//------------------------------// // Chapter 20: Magic, Both Ancient and Forbidden... // Story: Achieving Divinity: Dragon's Deception // by The Joeker //------------------------------// I had slept in Golden Oaks Library as I had been for a while, because Twilight and I had been studying magic together. I had been teaching her some spells I knew. She was glad to learn them and I was glad to pass on the knowledge. She, in turn had been teaching me about The Magic of Friendship, and how there were not spells you could call on, but that it is a special connection you share with your best friends and that it makes you strong in more ways than one. We had been working tirelessly for days, not only on magic, but I had been working on a very important potion. Like, 'boom boom if fail' important. But I wanted to see how far along Twilight was with her studies and so we decided to try something not too dangerous on Fluttershy's animals. And needless to say... She was nervous. So she began to comfort them while we made preparations. I had Creature watching the potion, so no worries there. "Don't be scared, little friends. Twilight is wonderful with magic." She smiled. She then spun around to Twilight with a glare. "Anything happens to them, Twilight, so help me..." She growled... Holy shit... Remind me not to fuck with her... Ever. "Aww, don't worry, Fluttershy, Twilight's magic has gotten a lot better since she accidentally crushed me and Applejack with a giant snowball." Informed Spike. Twilight smiled nervously at Fluttershy. Yeah, that was a bad day... "Of course she's good with magic. Twilight's great with magic. I guess I just don't want my little friends to be scared... Oh, oh, look how scared they are!" Exclaimed Fluttershy. The animals actually looked excited... "I promise, Fluttershy. Nothing bad will happen to them." Swore Twilight. "Plus, Ego's here and will step in if anything goes wrong." Promised Twilight. "It's fine Fluttershy, really." I nodded. "I know!" Said Fluttershy in a high-pitched voice, covering her eyes. "Twilight, you may begin." I said. She started to- "Stop, stop! They can't take it!" Yelled Fluttershy. Twilight had just surrounded the animals in her aura... Twilight raised an eyebrow at Fluttershy and picked all the animals up and began spinning them in the air and turning them into patterns. The animals were cheering in utter delight. Fluttershy was biting her hooves and covering her eyes. I sat next to her and began rubbing her side in comfort. She pressed into me hard out of fear. "Twilight, that looks amazing!" Exclaimed Spike as she swirled them around. "Well done Twi!" I exclaimed, clapping as she placed them down. I stood up, giving her a standing ovation. "Phew!" She panted. She was sweating from the effort. "Ego? Looks like they want more." Chuckled Twilight with a pant. "They always do..." I mumbled, I raised my hand and picked them up without an aura. I put them in a line and glided them through the air gracefully. Positioning them so they looked as though they were flying, a few even pulled poses. I then used them to spell out my Pony name: Ego. I placed them down carefully without effort. Spike began clapping and Twilight lightly stamped her hooves in approval. The animals rushed over to us, cheering for more. "That's all for now, little ones. Maybe we can practice again later, if Fluttershy says it's alright." Said Twilight with a smile. The critters ran over to a cowering Fluttershy, jumping around her and asking for another go. "Your magic has really improved since we came to Ponyville, Twilight. Princess Celestia's going to love it." Promised Spike. "It's great Twi. You're at a really good level." I praised. "The Princess will be as impressed as I am I'm sure." I smiled. I was looking forward to seeing Celestia tonight. Then after Twilight's show, we were all to head to Canterlot for the banquet. I couldn't wait to take Luna on a date. "Thanks guys. But you're much better than me, Ego." Blushed Twilight, smiling. "Maybe, but I trained since I was 3 months old in the use of magic, and have never stopped since. Practical experience. That's the key." I explained to her. "You're very good Twi, really." I smiled. "Thanks." She blushed heavily. "Yeah, like he said, the Princess will love it!" Added Spike. "Thanks, Spike. I have to be at my best when she arrives with the delegates from Saddle Arabia. I can't believe she's trusting me with the entertainment." Smiled Twilight. I was also going to be entertaining them. "I'm looking forward to tonight as well!" She smiled. The banquet was tonight and had been delayed to 10 O'Clock due to the delegates arriving. "You're the most skilled Pony in magic other than the Princesses themselves I have ever seen, I'm sur-" I cut off as a rainbow blur slammed into my chest. As quick as it happened I had pinned it to the floor with my dagger to it's throat an- Oh what the fucking Hell?! "Dash?! Are you fucking crazy?!" I asked as I still held my dagger to her. "I almost killed you, you batshit crazy Pegasus!!!" I said. "Aha, yeah... Err... Ego? Could you..." She gestured with