Some say that midnight signals the beginning of a witch hour. It is a time of convergence of great ancient powers. When the Sun sets, the world steps beyond the time of twilight and submerges fully into the dark.
Slave to the march of the hands of time, the world never moves back. It can move only forward.
"Do you believe in destiny, Twilight Sparkle?"
The question was curious, to say the least. While she was weighing possible complications and insinuations, it immediately sent her thoughts down a specific path. Twilight traced her eyes to the circular window above the throne—as she often done while standing here and pondering Celestia's questions. This small action distracted her from the situation completely, and everything became almost like it was before. The answer was obvious, but was it the one that Celestia wished to hear?
Was it a test? Interesting...
Suddenly she remembered what is going on, and snapped out of it.
"Princess, we have to go!" She moved forward urgently. "The Queen, where is she? Did she leave you unguarded? Come, let's fly while we can!"
Celestia barely frowned, and Twilight gave her a puzzled look. This dissatisfaction on Celestia's muzzle, even if there was barely a hint of it, always was something that she was afraid to see from her mentor. The elder alicorn was giving off an impression of indescribable otherworldly sorrow. "Answer the question, Twilight," she asked, now not demanding at all. Like she giving a second chance to do things right.
Twilight steadied her breath. "Well, it depends." She smiled nervously. "All ponies believe in destiny, for there are many things that could show us the fact of its existence, not to mention about simple causality and the ability to forecast future events. The evidence shows that laid out destiny can be viewed as a statement, a governing principle of the world that is meant to guide us. It is not unlike a tapestry, and our lives can be seen as threads that hold this tapestry together. In the end, it all adds up to a complete picture."
"But do you believe, Twilight?" Celestia moved hooves away from the harp, and now was simply staring. "Do you believe that destiny leads us to the future better and brighter? That design, reserved to us by higher powers, is a merciful one?"
"I believe, that..." Twilight frowned, trying to see the reasoning behind questioning destiny by someone who is no less like a goddess, but eventually relented and spoke honestly, "I believe, that in the end everything depends on us and our choices. The existence of destiny doesn't free us from the responsibility for our actions. Everyone is responsible for their destiny, for their part in it, if you will."
A very faint smile appeared on Celestia's muzzle. She lit up, and her voice, carried forth, at first streamed like a river. "Our paths are laid out for us. The illusion of choice comes after, when you look back, seeing only one set of hoofprints: your own. 'But I was being punished for a crime to exist, to want', you might say... I know. And if you saw two sets of hoofprints, you were not walking with another—you thought you were, but you were only following yourself... There is no shame in it. In fact, I rather approve. So few have the courage to walk the path of self-discovery, to have the strength to battle not only against the darkness, to battle against self... And I think of how many are still struggling, how many have given up, how many have given up on themselves, how many are still making excuses..."
The more she talked, the more Celestia was speaking clumsily, stuttering, and yet being filled with strange eagerness. Twilight caught herself on a thought that her usual confident encouraging speeches, in particular about friendship and harmony, always carried distinct, but similar air.
Celestia suddenly seemed so lonely.
Nevertheless, Twilight tried to clarify. "Princess, I... what do you mean?"
Celestia frowned and sighed, barely noticeably shifting her hooves. "Twilight Sparkle, my evening star... I wanted to say that I am proud of you. There is no pony that I am more proud of, and I am so happy that I could see you grow into the wonderful mare that you are. I am sorry. I never was good with the words."
Twilight tilted her head hard to the side, resembling a confused puppy with a raised attentive ear. Celestia felt so different, that the young alicorn suspected that she was an impostor.
She wasn't. She could tell.
"Princess, I do not understand," she mumbled pitifully, "did you expect me to come, is that why you're acting strange? Is it because of destinies?"
