> Dreaming of Reality > by Serina > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Going Out > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chrysalis and Luna sat on a couch, both ponies holding ice cream cones. Chrysalis gobbled her ice cream down viciously. “That was delicious! What was it called again—” She held the side of her head. “Ow! Headache! Luna, quick, I think that thing I ate was poisoned!” Luna giggled and licked her ice cream cone. “It’s called ice cream and no it wasn’t poisoned, you simply ate it too fast. It’s called having a brain freeze.” Chrysalis groaned and rubbed her temples. “Why didn’t you warn me?” Luna began chewing on her waffle cone. “I didn’t realize you would go off and eat it in one gulp.” Chrysalis sighed and hopped off the couch. She trotted into the kitchen and levitated a cup under the sink and turned it on. She turned the tap off. “Do you want any water?” Luna licked the drops of ice cream off her hoof. “No, I’m okay.” Chrysalis levitated the cup of water onto the coffee table in front of the couch and sat back down, leaning on Luna’s shoulder. “It’s so nice of you to visit so often.” Luna brushed Chrysalis’ hair. “Come now, Chrysalis, you have to admit you’d be a lot happier out in the open, in the castle.” Live in the castle. With Celestia? No thanks. Chrysalis huffed and buried her face in Luna’s fur. “No.” Luna sighed. “Please?” Chrysalis groaned. Don’t give me the puppy dog eyes. Don’t give me the puppy dog eyes. She looked up at Luna, who had big blue eyes and a pout on her face. Damn it. Chrysalis tried her best to smile. “I don’t want to live in the castle, Luna. This apartment is super nice, isn’t it? Close to the castle, you get to visit often, it even has air conditioning! Besides, we can go outside all the time if you want.” Luna frowned and crossed her forelegs. “I meant go outside as yourself.” Chrysalis threw her hooves over her face with a groan. Why me? Luna huffed in frustration. “You’re being stubborn.” Chrysalis folded her forelegs and frowned. “Am not!” Luna pointed an accusing hoof at Chrysalis. “You are too! You have to get out of this place eventually, Chrysalis. You’ve lived here for three whole months!” She waved her hooves around. “This, is not the life you need to be living, in this stuffy apartment. You need sunshine, fresh air!” Chrysalis sat up and leaned on the other side of the couch. Her hoof resting against her cheek. She doesn’t know what she’s doing. Asking me to do this, to go out there as... Me. Chrysalis sighed. “I do go outside.” Luna frowned and rested a hoof on Chrysalis’ shoulder. “How many times have you gone as yourself then?” Silence. Luna sighed and leaned over Chrysalis, her chest resting on Chrysalis’ back, her hooves wrapped around the changeling’s waist. “Just, one date? Please?” Chrysalis felt the warmth of Luna’s fur against her back, Luna’s hooves brushing against her tummy. Luna’s lips met Chrysalis’ neck. Chrysalis sighed and closed her eyes. I’m going to say yes, aren’t I? Luna nibbled on Chrysalis’ ear and whispered. “Please?” Chrysalis felt her blush deepen and sighed. “Fine.” Luna squealed in delight and hugged Chrysalis tighter. “Yay! I can't wait to take you to dinner! I’ve wanted to wear my dress for months!” She gasped. “We have to get you something for tonight! I know the perfect place!” Luna jumped off of Chrysalis and bounded towards the door. Chrysalis’ blush faded and she sat up. “Tonight?” Luna turned and nodded, wrapping a black scarf around her neck. “Mhm! Grab your coat, girl. We’re going shopping at the very best!” Chrysalis got off the couch and stretched. Fine, I’ll play along. Whatever little Canterlot shop she wants to go to I’ll go to. She enveloped her light green coat in a green aura and slipped it on, the buttons clicking into place. “Now where is this place you—” A loud pop followed by a blue flash interrupted her. Another pop followed by a flash caused Chrysalis and Luna to land in a room, surrounded by mannequins, all dressed in fancy attire. Chrysalis' hooves felt heavy, she shook her head, the room slowly coming into focus. What the— She turned her head to the