//------------------------------//
// Chrysalis's Return 
// Story: Endgame 
// by Tailbiter231 
//------------------------------//

"Why can't I steal magic now?" said Tirek, who was hiding out at Hollow Shades with his two allies.

"Because Chrysalis has to recover her power first," said Cozy Glow. "It would be harder for her if everypony knew you were a on the rampage again."

"And how exactly can I do that without my army?" said Chrysalis.

"Replace Princess Cadance again," said Cozy Glow. "You'll become as powerful as Tirek through Shining Armor and Flurry Heart's love for her."

"She's a princess! I'm too weak to take her on myself!" Chrysalis's eye twitched.

"You don't have to fight her head on. Sneak up on her as Celestia or Luna and knock her out when you're alone together. You can be the ruler of the Crystal Empire, and put Shining Armor back under your spell."

"That... might work. Why didn't I think of that?"

"Because you're terrible at coming up with plans," said Tirek. "And remember, her love is yours but her magic is mine."

"We will hide here until it's time," said Cozy Glow. "And make sure you bring back plenty of food. And whatever you do, DON'T blow your cover, or they'll activate the Crystal Heart. You don't want to end up like King Sombra."





Princess Cadance and Shining Armor were playing with Flurry Heart at the Crystal Empire when Chrysalis flew in as Celestia.

"Cadance, there is a matter I wish to discuss with you," said Chrysalis.

"What is it?" said Cadance.

"I'll have to take you there."

"Can I come?" said Shining Armor.

"No!" said Chrysalis. "I mean... You should stay and look after Flurry Heart."

"Sounds good."

Chrysalis and Cadance walked out of the castle and down a path, away from the Crystal Empire. The weather was sunny and not too cold.

"So, what is it you wanted to talk about?" said Cadance.

"I want to examine the Hollow Shades and make sure there's no way the shadow half of the Pony of Shadows can ever return."

"That shouldn't be a problem. He was banished back to limbo. Someone would need something belonging to him to get him out."

"Yes, but I just want to make sure there aren't any other shadow spirits. Luna even said she let another one in to become Nightmare Moon." Of course she had heard this from Cozy Glow, who had heard it from Twilight, who had heard it from Luna following Stygian's redemption.

"That's a fair point."

They boarded the train and rode it to the Hollow Shades. Chrysalis tried to avoid saying too much, remembering Cozy Glow's warnings to not blow her cover.

They got off at the Hollow Shade entrance. As they walked, Chrysalis looked around and saw a mushroom, deciding it was the perfect distraction.

"Hey, that mushroom looks delicious. Is it edible?"

Cadance took a close look at the mushroom. "I'm not sure..."

Chrysalis wasted no time. She bucked Cadance in the head as hard as she could. Cadance fell to the ground unconscious.

"Perfect," said Chrysalis. She grabbed Cadance's tail with her teeth and dragged her into the Hollow Shades, where Cozy Glow and Tirek waited.

"Well done Chrysalis," said Cozy Glow, clapping her hooves.

"When can I steal magic?" said Tirek.

"When I'm strong enough," said Chrysalis.

Once Cadance was sealed inside a cocoon, Chrysalis took her form and flew back to the Crystal Empire.





It only took a few days of love from Shining Armor, Flurry Heart, and the Crystal Ponies for Chrysalis to become more powerful than she had been when she had defeated Celestia. She remembered Cozy Glow's instructions on how to not be mean and blow her cover - she wanted them to love her, and she didn't want to be destroyed by the Crystal Heart.

"Now I'm ready to take Equestria," said Chrysalis, resuming her true form as she landed at Hollow Shades.

"It's about time," said Tirek, and he walked away.





Amethyst Star was walking through Fillydelphia, which was nearest to Hollow Shades. She ran into Tirek, wearing his hooded cloak.

"I am Lord Tirek, and I have returned!" Tirek opened his mouth and sucked Amethyst's magic. Amethyst fell to the ground powerless and without her cutie mark. Tirek continued to walk through Fillydelphia, absorbing unicorn magic.