CHAPTER 4: DARKNESS

Chrysalis, you need to wake up.

The world was dark, just like the first time. In some form, Chrysalis knew she was only dreaming. She remained there, in the darkness, actually eager to see what awaited her. She remained silent, as if she knew the voice would return to her.

Chrysalis, you need to take up. The voice repeated itself.

Chrysalis questioned the voice curiously "Who're you?"

The mysterious voice just continued "Wake up Chrysalis!"

The darkness dispersed as Chrysalis was suddenly standing in a large hallway, the ambience around her sounded chaotic. Hoarse screams filled the air, pain and agony echoed, the hallway was practically destroyed with holes in the walls, fire was spreading rapidly throughout. Chrysalis barely had time to gather her thoughts before a changeling shook her, trying to get her to concentrate "We have to go now!" His voice was strange, high and raspy, like what you'd imagine a praying mantis to sound like.

Chrysalis didn't know what was going on, she simply nodded to him and they started running, she followed his lead. As they ran down the halls, many other changelings came to their aid. Chrysalis looked utterly confused, but still worried for her fellow creatures, as they bolted past them they screamed in honor "We'll protect you with our lives!" Chrysalis raised a brow Protect me? As they bolted past the obviously suicidal changelings who were charging in the opposite direction, further into the fire, further into the danger, Chryalis peered over at her escort "What're they doing?!"

Her escort continued to run, as if ignoring her question, he looked determine to ensure she'd get to safety.

Chrysalis glanced back, down the hall she could see a ominous darkness overtaking the changeling defenders, they screamed, writhing in pain, as their bodies slowly twisted, turning to ash in her sights. Chrysalis came to a sudden halt, she turned around, her body trembled, her heart sank, she was overwhelmed with confusion and grief. Why didn't they run? What am I to them? Their lives, gone, why, why didn't you just think about yourselves!? What is this!? I never wanted lives to be wasted because of me. Her eyes widened as she heard a peculiar sound from behind, she turned to look at it.

Behind her, her changeling escort was starting to rapidly rot away, decay before her very eyes. As his face and body began to crack like glass, he had a caring expression as he stared Chrysalis in the eyes. She looked back at him, shocked. The changeling muttered "To whatever end, it has been an honor, your highness."

Chrysalis screamed as she ran back to him "NO!" she yelled in desperation.

As she'd reached him, the world suddenly shattered, darkness consuming her as the voice sounded faint.

You are, our salvation.

Chrysalis gasped, as her eyes opened wide. She inhaled, as if struggling to breathe, and surprisingly, looming over her she saw the familiar face of Princess Celestia, who actually appeared somewhat worried for the changeling. "Chrysalis!" Celestia beckoned, shaking her softly.

She was back in her room, back in the beautiful city of Canterlot, sleeping on the bed fit for kings and queens. She leaned up, as she was still in a bit of shock from her nightmare. She looked around in disbelief, as if she couldn't grasp that it'd all just been a dream, it all felt so real to her. She turned to look up at Celestia who was right next to her, on the bed, actually even holding her somewhat as if comforting the little changeling. Chrysalis embraced the Princess, who just gave her a warm affectionate smile, as Chrysalis cried while holding onto her tightly. Celestia muttered "There there, it's alright."

Chrysalis just held on tight, continuing to cry as she remained close to Celestia, for the time being.

As Chrysalis and Celestia were making their way throughout the castle, Chrysalis couldn't help but notice that the castle seemed empty. Where were all the guards, and more importantly, where was Princess Luna? As they trotted Chrysalis had many questions, but not all of them related to the princesses of course. She also felt highly conflicted, conflicted with what was right, conflicted with how she felt about her race, conflicted with her feelings for the caring Princess Celestia. The princess who appeared to be her doom, and her savior at the same time. Also why was it now, now of all times that dreams likely of her past were showing up again? She felt a slight sting in her heart, she regretted it, but deep down inside, she made a faint wish that her memories would never return to her. She felt if they did, they would change everything, what did she know that not even she was aware of? Princess Celestia said that killing them was a necessary evil, that had to be true, it just had to! Chrysalis wanted to be the first to step on the path to redemption, not betrayal.

Ultimately, she was torn between two sides, sides that believed to be morally just in their own rights.