"I knew you would come," Celestia nodded gracefully, and barely noticeably shifted her front hooves yet again, "because I believed that you would do so. My belief in you is absolute." She looked at Twilight suddenly sternly, and her voice sounded harsh, "That is why I want you to know, to engrave on your heart a single truth: do not try to change your destiny, as you will only bring more pain to yourself and to those you love. Whatever happens, do not ever despair, for you have a great purpose in your life. Be happy and find joy in what you do. So few can actually change the world..."
Twilight took a step back, becoming pale. That was too specific. "Princess, did something happen? Chrysalis did something to you?"
Celestia remained silent. Her look was strange, brightened, and direct. Her constantly moving mane was embracing her tall and imposing figure, caressing her arrested wings. On her muzzle was a small smile, so familiar and at the same time so out of place. Even remaining motionless, she was fluid and entrancing.
Only Celestia could be like that, to be like the living statue of antiquity, so close and distant.
A tension engulfed the room. Twilight had so much to ask, to tell... She thought that she can find the right words and return everything to how it was before. There was a strong sensation of slipping possibility, like there was a cipher that needed to be figured out, that there existed a combination of right phrases and motions to fix everything. There was a hope that was heavily contrasted with hopelessness.
A strong excruciating feeling went down her stomach. She took a step closer, living through the odd sensation of how the distance between them suddenly became too enormous. Her eyes, welling with tears, were silently pleading: "How I can help you, Celestia? How can I ease your torment, to help you return to your normal self? Please, talk to me, please explain it to me!"
Celestia's pose became more dignified, and she slightly lifted her head, now looking at something at the far side of the room. It was enough for Twilight to feel the breath of cold, sending a plethora of goosebumps on her spine, raising every fiber of her fur.
She slowly turned.
Chrysalis was emerging from the floor. A sphere of condensed green was heralding her appearance. As she appeared in all of her imposing height, the green sphere dispersed, and the darkness surged in all directions, covering the changeling with a thick shroud. Only her striking, slit eyes remained seen, and they were filled with utter ravenous joy.
"I'm curious, here-" she began whispering, and at first echoing sounds of her snake-like voice, Twilight immediately ignited her horn, "-why your first instinct is to blame everything on me? Wait, I know why..." Chrysalis interrupted her speech for a short cheerful giggle. "No, I didn't do to our Princess anything above the norm. Yet... Say, 'Little Light'... How does it feel to be thrown to the biggest wolf in the woods? That means me."
"Hello, Chrysalis." Twilight decided not to give in to obvious provocation. "I see you've been well fed?"
The beast laughed much more loudly, and then clacked fangs, grinning under the veil of the darkness. "Amusing! Love our little banters... But you did come to fight me over her, little girl, didn't you?"
"Um..." Twilight replied warily, hoping that she understood correctly. "Yes?"
"Why, you're so possessive, Twilight. I don't share. Don't even think," Chrysalis replied with a jealous snarl.
"Oh." Twilight looked back at Celestia, who remained serene and unperturbed, then at this creature of the dark in front of them. "Huh. I see."
There were a few seconds of awkward silence between them, and eventually, Chrysalis caved in, uttering with a disdainful scoff, "Seems I've raised the bar too high. You really are no fun with this."
"Celestia is my mentor." Twilight shrugged. "I don't know what you expect—"
"Oh, COME ON! But, well, fine..." Chrysalis took a swift, fluid step forward, the whole cloak of darkness moved with her, and the sensation of danger was ignited anew. "What do you bring to the table? Show me, the Queen of Equestria!"
"You are an usurper! You aren't our Queen!"
"Am I?" The Queen made another swift step, her horn flashed, and a series of cracks ran across the floor and walls of the Throne Room. Handcrafted murals, depicting achievements of Celestia's reign, painstakingly installed all along the elongated hall at the seat of her power—they all exploded inward, littering the space with sharp shards. The jangling rattle of broken glass rang in Twilight's ears, as she covered herself with wings and projected a magical shield. "Am I not!?"
