Shine on! Ultrawoman Aster!

by Michael_Ravencroft

12th Light: Battle on Hive Prime! / Unite the bonds of friendship!

Ocellus sighed heavily, she knew this day was coming, she knew, but she still wasn’t mentally prepared for it. 

When the battle with the Tantabus ended, Sunset and the girls came rushing out of the school to find Ocellus, and it was then that they saw her in her new state. After giving a report to Commander Celestia and Vice Commander Luna, they made a call to Hive Prime to speak with King Thorax. After a lengthy chat, arrangements were made so that Ocellus would return to Hive Prime, in three day’s time she would leave from a SMILE spaceship and be sent to the planet.

Two days had passed since that call, and Ocellus didn’t have the energy to go to classes. She mostly spent her time looking out from the balcony of her shared dorm room, watching the students go to and come back from whatever activities they were doing. 

She assumed her human form, which didn’t change much, she was a bit taller, a little curvier, and her hair was longer, but other than that, she still looked the same. She explained it as a reflection of her new maturity, it was also embarrassing because it also meant that she was technically biologically capable of producing offspring, by the thousands if so needed.

Ocellus shuddered, the idea of birthing so many new Changelings made her exoskeleton crawl. Things like that weren’t even on her mind, if anything, they were way into the future as far as she was concerned. Perhaps when she was older, maybe? But that wasn’t the biggest issue at the moment. 

As of tomorrow, Ocellus would have to battle Chrysalis for the right to rule over the Changeling race. If she lost, Chrysalis would solidify her standing as the one true ruler of the Changelings and covert the remaining Changelings into Dark Changelings. But if Ocellus won, she could convert the Dark Changelings into their Reformed forms, and end the longstanding civil war on their planet. It was all on her, the fate of billions on her tiny shoulders, and she hadn’t even had her first kiss yet. 

The young Changeling sighed again, slumping onto the railing of the balcony. She heard the door open behind her, but didn’t turn to look. She was sure that it was either Fluttershy, Rarity, or Pinkie Pie returning to get something that they forgot. 

However, she was surprised when Sunset took the spot next to her and said, “Hey, Celly.”

“S-Sunset?! Are you skipping class?” Ocellus asked. 

Sunset shrugged. “Eh, maybe.”

Ocellus put on a wan smile as she looked back out into the distance. “You really shouldn’t skip classes because of me.”

“A friend of mine is facing something monumental and is clearly depressed. I can’t think of a better reason to not skip class,” said Sunset. 

“Still…”

“Ocellus, I know you never wanted any of this thrust onto you. And honestly, I get how you feel.” Sunset brought up her left wrist, a flash of light went off and the StaRaizer appeared. “Being Aster means I’m responsible for the lives of every single person on this planet. I don’t know how or why I have this power, whether I wanted it or not. With my lost memories, it kind of feels like someone just slapped this on me.”

Ocellus nodded, if there was anyone on the planet who could relate to Ocellus, it was Sunset. The flame haired human may not have to rule over anyone, but she was still responsible for protecting people. 

“How did you make the decision to fight? To take on that kind of responsibility?” Ocellus asked. 

Sunset chuckled. “Honestly, up until a few months ago, I didn’t.”

Ocellus turned to Sunset with surprise. “Really?!"

"Really. It was actually Twilight who helped me figure out what I wanted to be.” Sunset placed her right hand on Ocellus’ shoulder and looked her in the eyes. “I’m not here to tell you what’s right and what’s wrong. At the end of the day, it’s up to you. Honestly, I wish I could fight with you and take her down myself.”

“I wish you could too, having you as Aster would definitely scare Chrysalis.”

Sunset and Ocellus began to giggle at the idea, and for Sunset, it was a relief to see that Ocellus could giggle or laugh at all. After their little fit, they settled to stare out into the distance again. 

“Well, you’ll be happy to know that I’ve gotten permission from Celestia to accompany you to Hive Prime,” said Sunset. 

Ocellus nearly dropped her human disguise when she heard that. “Y-You are?!” 

“Weellll…not just me.” Sunset turned around and leaned her back against the railing as she pointed back into the room. “They decided to tag along.”

Ocellus turned around as well and spotted Twilight, Pinkie, Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy standing in the living room, all of whom had confident smiles on their faces. 

“We’ve also been given permission to accompany you to Hive Prime, darling,” said Rarity. 

“B-But how?!” Ocellus asked. 

Rainbow crossed her arms and said, “Aside from being given Special Agent status, we all thought you could use the moral support.”

“Ain’t no way we’re leavin’ a friend to go and face somethin’ this big alone,” said Applejack. 

“It wasn’t easy to convince my parents, but I managed to persuade them to let me come,” said Twilight with a nervous smile.

Fluttershy walked across the room and stood before Ocellus, she then took Ocellus’ hands into her own and said, “We believe in you, Ocellus, and we’ll be there for you. You can do this.”

Ocellus’ eyes began to water, tears were shed as she hugged Fluttershy, and Fluttershy returned that hug. After a minute of crying, Ocellus wiped her eyes and looked back at Sunset, “I think I get what you meant.”

Sunset nodded. 

“Thank you, all of you. I’ll fight as hard as I can a-and…I will win!” 

The shuttle glided through hyperspace and eventually exited just outside of Hive Prime’s orbit. From space, the planet was green in color, with some patches of water that could be seen here and there. The ship made its final approach and entered the atmosphere of Hive Prime, the friction burned the outer hull, but did no real damage as they entered Hive Prime’s airspace. 

Two fighters appeared on either side of the shuttle, they were colored white, and had an insectoid look to them, like a dragonfly. The two ships brought the shuttle into the spaceport where a private hangar had been set up for them. 

Once the shuttle was inside, the doors opened up and Sunset was the first to exit. Down below the stairway was a regiment of forty Changeling guards, all of whom were dressed in white armor, holding a spear weapon that also doubled as a rifle. At the end was King Thorax, he too wore white armor, but trimmed with gold and a purple cape. Next to him was another Changeling, he had a more aggressive look to him, he had three horns like Thorax, but his side horns were more curved. His chitin was a dark cyan color, and his eyes were bright purple. 

“My name’s Sunset Shimmer, I’m a friend of Ocellus,” she announced. 

Thorax and the second Changeling walked through the line of forty soldiers and said, “I am King Thorax, and this is Pharynx, my Second-in-Command, and leader of the Changeling Armed Forces.”

Pharynx placed his right fist over his chest in salute. 

Sunset nodded and looked back into the ship. “It’s okay, I think.”

The soldiers watched in stunned silence as they saw Ocellus step out of the ship. She was in her true form, when she was giant, her exoskeleton was more angular, appearing more like armor, now it was smoother and laid against her body. The white faceplate was gone, allowing her mouth to be seen. She held her hands out in front, her eyes darting from Thorax and then back to the stairs, clearly embarrassed by the amount of attention she was getting from her fellow Changelings. 

Sunset led the way down the stairs, followed behind her was Vice Commander Luna, and right behind her was Fluttershy, Twilight, who was carrying a large backpack, Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack, and Rainbow. All of whom were dressed in their school uniforms. Once all nine of them were down on the ground, Thorax and Pharynx walked up and met them halfway.

“It’s good to see you returned, Ocellus,” said Thorax. 

Ocellus bowed and said, “Thank you, my King.” 

“King Thorax,” Luna bowed as well, “on behalf of SMILE, we wish to be present for this occasion. That being said, Ocellus’ friends wished to be here to offer her moral support.”

Pharynx looked upon the assembled girls, appraising them. His gaze fell on Applejack and Rainbow Dash, he knew warriors when he saw them, one of them was half-alien and another was full alien, another four were human, and lastly, his gaze lingered on Sunset. His eyes could see something in her that was…different from the rest of them. It wasn’t threatening, but it was something that he was sure he needed to keep an eye on. 

“That would be fine, I’m sorry we couldn’t bring your family with you, but I thought it better that it’d just be you to come. Once this is over, you can all come back to Hive Prime,” said Thorax. 

“Thank you,” said Ocellus. 

“We’d best be on our way, we don’t want to linger too long. COMPANY, MOVE OUT!” Pharynx ordered. 

The soldiers all turned to the same direction, the group moved towards the entrance of the hangar, the first ten soldiers went out first, scouting the area and then moved to the stag beetle looking transport. Once they were sure that it wasn’t rigged with explosives, they signaled for the rest to come out. When the group got outside, the SMILE students awed at the city before them. It was built up in large spires, greenery and color were everywhere, it was almost as if the buildings were made from the land itself. After a brief moment of looking at the city, they were directed to head inside the transport, the rest of the soldiers mounted smaller vehicles that sat two at a time, one seat for the driver and another for the gunner. The stag beetle transport rose up and then took off, along with its twenty ship escort. 

During the ride, Twilight decided to ask, “I-If you don’t mind me asking, how does all this work?” 