sound of Luna’s giggles. Chrysalis groaned and rolled her eyes. “Warn me before you do that next time!” She shook her head and looked around the dress shop. Pink, it was everywhere. “Where are we...” Suddenly a unicorn rounded the corner, fabric floating in a blue aura. “I’m so sorry, darlings. I didn’t realize—” She turned, her blue eyes laid on Chrysalis. The fabric dropped out of the air and her already white face paled. “Ch-ch-changeling.” She swooned and fainted. Luna gasped. “Oh my, I suppose I should have warned her.” She trotted over to Rarity, who was passed out cold on the floor. Chrysalis stood there, her eye twitching. Did she... Did she just bring me to Ponyville? Home to all six elements of harmony, not to mention one is right in front of us. Chrysalis groaned and looked at Rarity who was now leaned up against the wall, Luna fanning her. Shit... She did. “Why in—Why? Ponyville? Of all the places, you pick Ponyville to get my dress made?” Luna shrugged and grinned. “What can I say? She’s been recommended countless times. I just forgot about the whole, you know, them still thinking you’re evil, that’s all.” Chrysalis face-hoofed herself. That’s all? I have no army, no protection, and you bring me to the place where a mere six ponies can defeat me? Luna, what were you thinking! Chrysalis inhaled deeply. I have to calm down. Luna was looking forward to tonight. I can’t screw this up just because I could get blasted to who knows where any second. She breathed out and smiled at Luna. “Well, if she’s the best them I’m sure the dress will turn out wonderful.” Luna beamed and continued fanning Rarity. “I know it will!” They continued chatting, unaware that a small purple dragon was staring wide-eyed through the window. He ducked under the window sill and pulled out a pen and a scroll. Dear Princess Celestia, Chrysalis is back and she’s holding Princess Luna and Rarity hostage in Carousel boutique. Send help right away. ~Spike He rolled the scroll up in his claws and with a puff of dragon fire, it dissipated into smoke, heading towards Canterlot. > Dress To Impress > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chrysalis sat at the table with her cheek resting on her hoof. She glanced over at Luna who was all bright-eyed and excited while the mare across from them looked like she was due for a day off. Chrysalis groaned inwardly. Canterlot has great dressmakers, right? Ones you can bribe or intimidate to where they don’t talk but nope. Does Luna want to go there? Of course not. She picks Ponyville. Chrysalis tapped her hoof on the marble table causing Rarity to jump. A pain erupted in Chrysalis’ side. “Ow!” Luna glared at Chrysalis as she removed her elbow from her mare friend’s side. Rarity ran a hoof through her frizzy mane. She took a sip of her tea and then looked up at the mares in front of her. “So, Princess Luna, you want me to make a dress for Chrysalis because you two are going on a... date?” Luna nodded. “I heard you were the best of the best when it comes to dressmaking, and I want everything to be perfect for tonight.” Rarity sighed and looked at Chrysalis then back at Luna. She took another sip of her tea. “I’ve just never been in this... situation before.” Chrysalis’ eyebrow raised. Situation? “What do you mean?” Rarity tapped her hooves together. “Well, as you know I am one of the elements of harmony, and it is my duty to keep peace and such. I should be telling Princess Celestia that you, the queen of the changelings, are out and about.” Chrysalis felt her blood go cold. If Celestia knows about this, I’ll never get to see Luna again. Chrysalis cleared her throat. “I’m not really their Queen anymore— Look we can pay for the dress and just leave. We won’t bother you again.” Rarity shook her head, her curly mane swaying next to her tea cup. “Oh, it’s not about the bits. I just want the least bit of trouble for my dear friend Twilight. Why, every time there’s some sort of fiasco going on the Princess sends her to fix it. She needs a break every once in awhile.” Chrysalis looked over at Luna who was sitting quietly. Come on, back me up here. Luna tapped her hoof on her chin and