her head and I removed the knife, taking a breath. "Now, Dash. What's so important that I almost killed you?" I asked calmly as I sheathed my blade. "Oh, yeah! Both of you! Come quick! It's an emergency!" Exclaimed Dash. Twilight and I glanced at each other and took off toward Ponyville Town Hall. (I never come quick... Hehe, geddit? ... Sorry...) ... As we arrived at the Town Square I saw Rarity get blasted with magic and she was placed in an ugly dress... "You beast! This shade of brown should only be used for accents!" Exclaimed Rarity, collapsing backwards. Applejack caught her and Pinkie joined her to help Rarity. "Come on, Applejack. We've got to get her in a nice, soothing pink, STAT!" Exclaimed Pinkie, quickly leaving with Applejack. "What's the commotion?" I asked. "What is it everypony?" Asked Twilight also. "Well, well, well. If it isn't... Twilight Sparkle." Came the voice of a dark blue mare with a bright blue mane... I saw her eyes glow bright blue... Not good. "Who's this clown?" I asked, gesturing with my thumb while looking at Twilight. "Trixie!" Gasped Twilight before taking a defensive stance. "What's she doing here?" Asked Spike angrily, squaring up to her. I had a feeling this wasn't the first time she'd plagued Ponyville... "You call that great and powerful?" Asked Rainbow Dash, suddenly she was blasted with a glowing blue beam of magic, and one of her wings was enlarged too much for her to control her flight. "Oh! She's Rainbow Wobble, now!" Said a colt known as Snips. "Yeah! Ha ha ha ha!" Laughed another known as Snails. "Good spell, oh Great and Powerful Trixie!" Worshipped Snips. "You two! Quiet!" She exclaimed and cast a spell, joining them both by their horns... "Uh, hey! W— What happened?" Asked Snips. "Get off of me! Brbrbr." Exclaimed Snails, trying to shake Snips off. "Let go!" Replied Snips, running one way. "Go this way!" Said Snails, flipping them around and running the other way. "Stop picking on my friends, Trixie!" Warned Twilight. "What's the point of this?" I asked. "Twilight and I have some unfinished business. My magic's gotten better since I was here last. And I'm going to prove it! Me and you, Twilight, a magic duel. Winner stays, loser leaves Ponyville forever!" Challenged Trixie. Oh, she wants to play like that? "Forget it! I'd never make a deal like that!" Replied Twilight, turning her head from Trixie. "Hm. Your choice." Shrugged Trixie. She picked Spike up and compressed him, turning him into a bouncy ball. OK, I wasn't having that. "You'll regret that, mare!" I warned, pointing. "Will I?" She asked, she turned her head indignantly and she tapped her hoof a few times and none other than Xanlosch slid down the roof of the Town Hall and landed on the ground. He wasn't a Pony, but then again he wasn't a General either... So it makes sense. "Well, well, well... Xanlosch. The Necromancer himself." I said, preparing a battle stance. "Why thank you, Lord Dragon!" He bowed sarcastically. "I think we have unfinished business." He grinned. "Oh Xanlosch, I'm going to hack you pieces! There won't be enough left of you to make a chew toy from!" I snarled with a grin. "Oh, you will get your chance. You and Twilight, versus Trixie and myself. Same conditions on winning and losing. Oh, and I get Creature." Smirked Xanlosch. "I won't-" I began. "Do it Master! Whup his ass!" Exclaimed Creature from the crowd... There goes that objection... "Why are you doing this Trixie?" Asked Twilight. "Why? Because you humiliated me!" She exclaimed, showing us what happened with her magic. "After you showed me up with that Ursa Minor, I became a laughing stock! Everywhere I went I was laughed at and ostracized. I even had to take a job on a rock farm just to earn a living! A rock farm!" Yelled Trixie. Well, that's not nice... "Hey! You're lucky a rock farm would take the likes of you!" Exclaimed Pinkie, suddenly her mouth was dropped into a bin. I guess she must have grown up on a rock farm. "Then, my friend here found me, saw how miserable I was and began to train me! He gave me a chance for revenge!" Said Trixie. "Now I'm claiming my revenge! And I'll just keep casting spells 'til you agree." She said, flipping Golden Oaks upside down... My mouth hung open... "Creature... Errr..." I began. "I used a spell to keep it in place. The potion will be fine." He whispered. "Good." I breathed a sigh of relief. "Well? What do you say?" Asked Trixie. "Dragon? You also have to agree." grinned Xanlosch in a sing song voice. We looked over at our friends who were in despair... "Whoooaah! Help... Me!" Exclaimed Spike. Twilight nodded to me. I sighed. "Alright, Trixie. Let's duel!" Agreed Twilight. "Xanlosch, show me what you've got, you cocksplat." I growled. "Excellent." Said Trixie. "Most excellent. Release them my Apprentice." Xanlosch waved his hand to her. She 'hmmph'd' and complied, releasing our friends. Except Pinkie. "If we lose, we won't set hoof in Ponyville again. But if you lose, you're the ones banished from this one-horse town!" Trixie set out the terms of the duel. Everypony gasped."And my Master gets your Creature." She added. I