If it isn’t too much trouble, could you perhaps help us in finding him true love?” The seamstress just eyed the two stallions behind them. “I don’t know. I don’t trust him or his brother. They simply reek of trouble.” “Please, Rarity. We’re doing this in the name of love!” begged Pinkie. “And money,” her boss added. The seamstress bit her lip, thinking over what she wanted to do. As much as she wanted to say no to helping Flim and Flam, she did feel that she owed the mare for helping her with Spike. She also noticed that Pinkie had a very desperate look on her face, signaling to her that she needed her help. Knowing Pinkie was trying to help her boss feel better about whatever was troubling her, Rarity decided to lend a hoof. “Very well. As it so happens, I do know a stallion who has been looking for a special somepony for a while, but I’m not sure getting him together with Flam is a wise choice.” “I’ll handle the situation with delicate care,” Chrysalis reassured. “You have nothing to worry about. I will take the blame for whatever may possibly go wrong.” “So who is he?” asked Flam with great interest. “The one and only Hoity Toity!” Flam became excited, knowing who he was. “Oh boy! A celebrity! You really are a wonder, Cherub! I couldn’t have asked for a better choice!” Chrysalis was glad she was right about Rarity. Finding a stallion that matched Flam’s desire would have been tricky without her help. However, she had a feeling she was going to need some more assistance from the unicorn. “Would you mind introducing us to him? It would make things much easier for us if Flam was seen as an acquaintance of yours.” The white unicorn rubbed her head with her hoof, laughing nervously. “I don’t know. I’m awfully busy today and if something goes wrong, I don’t want him to know I was involved. I could lose his business if something goes horribly wrong, which I am expecting from the likes of them.” Out of complete desperation, Chrysalis got on her knees. She just wanted this done and to move on, no matter what. “Please, Rarity. I need this badly. I promise to make it worth your time if you help. Just help us out.” Rarity was surprised by how she was pleading to her. Knowing she couldn’t just leave the poor thing, she decided to help. “As it so happens, he is attending a social gathering that is being hosted by Fancy Pants and Photo Finish today. They’ve been doing a lot of those since they became an item and he almost always attends. I can introduce him to you there and you can do what you need to do.” “Don’t worry, Rarity. He will be so happy when he realizes you helped him get with me” commented Flam. Rarity stormed past her friends and approached the brothers. “Let me make it clear: If one of you does anything that results in me losing his business, I will dedicate my life in making sure you two never succeed in anything. Do you understand?” the mare threatened. They both gulped as their bodies stiffened. “I think we do,” whimpered Flim weakly. “Good.” Rarity turned back to her home and walked inside. “If we’re going to a Canterlot party and meet Hoity Toity, then we’re going to need the proper clothing, so come on in and pick something out.” Once they were dressed for the event, they headed to the train station to ride their way to Canterlot. When it arrived, the four ponies and the changeling seated themselves on the train. They attracted some attention from how they were dressed and from the fact Chrysalis was there in her form as Cherub. It took a while for her fans to settle down and when they did, the group began to talk. “Oh, he is going to be so thrilled to see you!” exclaimed Rarity with delight to Chrysalis. Flam ran a hoof through his hair. “I know, right? He can’t possibly resist me and my charm. I’ll be the guy that every guy should know!” Rarity gave him a deadpan stare. “I was talking about Cherub.” “Oh.” Chrysalis barely looked at any of them, focusing her attention to the world outside the train. She wasn’t too thrilled to be going to Canterlot since it was where Luna was as well as where she was defeated, but she would have to do this for her own sake. “Now Flam, just do what we taught you yesterday and we’ll be golden. No lying or acting like a big shot.” “But I do have to make myself sound like a big shot. He’s a Canterlot elite, you know.” The changeling just rested her head against the window. “I suppose, just watch what you say at least. So Rarity, tell us everything about Hoity Toity.” “He is a high class pony in Canterlot with lots of connections and practically runs the entire fashion industry in Equestria,” the white unicorn informed. “I need to know his interests.” She only shrugged. “Pretty much anything of high class. He has incredibly high standards and I don’t think I’ve seen him with anypony. I am really curious of how you could possibly get him to like somepony like Flam.” “I am too,” Chrysalis admitted. “Flam is an inventor, so that has to be worth something.” “That would depend on what he has invented,” addressed Rarity. “Tell us, what have you two made besides that cider machine?” Flam thought for a quick moment. “Let’s see, there was the manecut helmet.” “Always caused injuries,” noted Flim. “The Hoof-Shiner-4000.” “Worked a little too well.” “The Robotic Pool Cleaner.” “Too many house fires.” “And there was our short lived brand of My Little Stoney toys.” Flam held up a rock with a happy face drawn on it with marker. The changeling raised an eyebrow, disbelieving they thought selling something like that would actually work. “What idiot would be stupid enough to ever buy that?” mocked Chrysalis. Pinkie jumped up and reached for it, fascinated by his face. “Oh, he’s so cute! Can I keep him?” “Fifteen bits,” offered Flam. “Deal!” Pinkie paid him and held the rock lovingly when it was given to her. “I’ll name you Woody and love you forever!” “Figures,” muttered the former queen as she rolled her eyes. “Have you two made anything worthwhile that isn’t completely stupid? You’re not exactly helping your image.” “Yes, but I’m afraid they’re not as popular as we’d hope. Ponies are often picky of the products they buy,” answered Flam. “Have you guys ever done something else besides inventing stuff?” questioned Pinkie as she put Woody away. “The only thing we’ve done was a quartet with our twin cousins, Flip and Flop,” informed the stallion with facial hair. “We could sing so well that Celestia herself would swoon over us had she heard us. Of course, we developed our own interests and parted ways, but our careers often have us crossing paths.” “What do Flip and Flop do now?” Chrysalis asked, feeling very curious for some reason unknown to herself. “They’ve taken up careers as lawyers and they’ve bailed us out more times than I can remember,” answered the stallion without a mustache. “They may not be like those Canterlot lawyers, but they help us whenever we need them and that’s good enough for us. If you ever find yourself in a pinch, I suggest hiring them. You won’t be disappointed.” “I’ll keep that in mind. As for your current job, maybe we could work with that,” said Chrysalis as an idea slowly formed in her head. “What if instead of an invention that makes you famous, you make one that makes Hoity’s life easier? Sort of like those cousins of yours making your lives simpler with all that trouble you probably get into?” “Like what?” asked Flam as he moved to the edge of his seat, anticipating what she was getting at. Chrysalis sat up, feeling a little more motivated now that she had an idea. “Rarity said he is pretty much the head of the fashion industry, so he must be in charge of production. Where there’s production, there must be machines. What if you could invent something that could help him make more dresses faster? He probably loves money and will be thrilled when you help him make more of it. We could use that so you two can get to know each other and go from there.” The stallion grinned. “Sounds like a plan! I gotta say, Cherub, you’ve got bigger brains than Celestia’s student.” “It really does sound like a brilliant idea. You are a clever mare,” complimented Rarity. The changeling smiled and waved a hoof. “You’re all too kind. You go ahead and work on that plan while I will be elsewhere at the party as it would be suspicious if I was hanging around. Carrot Top was already enough of a hassle.” “Don’t worry, you can count on me to make sure it all works out!” exclaimed her employee. “I’ll do my absolute bestest just for you, Ms. Cherub!” Pinkie’s eagerness to please her annoyed her greatly, but Chrysalis maintained a false smile. “I know you will. Now, Rarity, they’re serving alcohol at this party, right?” After their train ride and stroll through the streets, the group arrived at a garden right outside the Canterlot palace, where the social gathering was taking place. Chrysalis prayed that Luna or Celestia would not drop by as she was in no mood to deal with either. Upon entering the party, she felt some nostalgia wash over her as memories of her time as royalty filled her thoughts. It had familiar music like she remembered, an artistic theme, and even ponies pleasantly dressed like royalty. It reminded her of her days back home, where she took part in these parties and was the center of every conversation going on in the room. It was a shame that she was with her prey rather than her own kind, but she was sure she could get over that just for today for her own sake. However, there was a familiar face that she did feel very relieved seeing. The stallion and his company were completely surprised from her appearance. “Cherub, is that you?” asked Fancy Pants in disbelief. “Surprised to see me?” He and Photo approached her and shook her hoof. “It’s simply been too long. I was expecting a visit from you with all the news about us and I am glad you are doing well. I see you are here as well, Ms. Rarity.” “Hello again, Fancy. I know I said I was too busy, but I thought it wouldn’t hurt to take one day off to see an old friend. And hello to you, Ms. Finish.” “Hello, Rarity. I zee you are here with Cherub az well az your friend, Pinkie, but who are zese two?” asked Photo as she pointed at Flim and Flam. The brothers immediately rushed over and began shaking their hooves. “Salutations, you two! We are the Flimflam brothers!” began Flim. “World class inventors!” added Flam. “If you two are