then chuckled. “Rarity, I’m a princess just as much as Celestia and if Chrysalis is in my presence, there’s no way she would cause any trouble. Right, Chrysalis?” Chrysalis inwardly slapped herself. Duh. Of course that would work. She has just as much power as Celestia, to common pony folk, anyway. Rarity looked at Chrysalis, her eyes scanned the changeling as if she was trying to detect a grand master plan of evil. The changeling gulped nervously and waved her hooves. “Uh, yeah, right. No trouble here, heh.” She smiled. “See?” Rarity pondered the thought for a moment and quietly sipped her tea as the three mares sat in silence. She suddenly put a hoof up to her mouth. Chrysalis cocked her head. “Um, you okay?” Rarity erupted into a giggling fit. She wiped her eyes and breathed in slowly trying to calm herself down. “I’m sorry, haha, but this is so a-adorable.” She waved her hoof in the air. “Two mares, forbidden love.” The mare stood up and with a flash from her horn different colored fabrics enveloped in blue aura came floating into the room. “Oh my, the secrets you must have to keep.” She winked at Chrysalis. Secrets? Like hiding from ponies? Or our relationship? Our relationship… Oh. Chrysalis felt a blush grow across her face. “N-not that kind of secrets. We just, um…” Luna giggled and put a hoof across Chrysalis’ shoulders. “It’s okay, she’s our friend. Sharing juicy gossip is what friends do.” Rarity and Luna laughed as Chrysalis’ face turned scarlet. “It’s not f-funny! We don’t do that much!” Rarity chuckled as she compared two types of blue fabric together. “Then maybe I should suggest a friend who can teach you a few tricks. Ah! This is it!” The fashionista put on red glasses, that rested comfortably on hee face, and began to make for a dresser. She brought out two sets of scissors and measuring tape. She beckoned Chrysalis to her. “Come now, I have to get you all measured so we can create something that will make you look absolutely stunning.” Before Chrysalis could respond she felt herself being lifted off the ground. “Wait what—” She was placed on a platform in the other room and had fabric flying around her. The measuring tape wrapped around her body while Rarity jotted down measurements. The fashionista tapped her pencil on the notebook. “She has such a tiny waist, but I suppose we can work with it.” Luna giggled. “I think it’s perfect.” Chrysalis felt another blush cross her face. She saw Luna wave a hoof at her through the fabric spinning around her. She tried to wave back, but she was held in place by Rarity’s magic. What— What is this? Rarity saw the look on the changeling’s face and put her notebook down. “Don’t worry, darling. I have just the thing for you, and I have been wanting to try this technique out for a bit.” Rarity flashed her horn, and the fabric began to weave and stretch around Chrysalis. Luna pointed to Chrysalis’ shoulder. “Can you make straps there, not too thick but not too thin either. Oh!” She tapped her chin and waved her hoof in a circle as fabric laid across Chrysalis’ shoulders. “Maybe something in the middle of her chest and show off her front a little too.” Rarity nodded, smiling. “What a marvelous idea. I love it!” Her horn grew brighter as a trunk across the room opened and multitudes of gems floated across the room. Chrysalis groaned and rolled her eyes at the giddy pair in front of her. I hate shopping… Rarity clicked her tongue. “Now, this may be bright.” Before Chrysalis could speak a bright flash erupted before her eyes. She rubbed them and grumbled as the light began to fade. She grumbled. “What was that for?” Rarity began picking up pieces of fabric off the floor. “Sorry, Chrysalis, that was brighter than I thought it would be.” She looked up at the changeling and gasped, dropping the fabric back onto the floor. She rushed to her and began to look over the dress. “This style looks absolutely gorgeous on you! Why, I’ve had to use this last minute spell before but never has the product been so successful!” Chrysalis blushed at the compliments. “Um,” She looked over at Luna who was grinning like a school filly. “Thank you?” She took a step down