Her heart was torn, her dreams made her only feel contempt about it all. But the Princesses who could of killed her and also gave her this chance claimed it was necessary. Perhaps it was just bias? These conflicted emotions, would they always remain? Only time would tell. Whatever the case Chrysalis was determined to prove her worth, perhaps she could be the diplomat of peace between both races. The thought was comforting.

Soon Celestia eventually led Chrysalis outside into the beautiful Canterlot gardens. The area was private and empty, nearby one could see a large maze made of bushes, it caused Chrysalis to stare quite a bit as Celestia simply chuckled, continuing to lead the changling further into a more open space. The sky was a beautiful blue color, the clouds were nice and puffy and birds all around them chirped in a melodic tune. Chrysalis stopped as Celestia strode a few trots ahead, then turned to face the changling.

"Are you ready?" Celestia inquired.

Chrysalis raised a brow curiously at Celestia "Uhm, ready Princess?"

Celestia smiled "In order to complete your recovery process, I will guide you little Chrysalis. You have beaten your hunger, and now you are able to eat just like the rest of us."

Chrysalis winced a bit at this, looking to the lower left nervously. She could still feel the hunger, begging for satisfaction, thankfully she couldn't recall what it felt like to feed off love as a food source, it'd be pretty bad if she loved it. She smiled at Celestia, nodding in understanding "I see, then what's next princess?"

Celestia looked at her affectionately, she's so willing to change, i'll ensure she does, I promise. Celestia's horn started to glow as she looked at Chrysalis with interest "You see little Chrysalis, next i'll teach you the proper use of magic. You have potential, I can sense it, you will learn, and your talents will pave way a new destiny for your kind. A destiny of peace and harmony, you are special." She nodded to her in approval.

Chrysalis felt her cheeks flush a bit as she chuckled softly.

Celestia then levitated the changeling as she was overwhelmed with fascination. Chrysalis stared at herself floating in complete awe, the princess certainly was a master of magic, and very powerful, this was just fun display. Celestia lowered her back onto the ground and chuckled lightly. "Now, it is your turn, attempt to cast a magic spell, any form of magic will do for now."

Chrysalis attempted to cast a spell to no avail, one could see the strain in her face as Celestia raised a brow.

Celestia looked on at Chrysalis in puzzlement, she often wondered why the changeling never took on the appearance of others, and now this, it looked like Chrysalis didn't even know how to use her horn. Celestia chuckled somewhat closing her eyes "Listen little Chrysalis, you must concentrate, focus all your energy into your horn, such is a foalish task, it's simple."

Chrysalis could feel her heart racing, her body straining, to form some sort of energy at the tip of her horn. But she also felt drained, exhausted, as if she were a battery low on power. She knew what she needed, she needed to feed, but that wasn't going to happen, she was going to do this without feeding, and prove herself to the ponies. As she strained herself harder she eventually got a small tiny neon spark to ignite at the tip of her horn. She gasped in wonderment and smiling happily, obviously proud of her little spark.

Celestia gave her a humored smile chuckling a bit  "You will need some more practice but, I'm sure you'll get the hang of it." She winked at Chrysalis who immediately felt gratitude for the sign of approval.

They continued with Chrysalis's training for some time,

only soon to be interrupted by that powerful, yet soothing voice.

"SISTER!"

Chrysalis turned to look at the origin of the voice, obviously it was Luna, who was descending from the skies, as she landed softly upon the ground, she then went into a confident stride. She trotted with that familiar grace towards Celestia, as she took notice of Chrysalis, her nose wrinkled, shooting the changeling a sharp glance of disgust. Chrysalis lowered her head as she knew she still hadn't gained Luna's approval, Luna continued to make her way to Celestia who seemed a little annoyed by her sister's presence.

Luna sneered "We've found him sister! He is cornered, and refuses to run! We end this today!"

Celestia sighed heavily before nodding to Luna "You're far too eager about this Luna. But very well, we will do what we must, although I feel Discord wouldn't let himself get 'cornered' so easily, I'm sure you realize he likely wants us to appear before him."

Luna smirked, wincing at Celestia somewhat "I wouldn't have it any other way sister."

Celestia's eyes saddened, then she gave Chrysalis a soft smile "Chrysalis, you remain here, me and Princess Luna will return shortly, we have important business to attend to. You continue to practice, I look forward to your progress when I return."

