//------------------------------// // Chapter 49: Chrysalis // Story: Yu-Gi-Oh! Equus // by moviemaster8510 //------------------------------// Tom, Cadance, and Twilight, fell from their portal towards the ground. As Tom continued to fall, Cadance glided down with her wings. Twilight caught herself and Tom with her magic, just inches above the ground. Twilight then levitated both herself and Tom upright so they could stand up. “Thanks, Twi,” said Tom. “Don’t mention it,” she responded. They took a look around them, seeing a grassy area with a road running in front of them. Due west behind them was Wilson Hall. “At least we didn’t go too far,” spoke Tom. Despite the three of them making it through the portal, it remained open. Sarah was suddenly launched from the portal, her screaming making herself known to Tom, Twilight, and Cadance. Twilight reacted quickly, using her magic to levitate Sarah onto her feet. “Thanks,” she said. “Don’t mention it,” responded Twilight. Princess Celestia then flew from the portal, Carolyn and Thomas hanging on for dear life. She quickly swooped down and landed on the ground next to everyone, letting Thomas and Carolyn go. “Mom! Dad!” yelled Tom and Sarah simultaneously. They both ran to their parents and hugged them, relieved that they were alright. “Princess Celestia!” called Twilight, who went to her mentor and hugged her. “Twilight,” cooed Celestia, returning the hug, “it’s good to see you too.” “Hey!” called a familiar voice. Everyone turned to see who it was. On the other side of the road was Alex, waving to them. “Alex!” cheered Tom and Twilight, running across the road to their friend. Tom shook Alex’s hand while Twilight stood on her hind legs, hugging Alex’s midsection. “It’s great to see you,” said Alex. He then looked over to see Carolyn and Thomas there too. “Sweet, and Mom and Dad are here too!” “Yeah,” agreed Tom. “We’re… wait. You never call my mom and dad Mom and Dad. You… no…” Alex then grew a wicked smile and grabbed Tom by the shoulders. While pulling him in, Alex thrust his forehead into Tom’s, sending him onto the ground. “Tom!” yelled Sarah. Alex then pushed Twilight off of him and kicked her in the stomach, forcing her behind the road. Tom quickly got up and backed up to where Twilight was, who weakly got up despite the pain in her gut. Alex began to laugh, but his tone started to dualize. Alex then quickly transformed into his true form, Queen Chrysalis, in her hideous, black self. “And I see you’ve brought the princess,” she said in her normal voice. “How about it, Celestia? Want to have another go?” Celestia growled at Chrysalis. “Forget it,” yelled Tom, standing offensively with Twilight and Cadance. “Celestia, stay back. We got this.” “How chivalrous,” taunted Chrysalis. “You’re going to let your subjects fight in your stead? Typical Celestia.” “You’re wrong,” spoke Celestia. “Now that you’re busy with them, I’m going to find your master and put an end to this madness.” With that Celestia galloped off. “Wait!” called Twilight. But it was too late. Celestia adamantly galloped into the night. “Well,” scoffed Chrysalis, “that was unexpected.” “You know,” spoke Cadance, “I already repaid you for nearly ruining my wedding, but now you threaten my home and the lives of the ponies who live there. I will certainly repay you for that!” Cadance held out her arm, unsheathing her duel disk. “That goes double for me!” yelled Twilight, unsheathing her duel disk. “Me three!” shouted Tom, the zones of his D-Pad coming out. Chrysalis’ wrist dealer and graveyard appeared upon her wrist while her two pairs of wing zones sprouted from her back. Tom, Twilight, and Cadance drew five cards from their deck while five hovered in front of Chrysalis. “DUEL!” they all yelled. Tom, Twilight Sparkle, and Cadance vs. Queen Chrysalis Tom’s Turn: Tom activates Graceful Charity, drawing three cards and discarding two. Next, he summons Gladiator Beast Secutor (ATK: 400 DEF: 300). Tom then special summons Test Tiger from his hand, as he controls a Gladiator Beast monster (ATK: 600 DEF: 300). Tom activates Test Tigers effect. By tributing it, he can return one Gladiator Beast monster that he controls to the deck and special summon another Gladiator Beast monster from his deck, and it’s treated as being summoned by the effect of a Gladiator Beast monster, choosing Gladiator Beast Darius (ATK: 1700 DEF: 300). When Gladiator Beast Darius is special summoned by the effect of a Gladiator Beast monster, Tom can special summon a Gladiator Beast monster from his graveyard, although its