turned to Xanlosch. "Draw!" Exclaimed Trixie and Xanlosch. I started some music for mine and Xanlosch's duel. "Alright bud, let's make this quick, I'll make this shorter than your one inch dick." I rhymed, holding my fingers an inch apart, shrinking Xanlosch for a second. "Look at me bro, you think I'm stale? I'll breeze through you like a swingin' flail." I said, and summoned and swung a flail. "Look mate, you ain't going to sell, once I'm done with you, you're goin' to Hell." I said and summoned fire everywhere that didn't harm anypony. "I'll take you down, I'll bust your face. You can't even keep up with this pace!" I exclaimed, using magic to enhance my speed and I ran circles around him, about five laps in 5 seconds. "Come at me bro, you think you can? I'll burn you so hard you'll get a tan!" I exclaimed, using fire to burn him a little. "You think that fire is my only Spell? Boy are you in for a shock and a bell!!" I exclaimed, summoning a bell around his head and ringing it loudly, using shock magic. "I can school you in any type of Magic! This type of shit ain't your usual hat trick! I'm Schooling you once! I'm schooling you twice! I just schooled you thrice, now I'm done being nice." I said, making him sit at a desk. "You're a Necromancer, not a necrophile! Stop fucking your creations! That shit ain't in style! It's fucked up bro, just like your face, now go hang yourself, I'll even lend you some lace!" I said, passing him some shoe lace. "Creation magic bro, it's my thing, look, even Nature itself has crowned me King!" I exclaimed as the ground came to life, trees grew around me out of nowhere and a bunch of vines formed a crown over my head. "You think you can stand up to this!? Boy you're lucky if I'll let you stand to take a piss! Talking of piss, look at your pants!" I exclaimed as his armour was wet. "Water magic bro, now do me a favour and dance!" I used mind controlling magic and made him dance a little. "Mind control man, I've got it all, I'm always completely on the ball. You can try and take me down, but you even try I'll take you to town!" I said creating more buildings out of thin air. "Last time you tried to face against me, I destroyed you, and I mean that literally!" I made the buildings vanish with a wave of my hand, and called an image of me blasting Xanlosch with a fireball and him exploding. "Illusion magic boy, this ain't no toy. Unlike your petty fighting skills, don't act coy." I said, imitating him fighting by swinging my sword everywhere with a dopey look on my face. "Life magic man, I've got that to! Heal any wound, on anyone but you!" I exclaimed. "You're out here man, lookin' for round two? I'll get a better battle out of anyone here but you!" I threw my fist out in a boxing position. "I kicked your ass once, now I've done it again! The only thing weaker than this battle, is your puny little brain!" I exclaimed and made his insides visible via illusion magic and made his brain appear pea sized. "Death magic is a helluva feat, look with this shit, I got you beat!!" I exclaimed and made the vines around me die. "I'll beat you so bad, your face will get refurbished! My powers are infinite but this battle is finished!" I said, spreading my arms and creating an illusion of the universe behind me. I threw my arms down and all my magic vanished. Xanlosch began clapping. "I think you did beat me completely and utterly on that one... But as you can see, Twilight is not doing so well..." He said. I spun around... I saw Snips turned into a baby, and Snails turned elderly... That's some amazing magic right there... "An age spell? But... how could you do an age spell? That's only for the highest level unicorns!" Exclaimed Twilight... Trixie was being powered by Xanlosch! And likely corrupted by him as well... But there was something else here... Something powerful... And it was giving them power... "Twi! It's-" I stopped as I felt the piercing pain of something stabbing into my back. I looked down and saw an icicle... Protruding from my chest. It then was yanked out and I collapsed to my hands and knees. My wound began to heal. I got up and I turned to Xanlosch, but suddenly, I froze, unable to move... I was in both realities, stuck between Equestria and Rivellon... I saw Twilight fail on her reverse-ageing spell. "Where's your magic now Dragon-Knight?" Laughed Xanlosch. I struggled, but you couldn't tell. "Trixie is the highest level unicorn!" She exclaimed in response to Twilight. "And now it's time for you both to leave Ponyville! FOREVER!" Exclaimed Trixie. "That's enough, Trixie!" Exclaimed Applejack, all 5 mares standing in front of Twilight and myself. "You proved your point, but you can't possibly expect Twilight and Ego to leave Ponyville!" Added Rarity. "Tell you what, we'll make a deal. Tyrath, if you can cast a single spell, however minor, we will forfeit." Said Xanlosch. "What?!" Asked Trixie. "Quiet! Come on Ty, can ya do it?!" Asked Xanlosch. I tried to cast a spell, I did. But I was stuck between two worlds, that was too much, even for me. He allowed me to move my head... I shook and hung it in shame. He