world class, zen why haven’t I heard about either of you?” The stallions immediately frowned from the fact she caught them so fast. “Maybe you should work on inventing better lies. Ha! I crack myself up sometimes.” “We’re just getting there,” Flam muttered while pouting his lip. Fancy Pants gave a stern look to his lover and then looked back to Chrysalis. “I’m guessing you didn’t drop by just to say hi, Cherub. Knowing you, you’re here on business and these two have something to do with that.” Chrysalis was surprised by what he said. “How did you know?” “I know quite a bit about you from Rarity and from our first encounter. If I were to venture a guess, you are here trying to get these two with some special ponies?” She couldn’t believe how smart this guy was. Maybe it was for the best that he lived out of town, otherwise he might discover who she really was. “Wow, you are good. The truth is that I am trying to get Flam together with Hoity Toity romantically.” The photographer fell onto the floor in a fit of hysterics. “I did not realize da entertainment would show up so soon! Who should I make a check to? Dis iz high class comedy!” “Photo, be nice,” scolded Fancy. He looked at the brothers. “Which one of you is Flam?” “I am,” he answered. “It’s nice to meet you. You seem like a nice fellow.” “Why thank you, Mr. Pants. You seem like a nice fellow as well.” “Please, call me Fancy.” “Careful. They’re a mischievous bunch,” muttered Rarity quietly to him. “They’ll rob you of you bits before you know it.” “So where is Hoity right now?” asked Pinkie as she rapidly scanned around the area. “I zink he is on the other side of the garden,” answered Photo. “Oh how I wish I had my camera for this! I wish to cherish this moment forever. Maybe the tabloid company would pay me millions for such a picture!” Flam frowned from her taunts, but the blue haired stallion gave him an encouraging nudge. “Chin up, old boy. With Cherub on your side, you are not helpless. I too thought my situation was a complete lost, but she has shown me otherwise. You are very fortunate to have her with you.” “Yeah! She’s the best! This is totally going to work!” added Pinkie. “It’s not like anything could possibly go wrong this time! She has it all figured out!” Chrysalis giggled. “You all make me blush. As much as I would love to stay to help, it might be better if my involvement was not made known considering last time. I need to go and mingle for some business opportunities. As for the rest of you, just chat him up and see what you can get started. Come to me if you need anything.” She took a glass of champagne from the table and disappeared into the crowd of the elites as she swung her hips. Once she was gone, Rarity began walking to where Photo said the stallion was. “Follow me. I will need to introduce you to him if you wish to make a good impression. Remember that if one of you gives him a bad impression of me, you die.” “We shall accompany as well,” said Fancy Pants. “It would be wrong for me to just stand by and watch as a gentlecolt attempts to win somepony’s heart without providing assistance.” They went across the garden and found the stallion, standing alone as he sipped his drink. “Yoo-hoo! Mr. Toity!” called Rarity. The stallion himself looked towards Rarity, happy from her appearance. “Ms. Rarity, how wonderful to see you. I did not realize you would be here. This party is absolutely fabulous and I am glad you decided not to miss it.” “I just thought that taking a day off would do me so good and maybe give me some inspiration. Besides, when do we ever get to meet up like this?” His attention was caught by her company and he only recognized three of them, with them being Fancy Pants, Photo Finish, and Pinkie, who he remembered from the fashion show. “And who are these two?” “These are two acquaintances of hers,” answered Fancy Pants. “Why don’t you go ahead and introduce yourselves?” Flam was getting cold hooves now that he was actually speaking to him until he noticed Pinkie waving to him. When he looked, she pulled her hair over her face like a beard, giving him the confidence needed. “Greetings, Mr. Toity. My name is Flam and this is my brother, Flim. We are infamous inventors who travel across Equestria, trying to sell our amazing products to the people.” “I do not think I have heard of either of you,” Hoity said in an uninterested tone. “That is because we are from out of town and still on the up and up,” he added. “Success is something you can’t simply find overnight.” “I see. So why are you two here? You don’t exactly strike me as rich folk.” “Well why not? It’s a fancy party with ponies that are defiantly more interesting than the lower class folks. How could anypony not want to be here, regardless of wealth?” He smiled from his statement. “Excellent point. These ponies are simply much more preferable than the poorer riff-raff. But tell me, how do you expect to fit in with this crowd if you aren’t even high class like ourselves?” Flam was eager, ready to make his move. “It’s simple really. One basic rule of acquiring rich success is meeting the right pony. I just need to find one who requires my skill.” he hinted. “Quite right you are. Hard work is one thing, but connections are really how you get on top. You may have a chance in this world if you have already realized this important detail.” He laughed. “Thank you. Of course, knowing is one thing while accomplishing it is another. I plan on finding somepony who fits the bill here, and I wonder if he might be you.” Hoity raised an eyebrow. “And why would you think that?” he asked with heightened interest. “Because you are a pony who has vision. Your work inspires the lives of everypony in Equestria. Clothing is often seen as just a way from being warm or whatever ponies do with it, but your designs are art that is recognized by the whole nation. Your work can really affect somepony. Take me, for example. You could easily tell I am not a rich stallion by how I look or talk, but thanks to this suit of your brand, nopony else has noticed and I get to have a taste of the high life.” Rarity was honestly surprised that the unicorn had such a way of words. She even forgot for a moment about what he did back in Ponyville as she was lost by how he spoke. Her boss couldn’t help but smile. “You flatter me, but what could you do for me? Don’t expect me to just randomly throw money away without receiving anything in return.” “Why it’s simple. Do you use machines for your production?” he asked. “Why of course. Everypony does.” “And I am somepony who specializes in machines as well as my brother, as I have mentioned,” he flaunted proudly. Hoity Toity raised an eyebrow. “Yes?” “So perhaps you could use that to your advantage.” The business stallion finished his drink and set it on a nearby table. “Enlighten me.” He rubbed his hooves together. “Well I could simply improve your business. You use machines and I build and enhance them. My intellect is one of a kind, besides from my brother, so I could build something that would create clothes within minutes.” “Minutes? That’s impossible!” he argued. “Nothing is impossible, Mr. Toity! Technology is the way of the future! If you take me to you factory, I can show you what I am capable of. Don’t think of me as a simpleton because I don’t possess as much wealth as most ponies here. After all, success stories all start somewhere, don’t they? So why don’t we start ours today?” The rich stallion gave it some thought, but his expression showed uncertainty. “Hoity,” said Fancy Pants, “perhaps you should give him a chance. Rarity and even Cherub surely can vouch for their skills. These two wouldn’t be here if they weren’t worth your time.” Hoity looked at the seamstress. “Well, Rarity, is he as good as he says? I would like your opinion.” Rarity forced a smile. “Y-yes. He might be the best inventor I have ever met. You should really see what he is capable of.” She technically wasn’t lying as he and Flim were the only inventors she knew, but she hoped that meant they were good at what they did. He stared at her and she feared he would know she was lying through her teeth. “It’s totally true!” Pinkie shouted, breaking his focus from Rarity. “One time, they had this big machine that made a whole bunch of apple cider really quick! And look!” She suddenly pulled out Woody from nowhere. “They even sold me this adorable little pet! They totally changed my life!” The head of the fashion industry leaned towards Flam and whispered, “Did she really spend money on that?” “Fifteen bits,” he answered, surprising him. “I know a sucker when I see one.” Hoity Toity thought over what he wanted to do. He looked at the brothers then at Rarity for confirmation. The mare forced another smile and hastily nodded, praying he wouldn’t see through her. After staring at her for several long seconds, he then just smiled. “Well I am convinced. Let’s head out of this party and see what you can do, but you better not be wasting my time, Mr. Flam, or I assure you that you will regret it.” Flam rapidly shook his hoof. “Thank you so much! I promise you won’t regret this! Of course, I will need Flim to help as we are partners.” “Yes, yes, of course. I shall take you to my factory and you’ll show me what you can do.” “I will catch up in a moment, so you two go on ahead,” spoke Flim as his brother and Hoity walked away. Once they were gone, he looked at the other ponies. “Hook, line, and sinker! Got him good in less than ten minutes!” “That was pretty easy,” said Pinkie happily. “I thought we were going to have another super crazy adventure like we usually do!” Fancy Pants drank from his glass. “He seemed to have everything handled by himself. I guess you didn’t need Cherub’s help after all,” he complemented. “Actually, she had been helping us a lot before we came here,” Flim admitted. “It could have been a disaster if she didn’t help set us straight. She truly is a miracle worker.” “And she haz sadly succeeded and now I am bored,” addressed Photo before drinking her champagne. “Life iz cruel.” Pinkie started bouncing towards the main area. “We better let Cherub know how great it went. She’s going to be so proud of me!” The ponies found the changeling speaking in front of a crowd and she was the highlight of the party. She appeared to have been telling some story that had grasped the attention