Author's Note

For those who don't know what Selenophobia is:

Selenophobia is the Fear of the Moon

Selenophobia - Part 1

As the rest of the day started to pass, Chrysalis did a few tasks such as: moving the creature that attacked the hives dead body out of the hive, going out into the blizzard and breaking a few dead trees down, dragging them back to the hive, gathering some fruit and cutting the dead trees into long strips of wood to cover up the holes on the upper floors, by the end of the day her horn was getting a bit worn out from just how much magic she used..

The hive was now fortified, the holes and cracks of the first 7 floors sealed, The dead creature's body was long gone, and Her fillies would be safe now, at least for a time. She could feel the weariness in her bones, the ache in her horn from the extensive use of magic. But it was a good kind of tiredness, the kind that came from a job well done.

Chrysalis turned to head back inside the hive, eager to check on Mellow and Dozy. As she stepped inside, she was greeted by the comforting sight of the two fillies curled up together, fast asleep. Her heart swelled with a fierce protectiveness at the sight. They were her everything now, her reason for being. She would die before she let any harm befall them.

Softly, so as not to wake them, Chrysalis settled down nearby, keeping a watchful eye. Her horn throbbed with exhaustion, but her vigilance never wavered. She knew the dangers of this world all too well, but with her fillies by her side, she felt ready to face anything.

Chrysalis sat by the flickering firelight, her eyes weary and bloodshot from countless nights of interrupted sleep. The past few days had been a blur of Mellow's anguished screams piercing the night, each one a dagger to Chrysalis's heart. She had held the trembling filly through each nightmare, cooing words of comfort and reassurance, but the terror in Mellow's eyes haunted her. Even little Dozy, usually so brave and resilient, had begun to show signs of the sleepless nights and fear. Chrysalis had heard her whimpering softly in her sleep, seeing her flinching at sudden noises. It hurt Chrysalis to see the fillies so affected, but she was at a loss for how to help.

She sighed heavily, rubbing her weary horn. Using magic to keep them safe during the day was one thing, but she had no power over the demons that plagued Mellow's mind. Chrysalis felt a surge of anger at the creature that had attacked them, for unleashing such terror in her beloved fillies. Chrysalis knew she couldn't go on like this indefinitely. They all needed proper rest to stay healthy and strong. She had to find a way to help Mellow overcome her nightmares, to give them all peace again.

One night, even Dozy started to scream, Chrysalis jolted upright at the sound of Dozy's scream, her heart leaping into her throat. She whirled around to see the little filly thrashing on her sleeping bag, her eyes wide with the same terror she had seen in Mellow's. Chrysalis rushed to her side, gently shaking her shoulder.

"Wake up, Dozy! You're dreaming, little one," Chrysalis said urgently, trying to keep the fear out of her voice. But inside, her heart raced with worry. If both fillies were being haunted by nightmares now...

She glanced over at Mellow, who had quieted for the moment but was still curled up tightly, shivering. Chrysalis felt helpless and frustrated. She was supposed to protect them, to keep them safe and happy. But she was failing, and the thought made her feel sick to her stomach.

Chrysalis wrapped a wing around Dozy, pulling her close and rubbing her back soothingly. "Shh, it's alright, sweetie. I'm here. You're safe now," she murmured, trying to calm the trembling filly. "Tell me what you dreamed, honey. Sometimes talking about it can make the scary thoughts go away."

Dozy stuttered "S-s-she keeps appearing, a-a-a monster"

Chrysalis felt a chill run down her spine at Dozy's words, a sense of dread washing over her. She pulled the little filly closer, her wing wrapping around her protectively. "Who keeps appearing, sweetie? Can you tell me more about the monster in your dream?" she asked softly, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice.

Inside, Chrysalis's mind raced. A monster that haunted both fillies? It couldn't be a coincidence. She thought of the creature that had attacked them in the hive, the one she had killed. Could it be... coming back to torment them in their dreams?

