> Best Served Cold
>  by David Silver
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> 1 - Fancy Meeting You Here
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Starlight gave the gentlest tug with her magic, drawing the strand that led up to her kite, high in the choppy winds of the sky. It was far from an ideal day for flying her kites, which also made it one of the better ones. She softly grunted, her teeth clenching as she concentrated on keeping the kite in the air.

The cruel eddies of the cloudy day wrapped firmly around the kite and threw it like an angry god. Starlight yelped and tugged against it, but it only served to hasten its descent. With the sound of shattering wood and splintering branches, the kite slammed against a tree with bone-crushing force.

She sagged in place with a weary sigh, her eyes on the limp thread that dangled from the tree. In its thick canopy, she could envision the smashed and mangled remains of her lovely kite. A sudden sharp laugh had her ears and, slightly slower, her head swiveling to spot a pony that was almost the same color as herself.

This new mare had light cyan and blue colors in their tail and mane. Their tail swirled in a ribbon much like Rarity's. Around her right forehoof was an anklet of large golden orbs with a big gem set in it. Adorning her ponytail, and her actual pony's tail, were similar bands of golden orbs, but they didn't have gems with them. Set in each of her ears, completing the aesthetic, she had a golden earring on either side. 

The mare approached, her brown eyes set on Starlight. "I wasn't laughing at you, poor thing. I've lost too many kites on days just like this one. That was a pity, such a pretty kite."

Starlight frowned as she reached up with her magic and began to pluck out bits of her ruined kite. "I'll have to fix it..."

"Oh, you can fix them too?" The new mare came close and stood next to Starlight, watching the kite be extracted bit by bit. "What a talented mare you are."

"Stop that," laughed Starlight. "Oh, um, I don't think we've met? I'm--"

"--Starlight Glimmer,"  finished the new mare, smiling with a smug satisfaction at Starlight. "Twilight Sparkle's first friendship student, graduated."

Starlight blinked with surprise before it passed. "Oh, yeah, most ponies know that... who live around here, but I've never seen you before?" She tugged the rest of her kite free and it began to float down towards her in a small clouds of bits, bobs, and torn fabric. "Still, nice to meet you...?"

"Saffron," She dipped her head slightly, watching the bits of kite approach. "Saffron Diamond. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." She reached up a hoof as the kite drew close and pulled the main body of it down. "Perhaps today isn't the best day for this."

"Yeah... So, just move into town?" She began folding and collecting the bits. Saffron surrendered the piece she had taken without argument.

"Just did," agreed Saffron. "I didn't think I'd meet such an amazing pony on my first day."

Starlight's cheeks turned red swiftly. "O-oh, yeah... I mean, I'm not Twilight." She laughed nervously as she put a hoof behind her head. "I've only saved Equestria once, unlike her."

"Look at you, trying to pass the whole thing off." Saffron's eyes partially closed, fixing Starlight intensely. "I bet you tell such stories about that time. You against all those changelings..."

"Well, I did have help," demurred Starlight. "I was just, you know, doing what needed doing."

"And you defeated Queen Chrysalis, mmm?" Saffron leaned in closer, her breath ruffling Starlight's fur along her snout in her proximity. "Sent her running."

Starlight shrank back quickly out of range. "I'm... less proud of that."

"Oh?" Saffron's right brow arched high. "I would think that was your highest moment, mmm?"

"Twilight would have made a friend, but I... failed there..." She shook her head quickly. "Enough about that. I did what I could, and hopefully that's good enough, right?" She smiled with nervous hope. "So... you like kites too?"

"Adore them," agrees Saffron. "Next time, I'll bring mine. The only thing better than a kite is a kite with a friend, mmm?"

"Yeah," easily agreed Starlight. She tucked all the bits and bobs of her injured kite away for later repair. "Sometimes I come out here with Maud. Do you know her, Maud Pie?"

"If she's a friend of yours," almost sang Saffron. "I'm sure she's an interesting pony. Do tell."

"She's a stoic mineralogist. At first, she may seem detached, but she really isn't." Starlight put a hoof into the air, watching it be stirred by the wind. "Mmm, it's not going to lighten up."

"Why don't we do something else then?" Saffron flashed a bright smile even as she turned away. "I saw plenty of charming places I haven't been to yet. We could make an event of it."

Starlight tilted her head at Saffron. "We just met... you sure are happy to, uh, shoot. Sorry. I'm... not used to it."

"Are you implying you don't want to go?" asked Saffron as she turned back to Starlight with a hurt expression.

"No! No no no no, really! That sounds like fun." Starlight smiled a bit too forcefully. "And there I was making light of Maud's difficulty, as if I'm so good at making friends. "

"Who's your new friend?!" Stepping out from behind Starlight as if she was there the entire time, Pinkie entered the conversation with a huge grin.

Saffron jerked back with obvious surprise, eyes wide a moment before they could recover. "Oh, dear, quite a startle. Hello, Pinkie."

Pinkie blinked rapidly. "We already met? I never forget a face!"

Saffron pointed at Pinkie. "Former bearer of the Elements of Harmony, good friend of Princess Twilight Sparkle, perhaps friend of Starlight Glimmer?"

Pinkie threw a leg over Starlight's withers and pulled her tight. "Of course! And you are?"

Starlight laughed awkwardly as she provided the answer with an outstretched hoof, "this is Saffron Diamond. We just met, but she knew about us already."

Saffron slowly nodded. "Smart mares know what celebrities live in the town they're moving into, and you two have plenty of things said about you." Her eyes moved to Pinkie. "You, party pony. Where do you suggest two new friends go for a nice time?"

"Oooo, good question." Pinkie bounced in place, releasing Starlight in the motion. "You could enjoy some nice cool shakes on this warm and windy day." She pointed the way. "Sugarcube Corner has you covered. Just tell them Pinkie sent ya and maybe they'll give a discount too. Mister and Missus Cake are the best!"

Starlight laughed softly, starting to walk that way already. "As good a place as any other. Come on, Saffron. We'll chat over a sweet treat or two."

"Let's." She walked side-by-side with Starlight, as if the two of them were already dear friends. "What's your favorite flavor?"

"I'm feeling like something with cherries in it," decided Starlight with a note of confidence. "That work for you?"

"That will do just fine, dear. Just fine..."

They left Pinkie behind, who found other things to do. Soon, they were arriving at Sugarcube Corner, its candied exterior colorfully welcoming them to a sweet time inside.

Saffron opened the door first with her magic and waved inside. "Heroes first."

"Stop that," laughed Starlight nervously. "I'm... not a hero." She scooted inside quickly.

"You don't need to tell me that," grunted out Saffron, her kind face falling for the briefest moment before it returned in a bright and sweet smile as she followed Starlight into the bakery. "Now then, Sugarcube Corner, is it?"

A lanky stallion nodded from behind the corner. "Good afternoon, Starlight. Who's your new friend? Welcome to Sugarcube Corner!"

"Afternoon, Mister Cake." Starlight dipped her head slightly before waving a hoof back at the entering Saffron. "This is Saffron Diamond, new in town. We were hoping to get a shake to share."

"How lovely." He offered a hoof over the counter towards Saffron. "And nice to meet you, Miss Diamond."

Saffron raised a hoof to tap against his, but didn't make it a long gesture. "Charmed. Something with cherries, if you please."

"You got it!" He wandered towards the back to get to preparing their order.

Starlight had already selected a booth by the window, patting the opposite chair while smiling at Saffron. Saffron returned the smile as she trotted over and slid up into the free chair. "A delightful choice of seat. We can do a little pony watching while we wait."

Following her eyes, Starlight saw two ponies arguing outside over a broken wagon. She hissed softly as her horn glowed. Without hesitation, she reached right through the glass and hefted up the broken wheel and popped it back onto its axle. With a little magic twist, she bonded it back into place, repairing the wagon.

The two ponies looked quite shocked at the sudden repair of the wagon. They looked at one another with confusion and exchanged a few words. Saffron laughed, "poor things, they have no idea what just happened."

Starlight waved it away gently. "I don't need credit for every good deed I do. Hopefully they can get back to what they were doing before that wheel broke off. Seems this windy day is good for breaking more than just kites, huh?"

"Indeed," agreed Saffron with a sly expression. "Pardon me, dear. I need to powder my nose."

Starlight nodded at her new friend. "Don't let me keep you."

Saffron rose smoothly and trotted for the door outside. She looped around the building casually, so she could see the two confused ponies without being seen by Starlight, not that she appeared to be Saffron anymore. She waved at them energetically and began to gesture for them to come closer the moment they noticed her.

"Yeah?" asked one of the two. "It's a crazy day, lady. First our wagon just snaps out of nowhere, then it fixes all the same, poof, like magic."

"Oh, I know... I saw the whole thing." Saffron smiled slowly. "And I know who did it. Starlight Glimmer's inside Sugarcube Corner right now. She reached out there with her magic and, pfft, just like that!"

The other stallion frowned sharply. "Starlight, huh? I thought she was better than that!"

The first nudged the second. "Didn't she used to use her magic for all kinds of evil brainwashing?"

"What, really?"

The first nodded quickly. "Uh huh, I heard it. She's powerful enough to spar with Twilight Sparkle and hold her own."

The second clopped his hooves together. "I don't care how magic she is! She thinks she can just shove us around like that?"

Saffron shook her head slowly. "She must not respect earth ponies and all the hard work they do to keep Equestria working." She sighed dramatically. "How terrible... Unicorn pride." She shrank back. "I do hope somepony would tell me if I ever get that in my head. Don't tell her I ratted her out, alright?"

"You got it, uh..."

"Sandy Shores," reported the light-brown colored unicorn with a smile. "Quick, if you want to talk to her, better do it before she leaves."

"Yeah," they both agreed, turning to give Starlight a piece of their collective mind.

Saffron chuckled darkly to herself as she looped back around the building, becoming Saffron Diamond along the way. She just got inside the door when the shouting began.

"Where do you get off, breaking our wagon!" demanded the first male.

"That joke wasn't funny!" agreed the second, slamming the table she was seated at.

Starlight shrank back with surprise. "W-what?! I fixed the wagon!"

"Yeah, only after you broke it." The first stallion leaned dangerously close. "I have my eye on you, Miss Glimmer. Don't think you can hide behind the princess!"

"Yeah!" offered the second in a show of eloquence. "We have our eyes on you, troublemaker!"

They stormed off together, grumbling, leaving a dazed Starlight behind.

Saffron ducked aside to let them past before approaching the table. "Whatever was that about, dear? They seemed quite upset, and after you lent a helping hoof. How awful..."
> 2 - Getting to Know You
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Starlight trotted from the castle with a smile. She had a busy day planned. First... She looked to the left and saw a figure approaching. She raised a hoof at them, waving eagerly. "Maud!"

Maud nodded placidly. "Starlight."

"Are you ready?!" Starlight stepped towards her calm friend. "I've brought all the things you listed."

Maud tilted her head faintly one way, then the other. "Where's your pick?"

The pick floated free of Starlight's concealed pocket with a glowing bit of magic. "Right here. What are we hunting today?"

"We're not hunting," corrected Maud. "Rocks aren't alive." She turned away. "Who's that?" She looked at Saffron, who was approaching from town.