of everypony around her. Once she was finished and the crowd applauded her, Pinkie tapped on her back and she turned to look at them. Knowing what it was about, she looked back at the other party attenders. “Well it has been fun, but duty calls,” she said to the crowd. Once the other ponies left, she turned towards her company. “I hope everything is going well.” The party mare rapidly nodded. “It was a success! Flam is with Hoity Toity right now and he’s going to build him something good and they’ll totally get together!” “I’m glad to see it was all so simple.” Chrysalis sipped from her glass of champagne. “I guess that means we are done?” she asked Flim. “I would love to get started on our deal today.” The inventor shook his head. “Not exactly. They haven’t done anything romantic yet and it might be until tomorrow for us to get results since building something takes time, so try not to leave town.” The false unicorn frowned and her eyes became unfriendly. “Tomorrow? I have to stay here for the night? Can’t I just go home and you give me an update later?” He nervously backed away, waiting for another explosion of fury. “I’m sorry, but we need you here in case something goes wrong. We have faith in you for bailing us out of any mess we may come across.” She stared coldly at him. “And where do you expect me to sleep, on the street? I don’t exactly have that much bits on me, you know.” She loudly groaned. “I should have known something like this would happen.” Pinkie jumped at the chance. “I know where we can go! Let’s go to the palace and see Lu-” Chrysalis put a hoof on her mouth without looking at her, clearly not happy with her idea. “Like I said, nowhere to go.” “I can help you,” said Fancy Pants as he approached them. “I own a few hotels here and I can manage to spare you a room since you helped me out before. Would that be acceptable?” Chrysalis’s mood switch was flipped and she was smiling again. “How very kind of you. I will gladly accept your offer, Fancy. Until then, I want to stay here and speak more with these ponies. The day is young and I am simply having fun for once.” The party lasted until sunset and Chrysalis managed to tell many of the elites about her business in hopes it would bring in more ponies in the future. Speaking to so many important individuals while being the center of attention gave her nostalgia of home and she couldn’t wait to be finished with Flam, where her plan to redeem herself and go home would move forward. She was certainly glad Luna or Celestia decided not to suddenly drop by as it was the last thing she needed. More than likely word would reach their ears of her visit, so she wanted to get far away from the palace. Since it was time to retire, she took up Fancy Pants’s offer for getting a room at a hotel. In secret, Pinkie told Rarity to go to the palace and give Luna an update about Cherub since her plan to have them meet failed. The stallion lead Chrysalis and Pinkie to a hotel that reminded the former queen of where she stayed for the first few months of her exile and hoped it was just as good. “Well here we are,” he said. “I hope you find it to your liking.” She scanned her eyes across the lobby, remembering her long stay in Celestial Suite. “Very nice place. I can’t believe you actually own it.” “All it takes is some wit and charm, and he has got plenty of that.” Photo kissed his cheek. “Thank you, dear.” He held up a key to the unicorn, which she took. “Here is the key to your room. It is up on the third floor.” She shook his hoof in thanks. “Thank you once again for doing this, Fancy. You are so very kind and it is been a pleasure seeing you both again.” “I’m glad you enjoyed our company. Hopefully you will consider visiting us more often. Until then, have a goodnight, you two,” said Photo as she left with her lover. “Bye, guys!” shouted Pinkie as she waved at them. She followed Chrysalis across the lobby, where they rode up the elevator and traversed the hallway in order to find their room. “Okay, Pinkie, since we are sharing a room for the night, I expect you to act on your best behavior. I simply wish to relax and get some sleep while we are here and not deal with your usual annoyances. The rules are use your inside voice, no jumping on the bed, only I get to call for room service, and I will use the bath first. If you do anything else that annoys me, I will make more rules that will make you miserable.” “Okie-dokie-lokie!” Chrysalis found their room and opened it with the key she got from Fancy Pants. Upon opening the door, Pinkie ran in and began examining everything. “Wow! Look how nice it is! The carpet’s all soft, you can see Canterlot below, and it comes with free chocolate on the pillows!” She looked in the bathroom. “Even the toilet looks fancy! And look how big the tub is!” She re-entered the main room. “This place is great! Aren’t you excited, Cherub?” Chrysalis was silent as she was looking at something. “What?” “There’s only one bed.” When Pinkie re-examined their room, she realized that she was right. “Well we can share it!” Chrysalis loudly sighed as she walked in and went to the closet. She stripped herself of the dress she borrowed from Rarity and stored it away. Afterwards, she threw herself on the bed. “That’s what I’m annoyed about. I will complain to Fancy Pants about this the next time I see him. I need my personal space when I sleep.” “Don’t worry, I won’t take much up at all. I share a bed with my friends all the time!” Pinkie laid on the edge of the double bed. “So what should we do tonight? Play cards? Eye spy? Make overs? Ghost stories? Toast stories?” “Go to bed,” the matchmaker replied as she got up. Pinkie laughed as she rolled around the large bed. “That’s boring. We should do something fun! Wanna jump on the bed?” “Do that and you’ll be jumping out the window.” Chrysalis went over to the radio and turned it on. She shuffled around the channels until she found one that played music similar to what they heard at the party. She turned up the volume and went to the bathroom to get the water running. “Oh come on. I want to listen to something else!” complained her employee. “We’ve been hearing that stuff all day and I’m kind of tired of listening to it!” “I am the adult and what I want goes. You’ll just have to live with it.” After a few minutes, Chrysalis turned off the water and closed the bathroom door. Pinkie could hear the movement of water and a relieved sigh as Chrysalis submerged herself in the tub. With her out of the room, it was time for fun. Pinkie got on the bed and started jumping on it. She quietly giggled to herself as she went up and down on the mattress. “Pinkie, get off the bed!” Chrysalis’s voice shouted at her. Pinkie stopped and got back on the floor. She tried to think of what else she wanted to do and then she looked back at the radio. She was tired of listening to fancy Canterlot music and wanted to listen to something fun. Pinkie turned down the volume and changed to her favorite station. While listening to some quiet rock music, she heard a loud splash from the bathroom. The bathroom door flew open and a wet, naked, and very angry Cherub stood before her. “Turn it back NOW!” Pinkie quickly switched it back to what Chrysalis was listening to. When Chrysalis went back in, the pink pony didn’t move from her spot, realizing that her boss made this room a no-fun zone. After about half an hour, both of them were ready to go to bed. Chrysalis took the side closest to the window so she could get a look at the moon and stars while Pinkie took the other side and tucked herself in. “Goodnight, Cherub.” “Goodnight.” Chrysalis turned off the lamp and tried to sleep. However, her mind was buzzing with her problems. She tried to think of something happier, but she didn’t know what. Her life wasn’t exactly in its prime for the past few months. She was always around these wretched ponies and had to unwillingly pretend she was one of them while Nymph made a mess of things with her own species. “Hey, Cherub?” And to make it all worse, Pinkie was still awake. “Yes?” she groaned. “Why didn’t you want to go see Luna? She has plenty of rooms in her home.” That was a question that made the changeling cringe in frustration. She was also not too fond of the hotel room as she was sharing it with Pinkie, but it was better than having a private room in the palace. Other than dealing with Luna, the sight of her and Celestia being so friendly with each other would make her heart ache, remembering when a certain someone took their friendship and stomped all over it. “That’s none of your business. Go to sleep.” “Why not? I just want to know what’s going on with you.” “Nothing,” the false unicorn snapped. Pinkie turned towards her. “Did you two get in a fight?” “No.” “Then what’s wrong?” The changeling sat up and looked down at her bunkmate. “Pinkie, I am trying to get some sleep, so please stop asking your stupid questions and leave me in peace.” “Okay.” Pinkie pulled the blanket over herself and faced away from her. Satisfied, Chrysalis got back down and closed her eyes until she heard, “Cherub?” The former queen’s eyes shot open and she was most certainly not pleased. If Pinkie didn’t stop soon, she’d be sleeping in the hall. “What now?” Pinkie became nervous from her hostile tone. “Are you going to feel better when Cupid’s Arrow is bigger?” Chrysalis rolled onto her back and looked at the ceiling. This question actually made her think of things. “I hope so, Pinkie. I really do.” “And what if it doesn’t?” The changeling wondered that as well. What if this changed nothing? What if her long scheme ultimately failed? What was going to happen to her or her subjects? If she didn’t figure out a concrete plan, her species was doomed. “I…don’t know. We’ll worry about that later. Now let’s get some sleep.” The changeling princess rested on her side and tried to escape into the land of slumber once more. However, Pinkie’s questions had softened her up and she decided to ask something that was on her mind and assumed she wouldn’t be able to sleep unless she gained some clarity. “Pinkie?” “Yeah?” Chrysalis hesitated for a moment, pondering over if she wanted to really ask Pinkie this. “Do you believe in destiny?” The pony happily nodded. “Yep! Me and my friends are the Elements of Harmony that beat Nightmare Moon, just like what Twilight’s book