Thorax shook his head. “I don’t  mind telling you, but…” his eyes turned to Ocellus. 

The young Changeling nodded. “It’s alright, they’re going to see it anyway.”

Thorax nodded. “It’ll take place in the ceremonial battlegrounds called the ‘Arena'. It’s a rough terrain, formed from the many battles that have taken place there centuries before all of us, where previous Queens have battled. The land deformed and scarred from their powers clashing. It’s the place that all Queen caste Changelings are to go. Two enter, but only one leaves.”

Ocellus clenched her hands together. 

“Is there any way for Ocellus to get some help?” Sunset asked.

“No,” Pharynx answered, “it’s a duel, any outside interference would show that the Queen is unworthy of rule, if she can’t defend herself, then why should we protect her? The Queen should always be the last line of defense against any invaders, it is our job as the hive to protect our King and Queen.”

Sunset glanced at Ocellus and gave a small shrug, silently saying, “I tried.”

Ocellus patted Sunset’s right arm and smiled at her, silently telling her that it was alright. 

“Has Chrysalis appeared yet?” Vice Commander Luna asked. 

“She has, she sensed when Ocellus changed, and immediately came back to Hive Prime, she and her Dark Changelings are gathered at the battlegrounds, waiting for Ocellus,” said Thorax. 

“Are we…Are we heading there now?” Ocellus asked. 

“Not if you don’t want to. You technically have at least five days reprieve before entering battle, so you have until the day after tomorrow to prepare yourself,” Pharynx stated. 

Ocellus clenched her hands into fists, she knew what she wanted, the longer she dragged this out, the more worried she’d get, and the more worried she got, the higher the chance that she might do something disgraceful to herself, her friends, and the Changelings who were counting on her. 

“No, let’s do it,” said Ocellus. 

Everyone looked at Ocellus with shock. 

“O-Ocellus, you don’t have to fight Chrysalis right away,” said Fluttershy. 

“No, I do, if I don’t, I’ll be too scared to actually face her! I want to do it now while I still feel like I have the nerve to do it!” Ocellus looked up at Thorax. “Please, my King, let me fight her now!”

Thorax looked to his commander, and brother, Pharynx. While they were both happy to see Ocellus’ enthusiasm to fight and protect her people, they were unsure of her mindset, she looked nervous, as well she should be, but it seemed she was making this decision in haste. 

“I’m ready to face her, please allow me!”

The two male Changelings sighed wryly. 

“If that is what you wish, then we will do so.” Pharynx walked to the pilots and said, “Change of plans, tell the escorts were heading to the Arena” The pilots looked at Pharynx with mild surprise. “Just do it.”

With their own wry nod, the pilots relayed the message to the escorts, the ship changed direction and was then on its way towards the Arena. Pharynx walked to one of the lockers and opened it, inside were breathing apparatuses. 

“Hive Prime’s atmosphere can support beings like you, but there are some areas where the air isn’t so good, the Arena being one of them. You all will need to wear these. We Changelings can alter our bodies to survive in almost any climate condition,” said Pharynx. 

“Do we need suits to go with these?” Luna asked. 

“No, the air won’t hurt your skin or eyes, your lungs are a different story.”

The Arena was a jagged, crooked land. The earth rose from the ground like claws trying to grasp at anything that tried to get close, the land itself was black and gray, scarred from the countless battles that had taken place over the centuries. No greenery would grow from this desolate land, to live in this place would be to endure harshness on a daily basis, where the name of the game was survival. Deep in the heart of this wasteland was the Arena, formed due to the fighting that took place there, it served as the place where all the Changeling Queens would begin their battles. Across from the arena was a jagged mountain, you could scarcely call it a palace of a forgotten age of the Changelings. With many holes and catacombs that once served as the primary hive of a long-forgotten generation of Changelings, now it was a ruin. 

On one side of the giant arena, a swarm of Dark Changelings waited, they hissed and squabbled amongst themselves, only being stopped twice when they began to annoy their Queen. Unlike the Reformed Changelings, these Changelings wore violet armor, all of them looked the same, you couldn’t distinguish male from female like the current Changelings. To be fair, most Changelings before the reform were non-binary, mostly because they could transform into either males or females and recreate the proper equipment to further sell their disguise. It was all to help them feed on the emotional energy of their victims, to make them fall in love or care for them deeply. 

Chrysalis sat on a makeshift throne on one side of the bowl shaped Arena, her eyes were half-lidded with boredom. She had come to the Arena and waited all day for the past three days for the whelp of a Queen to appear. Part of Chrysalis hoped she didn’t appear, not because she was scared, but because it would show the “Reformed” Changelings just how cowardly their new Queen was, and that there was only one true Queen to follow. 

Are you certain that the Ultra will appear here?

“Trust me, my lord. She came to the rescue of that planet, and to the rescue of that grub. I doubt she’ll let her die that easily, especially with what I have planned.”

Do not fail me, Chrysalis. I agreed to give you a seat before me because I see the value of your Changelings, their ability to infiltrate and impersonate will allow us to get closer to the Tree. However, that’s if you can convert the rest of your hive back to what they once were. Your loss of the few Belzeb you had was a great blow to your forces.

Chrysalis grimaced. “A minor setback. But once I kill her, all that will be nothing.” Just then, the sound of an approaching ship caught Chrysalis’ attention, causing her to smirk. “And here comes my entertainment.”

The transport ship and the escort speeders landed on the far side of the Arena, the hatch opened and from it walked out King Thorax and Commander Pharynx. Next Ocellus walked out, flanked by Sunset and Luna, and right behind them were their friends. 

Chrysalis got up from her throne and began walking towards them, followed by a contingent of five Dark Changeling guards. The two groups met in the middle, with King Thorax and Commander Pharynx staring down their former Queen with knitted brows, while Chrysalis just smiled cockily at them. 

“My little Thorax, it’s been a long time. You’ve grown so much and become quite the strapping King caste. Had I known that whiny little thing would become this,” she gestured towards Thorax’s body, “I would’ve made sure to bring you to my chambers.”

Thorax huffed, but said no words, not even wanting to dignify her words with a response. 

“And Pharynx, you disappointed me. You were one of my greatest, and strongest soldier caste, and yet you betrayed your hive.”

Pharynx growled at her as he said, “I betrayed no one! Your way would see our race starve to death, Thorax showed us that there was a different way, and we are thriving, and I know that’s just killing you.”

Chrysalis narrowed her gaze as her horn lit up, but Thorax put himself between Pharynx and Chrysalis as his two bigger horns glowed in response. The King and Queen stared each other down, the area felt extremely tense, and despite the rebreathers, it felt hard to breathe. After a minute, their horns dimmed and the two backed up. Chrysalis turned her attention to Ocellus, upon which Sunset was quick to shoot an arm out in front of Ocellus to protect her. 

“So, this is the grub who would be Queen? I’ve certainly seen much fiercer back in the old days, even my predecessor was scarier looking than you.”

Ocellus remained silent. 

“What’s the matter, grub? No words? No witty banter? Come now, you have to give me something, this may be your last chance to give some encouraging or awe-inspiring words, at least before you die,” Chrysalis mocked. 

“She’ll do her talking on the battlefield,” said Sunset. 

Chrysalis glared at Sunset, but the human did not flinch. “Watch your tongue, outsider.”

“Then try not to stick it out when you hiss,” Sunset countered. 

Chrysalis hissed, making her forked tongue come out. Her right forearm produced a scythe blade as she made to attack Sunset, but Ocellus quickly moved Sunset out the way and threw her right hand up, her five gemstones glowed as a light shield appeared before her, stopping Chrysalis’ attack before it could land. 

“Do not harm my friends! Your fight is with me!” Ocellus stated. 

Chrysalis looked upon Ocellus and chuckled as she retracted her blade and backed away. “Very well, shall we get on with it?”

“Yes, let’s.”

Chrysalis made a gesture for her guards to leave her, at the same time, Ocellus nodded her head towards Thorax. With that signal given, Thorax and Pharynx directed the group to head back to the ship. 

“Why do those guys look so much different from you and the others?” Rainbow asked. 

“Before the reform, we Changelings lived off of the emotional energy of other creatures, the strongest of this was love. In order to syphon as much of this as we could, Changelings evolved so that we had the power to perfectly imitate someone that another creature loves and cares about deeply. Before the change, we didn’t have set genders, which made it easier for Changelings to, ahem, shift their genitalia from male to female on the fly if needed, it also helped their personalities so that they shift from one to the other.”

“Damn…”

“It’s different now, we share our love with each other, the love of our hive and for other creatures and things. It’s thanks to this that we can thrive and not have to scavenge the universe for sustenance. Chrysalis would have us return to that, which would mean endless wars with different planets as we harvested different planets for their love energy, and result in the loss of many of our hive. Thorax found a way for us to continue living and not have to invade and die,” Pharynx explained. 