Taking a step back, Twilight peeked from under her wings and then outstretched them. Her heart was racing, and yet there was strange infectious enjoyment to be had while squaring off the creature that was destroying with such ease. Feeling pity for demolished murals, Twilight sneaked a peek at Celestia. Somewhat dishearteningly, the Princess' muzzle wore a completely unfazed expression, even displaying the same smile. She seemed even to be pleased.
Twilight wasn't certain about what was going on here.
The powerful voice of the Queen kept raging coldly, "My title is an authority, a power to be free! Only I could come so far. No one will take this from me!"
Celestia came into motion. Her inquisitive voice was kindling, as she tried to goad the Queen. "What a reckless, irresponsible fool you are. You are the most shackled creature that I've ever seen. Who in their right mind would go around and cause nothing but misery? Not to say, you really think that your predicament brought you freedom?"
Chrysalis flared, "Only I decide my destiny! Destiny is nothing more than an excuse, a way of shifting the blame from yourself to something else! There is no such thing as fate, only choices, and my choices are my own!"
There was a soft chuckle from the Princess. Still confused, Twilight glanced between them.
Chrysalis kept talking, placing her front hooves wide, as if she was standing against nonexistent strong wind. "You all call me the monster, and oh believe me, I am one... And I like it. This is who I am. This is what I do, and I do whatever I want. I go whenever I please! I eat whoever I wish. I can be anyone, with anyone I desire..." She grinned. "This is what freedom looks like, girls. But oh, every time I tread on your miserable pathetic lives, with which you do nothing but complain about, somehow I am in the wrong—because I do what I am intended to. I know who I am! Who are you to judge me!?"
Celestia let out an uncharacteristically nervous laughter. "So that is your answer to everything? Just to wage a one-mare war until you die?" Celestia scoffed. "What a pathetic excuse to have constant instant gratification."
"Instant gra—oh, that is just precious. I've worked my flanks off to get where I am now. I've put all my heart and soul into this! Do you think that I like to suck love from creatures whom I despise? All your frolicking, pathetic lot!" Chrysalis spat, and then grinned again. "But you know what? I'd argue that since I'm your natural predator, in me your love finds far more purpose than anywhere else..."
"Oh? And what purpose that might be?"
"You're all about purposes, aren't you? Gimme a minute, I ought to think of something... Ah, yes!" She laughed wickedly. "To let me have some fun, and eventually become your wife, dearest. I should've tried it so much sooner... My one-mare war landed the Sun itself onto my lap... I've achieved everything that you ponies ever dreamed of, and even more. Are you jealous, Twilight?"
Twilight stared at the Queen, still in silent confusion. In what world does she think she lives?
Celestia heaved a sigh, and spoke calmly, with barely a hint of irritation, which cleared out fast, "I've heard enough. I will not stoop down to your level, Chrysalis. I refuse to get into an argument with you, it would be fruitless. All you seem to care about is love, and yet you do not understand its true value. The love you crave is meaningless unless it is reciprocal, but the love is something that must be given freely, without forcing others, without expectation of anything in return. The love should be unconditional, not transactional."
Chrysalis roared in laughter and pressed the hoof against her chest, still giggling. "That is so you... Isn't the love is something worth fighting for?"
Celestia uttered slowly, with a strange indiscernible emotion, slightly unfurling her wings, "Twilight. I believe it's time for you to take the word."
Twilight exhaled, nodding without a second thought. The whole exchange got her a few ideas on how to approach the situation.
"Oh-ho-ho~! This is gonna be good," snickered Chrysalis, looking at her curiously. "Now, what will little Twilight do? How will she get out of this one?"
"Let's consider that you really are the Queen of Equestria." Twilight barely scrunched up her muzzle, trying not to let her imagination run wild. "What are you after? Control?"
"Control, hmmm~?" the changeling pondered and then grinned widely. "Why yes, I do enjoy control. But let me say between us-" she cackled, "-rulers, tyranny is actually a boring endeavor when you are lording over inferior creatures. I've already figured that out many generations ago. I am sure our precious Celestia over there can relate."