effects are negated, choosing Gladiator Beast Andal (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1600). Tom overlays Gladiator Beast Darius and Gladiator Beast Secutor to xyz summon Amber Minotaur (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1900). Tom activates Amber Minotaur’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, Tom can normal summon again this turn without tributes, choosing Gladiator Beast Octavius (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1200). Tom places one card face down and ends his turn. Status: Hand-2 Life-12000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1 *************************************************** “Great move, Tom!” yelled Sarah. “Tom, I’m so proud of you!” yelled Carolyn. “You summoned your Stone of Equus card so quickly,” complimented Chrysalis. “Well done. Now, let’s see how fast I can take it away.” *************************************************** Chrysalis’ Turn: Chrysalis special summons Evilswarm Mandragora, as her opponent controls more monsters than she does (ATK: 1550 DEF: 1450). Next, she normal summons Steelswarm Caller (ATK: 1700 DEF: 0). Chrysalis overlays Evilswarm Mandragora and Steelswarm Caller to xyz summon Evilswarm Bahamut (ATK: 2350 DEF: 1350). Chrysalis activates Evilswarm Bahamut’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, she can target a monster the opponent controls and take control of it by discarding an Lswarm monster (Evilswarm Heliotrope), choosing Amber Minotaur. Chryasalis activates Amber Minotaur’s effect, detaching its last xyz material from it to normal summon again this turn without tributes, summoning Steelswarm Longhorn (ATK: 3000 DEF: 0). Chrysalis attacks Gladiator Beast Octavius with Steelswarm Longhorn, but Tom activates Negate Attack, ending the battle phase. Chrysalis places two cards face down and ends her turn. Status: Hand-0 Life-12000 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-2 *************************************************** Chrysalis hissed slightly at not inflicting damage to her opponent, but she soon smiled afterwards, seeing the fullness of her field. Tom in particular was seething that Chrysalis had taken Amber Minotaur from him. “Hey,” called Twilight to Tom, “do you mind if I borrow your Amber Minotaur and Gladiator Beast?” “If you can do something,” answered Tom. “There’s nothing you can do!” mocked Chrysalis. “I’m in control of it now, so you can’t do anything!” Twilight smirked. *************************************************** Twilight’s Turn: Twilight activates Brain Control, taking control of one monster her opponent controls by paying 800 life points, choosing Amber Minotaur. Tom, Twilight, and Cadance’s Life Points: 12000 -> 11200 Twilight then activates Overlay Regenerate, attaching itself as xyz material to Amber Minotaur. Twilight then summons Gagaga Magician (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000). Twilight activates Amber Minotaur’s effect, detaching its last xyz material from it to normal summon again this turn without tributes, summoning High Priestess of Prophecy (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2100). Twilight activates Gagaga Magician’s effect, making its level anything between 1 and 8, choosing 7 (Lvl.: 4 -> 7). Twilight overlays Tom’s Gladiator Beast Octavius, Gagaga Magician, and High Priestess of Prophecy to xyz summon Number 7: Lucky Straight (ATK: 700 DEF: 700). Twilight activates Number 7: Lucky Straight’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, she can roll a die twice. The highest result will become its ATK times 700. She rolls a 6 and a 1 (6 x 700 = 4200). As the cumulative rolls equal seven, she can activate one of three effects. She chooses the first, sending all other cards on the field to the graveyard. Twilight attacks Chrysalis directly with Number 7: Lucky Straight. Chrysalis’ Life Points: 12000 -> 7800 Twilight activates Number 7: Lucky Straight’s effect again, detaching an xyz material from it to roll a die twice. The results are a 5 and 4 (5 x 700 = 3500, ATK: 4200 -> 3500). Twilight activates Number 7: Lucky Straight’s effect again, detaching its last xyz material to roll a die twice. The results are 2 and 5. Because the die rolls equal 7, she can activate one of three effects, choosing the second, special summoning a monster from either player’s graveyard, choosing High Priestess of Prophecy. Twilight places one card face down and ends her turn. Status: Hand-1 Life-11200 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1 *************************************************** “Alright!” cheered Tom. “Awesome move!” Twilight stood and smiled proudly at her endeavors. “Impudent little mare,” spoke Chrysalis with a frown. With her hand and field empty, she’d need a miracle to turn this duel around. *************************************************** Chrysalis’ Turn: Chrysalis sets one monster and ends her turn. Status: Hand-0 Life-7800 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0 *************************************************** Chrysalis took a sigh of relief after setting her monster, hoping it would be enough. *************************************************** Cadance’s Turn: Cadance summons Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1200). When Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus is summoned, Cadance can place a Crystal Beast monster from her deck to the spell and trap zone as a continuous spell card, choosing Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger. Cadance activates Crystal Promise, special summoning a Crystal Beast monster from her spell and trap zone, choosing Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1000). Cadance overlays Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus and Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger to xyz summon Number 39: Utopia (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000). Cadance attacks Chrysalis’ face down monster with Number 39: Utopia, which is a Morphing Jar (ATK: 700 DEF: 600). When Morphing Jar is flip summoned, each player discards their hands and draws five cards from their deck. Cadance places two cards face down and ends her turn. Status: Hand-3 Life-11200 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2 *************************************************** “Now that my hand is fully replenished,” spoke Chrysalis, “there’s no telling how much trouble you’re all in.” *************************************************** Chrysalis’ Turn: Chrysalis summons Evilswarm Cercyon (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1550). Next, she activates Evilswarm Cercyon’s effect, banishing an Evilswarm monster in her graveyard (Evilswarm Heliotrope) to add an Evilswarm monster from her graveyard to her hand, choosing Evilswarm Mandragora. Chrysalis special summons Evilswarm Mandragora from her hand, as her opponent controls more monsters than she does. Also, with Evilswarm Cercyon’s effect, she can normal summon an Lswarm twice this turn, summoning Steelswarm Gatekeeper (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1900). Chrysalis overlays Evilswarm Cercyon, Evilswarm Mandragora, and Steelswarm Gatekeeper to xyz summon Turquoise Windigo (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1600). Chrysalis equips Turquoise Windigo with Megamorph, doubling its ATK (ATK: 1600 -> 3200). Chrysalis activates Turquoise Windigo’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, her opponents cannot activate spell or trap cards until the end phase. Next, Chrysalis activates Xyz Energy, detaching an xyz material from a monster she controls to destroy one monster on the field, choosing Number 39: Utopia. Chrysalis attacks High Priestess of Prophecy with Turquoise Windigo. Tom, Twilight, and Cadance’s Life Points: 11200 -> 10500 Chrysalis places two cards face down and ends her turn. Status: Hand-0 Life-7800 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2 *************************************************** “Damn you,” grunted Tom, getting up from the attack. “Damn me?” questioned Chrysalis. “Damn your shallow race of ponies, and damn the princess who protects them.” Twilight looked ready to charge Chrysalis, but Tom stepped forward. “Look, Twilight,” he said, getting her to stop, “I know you’re really eager to kick some ass here, but right now, I have to get her back for taking my sister.” *************************************************** Tom’s Turn: Tom activates Temple of the Kings, allowing him to activate trap cards the same turn they’re set. Tom sets and activates Xyz Reborn, special summoning Amber Minotaur and attaching Xyz Reborn to it as xyz material. Tom summons Gladiator Beast Murmillo (ATK: 800 DEF: 400). Tom activates Amber Minotaur’s effect, detaching its last xyz material to normal summon again this turn, summoning Gladiator Beast Torax (ATK: 1400 DEF: 400). Tom overlays Gladiator Beast Murmillo and Gladiator Beast Torax to xyz summon Black Ray Lancer (ATK: 2100 DEF: 600). Tom equips Turquoise Windigo with Cursed Armaments, decreasing its ATK by 600 for each monster that Tom