Sunset kept an eye on Chrysalis, something didn’t feel right about this whole thing, aside from the fact that one of her friends was about to enter into mortal combat for the fate of an entire planet. It felt like a setup, Sunset couldn’t explain it but it was making her skin crawl, like there was a hidden danger somewhere that she could sense, but couldn’t pin down. 

“Sunset, are you okay?” Twilight asked. 

“Not completely…something’s not right, but I can’t put my finger on it. I might end up having to transform,” said Sunset. 

“You can’t, if you do, the match will be deemed invalid and Ocellus will lose,” said Twilight. 

“I know, I know…I just hope I’m being paranoid.”

Once both sides were a safe distance away, Ocellus and Chrysalis took a few steps back. Chrysalis’ body glowed with dark green energy, while Ocellus’ body glowed with artic blue energy. In a matter of seconds, both Queens were enveloped in their respective auras as pillars of light shot into the sky. From those pillars, Chrysalis and Ocellus appeared in their giant battle forms. 

Chrysalis’s body had more jagged armor, like the landscape had melded with her exoskeleton, her mouth had grown into a muzzle, with sharp rows of fangs, and two pincers on each side of her face. Her single horn had grown with her, now pulsing with dark green light. Ocellus’ armor was sleek and knightly, with her white faceplate having formed once again. Her three horns glowed with her arctic blue energy as the two squared off.

“Once I’ve killed you, the hive will be mine again,” Chrysalis declared. 

“I won’t let you continue this civil war or make us return to what we once were! I will stop you,” said Ocellus. 

The two giant Queens charged and crashed into each other, causing the ground to rumble beneath their feet. Ocellus came in with a right punch, but Chrysalis blocked the attack with her left forearm and swiped upwards with her right claw blade. Sparks flew from Ocellus’ body as she stumbled backwards. Despite the direct hit, Ocellus seemed okay. 

Ocellus’ crystals glowed as she created a sword construct in her right hand, and on her left forearm she formed a circular construct shield. With her weapons made, Ocellus charged in yet again. Chrysalis swung at Ocellus with her blades, but Ocellus blocked the first strike with her shield, and parried the second with her sword. The New Queen’s horns glowed as her wings flared out, her wings fluttered quickly as green particles gathered to her. 

Without warning, Ocellus became a blur, zooming around the Arena. She struck Chrysalis in the back, sending sparks flying from the Former Queen, another attack hit Chrysalis in the front three times before backing away. Ocellus continued this blitz attack, making Chrysalis grow frustrated by the swiftness the young Changeling was showing. 

“ENOUGH!”

Chrysalis’ wings flared out as dark green energy gathered to her wings. In less than a second, she too dashed at incredible speeds to match Ocellus. A high-speed battle occurred before the Dark Changelings, Ocellus’ friends, and the Reformed Changeling soldiers. All they could see were black and blue blurs and sparks that would occasionally go off. The blurring streaks eventually stopped as Chrysalis and Ocellus took to the skies. 

Ocellus flew higher than Chrysalis until she was right above her, her five gemstones glowed as spheres of arctic blue light appeared around the new Queen. 

“CASCADE!”

The six spheres of light shot forth towards Chrysalis at rapid speed, Chrysalis was too late to react as all twelve beams hit her and exploded. Ocellus didn’t let up as she launched multiple Cascade volleys, barraging Chrysalis and forcing the old Queen to back away from her. 

“DAMN LITTLE GRUB!” Chrysalis roared. 

The old Changeling Queen’s horn glowed and then fired a column sized beam of dark green light. Ocellus hurriedly moved out of the way as the beam sailed higher into the sky. Chrysalis wasn’t done as she fired the beam again, but this time, Ocellus fired off her Cascade again, trying to hit Chrysalis from around her beam attack. The beam cut through several peaks and caused chunks of debris rock to fall. Ocellus looked back and saw that several of those pieces were heading for her friends and allies. Thinking quickly, Ocellus pointed her next Cascade attack towards the debris and fired, each of her beams struck the falling debris with pinpoint accuracy, destroying them before they could reach her friends. 

Unfortunately, that gave Chrysalis time to fire another beam attack, this time hitting Ocellus dead on. The beam exploded against Ocellus, sending her into a tailspin. The young Changeling Queen slammed against a spire, making her grunt in pain. Chrysalis flew straight for her, brandishing her sickle blades Ocellus summoned her Cascade attack, but instead of firing at Chrysalis, she blasted the spire behind her, allowing the dust to blow out towards Chrysalis and provide Ocellus with cover. 

Chrysalis stopped when the dust plume struck her, obstructing her view of Ocellus and stinging her eyes. What came next caught Chrysalis off guard as something barreled into her stomach at high speeds and forced her back down to the ground with a large BOOM! 

Ocellus rolled on the ground for a few seconds before stopping and springing to her feet, Chrysalis shot up and swiped at the air in front of her, causing a gust of wind that blew the dust away. 

“You have power, little one, but I have experience!” 

Ocellus narrowed her gaze as she entered a fighting stance. “SMILE didn’t just teach me how to sharpen my mind…” The young Changeling charged for Chrysalis again. She moved like she was going to the left, but feinted as she came in with an uppercut to Chrysalis’ jaw. “They also showed me how to hone my body!” Ocellus followed up by spinning in midair and throwing a flying roundhouse kick to Chrysalis’ left side. 

The twin blows sent Chrysalis flying to the opposite of the Arena as she crashed into the wall. Sunset, Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack, Rainbow, and Fluttershy all cheered and yelled at Ocellus’ combo move. 

“Booyah! I taught her that!” Rainbow boasted. 

Chrysalis tore herself out of the body sized crater and dusted herself off as she strode towards Ocellus. “I dare say this has been the most fun I’ve had in centuries little grub. But there’s something lacking in your attacks, something that probably would make me fight more seriously.”

“And that is?”

“You have no intent on killing me.”

Ocellus’ eyes widened with shock. 

“Despite how powerful your attacks have been, they’re lacking the proper intent to kill. You may have resolved to fight me, but you haven’t hardened your heart to kill the one being that stands in your way!” Chrysalis accused. 

Ocellus wavered, it was true, even with all the attacks she had thrown thus far, none of them were initiated with the intent to kill Chrysalis. 

Chrysalis smirked as she continued. “You were probably naively hoping to overpower me and make me surrender to you, right? Trying to show mercy? Or were you hoping to win this without spilling any blood? Whatever the case may be, you’re never going to become a true Queen if you don’t take down what’s in front of you! ZETTON!”

In a flash of yellow light, a being appeared next to Chrysalis. The girls recognized it as the second monster that Aster defeated, but it looked far different from the last time they saw it. 

Zetton had a more streamlined look, his head was slender, with two jagged, horn-like antennae. Upon its face was a yellow, glowing four-point star pattern. The exoskeleton looked much stronger than it did previously, with two yellow nodes on its chest, and one more on its waist. Its forearms were blade-like, with yellow glowing edges. This was his evolved form, Hyper Zetton Imago. 

“Zet-ton…!”

“W-W-What is that thing doing here?!” 

“CHRYSALIS!” Thorax yelled. “THIS IS IN VIOLATION OF THE ANCIENT LAWS OF THE CHANGELINGS!”

Chrysalis turned to Thorax and looked down on him with a smirk. “I make the laws here, Thorax, from this moment forward!”

Sunset clenched her fists and gnashed her teeth, “That’s it!” Sunset broke away from the group and summoned her StaRaizer. 

“Grant me the power of a galaxy!”

“Release the light within me!”

A bright flash of light ignited in the Arena, and within seconds, Ultrawoman Aster now stood next to Ocellus, already in her fighting stance. 

“My light will overcome the darkness!”

“Ah, there you are, I was wondering where you were hiding, Aster! Go on, Zetton, strike down your prey!”

“I took him down once, I’ll do it again!” Aster declared. 

“Oh, did I forget to mention that the Zetton you defeated was one of my Changelings? Of course, that one couldn’t fully imitate the full power of Zetton, but since this is the original, well…”

Zetton teleported and then reappeared before Aster. The Ultra warrior managed to release a gasp before a fireball exploded between them and sent the hero flying towards out of the Arena and into a pillar of rock. 

“SUNSET!” Ocellus yelled as she prepared to assist. 

But before she could, Chrysalis reached out and yanked on Ocellus’ hair, making her fall to the ground. “Worry about yourself, grub!”

Aster’s chest hurt, that attack really hurt. But even so, Aster peeled herself off the wall and stood ready to fight. Zetton teleported again and appeared on Aster’s right, the Ultra went for a backhand strike, but Zetton teleported again before her strike could land. 

Zetton continued to teleport again and again, confusing Aster as to where she should attack. When Zetton finally stopped, Aster dashed towards him and threw a punch, but right before she made contact, Zetton split apart and became two Zettons. Zetton 1 gave a swift kick to Aster’s stomach, followed by Zetton 2 hitting her in the back with both arms, making her slam against the hard ground. 