"The Princess isn't a tyrant!" Twilight replied with indignation.
"True! I'm talking about the 'inferior creatures' part. Believe me, I know boredom when I see one... imagine the same routine for hundreds and hundreds of years: raising the Sun each day, listening to your meek praises, knowing that there is no one to satisfy your deep, personal urges..." The Queen's muzzle broke into a grin. "Ah, at least I can relate to that. Eventually even lovesucking and dominating your weak pathetic lot can become stale."
Twilight noted to herself that the Princess remained silent. "You are talking as if you have some intentions for Equestria, after all. Care to share?"
"I'll take a page from Celestia's book and say..." Chrysalis cleared her throat, and suddenly, her voice sounded just like the Princess's. "'My little Little Light, there are many secrets that I will never discuss with anyone else, under any condition.'" She grinned and went on with her usual tone. "Her words, not mine. Care to imagine how much dirt was swept under the rug by that sugarcoated pony Princess of ours? If there is any truth about those who wield power, the real power, believe in one thing: we are all, even if a bit, shapeshifters."
"Twilight." Celestia was wearing the same neutral indistinctive smile the young alicorn come to easily recognize over the years. "You know what she is doing. She is the creature of dissent. Do not let her confuse you."
"Right." Twilight eyed the Queen. "Whatever are the reasons for the Princess to act like that, I wholly believe that her intentions are good and pure. You're in no position to judge her."
"Oh, but don't you know?" The changeling's wings buzzed a little. "If you believe in something, you must be willing to test it and your beliefs. After all, it is the whole reason Celestia placed you before me. I wonder, now... How many of such little tests did she prepare for you over the past years?... And what if you failed, what then?... Would you be... cast aside?..."
"Well, I didn't f—" Twilight's voice died down, as the question settled in. She stubbornly shook her head, trying not to get vile words close to her heart. It was exactly what the changeling wanted. "No! I am her student, she was my mentor, and she was teaching me. More than that, we are friends, and that is beyond your understanding."
"Friends, are you?" the changeling hummed. "What is that, some kind of codependency?"
"No. Friendship is a hard work. You don't really think that it's easy as simple existence and codependence? It is understanding of others. It is shared values. Connection. Effort. Sacrifice."
Chrysalis nodded, listening intently, and then cackled disparagingly. "Sounds like quite a sweet, comforting illusion. Like an intentional weakness. It is to be expected, of course. You ponies really don't amount to much when you're alone."
"Whatever you say. Aren't you constantly surrounding yourself with minions to do your bidding?" Twilight pondered, getting into the analytical process. In some ways, the conversation with the enigmatic shapeshifting creature was interesting and novel to her... Some part of Twilight already wanted to dissect Chrysalis.
Chrysalis laughed with utter venom in her voice. "My Hive is a part of me. They live to serve and die at my command!"
"You don't consider them to be individuals?"
"Do you see your limbs as anything more than extensions with which you walk and grapple on things?"
"But..." Twilight's breath hitched for a moment. "Let me get it straight: you create new life whenever you want. You refer to your spawn as part of you. And yet you feel no remorse over them, you view them an extension of your will? Why? You, your changelings, you all could've been so much more. Is this existence all that you wish for them?"
Chrysalis smirked under her veil of darkness, and Twilight saw how the changeling slowly moved her head from side to side, as if in disbelief. "Over the centuries I've been a progenitor of countless dark shapeshifters, girl. I've seen more of them die than you can possibly imagine. True, I can recall, barely, a time when I played favorites with them, but that was so very long ago when I was far more naive... In time you become desensitized to such things, it is simple as that..." Her gaze was raised to Celestia.
Twilight sat down at this point, and closed her eyes for a few seconds, thinking. There was a way to approach this situation correctly. There was a reason why Celestia placed her as a champion to face off against this creature.
There was something only she could do, and that was related to magic, right? Twilight remembered her recent clarity, how she saw through reality and was able to tap into magic earlier unknown to her. Her alicorn soul still carried her forward. Her fire still remained inside.