controls (2 x 600 = 1200, ATK: 3200 -> 2000). Tom then activates Black Ray Lancer’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, Tom can negate the effect of one monster on the field this turn, choosing Turquoise Windigo. Tom attacks Turquoise Windigo with Black Ray Lancer. Chrysalis’ Life Points: 7800 -> 7700 Chrysalis activates Card of Last Will, drawing five cards when a monster she controls was destroyed by battle. Tom then attacks Chrysalis directly with Amber Minotaur, but Chrysalis activates her continuous trap Ultimate Offering, paying 500 life points to normal summon or set a monster from her hand, setting Evilswarm Azathoth (ATK: 750 DEF: 1950). Chrysalis’ Life Points: 7700 -> 7200 When Evilswarm Azathoth is flip summoned, Chrysalis can target one special summoned monster and return it to the deck, choosing Number 7: Lucky Straight, but Cadance activates her face down Forbidden Chalice, increasing its ATK by 400 (ATK: 750 -> 1150) and negating its effects. Number 7: Lucky Straight remains on the field. Tom ends his turn. Status: Hand-1 Life-10500 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0 *************************************************** “Awesome!” yelled Sarah from the sidelines. “That’s my boy,” Thomas muttered to himself. Chrysalis got up, weakened from the hit, giggling slightly. “I don’t see how you can be laughing, you vile creature,” growled Twilight. “Vile. Hideous. Wretched. Ugly. All words used by you ‘perfect’ ponies towards us.” “Don’t try and become a victim!” shouted Cadance. “You are a changeling, a creature who sustains herself by disguising herself and feeding off of the love for others.” “Because your race shows so much love towards ‘vile creatures’ such as us.” “What are you getting at?” yelled Tom. “Did you ever think for one second that if you showed the same love towards us as you did your own kind, that we’d have to resort to such lowly measures?” “Huh?” Twilight exclaimed. “Could you imagine for even a second how much different your life would be if you were born with such abnormalities as I have? Could you imagine how much differently you’d be treated?” “Chrysalis…” whispered Cadance. “I knew full well of how wonderful you ponies were when I first came in contact with them.” _________________________________________________________________________________________ ................................................................................................................................................................ _________________________________________________________________________________________ A unicorn filly with a pink coat and poofy ice-blue mane and tail with a heart shaped cutie mark walked down the streets of Canterlot. She smiled at the way the ponies melded with each other. Some were having pleasantries as they walked, and others were at cafes drinking and/or eating together. However, what caught the filly’s attention were a group of other fillies playing catch with a rubber ball. She ran over to join them. “Watch this,” said a unicorn colt with a gray coat, gray mane and tail with glasses on his eyes. Using his magic, he took the ball from the colt closest to him and launched it at the pink filly, hitting her in the head. Disoriented by this hit, she began to change. First, her coat changed from pink to red, then her mane and tail from blue to green, and her cutie mark transformed from a heart to a ball, much like the one thrown at her. Everypony around the area watched as this filly transformed. Then, her coat became pitch black, her fur replaced by bare, black skin, her hooves had holes in them. Her mane and tail began to resemble cerulean seaweed, and holey wings sprouted from her body from a green and blue plating on her back. “Ah!” screamed a pegsus filly from the other group of fillies, “a monster!” “That’s no monster,” yelled an earth pony stallion, “that’s a changeling!” “I don’t see a difference!” yelled a unicorn mare. The filly changeling’s eyes began to water, hurt by the words of the ponies who hated her. She ran for the city exit, never once looking back. “Monster!” “So ugly!” “Hideous!” “Wretched creature!” _________________________________________________________________________________________ “Mommy!” sobbed the filly changeling inside a cave. The cave was lined with green cocoons with changelings inside them. “They all yelled at me. They said I was ugly and hideous!” A larger changeling appeared from the cave. She resembled the present day Chrysalis, but was bulkier in appearance. “Now you see why we