Both Zettons merged together, now behind Aster. When she saw that, Aster quickly sprang up and crossed her left arm over her right as energy gathered to the two points. 

“Astronium Ray!” 

Aster’s sparkling beam blasted towards Zetton, but the creature didn’t even bother to dodge it. Zetton raised its arms up and created a wormhole between his arms, allowing the Astronium Ray to fly right into it until Aster stopped her attack. Once done, Zetton collapsed the wormhole as the glowing edges of his arms shined brighter and unleashed yellow lightning upon Aster. 

Explosions erupted around her, along with sparks all over her body. When the explosions reached their apex, Sunset decided to use this to change up her tactics. 

From the roaring flames, Aster emerged in her powered form, Solaris Maximus. Before she could land a punch, Zetton immediately began teleporting around the area. 

“Don’t think that’s going to work on me twice!” 

Aster’s body began to absorb the flames from the explosions, and then build it up more and more. When Zetton appeared again to strike her, Aster unleashed her attack. 

“NOVA BURN!”

The dome of burning energy erupted in all directions, scorching the spires around her until they crumbled under the strength of her attack. Aster ended her blaze and quickly looked around to see where Zetton had gone, hoping that the blast was big enough and quick enough to destroy him. Alas, her hopes were dashed when Zetton teleported before her and struck her with its right arm, causing sparks to fly from her chest, then teleported again until he was behind her and swiped at her back. 

“Dammit! Okay, let’s try this!”

Meanwhile, Ocellus was reengaged with Chrysalis, with the latter fighting with more ferocity than when the battle began. Ocellus could barely keep up with her, focusing more on defense than offense as she brought up a construct shield to defend herself. 

“WEAK!” Chrysalis’ sickle blade struck Ocellus’ shield. “PATHETIC!” Another strike made Ocellus fallback. “MISERABLE EXCUSE FOR A QUEEN CASTE!”

Chrysalis’ two sickle blades glowed with dark green light, and with a single swipe, she unleashed a crescent energy attack in the form of a large “X” that roared towards Ocellus. The young Changeling focused her energy forward and doubled the power of her shield, but it was no use, the “X” attack smashed through her shield and carried her all the way towards one of the spires and exploded right after impacting. Before Ocellus could fall from the spire, Chrysalis zoomed across the way pinned Ocellus against the spire with her clawed hand. 

“How does it feel, little grub? To know that you’re not only going to let down so many, but that you’ll be responsible for the death of Aster?!”

“A-Aster w-won’t lose…!”

As she said that, three rock spires broke in half as something blue was tossed straight through them. The blue object flipped around and revealed Aster in her Cosmic Wave form, she dug her heels into the earth as she came to a stop and produced her Aqua Blades. 

Zetton teleported again and again as Aster slashed through the air of where he was, but failed in landing a single hit against the evolved Space Beast. Zetton, however, was landing several hits as he fired one Dark Fireball attack after the other, causing significant damage to Aster. 

Chrysalis smirked and then tossed Ocellus in that direction. The young Changeling couldn’t stop as she found herself plowing into Aster and as they skidded across the Arena. The SMILE agents and Reformed Changelings looked on in terror as their New Queen and Ultra hero were now on the ground. 

Aster’s speed form ended as she returned to her default form, Ocellus managed to get off of her, her own body aching with pain. 

“We…We can’t give up…Ocellus…!”

“I…I know…but she’s so strong…!”

“You’re stronger, I…I believe in you!” Aster stated. 

Both heroes rose to their standing height, Aster reached up to the crest on her head and summoned forth her Stellugger. 

“Let’s give this everything we got, alright?!”

Ocellus nodded and answered, “A-Alright!”

Within the starry nexus, Sunset took out the Victory Coin and from her StaRaizer, the Ginga Coin, and placed them into the slots of the Stellugger. 

Ocellus flared her wings and began gathering particles of bright green light. 

On the opposite end, Zetton and Chrysalis were charging up as well. The Changeling Queen’s horn shined with dark green power, while Zetton collected his energy into a large fireball. Once both parties were charged, they initiated their attacks. 

Aster slashed the air with the Stellugger, unleashing a crescent wave of blue and yellow light, at the same time, Ocellus’ beam fired from her central gemstone, the two attacks melded together as the crescent spun at the tip of Ocellus’ beam attack. Zetton discharged his fireball, with Chrysalis firing her dark green energy beam. The beam wrapped around the fireball as both attacks roared across the battlefield and slammed against each other, causing a cacophonous, thundering roar through the Area. The attacks from either side vied for supremacy, pushing back and forth with great struggle. The struggle, however, did not last long as Zetton’s body erupted with an aura made of violet flames. At the same time, the Dark Fireball that it fired ignited with violet flames, and doubled in size. Aster and Ocellus watched in horror as their attack was pushed back more and more with each second, Aster looked to Ocellus and made her choice. 

The Ultrawoman put herself between Ocellus and the oncoming beam. With her left arm, she created her light shield and took the brunt of the villains’ attack. When the beam struck, a massive explosion took place that obscured Ocellus and Aster. The ground beneath their feet broke apart as Ocellus was tossed to the side while Aster was tossed into the air her body shimmered, appearing as a shooting star and landing somewhere far in the distance.

“Sunset…” Twilight began walking. “Sunset…!” Her legs moved faster. “SUNSET!!!” Twilight broke into a sprint as she made her way to one of the speeders from the Reformed Changeling soldiers, which was easy enough as the majority of them were stunned from what they just saw. 

Twilight got into the pilot’s seat, her brain worked overtime as she deciphered how the instruments worked, and in a few seconds turned on the speeder and immediately took off in the direction that Sunset flew. 

Zetton was readying himself to give chase, but Chrysalis raised her hand and said, “Don’t bother, if she isn’t dead already, she’ll be dead for sure if she shows her face again. Now then…” 

Chrysalis walked towards Ocellus, she knelt before the downed Changeling, grabbing a fist full of her hair and pulling her up. Chrysalis brought her sickle blade to Ocellus’ throat, letting it hover mere inches from her. 

“It’d be so easy to end it here, but that would be too easy,” said Chrysalis. 

“What are you…going to do…?”

Chrysalis smirked as she let the young Changeling fall back to the ground. Unconsciousness finally took hold as Ocellus knocked out, her body reverting back to smaller form. Chrysalis used her giant hand to scoop up her defeated prey and turned to King Thorax. 

“Let the rest of the hive know that I have won, and that I will end this one’s life, publically. An execution will be held at sunset today. To mark the end of this era, and so that a new dawn will rise on Hive Prime, with me as the undisputed Queen!” 

The Dark Changelings buzzed loudly as they took to the skies, hissing and snarling as they got closer. 

“We have to go!” Luna stated. 

“B-But, Twilight and–!” Rarity stuttered.

Luna grabbed Rarity by the arm and said, “We can’t go searching for them! We need to move out, NOW! King Thorax?!” 

The tri-horned king balled his fists and gave the order. “We’re retreating, all forces head to the transport and speeders and give covering fire as we go!”

Without another word spoken, the girls, Luna, King Thorax, and Commander Pharynx returned to the transport while the soldiers opened fire on the swarming Dark Changelings. Once they were in their speeders, the transport rose up and flew off back to the new capital, along with its escort ships. 

“SUNSET!!!” Twilight yelled. 

The teen genius tried to keep her eyes on the sky while also looking downward to see where Sunset had landed. She searched and searched for she didn’t know how long, but soon she saw the signs. Several jagged pillars were broken in a clear line that indicated a path. 

Twilight followed that path until it eventually ended at a small crater. Not wasting any time, Twilight aimed the speeder downwards, once she was close to the ground Twilight slowed her descent until she was a few feet from where Sunset landed. When she touched down, Twilight practically leapt out of the speeder and ran towards her friend, she stopped and took a moment to look over Sunset’s injuries. 

She was bruised and cut up, her clothes were nearly in tatters but thankfully weren’t so bad as that they couldn’t preserve her modesty. One thing that she did notice was that Sunset’s breathing was ragged, it was then she realized that her rebreather mask was gone. Twilight decided to not look around for it, as it may’ve been dislodged somewhere along the path she followed miles back. Thinking quickly, Twilight ripped the hem of her shirt until her midriff was showing. Taking the piece of cloth, Twilight wrapped it round Sunset’s mouth and nose to try and at least minimize the amount of particulates in the air that was making it hard for her to breathe. 

“It’ll be okay, Sunset, I promise! You saved me, so I’ll save you!” Twilight declared. 

The teen genius carefully hooked her arms under Sunset’s armpits and slowly dragged her towards the speeder. Twilight was nearly out of breath by the time she got Sunset close to the speeder, now she needed to get her into the speeder. 

It was then that Twilight picked up on the sounds of buzzing. 