The idea filled Chrysalis with a deep, primal fear. She had faced many dangers in her life, but the thought of an enemy that could invade the minds of her beloved fillies, that could fill their innocent dreams with terror... it was a new kind of horror.

Chrysalis held Dozy tighter, her eyes flicking to Mellow's sleeping form. She had to protect them, had to find a way to keep this monster at bay, even if it meant facing her own deepest fears. "Don't worry, little one," she said, her voice steadier now with newfound determination. "I won't let anything hurt you or your sister. I promise."

Dozy silently hugged Chrysalis, before returning to a peaceful slumber

Chrysalis held Dozy close as the little filly drifted back to sleep, her breathing evening out and her small body relaxing against Chrysalis's side. She felt a wave of protectiveness wash over her, a fierce determination to keep these innocent creatures safe from the horrors that plagued their minds.

She glanced over at Mellow, noting that the other filly had also settled down, her nightmares apparently over for the moment. Chrysalis knew she needed to be strong for both of them, to find a way to banish these monsters from their dreams once and for all.

Chrysalis settled back against the wall, keeping both fillies close in the circle of her wings. She knew sleep would be elusive for her tonight, not with the fear and anger churning in her gut. But she was determined to stay awake, to watch over them and keep them safe.

She thought back to the creature that had attacked them, the one she had killed with her own hooves. She had thought ending its life would be enough, that it would be the end of the threat. But if it could still haunt them like this...

Chrysalis's eyes narrowed, a plan beginning to form. She would find a way to put an end to this once and for all, even if it meant confronting her own deepest fears. For Mellow and Dozy, she would be brave. She would be their protector, their guardian, their mother.

With a soft sigh, Chrysalis closed her eyes, letting her mind work through the possibilities. She knew the coming days would be difficult, but she was ready to face them head-on. For her fillies, she would do whatever it took.

Chrysalis tensed, her ears perking up as an unseen presence seemed to fill the room. The hairs on her mane stood on end, a sense of unease settling over her like a shroud. She couldn't see anything out of the ordinary, but she could feel it - a malevolent energy that made her skin crawl.

She glanced down at the fillies huddled beneath her wings, their peaceful slumber a stark contrast to the growing dread that gripped Chrysalis's heart. She knew they were safe, knew she would protect them with her life if necessary. But this feeling... it was different. It was a threat she couldn't see or understand.

Chrysalis stood slowly, careful not to disturb the fillies as she crept towards the edge of the room. She peered into the darkness, her eyes straining to make out any shape or form that might be lurking there. But there was nothing. And yet...

She shook her head, trying to dismiss the feeling as nothing more than a product of her own exhaustion and fear. But as she turned to return to the fillies, a cold breath brushed the back of her neck, she looked behind her, but nopony was there…

Chrysalis froze, her heart pounding in her ears as the unnatural silence pressed down around her. The constant howling of the blizzard had been a constant presence since she had emerged from her statue, but now... nothing. Just a heavy, oppressive quiet that made the hairs on her mane stand on end.

She scanned the room again, her eyes darting from shadow to shadow. The fillies were still sleeping, blissfully unaware of the strange atmosphere. Chrysalis felt a sudden urge to wake them, to grab them, and flee... but flee where? There was nowhere safe in this frozen wasteland.

A soft scratching sound echoed from the wall, making Chrysalis whirl around. It sounded like claws on stone, slow and deliberate. Chrysalis's blood ran cold as she stared at the wall, her heart hammering against her ribs.

She took a step closer, her hooves making no sound on the dirt floor. The scratch stopped, and for a moment, Chrysalis thought her imagination had gotten the better of her. But then, a dark shape detached from the shadows, taking on a vaguely equine form. Chrysalis's breath caught in her throat as she realized it was the creature from Mellow's nightmare, the monster that had been haunting their dreams. It was real, and it was here.

The voice echoed as they went around them, "Well, well, well, look who finally passed out."

Chrysalis stared at the shadowy figure, her heart pounding in her chest as it circled her like a predator stalking its prey. She could feel the malevolence radiating off of it, the sheer wrongness of its presence in her hive. This was no ordinary creature, no mere changeling or beast. This was something else entirely.