said.” “Right.” There was another pause between the two. “Do you believe that somepony can have a destiny where they only fail?” This caught Pinkie’s attention and she sat up. “What?” Chrysalis looked towards the window and wrapped herself with her forelegs. “A life where no matter how hard you try, no matter how much you want to help people you care about, you only find yourself kicked down over and over again, being remembered and mocked as somepony worthless.” The mare gasped and quickly shook her head. “No! That’s super horrible!” “Maybe it is, but that doesn’t stop it from happening. There’s always suffering in the world.” “Cherub, no pony is meant to be miserable. Sure it gets tough at times, but you can never give up. You just got to keep trying,” she said encouragingly. “It feels like I’m going nowhere,” she admitted gloomily. “You are going somewhere. We’re making Cupid’s Arrow better so that we can make more ponies fall in love, right?” “Yeah.” “So you just need to keep going. I know it will be hard, but don’t give up, Cherub,” the mare insisted in her most upbeat voice. “I believe in you.” “Thanks.” They both laid in silence until Chrysalis spoke once again. “Pinkie?” “Yeah?” “Do you think destiny can be stolen from you?” “Stolen? I don’t think so.” Chrysalis sighed, expecting that as her answer. “Alright.” Pinkie stared curiously at the back of Chrysalis’s head. “Why do you ask?” “No reason.” That was the end of their conversation for the night. Chrysalis once more attempted to sleep, but she still found difficulty in doing so. She wondered if Luna cursed her to remain awake, which Chrysalis assumed she could do since she ruled over the sleeping ponies. But after some effort, she was finally out. Daylight broke through the window of the room where the pony and changeling were sleeping and Pinkie was awoken by the sound of somepony knocking on their door. She slowly got out of bed, yawning as she stretched her limbs. She looked over at Chrysalis, who was still sound asleep, much to her relief. The red unicorn was almost unbearable the night before, so the longer she was asleep, the better. The knocking came again, louder. Pinkie went to open the door, finding the brothers standing there. “Hi, guys! How did it go?” she asked excitedly. Both stallions wore very nervous smiles, which she didn’t notice. “Well…good news and bad news,” answered Flim. “The good news is Hoity Toity was very pleased with what I gave him and I think I really have a chance now of winning him over,” spoke Flam. “I can definitely say that this situation…didn’t turn out like I expected.” Pinkie gasped and began bouncing in place. “That’s great! I knew you could do it! So what’s the bad news?” They stood away from each other, showing what was behind them. “Help…” whimpered the stallion with facial hair. Pinkie’s eyes were wide from the sight and she gulped. She slowly stepped back and looked at her boss. “Uh…Cherub?” she called with a shaky voice. No response. “Cherub?” “What, Pinkie?” an annoyed and tired voice answered. “I need my beauty sleep.” “There’s something you need to see.” She could hear Chrysalis groan. “I’ll do it later. I want to just keep lying on this nice bed.” “It can’t wait.” Chrysalis growled and forced herself out of bed. She rubbed her eyes tiredly as she went up to Pinkie. “Pinkie, what is so important that you had to…” She was suddenly not tired anymore when she saw the angry mob standing behind Flim and Flam. “Uh…can I help you?” Rarity appeared from the crowd. “Cherub, have you heard what has happened?” Chrysalis stretched herself as she yawned loudly. “Obviously not. I’ve been here all night and you’ve just woke me up.” She looked at the unicorn brothers. “You know how these two invented some machines to help Hoity with his business?” “Which was her idea!” quickly shouted Flim as he pointed at the changeling. Chrysalis had a bad feeling of where this was going. “Yeah? Did they work?” “Well…they worked too well,” Flim admitted. She tilted her head. “Too well? How is that even possible?” A mare from the crowd stepped forward. “Mr. Toity fired us all to replace us with their stupid machines!” Pinkie and Chrysalis gasped loudly. “Oh my gosh! That’s awful!” cried the earth pony. Chrysalis put together that these other ponies were employees of Hoity that were recently laid off and they were taking their rage out on the two stallions. “He did?” she asked in disbelief. “Yes, and it’s these two ponies’ fault!” said a stallion. The mob started yelling in agreement as two buffer stallions held the brothers. “You’re going to pay for costing us our jobs!” “But we told you it was Cherub’s idea!” shouted a panicked Flam. The former queen whistled over them, which silenced them. “Look, I know you all are royally ticked at them for the right reasons, but I need them alive. They still need to make me some money.” “Well you better convince Mr. Toity to rehire them, otherwise I don’t know what they’ll do,” spoke Rarity worriedly. “They’re quiet testy.” “Can’t you talk to him?” asked the changeling. “I thought he was your friend.” “I tried! He won’t give them up since his production rates are higher and he doesn’t need to pay anypony. He’s not listening to reason. The only reason he still needs me is because I create new designs, which thankfully their machines can’t do,” she answered while glaring at the brothers. “Fantastic,” groaned Chrysalis. Somehow, her brilliance led the two into danger and she had no choice but to bail them out, otherwise all of this hard work would have been for nothing. “Alright, I’ll see what I can do, but I want Flam to come with me since I have not personally met Hoity Toity.” “We will release him,” said one of the mares, “but know this, Cherub. If you can’t get us our jobs back, we will go to every newspaper there is and have everypony know this was all your fault.” The mob all muttered in agreement. “You will be shunned wherever you go and no pony will even look at you, making it as if you are a pony who doesn’t exist.” Chrysalis gulped, knowing that they were serious. If she couldn’t solve this problem, her reputation as well as her business would tank and she could kiss her hopes of going home goodbye. “I won’t let you down.” The ponies released Flam and he scrambled over to her. “Come on, lover boy. We better fix this quick before they lose their patience.” “Can I come too?” asked Pinkie. “I want to help!” The false unicorn was already in a very sour mood and did not need that child making things worse. “No. Stay here and make sure Flim doesn’t die while I’m gone.” She exited into one of the elevators with one of the brothers following her. The brother who remained gulped nervously. “Maybe this deal with Cherub wasn’t such a good idea after all.” Chrysalis was just about ready to rip somepony’s head off. Not only was she ticked by her current problem, but she just felt incredibly cranky. She was tired, didn’t get her coffee, hadn’t eaten any physical food in some time, and she didn’t have time to put on any make-up. Her expression was a signal to the other ponies on the street that she was in absolutely no mood for conversation. Flam took Chrysalis to where they had met up with Hoity Toity after leaving the party the day before. It was a large factory that specialized in making clothes with sewing machines and conveyer belts. Upon entering, something immediately caught her eye. There were machines along the assembly line that looked like ponies with sewing machines attached to them and several other mechanical appendages. “Flam…what in Equestria are those hideous things?” she asked in horror. “These are the machines we made for him. I’d say they’re one of our best works if it weren’t for the fact they might get us killed.” They watch some spools of thread and buttons came down one line. The machines picked them up and began designing a dress. Within a few seconds, part of a dress was made and was passed down to the next mechanical pony. After a few minutes of being passed from one machine to the next, a completed dress reached the end and was picked up by a hanger, being placed with the others that hung near the wall. Chrysalis realized that all of these dresses that normally took a very long time to make were being finished in less than ten minutes. “I must say they are impressive, despite being creepy. It’s no wonder he fired all those ponies. Speaking of which, why do they look like ponies?” “It gives them a friendlier look when they look like a pony rather than a machine.” The red pony shuttered. “I find it unsettling. Anyway, let’s go see Hoity and be done with this. I want to go home.” “Just show him some of the charm you showed us before and I’m sure he’ll do whatever you want.” The changeling actually smiled at his joke. Mind control would have been the easiest solution, but Flam was with her and her control could only last so long without her around. Short Sale was easy as she would have filed the paperwork away and would not have a reason to look at them as she would be distracted by other sales. Flam and Chrysalis went up the stairs in the back. In the middle of the hallway they entered were two large double doors with H on one and T on the other, which Flam knocked on. “Mr. Toity? It’s Flam. Can I come in please?” “Yes, of course,” answered his voice from the other side. They entered the office and saw him sitting at his large desk, which was covered with bags of bits. Chrysalis guessed that right after he fired his workers, he ran to the bank to cash in their checks and grab a bunch of bits for that rich feeling. “Hello, Flam. It’s so very good to see you. And Ms. Cherub, this is a pleasant surprise. Are you interested in buying a dress? Mine are of the absolute highest quality in all the land.” When Chrysalis was the queen of the Changeling Kingdom, one of her largest priorities was to find her people jobs. Seeing this rich elitist throwing out workers to increase his already massive amount of money made her insides flare. Once she suppressed the urge to murder him on the spot, she began to work. “Mr. Toity, did you just fire all of your workers for some creepy machines?” Chrysalis asked in her harshest tone. “Did you see all the robots Flam built for me?” he asked as he spun a coin on her desk. “Yeah, and your former workers are not too pleased,” she snapped “If you already knew I