do what we do?” asked the older changeling in a dualized female voice. “Those ponies have no compassion for anyone who differs from them in appearance. That is why we must disguise ourselves and take their love through trickery. They won’t give it any other way.” “Yes,” sniffled the filly changeling. “I hate them. I hate them all!” _________________________________________________________________________________________ ................................................................................................................................................................ _________________________________________________________________________________________ “From then on,” continued the present Chrysalis, “I trained under my mother’s guidance to gather love and feed it to the changelings until I eventually ascended to the throne as queen. I eventually gathered the strength to carry out with the plan that almost destroyed your wedding. And you know what?” she yelled, tears beginning to fall from her eyes. “I don’t regret it! In fact, I’d do it again! Any pain I caused that day is only a fraction of what your kind deserve! If you want to talk to me about vile, all you must do is look in a mirror.” Cadance, Twilight, Sarah, Carolyn, and Thomas were stunned by her story, but not nearly as stunned as Tom was, however. “Chrysalis…” muttered Tom, still overcome by the power in her story. “And to answer your question, Twilight,” shouted Chrysalis, “I laughed over how much pain I’m going to inflict to you!” *************************************************** Chrysalis’ Turn: Chrysalis summons Steelswarm Genome (ATK: 1000 DEF: 0). Chrysalis then activates the effect of Ultimate Offering, paying 500 life points to normal summon again, tributing Steelswarm Genome (which can be treated as two tributes for the tribute summon of a to summon Steelswarm Caucastag (ATK: 2800 DEF: 0). Chrysalis’ Life Points: 7200 -> 6700 When Steelswarm Caucastag is tribute summoned, Chrysalis can destroy all other monsters on the field. Next, Chrysalis activates Heavy Storm, destroying all spell and trap cards on the field. Chrysalis attacks Tom, Twilight, and Cadance directly with Steelswarm Caucastag. Tom, Twilight, and Cadance’s Life Points: 10500 -> 7700 Chrysalis activates Xyz Plant, which becomes a monster with the same level as a monster she controls. Chrysalis overlays Steelswarm Caucastag and Xyz Plant to xyz summon Pearl Parasprite (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). During the end phase, Chrysalis activates Pearl Parasprite’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, she can special summon as many Parasprite tokens in defense position on her side of the field as possible, who are treated with having the same name as the xyz material detached from Pearl Parasprite (Steelswarm Caucastag). Chrysalis ends her turn. Status: Hand-1 Life-6700 Monsters-5 Face Down Cards-0 *************************************************** “Chrysalis,” groaned Twilight, “I’m sorry for what happened to you, but ending ponykind isn’t going to solve anything. If you kill everyone, whose love will you feed from then?” “Rae has provided plenty of love,” said Chrysalis, “more than you ever could have given!” “Chrysalis–” “Make your move!” Twilight frowned. *************************************************** Twilight’s Turn: Twilight activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Gagaga Magician from her graveyard. Next, she normal summons Gagaga Girl (ATK: 1000 DEF: 800). Twilight activates Gagaga Magician’s effect, making its level anything between 1 and 8, choosing 7 (Lvl.: 4 -> 7). Twilight activates Gagaga Girl’s effect, making its level the same as Gagaga Magician’s (Lvl.: 3 -> 7). Twilight overlays Gagaga Magician and Gagaga Girl to xyz summon Hierophant of Prophecy (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2600). Twilight attacks Pearl Parasprite with Hierophant of Prophecy, but Chrysalis takes no battle damage with battles involving it. Twilight places one card face down and ends her turn. Status: Hand-3 Life-7800 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1 *************************************************** Chrysalis began laughing hysterically. “Now you’re really in for it!” she yelled. *************************************************** Chrysalis’ Turn: Chrysalis tributes three of her Parasprite tokens (which are still treated as Steelswarm Caucastag) to summon Steelswarm Hercules (ATK: 3200 DEF: 0). Chrysalis activates Steelswarm Hercules’ effect. By paying half of her