She took a step back, trying to put herself between the figure and the sleeping fillies. They couldn't see this, couldn't know the terror that gripped her heart. She had to protect them, no matter what.

"What do you want?" Chrysalis growled, her voice low and dangerous. She kept her eyes locked on the figure, watching for any sudden movements. "Why are you here?"

Inside, Chrysalis's mind raced. She had faced many enemies in her long life, but none like this. This was a creature that could invade the minds of the innocent, that could fill their dreams with fear and horror. She didn't know how to fight something like this, but she knew she had to try.

Chrysalis took a deep breath, trying to calm the fear that threatened to overwhelm her. She had to be strong, had to be brave. For Mellow and Dozy, she would face any monster, any nightmare. No matter what it took, she would not let this thing harm them.

"Oh that? One of the Queens Bishops sent me here to give you insomnia, and when you finally pass out, they would send drones to raid your hive" The voice told, echoing throughout the hive.

Chrysalis's eyes widened in shock and fury at the creature's words. Insomnia, followed by a raid? A red haze of rage descended over Chrysalis's vision. How dare they threaten her fillies, her family? She would not allow it. She would never allow it.

With a snarl, Chrysalis lunged at the creature, her hooves lashing out with all her strength. She couldn't let it escape, couldn't let it warn the others. She had to end this now, before they could put their plan into motion.

But the creature was quick, darting out of the way of her attacks with inhuman speed and agility. It circled her, always staying just out of reach, its laughter echoing mockingly through the chamber. "Oh no, no, no, this is my domain now, so we play MY WAY!" The hive shook as it started swirling, changing to a dark sinister throne room with moons everywhere, "While you’re asleep, you're in MY domain"

Panic clawed at Chrysalis's heart as she realized the truth of the creature's words. While she slept, she had been dragged into this nightmarish realm, a place where the rules of the waking world held no sway. Here, the creature held power, could twist and bend reality to its whims.

Chrysalis backed away, her hooves clattering against the obsidian floor. She had to find a way out, had to wake up before it was too late. But how? The hive, her sanctuary, had become a prison, a trap.

The creature loomed before her, its form shifting and changing, growing larger and more terrifying with each passing second. Chrysalis could feel the weight of its malevolence pressing down on her, threatening to crush the very life from her body.

She had to think, had to find a way to break free. She couldn't let this monster win, couldn't let it claim victory. She had to protect Mellow and Dozy, no matter what it took. They needed her. And Chrysalis would not, could not, fail them.

"Tell me Chrysalis, before I toy with your mind, do you remember who I am?" the voice asked with malice. “from before you and those other two were turned to stone? what where their names, treck and cozy”

Chrysalis gasped, her eyes widening in shocked recognition as the memories came flooding back. Tirek, Cozy... yes, she remembered them now. They had teamed up and almost took over Equestria, that was until Twilight and literally EVERYPONY THOSE PONIES HAD MADE FRIENDS WITH TEAMED UP AND USED THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP TO DEFEAT THEM

Chrysalis shuddered as she remembered being turned into a statue by Celestia, Luna and Discord. But something she knew was that one of those three could enter dreams, well one of them not counting Discord, Chrysalis's eyes widened in horrified realization as the pieces fell into place. Luna. Of course. The alicorn princess of the moon, with her power to enter and manipulate dreams. She must be the abomination, tormenting her and the fillies. A surge of rage coursed through Chrysalis's veins "LUNA!"

"Finally, I was starting to think you would never get it" Luna said, slowly stepped out of the darkness, she looked like a mix of her normal self and those changeling-like creatures.

Chrysalis recoiled in disgust and revulsion as the figure of Princess Luna emerged from the shadows. The once proud and noble princess of the moon was now a twisted, grotesque mockery of herself, her regal features marred by the grotesque, beetle-like exoskeleton of the changeling-like creatures.