fired them, then why did you ask such a pointless question?” he asked, only to laugh mockingly afterwards. The changeling was glaring from his smug attitude. “You little leech. Those ponies need jobs and you cast them out just so you could fatten your own wallet!” “And? Isn’t that what business is all about?” She stood on her hind legs and planted her hooves on his desk while leaning towards him. “I thought I could be heartless, but you disgust me.” “Say what you will. It changes nothing. My brand will be number one in Equestria and I will create a legacy with all this wealth. I could probably retire in a few months, but how could I give up all of this money I’m making?” “Why would you need even more bits? Aren’t you already loaded?” the false unicorn asked harshly. “I am, but more bits couldn’t hurt,” he replied as he placed another bag on his desk. “It could hurt the economy when more bits are going to one greedy pony. Not to mention those ponies you laid off, seeing how they aren’t going to make money with no work,” she spat. He laughed once more, pushing Chrysalis towards the edge. “The world is filled with many job opportunities, so they should just look instead of complaining. Now I have had enough of this. Flam, would you be a dear and show her the door?” “I’m not going anywhere, you little-” “Ahem!” interrupted Flam. “I’m sorry, but you must be going, Cherub. Hoity is a busy stallion and cannot be distracted by the likes of you.” He picked her up and carried her out while she was flailing like mad. “Put me down! You are not worthy of touching me! I’m not finished with him!” Flam took her down the hallway where Chrysalis finally broke free. She charged the stallion and pinned him against the wall. “Flam, what in the buck are you doing!?” “Keep your voice down!” he pleaded. “We can’t let him hear us!” Chrysalis released him from her grasp. “Why not? Why do you care of what he thinks?” “Because…you know.” After some seconds, the changeling got what he was implying. “You’re demented. How could you possibly like the guy after this?” He smiled and waved a hoof. “Hey, this is just a phase. Before this, he was all cool and charming and we really hit it off. We got pretty chatty last night and he said he wanted to keep me around because how successful everything is right now. We were really making a connection! Trust me, Cherub, with his business and my genius, we go great together. We’re like peanut butter and jelly!” he said as he clapped his hooves together and looked towards the sky. “I was thinking more orange juice and toothpaste,” she stated crossly. He frowned at her. “I just want to keep a good impression and trust me when I say you yelling at him won’t change his mind. He’s really into those things and we’ll have to take a different approach.” Chrysalis just covered her face with her hoof. “Lovely. Just bucking lovely. Alright, we’ll head back and try to come up with a new plan.” When they returned to the work area, they saw somepony looking at one of the machines. “Hi, Mr. Robot! How are you doing today?” No response. “Do you only speak robot? I can do that too! Beep beep boop beep.” “Pinkie, what are you doing here!? I thought I told you to stay with Flim!” She at last took notice of them. “Hi, Ms. Cherub! They said they promised not to hurt Flim, so I wanted to come and see the robots! They’re so cool!” “They’re not actually robots. They’re just lifeless machines that look like ponies,” corrected Flam. “Really? So they don’t talk or anything? That’s boring. They should walk and talk and even dance!” Pinkie started dancing around them, only amusing the stallion. “I would have a heart attack if they did something like that,” said Chrysalis as she stared hatefully at one. “Why? It would be so amazing!” The changeling rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Let’s get out of here. I think we’ve done all that we can here for now.” They left from the factory and Chrysalis felt relieved to be away from those things and around living beings, even if they were ponies. “So how did it go? Is he going to rehire everypony?” Pinkie asked with hope in her voice. “No. The stubborn jerk refuses to budge.” The party mare gasped. “That’s awful! Why would he do such a thing?” “Because he is very greedy and very stupid.” Chrysalis shot a glare at Flam. “I can’t believe you actually like the guy. He makes me look like a saint in comparison.” “Well no pony’s perfect, but I will admit this is seriously troubling. I think he’s just blinded by bits right now and is being irrational. He was quite charming before we finished making those things.” “We have to put a stop to it. It’s great he has taken a lot of interest in you, but those ponies aren’t going to show you and Flim any mercy if we can’t get their jobs back,” she reminded. “So what’s our next move?” asked the stallion nervously, remembering the ruthless mob. “We’ll head back and give them an update on the situation and hope they understand. After that, I’ll see if I can come up with something.” They returned to Chrysalis’s hotel room, where Rarity, Flim, and some of the workers waited. When they saw them enter, they all immediately stood. “So how did it go?” Rarity asked immediately. Chrysalis scoffed and got on her bed. “How do you think it went? That snob doesn’t give two shakes about his workers. He wants to keep the stupid things.” “Well we’re going to fix that!” Two large stallions grabbed the brothers. “After we break the machines, let’s break their legs and horns so they don’t make any more!” The mob cheered and the brothers desperately struggled. “STOP!” They quieted down and looked at the changeling. “I can probably get your jobs back; just give me some time to think of a plan. We do not need to resort to violence, even though it is very tempting.” “Well you better come up with something, otherwise it’s going to take a machine to put them back together,” a pony threatened as he stared at Flim and Flam. Chrysalis nodded. “Rarity, please ensure these ponies don’t do something drastic while I’m gone.” “I’ll do my best, Cherub,” she answered as Chrysalis headed for the door. “Where are you going?” asked Pinkie. “Somewhere I can think in peace,” she answered without looking back. “Can I come?” asked the mare. “I do better by myself.” Before Chrysalis was out of the room, she felt the pony clinging to her hind leg. “Please? You know how helpful I am! Let me help.” The false unicorn turned around and locked eyes with her. “I have no use for your childish ideas.” When the mare got the message and released her, Chrysalis left the room, leaving behind a disappointed Pinkie. Chrysalis sat at the hotel bar, drinking scotch on the rocks as she thought everything over. Nothing was ever simple for her. Why did she ever agree to a stupid deal with them? She should have just used her magic to control Flim and Flam, but it would have only lasted for so long. Despite her technically completing her side of the bargain, she still had a problem with the laid off workers. She simply could not think of a way to remedy the situation and just wanted to drink it all away. Her life in exile felt like one long nightmare and she just wanted to wake up. It wasn’t even her fault this happened. In reality, every little problem she encountered while living as Cherub was because of Nymph. The stupid girl just couldn’t accept what was meant to be and played dirty and Chrysalis intended to make her suffer even more than before for putting her in this position. “Ah, there you are, Cherub.” Fancy Pants approached her and was accompanied by Photo Finish. “How was your night? Did you sleep well?” Chrysalis only grunted at them. “What is da matter with you?” asked the earth pony. “Mind your own business.” She then finished her glass and ordered another round. Fancy raised an eyebrow. “Come now, Cherub. Surely talking to us in better than bottling up your troubles. It’s not like we can make things worse.” The changeling took a sip and looked at her glass. “Hoity Toity got Flam to invent him some machines to increase dress production, but then he laid off all his workers because they work so well and will make more money.” Both of the ponies gasped. “I don’t believe dis! He has some nerve!” Photo Finish turned around. “I vill go down there myself and convince him otherwise by shoving my hoof up his caboose!” When she tried to leave, her lover pulled her tail and brought her back, shaking his head in disapproval. “Now they and Rarity are mad at me since it was sort of my idea and I need to think of something to fix this, but I don’t know what. Hoity loves those stupid machines and refuses to give them up, so the ponies are going to tear Flim and Flam a new one and my deal with them will go down the toilet as well as my business.” Chrysalis planted her head on the counter. “I am screwed.” “Perhaps you are approaching this the wrong way,” the stallion suggested. “How’s that?” “You are trying to handle this entire problem alone,” he answered. “What’s your point?” the changeling snarled. He put a hoof on her shoulder and lifted her up so she sat upright on her stool. “Why don’t you have Pinkie help you create a plan? Isn’t she your partner? And from what I have heard from Rarity, she has a very unique imagination.” Chrysalis scoffed at the thought of calling that mare her ‘partner'. It was as ridiculous as calling her a friend. “I don’t need her. I am better than that little headache.” “And that’s why you are here, drinking in a bar during daytime.” He moved the glass away from her. “Something I have learned is that sometimes you have to swallow your pride and ask for help when you know you need it. Take me for example. I tried to win Photo back by myself with no success, but when I received your aid, look how it all turned out.” Even though she knew he had a point, she looked away. “I am a strong mare. I don’t need help.” “Oh but you do,” said Photo. “Your problem iz dat you are trying to carry all of your burdens alone, so it strainz you as time passes. Just go and ask her for help. Stop being stuck up like I waz. You want this over with, don’t you?” The changeling absolutely did not want to ask Pinkie for help as she was trying to destroy her bond with her, but she was drowning and Pinkie may be the only one who could save her. “I…I don’t know.” “You must, Cherub,” urged the photographer. “Nothing