then let me go. I fell to my knees, coughing and buried my head in my crossed arms on the ground. "Twilight isn't leaving! And neither is Ego!" Exclaimed Spike. "You fools! She's already gone!" Exclaimed Trixie in glee. She picked Twilight up and threw her out of town, making some kind of cover appear. "It's okay, guys. I'll figure something out. Just take care of each other. And keep an eye on Trixie. There's something strange about her." Said Twilight at the edge of town, behind the glass cover. The girls came back over as I stood up. "Tyrath, Tyrath... Tyrath. Hohohoho..." Xanlosch clapped and rubbed his hands together in glee. "This is a rare moment, to have the Dragon himself at my mercy." He said as I knelt before him in submission. He beat me, using magic, fair and square. "You won Xanlosch. I yield." I said, bowing my head in shame. "Oh Dragon, your honesty and integrity isn't doing you any favours here, is it? I always knew it would be your undoing..." He chuckled. "Whatever you say." I said. "Leave Dragon. Walk to the edge of town. You can walk straight through the glass to get out... But you can never return!" Exclaimed Xanlosch. "And... You must hold this." He said and passed me a sign that read: 'Failure!' "As you wish." I said. I stood, grabbed the sign and turned to leave but I stopped. I pulled out Lord Arben's sword from it's sheath on my side, took one more glance at Ponyville, and thrust it into the ground with a yell. I then placed my Dragon Wizard helmet atop the sword's hilt. This was custom upon being banished for warriors of our land. Only the figure either who banished you, or the one in charge of the town can remove it. Unfortunately that looked to be Trixie & Xanlosch now... "I'm sorry everypony... I failed you." I spoke to the crowd. I turned and walked away. I came to the edge of the town and took a breath. I looked back and saw the girls standing there. "Don't go! Come on! You can kick his butt no problem!" Exclaimed Rainbow Dash, actually hugging me. I returned it lightly. She hugged when the others did, but very rarely of her own accord. "Maybe, maybe not. Either way, I made a deal. I gave my word. I never break my word... Ever." I said. "That's the integrity he was talking about." "His Dragon Code of Honour." Nodded Spike forlornly. "He has to do this." Agreed Spike reluctantly. "Farewell my friends." I said and exited the bubble that encased the town. I passed through it like a membrane and it was sealed behind me. I took a breath and strode forward. I felt the sad eyes of my friends on my back. I kept walking eventually I came upon a meadow and sat down against a tree, hitting the back of my head against it a few times. After wallowing in self-pity for a while, I looked around and saw Twilight attempting an age-reversing spell on a flower. It seemed to work for a second, but then returned to its original state. "UGH!!!" She exclaimed in frustration as I walked over. "It is a strange power she has." I spoke with little emotion, caressing the flower lightly, reverse ageing it with little issue. "Oh! Ego... Are you OK?" Asked Twilight, reaching a hoof toward me. "No, Twilight, I'm not OK." I said and turned from her, prompting her to retract her hoof. "I just failed, for the first time in my career as a Dragon-Knight." I said in frustration and anger. "So? Failure is a part of life." Said Twilight. "But not for me! Twi, if I fail, do you understand what could happen!? Many peoples, and Ponies, lives are riding on me! I can't afford to fail! I can't! If I do, everything ends, it's all over! All of it!" I exclaimed. "We got lucky this time, in the fact that Ponyville hasn't been obliterated, but what if it was! So many Ponies, our best friends lost! All because of me!" I explained to her. "I promise, that will never happen! Not when we've got got each other!" Exclaimed Twilight and hugged me. I returned it and felt marginally better. ... This hug was lasting longer than most... Finally Twilight let go and smiled at me. "Ahem, now, how could she cast such advanced spells?" I asked. "Xanlosch could only empower her to a certain extent without sacrificing his own power to keep her powered up, and he certainly wasn't doing that!" I stated. "It has to be some form of raw ability..." I spoke. "Well, it's impossible! How could Trixie know such advanced magic?" Asked Twilight. "I don't suppose you know the Dragonfire spell?" asked Twilight hopefully. "Unfortunately not... But about the power, I have a feeling it's something to do with Xanlosch, but I felt something powerful there, something more, something both of them were drawing on for power..." I said. "Without Spike, we can't get a message to the Princess in Saddle Arabia. So who else do we know who understands strange and powerful magic?" Asked Twilight. "If we were in my world, I'd know everything, but this world is still mostly strange to me..." I said. "Or I'd ask Zandalor or Lucian for advice, but they're not available at present..." I sighed. "Oh! I know! There's somepony I've wanted you to meet for a long time!" Exclaimed Twilight and took off toward the