Starlight pointed, which became a wave. "That's Saffron Diamond. I just met her recently. She flies kites too."

Saffron joined them with a smile. "Starlight, and..." She looked towards Maud expectantly. Maud did not rise to the prompting.

Starlight did for her. "This is Maud. Maud Pie, a geologist and rocktologist. We were just about to go searching for interesting minerals."

"A pleasure, Maud." Saffron held out a hoof with the gems attached. "Nice to meet you. I've never gone... rock digging before. May I join?"

Maud reached out and pulled Saffron's hoof closer, eying her jewelry intently. "This isn't a diamond," she noted with muted interest. "The gold's fake too."

Saffron tensed, anger showing for just a moment before it fell into worry, then despair, her ears flopping as she crashed to her haunches. "I paid good bits for this! Are you sure?"

Starlight bit her bottom lip. "Well, um... it's still very pretty..."

Maud nodded faintly. "It's fake." A thought seemed to come to her. "There are gems that could replace it. We'll find some and make it real."

"Great idea," gushed Starlight with a growing smile. "Let's go. Want to come with us? It can get a little... dirty... but it's fun."

Saffron dabbed away a few false tears. "O-oh, that sounds lovely. With your help, Starlight, I'm sure we can find something just as fabulous." She rose up to her hooves properly. "I'm afraid I'm not ready to mine, but I'll do what I can."

Maud reached back and pulled a pick free. "Don't worry, I brought an extra." She held it towards Saffron. "Starlight forgets hers sometimes."

Saffron's horn glowed as she took hold of the pick. "Oh! How thoughtful of you..." There was some sarcasm in her voice,  but Maud didn't notice it at all.

Starlight did and slid in beside Saffron as they began to walk. "You don't have to dig if you don't want to."

"No no!" Saffron waved the thought away as she walked. "I'd love to spend time with you, Starlight. I'm sure we'll find some pretty things."

"That's the spirit." Starlight bumped against her new friend, then hastened to catch up with Maud. "You don't mind having a third pony, I hope?"

Maud shrugged softly. "The last time you brought a pony, it worked out." Content in her reasoning, she advanced.

They descended into the tunnels that made up Maud's network and began mining where Maud directed. All three ready with picks began chipping and digging at the walls. A shower of gems came not long after in all manner of colors, spilling out over them.

Saffron blinked at the mass. "That was easy..."

Maud pointed at them. "These are common gems. They look alright though." She brushed over them with a hoof before plunging it into the mass and coming back with a mostly-clear one. "This one is more real than the one you're wearing. It still isn't a diamond."

Starlight broke into laughter. "I still don't know how you do that, Maud. You just glance at a wall and practically know what's hiding in it before you even start on it."

Saffron set her pick down and plucked up the offered gem in her magic. "Thank you, Maud. It's nice, but it doesn't... fit." She held it over her armband and it was far larger than the jewel that already resided there. "I guess there is such a thing as too much of a good thing."

Maud reached a hoof and took the gem back. She placed it on a flat rock, then looked back at Saffron's anklet. She paused a moment, then raised her pick in her mouth.

"Wait for it," whispered Starlight, her eyes locked on the earth pony.

"Wait for... what?"

The pick came down in a brutal strike. The gem cracked in half, a web of lines crossing it. It fell apart into so much dust, revealing a smaller gem inside that was exactly the size of Saffron's existing so-called diamond.

Even as Starlight clapped her approval, Saffron picked up the gem in her magic. "Huh..." She turned it around slowly. It was an exact match of hers, just made of actual stone, instead of fashioned from changeling magic. "You do have talents."

"It's practice." Maud pointed down the dim hallway, the light of her helmet guiding the way. "Let's find more interesting rocks."

Saffron let the two go ahead before she pressed the replacement diamond into place, working her magic around it. "Hm..." Satisfied, she trotted forward to catch up. The two were already working at a wall side-by-side. "Is it best for us to work so close together? We could hurt each other with these picks."

Starlight looked aside at her floating pick. "You have a point, especially with Maud's head being so close to the wall."

Maud pointed. "You go that way." She looked to Saffron. "You go that way." She pointed in another direction. "We'll meet  here in ten minutes."

Saffron smiled as she moved off where she had been pointed. "Perfect," she muttered to herself as she went. She just had to think of how to sour Maud's opinion of Starlight.

With a rush of flames, she became Starlight and tucked the gem away. She snuck quietly into position, creeping close to the floor as Maud carefully chipped at the wall. She sprang up once she had reached the tunnel Starlight should have been in. She could distantly hear Starlight working. Perfect...

Saffron came walking out of the tunnel, her eyes on Maud. "Maud, I'm getting tired of this. I think I'm done mining."

"Okay."

Saffron blinked softly. She had expected a more emotional response than that. "I don't think I'll ever want to mine again."

"Alright."

Saffron stepped towards the tunnel that led out. "Don't ask me to again."

Maud nodded, then turned back to her wall, resuming her work as if nothing odd had happened.

Saffron walked out calmly, matching the gait of Starlight until she was around the corner. With a new rush, she became Maud. Sneaking through the maze of tunnels, she came upon Starlight, and approached her with the slow, even pace of Maud. "We should go," she said.

Starlight looked over her shoulder. "Oh, hey Maud. Is it ten minutes already? It's easy to lose track of time down here."

"Yeah... We should go." Saffron turned away and began walking. She heard Starlight following behind.

"I found a few rocks. I'm not sure how rare they are." Starlight hurried to catch up with the false-Maud. "Do you know?" She hovered a collection of green and red gems in front of Saffron.

"Common," replied Saffron without knowing, or caring. "You aren't good at this."

Starlight flinched back. "W-what? I was trying..." She forced a smile. "Oh, wait, is this some of your bone-dry humor? You got me, Maud." She resumed her pace, trying to shake it off. "I mean, compared to you, I bet I'm not very good. I'm just here to help, and hang out with a friend."

Saffron raised a brow. "What do you know about friends?"

Starlight's pace faltered a moment, almost tripping. "Well, uh... I'm learning, really. I mean, I passed Twilight's remedial education, didn't I? I have one friend at least." She moved to put an arm over Saffron's withers. "And you're a good friend, Maud."

Saffron reached up and casually removed the hoof. "I don't think we should mine anymore."

"W-what?"

Saffron pointed ahead to where light could be seen. "Go ahead. I still have work to do. Alone."

"Oh..." She took a slow step. "Did I... say something wrong?" Saffron was just staring at her. "I... guess I did... Sorry?" Saffron didn't move. "Right..." Starlight hung her head and began sullenly walking from the tunnel, towards the light of day.

Saffron grinned wickedly, which looked quite out of place on Maud's face. She became herself and trotted back to where she left her pick. "Things are going according to plan..."





Significantly later, Saffron emerged, dusty and dirty, but her jewelry had been replaced with better facsimiles that were actually comprised of metal and jewels. Maud had her uses, or so Saffron decided.

She didn't get far before she found her target. Starlight was sitting on a bench, lapping at some icecream. Was she sad? Good. Saffron approached at a casual pace. "Dear, you look like a mess. Where'd you disappear to? Imagine my surprise when I noticed you weren't there. Maud said you were alright, but good luck getting details out of that mare."

Starlight looked up in surprise at Saffron. "Oh! Welcome back." She forced a smile. "How'd it go, you know, with Maud?"

"I don't think digging in the dirt is really my 'thing'." Saffron shook a hoof, freeing bits of dust and debris with each motion. "But I'm asking about you, not me."

"O-oh, well, I'm fine." She suddenly popped the entire rest of the ice cream cone into her snout and swallowed it. She sat up and pat the spot she had been occupying. "Join me?"

Saffron hopped up beside Starlight. "You really shouldn't eat that so quickly."

"Wh--" She winced and clopped a hoof to her forehead.

"Brain freeze," answered Saffron despite the question not being finished. "Now where'd you go?"

"I... nothing important. I'm glad you had a good time?"

"It was alright." Saffron raised the forehoof that had the jewels attached. "Maud was good to her word, but digging around really isn't how I want to spend most afternoons, I think."

"It's not for everyone..." Starlight licked her lips. "Maud can get really passionate about it. It's one of the things that really gets her going. I... am envious sometimes."

Saffron perked an ear at Starlight. "Why is that?"

"Well..." Starlight rolled a hoof. "It's something she's really good at, and loves to do. What I'm really good at.... caused trouble for everypony. It's my best... and worst part..." She sighed softly and sank onto the bench, her rear end sliding out to make room with Saffron there. "I've... done some questionable things, in the past... I... You probably don't want to hear about that."

Saffron hiked a brow, curiosity building. "Like toppling kingdoms?"

Starlight went pale. "You know?! I mean... I thought I could... get revenge on Twilight. I didn't know it'd take all of Equestria with it!" She flopped entirely, her hooves going over her head. "I was so stupid..."

Saffron felt a smile coming on. Seeing Starlight suffering was a sweet little treat. Still... it wasn't time, not yet... She reached out and gently patted Starlight's shoulder. "That wasn't the only kingdom you pushed over."

Starlight looked up at Saffron with some confusion and she sat up. "Another? I mean... I ran a town as my virtual slaves to my ideology for who knows how many moons..." She sighed softly. "They forgave me, but do I forgive me? I'm really not sure. And here I am, unloading on you. I'm sorry." She hopped down to the ground. "I think I need to work these things out, Saffron. I'll try to be better company next time, alright?"

Saffron waved it casually away. "You don't have to feel sorry for talking to me, dear. I did ask about it." She leaned forward from the bench, seated on her haunches as she was. "You go collect yourself. We'll meet again."

She watched Starlight walk off stiffly, barely holding back her smile. She had so much more pain to bring to that mare. They were barely getting started.
> 3 - Together Time
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

With a fwoosh of green flames, Saffron took her true form, stretching her large form. "Being a little pony for so long is so... confining," complained Chrysalis with a frown. She turned in the cave she was hiding in and thrust a hoof at a collection of papers. "Now then..." She drew them over with her magic and opened the first letter.



Your Ladyship,

The traitor, Thorax, continues to recruit your old faithful to his cause. The lost changelings now outnumber us uncomfortably and continue to grow. Despite their pacifist ways, they have not been eaten by passing predators as we had hoped.

My lady, when will you return to us?

We need you,
Ocelli



Chrysalis crumbled the note angrily in her magic and tossed it aside. "He will get his, in time. That weak-willed love-maker will fuel my rise to global ruler!" She clopped down a hoof, jaw tensed a moment before she let out a breath, calming herself. "But, for now, we have a task."

She reviewed it in her mind. It was going so well. The delicious look of pain that Starlight had worn. Mmm, it made her smile. It also made her curious. "I thought you were a little goodie. What was that about ruling a town with an iron hoof?" She walked in a circle around her cavern. "There is more to you than I thought..."





"Starlight!" Twilight craned her head to shout up the stairs. "Starlight!" No answer came. She frowned and ascended the steps with agitated stomps. "Starlight, you promised you would help. We were scheduled to begin fifteen minutes ago, and I know you're--"

"I'm here," interrupted Starlight with the sound of her door closing. "I'm here..." Her voice sounded dull and her steps were anything but lively as she approached.