bad will happen if you do. After all, isn’t it better than getting drunk, which would make it even harder to think of something clever?” Chrysalis said nothing. “We would love to stay longer and help,” spoke Fancy Pants, “but we must catch the next train to Boltimare. Goodbye, Cherub, and good luck.” “Goodbye, and please consider our advice. You have helped us and we just want to help you,” said Photo as she walked away with her lover. Chrysalis just stared at the counter in front of her. She hated to admit it, but they were right. She could find nothing in her genius to make this all go away. Despite Pinkie having a mind of a child on an endless sugar rush, the pony was creative in some ways. Maybe she could miraculous come up with a plot, or at least something Chrysalis could build upon. She stood and slowly returned to her room, dreading what would come next on this day. “Oh, you’re back!” said Flim happily when Chrysalis returned to the room. “I was afraid you ran off on us. Did you come up with something to make everypony happy?” “No.” All of the ponies looked worried. “What do you mean no!? Do I need to remind you that these guys are going to kill us!?” yelled Flam as he shook her. “I mean no as in I can’t think of anything!” she snapped while shoving him off. “Look, I don’t think I can do this alone. I’ve tried and tried but I simply cannot find a solution. Thankfully, Fancy Pants and Photo Finish made me realize that I have a valuable asset that I shouldn’t have ignored.” She slowly turned towards the pink mare. Chrysalis needed to take a deep breath before going forward. “Pinkie, as my partner, I need you to help me come up with a plan to help these ponies get their jobs back.” Pinkie looked up at her with huge eyes. “Really?” “Yes. You have a huge imagination, so that has to be worth something. Just try to think of something and please nothing stupid. I know you can do it.” She struggled hard to say the words, “I have faith in you, Pinkie.” The pony gasped and her eyes were beaming. “You do?” Chrysalis gulped, having a hard time making herself saying it out loud. “Yes, I do. So please, help us. Hoity Toity only cares about money and refuses to give up those stupid machines. Is there some way we could make him throw them away and rehire these poor ponies?” The pink pony thought hard of their situation and as more time passed, the more Chrysalis worried. Could she really think of an idea that would bring this nightmare to a close? Pinkie often just babbled like an idiot, but she knew that there was more to her than her hyperactive personality. She could feel herself tremble with anxiety, praying that her investment was going to be worth it. Finally, Pinkie said something. “I have an idea! And it’s a super good one!” “Well let’s hear it.” Pinkie brought them closer to whisper it to them. As she explained more of it, a smile was growing on Chrysalis’s face. “I see. Huh? Why would…now I get it. That’s a very good point. Okay, that’s possible. Yes. Yes! This is perfect! Pinkie, this is an excellent plan!” “I know, right? It can’t fail at all!” “And I could do the make-up!” suggested Rarity giddily. “Flam, go back to Hoity Toity and try to wow him while you’re there until we have everything ready,” Chrysalis ordered. “Keep him in the office as long as possible while we set it up.” “This seems like a stretch, but if it works out, it will be one for the ages!” spoke Flam. “And I will surly win his heart from this!” “Alright, everypony, let’s do this and not have us die!” said Flim. All of the ponies but Chrysalis cheered loudly. Hoity Toity sat in his office as he reviewed some documents. Now that he no longer had actual ponies working for him, he would see a massive increase in profit. No longer concerned about trivial things like fair wages or safe work places, he would save a fortune, making more bits than in his wildest dreams. He had to admit, Flam was right about success coming from meeting the right pony. He was very glad to have met him and looked forward to doing more projects together. The unicorn had been staying in order to do maintenance checks and occasionally stopped by his office so they could chat. Hoity was certain that he was sometimes hitting on him and he was actually flattered. Normally, he wouldn’t like such behavior from poorer folk, but Flam was quite a pony to have helped him this much. Maybe wealth wasn’t everything when it came to quality of character. Suddenly, the door barged open and Flam appeared, sweating heavily and completely out of breath. “Mr. Toity!” “Flam? What is the matter?” The unicorn paced around the desk. “It’s horrible! It’s awful! They kept telling me it would happen, but I never listened! I am a fool!” He ran over to Hoity and shook him wildly. “Quick, Hoity! Call the army! Call the navy! Call my three year old niece! CALL SOMEPONY!” Hoity Toity pulled himself away from the terrified stallion. “What are you babbling about? What’s going on!?” “The robots are uprising!” he yelled in panic. Hoity gasped and lifted his shades. “THEY’RE WHAT!?” “They have been calculating amongst themselves and they have concluded that all ponies are obsolete and are going to take over the world! I was always warned by scientists that this was possible, but I was too arrogant to listen!” Flam got on his knees and shouted towards the sky, “Why didn’t I watch more sci-fi movies!?” “I don’t even know what those are! So what are the robots doing, Flam? How bad is it?” he asked nervously. Flam got up. “It’s terrible! They’ve upgraded their own bodies, plan on enslaving everyone in the world who isn’t a robot, and are drawing mustaches on your portraits!” “Oh no! This is worse than I thought! Those portraits were expensive!” He stood up. “This looks like a job for executive meddling!” He stomped through his office door and went to the production area. Upon arriving, he gasped when he saw how many active robots there were, which was more than he remembered being in the factory. They all looked much different than their original appearance and moved like actual ponies. However, he failed to notice that they were all ponies with make-up while wearing robot costumes. “Who is in charge here!?” “Beep boop. We all are. We are the robot hive mind,” said one pony in a robotic voice. “And we have concluded that ponies are obsolete and we will take the world for ourselves.” “Obsolete!” said the other robots simultaneously. “A-and what are you going to do to us ponies?” Hoity asked nervously. “Various treatments will be given to ponies based on professions and hobbies. You are a pony that likes fashion, so we will use you for fashion.” He sighed in relief. “That doesn’t sound so bad. Maybe this whole robot thing will go smoothly, especially with my large amount of bribe money.” “We will use our mighty robot technology to turn you into a mannequin and you will be used to wear our superior clothing.” One robot pony held up a dress that was grey in color and had metal plating sewn onto it. He gasped in shock and backed away. “No! Not that! Anything but that! I would rather die than wear something that disgusting!” “So you shall.” The pony pointed at him. “Get him, robots! Beep boop!” Hoity ran as the mechanical beasts gave chase. He was in absolute terror as he saw the machines gaining on him. He went to hide in his office, but they appeared before he could close the door. He backed into a corner as they slowly approached him. “G-get away from me! I’m famous! I could sue you all!” That didn’t slow them down in the least. “Prepare to be made into a more fashionable species, beep boop.” “Help! Somepony help! I have money to reward you with!” Right before they got to him, a strange sound was heard. The robots froze in place and fell over, showing Flam standing behind them with a strange device being held with his magic. “Are you all right, Hoity?” The earth pony jump from his spot and hugged him. “Oh, thank heavens you are here! They were about to do something horrible to me!” “I’m sorry I took so long, but I had to get something.” Held by his magic was a hairdryer without its cord, Robo-Stopper 10000 written on the side, and some lights glued on it. “I completely forgot my one scientist friend gave me this in case of an emergency.” “What are we going to do!? There’s too many of them!” asked the earth pony as he frantically ran around. “Equestria is doomed as we know it!” Flam pretended to think of a plan. “I heard that they have a hive mind, so there must be a master computer built nearby. It controls the robots, so if I stop that, it’ll stop them all. I will have to find it and shut it down, which should be located somewhere in this building.” “But how will we get to it? It’s dangerous out there!” “I will fight through them while you wait here where it is safe,” he stated as heroically as possible. “By yourself!? You can’t!” “I must! If I don’t do something, they will take over the world! Besides, it is my fault this happened, so it is my duty to put this nightmare to an end.” “But what about you? They could kill you, or worse! They could make you wear their clothes or make you into a toilet cleaning robot or something!” he warned. Flam brushed his hair back with his hoof and put on a serious expression. “I’ll be fine. Robots are no match for me. If I can put them together, then I can just as easily break them apart.” Hoity slowly nodded, knowing it was the only way. “Be safe, Flam.” “I will.” He walked to the door, but then stopped. “One last thing before I go.” “What is it?” The unicorn went up to him and kissed him on the mouth, surprising the Canterlot pony. “Just in case I don’t make it back alive,” he said with a smug expression. The earth pony smiled. “Go get ‘em, tiger.” Flam ran from the room as Hoity closed the door, pressing his ear against it to hear what was happening. “Have at thee, you metal monsters!” He could hear a lot of noises as the combat occurred out of his view. He bit his hoof worriedly, hoping the inventor would stop the uprising and save the world. After some minutes, everything became quiet. He was now very afraid and could hear hoof steps approaching, so he backed away. “F-Flam?” He could hear the doorknob turning, so Hoity took cover behind his desk. When it opened, the unicorn appeared, covered in oil. “It’s done,” he panted. “They have all been deactivated and the world is