"I am not alone," she whispered, opening her eyes. A sparkle shone in them. "Never alone."
She stood up with renewed determination. "Chrysalis."
Changeling slowly lowered her piercing glare, barely narrowing it, acknowledging the shift in demeanor.
"Have you ever been completely honest in your life?" Twilight challenged.
That got the changeling thinking, while keeping up an amused grin of sharp teeth. To Chrysalis it all was like some sort of a game.
Eventually, the Queen nickered. "Oh, my little darling alicorn girl... You will find a lot of honesty in the cold of a shallow grave."
"Is that some sort of a threat?" Despite everything, Twilight managed to become slightly confused.
"I didn't even begin threatening you. You know what I am, so why even bother asking? My trade is in illusions, and stallions and mares all want the same. They want a promise that I have no intention to keep. They want hope that I have every intention to spoil and devour. They want an illusion they desire to believe in, but no one ever wants to pay for their illusions, doesn't it? They want to take and I want to take too, but the thing is, I have more power. I was born for this. And they, well, they were born to be my prey... And then they have the gall to say that I am the arrogant one! But it is I who draws them in... And I cannot help it, even if I would want to... I was made this way, it is who I am. I know it and you know it. It is... natural...
"And I love it."
"That doesn't answer my question..." Twilight mumbled.
The Queen rose her head high in response. "I am nothing but honest, as I can say anything, and you, ponies, will believe me anyway. Funny, really..."
"Isn't it a logical fallacy?"
"Truth is a choice."
Celestia suddenly spoke, breaking her self-imposed role of the observer, "Chrysalis tries to say that lying comes to her as easy as breathing, so she doesn't have to make a conscious effort to track when her lies begin and end. She is not really a pathological liar—misleading and half-truths are something that is in her nature."
"She gets it," Chrysalis chittered, and lowered her discontent gaze back to Twilight. "Now... Since I am indulging our talk... I want to return the question. Did you ever lied in your little pony life?"
"Well..." Twilight rubbed her chin, pondering. "It might sound pompous, but I believe I don't. I might omit some details or intentionally speak in a roundabout way, but I rarely would flat out lie about something, and if I would, I always try to make amends. Lies always catch up to you, you know? Of course, no one is truly honest, if that's your angle. There's always something we keep to ourselves, or some little lie we tell to protect someone..." Her ear twitched, as she remembered about Starflower and her project. "That reminds me... Recently I might've been too open with my discoveries, and it led to consequences that I couldn't foresee..."
"Ah-h..." The green eyes in the darkness bobbed in understanding. "Information, another one of my trades... Knowledge is power, girl, maybe one of the most frightening powers there is. Enough knowledge can change you... So it might be better to keep your life simple..."
Twilight licked her dried lips briefly, wrapping her head around all this.
The Changeling Queen's voice became lower, almost seductive. "There is so much to know, and so much to forget... You ponies always seek comforting, easy answers... There can be no compromises. No compromises. So I'd say, you should always embrace your willingness to know more, Twilight Sparkle. It might be the only reason why I entertain this talk, after all. Who knows, maybe you can even learn something from this monster?"
It was strangely on point since Twilight did want to learn something, sure, but not from the Queen, but about her. A tiny smile came to Twilight, as she sensed ancient powerful magic calling out to her. It was still here, and she remained on the right path. Twilight continued her verbal dissection, "You said you played favorites with your children, once. Is it possible that you were kind to them, you know, cherished them? Did they spurn you somehow? Can it be you're doing all this because of some misaligned scorn?"
The Changeling Queen hummed, pondering Twilight's words yet again, and then began to laugh.
"What's so funny?" Twilight asked inquisitively, allowing her smile to widen as well.