Bile rose in Chrysalis's throat as she stared at the abomination that had once been a princess. She had hated Luna not as much as Celestia, but still hated her. But now... she was corrupted by the changeling-like creatures.

Chrysalis snarled, baring her teeth at the creature that dared to call itself Luna. "You betrayed us them," she spat venomously. "You betrayed your friends, your subjects, your very purpose. And for what? Power? Revenge? You're nothing more than a monster now."

She took a step forward, her hooves clicking ominously on the obsidian floor. "I don't know how you got like this, but I know one thing for certain. I won't let you hurt my fillies. I won't let you hurt anypony else. This ends now, Luna. One way or another, this ends now."

"Oh just TRY" Luna mocked.

Chrysalis launched herself at the abomination that called itself Luna, a scream of rage tearing from her throat. She couldn't let this creature, this twisted mockery of her former friend, threaten her beloved fillies any longer. They needed her protection, her strength, her love.

She slammed into Luna with the force of a runaway wagon, her hooves lashing out with all her might. But Luna just took it.

"Don't you see how hopeless you are, you would need to be DREAMING if you wanted to hurt me" Luna taunted, a drum set playing three notes in the background.

Chrysalis faltered, stumbling back as the horrible realization crashed over her like a bucket of ice water. Of course. In this nightmarish realm, the creature held all the power. Every blow she landed felt like hitting a stone wall, every attack bounced off harmlessly. In this domain of twisted dreams, Chrysalis was the one who was hopelessly outmatched.

Panic clawed at Chrysalis's heart as the truth sank in. She was trapped, a prisoner in this hellish world of Luna's creation. No matter how hard she fought, no matter how desperately she struggled, she couldn't hurt the abomination. She couldn't protect her fillies if she couldn't even touch their tormentor.

Chrysalis backed away slowly, her eyes darting frantically around the chamber, searching for any means of escape. But there was none. Only the eerie moons and the looming shadow of Luna's twisted form.

Panic turned to despair as Chrysalis realized the true extent of her predicament. She was trapped, helpless, unable to save the ones she loved most. Tears of frustration and fear stung at her eyes as she stared at the creature that had once been a kind princess she hated a bit less then now.

"Oh, by now, those fillies have been torn limb from limb, oh how I would have loved to see the bloodshed!" Luna gloated with a mocking laugh.

Chrysalis's heart shattered into a million pieces at Luna's cruel words. A wail of pure anguish tore from her throat as the horrifying image of Mellow and Dozy being torn apart flashed through her mind. Her fillies, her precious, innocent fillies... gone. Murdered by this monster's hand.

Blinding, all-consuming rage exploded within Chrysalis. With a scream of utter fury, she lunged at Luna, not caring anymore if she could hurt her or not. She had to try, had to do something, anything to make this nightmare end!

Her hooves pounded against Luna's chest, but the abomination didn't even flinch. Instead, she threw her head back and laughed, a harsh, grating sound that echoed through the chamber like shattering glass.

"Oh try, try all you like, as long as you’re asleep YOU WILL NEVER-" -Luna, however, was cut off as the room shock like an earthquake was happening- "Wait, no, NOPONY SHOULD BE ABLE TO WAKE YOU UP!!! THEY SHOULD BE ASLEEP!" Luna panicked.

Chrysalis froze, her ears perked up at the sudden tremor that shook the chamber. She stared at Luna in shock as the princess's composure cracked, her voice rising in panic. Nopony should be able to wake her up? They should be asleep?

A glimmer of hope sparked in Chrysalis's chest as she realized the implications. If Luna couldn't control this situation, if something was happening outside of her power... then maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance.

Chrysalis took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to calm the racing of her heart. She had to think, had to focus. If she could just hold on, just stay awake a little longer...

She glared at Luna, her eyes flashing with newfound determination. "What's the matter, Luna?" she taunted, her voice low and steady. "Losing control? Can't handle the fact that your little nightmare might not go the way you planned?"