Chrysalis watched curiously as the two princesses then flew off into the sky with great haste, disappearing from sight. As she continued to look in the direction they flew in, she couldn't help but feel curious about where they were going. She recalled the look that placated Luna's features, that smirk, as if she'd been waiting a long time for that moment. Chrysalis continued her pondering for a brief second, then shook her head, turning to continue practicing casting magic.

As they flew through the skies, Luna raised a brow towards her sister.

"How do you know it simply won't run away?" she beckoned.

Celestia winced at Luna, obviously offended "It, has a name dear sister. I know Chrysalis won't run, because she wishes to change, she wishes to change herself for her kind, she is not as you think."

Luna scoffed, as if humored "Hah, well sister it does seem to be making a little progress. But none of that matters at the moment, soon we will finally put an end to that foolish Discord for disrupting the lives of our subjects. It ends today sister, today we make amends, i've told you always, Discord would eventually betray us, and betrayed us he has. Now he confidently rushes towards his own defeat, together we will stop him."

As they continued to fly, Celestia had gave Luna a worried look, her sister had changed much since all this had started, she could only hope this feeling she had was just her worrying too much. Celestia seemed bitter, regretful, if she'd only made better decisions in the past, perhaps they wouldn't be like this, perhaps, everything would have been different. She looked to Luna with a sigh, knowing she wouldn't like what she was about to say "I still don't think he is beyond saving dear sister, I want to try talking with him first."

Luna came to a sudden halt, she merely looked down with a blank expression, speechless.

They remained there for a brief moment in silence, as Luna continued to just gaze downward.

Celestia eventually spoke to her, as if pleading "I– I know it sounds like much but, t-trust me, I can–" she stopped, something irked Celestia greatly, something that had appeared out of nowhere.

It felt like a presence, a foreboding presence.

The air became heavy as Celestia just stopped talking, the tension looming was almost unbearable. She could feel something stirring in Luna as her sister just remained silent, her face darkened. Celestia stared at her sister, and if she could see her own face she wouldn't believe it, it expressed something she hadn't truly felt in years, fear. What was this essence, this aura that hung about Luna, she had no idea, Luna slowly gazed up at Celestia, her eyes were different? Filled with hatred. Luna screamed at her in a mighty, powerful voice.

"DO YOU UNDERSTAND NOTHING!?"

Celestia felt struck, as she looked into her sister's cold eyes, soon the mood had surprisingly died down however. Luna peered downward, she once more looked defeated, as usual giving in to her older sister, she didn't want to fight, and she realized Celestia would do what she felt she needed to anyway. She sighed heavily looking at Celestia "Fine..." was all she said.

As Luna continued to fly, Celestia felt stuck in place, she couldn't move, the feeling of shock was overwhelming. She just felt a shiver run down her spine as she thought to herself W-What was that?

Eventually she managed to regain her composure, moving out once more and catching up to Luna, the time had come to face Discord.

Discord smirked as he sat upon his throne in the middle of this barren open field surrounded by forest and snow. He was near the frozen north, the upper region of Equestria, as he sat on his throne he admired the chaos that was spread about him, chaos he'd obviously caused. There were fires engulfing the small tents and outpost structures surrounding him, there were wounded pegasi but no casualties. Once again Bravemane was there, pacing heavily as his spear was broken at his side and he looking completely worn. He gritted his teeth at Discord who just smirked at him while eating an apple.

Discord laughed "Aha, come now, I was hoping for a little more entertainment on your part Bravemane, don't tell me that's really all you have. You are quite Brave I'll give you that," he munched on his apple "But, your magic could use some work!"

Bravemane wanted nothing more than to just get back up and continue fighting, but he was beat, he looked at Discord one last time in annoyance before falling to his side, passing out on the ground. Discord sighed heavily shaking his head.

"DISCORD!"

Discord's eyes snapped wide as he grinned, Celestia, why it's about time. He slowly gazed upward and looked at the two descending alicorns with a smile, he'd looked very pleased to see them. Luna could already be seen attempting to keep her composure as best she could, just waiting for Celestia to get her speech over with already so she could attack the fiend.

Celestia stared down Discord with obvious discern "What is the meaning of this Discord!? We are allies, why are you doing this, we've wronged you in no way!" Discord just sighed, smiling at Celestia.