and went to the three sided mirror on the wall. The dress was teal and had black lace borders, while black strings held the back together. Black gems were patterned across her chest, and a teal choker held a heart-shaped, black gem in place. Her mane was curly and laced with small strings of gems. She looked down at herself and then back at the mirror. I look… pretty. Chrysalis saw Luna come trotting towards her. She looked down and made a circle with her hoof on the floor. I hope she likes it. Luna inspected Chrysalis’ dress and smiled. She looked towards her marefriend. “Do you like it?” Chrysalis looked up and nodded. “Yeah, that’s actually what I was going to ask you. I mean, you’re the one that’s paying—” Luna held up a hoof. “Now, now, none of that. Bits is no trouble at all. Besides it looks amazing on you.” Rarity clapped her hooves together. “I suppose, I should ring you two lovely mares up then!” Chrysalis tilted her head to the side. “Two?” The fashionista was pushing keys on her cash register. “Yes, two. Luna ordered her dress weeks ago.” Chrysalis looked over at Luna who smiled and trotted over to Rarity. She set me up. She saw Luna place the bag of bits on the counter. Chrysalis shrugged. Oh well, as long as she’s happy tonight. I won’t worry about it. Luna trotted over to Chrysalis. “I have to go get my dress on so wait right here, okay?” Chrysalis nodded. “Alright, then.” Luna turned to leave but quickly turned around and leaned close to Chrysalis, whispering. “By the way, let’s keep this shopping trip between us. I may have borrowed some bits from the Tia’s bank.” Chrysalis’ jaw dropped. “Wait—” Before she got another word out Luna was already going into a fitting room with Rarity. Chrysalis groaned and ran both hooves down her face. Add “turning her little sister into a rebel, again” on the list of things Celestia will blame me for. Spiked pointed his claw at the window. “See? I told you!” Twilight rubbed her chin and took a step away from the window. I knew Chrysalis wouldn’t stay gone forever but to kidnap a princess, again? She looked at her friends who were all sitting outside the bouquet, except for Pinkie who was jumping up and down in place. “We can’t take any risk. The princess is counting on us to bring Chrysalis and Princess Luna to her unharmed.” Rainbow Dash huffed. “I say we storm in there and make it so that pest never steps hooves in Ponyville again!” Applejack nodded. “Ah’m with Dash on this one. She’s mighty dangerous or don’t ya remember the last time we fought her?” Twilight sighed. “Of course I remember, but I’m following the princess’ orders.” Fluttershy mumbled. “But you’re a princess now so, um, can’t you make your own orders?” Her friends all nodded except Pinkie who was staring inside the boutique. Twilight shook her head and pulled Pinkie away from the window. “We already know they’re in there, Pinkie. No need to risk us getting caught.” Pinkie giggled and jumped up and down around the alicorn. “But, Twilight, don’t you see?” Twilight tilted her head. “See, what?” Pinkie stopped right in front of her and cocked her head. “They’re in love! Duh. Luna and Chrysalis are dating!” An audible smack was heard from both Rainbow Dash and Applejack hooves colliding with their faces. Applejack shook her head. “Now, if that isn’t the darndest thing I’ve heard of. Honestly, Pinkie where do you come up with made-up shenanigans like that?” Pinkie Pie pouted and stomped her hoof. “But it’s true! They’re like cheese and sprinkles.” Twilight rolled her eyes. “Alright, everypony, just, continue with the plan.” She put a hoof around Pinkie’s shoulders. “Look, Pinkie, I’m not saying I don’t believe you, but we just need to follow the plan and not make assumptions, okay?” As Twilight trotted over to the rest of her friends the pink pony looked back at the window where Luna had just exited the fitting room and was spinning around in a dark blue dress. Pinkie huffed and went to go join her friends but felt a tingling sensation all over her body. Her body shook rapidly in mid-air for a moment before the shaking stopped. She shook her head and frowned. “Uh, oh. That one was a doozy.”