Chrysalis took a step forward, her hooves planted firmly on the shaking ground. "I don't know what's happening out there, but I know one thing for certain. I won't let you win. I won't let you hurt my fillies. I'll stay awake for as long as it takes, no matter what you throw at me."

She pointed a hoof at the panicking princess, her expression grim. "So do your worst, you monster. I'm ready for you."

Luna, in a moment of rage, leaped at Chrysalis, her mouth opened wide, wanting to hurt Chrysalis before she woke up, but in that, she left an opening.

Chrysalis acted on instinct, ducking to the side just as Luna lunged at her. The princess's jaws snapped shut mere inches from Chrysalis's face, her razor-sharp teeth glinting in the eerie moonlight.

Seizing the opportunity, Chrysalis lashed out with her magic, pouring every ounce of her power into a single, desperate blast. A searing bolt of energy erupted from her horn, slamming into Luna's chest with a blinding flash.

"GHA!!!" Luna fell to the ground with a roll, the place around them slowly became whiter as Chrysalis woke up more, Luna struggled to get up.

Chrysalis stood tall, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear, anger, and desperate hope. The chamber around them was fading, the dark stone walls melting away into a bright, hazy white. She could feel the grip of the nightmare loosening, the hold Luna had on her mind weakening with each passing second.

She glared down at the struggling princess, her hooves planted firmly on the ground as it shifted and changed around them. "Get up," Chrysalis growled, her voice trembling slightly but filled with newfound determination. "Get up and face me like a true princess, Luna. Face me when I'm awake, where your tricks and illusions hold no power over me."

Luna looked up at Chrysalis with tears in her Teal eyes, she looked full of regret "I'm sorry" but that changed as her eye became a dark green and her tone became one of wrath "Sorry you won't die in your sleep!" and like that, they faded away to fight another night.

Chrysalis jolted awake with a gasp, her heart racing and her body drenched in a cold sweat. She looked around wildly, taking in the familiar sight of her hive, also spotting that blue Stallion that had taken the body first changeling-like creature she killed, gave her a map and slightly taunted her days ago

"Looks like Your finally up." He said before standing up and started walking away.

Dozy and Mellow, who had been awake for quite some time while Chrysalis slept approached and hugged her, Chrysalis pulled the fillies into a tight embrace, holding them close as if her life depended on it. Tears of relief and lingering fear streamed down her face as she buried her muzzle in their soft fur. "Shh, it's alright," she whispered, her voice hoarse with emotion. "I'm here now. I won't let anything hurt you."

She looked up as the stallion walked away, her eyes narrowing slightly. Something about him struck her as odd, but she couldn't quite put her hoof on it. Not with the relief of waking and the lingering horror of her nightmare still fresh in her mind.

Chrysalis turned her attention back to the fillies, her expression softening as she brushed her wings over their backs gently. "Tell me, my darlings, are you both alright? Did Luna... did she..." She trailed off, unable to bring herself to speak the words aloud, to voice the nightmare that still haunted her.

The stallion cut into the conversation "Oh, don't worry, I protected those two for ya, might not want them to go outside for a bit."

Chrysalis's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude at the stallion's words. She pulled the fillies even closer, a fierce surge of protectiveness welling up inside her. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "I can never repay you for keeping them safe."

She glanced down at Mellow and Dozy, her expression tender. "You two stay here, stay close to me," she instructed gently but firmly. "I won't let anyone hurt you, but it's best if we all stay inside for now, just to be safe."

Chrysalis looked back up at the stallion, her brow furrowing slightly as she studied him. "Tell me, sir, what brings you to my hive at this hour? And how did you know about Luna's attack?" She had a sinking suspicion that his presence here was no coincidence, but she needed to be sure before she acted on it.

The stallion took a deep breath to start explaining "Well for one, a few days ago I had a goodnights sleep, something I hadn't had in years, as for why, I was dropping by to see if you had any more bodies when I saw a large number of creatures about to attack."

Chrysalis tensed, a chill running down her spine at the stallion's words. A large number of creatures, attacking her hive? It could only mean one thing - Luna was not working alone. She had allies, minions, just like Chrysalis herself once had.