Twilight's angry approach stalled out quickly. "Starlight? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," she lied boldly as she came into view with a forced smile worn. "Just a stressful day. Maybe a few hours sorting books is just what I need right now. Lead the way."

Twilight turned around, going back where she had come from. "This way. What happened? You don't look so good."

Starlight followed her dutifully. "Nothing worth bothering you about."

Twilight stopped and turned back to Starlight. "I am your friend, and that means there is no such thing. Something is clearly bothering you."

Starlight grumbled softly before she sighed. "I don't know what I did, but I made Maud angry at me. I didn't even know she could be angry! A lack of emotions is one of her defining features!"

Twilight inclined her head with curiosity. "How can you be sure?"

"She told me to leave her mines, and that we'd never dig together again..." Starlight sank to her haunches on the stairs she never had the chance to leave. "Look, I must have said something stupid. Let's sort some books."

"We will..." She slowly turned back around and stepped free of the stairs. "We should talk to Pinkie. If anyone can explain her sister, it's her."

Starlight smiled a little. Pinkie did know her sister, usually... mostly? Starlight's smile fell. Pinkie adored her sister, but actually didn't 'get' her very well at all. "No. Let's not. That will just make things awkward, for both of them. I'll start from Z." She veered off as she entered the room full of books. "You start from A, and we'll meet in the middle."

Twilight bit back her reply as she went where Starlight had pointed. "Thank you, for helping." Starlight muttered something affirmative and Twilight sighed, moving to start the work of organization.





"Oh, hello there, darling." Rarity smiled at the new pony in her boutique. "Why, you're that pony I've seen with Starlight, aren't you?"

Saffron nodded with a little smile. "The very same. She mentioned your little shop." Saffron wobbled a hoof around as her eyes wandered. "Such lovely pieces you have."

"Thank you, Darling. Very kind of you. Now, how can I help you look your best?" She looked over Saffron appraisingly. "You appear to have your accessories working delightfully, but we can do better... You strike me as a Spring."

Saffron leaned forward a little. "Tempting, dear, but I was hoping for a little talk, between mares."

Rarity blinked before looking around suspiciously. "What is it? You sound serious." Her smile widened. "Or is this a bit of good gossip? Either way, you have my ear."

Saffron stepped around a standing statue showing off a dress. "Starlight's afraid of something she did in her past."

Rarity heaved a great sigh. "Ah, yes..."

"So you know? What'd she do? It couldn't have been that bad..." She hoped it was worse.

Rarity rolled a hoof. "I need your word that you won't hold this against her. The poor dear's working very hard to put this behind her, and I don't want to sabotage that. She's come so far."

Saffron turned the ponykin around as if interested in it and the sunny dress it wore. "No no, of course not. Starlight's been a real treat. I just want to know why she gets so upset, as a friend."

The f word seemed to relax Rarity. "It's nice to hear that... Well, alright. When we first met the darling, she wasn't much of one. She was busy ruling a small town." Rarity rolled a hoof, her eyes on Saffron. "She had them all believing that cutie marks were foul, horrible things."

Saffron let her hoof fall away from the fabric she had little interest in, looking back to Rarity. "Really? Were they scarring themselves?"

Rarity's eyes went wide. "Heavens no! No... Starlight was using her magic to replace the cutie marks with equal signs. Now, see, she's... learned that wasn't the best thing to do." She stood up and began moving towards one of her pillows. "She still has things to learn, but who doesn't? She isn't doing that anymore, that I'm certain of, Darling."

Saffron tapped at her chin thoughtfully. "Very interesting. Now, about a dress?"

Rarity's attention jerked away from the pillow, centering on Saffron squarely. "I have just the thing." The previous topic was forgotten swiftly, just as Saffron wanted. Even if she had to endure Rarity's measuring and fussing, a job had been done, and further ammunition was available to use against the pony that deserved everything she could muster.





Starlight trotted through the town. It was a sunny day with not a cloud in the sky. She had done her various chores and nopony was angry at her, at least new ones. She was doing well! She considered a little drink and wove through the mild crowd to get to the shop when she bumped right into a pony. "Excuse me," she quickly blurted. "I didn't--"

"--It's you!" The pony, a stallion with an unsure smile, grabbed her by the shoulders. They were an earth pony with earth-toned fur but off-blue mane. "Finally! The Starlight Glimmer!"

Starlight went pink in her cheeks. She was not used to having fans that gushed at her like that. "U-um, yes, it is me. How can I... help you?"

The stallion bent in place, presenting his rump to Starlight. There it was, a big equal sign where a cutie mark should be. "I want to study under you, Starlight. Please teach me the ways of equality."

Color drained from Starlight's face as she staggered back. "W-what? I mean..."

"I am ready to be your student, your soldier." He threw himself at her hooves. "Only you understand just how corrupt cutie marks really are!"

Starlight looked around wildly. She could feel eyes on her from all directions. Ponies were judging her, harshly. They saw the way the pony was acting, talking... "No!" she squeaked, her breath almost entirely robbed from her. "No, please, stand up!"

"Yes, I will stand up." The stallion rose to all fours, tall and proud. "I will stand up to the tyranny of cutie marks! Be my general, Starlight Glimmer. Guide us to the promised land of equality, where we can all be the same."

Starlight shook her head violently. "We will not be doing any of that! I am Twilight's student of friendship. I left equality behind." She reached out and brushed at the equal sign on the stallion, but it didn't brush away. It didn't even smudge. She rubbed harder, desperately.

"Oh my, Starlight," said the stallion with a dreamy smile. "I never dreamed I'd get to feel your hooves on me."

Starlight jumped back as if she was touching fire. Furtive glances showed other ponies were watching their interaction. "What happened to your cutie mark?"

"Oh, I got rid of that." He waved it away like it was no big deal. "I prayed long and hard to you, High lord Glimmer, until it went away. You saved me!"

"I did no such thing!" she screamed far louder than she had intended. She could feel even more eyes on her. She backed away from the strange pony. "Y-you know I have a cutie mark, right?"

"Of course you do," sighed out the stallion, stepping with her. "You sacrifice yourself, so you can help the rest of us. Such a brave leader. You'll only abandon your mark when it is the last one. Now, how can I serve you?" He dipped his head and forebody as if bowing to Princess Celestia herself.

Carrot Top snorted from her booth. "What'd you do to him, Starlight? Did you use one of your brain whammies on him?" Soft sounds of agreement rose from around the marketplace.

"No! No whammies of any kind were used, I swear!" Starlight backed up several more paces, but the stallion was quick to close the distance. "Stop following me!"

"But..." The stallion slowed. "Oh, this is a test. Very well." He went stock still. "I will remain here until you tell me to move. I am ready to stand here overnight if need be to prove my loyalty."

Strawberry Sunrise took a slow bite of her titular fruit. "That's just not right." She shook her head slowly, watching along with so many others.

Starlight stomped the ground. "No standing! No following! Go away!" Anger flaring, she grabbed the stallion in her magic. She hefted the surprised male into the air. "Go... away!" She hurled him away with the second word, sending him flying.

He yelped, hooves pedaling through the air before he crashed right into Carrot Top's booth, sending carrots everywhere.

Ponies gasped, several rushing to help Carrot Top and the strange stallion. Others glared at Starlight. She shrank back under their accusing glared. "B-but... He... I..." Starlight turned back to the castle with a wordless cry of frustration. Seeing no way to explain herself at that moment, she fled in a wild gallop away from it all.

The stallion accepted the help, shaking his head. "I guess I was wrong about her..." He slipped away from the crowd as soon as he could, leaving them discussing just how badly Starlight had behaved, to say nothing of the nasty rumors of her relapsing that had begun to circulate.

"We should tell Twilight," suggested one pony, with the loud noises of agreement that came from the others.

The strange stallion snuck away from it all, barely hiding the smile on his face. That couldn't have gone much better than it had. Starlight's face... priceless.

He slipped out of sight and emerged, Saffron. She trotted at a casual pace for Twilight's castle. She had a 'friend' to console. That the act would let her witness the pain she caused was a nice side benefit of the task.

Things were going well.
> 4 - Tears
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saffron trotted easily up the hill to Twilight's castle. Sure, it was an inconvenient place to put a castle, but hers was... was in the middle of nowhere. She had no leg on to complain. Reaching the large crystal door, she raised a hoof and gave a solid few clops against it. "Anyone home?"

The door swung open to reveal a reptile. A dragon, specifically. "Hey," he greeted, looking Saffron over. "How can I help?"

Saffron smiled at the roadblock. "Starlight hadn't mentioned she had such a fierce door guard."

Spike warmed in his cheeks and waved away the compliment. "I'm Spike, nice to meet you...?"

"Saffron," she offered. "Nice to meet you, Spike. I was hoping to speak to Starlight. Is she in?"

"Oh, uh, let me check." He started to turn away, but Saffron grabbed him in her magic. "Uh?"

"No need for that. I'd rather surprise her anyway." Saffron clapped  her forehooves. "She's had a rough day, and a friendly face will turn that around." She walked past Spike, who did not stop her. "Where is her room?"

Spike pointed the way. "You're friends with her?"

Saffron nodded as she began walking towards her target. "Is that surprising?"

"What? No!" Spike deflected awkwardly. "I mean, um, it's good." He gave an emphatic thumbs up. "Have a nice chat."

Saffron ascended the stairs into the hall that held Starlight's room. She swept her gaze over the many doors. None of them had 'Starlight' labeled on them. She approached the first and pushed the door open a crack. Inside were boxes and crates. The next had books, so many books.

She let out an annoyed grunt, but she heard something besides herself. A muffled sobbing was coming from up ahead. With a wicked smile, she crept up to the door it came from and put her ear to it. Starlight's distressed wailing came from within, though it seemed to be muffled far more than just a single door should have provided.

Saffron hiked a brow before knocking gently. "Starlight? Are you in there?"

The sobs stopped instantly. She could hear things shuffling around in there, then a loud snotty snort. "Yes? Who is it?"

Saffron sat on her haunches and raised a hoof. "Saffron, dear."

"Now's not a good time," called Starlight, her voice quivering.

"Now is the perfect time," argued Saffron. "You sound like you could use a friend."

The door opened inwards a precious inch, Starlight's eye barely visible, peeking out at her. "I don't have any of those..."

Saffron reached forward, pushing on the door gently. "You have one right here, and Spike didn't sound upset at you." That was a thing to fix, later. "You are friends with him, are you not?"

Starlight backed away, allowing Saffron in. "Yeah... he's a good dragon..." She closed the door with magic once Saffron was inside. "Look, really. I just... need--"

"--A good friend." Saffron threw a leg over Starlight's withers, pulling her close. "Is this about Maud?"

Starlight shook her head quickly, but did not reply.

"Did something else happen?" She nudged against Starlight. "Go on, you can tell me."

Starlight buried her face in her hooves. "I don't want to! My past just jumped on me when I wasn't expecting it. I'm not that mare anymore!"

"Tell me about it?" Saffron gently nuzzled at one of Starlight's hooves. "I promise not to judge, just listen."

Starlight peeked between her hooves, then flopped back with a sigh. "Look, I... made some dumb decisions..."

