Eclipsed Truth

Title: Eclipsed Truth
Chapter 18: The Queen’s Reaction

The Aftermath of Battle

Canterlot was still recovering from the aftermath of Eclipse’s battle against King Sombra. The streets were lined with cracks from their magical clash, and parts of the city were still coated in the lingering frost of Hell Ice Eclipse. The damage was being repaired, but the greatest concern lay within Canterlot Castle, where Eclipse rested once more—exhausted but victorious.

This time, however, there was a major difference.

She had held her own against Sombra himself.

And Chrysalis had just found out.

Chrysalis’s Reaction—Amused, Proud, and Irritated

The double doors to Eclipse’s recovery chamber slammed open as Chrysalis stormed in, her slit-pupil eyes blazing with unreadable intensity.

“What. Happened?” she demanded, her wings flaring aggressively.

Celestia, Luna, and Cadance—who had been sitting by Eclipse’s bedside—turned toward her, unfazed by the dramatic entrance.

“She is fine, Chrysalis,” Celestia said calmly, using her magic to adjust the blankets around Eclipse. “She merely needs rest.”

Chrysalis snorted, marching over to the bedside. “That is not what I asked.” She turned to Luna, glaring. “You explain.”

Luna sighed, brushing a hoof through Eclipse’s mane. “Sombra returned.”

Chrysalis froze. Then, slowly, her expression twisted into something between amusement and disbelief.

“And let me guess…” She leaned closer, tilting her head mockingly. “The great alicorn princesses were not the ones who fought him?”

Luna’s ears twitched. “…Eclipse faced him alone.”

A long silence followed.

Then—

Chrysalis burst into laughter.

A deep, genuine cackle, filled with unrestrained delight.

“Oh, this is rich!” she purred, eyes glinting with fierce amusement. “My dear little star fought King Sombra alone?” She turned, looking Eclipse over, as if seeing her in an entirely new light.

Luna’s eyes narrowed. “This is not something to joke about.”

Chrysalis smirked. “Oh, but it is. You coddled her, treated her like a delicate flower, and yet here she is—a warrior.” She leaned down, whispering silkily into Eclipse’s ear, “Oh, my little star… You are full of surprises.”

Even unconscious, Eclipse shifted slightly, as if she could still hear Chrysalis’s voice in her dreams.

Pride… and Irritation

But then, just as quickly as her amusement had come, Chrysalis’s mood soured. Her gaze hardened, and her wings buzzed irritably.

She turned back to Luna and Celestia, scowling. “But tell me this… where were you?”

Celestia exhaled softly. “We arrived too late.”

Chrysalis’s wings twitched. “Too late,” she repeated, voice dripping with disdain. “Of course you were.”

Luna’s jaw tightened. “She is our responsibility. We will ensure this does not happen again.”

Chrysalis rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. The world doesn’t wait for you to be ‘prepared,’ Princess. If you don’t push her, she will never be ready for what comes next.”

Luna glared. “And what would you have us do? Throw her into battle again?”

Chrysalis smirked wickedly. “If it means she survives? Yes.”

Cadance cleared her throat, stepping between them. “Chrysalis, this is not the time for an argument.”

Chrysalis scoffed but relented—for now.

She turned back toward Eclipse, her expression softening just slightly.

“…She impressed me,” she admitted, running a careful hoof along Eclipse’s mane. “She truly is my niece.”

Luna, despite everything, sighed in exasperation. “Why am I not surprised?”

Tending to Eclipse—Royal Treatment

Despite Chrysalis’s irritation, she didn’t leave. Instead, she stayed.

She watched as Celestia carefully brushed Eclipse’s mane, ensuring no debris remained tangled in the silky strands.

She observed as Luna used her magic to gently feed Eclipse spoonfuls of warm broth, ensuring she regained her strength.

And, despite herself, she smirked when Eclipse instinctively leaned into the warmth, her unconscious body relaxing under their care.

Chrysalis sighed dramatically. “Fine. I suppose I can allow you to take care of my little star this time.”

Luna rolled her eyes. “Oh, how gracious of you.”

Chrysalis smirked. “I know.”

But as she sat back, watching Eclipse’s slow, steady recovery, a single thought lingered in her mind:

If Sombra returns… Eclipse must be stronger.

Because next time… he won’t retreat.

And next time, she would ensure Eclipse was ready.

To Be Continued…