Everfree Forest. I followed her and eventually, among the trees and dense brush, we came upon a hollowed out tree with a door... Twilight knocked. Somepony answered... Except it wasn't a Pony... "Twilight Sparkle! It is good to see you! And I see you have brought a new friend too..." She spoke, looking me up and down. "Well, a stranger creature I have never seen! Not in this land, or in between." She spoke in rhyme. I crouched down and extended my hand. "Tyrath, Tyrath Kyelinth. Although the Ponies have taken to calling me Ego Draconis." I said and shook her hoof. "Please enter my home, take shelter from the forest that you roam." She offered. I collapsed my vertebrae to enter with Twilight. Fuck me, it was hell to keep doing this... "No offence, but your strange skeletal structure tickles me pink! May I interest either of you in a drink?" She asked. "I'm fine thanks." Smiled Twilight. "No, thank you." I declined. "Well, pleased to meet you Tyrath, Zecora is my song. Will you both be staying long?" She asked. "Maybe. Zecora, we have an emergency you see..." Twilight began to explain our situation... She told her all of it. "Your tale of woe upsets me so." She said, sipping her tea. "No wonder you're dour. It's an abuse of power!" She exclaimed. "I don't know what to do, Zecora. I feel like I've abandoned my friends. But I can't take her on horn-to-horn." Said Twilight. "I failed them. After so long, I failed..." I said, shaking my head. "If you train with me, so good you'll be. I'll show you the way to make sure she won't stay." She promised to Twilight. "You'll train me in magic? But she was doing age spells, weather spells, you name it!" Exclaimed Twilight in disbelief, knocking Zecora's tea over by accident when making gestures. "When it comes to magic, it would be tragic if somepony licked me, especially Trixie." Rhymed Zecora, moving her hoof in circles around her cups edge, leading it to become full of tea again... "Parlour tricks..." I mumbled with a grin, Zecora stuck her tongue out with a grin of her own. I turned to Twilight. "I'd train you, but my spells are more suited for combat. Teaching you them would take too long. It requires a completely different thought process than your spells to cast." I spoke. "You both really think I can beat her?" Asked Twilight. "Mm-hmm." Nodded Zecora. "Oh yeah!" I nodded. "Okay, when do we start?" Asked Twilight, putting her two front hooves on the table, knocking Zecora's tea over again. Zecora was not amused... "What about me?" I asked as she cleaned herself. "A strange smell permeates me..." She breathed in. "Might you be practising Alchemy?" Asked Zecora. I picked up the teacup with magic and refilled it with tea by using water magic, and heated it with fire magic before placing back on the table. "Yes..." I said in answer. "Maybe a potion you can make, one that can protect you, one you can take." She suggested. "Very well." I nodded, it may take some doing, but I could do it. "May I see the extent of your power? Maybe I can find something we can use, on the hour." She spoke. "Very well. Look up through this." I said and handed them a telescope to see up. Both Pony and Zebra looked through it. I made an 'illusion' of the universe appear before me and balanced a planet in my palm and began spinning it like a ball. Both of them gasped, as they were looking up, the real planet began spinning. They turned to me and saw me using the planet like a basketball, rolling it between both shoulders and up each arm. The real planet was rolling from one end of the Galaxy, to the other. I stopped and put it back at the exact rotation it would be at and left it to it's devices. "I've never seen such powerful magic!" Exclaimed Twilight in shock as I un-summoned the telescope. "Indeed, neither have I! You made it look as easy as pie." Said Zecora. "It's nothing. The laws of physics here differ to Rivellon, but both are equally as manipulable to my Draconic Magic. That spell is usually used to fix worlds that's rotation has failed, or can even reverse time." I shrugged. "That's extremely powerful magic!" Gasped Twilight. "Eh, it's a work in progress... Anyway, let's get to work." I said. Both females nodded. We began to get to work... ;Creature's POV; "You two! Hurry up with my throne." Ordered Trixie. The Cakes had to make Trixie a throne out of candy... Both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were being made to put up banners of Trixie. It angered me, to say the least. But I needed to stay by Xanlosch's side, to bide my time until my Master returned with a plan... Applejack was being forced to make a large amount of applesauce, but first she had to squash the apples. And there were a lot to squish. "Master, permission to help Lady Trixie with her applesauce?" I asked and went to help. "No. I need you close. I never know when there's something I may want or need." He spoke, reading through Lord Tyrath's books. Most of which were encoded luckily... "And you, how long do I have to wait for my applesauce facial?" Asked Trixie. "Forget it, Trixie! I ain't doing nothin' 'til you let Twilight and Ego come