"It can't be that bad," demurred Saffron, rolling her eyes. Starlight was a hero, with a medal Saffron could see hanging there on a wall nearby. Was that a kite, several? Figured.

"Look, alright..." Starlight pulled away and hopped up onto her bed, looking down at Saffron. "Alright... You may as well join the rest in hating me."

"You're being dramatic, dear." Saffron waved it away with a coy smile. "Are you picking up habits from Rarity?"

Starlight's lips quirked into a hint of a smile, but it faded quickly. "Maybe. So... there was a time when I wasn't... sure of a lot of things, but I felt certain it was all the fault of cutie marks." She half turned, displaying her rump and the mark thereon. "My best friend's life changed when he got his, and it took him away from me... I didn't realize how much I... needed him until he wasn't there anymore."

Saffron inclined her head, curiosity building. "Was he a friend, or a friend friend?"

Starlight quickly colored. "We were foals at the time. He was a friend, and that was all I knew, and all we needed..." She ran her hooves together in a nervous rubbing. "He... Let's move on past him. He was gone, and I was upset, and... I found out how to get back at cutie marks, which I remind, I thought was the cause for all evil everywhere."

"So what did you do?" prompted Saffron, even if she knew a good portion of the story already.

"I found a little town, maybe four ponies to the whole place. I told them I could save them. I told them I was a hero..." She sank, shrinking until she was on her belly. "They believed me... They put their faith in me, looked up to me, and I used them. I took their marks, replaced them with... brands that kept their special talents at bay. I ordered them, instructed them, recruited more..." She grabbed a pillow in her magic and pulled it over her face as she rolled onto her back. "I was their little dictator, reigning from on high over a whole dozen or so ponies, thinking that made me a big deal."

Saffron was about to speak, but Starlight charged ahead, "then she came!" Starlight threw her pillow free. It bounced off a wall and slid to the ground. Starlight flopped over, on her belly again, facing Saffron. "She and her friends. Twilight saw what we had, my little town that had grown so quickly under my hubris. She found it, and she dismantled it. She undid everything I had done." She clapped her hooves. "Just like that. And do you know what I did then?"

Saffron rolled a hoof at Starlight. "She took you in as a student?"

Starlight gave a strangled, hysteric, laugh. "No! No... Heavens no..." She sat up, shaking like a leaf. "As if it were that simple... I was so angry I couldn't see straight. All I could think about was getting revenge on that mare."

Saffron put a hoof over her mouth as if in shock, but it served equally well to hide her smirk. That was a feeling she could understand.

"I followed her..." Starlight thumped her bed. "I stalked her. I learned how she moved and where she lived. I prepared... Then I struck!"

Saffron's eyes half-closed. "And what did you do to her? She doesn't seem angry at you." Yet, she silently added.

"I erased her link to her friends." Starlight smiled a crooked smile. "And... I broke Equestria... I... destroyed the world..."

Saffron narrowed her eyes to a squint. "Pardon me, dear, if I have a hard time believing that."

"Not even just once," continued Starlight. "But Twilight realized... something." A crooked smile spread on her face, tears streaming from her eyes. "I was too powerful to just hold down. I was an enemy that couldn't be warded away with the Elements. There was no artifact there to save her, so she surrendered, in a uniquely Twilight way."

Saffron rolled a hoof for Starlight to continue, but she didn't. "What'd she do?"

Apparently, she had been waiting for a proper prompt. "She told me she would do what no other pony had done since he left me. She would be my friend. She would atone for her own mistakes, and hoped I would atone for mine. She..." She huffed softly. "I'm... maybe overdramatizing it again, but she offered a hoof of friendship... and I accepted it."

Saffron twirled her ears back against her head. "Did she betray you as soon as it was safe?"

Starlight blinked at that. "Huh? No! No... she's been... nothing but kind..." She sat up slowly. "I... thought I learned a lot from her, about being a good person... I even tried to pass it on... There she was, queen of the changelings... We had laid her low, just as Twilight had done to me. She was... bare and vulnerable and... I just wanted to help her. I wanted... It doesn't matter. She didn't accept my hoof. She ran away, and all I could think of is how pathetic I was compared to Twilight."

Saffron's ears lifted a little even as her jaw tensed. She remembered that moment quite clearly. "What would you have done, if she had accepted? Would you have paraded her around, 'look at what I did!', that'd show them you were as good, if not better, than Twilight, yes dear?"

Starlight flopped to her belly. "I'm not sure... I... She's so much like me... On some level... I really thought we could be friends." Her voice was soft and distant. "I thought... maybe we could understand each other. I hope she's alright." She turned, rolling to face Saffron. "Do you think she's okay?"

"H-how would I know, dear?" stuttered Saffron as she recoiled a few inches. "She is queen of the changelings. I bet she has a whole new hive and everything. Aren't you afraid she'll exact some terrible revenge on you?"

Starlight's shadow of a smile returned. "Maybe I'd deserve it... Or maybe that would be my chance to offer a hoof of friendship. Maybe she'd even take it? That would... be nice, I think." She continued her roll, ending up on her back, looking at Saffron upside-down. "Anyway... that's enough about me. You didn't come here just to listen to me be a mess."

"On the contrary." Saffron shook her head slowly. "I came here to talk to you, and offer a shoulder, and that is precisely what I'm doing, dear. Now, you haven't said how that attaches to today. All of that is dreadful enough, dear, but that's in the past, is it not?"

Starlight tensed before she rolled right off the bed and back to her hooves. "A pony showed up with one of my equal signs on his rump! It wasn't paint. I... don't even know how that happened! I'm the only one that knows that spell! I didn't even share it with Twilight, and she has asked, let me tell you."

Saffron inclined her head. "Oh my. Was he one of the ponies from your little village?"

"I didn't recognize him..." she said in an uncertain voice that implied she might not remember the face of all of her subjects. "He was spouting the party line though, about equalization and the evils of cutie marks, and... it was awful... I shoved him away and made a mess and now everypony thinks I'm a psycho..."

"There, there..." Saffron advanced on her 'friend', throwing a leg over her and hugging gently. "Some ponies just don't understand how much you've changed. This'll all blow over in time. You've been nothing but a hero for these ponies, surely they'll see that and forgive such... little inconveniences that you didn't even cause."

"Maybe..." Starlight allowed the first real smile, small as it was. "Thank you, for listening, and not running and screaming."

"What are friends for?" argued Saffron even as she felt a nourishing taste of love. It wasn't romantic love, not by far. It was friendship, and that was a love of a sort. It was a taste, and she lapped it up silently. It told her that Starlight was not wise to her tricks. That was good... "Now, let's get you out of this room."

"You go on ahead..." Starlight pointed to the door. "Again, thank you. I appreciate it, really... but I need some time to sort myself out. How about tomorrow?"
> 5 - Planning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saffron laughed darkly as she emerged into her safe little hideaway. With a crackle of flames, she abandoned her disguise and Chrysalis stepped forward to her crude desk. "This is going quite well..." The public humiliation had struck true and well. Her target was an emotional shambles. "And she believes I am one of her precious little friends." She laughed, dark and low as she sank at her desk and began writing out the facts.

The quill held securely in her magic, she doodled a little picture of Starlight with her tongue poking free and her eyes askew. "Remaining allies, hmm. Twilight, Spike, Twilight's irritating friends may not be over the line yet, I haven't pushed them specifically." She wrote each name in severe strokes. "'How pathetic I was compared to Twilight'" she mimicked in a mocking tone, her nose scrunched.

"That's what you get for thinking the queen needed any of your pity." She slammed a hoof down, her joyous grin turning bitter all too quickly. "Where do you get that right?" She rose to her hooves, growling. "She does not need friends! 'She's just like me', right." She turned away from the pile of rocks that were her desk. "You don't know what it means to be hated."

A wicked smile spread across her black face. "But you'll learn, mmm." She turned back towards her writing surface just for a drop of water to splash against her head. She snarled at the uncaring roof of her cavern. "You've never had to run away from all you knew and loved and hide in a cave!" She sank down and resumed her writing. "You'll wish you could have the pleasure by the time I'm done with you..."





Spike peeked his head into the pantry and saw a familiar back end poking out of one of the cabinets. "Starlight?"

Starlight scrambled backwards free of it, her face speckled with gems. "Oh, um, just a little emergency. Let's keep this between us, alright?" She took off running without a delay, leaving Spike to give a short, futile, chase.

He came to a slow stop, a hand outstretched. "What... was that?" He spun around towards the stash of gems. "She coulda just asked..." He quickly jogged back to the collection and reached back past the flour and other cooking supplies it was hidden behind. He felt what made his heart sink. The secret compartment to his most valuable, and tasty, gems was pried open.

He reached into the darkness, patting around wildly. Where was the bag? There it was... He closed his fingers around the distressingly limp cloth and pulled out the sagging cloth. Small bits of gemstone fell from its open top, mere hints of the big and perfect gems that he had been aging to perfection. "W-why...?" He sank to his knees, tears stinging at his eyes.

His teeth set and he hurled the bag at the ground in an impotent display of rebounding fury. "Starlight!" He grabbed it right back off the ground and stormed towards her room. "Starlight!"

Twilight peeked out of a room, a brow raised high. "Spike? Is something wrong?"

Spike held up his empty bag as if it should explain everything. Twilight's confused expression implied it didn't. He shook his head as he shook the bag. "Starlight just ate my gems! Not even the regular ones, the best ones I had hidden away!"

Twilight's horn glowed as she pulled at the bag lightly, taking it from Spike when he unclenched his hand. "Starlight's not a dragon, you know that." She raised a brow. "Are you sure she ate them?"

"Whatever she did, they're gone, and I saw her! She had gem dust all over her face and... she... she just ran away..." He sniffled softly. "It takes so long to get gems just right... Why would she do that?"

Twilight took an unsure step towards Spike, reaching for his shoulder. "I'm not sure, but we should find out. Let's try to stay calm. Maybe this is just some big misunderstanding, or she needed them for some emergency that she's in the middle of right now and didn't have time to explain what she's doing." She smiled gently. "It would still be rude, but we could forgive her if it was for a good cause, right?"

Spike crossed his arms with clear doubt. "I don't know what kinda emergency drives a pony to eat a dragon's stash, but sure, whatever. Let's go ask her." He rolled his eyes mightily as he started down the hallway. "Tell ya what, if she has a really good reason, I'll give the books an extra dusting this month."

Twilight smiled brightly. Clean books were happy books. "I know it sounds odd, but I've heard of stranger things, and that would be less odd than Starlight just suddenly attacking your gems without a reason." She hastened to catch up with Spike, her eyes wandering slightly, but mostly focused on the side of her faithful companion. "Let's find out what that reason is and put this behind us. I'm sure it will be reasonable." She hoped.

They arrived at Starlight's door and Spike advanced to bang on it, but his fist was wrapped in Twilight's magic, keeping him from completing the act. She advanced and knocked much more gently than he would have. "Starlight? Are you in?"

"Mmm?" came muffledly from inside. They could her things being shuffled around.

Spike crossed his arms. "She's hiding what evidence remains."

Twilight shot him a cross look. "Don't be silly, Spike."

The door opened, revealing a somber Starlight. "Oh, hey Twilight." The eye turned, not much more of her visible behind the crack. "Spike."