She tightened her grip on the fillies, her expression hardening with determination. "I see," she said slowly, her voice low and dangerous. "And I suppose you saved my fillies out of the goodness of your heart, is that it?" She eyed him warily, suspicion and distrust written across her features.

“Nah,” The Stallion answered, “I couldn't pass on the opportunity to slay a large amount of those creatures without consequence, plus making her even more mad was good payback for all the years of nightmares.”

Chrysalis stared at the stallion, her eyes narrowing as the pieces fell into place. He had saved Mellow and Dozy, yes, but not out of any sense of altruism. No, he had done it for his own gain, to strike a blow against Luna and make her angry.

A slow, cold smile spread across Chrysalis's face as a plan began to take shape in her mind. She had an enemy in Luna, and it seemed this stallion had a score to settle with her as well. Two enemies, both seeking to strike at the moon princess...

Chrysalis looked up at him, her expression calculating. "I see," she said slowly. "You want to make Luna pay for the years of torment she's inflicted on ponies. I can understand that, more than you know." She paused, considering her next words carefully. "Perhaps... we could help each other. I have my own grievances with Luna, and I'm not afraid to face her, awake or asleep. What do you say, stallion? Will you stand with me against this common foe?"

The stallion turns away "Naa, knowing her, the moment she knows I'm here, she'll avoid this place till I leave."

Chrysalis watched as the stallion turned away, a mix of frustration and newfound determination stirring within her. He was right, of course. Luna would avoid the hive as long as he was here, would find a way to strike at them from afar. She was a coward like that.

She hugged Mellow and Dozy closer, her mind racing with thoughts of what to do next. She couldn't let Luna's attacks continue, couldn't allow her to terrorize innocent ponies any longer. But she needed allies, needed someone to stand with her against the moon princess's dark magic.

Chrysalis looked down at the fillies, her expression softening. "Stay here, my darlings," she instructed gently. "I have something I need to take care of." She nuzzled them affectionately before turning to follow the stallion to the exit.

Chrysalis stepped out into the crisp night air, her breath misting in the chill. She approached the stallion cautiously, her eyes widening as she took in the gruesome sight of the bagged remains of the creatures he had slain.

She swallowed back the bile that rose in her throat, reminding herself that these were not innocent ponies, but monsters in disguise. Still, the sheer number of them was staggering... and concerning.

Chrysalis cleared her throat, drawing the stallion's attention. "I see you've been busy," she commented, her voice tight. "Tell me, what do you intend to do with... them?" She nodded towards the bags, not quite able to bring herself to say 'bodies' aloud.

The Stallion continued filling bags as he spoke, "Like I told you when we first met, trade them off to anypony who wants them, mostly ponies who brag a lot."

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow at the stallion's words, a mix of surprise and grudging respect flashing across her face. She had to admit, it was a clever way to make a profit off of their mutual enemy's demise. And if it meant striking a blow against Luna's forces... well, she could hardly object.

She crossed her hooves, considering the stallion with a critical eye. "Clever," she acknowledged, a hint of approval in her voice. "I suppose everypony has their own way of dealing with the aftermath of battle. But tell me, stallion... what's your name? I can hardly keep calling you 'stallion' forever."

The stallion sighs to themselves, "Glimmering star moon. that's my name, or just Star Moon for short"

Chrysalis felt a flicker of unease at the mention of Star Moon's name, though she couldn't quite place why. There was something about it, something that seemed almost... familiar. But she shook it off, attributing it to the stress and exhaustion of the past few days.

She nodded curtly, her expression tightening. "Star Moon," she repeated, testing the name on her tongue.

She paused, considering her next words carefully. "I must admit, I'm not used to working with others, to trusting anyone outside of my own kind," she said softly, her gaze drifting to the distant horizon. "But these are desperate times, and I find myself in need of an ally. Someone to stand with me against the moon princess's tyranny."