home!" Applejack crossed her forehooves defiantly, Trixie picked her up in her magic, summoned two feathers and began tickling her. "Okay, I'll do it! Just make it stop! Hoo!" Laughed Applejack uncontrollably. Trixie threw her into a pile of apple buckets, hard. I grit my teeth. "Woulda just killed and replaced her myself." Grumbled Xanlosch as he tried to read the books. "That's why you're not in charge." I mumbled out of earshot as I helped her up. "Thank you kindly, Creature." Smiled Applejack. I nodded to her we looked over to Trixie. "I thought I told you to dance!" Exclaimed Trixie, blasting a mouthless Pinkie Pie and forcing her to dance at a quick pace. Rarity was being forced to stitch Trixie's banners for her. "I gave you your revenge. Now for your end of the bargain." Said Xanlosch, standing next to Trixie. "And who says I need you anymore?!" She exclaimed. She charged a spell but Xanlosch held his hand over her, suddenly Trixie began clutching her head in pain. "Don't get greedy you spoiled little bitch!" Exclaimed Xanlosch, slapping Trixie across the mouth. "I gave you power, I can take it away just as simply!" Warned Xanlosch. "Understand?" He asked. "Yes..." She whined. "Yes what?!" He asked. "Yes, Master." She bowed. "Now then..." He said. "I have everypony else in town working on it, I promise!" She exclaimed, squealing as Xanlosch made her suffer a bit more. "Good, Apprentice." He nodded his approval and went back to Lord Tyrath's books. "I had to go through the same thing, my dear. It is part of the process." He promised. "Yes, Master." She bowed again. She got up, and turned to everypony else in the room who was staring. "What are you looking at?! BACK TO WORK!" She exclaimed. Everypony clamoured for a second before continuing their work. "Oh, Trixie's cruel magic is ruining Ponyville." Said Rarity before accidentally pricking herself with a sewing needle. "Ow! Oh, somepony has to help us!" She exclaimed. I tended to agree... ;Tyrath's POV; Twilight was being made to stand on water while floating three equal measures of water in the air around her. Zecora was balancing on her tail calmly. She was trying to teach her self-discipline, and complete balance of harmony in the body and mind, being at one with yourself. I, also calmly was making a potion. I used a pipette to drip a small amount of poison joke into the mixture, as it's magical properties would come in handy. A few other herbs were in there to negate the negative affects. I wonder how my potion in Ponyville is doing...? "Ah, no noise, no sound, no din, no fuss must interfere with your focus. Unlearn what you have learned. Only then can victory be earned." Rhymed Zecora as Twilight was concentrating. Something seemed to distract her and her bubbles popped and she fell in the pool. "There is much, much that I can teach, but the answer you need may still be out of reach." Said Zecora and began to walk away with a sad expression. "I'm sorry, Zecora. I'm trying my best, but... I can't stop thinking about Trixie." Admitted Twilight. "There was something different about her. It's like she's gone from high and mighty to mean and nasty." Wondered Twilight. "Just like Rhode..." I mumbled. "Your thinking needs a readjust. Total concentration is a must." Said Zecora. "Hang about... I'm Al... most... Done..." I said as begin slowly dripping the final ingredient into the mixture... ;Creature's POV; Xanlosch- sorry, Master (eugh) had given me some time off while he slept. I was in Golden Oaks with the 5 mares and the Little Dragon, searching through Lord Tyrath's books while they looked through Lady Sparkle's books. I could actually decode Master's books in my head as he and I had actually developed the code together. Not that I told Xanlosch that... "Ugh, this really doesn't seem to be getting us anywhere." Said Rarity, flicking through books with her magic. Pinkie muffled something in response with a shrug as she emerged from a pile of books. She was starting to be proven right... "I hear you, Pinkie. I can't find anything that describes the kind of magic Trixie's doin'." Said Applejack dejectedly as she looked through a book. "Ugh, there must be something! Twilight has every magic book there is!" Exclaimed Spike. "Master will surely have something to counter it! Most of his books are still in the Battle Tower though..." I said with a sigh. "Well, those don't do us any good 'ere." Said Applejack. She was right. "Um, I think I may have found something?" Came the hushed voice of Fluttershy. I began to walk over to her. "Yes, it's time for us to consider our futures in this new Trixie-led Ponyville." Rarity frowned. "Um, this sounds an awful lot like Trixie's magic–" Tried Fluttershy again. "She wants me to grow apples with no peels! Now how the hay am I supposed to do that?" Asked Applejack. "You can't. Unless you can... bend reality!" I exclaimed and began flicking through Lord Tyrath's books quickly, accidentally forgetting about Fluttershy... "Um, there's a picture here of that necklace–" Continued Fluttershy, but I was too busy reading. Pinkie muffled and gestured to her