Twilight cleared her throat. "Starlight, quick question. DId you happen to--"

"Why'd you eat my gems?!" insisted Spike, cutting Twilight off. He shook his empty bag at the eye in the doorway. "Is that why you're hiding, keeping the mess hidden?!"

"Spike!" Twilight's wings shot out in either direction. "Stop that!"

Starlight blinked, the door opening more to reveal more of her and the room beyond. "What are you talking about?"

Spike's scowl deepened as he advanced, only to be held back by Twilight's magic. "Lemme go. Look!" He shook the empty bag at Starlight. "I saw you! Fess up!"

Twilight shook her head. "Maybe it was some other pony? Um, Starlight, did you eat Spike's gems?"

Starlight shook her head quickly. "What? No! Why would I do that?"

"That's what I'm asking!" Spike huffed angrily, a tiny bit of flame licking around his snout. "I saw you. You said we should--" He made air quotes with his talons. "--keep this 'our little secret'. Nothing doing! I want my gems back!"

"If I ate them, I don't think you'd get them back in any form you'd want them," argued Starlight with a raised brow.

Twilight leaned in with a nervous smile. "Just tell us why you did that. I was saying I'm sure there's a perfectly reasonable explanation. If you're embarrassed, don't be. We're friends, right? Whatever the reason is, we're listening."

"But... I didn't..." Starlight  sank back, flopping to her haunches. "I didn't eat any gems."

Twilight rolled a hoof. "I didn't really think you did. Your teeth aren't made for that, let alone your jaws. You took them, for some... reason, and that's all we really want to know."

Spike perked up. "Wait, she didn't eat them?" He leaned as best he could to the side, trying to see around Starlight. "You mean my gems are alright? Give 'em back! Give them back right now and I'll forget this whole thing happened."

Starlight shook her head rapidly. "I don't have any of your gems!" she protested hotly, her face going red. "I didn't take them! I don't know what you're talking about."

Spike's eyes narrowed. "Very funny, but I saw you, and you talked. It was pretty obviously you." He turned away and waved it all off. "Nevermind. I told you, Twilight. There's no good reason. She's a thief and a big fat liar too."

He stormed off, ignoring Twilight's cry for him to stop. She turned to Starlight sighing loudly. "Starlight... Why? You know he would have just given them to you if you'd just asked. The little guy likes you, and... we're friends... friends don't steal from each other. I'm very disappointed."

Starlight cringed, tears starting to form in her eyes. "B-but..." Twilight was already leaving, chasing after Spike. "But..." She sank to the floor, flopping across it in a defeated pile.

Suddenly she bounced back up to her hooves. "No! No... Magic can solve this." She practically jumped from her room, slamming the door shut behind herself. "I'm going to figure this out." She stormed down the hallway to the stairs and ascended the tower.

Twilight kept the time spells far from the outside world. Far, but Starlight knew where they were. She laughed to herself as she ascended the stairs. She would know exactly where they were. They were how they had... become mentor and pupil. Starlight crested the last step, eyes on the heavy doors that led to Twilight's 'forbidden' section.

She wasn't allowed in there.

It was for a good cause... Starlight stepped closer. "Not like she locks anything." That mare was never very keen on security.

She reached out and pressed open the door, allowing the musty scent of old books to wash over her. It was the promise of power, and answers. She wanted both. "Now let's get to the bottom of this..." She trotted inside, her magic grabbing scrolls and books off the shelves as she walked, laying them out on the reading table. "Just a little magic and we'll see who exactly set me up."

"Starlight..."

She turned, entire body stiff. There was Twilight, standing in the doorway. The papers Starlight held in her magic fell to the ground, free of her suddenly limp magic. "I can explain!"

Twilight shook her had, eyes sad. "I have failed you, as a teacher... I'm sorry."

"No! No!" Starlight shook her head rapidly. "I was just going to--"

"--Stop Spike from seeing you." Twilight smiled crookedly, a tear escaping her eyes. "I wanted to believe you, Starlight... I... I have to ask you to leave."

Starlight stomped the floor. "No! I was going to find out the truth!"

Twilight waved a hoof around the room, gesturing at the books. "Nothing comes from these spells but trouble, you know that, especially while we're... upset. Look, Starlight... we both need some time, and space. Please leave." She pointed to the door leading out.

Starlight took a lone step, her eyes on Twilight. "You... don't believe me?"

"Come back in a few days, Starlight." Twilight pointed again. "For now, we all need some... time."

With a frustrated grunt, Starlight vanished from sight in a flash of magic.

Twilight shook her head slowly. "I just don't understand it."





Starlight emerged from the tower, tears stinging fiercely as she descended the steps. So, she was homeless. It wasn't the first time. So she had no friends. She'd been there before too!

Was she without friends? She suddenly smiled. There was one other pony that accepted her just as she was. There was a pony that would never turn against her. She looked around quickly before spotting her target down the hill and parked out of town.

She accelerated towards it, a smile forming. "Trixie won't be angry at me." In fact, the way she saw it, it was more likely she'd be annoyed at Trixie. Trixie was good at getting on her nerves, but she was a friend, and Starlight wanted one of those right then, and she knew where to find her.

Walking wasn't fast enough. She raised her head high and magic whisked her away, teleporting to be directly in front of Trixie's wagon. There was a friend that knew what it was like to be an outcast.
> 6 - Great and Powerful Assistance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight trotted up the stairs with a heavy sigh. "What has gotten into everyone?" She froze as she looked to the right and saw a door hanging open that should never be hanging open. "The hay?" She trotted over to it and peered into the room of forbidden spells. There was a mess inside. "Oh no..."

Her horn glowed with magic, quickly setting things straight and organizing. None of the books were missing, a fact that made her release the breath she didn't notice she was holding. "Starlight? Who else... would be in here?" She sat down, tapping her chin. "But why? Maybe she really did take those gems for... something."

A smile split her face suddenly. "Maybe she's doing something for somepony and it has to be a surprise! Of course, just a misunderstanding." She closed the heavy doors firmly. "I hope... That doesn't excuse her lies, but if it's to keep a surprise party under wrap... I suppose I could forgive that."

An idea came to her as she nodded. "I'll check with Pinkie, she'd know if that was the problem." She began moving, only to stop just a few steps away. "Wait, what if the party is for me? Pinkie would never tell me. Starlight wouldn't ask me to come here, and may not ask before taking those gems, since anything Spike knew, I could find out." She frowned a little. "I'm... actually kinda hoping that is what's going on. Still..." Twilight let out a nervous little laugh. "Still, here I am, talking to myself."

She shook her head and proceeding back to business, keeping her words on the inside.





Starlight banged on the door of the wagon. "Trixie? Please tell me you're home."

"Mmm?" The top half of the door swung outwards, revealing Trixie. "She was not expecting company, but that doesn't stop me from being happy to see you, Starlight. Wo--"

Her words were cut off as Starlight undid the door by the knob with her magic, darted in, pushing her back, and quickly had the door closed behind her, sealing them both in the cramped wagon that was not really made for two ponies when it wasn't unfolded. "Trixie!"

"S-Starlight?" Trixie's hindhoof came down on something round and she flopped backwards onto her haunches, bumping her head on a shelf. "Ow, what's wrong? Is something chasing you?" Her eyes darted around. "Is it dangerous?"

Starlight answered with a sudden hug, squeezing Trixie as she sobbed into her furry neck.

Trixie's ears perked straight up before slowly dropping to the sides. "What's... wrong?" Her bravado was popped, seeing her friend in such an emotional state. "Tell me..."

"Everything today has been awful," wailed Starlight. "Please tell me you're not mad at me..."

"If Trixie were upset at you--" Her eyes half lidded and a playful smirk spread on her face. "You would know it. And then we would laugh and get over it. We are friends, Starlight. One little fight is not enough to scare me away. Besides, you haven't done anything bad to me... right?" She hiked a brow. "Am I going to find something when I step outside?"

Starlight pushed against Trixie, knocking her over and falling across her, clinging desperately to her with all four hooves. "I hope not, but I can't say for sure. Wherever I go, trouble just keeps following me! Please please please, whatever happens, don't get mad at me, alright?"

Trixie reached around Starlight and gently stroked through her mane in slow motions. "I promise. I will get even, not mad, then the laughing and getting over it thing, hmm. Now tell me what's going on."

And so Starlight did just that, sniffling and clutching as she went over the day. "Maud hates me, and some random ponies think I broke their wagon, and Twilight kicked me out!" Her tears were unending, eyes red and cries pathetic. "Some strange pony wanted me to 'lead' him and then there was a huge mess in the market, so everypony else hates me."

Trixie rocked slowly, trying to comfort her grief-ridden friend. "Who need Twilight anyway? So she kicked you out, she said she 'forgave' me, fat lot that did in the end. We don't need her. We can take on the world, together!" She wasn't sure how many of her words were reaching Starlight, crying as loudly as she was. "Are you listening to me? I am trying to comfort you."

Starlight's lips curled into a weak smile, her tears going silent save for a little sniffle. "T-thank you... The way... The way you said that, sounds like we're going to be super villains."

Trixie rolled her eyes. "If it gave me a chance to be Great and Powerful and with my bestie, I'll consider it." She pushed Starlight gently as she wriggled back up to her haunches. "Now, are you feeling better?"

Starlight grabbed one of Trixie's many cloth rags and blew into it with a powerful trumpet. "Yes... A little." She stood up in the cramped room. "It's just... nice that at least one person hasn't decided to hate me."

Trixie rolled a hoof. "I know how that goes. You take over one little town and suddenly everypony's sure they 'know' you." She rolled her eyes to match. "They don't know me." Her gaze returned to Starlight. "Well, you might know me. Now... how can Trixie brighten your day?"

Starlight shook her head quickly. "You're already doing so much, really... Thank you." She turned for the door and managed to bump into both Trixie and the same shelf Trixie had collided with. "This really is a one pony kind of space, isn't it?"

Trixie smirked softly. "I was not the one that invited you in. If you plan on staying with me, we'll be a lot closer than usual." She tapped at her chin with sudden thoughtfulness. "Not that I mind that entirely, but I will kick you out while I'm waking up. No hard feelings?"

Starlight snorted softly in laughter. "Deal... Alright... I... need to see if I can fix... some of this."

Trixie raised a brow at her friend. "That rarely worked out well for me. Are you sure you want to go charging back out there?" She pointed past Starlight to the wider world.

"I have to..." She sighed as her magic opened the door. With fearful peeks, she poked her head out and glanced left and right. "No angry mobs, I think we--Oh!" She backed up right into Trixie as a new pony waved from the ground.

"Hello," greeted Saffron. "I thought I heard your voice in there. Starlight, are you alright?"

Trixie pushed at Starlight, trying to make some room. "She is fine, but who are you? Have you come to see the Great and Powerful Trixie? Because she is not performing today."

Starlight flopped forward with the force of Trixie's shove, almost falling from the wagon. "Saffron! I didn't... expect you." She put a hoof behind her head. "Things are fine, really!"

Saffron narrowed her eyes at Starlight. "You can't lie to me that easily, dear. You look like you've been crying for hours."

"Is it that bad?"