“Oh no…”

Twilight didn’t bother to look up, knowing full well that it was the Dark Changelings, no doubt on orders from Chrysalis to find Sunset and kill her. 

“I won’t let that happen, I won’t let her get you!”

Twilight hefted Sunset into the speeder, but when she did, she fell backwards and Sunset’s unconscious body fell on top of her. For some reason, having Sunset pressed this close to her made her feel funny despite the situation. Shaking off that feeling and filing that under “will look into it later”, Twilight hurried to the pilot’s seat and took off yet again. 

She didn’t really know where she was going, she just needed to put some distance between herself and the patrol that was getting closer. Just then, Twilight spotted a cave up ahead, it might’ve been cliché, but at least it was some cover. Twilight aimed the speeder down going as fast as she could to avoid getting spotted by the patrol. Once she was close to the mouth of the cave, she pulled back on the controls, making the speeder come to a violent and abrupt halt. Thankfully, Sunset was wedged in the seat behind her and wasn’t sent flying, while Twilight’s harness kept her from doing the same, however, her chest begged to differ on whether that was a good thing or not. 

Thinking of the worst case scenario, Twilight unfastened herself and got into the gunner’s seat where Sunset was, she turned the turret around and aimed it right at the mouth of the cave. Her hands trembled as her index fingers hovered over the triggers, shaking in fear that the Dark Changeling patrol was going to fly in and kill them. 

The buzzing got louder and Twilight’s shaking got worse, she felt as if she was going to go into a panic attack and pass out right then and there. But then she remembered the Maulwurf incident, and then she looked down to the unconscious girl whom she owed her life to. With a firm resolve, Twilight steadied her hands and readied for a potential fight. 

Thankfully, the buzzing seemed to dissipate and eventually it was gone. Twilight nearly collapsed when the tension finally left her body, but she knew her work wasn’t done yet, Sunset was still unconscious and she didn’t have a rebreather like Twilight did. The rag was barely doing anything to filter out the particles that were in the air, and there was no way she could take off with the Dark Changelings patrolling the area.

“Luckily…I leave prepared,” said Twilight as she unslung her backpack. 

The first thing she took out was her holoframe, she hooked it up to an air analyzer that could get a better readout of what exactly was in the air that was causing breathing issues. 

“Okay, nothing that could ignite if a fire was started, that’s a good thing. Although the particulates in the air are bothersome…really bothersome…” Twilight glanced to Sunset. “Provided I don’t move around too much.”

With her resolve affirmed, Twilight ripped her uniform skirt and fashioned another rag. She took a deep breath and quickly took off the rebreather and wrapped the rag around her mouth. She removed the rag from Sunset’s face and replaced it with her own rebreather. Once affixed to Sunset’s face, her breathing became less ragged, then it became smooth and even. 

“You need it more than I do, Sunset…Ocellus needs our help…your help. I just hope you’ll be ready before then,” Twilight whispered. 

Twilight tried to connect to another holoframe that belonged to her friends, but it was no use. She then moved to the speeder, Twilight found the communications console and began fiddling with the device to try and contact the Reformed Changeling soldiers, or even reach the transport. Unfortunately, all she was getting was static. 

“Shoot…the cave must be causing interference…” Twilight coughed a little. The young genius opened her backpack and took inventory of her supplies. “Okay…I have about twenty ration bars, a plasma heater, and…two bottled waters…” Twilight looked at the clock on the holoframe and grimaced. “It’s only been twenty minutes since the fight ended…and Ocellus is going to get executed at sunset.”

Twilight typed on the holoframe and grimaced more when she realized that sunset would be at five on this planet. “That gives us little more than seven hours…Sunset needs at least three to recharge, but with these injuries…” Twilight sighed as she sat next to Sunset and sighed. “All we can do is wait…”

Rainbow Dash was pacing the floor grumbling as she did so, Applejack leaned against the wall with her arms crossed and a single finger tapping on her bicep in frustration. Rarity was sitting next to Fluttershy as she held her hand and rubbed circles on the crying girl’s back. Luna stood stoically as she stared down the large double doors, the group from SMILE was requested to wait in the hallway while Thorax and Pharynx went to work.

After the debacle at the Arena, King Thorax and Commander Pharynx immediately convened a war council and informed them of what had occurred during the battle. Many of the Reformed Changelings were shocked to hear that Chrysalis would actually bring outside help to fight with her, to go against their own ancient laws was unheard of. 

Many on the war council were demanding an immediate strike on the Dark Changelings and Chrysalis in order to save the new Queen, if Chrysalis was not going to abide by the old laws than there was no reason they shouldn’t pull out all the stops to end her and the war once and for all. 

Thorax understood their frustration, but there was the appearance of Zetton. After witnessing the power that creature had, power enough to fell a member of the Ultras, that wasn’t something to take lightly. With Zetton, Chrysalis could possibly wipe out their forces easily if they weren’t careful. And there was no guarantee that their attack wouldn’t cause Ocellus’ death to come quicker. Too many unknowns, and too many risks to take that could end up with many lives lost. 

The war council went into recess so that they could come up with some options to attack. Once Thorax and Pharynx were out, Vice Commander Luna hurried to them. 

“Well?” Luna asked. 

“We’re getting some plans together to figure out how we’re going to launch a counterattack against Chrysalis,” said Pharynx. 

“Is there any way you can spare some of your troops? Two of my students are out there! One most certainly injured,” Luna pleaded. 

Thorax nodded. “We have sent a small team of Recon Changelings to check the area, the speeders have a tracking signal in case they’re stolen or if a soldier is missing in action. If we use too large a group, we run the risk of the Dark Changelings intercepting them before they find those girls, that or we agitate Chrysalis in moving up her timetable.”

Pharynx gently placed his hand on Luna's shoulder. “We’ll find those two, especially since that one girl is an Ultra. That one student of yours was quick and brave to steal a speeder and go after her.”

Luna rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. “To be honest, Twilight Sparkle was the last person I would’ve suspected to do something like that. I half expected some of my more energetic students to do that.”

“Only because I was still in shock! Otherwise I would’ve!” Rainbow stated. 

“Simmer down, Sug, we know ya would’ve,” said Applejack. 

Pinkie Pie walked up to Rainbow and gave her a hug as she smiled. “Don’t worry, I know they’ll be okay.”

“How do you know?” Fluttershy asked. 

“Because, it’s Sunset and Twilight, if there’s any two people who would be okay, it would be those two! Just have faith,” said Pinkie. 

Faith was something that was dwindling fast, but despite that, Pinkie’s words struck a chord with them. They needed to believe in Sunset and in Twilight. 

The Dark Changelings swarmed around the Arena as they crafted a large platform. Communication and video equipment were brought in, making good on Chrysalis’ threat to make the execution public. While the construction was taking place, and nearly completed, Ocellus was on her knees, tied up with a special resin that was once used to make their hives. 

Chrysalis sauntered over to the young new Queen and used her clawed right hand to make her look up at her. “Don’t worry little grub, you did put up a decent fight back there. So, I’ll honor that by making this execution as quick and painless as possible.”

“Somehow…I doubt that…” Ocellus spoke. “If that was all you were going to do, you would’ve just ended me hours ago. You want me to suffer so that everyone will see and no one will ever question your right to rule again.”

Chrysalis let go and smiled wickedly at Ocellus. “Well, damn, you are smart. I was going to let you keep that hope up until I delivered the first painful blow so that I could see your face twist in agony as you realized that it wasn’t going to be quick at all.”

Ocellus furrowed her brow as she looked upon the Dark Changeling Queen. “What happened to you?”

Chrysalis went silent as she looked Ocellus in the eyes. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve studied our history; the Changeling race wasn’t always like this. We were beings of love, we spread peace, now…we spread chaos and syphon love from other living things like parasites!” 

Chrysalis huffed as she said, “What does a little grub like you know of our people?! Know of the struggles, the pain, and hunger we faced eons ago! We were weak before, I made us stronger! Those that didn’t survive were weak! I was once like you, bright big eyes filled with wonder and hope, but then I learned the ugly truth! The universe is not a kind place, and I’ll be damned if we die like some bugs!”

“We are stronger now! We no longer have to starve in this form, we can sustain ourselves, and the burden of generating a new brood of Changelings no longer has to fall solely on the Queen! We can mate now; we can make new Changelings ourselves! You can still be a part of that change!” Ocellus pleaded. 

Chrysalis narrowed her gaze. “You’ve also become weaker due to this change. You’re no longer the battle-hardened brood I hatched thousands of years ago, most of you have forgotten how to fight. Anyone of you could do battle and survive and I wouldn’t have to worry about any of you! Now…ugh, you make me sick! This form of yours makes me sick!”

The Dark Changeling Queen slapped Ocellus across the face, sending her to the ground in a heap. 

“Once they see how weak they are, they’ll know they’ve made the wrong choice. Our race will be the strongest in the universe. You’ll see…not even your Ultra friend was strong enough to help you, what hope do you have?” 