mouth. "It's called the Alicorn Amulet, and whoever wears it is blessed with untold—" Started Fluttershy, suddenly Spike grabbed it from her grasp. "Hey, everypony, look! This book has a picture of Trixie's necklace! It's called the Alicorn Amulet, and whoever wears it is blessed with untold powers!" Exclaimed Spike. "If you read a little further, you'll see—" She began again. "Even though it provides great power, it also corrupts the user!" Exclaims Spike. "Yes, but, um, you can't—" She tried again. "You can't just take the Alicorn Amulet off her neck, it has a magical lock! Trixie's the only pony who can take it off!" Realised Spike as he read. "Maybe we could—" Fluttershy muttered. "We need to get this information to Twilight and Ego! They'll know what to do." Stated Applejack. "But, h— how—" Asked Fluttershy. "If any of us try to leave, Trixie's magical force field will tell her!" Added Rarity. "Maybe we should—" Fluttershy said timidly. "I've got it! Trying to sneak past the force field would be impossible without help, but I know who's got the goods to get into those woods!" Exclaimed Rainbow with a smile. "It— it must be—" Realised Fluttershy. "Fluttershy!" Exclaimed Dash, picking her up in her hooves. "Whaaat?!" She exclaimed, thudding to the floor, cowering. "What do you say, Fluttershy? Can you handle the mission?" Asked Applejack, walking over to her. "No! I'll crack under the pressure! I'll snap like a twig!" She squeaked, panicking. "Perfect! Fluttershy'll sneak out of Ponyville and find Twilight." Stated Dash we all put our hooves/claws together. "But— but I, I—" She tried, falling to the ground as Dash released her. "Okay." She breathed, adding her hoof. "Alright!" Exclaimed Applejack. Everypony else also voiced their agreement. "I know just the design for a dangerous mission outfit!" Added Rarity, "I can meet you out there." I said. "You? How can you get out?" Asked Rainbow. "I have a way, but I need the shield to be opened, even for a second. This might not work, so Fluttershy should still go anyway in case I don't make it." I said. "OK. Let's do it." Nodded Rarity. I enacted my plan... I could blend with the shadows so I used them to move. It went as planned, with the beavers complaining to Trixie about needing to take a log for their dam. She rolled her eyes and opened the field and I slipped through with the log containing Fluttershy. The beavers began to lift Fluttershy out of the log. She popped out but went flying. She ruined the outfit Rarity made. "Oh, oh dear! Rarity's dangerous mission outfit is ruined! Guess we'd better go back!" She tried to back off but the beavers stopped her. I ended my spell and reappeared. The birds and other animals began talking to her. "Oh, okay, okay, you're right. I need to be brave and find Twilight." Said Fluttershy. "I'm here for you as well." I nodded to her. "Oh, thank you." She smiled. Some birds then tweeted in her ear. "Oh! Y— you found her?" Asked Fluttershy, she nodded to me. "She's in the Everfree Forest?!" Exclaimed Fluttershy, jumping back in the log but the other animals pulled her out and began to fly her toward the forest. They whistled to her. "Oh, this is me being brave! I wanna be brave at home, locked in my closet, with my teddy bear!" She exclaimed as I followed the birds flying her to Twilight. They dropped her outside of a home in a tree trunk... "Come on! We can do this!" I said and we both walked to the front door and knocked. "Yes?" Came the voice of the owner. It was a Zebra! "Ah Fluttershy! It is good to see you! Another new friend, you have with you?" Asked the owner. "I am Creature ma'am. Lord Tyrath's companion." I bowed. "Ah Tyrath! Ah yes indeed! He is currently making a potion, helping us in need." She said. "My name is Zecora, the owner of the tree, I welcome you into my home, please have some tea with me." She said. We entered her home and Twilight hugged Fluttershy upon seeing her. Lord Tyrath couldn't look her in the eye and continued with his potion. He sighed and turned to me. "It is good to see you Creature." He smiled, but there was a dejected-ness in his gaze. "And you Master." I bowed, glad to address my true Master. ;Tyrath's POV; "And you Fluttershy." I said, she blushed. "Good to see you as well." She said and we hugged, although it was halfhearted on my end. "Why are you both here?" Asked Twilight. Fluttershy explained to us about what they had found out as she had some tea with Zecora. "I can't believe I didn't recognise the Alicorn Amulet!" Exclaimed Twilight in realisation. "That must be the presence I felt them drawing power from..." I nodded. "The more she uses it, the more it will corrupt her!" Explained Fluttershy, worriedly. "Not just that, but it will be keeping her under the thrall of Xanlosch. It's likely he knew she wouldn't agree to help the Black Ring and so he used the Amulet to make her susceptible to his will." I pondered. "She tried to revolt against him, but he seemed to use the Amulet to force her to serve him." Added Creature. "Not only that, but their building a Flying Fortress out there! I think Damien is planning to promote