"If it wasn't for your pony kindness, I would never get to the place where I am. If only Luna wasn't so beloved by Celestia, I wouldn't have this breach in your defenses and never grabbed the power," the Queen snarled. "I must admit, even my cunning and abilities would have some limitations, if not for your weakness, this kindness, this willingness to see the best in others... It is all kinds of pathetic.
"So to answer your question, no," she scoffed. "I realized back then that being kind will never work for me. But you, ponies, you seem to have learned a completely different lesson, didn't you?"
"Why are you so cynical about it?" Twilight furrowed brows. "Is that what your ideal world looks like, full of hate and misery, of this dog-eat-dog mentality?"
"No, my ideal world is full of kindness. So I would thrive... Full of 'unconditional love', right, Celestia?"
The elder alicorn remained motionless, unresponsive. Twilight thought about it, then nodded. "I see. You don't have any conventional morals because you can exist beyond the expectations of any society. Your Hive can't be called such society, after all, as if you are to be believed, the changelings are more like a constantly warmongering band. And yet you need to feed..." Twilight looked at Chrysalis curiously. "You really are a parasite in every possible sense of the word. You do not produce anything substantial, you only consume. I'd say, the fact that ponies still tend to be kind even with you around, speaks in favor of the quality of their willingness to do good. You will never survive in the more hostile environment where you are constantly expected."
"Or maybe I will adapt!" Chrysalis hissed defiantly. "I didn't have a good enough challenge until I reached Equestria, and look where I am now!"
She was so proud of herself.
Twilight wasn't satisfied with that answer. Pressing her hoof at her mouth, she looked at the dark mare academically, like it was some sort of an anatomical atlas. "I'm thinking now, why, In spite of all your talk, you personally left ponies mostly unharmed? You could wipe out all resistance in the Royal Library in one fell swoop. Why did you keep us, and Celestia, and Luna before, alive? To feed upon? But that is nothing compared to the whole realm, isn't that right?"
The Queen narrowed her eyes, and sudden gravely cold emanated from her, washing over the alicorn. Twilight took a nervous step back, afraid that she delved too deep.
"Know your place, girl," hissed Chrysalis with barely contained hate. "Don't question me like that. Do not mistake my leniency with mercy."
The whole room darkened. Twilight felt her warmth on the back—Celestia ignited her horn like a little Sun. Chrysalis raised her eyes, and the bright fire trembled in her irises.
Begrudgingly, the Changeling Queen relented, and Twilight got a chance to exhale. Her coat was covered in sweat. Well, it was good to be reminded that she has some safety net...
"I have more questions, if you will," squeaked Twilight.
Twilight could see in the Queen's dimmed silhouette how her tail lashed, showing anger. She remained silent, and the young alicorn took it as a signal to proceed.
The ancient magic, summoned into her being, was slowly taking hold. Twilight cleared her throat and peered back into the green eyes. "Why do you always take such pleasure when you are fighting, or when you reveal your plans? What's with all that happiness and laughter?"
"Because I feel power, and power brings me joy!" The Queen's highborn voice was chilling, without any perceivable affability. "I feel myself alive. To hoof, ponies are my favorite to fight against... I love when your skulls are crushed under my steps. I just can't stop myself. It's a buffet. You are so intense sometimes, so full of love... I can pop one and see how much love in one and others... And believe me, you taste so good when you are scared! This tingling sensation, this aftertaste of despair, with a hint of hope... It is to die for."
Twilight again took a second to calm herself, wary of showing any fear before the Queen. Her voice still treacherously trembled. "B-but surely there are more things that can bring you joy? How c-can it be that you—"
"That reminds me, Twilight," Chrysalis venomously interrupted. "What about that friend of yours, that loves parties? Pinkie-something? The next time I see her, I'll personally toss her to my servants. The fun she'll have—"
Celestia barked, full of disgust, "That's enough!"
The Queen scoffed and began pacing her spot from side to side. Her unblinking eyes, full of fire, were trained intently on Twilight.
Twilight wanted to try and save the situation. She asked quietly, with drooped-down ears, "Do you really have no pity? Do you even know what it means?"