"Oh but you have Celestia, but it's nothing you could understand. So tell me, how goes the pet? Your little, science project." Discord smirked crossing his arms.

Celestia didn't rise to the bait, his obvious insults. She just continued to stare him down, "She actually shows much progress, more so than you ever did."

Discord shrugged "Ah so the reforming has begun then, when will you give it up Celestia, when will you realize that this world is filled with chaos you just cannot control. The true beauty lies in accepting it, the erratic unpredictable nature of things. It's what makes life exciting, it's what makes life fun, not this 'perfect harmony' you dream of so much." He continued smirking at her "You can't change her no more than you could change me Celestia. I can only wonder how you'll fare once you realize this harsh reality."

Celestia shook her head, smiling at him "That's not true Discord, she can change, and I still believe you can as well, I just need to find the right path to convince you. The right words to show you that what you're doing is wrong, that you can be better. I swear I'll find it someday, wherever it may be."

Discord scowled at her somewhat "hmph, I'll never return to being your prized pet Celestia, this moment has been delayed for far too long. But I will admit," Discord grinned somewhat eyeing the impatient Luna "I guess some things can change. Isn't that right, Luna?"

Luna was silent, Celestia could feel the tension building up once again.

Discord just continued "I mean, I always found you as quite the grumpy one but, you seem to be taking it to a whole other level these days. I can't say I'm unhappy about it though, certainly makes things interesting hm? It's just too bad you have Celestia here holding you back, but hey, she always knows what's best right? I mean, just look at all this chaos! Ahahahaha!" Discord just slithered back on his throne, cackling.

Luna's face was darkening once again, her mane began to slowly rise as Celestia was noticing the sudden change in her sister. She looked at Luna, worried for her, she spoke frantically "Sister, calm down, I don't know what's happening to you but it isn't good! You need to stop doing whatever this is!" As Discord eavesdropped on the conversation, he couldn't help but raise a brow in interest at Luna, who continued to remain silent with her head lowered. Celestia's eyes widened in horror as she looked upon her sister, what was going on, what was this? This foul essence that poured from her, it wasn't a physical manifestation but she could feel it, and so could Discord. It was dark, menacing, frighteningly unfamiliar from her precious sibling. Suddenly the sky had begun to darken around the area, as if a pool of infinite night were slowly spewing forth from nowhere. Celestia looked up with dread, before snapping at Luna "Sister, you need to calm down!"

It wasn't the time for night to come, what could Luna possibly be thinking? Celestia looked panicked as she saw the sky slowly being enveloped in darkness. Thunder crashed as the very ground began to rumble steadily beneath their hooves. Discord cackled almost maniacally at the beautiful display of disarray in the sky, the gorgeous chaos. "This is absolutely spectacular! What a show Luna, ahahaha, you really know how to get things going! I am impressed! How hectic! Absolutely marvelous!"

Celestia was overwhelmed with confusion, as she raised a hoof, gently reaching forward for her sister, about to touch her. Celestia found herself gulping from the mere thought of this. She muttered gently "Little sister?"

Luna raised her head, her cold, deadlock gaze, focused on Discord, she uttered "You're mine..."

WHOOSH!

Discord chuckled raising a brow "Oh?"

Luna was gone, like dust in the wind, she disappeared. Celestia's eyes were wide, what had just? Luna then reappeared some distance overhead, her horn glowing a vibrant black color as she was certain to assault. The amount of magic put into the spell was unfathomable, Celestia and Discord could feel Luna was pulling out all the stops, Celestia seemed horrified as she yelled up at Luna "SISTER! STOP THIS AT ONCE!" Luna ignored her plea, letting off the massive blast of magical energy almost immediately afterword. The mere size of the blast was frightening, Celestia couldn't believe her sister was going so far, what was wrong with her? The ebon light was practically blinding, but Celestia stared in horror as it headed straight for Discord, who seemed to be beyond delighted by Luna's frightening display. Discord grinned fiercely, spreading his arms as if willing to embrace the blast of magic head on. Celestia immediately took notice of all the guards surrounding the area, she rushed to them, just as the blast was about to make contact with Discord.

Discord cheered in delight, his eyes were wide, he looked like he was having the time of his life "AMAZING!"