Trixie nudged Starlight the rest of the way to flop to the ground. "Yes, it is. Hello, whoever you are. Are you mad at Starlight?"

Saffron shook her head. "Oh no. Starlight is a bosom buddy. Isn't that right, dear?"

Starlight sat up from the grassy ground she had flopped in. "Yeah! I mean, I hope? Today's been strange... Trixie, this is Saffron Diamond. Saffron, this is Trixie Lulamoon."

Trixie waved from the safety of her wagon, one hoof wagging left and right while she made no move to join them.

Saffron returned the gesture with a smile. "I trust you've heard the poor dear's report."

Starlight frowned a little. "It's only gotten worse since then! I've been kicked out!"

Saffron assumed a mask of false surprise. "What?! How could she? Whatever did you do to her?"

Trixie cocked a brow, but said nothing.

"She... mighty caught me in the forbidden spells area of her castle..." Starlight clip-clopped her hooves together with a nervous smile. "I was trying to fix things, honest. I swear!"

Saffron pointed the way, not towards town, but away from it. "You can stay with me. I have plenty of room for a dear friend down on her luck."

Trixie gave an audible growl. "She's already staying here, with me."

Saffron leaned to the side. "No offense, dear, but your wagon looks a little small for two ponies at once."

Trixie's face pinkened. "It's exactly large enough for two besties!"

Starlight moved between the two. "Stop! Stop, please... I don't need my friends fighting right now. Trixie, I deeply appreciate your offer, but if Saffron can put me up without me crowding her, I'll take that and let you keep your space. It's not right that I push you up against the walls." She pointed where Saffron had gestured to. "Let's go." She began trotting, not listening for a reply.

Saffron stuck out her tongue as Trixie and turned to follow, but before she could start to walk, Trixie has surged the distance and was in the way.

"Trixie is no stranger to an act." Trixie leaned in closer to Saffron. "I don't know what you're up to, but if you hurt Starlight, Trixie promises you a very special performance you won't forget." Her expression suddenly brightened to a big smile. "On the other hoof, if I'm jumping at nothing, have a great time."

Saffron smiled disarmingly. "Whatever do you mean, dear? We're just going to have a little sleepover. I'm sure this whole fuss will blow over by tomorrow." She trotted around Trixie and hurried to catch up with Starlight.

Trixie watched the two walk down the path away from her cart, soon out of sight. "Hmmph, and I was looking forward to a little company..." She turned back to her wagon. "Who was that pony? I don't remember seeing her before..." She had seen a great number of ponies in her time in different places. That one didn't strike as familiar.

Of course, that worked both ways. She had seen so many ponies, it wasn't that odd to think she just didn't remember them. Whoever they were... "You better not hurt Starlight," she growled as she hopped back into her wagon and closed the bottom half of the door. "Trixie has her eyes on you." With that, she closed the top half of the door, ensuring that her eyes were nowhere near the action.
> 7 - I Have You Now
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saffron smiled with Starlight behind her. "I hope you don't mind my place. I... wanted to be closer to my element."

Starlight raised a brow at that. "Element?"

Saffron gave a toss of her head as if indicating. "My cutie mark, you know, gems and shiny rocks, dear. So I decided, why not, and set up shop underground."

Starlight seemed to relax at that. "That'd make you the second friend of mine that's gone underground. Is this a new trend I'm missing out on?" she jested with a timid smile. "No offense or anything, promise."

Saffron snorted softly as she trotted along. The road had long since ended, leaving them trotting out across the grass. Even it was starting to become sparse as they approached the rocky outcrop that was her home. "Dear, no offense, but you live in a huge rock. You beat me to the punch."

Starlight looked off sharply to Twilight's towering castle. "I... didn't think of it like that, huh..." She hastened to catch up with Saffron, her eyes swiveling onto the dark mouth of the cave. "So, your place, huh? It looks less cramped than the wagon."

Saffron descended into the cave, the acoustics giving a slight echo to their clip-clops. She had her. Starlight was in... gentle... hooves, to dismantle as she pleased. She couldn't help a little chuckle that escaped from her depths. "So, here we are!" She waved at the spacious cavern interior. "Pick any spot you like."

Starlight's horn began to glow, shedding some needed light over the dark-grey stone. "I... No beds?" She smiled awkwardly. "I suppose I'm in no position to be complaining, so, um, forget that. Thank you." She looked for a spot relatively free of jutting rocks and settled down onto it. "How long have you lived here?"

"Not too long... Someone chased me out of my old cave. It was much nicer."

Starlight put a hoof to her mouth. "What? Who would do something like that?"

Someone like you, silently thought Saffron even as she smiled. "She'll get her comeuppance. I'm not too worried."

Starlight looked around the cave slowly, scanning over the ceiling as she rolled over in place. "Reminds me of the time I had to live in a cave for a little while..."

"Were you camping, dear?" Saffron smirked, imagining the whimsical tale of fun that was attached.

"I wish." Starlight waved a forehoof in the air. "It was just after Twilight destroyed me, kicked over my sand castle. All I knew was... fury. I was determined. I was going to get revenge, but those first few days, I sulked and steamed." She lowered the same hoof to tap on the ground. "It wasn't my highest point..."

Saffron perked an ear. Even she could see some analogues. "How terrible, dear. To be cast from your comfy bed to hard stone."

Starlight suddenly sighed explosively. "And it happened again!" She curled in place miserably. "At least... this time I have a friend." A little smile formed on her face. "That really does make a difference."

Saffron sat down beside Starlight's head, tempted as she was to set a hoof down just a bit to the right and take care of things directly and permanently. "You're still outcast. How much does a friend help in the end, dear?"

Starlight grunted before she rolled up onto her haunches. "That's temporary. One way or the other, I'll... work past that. Not being alone... I was a fool for thinking I could take on the whole world on my own. There are ponies that care about me, like Trixie, and you. You'll help me bounce back, and I'll be stronger for it." A cautious smile formed. "Right?"

Saffron waved the thought away. "Romantic... but who would care about a villian?"

Though she had been referring to herself, Starlight took it quite personally, flinching as if stabbed. "I... Yeah... I mean, I deal with that... Ponies are just waiting for me to relapse... and sometimes I even do, and I just don't understand. I'm not trying to be bad... I just don't understand them sometimes." She reached out a hoof towards Saffron, hovering there in the air. "But that's what friends are for. True friends don't give up on friends."

Saffron smirked softly in thought. "What if a bad pony enjoyed being bad?"

Starlight drew her hoof back in surprise. "What? I mean... I'm not like that. I don't want to enslave Equestria anymore. I had my 'fun'. Besides, I can do a lot more on the good side, I think." Her eyes widened slightly. "Is this about Chrysalis? I hope not... Is that... I don't... I don't think so... I hurt her." She sank to her belly. "I took away her family and her home. Sure, I tried to offer a hoof at the end, but she was still reeling from that loss... of course she didn't accept."

"I'm glad you understand." Saffron nodded softly. "That would have been strange of her."

Starlight let out a bitter laugh, squirming atop her rough stone bed. "Twilight has managed it before... I'm guessing that's how she got the friendship princess title. Hay, she did it to me, remember? She reached out right when I was winning. She gave me that hoof."

Saffron rolled a hoof. "See, there's your mistake. Twilight offered the hoof when you were at a height. You offered a hoof when they were at their lowest."

Starlight slumped, eyes glistening. "Wow... you're... right. I never looked at it that way." She flopped bonelessly to the floor, head bumping against a protrusion. She gave it a nasty glare before she settled. "I suppose I have to wait until she's had her revenge then. Not like I don't deserve it..."

Saffron arched a brow. "You do?"

"I've done plenty of bad things, sure." She wobbled a hoof. "Stole years from pony's lives, acting out my power fantasy. I brainwashed my newer friends, trying to shortcut through friendship lessons. Now tell me that isn't hilariously demented, now that I think back on it."

Saffron's other brow rose to meet its peer. "You mind controlled Twilight and her friends?" Her voice was incredulous where it didn't lace with barely hidden laughter.

"Not Twilight, just her friends, yeah." Starlight smiled awkwardly. "It was the stupidest thing, looking back on it. I mean... I guess that's kind of... my problem. I act first, consider the consequences later."

"Quite the troublemaker, aren't you dear?" Saffron leaned forward. "You should have thought about the consequences before tossing a queen out of her own hive."

Starlight perked an ear at Saffron. "Huh? I mean, no. I literally didn't even know better. We were doing what we could, to save all our friends." She choked out a laugh as she rose up and paced about the room, hooves clopping against stone. "I didn't know Thorax would do that." She spotted the wince across Saffron's face. "Huh, do you know him?"

Saffron masked her disgust as quickly as she could. "I've heard of him! I mean, who hasn't? It's just... Weren't the changelings cooler before they went all rainbow riot?" She rolled a hoof. "All sleek and black, and dangerous glowing eyes that would bore into your soul."

Starlight turned to Saffron, smiling a little. "Oh wow, you're... reminding me of myself, back in the day. I used to think that look was so... right. Dark, brooding, and dangerous; I thought I was all of those things." She shook her head a little. "I'm... Oh, look at me, making little of... Nevermind. If you like the look, you do you. There's nothing wrong with that, really." She smiled awkwardly at one of her few remaining friends. "Besides, I like to think I did look... cool."

Saffron waved a jewel-clad hoof at her friend, her smile reflecting some of the light of Starlight's glowing horn. "Think nothing of it. Do I look like I'm doing that look?"

Starlight eyed her bejeweled companion. "I suppose not... but you could, if you wanted. If you want to, we really should." She approached Saffron with a growing smile. "Let's go clothes shopping, try it out. I bet Rarity would be tickled with a pony wanting to try a new look, and I'll help, promise."

Saffron blinked at her friend. "Are you saying you'd like me even if I was dark and dangerous?"

"And brooding," added Starlight with a goofy grin. "Yes, yes I would. That's what friends are for. You could totally work it into your jeweled angle. Glittering diamonds only stand out more against the dark, right? I'm serious, if you want to try it out, let's do it."

Saffron shook her head. "We're getting off-topic, dear. I meant more like sleek and dangerous predators." She rolled a hoof in the air. "They struck fear at the sight of them, now..."

"Now they're a little lost." Starlight nodded softly. "But they're finding themselves, I think. It's a change, but it's not the end by far. I'm not that worried about them..." She let out her breath slowly as she sat down beside Saffron. "They'll manage. I more wonder about their old queen."

"Old?!" blurted Saffron without thinking, coloring quickly at her mistake.

"You know, the one before their new one?" She suddenly laughed. "That came out wrong, Thorax isn't a queen. Um, nevermind that." She frowned a little. "Though I suppose he could be one if he wanted to be. That has to be weird, being a changeling. Just, poof, be whatever you want to be at the moment." She clopped her forehooves together. "Makes me wonder..."

Saffron waved it all away. "I imagine it's like being an apex predator, using your tools to take down unwitting prey. Just when they think they're safe, you pounce on them." She suddenly jumped, literally pouncing on Starlight. "Then you have them!"

Starlight burst into merry laughter as she squirmed under Saffron. "Oh no, I've been caught!" She hoofed at Saffron gently, fixing her a piteous look. "Have mercy on me. I'll make it worth your while, mighty predator."