life points, Chrysalis can destroy all other cards on the field. Chrysalis’ Life Points: 6700 -> 3350 Chrysalis attacks Tom, Twilight, and Cadance directly with Steelswarm Hercules. Tom, Twilight, and Cadance’s Life Points: 7700 -> 4500 Chrysalis ends her turn. Status: Hand-1 Life-3350 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0 *************************************************** "Guys," shouted Cadance to her teammates, "you're going to have to trust me on this one." *************************************************** Cadance’s Turn: Cadance activates Supremacy Berry, taking 1000 points of damage when her life points are higher than her opponent’s. Tom, Twilight, and Cadance’s Life Points: 4500 -> 3500 Cadance sets one monster. Cadance places two cards face down and ends her turn. Status: Hand-0 Life-3500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2 *************************************************** “What?” asked Chrysalis. “Why would you damage yourself like that?” “Attack me and find out,” goaded Cadance. Chrysalis’ teeth clenched in anger. *************************************************** Chrysalis’ Turn: Chrysalis activates Steelswarm Hercules’ effect, halving her life points to destroy all other cards on the field. Chrysalis’ Life Points: 3350 -> 1675 Chrysalis attacks Tom, Twilight, and Cadance directly with Steelswarm Hercules. Tom, Twilight, and Cadance’s Life Points: 3500 -> 300 Chrysalis places one card face down and ends her turn. Status: Hand-1 Life-1675 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1 *************************************************** “I see what you’ve done,” said Chrysalis. “You lowered your life points to get yourselves below 500. Not that it matters. Your field is completely empty, and my monster is too powerful to surpass.” “I’ll show you that I can’t surpass it,” growled Tom. *************************************************** Tom’s Turn: Tom activates Pot of Greed, drawing two cards. Tom summons Gladiator Beast Equeste (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200). Tom then special summons another Test Tiger from his hand, as he controls a Gladiator Beast monster (ATK: 600 DEF: 300). Tom activates Test Tigers effect, tributing it to return one Gladiator Beast monster that he controls to the deck and special summon another Gladiator Beast monster from his deck with it being treated as being summoned by the effect of a Gladiator Beast monster, choosing another Gladiator Beast Darius. When Gladiator Beast Darius is special summoned by the effect of a Gladiator Beast monster, Tom can special summon a Gladiator Beast monster from his graveyard, although its effects are negated, choosing Gladiator Beast Andal (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1600). Tom overlays Gladiator Beast Darius and Gladiator Beast Andal to xyz summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist – Tiger King (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1800). Tom then activates the equip spell card Xyz Revival, special summoning an xyz monster in his graveyard and equipping Xyz Revival to it, choosing Amber Minotaur. Since’s Tom’s life points are below 500, Tom overlays Amber Minotaur and Brotherhood of the Fire Fist – Tiger King to xyz summon Shining Golden Minotaur (ATK: 3400 DEF: 2400). Tom activates Shining Golden Minotaur’s effect. By detaching all xyz materials from it (4), Tom can inflict 400 points of damage for each xyz material detached from it when it inflicts battle damage to the opponent. ================================================================================ “Awesome!” exclaimed Sarah. “With this, they’ll win. Go Tom!” ================================================================================ Tom attacks Steelswarm Hercules with Shining Golden Minotaur, but Chrysalis activates Rainbow Life, discarding one card to gain life points she would have lost this turn. Chrysalis’ Life Points: 1675 -> 1875 With Shining Golden Minotaur’s effect, 400 points are inflicted for each xyz material detached (4 x 4 = 1600). Chrysalis’ Life Points: 1875 -> 3475 Tom ends his turn. Status: Hand-0 Life-400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0 *************************************************** “I’m not done fighting yet!” yelled Chrysalis. “As long as your race lives, I will not stop fighting!” *************************************************** Chrysalis’ Turn: Chrysalis activates her Monster Reborn, special summoning Steelswarm Longhorn from her graveyard. Chrysalis ends her turn. Status: Hand-0 Life-3475 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0 *************************************************** Twilight was panting, heavily in thought over how she could prevent her enemy from finishing her and her friends off. Suddenly, her tiara element began to glow. “What is this?” asked Chrysalis. “Impossible! The Elements of Harmony have been separated! There’s no way they can be working.” “It seems that love has found a way!” yelled Twilight. “Love?” “Yes,” shouted Twilight, the top card of her deck glowing. “My love for you!” Chrysalis gasped. Could her enemy have really said that she loved her? *************************************************** Twilight’s Turn: Twilight activates her Graceful Charity, drawing two cards and discarding two. Twilight activates Spellbook of Life, banishing a Spellcaster-type monster in her graveyard (Gagaga Magician) and revealing a Spellbook card in her hand (Spellbook of Power) to special summon a Spellcaster-type monster from her graveyard and equip it with Spellbook of Life, choosing Hierophant of Prophecy. Twilight then equips Hierophant of Prophecy with Element of Harmony – Magic, doubling its ATK (ATK: 2800 -> 5600). Lastly, Twilight activates Spellbook of Power, having Hierophant of Prophecy gain 1000 ATK (ATK: 5600 -> 6600). Twilight attacks Steelswarm Longhorn with Hierophant of Prophecy. Chrysalis’ Life Points: 3475 -> 0 Tom, Twilight, and Cadance win. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Chrysalis was sprawled on the ground as Turquoise Windigo and Pearl Parasprite flew from her graveyard and into the dome, where they both fused with it. As Twilight and Cadance hugged, Thomas, Carolyn, and Sarah walked up to Tom to congratulate him. However, he surprised them by walking across the road and over to Chrysalis, who was rolling over and on her knees. Before she could get up, she felt Tom’s hand on her shoulder as he knelt besides her. “What…” she muttered. “What are you doing here?” “Chrysalis,” said Tom. “I know what it’s like to be teased and taunted for your appearance. It’s a terrible feeling, knowing that you can’t control it. I’m so sorry that life had turned out for you the way it did. Unlike me, who had friends who cared for me like people should, you had no shoulder to cry on when you needed it the most.” Tom then wrapped his arms around Chrysalis’ back and rested his chin upon her shoulder. “Let me be that shoulder,” he said. Chrysalis could feel the warmth emanating through Tom, and it was unlike anything she had felt before. She had begun to imagine her filly self crying in the cave, only for Tom to walk out where her mother once did, kneeling down and opening his arms up wide. The filly Chrysalis then smiled, running towards Tom and leaping onto him, only for Tom to catch her and pull her close to his chest. Chrysalis then wrapped her arms around Tom’s back, returning the embrace. Upon placing her head on Tom’s shoulder, she let all of her tears stream down her face, soaking Tom’s neck and shirt in the process. Cadance and Twilight watched with equally teary eyes while Carolyn, Thomas, and Sarah observed respectfully. Unable to take it anymore, Cadance and Twilight ran up to Chrysalis and gave her hugs as well, their tears falling on Chrysalis’ body. Suddenly, Chrysalis felt hotter warmth radiating from the three of them together. “May I?” asked Chrysalis. “Of course,” responded Cadance. A pink aura surrounded Tom, Twilight, and Cadance. The aura then unwrapped itself from the three of them and was absorbed into Chrysalis’ horn. Chrysalis took a heavy exhale and deep sigh, immersed in the rich taste of their untainted, unconditional love. “Thank you,” she whispered happily, her tears starting to run dry. “If anyone has a problem with you,” spoke Tom, getting back up along with Twilight and Cadance, “they’re going to have to answer to me!” “And me,” spoke Cadance. “Me too!” responded Twilight. “What? What is this?” “Come on,” said Tom, “you don’t think we’re going to love you and leave you, right? We’re comrades, so now we stick together.” Tom outstretched his hand to Chrysalis, who was still kneeling. She happily accepted the hand and let Tom pull her to her hooves. “Yes,” agreed Chrysalis, “we’re comrades.” Chrysalis then peered over to see Sarah, who gave her a nod with a smile. “Alright,” said Tom. “Where can we find Rae?” “Follow me,” spoke Chrysalis. “I have a good idea of where she is.” Chrysalis led Tom, Twilight and Cadance towards the ring’s center, Thomas, Carolyn, and Sarah tagging close behind as well.