Ocellus watched as Chrysalis walked away, now alone, she thought about Chrysalis’ words. Chrysalis was once like her; did that mean she too had fears about taking on the burden of becoming a Queen caste? Did she become this twisted version of herself because she saw no other way of keeping their race safe and strong? Would Ocellus herself become something just like Chrysalis, or worse?

I won’t…Chrysalis was alone…I have my friends…I have King Thorax and Pharynx…my Mom, Dad, and my little sisters and brothers. But…Ocellus looked up at the nearly completed stage. I guess that’s a moot point now…

Sunset began to stir from her unconscious state, her vision was blurry for a few seconds before everything came back into focus. There was a damp smell, and it was dark. She felt something over her mouth, when Sunset touched her face, she found that her mouth was covered by the rebreather. Not only that, but her right arm was bandaged up. Sunset sat up slowly and noticed that most of her body had been tended to, cuts had Band-Aids or were wrapped with bandages, there were some bruises but they were healing quickly. 

The flame haired teen looked around and noticed she was in one of the Changeling soldiers’ speeders. Then her eyes fell on Twilight, she was slumped up against the turret mount. 

“TWILIGHT!” Sunset called out as she moved closer to her and grabbed her shoulders. “Hey, open your eyes, Sparky! C’mon, wake up!”

Twilight stirred awake, her eyes opening slowly. “S-Sunset…you’re awake…”

“Yeah I am! What happened! Why are we in a speeder, in a cave?!” 

“When…When you were hit…I s-stole a speeder…and chased after you. I-I found you…Your mask was gone…so I gave you mine…and flew us into this cave…to avoid the Dark…Dark Changelings…”

Sunset shook her head in disbelief as she smiled. “You crazy little nerd girl! I’d congratulate you on jacking a military speeder if you weren’t in the state you’re in!”

Twilight smiled under her face rag. “Heh…I…I thought the rag might help…turns out…the particulates in the air…don’t affect you as much as they do me…Perhaps that because you’re an Ultrawoman…or I’m just really out of shape…”

“Don’t joke around, Sparky! Stay with me!”

Twilight took in a raspy breath. “At least…you’re okay now…y-you can save Ocellus…I was at least…least of use…”

“Shut up! You aren’t useless to me! You’re my friend, Twilight Sparkle! Y-You’re my best friend! And my best friend doesn’t get to leave me alone in this godforsaken place!” Sunset stated as she cried. 

“I’m your…best friend…?” Twilight asked. 

“Yes.”

“I’m, I’m so happy…to hear you say that…”

Just then, a bright flash of purple light erupted from within the cave. It washed over Sunset and Twilight, and when it did, Twilight took in a deep breath of air. She coughed for a moment before she was able to catch her breath, but somehow, she was able to breathe again. From her chest, a small sphere of light shot out. This sphere hovered between them before it took the form of a coin. 

Twilight held out her hands, and when she did, the coin fell into her open palms. The young genius nearly cried tears of joy upon seeing what lay in her hands, it was an Ultra Coin, an Ultra Coin born from herself. Sunset smiled broadly at Twilight, sensing the pride she was feeling in doing something like this for her best friend. Twilight turned to Sunset and presented her with the coin.

“Here, Sunset, this is for you,” said Twilight in an elated tone. 

It was a tone that made Sunset’s heart thump a bit harder for some reason. Regardless, she gladly accepted the coin, and when it was in her hands, the name of the Ultra who was upon it entered her mind and she spoke aloud. 

At that moment, Ultraman Orb’s coin appeared next to Hikari’s, the two powers resonated, showing Sunset that like the others, these were meant to be used together. 

“We need to go back and save Ocellus,” said Sunset. 

Twilight opened her holoframe and gasped. “If they’re still at the Arena, then we have only ten minutes to get there!”

Sunset glanced at the controls. “Let me drive.”

The platform had been completed and Ocellus was kneeling at the center of it. Drones flew around the platform as they began broadcasting, the signal reached far and wide, allowing every Changeling on the planet to witness the impending death of the newly evolved Queen. Back at the capital, everyone was already heading back, with Luna, Rainbow, Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack, and Fluttershy watching with bated breath as the events were about to unfold before them. 

Chrysalis stood tall and proud as she raised her hands to the air and said, “To my Changelings all over Hive Prime. It is time to end this ridiculous civil war set into motion by one, ‘King’ Thorax. The usurper, made you believe that there was another way to live as a Changeling, but I’m here to tell you, there is only ONE way. MY WAY! See here before me is the newest of the Queen caste, one who believed she was strong enough to defeat me, but low and behold, she is as weak as the rest of those of you who call themselves ‘Reformed’!”

Chrysalis extended her sickle blade from her forearm and held it against Ocellus’ cheek. 

“Any last words to say before I fill the air with your screams, little grub?”

Ocellus looked up at Chrysalis, but instead of rage or fear, Chrysalis saw something that she never thought any creature would dare show her…pity. 

“I’m sorry you had to endure a lot on your own,” said Ocellus. 

Chrysalis bared her fangs and growled with hate in her heart as she raised her blade up, “DON’T YOU DARE PITY ME!!” 

A bright flash of light took all the Dark Changelings by surprise, the light came from straight ahead, and from that same direction, several Beam Bullets shot through the air and smashed right through the foundation of the platform. Chrysalis flew into the air while Ocellus fell, but before she could fall too far, Ultrawoman Aster came in and caught the young Changeling Queen. Aster skidded to a halt as she dug her feet into the ground, churning up dirt and rock before she stopped. 

Aster opened up her right hand and looked down at Ocellus, who in turn looked up at her with shock. “Miss me?”

“Sunset?! Y-You’re alright!” Ocellus yelled happily. 

“Can’t keep a hero down.” Aster’s right hand glowed and released an energy pulse that destroyed the resin that was binding Ocellus. “I’m going to fight, get to safety”

“No.” Ocellus flew out of her hand and as she did, artic blue energy wrapped around her body as she was once again in her battle form and standing next to Aster. “You won’t face her alone! I won’t let my friend fight my battles!”

Aster nodded as she turned around, just in time to watch as Chrysalis entered her battle form, and at the same time, Zetton teleported to her side. 

“You couldn’t defeat Zetton last time, what makes you think you can beat him this time?” 

Aster stepped forward and said, “Because I have something new to bring to the table! Something that was given to me by my best friend! So, let’s go!”

Within the starry nexus, Sunset opened the Coin Keeper and took out two Ultra coins. 

“Shine, the power of bonds!” Sunset placed the first coin into the top slot. Upon doing so, an Ultraman with black, red, and silver appeared on her right.

“Shine, the power of knowledge!” Sunset placed the last coin in the bottom slot, and from it appeared a blue Ultraman. 

“The stars are aligned for victory!” Sunset pressed the center sun symbol on her StaRaizer. 

Nine spheres of light appeared over her, and once they were in alignment, a beam of purple and violet light shined down upon her. Within this light, Sunset entered her third transformation and rose from it. 

The purple light faded and when it did, all were granted the sight of the newest form of Ultrawoman Aster. 

Aster’s Color Timer had changed, there was a blue circle at the center, with a round blue ring that had bands that made it look like a star was bursting into existence. Her chest armor changed as well, it sported ten studs known as Star Marks, five on one side of her chest, and five on the other. Her shoulders were covered with silver armor that curved like a shark's fin, while each of her fingertips were coated in metal. 

Her coloring had changed as well, the silver, eight-pointed star pattern was no longer on her hips, but was now at the center of her waist, with the side bands looping around her waist to form a makeshift belt design. Purple dominated the color scheme, along with violet streaks that sparkled like stars in the night sky. 

Aster’s head design changed, now sporting elf-like ears on the sides of where her horn frills were, her crest reversed so that it was pointing towards the back of her head, a central vertical blue crystal rested in the middle of her forehead, and along both sides were two gold bands for a total of four. This form embodied the power she felt when her feelings were aligned with those of her friends, the bonds they shared resonated within her, bringing her great strength, she could almost feel them all inside with her. 

Aster assumed a fighting stance and announced, “Witness our unified power!”

“ZET-TON!” The alien growled as it discharged its Dark Fireball. 

Aster quickly got in front of Ocellus, inside the starry nexus, Sunset pressed down on the sun symbol of the StaRaizer twice. 

Armor plates hovered over Aster for a second before all of them attached themselves to her body just as the Dark Fireball made impact. A large explosion took place before Zetton and Chrysalis, the Dark Changeling Queen smirked, but that smirk was wiped away when she saw the flames fizzle out. 