Saffron got her stance over Starlight more steady, feeling the rush of having captured her prey. She had Starlight. She could do whatever she wanted. "I should think not, my wily little victim. It's time for your comeuppance..."

Starlight's mock-struggle slowed. "What?"

Saffron shook her head. "I was just roleplaying." She poked Starlight in the chest, still over her. "What would you do, if some changeling caught you?"

Starlight smiled up at Saffron. "I would... try to be a good pony, which means offering them the chance to be good too, even if it hurts to do."

Saffron frowned. Starlight was sounding too... "That's awfully self-righteous of you, dear. It doesn't suit you."

Starlight blinked at that. "Huh?" She tried to sit up, but Saffron was holding her down quite well. "What do you think I should do then?"

Saffron put a hoof under Starlight's chin, forcing her captive to meet her gaze. "You, the mighty Starlight? You either fight, or, perhaps, if you're feeling that miserable, you just roll over and offer your neck. At least then it'd be fast." Not that she had any intention of giving a fast release...

Starlight shivered softly. "You are too good at this, you're making me nervous." With a sudden pop, Starlight ceased to be under Saffron and appeared just a few feet away, standing and facing her. "The only changeling left, that I know of, is Queen Chrysalis, and if she needed to get a few licks in on me, fine... But I won't fail again..." She sat on her haunches, smiling timidly. "I really think there's something there. We just have to put this behind us and, you know, find it."

Saffron's gaze rose to Starlight's horn. She would need to handle that, or act so quickly there was no chance for magic. Hm. Perhaps it was not the right time to make the final attack. Besides, she was enjoying tormenting her prey.
> 8 - Self-Reflection
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Starlight had succumbed to fatigue and was quietly snoring on the floor. Saffron smiled down at her, not as a caring friend, but a malicious predator, or so she assured herself. Starlight looked so vulnerable, tired, and... Saffron shook her head free of the nagging thoughts and stalked away, leaving Starlight behind.

Once she had some distance and a few turns between them, she let out a sigh as she expanded into her proper self in a fan of flames. "Oh, look at me," she spoke to no one. "I just want to be a good little pony." She sat down with an angry huff and pulled out a glowing rock. "It's past time I checked in."

Her magnificent horn glowed with power as she waved a hoof over the stone that began to glow in dark sympathy. A bubble of green magic appeared over it, displaying a cave, a different cave. "Report," she commanded, but there was no reply.

Chrysalis frowned, tapping the stone, not that the action could do much on its own. "Report!"

An alien face suddenly filled the viewport, bright cyans and red clashing terribly as it peered through it at her.

Chrysalis reared back in surprise, but that went quickly. It was one of her corrupted children! "You, report!"

The colorful changeling tilted his head at her. "What if I don't want to?" he asked, as if that question was ever a valid one for a changeling to ask of their queen.

Chrysalis clenched her jaws with building fury. "Where are the loyal changelings that should be there?"

The colorful one lifted his shoulders. "Maybe they got tired of waiting for you. Thorax is nicer anyway. Did you know we're allowed to visit pony towns now?"

She hissed, a low and rolling noise from deep within her. "Isn't that... lovely?"

"They're really nice!" assured the corrupt changeling. "And we're not hungry anymore. You really should try it. It's not nearly as hard as it looks. All you have to do is--"

Chrysalis put her hoof over the viewport. "Not interested."

The corrupt changeling peeked around the hoof. "Just love someone, instead of hoping they love you. It's simple!"

With an angry kick, the sending stone was sent to bounce off a wall so hard it split in half. The image faded. Her children were gone, all converted to Thorax's side. She was queen of... nothing. She sank down, defeated, furious.

"Chrysalis?"

She bounced up with such force that she could come down facing a wide-eyed Starlight.

"I..." She started to offer a hoof, but it hesitated and came back. "I messed this up, again..."

"You have taken everything from me," boomed Chrysalis, approaching Starlight with a furious expression, her tongue running over her lips. "It is time. Prepare to be revenged so hard your parents will feel it."

Starlight smiled awkwardly at Chrysalis. "Diamonds really do look best against the dark."

Chrysalis staggered to a stop, stunned. Her eyes dropped to where her, very real, bracelet dangled on her leg, glittering against her carapace. She hadn't been found out by any luck on Starlight's part. It was entirely her own fault. She had messed up, again.

"And now you intend to 'reform' me?" She rose up to her full height, towering over Starlight easily.

Starlight tilted her head a little. "If that's a fancy way of saying I'm... ready to try being friends, again, sure." She smiled awkwardly. "Do you... actually like kites, or were you just making that up?"

Chrysalis snorted with disgust. "A waste of time."

Starlight huffed, but the awkward smile remained. "I had a feeling. So... what do you like to do? I mean, besides rule over masses of changelings."

Chrysalis' horn glowed an angry green, but the magic beam that shot out of it was turned aside by Starlight in a quick shielding spell, shattering spikes of stone, but no pony bones. "At my full power, that would have removed something important."

Starlight nodded slowly. "So, you like magic? I love magic..."

Chrysalis stomped a hoof, the sound of it echoing in the cave along with the sound of a spike falling elsewhere, shattering on the ground. "I will not be your validation tool! You aren't as good as Twilight."

"Nope." Starlight circled around Chrysalis a little. "Never will be. I'm just Starlight. You're... Chrysalis. Nice to meet you. You got me good." When Chrysalis raised a brow, she continued, "All of this, your revenge. You really got me. I was a broke mare."

Chrysalis smiled at that. "Of course, as if I would fail at such a thing. Your friends have turned against you, shown their true colors. They were all too eager to cast you out." Her smile faded abruptly into her usual scowl. "How long did you know?"

Starlight nervously laughed, shuffling on her hooves. "I feel... incredibly stupid right about now, but... I didn't know?"

Chrysalis raised a brow at her enemy. "Are you lying?"

"Nope." Starlight shrugged. "Well... whatever. We've both been sent to caves now, one of us twice. You want at least one faithful subject?"

Chrysalis' ears shot up. "What are you implying?!"

Starlight offered a hoof. "I may not have holes, but I promise to listen, and support you, like a good subject, or, you know, friend, but who likes that icky word anyway? I'm not asking you to go all colorful or whatever. You do you."

With a great roar of fire, Chrysalis tripled in size, barely fitting in the cave. She brought down a mighty hoof just short of Starlight's nose. "I could crush you where you stand!"

"You could, but why would you do that to your subject?" Starlight smiled hopefully, her tail giving a little wag. "Now, I suggest we go and get you some proper clothing."

Chrysalis deflated with all the noise of flatulence, a balloon whose air was released. "Clothing?"

Starlight rolled a hoof. "Well, I know who you are, but nopony else does, so let's get your pony form looking more like you you, instead of that fake socialite you. That isn't you. You don't need to fake it."

"You're not even joking, are you?" Chrysalis shook her head slowly. "You are beyond mad."

"Certifiably nuts," agreed Starlight. "Let's go, my queen." She moved to trot right around Chrysalis, moving for the exit.

Chrysalis became Saffron, flames rushing even as she raced around to get in front of Starlight. "Stop! No! What do you think you're doing?"

"Submitting?" offered Starlight with a raised brow. "Is this not what you want?"

"I... Yes?"

"Then you win." Starlight nodded lightly. "You beat me, I'm giving up." She kept her tone even and soft, even smiling a little at her would-be friend and current tormentor.

Chrysalis waved a hoof angrily, the jewels jangling from the motion. "And how long until you get revenge on me in kind?"

"Nope." Starlight shook her head. "I deserved that. No revenge. Let's go to Rarities, make your outsides look a bit closer to your insides." She smiled a little. "Besides, I think you're right."

"About what?" demanded Chrysalis, her mane frizzing and right ear twitching.

"You cut an imposing form, all black and dangerous." Starlight rolled a hoof slowly. "It suits you."

A blush crept onto Chrysalis' cheeks without asking or desire. "You're lying."

"Am not." She made a shooing gesture with her hooves, sitting up on her haunches. "Go on, turn back."

With a blast of heat, Chrysalis was back, her long tongue lolling and her fangs displayed, making a fierce look at her would-be prey.

Starlight did not look scared. "It really is a good look for you. I couldn't pull it off." She ran a hoof through her mane. "I'm a soft pony, and that's my thing. You're, well, you, and that isn't a bad thing."

"It's a terrible thing!" argued Chrysalis. "I mean, it should be, for you, or anyone else."

Starlight moved to walk around Chrysalis at a normal pace. "I'm not afraid of my queen, long may she reign."

Chrysalis turned with Starlight as she went around. "Who said I'm your queen?"

"Would you prefer you not be?" Starlight quirked an ear up at Chrysalis. "Come on. Let's get some nice things, my treat."

Chrysalis was without words. She followed after Starlight, becoming a pony as they approached the exit of the cave. Together, they emerged into the light.

"Now I have you!" cried Trixie. Fireworks exploded in a brilliant display even as she grabbed for Starlight and pulled her to safety, or tried to.

Starlight grabbed Trixie in kind and threw all three of them clear of the pyrotechnic display in a great heave of magic. The cave collapsed, rocks sliding down into the mouth and sealing it in a Great and Powerful demonstration of a lack of fireworks safety protocols.

Saffron peered at the rockslide that could have crushed her, then at the two ponies, one of whom was responsible. "What in Equestria possessed you to do that?"

Trixie sat up, rubbing behind her head with a hoof. "Trixie was defending her friend from an evil shapeshifter?"

Starlight put a hoof around Saffron. "This evil shapeshifter is my friend, and I expect you, Trixie, to understand what it's like to be known for doing bad things."

Trixie blanched, putting her hooves on her own chest. "Me?! She was still in the middle of doing bad things! You do not get to tell Trixie she is being bad for calling someone bad while they are doing bad things!"

Saffron raised a brow at Trixie. "What's the worst thing you've ever done?"

Trixie made a little wave as if brushing the matter side. "Oh, nothing big... I just took over Ponyville, threw out Twilight, and enslaved the ponies here." A little giggle escaped her. "Shoulda seen the look on Twilight's face." She cleared her throat. "I mean, I was a very bad pony and I won't do that again."

Starlight shrugged as she tossed her head in a flick towards Trixie. "I collect bad girls. It's a hobby, I guess. And I love them so very much."

Trixie threw a leg over Starlight, squeezing her. "What are f... wait, are you already forgiving her?" She pointed accusingly at Saffron. "She just ruined your week!"

Saffron gestured at Trixie. "Loathe as I am to agree with her, she has a point."

Starlight shook her head. "Don't care. I messed up before. I brought this on myself. If I can be forgiven, I'd be a real back end if I didn't offer the same. Saffron, want to hang out? I want nothing more than that. If you get bored, you can go. I'm not holding you here. I'm not reforming you."

Trixie released Starlight, moving over to Saffron's side. "Don't listen to her," she whispered. "She reforms me every day, or tries. Trixie is good at resisting. As if she wants to be a goody good pony. She prefers having fun."

Saffron snorted softly. "Blue pony, you have no idea who you're sitting next to."

"A changeling?" offered Trixie in a guess. "I'm pretty confident on that."