safe once again.” Hoity clapped his hooves happily. “You did it! You saved us all!” The tired unicorn sat against the wall and wiped the sweat off his forehead. “Hoity, I am so sorry this happened. It’s all my fault. I did not think they would revolt and I should have taken more precautions before doing something so dangerous.” Hoity knelt down beside him. “No, do not blame yourself. I was greedy enough to replace all of my hard workers with heartless machines. It is my fault this happened.” He left his office returned to the production area with Flam following him. He looked over the many deactivated robots and sighed. “I guess the world isn’t ready for such a thing. Robots may be superior in tasks, but they lack many important things that real ponies possess, like inspiration, soul…” “And love?” added Flam. He looked up at the mustached pony. “That too.” He took his shades off and they looked in each other’s eyes. Slowly, their faces met for a kiss. After a few seconds, they pulled away. “Flam, I honestly cannot believe I am falling for a simple pony.” “I just created a race of bloodthirsty machines that suddenly got the idea to rule the world and put them to an end, so maybe I’m not that simple,” he joked. Hoity chuckled. “I guess that is true. Now I need to figure out what to do next. There’s so much that needs to be done before I can open again.” “I think I might know. First, you go home and rest while my brother and I clean up these robots and dispose of the evidence. Then tomorrow, you will rehire all of your original employees and apologize for what you did. It’s better if the media does not find out what happened here today, so let’s never speak of this again.” He nodded in agreement. “Yes, that seems like a good idea. Ponies seem to be much more likable as workers after this little incident.” He looked at him. “Flam, thank you for all of your help. You have been a real friend.” “It’s no problem. And perhaps we could be more than friends,” he suggested with a dirty grin, only to receive another in response. “Come on, let’s get you home. You need rest.” He led him down the stairs and they walk past the various ponies who were trying not to move. Pfft. They halted and looked at one of the robots. “What was that noise?” asked Hoity suspiciously. “Uh…that was just exhaust. Nothing to worry about.” He led him outside of the factory and closed the door behind him. “This place will be spotless tomorrow, so don’t worry one bit.” “Okay. Flam, I want you to come over tomorrow so we can get to know each other better. Maybe we could invent something without such horrifying consequences.” He just smiled at him. “Sounds good to me. Goodnight, Hoity.” “And goodnight to you, hero.” The earth pony walked away and when he was out of sight, Flam re-entered the factory and closed the door behind him. “And that’s a wrap!” he shouted triumphantly. All of the ponies got off the floor and cheered loudly. Chrysalis, Pinkie, Rarity, and Flim appeared from another room. “I can’t believe it worked!” exclaimed Rarity. “Hoity Toity sure is a gullible idiot, but I will admit the costumes and acting weren’t half bad,” said Chrysalis as she took some bits from some money bags she found lying around. One of the ponies picked up Pinkie and held her above her head. “Three cheers for Pinkie Pie!” While the crowd was praising her, Chrysalis went to the brothers. “So what about our deal? Am I finally done yet?” “Since you fulfilled your part, we will do ours! Just give us the supply of jelly and we will do the rest!” Flim said excitedly. “I pray this will be the last of our adventures together.” “Excellent. I’ll give you about two barrels every week. It may not seem like much, but I think its rarity and my fame will have it flying off the shelves.” “And ponies will pay top bit for it,” added Flim happily. Chrysalis shook their hooves. “Pleasure doing business with you both, and don’t forget about that loan you owe me.” “We won’t, and thank you so much for what you have done for us,” said Flim. “It has truly been an experience.” “See you around, Cherub!” said Flam as he waved goodbye. “Goodbye, Flimflam Brothers. Come on, Pinkie,” she called, “it’s time to go home.” Pinkie got down from the crowd and they waved goodbye as she caught up with her friends outside. “We did it, Cherub! Now Cupid’s Arrow is going to be better than ever!” Pinkie shrieked while leaping high into the air. “I still can’t believe you actually made a deal with them, but I’m more surprised that it actually worked out,” spoke Rarity. “Me too. And now, there will be more love than ever before at a quicker rate. Everything is going to be perfect.” She thought over of what was going to happen next. With all that love, the changelings would support her again and she would dominate Equestria. She was all excited with the thought of getting vengeance on Nymph and thought of horrible things she could do. Maybe she would shave off all of her hair and use a spell to keep it from growing back or use a spell to give Nymph a masculine voice so the males wouldn’t want to go near her. There were so many possibilities for her to consider. Besides, she was justified. Nothing she could do would ever hurt Nymph the way she hurt her. “Are you happy, Cherub?” asked Pinkie excitedly. “Indeed I am,” the changeling replied. “You have done a good job and my respect for you has increased. Thank you for assisting me for these past few days. Because of your help, I’m feeling pretty good about everything now.” Pinkie began to do her usual bouncing. “Great! Everything will be even better soon and then you will be happier and then you, me, and Luna will be best friends forever!” Chrysalis’s fantasy was shattered as Pinkie’s words forced her back to reality. The red unicorn walked faster, distancing herself from the two ponies. “What’s her problem?” asked Rarity, only to receive a shrug from her friend. On the way home, Rarity and Pinkie sat together while Chrysalis sat alone. They occasionally looked at her while whispering to each other. The changeling knew they were talking about her, but she simply could not care. The only thing on her mind at the moment was going to bed at her house. Once they arrived in Ponyville, the three ponies got off the train. “It feels so good to be back after so long,” stated Rarity. “Yep! Nothing beats the feeling of home! Wouldn’t you agree, Cherub?” Pinkie asked. “Goodnight,” Chrysalis said icily in response as she left them behind. Once she was gone, the ponies talked to each other. “She seems to be really troubled about something,” commented Rarity. “Yeah, but I’m about to fix all that!” Pinkie replied excitedly. “I have it all figured out!” “Just be careful, Pinkie. She seems to be in a fragile state and I would hate for you to push things too far. You need to learn when to give her some personal space.” “I have it all under control! Bye, Rarity!” The pink pony then ran off, going light speed to get everything set up in time. Once she was gone, the seamstress sighed. “I pray nothing terrible happens to her.” Chrysalis’s walk home was a long one. Home. It was something she dreaded calling Cupid’s Arrow. Her only home was in the Changeling Kingdom, but it had also lost its touch for about thirty years. She tried to think about her recent development to make herself feel better, but Pinkie’s words prevented that. It was even worse that Pinkie once again showed how useful and supporting she was. She would have to get over it eventually, or else she would be stuck as an outcast. She didn’t want to be Cherub anymore. She hated the name. She hated how successful she became while Chrysalis had nothing. She wasn’t sure how much more she could take of her double life. All she wanted to do was lie down and just take a break from everything while everything else was being prepared. She arrived at Cupid’s Arrow, opened the door, and entered. Upon turning on the lights, confetti fell from the ceiling. The setup in her room was very reminiscent of the party held on her first day in this town. “W-what is this!?” Pinkie sprung from behind the couch. “Surprise, Cherub!” Of course she would have something to do with this. “Pinkie, what do you think you’re doing?” she asked, annoyed. “It’s a party just for you!” “You know I hate parties.” Chrysalis took a look around. “Where are the others?” “It’s just me! I know you don’t really like to party with other ponies, so I thought it could be just the two of us. We can easily have fun with just us!” The changeling just went for the stairs. “Pinkie, I really don’t feel like partying. Just take your stuff and go.” “Nonsense! Just see what I have. I got a congratulatory cake of your favorite flavor.” She placed a vanilla ice cream cake on the table that had, “To Cherub, the best matchmaker ever!” written on it in pink frosting. “And wait until you see this!” Pinkie pulled on a rope that hung from the ceiling. Upon tugging it, a banner unfolded that read, “Congratulations, Cherub!” Seeing the name caused Chrysalis to snarl. “Pinkie, I seriously want this stuff gone now.” “Don’t be a party pooper! I even wrote you a song!” Pinkie placed a record on the record player and music began playing as Pinkie sung, “Oh Cherub, she’s so great. She can find anypony a special date! Cherub’s a pony who makes love shine through, and Cherub’s also a really great friend too!” Chrysalis could feel her restraint breaking as her mind echoed Cherub Cherub Cherub Cherub Cherub Cherub Cherub. “No more, Pinkie. No more or I swear…” “What’s that? One more? Okay! Oh Cherub, she’s-” Pinkie was interrupted by a loud scream. She saw the unicorn charge past her and tackle the record player. It fell onto the floor with a loud crash and she began stomping on it with furious force. “I am so sick of everything!” “Cherub!” Chrysalis turned her attention onto the cake. She didn’t care how sweet it tasted, the fact it had that name on it was enough to make her vomit. She picked it up and hurled it against the wall, causing the pastry to splatter and the dish to shatter. She ran over there and began trampling the mess. “I am so sick of this job, this town, this life, and of ponies!” Pinkie was completely horrified by the outburst she was witnessing. “Cherub, stop!” she begged. Finally, she looked up at the banner. “AND I AM SO SICK OF MY NAME!” With her magic, it erupted in flame and