Aster was now donned in armor, her entire right forearm was covered in silver armor, with the same shark fin design, but now the tip was gold plated. The StaRaizer on her left forearm had taken on the same color and changed slightly to match the other forearm armor. Most of Aster’s upper body was covered in silver armor, with the center having a gold sun painted on it, and the upper portion of the armor colored purple. Her thighs were covered in this same armor, having a slight curve to the sides of them. Her shins were covered in greaves, with an amethyst crystal at their center, and a gold band running down the middle. The top of her head was covered with a thin layer of armor which went over her eyes, but had a slit, “V” shaped visor that glowed blue. 

“Did you attack me? I barely felt that.”

Zetton released strange noises, possibly irritated by this turn of events and quickly teleported. Ocellus jumped up from behind Aster and attacked Chrysalis. 

“CASCADE!”

A barrage of energy beams fell upon Chrysalis, making her back away quickly as they began to engage. Aster remained where she was, but not for long as she sensed a shift in the spatial energy around her. 

“Mercury Racer!”

Just before Zetton appeared, a silver aura formed around Aster, and in the next second, she became a silver blur that disappeared just as Zetton appeared. The destroyer was caught off guard by this, even more so when he saw that she was now five meters away from him and waving him down. 

“Yoo-hoo!”

“ZET-TON!!!”

The insectoid alien teleported again, but just as he did, Aster raced off. What occurred next was a rapid game of tag as Zetton would teleport, and Aster would dash away, again and again Zetton chased after, trying to pin her down, but he was finding out quickly that her speed was outpacing his teleportation. When he appeared again, Aster was right in front of him, something that made him take a step back in shock. 

“Surprise!” Aster’s fists flared up with red energy as she called out, “Mars Raging Heat!”

Aster struck Zetton in the head with a blazing red punch, causing sparks to fly, her second punch struck him in the chest, then in the head again, the shoulder, the stomach, the punches kept coming until they were nothing but a blur of red comets that were barraging Zetton. The Destroyer of Worlds teleported away from the onslaught and unleashed two Dark Fireballs right at her. 

The empowered Ultra stopped her attack as she flattened her palms into knife hands. Purple light wrapped them as she brought both arms up to form an “X”. “Saturn Sickles!”

Aster slashed the air with her hands and launched two crescent blades that boomeranged through the air and slashed through the two Dark Fireballs, causing them to explode in midair.  Violet light shined from Aster’s hands as she pointed her left hand at Zetton and called out, “Uranus Collider!”

The air around Zetton became distorted, then, in an instant, his entire body was forced straight to the ground as the gravity suddenly tripled in intensity and strength, forcing the Destroyer straight back to the ground. Aster opened her right hand and formed a sphere made of graviton energy, she then slammed that sphere into the ground and launched the real Uranus Collider. The sphere of graviton energy tore the ground apart as it rushed right for Zetton and detonated upon impact, sending Zetton flying right into a jagged rock spire. 

Aster’s right foot glowed green as she concentrated her energy into it and shouted, “EARTH BRINGER!” The Ultrawoman slammed her foot against the ground, sending a surge of emerald energy through the dirt and rock. The ground rumbled and roared as the surge reached where Zetton was. When it reached the spire, the ground erupted with giant slabs of hardened rock that sandwiched Zetton from the front and back, causing a thundering “BOOM” to echo through the area. 

While this was going on, Ocellus and Chrysalis were engaged in their battle. Ocellus had gained a new resolve, seeing Sunset alive and stronger than before gave her hope, not just for this battle, but because of what this meant for the future. Suddenly, Ocellus’ exoskeleton began to crack. Lines of green energy flowed through the newly formed grooves in her chitin, and upon her back, her salmon colored wings transformed into sparkling, green energy butterfly wings. Her hair took on a luminescent property, along with her glowing eyes, made Ocellus appear to be a fearsome warrior, no, she was a Warrior Queen. 

“What… What is this?!” 

“This is the power you scoffed at! The power of love freely shared! I can feel it now, the love of the Changelings who are wishing for my victory! The love that the Dark Changelings wish to also give freely!”

Chrysalis’ eyes widened as she turned to some of the Dark Changelings, “YOU TRAITORS!” Chrysalis’ horn glowed with dark green energy as she prepared to attack, but Ocellus appeared right in front of her, a faint afterimage formed behind her from the speed of her quick movements. Before Chrysalis could react, Ocellus threw an uppercut, slamming it against Chrysalis’ lower jaw and making her beam shoot upwards and away from the Changelings. 

Ocellus spun in place and hit Chrysalis with an elbow strike to her abdomen. The sudden strike sent Chrysalis flying, but Ocellus wasn’t letting up, she flew straight for her, appearing as a streak of sparkling light. When she was close, Ocellus kicked her straight up in the air, Chrysalis managed to right herself just in time as Ocellus came in with a construct sword, meeting it with her forearm sickle blade. The two Queens began clashing in the sky as the sound of ringing metal resounded in the air above. Chrysalis spared a glance to see how Zetton was doing, and much to her dismay, he wasn’t faring any better, if anything, he was worse off. 

“DON’T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF YOUR OPPONENT!” Ocellus shouted. 

Chrysalis paid for that mistake as Ocellus slashed across her chest, sparks flew from her carapace as Chrysalis shrieked in pain. With that opening, Ocellus summoned forth four dozen spheres of light around her as she held up her right hand. 

“SHINE RAIN!”

The spheres fired off beams of light, but each light splintered off and made a new beam of light, and then splintered again, and again, and again. Before Chrysalis knew it, her vision was filled with sparkles of light as they rained down on her and sent her plummeting into the ground as explosions erupted all around her. 

Meanwhile, Zetton managed to burn down the pillars of rock he was sandwiched between, he sprouted wings as he gathered all his dark energy and summoned forth a giant Dark Fireball, strong enough to reduce the entire area into molten slag and then some. Aster stood her ground, knowing that she wasn't going to run from this attack. 

Aster widened her stance, she swiped her left hand out in front of her, and four spheres appeared. The far left orb was Jupiter and was yellow, the far right was Saturn was purple, the second from the left was silver Mercury, and the second from the right was arctic blue Pluto. Aster used her right arm to swipe upwards, and created five more spheres. The top sphere was violet Uranus, the very bottom was blue Neptune, second from the top was red Mars, second from the bottom was pink Venus, and at the center was green Earth. 

Zetton made more of its strange warbling sounds as it launched its Giga Dark Fireball straight at Aster. At the same time, Aster brought both her arms together in a cross formation.

“GRAND CROSS STRIUM!!!”

The nine spheres swirled together and burst out into a beam of swirling aurora light that roared through the sky. The Grand Cross Strium slammed against the Giga Dark Fireball, Zetton didn’t hold anything back as a violet aura overtook him, causing the color of the fireball to change and double in size. But the beam wasn’t getting pushed back. Aster released a battle cry as his beam doubled in size, nearly swallowing Zetton’s attack. After a brief moment of struggle the Giga Dark Fireball shattered into embers as the Grand Cross Strium continued unobstructed. Zetton was powerless to dodge the oncoming beam as he was swept up into it like a riptide. The beam chipped away at his body, causing multiple cracks until Zetton exploded in the air, filling the sky with thunderous noise and purple flames. 

Back on the ground, Chrysalis managed to get back up after watching Zetton get blown away by the Ultra. Aster turned her attention to Chrysalis, making the Dark Queen go on guard. The Ultrawoman crossed her arms as her armor disengaged. 

“Don’t worry, I’m not interfering in this. It’s just you and Ocellus now.”

Speaking of whom, Ocellus landed on the far end of the Arena, her five crystals began to glow as she gathered energy for her final attack. Chrysalis did the same, gathering every last scrap of power she had left to fell this young Queen once and for all. 

“I won’t kill you, Chrysalis!” Ocellus declared. 

“WHAT DID YOU SAY?!”

“I WON’T KILL YOU! That may’ve been the old way, but that’s not MY way!”

Chrysalis’ left eye twitched as she roared, “INSOLENT GRUB, DIE!!!” Chrysalis’ beam fired a column sized beam of dark green energy that razed the ground beneath it as it traveled towards Ocellus. 

“I’ll save you, from yourself! AMORE LUMINOUS SPARK!”

The light of Ocellus’ wings, grooves, and eyes changed to a bright pink. That same light filled her gemstones, and from the center gemstone, a huge beam of pink light exploded forth. The two beams met at the center, but their encounter did not last long as Ocellus’ beam overtook Chrysalis’, making it fizzle out as Chrysalis was bathed in the sakura colored Amore Luminous Spark. 

Chrysalis felt her body being penetrated by this light, every fiber of her body was being filled to the brink, the former Queen of the Changelings released a loud shriek as the beam released a flash of pink light, not an explosion, but a flash. Ocellus stopped her attack and waited to see if it had worked, and when the light faded, Ocellus gave a sigh of relief that it did. She walked over to her foe and said, “Open your eyes, Chrysalis.”