"We'll go with that." Saffron shook her head slowly. "So, what do 'bad ponies' do for fun?"

Trixie smiled brightly. "Well, it's different for each naughty mare. Trixie loves her magic." She pointed over to Starlight. "She's good at teaching it. I learned how to teleport things from her."

"You teleported Twilight's magic map!" blurted out Starlight in a huff. "You had me searching all of Ponyville for that blasted thing..."

Saffron chuckled darkly. "That does sound... amusing."

Trixie threw an arm over Saffron's withers. "Well, if you are joining our little social circle, then be welcomed by the Great and Powerful Trixie! Even if she still thinks you were the fastest convert to date. Do you two have past history I don't know about?"

Starlight snorted softly. "We'll go with that," she echoed from Saffron's past words. "Come on. It's time we left that cave behind."
> 9 - Just Mares
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saffron walked alongside the two ponies that claimed to be willing to accept her for what she was. It didn't make all that much sense to her. How did ponies even survive? How long before they woke up and tried to exact revenge? She had to test their loyalty... "So..."

They both looked towards her. Trixie flashed a bright smile. "You want to do something interesting?"

Saffron quirked an ear. "Well, that would be... interesting, but there remains a problem, dear. Afterall, what is a queen without subjects? Will you truly support me when, not if, I move to strike down that Thorax clod and take it all back?"

Starlight coughed into a hoof. "Let's put that off for the moment. Besides, you don't need them. They're the ones without you, not the other way around. You're awesome all by yourself."

Trixie huffed softly. "Minions are nothing but trouble, let me tell you. The first time I came to Ponyville, I had everything under control, until two sycophants just come along and ruin everything. They were trying to help me, pfft, as if they could. End result: My precious house, smashed, the town, rejoicing in my despair." She rolled a hoof as she told the story of her first time being chased out of Ponyville. "Then they got surprised when I came back for a little... comeuppance."

Saffron nudged Trixie softly. "Then you do understand. A little comeuppance, dear; that's what's called for, at the least. Preferably vicious..."

Starlight nervously laughed alongside her two morally questionable friends. "Let's not get too carried away. A little joke, perhaps? Something to remind him, but we shouldn't be aiming to destroy the new changeling way. They're growing."

"Growing weak, am I right?" Saffron held out a hoof.

Trixie met it with a loud clop, laughing. "I like her. Starlight, you shoulda introduced me ages ago. Why were you keeping a naughty mare away from me?" She regarded her new friend. "They're not all bad. They beat up this big monster... thing, Trixie saw it."

Saffron arched a brow. "Oh? They haven't completely forgotten how to battle? That's nice for them, not that I care." She brushed a hoof along her chest, her eyes wandering over the buildings they started to pass as they entered Ponyville proper. "You may have a point. They were holding me back. Maybe I've spent too long babying them. They should be sad to not have me around."

Starlight detected an opportunity and broke into a smile. "Exactly! You're super amazing just the way you are. And now, you can focus on being the best 'you'. You're not responsible for other people anymore."

"Hiya!" Pinkie sprouted from behind a rock like an especially rapid sprout. "Ooo, do I detect a new friendship circle? Can I join?" She bounced in place eagerly. "Can I Can I?"

Trixie looked Pinkie up and down. "You can... prepare a party to celebrate the induction of Saffron to our circle. Invite no one."

Pinkie looked excited at the first part, before the expression broke at the later part. "Wait, huh? Why?"

Trixie gestured to Starlight, then Saffron. "All the important ponies are already here."

Saffron grinned in solidarity with Trixie's words. "We suppose you could come, since you're providing the snacks."

Pinkie's grin returned. "Alrighty! I'm on the case." She vanished, leaving a pink outline that faded into smoke.

Saffron glanced aside at Trixie. "We're leaving, aren't we?"

"As if you had to ask." Trixie laughed as she continued ahead. "As if we need her silly party."

Starlight grimaced, teeth clenched as the two marched on. She hurried to catch up with them. "Wait! Pinkie's a nice pony. Why be mean to her?"

Trixie waved the objection away. "She's also very good at annoying people. She'll find us when she's ready, but I see no reason not to make it at least a little challenging in the meanwhile."

Saffron nodded in easy agreement. "Make her work for the privilege of hosting our party. Besides, I remember her... She was quite... violent."

"Starlight!" Twilight was descending on them with wide wings, divebombing towards them. "I'm so glad I found you!"

Starlight backed up a step to avoid being crashed into. "Twilight?"

Twilight hit the ground easily and trotted to close the distance to Starlight. "I figured out what was happening!"

Starlight tensed and Saffron raised a brow behind Twilight.

"It must have been a rogue changeling. It's the only reasonable explanation. I'm so sorry for my lapse of faith in you." She dipped her front towards the ground. "Forgive me?"

Starlight grabbed for Twilight, forcing her back upright. "That's enough of that! All forgiven! Yay! Did you tell Spike?"

Twilight rolled a hoof. "Just one thing. Was it you or them that was in the forbidden part of the library?"

Starlight went rigid.

Twilight tapped Starlight on the shoulder. "I thought as much. There are no answers in there that don't bring twice as many problems and you know it, Starlight. I'm sorry that I drove you to even considering anything in there. Please tell me you didn't cast any of those spells."

Starlight shook her head rapidly, then cleared her throat. "So!... Rogue changelings..." She could see Saffron glaring at her from behind Twilight, ready to be betrayed. "If I did find one, but they were actually pretty nice, would you forgive them, in the name of friendship?"

Twilight raised a hoof as if ready to speak, but nothing came out. The hoof lowered to the ground and began to tap as she frowned with heavy thought. "Well... last time that happened, we ended up with a new friend that I now cherish. I suppose... if you can forgive them for the trouble they caused you, I can too. Ultimately, they made your life a lot harder than mine, so I'd just look like a jerk if I was the one holding a grudge."

With a rush of green flames, Saffron grew large and black, her gleaming insectoid hide revealed for all to see and admire. Chrysalis was revealed, laughing in a wild cackle. Even as Twilight spun around and backed away fearfully, Chrysalis stepped forward at an easy pace. "Oh, how delightful. You both heard her. I am forgiven."

Twilight's ears pinned against her head. "W-what?! Chrysalis?!"

Trixie nudged Chrysalis with a less enthused expression. "You made her say it, but she won't mean it."

Chrysalis looked towards Trixie with a raised brow. "Hmm? Is she not a pony of her word?"

Trixie rolled a hoof. "She may be, and usually is, but she can keep a grudge." She pointed at Twilight. "She still hopes Starlight will get tired of Trixie, which she never will, because we are besties."

Twilight's ears turned back around, facing Trixie as she stood tall. "What?! I am perfectly capable of forgiving ponies for past mistakes."

Chrysalis grinned at Twilight, fangs displayed. "Then it is little matter to declare my past 'crimes' null and void."

"I could do it with a snap." She clopped her hooves together.

"Then it is done." Chrysalis nodded towards Twilight before turning to Starlight. "Perhaps you were right. All I had to do was ask."

Starlight laughed nervously, unsure if things were going well, or amazingly poorly. She glanced towards Twilight, who looked much the same as she felt. "Well! Congratulations, Chrysalis. I know I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. Welcome to Ponyville."

"Welcome to Ponyville!" echoed Pinkie, airdropping from the sky, a parachute fluttering in its effort to keep her adrift as she descended towards them. In her arms, balanced on her hooves, was a large cake. "It's party time!"

Twilight watched as her party friend landed with her cake. "Did... you know she was Chrysalis?"

Pinkie shrugged. "It wasn't obvious? I thought it was obvious."

Chrysalis poked Pinkie right in the chest. "Then why did you not reveal me?"

"What's the fun in that?" Pinkie shrugged softly. "It's always fun when you show up. I mean, sometimes creepy, but never boring." She pulled her cannon out of nowhere. "Now let's get ready to party!"

Twilight staggered to Starlight's side. "Please tell me I'm not the only pony that feels entirely out of control."

Starlight raised a hoof. "Count me in on that... Still... happy ending?"

"Happy ending," echoed Twilight without conviction. "How am I going to explain this to Princess Celestia? Or Thorax?!"

Starlight watched other ponies begin to emerge, drawn by the great boom of Pinkie's cannon and the many party favors and decorations it left behind in its wake. "Well... Didn't Thorax go through this? Just tell him it's time for him to pay it forward. We looked past his... issues, and we found a friend. We can at least try with Chrysalis, right?"

Chrysalis looked down at the big eyes and small body of a pony foal. It was one she knew. "We meet again, little... Apple Blossom?"

"Close," agreed Apple Bloom with a grin. "Huh, didn't think ah'd ever see you just... you know, standin' here like this."

Chrysalis cocked a brow at her. "Does it upset you?"

"Nah." Apple Bloom waved it away. "Pinkie wouldn't be throwin' no party if it was a bad thing. I always had a question though."

"Hmm?"

"What's it like, you know, havin' all those holes n' everythin' like that." Apple Bloom approached cautiously, reaching to examine one of Chrysalis' legs.

Chrysalis nudged her back easily with a snort. "What's it like not having all those holes?"

Apple Bloom shook her head quickly. "That's not a fair answer, the way I see it."

"Why not?"

"Yer a shapeshifter. You've had and not had holes, so you'd know the difference."

Chrysalis' face split in a slow and easy smile. "Clever little filly. Very well..."

Twilight watched the two converse. "This... could be going much worse, really."

Starlight nodded in agreement. "It was... something of a trip to get to this point, but we're here now, with a new friend." She suddenly clopped her forehead. "I have to go make up with Maud."

"About what?" asked a placid tone. Though she was not Pinkie Pie, she held all the power of being where she wanted to be, when she wanted to be. She was usually quiet about it, which only made it worse at times.

Starlight jumped with surprise, coming down facing Maud. "Maud!"

Maud nodded simply, as if answering a question.

"It's great to see you!" Starlight stepped forward cautiously. "Are you... mad at me?"

Maud tilted her head. "Why would I be? If you didn't want to mine, that's alright. I know it's not for everyone."

Starlight shook her head rapidly. "No! I'm sorry! There were changelings and things got confusing, but no, please, let's mine together, please?"

Maud's lips curled in the faint smile of overwhelming joy, at least as far as she could display such things. "Okay."

A new, male, voice chimed in, "Well I'm not happy yet."

Starlight turned to Spike. "I didn't eat them, I swear! Besides, how could I?"

Spike thrust a thumb at Chrysalis. "No, I got that. She did, and she owes me." He crossed his small arms with a petulant expression. "Where does she get off, eating a dragon's hoard?"

Twilight hiked a brow, glancing between Spike and Chrysalis. "I didn't even know they could do that, though I suppose there's nothing stopping them from getting the jaws of a dragon if they really wanted to..."

Trixie was starting a show, drawing some attention away from Chrysalis with her magic tricks, a reprieve that the changeling took advantage of, fading into the crowd and emerging from it in the form of a little pony, so she wouldn't be harassed. The ponies of Ponyville were friendly, perhaps overwhelmingly so. Their love was so delicious...

At least Trixie was looking out for her. Chrysalis smiled with her false face, feeling reinvigorated. Having a few friends could be helpful, especially when they understood her.