"Do not patronize me. I know exactly what the word pity means. I am well-informed. You on the other hoof require some re-education. Do you know what the term enslaved means? Because I can make every single one of you ponies experience the joys of the slave life," Chrysalis cackled, stopped her jerking movements, and sat down. "I will find so much joy in breaking you piece by piece, I just can't get the same kick from the killing. Murder is so final... I would love you to live as long as possible. To make you suffer..."
Twilight shut her eyes tight for a good five seconds before she exhaled and regained her composure. Embracing the Dark, the Queen became even more intense than she remembered. There was no redemption, no salvation for her. No hope. She could see it clearly now.
"I invoke you," raced in her mind, "for the future of all Equestria. This is the most disharmonious creature that ever walked on its fields. She is an interloper, and she doesn't belong."
"You certainly are charitable with your words," uttered Twilight, opening her eyes yet again. "I figure, I must at least thank you for such eagerness to speak."
The Queen—no, the insectoid, the monster—stared at her curiously. "I am an ancient creature of darkness, born in the deepest reaches of forests long before you ever existed, and whom will exist long after you die." She hissed like a snake, showing edge of a forked tongue. "You've entertained me, and that's all that matters. I do not care in the slightest what you might think of me, and your questions ceased to amuse me, bookworm... I was well aware of members of your hateful kind, but I've never expected I would ever need to endure one in my presence! Go read a book if you love books so much! Nerd!"
"Um... Alright. I understand you. Let's put an end to it, then." Twilight sighed and raised her wings higher. They were iridescent, opposing the Darkness with stubborn, small light. "For the world to have a future, a self-serving, jealous creature like you must be stopped. After all, you have no loyalty to anyone but yourself. No devotion to any ideal. Nothing is behind you and your blackened soul. You have no remorse, nothing but gluttony. You have to be stopped, for the good of all!"
"Oh, now you've got mine attention," smiled the monster, looking more interested. "If you only knew how often I've heard these speeches... But we both know you're something special, aren't you?"
"I will bring retribution because no one else will!" Twilight loudly proclaimed, her eyes filled with white. "The faith of my friends is with me! The magic, the Harmony demands you to stop, Chrysalis! You aren't allowed to progress any further!"
The magic was here all along, the most powerful magic of them all, the Magic of Friendship. There was no need in Elements, she realized, she remembered: they were but mere symbols. To her mind came Dash's pain, Fluttershy's kind presence, Rarity's effort, Applejack's support, Pinkie's undying optimism... And even more, the love, the pain, the fear of all. Cherished memories about Ponyville flashed before her eyes, and Twilight smiled, sensing how happiness and conviction are streaming into her heart, filling it with assurance.
It was more than enough.
A pulsation of radiant magic embraced her form and lifted her from the ground. Magic surged, enveloping the throne room, outshining the darkness in it and suffocating it down to one lone charred figure, who defiantly stood against everything that is good in existence.
Twilight heard how the monster laughed nervously, yet still viciously. "I see, so this is the power you use? Magnificent... Do you think that I'll run now? Cower and hide? No, I'm done! No more! When I came here, I placed everything on the line! I will take on whatever you can dish at me!"
"Finally," Celestia spoke solemnly. "Our centuries-long battle ends."
"On that," Chrysalis snarled passionately, "we can agree."
The bright magic collected into a focal point above Twilight's horn, her own body became a conductor and an inductor, a vessel and a will, the means and the statement. Basking in familiar elation and the sensation of pure purpose, Twilight pointed the magic at the Changeling Queen.
The magic was barely under her control. It was boiling, emitting a resonant quiver between threads of reality. It was like nothing else, a pure energy, composed of every shade and every hue of color.
Twilight released it, and this energy rushed at Chrysalis, who was waiting in anticipation, all eager to receive this final brushstroke of her destiny. It blasted with a powerful hum, overtaking and drowning out the figure. The insect barely had time to react.
The balance was restored.