Chrysalis tentatively did so, and when she did, she gasped at what she saw. Her carapace was no longer pitch black, but a light gray color, there were no more holes in her arms and legs, they were whole. She saw that her scraggly hair had become luxurious locks of grass green hair, the jagged horn that once adorned her forehead was smooth and curved. Her wings were no longer sharp and jagged, but more like Ocellus’ butterfly-like wings. The eyes of the former Queen weren’t slit anymore, they were round and filled with uncertainty and realization. 

“Did you…Did you change me?” Chrysalis asked. 

“I shared my love with you, Chrysalis. You were right about one thing, the old ways got us here. The sun will set on this current era of the Changelings.” Ocellus offered her hand to the former Queen. “So, let’s create a new era, together. Your wisdom, and my beliefs, we can make the Changelings a better people.”

Every Dark Changeling watched this, too afraid to move for fear of setting something off. Aster was still on edge, ready to act at a moment’s notice, but inside she was pleading, Please just take her hand, I really don’t want to have to blow you away…

Chrysalis sighed heavily as she closed her eyes. “Ocellus…” The young Queen gasped a little, that was the first time Chrysalis had said her name. “I yield…I am no more the Queen of the Changelings.”

Upon saying those words, the crown that was atop of Chrysalis’ head began to wither and disappear, and at the same time, Ocellus’ makeshift crown grew two extra horns for a total of five, showing all around that she was now the undisputed Queen of the Changelings. 

“I have crimes to answer for…and I will accept whatever the punishment may be,” said Chrysalis. 

Ocellus stepped forward and placed her hand on Chrysalis’ shoulder. “Then as my first act as the new Queen of the Changelings, I hereby order that your punishment is to serve the Changeling people, not as a ruler, but as my Vizier. However, when I’m not around, King Thorax's word is law.”

Chrysalis’ eyes seemed to water, although she tried to look away to avoid having the young Queen see her predecessor shed tears. 

Ocellus gently brought Chrysalis’ face to look at hers and said, “You’ve kept your tears at bay long enough. Shed them now.”

With those words, all the strength in Chrysalis’ legs gave out as she fell to her knees and began to cry, Ocellus opened her arms and hugged Chrysalis, bringing the former Queen’s head to rest against her chest. The tears she had held back from every decision she made to ensure the safety and continued survival of their race, all the lives lost in the civil war, dealing with the dark entity. The dark entity…

Chrysalis stopped for a moment and looked to Aster. “Ultrawoman Aster, you need to know that there is a force trying to attack Earth and it wants – AAAAAH!!!” 

Chrysalis cried out in pain as she clutched at her head and backed away from Ocellus. 

“Chrysalis!” Ocellus called out. 

The former Queen jerked back and forth as she tried to get her words out, but each attempt only caught in her throat. But then, she went stiff and stood straight up. Her eyes became pitch black and the aura around her changed completely. Aster zoomed across the Arena until she was standing in front of Ocellus, ready to defend her. 

Ultrawoman Aster…you’ve grown stronger yet again. 

The voice was deep, hollow, and cold. Whatever this was, it wasn’t Chrysalis, it was using her as a mouthpiece. 

“Who or what are you?!” Aster demanded. 

Something seeking the end of light, and a return to the primordial. Where savagery and power ruled over all things, where I ruled once as a king above all things. 

“What have you done to Chrysalis,” asked Ocellus. 

Heh, heh…you feel concern for this bug, despite the fact that she nearly killed you. I will grant you this thing back, she is useless to me as she is now. However, I will take with me all the memories of my existence from her. I still need to keep a few secrets…until next time, Aster, but by then, I hope to see you face to face.

“And when I do, I’ll kick your ass like every other monster!”

With those words exchanged, Chrysalis went limp and fell to the ground, her body reverting back to its regular size. At that time, the Reformed Changeling Army rode in on transport ships, fighters and speeders. They knew the fighting was over, and so did the Dark Changelings as they made no attempt to run or engage in confrontation. Another speeder came flying in, this one belonging to Twilight, Aster looked in her direction and nodded to her, with Twilight doing the same. Aster looked up into the sky and took off, flying into the setting sun. 

Life changed on Hive Prime that night, the remainder of the Dark Changelings gave up, no longer wishing to fight and instead accepted and shared their love with each other, allowing them to transform into Reformed Changelings, but Ocellus made sure to throw out such things like “reformed” or “dark”, they were now Changelings, all of them. 

Chrysalis was in the care of the medical team, she had sustained little injuries thanks to Ocellus’ sharing of love, which in turn seemed to heal most of the injuries she had sustained during the initial battle. They weren’t sure of her mental health, especially after the Dark Entity took over Chrysalis’ mind and body for a moment, but only time would tell. 

Twilight and Sunset were greeted to a bone crushing group hug that nearly put them in the hospital, Vice Commander Luna chewed Twilight out for her hijacking of a military speeder and putting herself in danger. Once she was done chewing her out, Luna praised her for her quick thinking and for saving Sunset’s life. Then Luna did something that no one saw coming, she stood in front of Sunset and then embraced her. 

“Don’t you ever scare me like that again,” she told her. 

Sunset had awkwardly returned the hug, but admittedly, she didn’t dislike it since it was the first time that Luna showed any sort of affection for Sunset. That night they all ended up sleeping in the same room, after that near close call it was understandable that they wanted to be near them. Which ended up with Sunset being sandwiched between Twilight and Fluttershy, not that she was complaining of course. 

That morning, they were all invited to the coronation of the new Queen of the Changelings. It was held in the central palace of New Elleria, Rarity had been complaining that she wished she had made them something special for the occasion, instead of them having to wear their school uniforms. Luna had internally agreed with Rarity, as a representative of SMILE and Earth, she had wished she had packed her formal uniform. Thankfully for Twilight and Sunset, the seamstresses at the palace were able to fix their uniforms since they were ripped and tattered from their ordeal. 

Now, they stood in the front row as honored guests of the new Queen. King Thorax walked towards the throne where a podium had been set up and turned to look into the room filled with Changelings. 

“My fellow Changelings, today is a momentous occasion, for now we are in the midst of a new time, a new era. For centuries we have fought a long and arduous civil war with our own brethren, but now that is no more, now we can march forward together, with our new Queen. Queen Ocellus!” 

Thorax pointed his hand down the long aisle in between the crowd. From the opposite side the double doors opened and out walked Ocellus. She carried herself regally and with poise, she was flanked by royal guards and Commander Pharynx as they walked towards the throne. The soldiers moved to the opposite sides of the throne as Ocellus walked up towards the podium, Thorax bowed to Ocellus, and she bowed to him. Thorax stepped away and allowed the young Queen to take her place. 

“I told Chrysalis, that when the sun set last night, it would mark the end of an era, and it has. Now the dawn has come and a new one begins, one where we are no longer divided, but are now one people!” 

The Changelings cheered and the girls joined with them. 

“The ancient laws dictated that I end Chrysalis’ life to assume the right to rule. But I chose a different way, I chose to share my love with her, and in so doing, I have freed Chrysalis. I’m not asking that you forgive her for what she’s done, that will be up to all of you, but I have. In the end, she was doing what she thought was right to keep us alive, to see that we, her children survived. Now, it is time that we showed her that we can, together, we will reestablish our race, not as beings who take love, but ones who spread it and defend it. I have seen that there is darkness in this universe, but with love, and friends…” 

Ocellus looked at the assembled seven girls who helped her get to this point in her life. 

“I know that we will make it through. And thanks to our friends of Earth, I would like to take this time to announce that I would like to establish a strong alliance with Ultrawoman Aster, and assist in the defense of Earth.”

Luna’s jaw nearly broke through the floor. 

“I will extend our hand in friendship to Earth, and from there, other worlds will begin to see that we have changed. I am still young, and I may not know everything I need to, so I ask you all to be patient with me as I learn from King Thorax and Chrysalis, I want to know all I can to make sure I become a better Queen to you, not like the Queens of the past. For our new future, begins now!”

A round of applause filled the room, Ocellus blushed a little from the attention, but she still ended up smiling nonetheless. Sunset smiled as she watched this all happen, glad that Ocellus had become stronger, confident that she would be a good leader. 

As Sunset kept clapping, something strange happened. Scenes flashed before her eyes, replacing many of the features of the insect palace and replacing it with a crystal structure, her school uniform would change from golden armor and then back to her uniform. When she looked up at Ocellus, she was replaced by someone else, a girl in a purple dress, and a woman in a white dress standing next to her. Their faces were covered by shadows, but somehow, this all seemed familiar. 

The girl in the purple dress turned in Sunset’s direction, what facial features she could make out told Sunset she was concerned. “Sunset…are you alright.?”

A hand fell on her shoulder and suddenly Sunset was brought back to the here and now. Her head darted around the room until her eyes fell upon Twilight who was giving her a worried look. 

“Sunset, are you alright?” Twilight asked again. 

Sunset looked around the room once again, but this time she seemed to catch the attention of Luna. 

“Sunset, what’s the matter?” Luna asked. 

“I…I think I remembered something…something from my past…?”