Celestia looked panicked, casting a spell of her own on all the guards "I have to make sure that-"

BOOM! A mighty explosion erupted as Luna's spell made contact with the ground.

Chrysalis had ceased practicing her spells as she to stared off into the distance from the garden. Her eyes were wide, her mouth hanging open as if petrified by the mere sight of it all, she just stared in awe. In the distance it seemed like a whirlpool of darkness had overtaken the sky, but only in that certain area. She saw lightning crack, and echo from the scene. She didn't know what to think of it, but something in her heart told her it had to do with the princesses. She just simply stared, as she suddenly saw the explosion go off, it was mesmerizing, horrifying yet beautiful, and she couldn't take her eyes off it.

She just simply muttered "Whoa...."

After the explosion had ceased, only the sounds of the cold wind whistled all around them.

Celestia slowly came to, she trembled, staggering to her hooves. Her coat and mane had blotches of dirt smeared about, and she had a few cuts and scrapes now. She breathed heavily, as she gazed back, the guards were safe and sound, she made it in time, she sighed with relief. But what she saw next caused her eyes to swell with tears, the surrounding land was utterly obliterated, trees and all, essence of black magic sparked around, and where Discord once stood, there was now nothing, nothing but a fairly large crater. Celestia gazed up at the black sky, the darkness had slowly begun to disperse, and disappear, as if it were never there at all. But this land, it was beyond repair now, it was scarred, luckily it was close to the frozen north so nopony lived nearby. But just the fact that her sister, her precious darling little sister had caused such destruction, made her heart ache, Celestia's eyes snapped wide, where was she?!

Celestia immediately began to look around for Luna, calling out to her in desperation, her voice shaky somewhat. "S-Sister, where are you?! Please, answer me!" She flew high into the sky, glancing around the barren landscape, as she soon caught the velvet blue mare in her sights. She was on the ground, fainted, near the crater where Discord once stood. Celestia gasped, immediately rushing down towards her sister, she stumbled during her shaky landing, nearly tripping herself. She hurried over to Luna, lowering her own frame and immediately inspecting her sister up and down for any injuries of the sort. Luna was unconscious, but she seemed perfectly fine, she was her ordinary self by the looks of it, and it caused Celestia to weep tears of joy, she bit her lower lip, running her hoof gently through her little sister's mane. She was grateful for her wellbeing, but, she knew, this wasn't over.

Something had taken hold of her sister in those moments, something dark and dreadful, it was gone for now, but, Celestia knew deep down it would likely return. Celestia's heart ached unbearably, all she wanted was to rid the world of such horrid conflict, but, would it cost her her sister to achieve it? Would it cost her everything she cared about? Was Luna right all along? Was all of this just some foolish ideal she needed to get over? As she looked down at Luna, all the choices she'd made flashed in her mind. Was there any right decision to make? She looked back at where Discord once stood, her eyes wide as the tears just continued to roll down her cheeks. By the looks of it, she'd failed him as well. Celestia knew Discord was talented but even she doubted he could have escaped such a spell directed at him.

Celestia thought of Chrysalis once again, would that decision come back to bite her to, just as Discord and Luna proclaimed it would? She was beginning to have her doubts. Celestia looked up at the now beautiful sky, wondering if perhaps she'd ever achieve that world she longed for. One where she could finally forgive herself for her skeletons, the dark burdens she carried from her past. A world filled with love, friendship, and peace, where problems weren't on such a grand scale. A world where she could hopefully just settle down, perhaps choose an heir to the throne, and know deep down in her heart, that everything would be just fine. As she thought of the changelings, of Discord, of Luna, her expression sank. If those days were to ever exist, they were ways ahead, beyond her grasp at the moment. The future would only get tougher from here and she knew it, the tides of darkness were closing in all around her. She smiled, quelling up inside her was a faint flicker of hope, she could feel it, deep down inside, and that was all she needed.

She'd make it through this, she had to....

Chrysalis saw as the sky cleared up, she merely blinked with a smile. "Wow, that was pretty interesting."

As the young changeling stood there, she simply continued to smile, unaware as she did so, her horn sparked once more, a faint yet powerful streak of neon green magic emitted around her horn, violently, greedily.

Next Chapter: Chapter 5: Time Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 10 Minutes