Chrysalis turned back to Star Moon, her eyes hardening with determination. "So I'll ask you again, Star Moon. Will you stand with me against Luna? Together, we may stand a chance against her."

"Trust me, you don't need my help, you only faced her in her domain, outside of it she's as weak as you remember." Star Moon started loading the bags into their wagon, it was closer than the last time she saw it and could see the details better, it had purple walls and a yellow frame, 3 windows, a blue roof, lots of marks with paint scratched off and Pieces of purple paper on some parts of the wagon.

a flicker of recognition sparking in Chrysalises mind. it was almost like a distant memory, something from long ago.

She shook her head, dismissing the thought. It was likely nothing, a trick of her tired mind. She turned her attention back to Star Moon, her expression thoughtful. "You may be right," she conceded, a hint of reluctance in her voice. "Luna is not as formidable outside of her domain... but she is still dangerous. And she has allies, as we've both seen."

Star moon slightly chuckled, "There less allies and more drones led by someone else borrowed by Luna." they attach the wagon to themselves, as they prepare to leave.

Chrysalis's eyes narrowed at Star Moon's revelation, a chill running down her spine. Drones, led by someone else... it sounded all too familiar. Like the changelings she once commanded, the ones Thorax had stolen from her.

She watched as Star Moon hitched the wagon to himself, her gaze lingering on the faded purple paint and the tattered pieces of paper. Something about it tugged at her memory, but she couldn't quite grasp it.

Chrysalis took a step closer, her voice low and intense. "Let me guess, given by Apl, Sc0, Sw3 or Purple?" She paused, considering the implications. "And if Luna can borrow them from one of her higher ups, what's to stop her from borrowing more? From growing stronger, until she out matches us?"

"Simple. she promised that those drones would kill you and your fillies, and they failed, she probably lost some trust from it." He turned away and started walking.

a mix of emotions swirling within her. Relief, that Luna's power may be limited for now. Fear, at the thought of the drones that had nearly taken Mellow and Dozy from her. And beneath it all, a lingering unease at the sight of that wagon, the faded purple paint and tattered paper stirring something deep within her memories.

She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She had to focus on the present, on keeping her fillies safe. And if Star Moon was right, if Luna's power was truly weakened... then perhaps there was still hope.

Chrysalis turned back to the hive, her expression hardening with newfound resolve. "I see," she said softly, more to herself than to the retreating stallion. "Then I have no choice. I must act now, before Luna regains her strength. Before she finds a way to circumvent her higher ups' restrictions."

Luna slowly steps into the throne room of the crystal empire, her head down and breathing heavy, she looked up into the darkness, two eyes staring from within.

“Luna,” the voice called out, “I heard you were sent by Apl to deal with that bug and those two fillies, am I right?”

Luna nodded, “yes your majesty.”

The voice asked another question, “Then you borrowed some of Sw3’s army, correct?”

Luna nodded once more, “y-yes majesty.”

The voice tone lowered, “And yet, none of them returned… You failed to kill your targets… and do you know how MAD you’ve made me?”

Luna collapsed onto her knees, “your majesty, please forgive me, spare me!”

The voice laughed, “Oh your lucky, normally I wouldn’t, but today we got some prisoners…”

Purple entered, pulling five ponies by a rope, “Here your majesty, the resistance members we captured.”

“Good…” The voice announced, “Put the four most left ones in the dungeon, as for the fifth one, hand them to me.”

Two Changeling-like creatures undid the ropes of the fifth one and led them to the darkness.

“Good…” The voice said as the pony shook in fear.

Suddenly, from the darkness, a tail emerged and stabbed into the Ponies side, and before the other fours eyes, they started to melt, screaming in pain, until all that was left was the clothing they wore to keep warm.

Purple escorted the other four out of the room leaving the Voice, there guards and Luna alone in the room.

The voice warned Luna, “Fail me one more time, and I’ll send you to the Moon with Cosmos, Got it?”

Luna stood up in fear, nodding one last time, “Yes m-my-m-my queen.” And in a cloud of smoke, she faded away to plot her next attack.