was immediately reduced to ash. Chrysalis took deep breathes as the ashes rained down on her. Her rage was immediately subsided when she heard faint whimpering. She looked under the table and found Pinkie quaking with fright. Her appearance was even altered like she had seen before, with flat hair and missing color. “Why did you do that, Cherub? I just wanted to help you smile,” the pony sobbed. The changeling just sighed and stood back up. “Please…don’t call me that.” “Why not?” “It’s…not important. Nothing is.” Chrysalis sat down on the couch and faced the floor. Pinkie slowly got up and sat right next to her. She placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Please talk to me.” “I don’t want to.” “Please. We’re so worried about you.” She looked at her. “We?” “Me and Luna. You’ve been acting like this for weeks and we’re really worried.” Chrysalis sighed loudly. “I’m sorry, but I just don’t want to talk to either of you.” “Why not? We’re your friends.” Chrysalis closed her eyes. “I just don’t want to.” “Then what do you want?” Pinkie asked. “I want…” For once, Chrysalis could not find the answer. While there was being a queen again, doing so might have not been possible at this point. Nymph was much too loved and she could never convince the changelings to go against the ponies now. Right now, she felt trapped and there was no way out. “What?” Chrysalis turned away from the pony. “Go home, Pinkie. We’re taking the week off and I just need to be alone.” “But I want to help you.” “Please,” she begged, “just go.” Pinkie slowly headed for the entrance. Right as she stood at the door, she turned her head to look at Chrysalis, who just sat there without making any sound. Pinkie then exited and walked home. Chrysalis lied on the couch. Despite her success, she didn’t feel any better. She then remembered that she did not read the paper from today as she was occupied with helping the brothers. She picked it up from her front door and got back on the couch. She brought it to her and looked for any news about the changeling negotiations. She didn’t have to look hard as it was on the front page. It seemed that Princess Celestia had actually paid another visit to the Changeling Kingdom and nothing went wrong. The picture for the article was her at the hatchery and she was playing with some of the infants. The gut wrenching sappiness of it was the kind of publicity she did not want as it surely won some ponies over. Out of anger, Chrysalis growled and incinerated the paper, leaving nothing but soot. She did not buy into the alicorn’s act of wishing to feed the changelings. Such a gesture towards an enemy nation would have been political suicide. There was no doubt in her mind that she was up to something in regards to dealing with the changelings. It gave her grievance that Nymph was falling for the charade, dooming her kingdom. What Chrysalis definitely wanted to do was to get payback on Twilight Sparkle. She was going to make the little pony pay for making her fail. She was going to enslave her as well as her precious teacher along with Nymph, the traitor. Those three would be forced to serve her for the rest of their lives, bowing to Chrysalis’s every wish. Chrysalis kept thinking these thoughts in attempts to make herself feel better, but it only ended up backfiring on her. Twilight and Celestia were both beloved by Pinkie and Luna, so she would only end up hurting them. She tossed and turned on the couch, wondering why she cared so much about their feelings. They were her enemies, not her friends. They believed that she was Cherub, a likable unicorn who just wanted to spread love and at the same time, they hated Chrysalis, calling her a heartless tyrant who needed to be locked away. She didn’t need them. She only needed the support of her fellow changelings. She would come back with her town of love and then she’d…she’d… She’d what? Try to conquer a country that could possibly want to help her people? Hurt ponies who the changelings and even she had begun liking? Overthrow the beloved Queen Nymph? And if she were to do so, what then? Continue with the negotiations that her sister had originally started? Try conquest again and be forcibly removed once more? All of her original scheme had gone down the toilet. There was no revenge to be had and no crown to reclaim unless she had evidence that Celestia was plotting something and even she wasn’t entirely convinced that was true. All she could do was continue with the dating service and hope that her people would be satisfied enough to welcome her home or at least listen to her about the alicorn. But even if she did accomplish that, Celestia would find and punish her because stupid Nymph would rat her out. Chrysalis forced herself up and made herself clean the mess she had made. She couldn’t believe she exploded like that, but that’s what happens when Pinkie can’t take a hint. Once she was finished, she trudged up the stairs, desiring escape from reality through slumber. She entered the bedroom, closed the door, and flopped onto the bed. All she wanted to do was to not think about her situation. What made things worse for her was that she had no one to talk about it with. No one to confide with; no one to support her. The fact of how alone she really was just made her feel even more depressed. She was hated by all, a monster in the eyes of the ponies and even the changelings. Would the changelings even take her back after what she had brought upon them? She couldn’t remember the last time she actually had a changeling comfort her that wasn’t Nymph, which was probably because she wasn’t exactly the nicest individual. At this point, she took back what she said about not caring for love. A lover would have stayed by her side through thick and thin and help the poor changeling escape from this mess. She wanted them to hold her and tell her how everything was going to work out for her, how she didn’t have to handle things alone. She didn’t care how weak this made her sound. The torment that had been inflicted upon her was too much for Chrysalis to bear. All she wanted was something to make her feel better about everything. But then again, if her sister would abandon her, why wouldn’t anyone else? She looked towards Luna’s moon through her window. She envied the princess, being so easily forgiven for her sins. Why couldn’t the same happen to her? Why was she suffering like this? Now that she thought about it, the only one that she had recently met who tried to be as supportive as possible of her problems, not counting Pinkie, who tried to make her feel better with stupid parties, was ironically Princess Luna herself and she sort of wished the alicorn was still around. She knew Luna was still very worried about her from the many letters she was receiving and was now tempted to write back to have her come over. However, that would have only added to the problem of her caring for ponies. Chrysalis really wished Luna still wanted to overthrow her sister, that way she could have revealed herself and listened more to the princess’ comforting words. They would have been a dream team and she’d have this all finished a long time ago. She would even make Luna her co-ruler as a way of thanks and they could take the rest of the world if they wanted to. Maybe she could lend her an ear whenever Chrysalis felt down. She could fantasize all she wanted, but it would never come true. Luna hated her guts and would have most likely enjoyed pounding her head in more than listen to her woes. Besides, she had much bigger problems than finding someone for her to whine to. It was very possible she would be hiding out as Cherub and even other ponies when Cherub got too old for the rest of her life or until Celestia or Luna found her and did something terrible to her. She brought her legs to her chest and curled into a ball. She was so lost, so scared. She didn’t know what to do and could not think of how to save herself from her fate. It was almost two hours until her body finally gave in to sleeping. Pinkie lied on her side as she stared at the wall and had her forelegs wrapped around a pillow. She had been laying there for a while and she felt incredibly miserable about failing her duty. The Cakes immediately noticed something wrong and ran to her when she returned earlier that night. She cried while Mrs. Cake held her, explaining to them what had happened in Cupid’s Arrow. They allowed her to take as much time off as she wanted for her to recover and she had spent it thinking about what happened. Why did Cherub get so angry? All she wanted to do was make her happy. She just didn’t know what to do. For months she had tried to make her happy but to no avail. She had recently been able to get some smiles from her boss, but it wasn’t enough. Pinkie knew that deep down, something was very wrong with Cherub. She kept telling her that she was just mad about her wedding and her sister, but it felt like there was more. Pinkie always offered to help find her love, but she always immediately rejected it. She never really talked about her past and was incredibly anti-social. Why was Cherub so secretive about herself? Then she remembered some strange things her boss said during her rampage. What did she mean when she was sick of her job? Wasn’t matchmaking her talent? Wasn’t it what they had been trying so hard to do? And how could she be sick of her name? Cherub was a nice name. Why would anypony hate it? Pinkie pulled the blankets over herself and sighed. She thought about going to her friends about what she should do. She then remembered how Cherub was always so distant from them, barely speaking to them unless she needed something. Pinkie had even noticed her disdain for Twilight. Now that she thought about it, Cherub’s only friends were herself and Princess Luna, who she was now avoiding. She knew she would have to tell Luna about this and worried of what would happen next. After what happened today, she was not looking forward to tomorrow. Pinkie suddenly sprung up. She had completely forgotten about tomorrow. Perhaps this was her chance to put things right. She leapt out of bed and ran down into the kitchen. She was going to probably be up late, but she thought it would be worth it. Tomorrow, she would go and fix Cherub’s problems. She was going to go over there and get the truth, no matter what.