Xanlosch if he succeeds." Informed Creature. "By Zandalor's beard!" I exclaimed. "I hope this potion works..." I mumbled. It had just finished brewing... Time to try it out... "But how am I supposed to beat that amulet? My magic's not good enough!" Exclaimed Twilight. "I'll be busy dealing with Xanlosch..." I stated. "Twilight Sparkle, much work have you done. You learned all of my lessons; all but one. If Trixie's tricks have you in a fix, you must nix your magic and use the six." Explained Zecora... Clever. "Nix your magic, use the six... Nix your magic, use the six! Use the six! That's it! Zecora, you're a genius!" Exclaimed Twilight. Zecora nodded with a smile. "Now we'll need to get you and Creature back inside Ponyville, Fluttershy." Said Twilight as she began to write a letter. I looked to the potion and began to walk to the final concoction... Hold on... "Zecora... Is this my reflection in the bottles, or is it my imagination?" I asked. She came over and gasped. "A being like you I see in this pot! But you, it most definitely is not!" She exclaimed. "Give me a second..." I mumbled. I summoned the mirror and looked... Zandalor!!!! "My friend... If you are getting this message, then my magic has crossed worlds. You can... Now contact me using this mirror. Say the words of old, and I will answer your call. I have adjusted the mirror to contact one another on similar time. The world you are in moves faster compared to ours, but this mirror will also mirror the time that has passed since you left in this time." He said before vanishing... "Zandalor, you smart bastard..." I said. "Hold on, 'Words of old?' what did he mean?" Asked Twilight. "Ut ubi quondam fuit, nunc pleno orbe venit vitam." I spoke. The mirror shimmered for a second... "And then, it jus-... wait, can it be?" Came the voice of Zandalor, but the mirror was blank... Suddenly a cover was removed and Zandalor's smiling face was there... "Ah ha! My friend! You're alive! You made it!" He exclaimed. "Zandalor, it is good to see you!" I nodded. "Dragon-Knight? Are you OK?" Came the voice of Lucien The Divine, my friend. "Lucien! Are you a sight for sore eyes! Aye, I am fine. As you can see... Not in a usual place." I chuckled, rotating the mirror to show Twilight, Fluttershy and Zecora. "Err... Ponies?" He asked. "Talking Ponies." I corrected. "Pleased to meet you. I am Twilight Sparkle." Waved Twilight. "I'm Fluttershy." She mumbled. "My name is Zecora." "..." A pause. "Well then, I am glad to see you intact my friend. It has been almost half a week since you vanished. I am glad to see you yet live." Sighed Zandalor. "Of course I do! Nothing can fell me! Yet..." I said. "Anyway, now that we know you're alive, do you need anything currently?" Asked Zandalor. "Yes, I... Failed. One of the Black Ring bested me and I have been banished from a town that is very important to me." I said. "How did he best you? We can get working on a countermeasure immediately." Said Zandalor, nodding to Lucien. "He used a spell to trap me between here, Equestria it is called, and Rivellon. It held me still and I felt like I was almost non-existent." I explained to them. "Ah, you need an anchor then. That is no problem." He said and made a 'come here' gesture with his hand behind him. "An anchor?" I asked. "Yes, you are currently torn between two worlds. While this is not a problem day-to-day, as you have seen it is a weakness that can be exploited, if one has the correct tools." He said. He gestured to Deodatus, Aleroth's new mayor, previously(and still) Grand Healer, who passed a ring to Zandalor. It was Stardust, a ring Deodatus was selling during the invasion of Aleroth, Lucien seemed to imbue it with some sort of power. "Can any of your friends cast spells?" Asked Lucien, peering through the mirror. "Twilight is one of the most powerful." I nodded, stepping aside to revel her and smiled nervously and stood straight. "I knew you'd travel in the right circles." He smiled. "Tell her to cast a binding spell on the ring." He said. "I heard." She nodded as Zandalor teleported the ring to me. She cast the spell and the ring began glowing white. I put it on. "Put the ring on, and it will bind you to both worlds, including all worlds attached, be they on a different timeline or an alternate reality. The Hall of Echoes and the Plane of Hypnerotomachia will remain open to you." Said Zandalor. "Report back once it is done, the mirror will now be a conduit between our worlds and will synchronise our timelines to interact." Said Lucien. "Thank you my friends. I'll see you once it is done." I nodded and made the mirror vanish. "Let's get to it." I nodded. We smuggled Fluttershy back into Ponyville and headed to the outskirts of Ponyville, but I was hesitant... "Twi, what if I fail? What if-" I started. "You won't. I promise." She comforted, placing a hoof on my leg. "But I already failed you and the girls once... How can I forgive myself for that Let alone if I do it again!" I exclaimed. Suddenly, Twilight pulled me down in her magic and kissed me. "What was that for?" I asked. "To let you know I forgive you." She smiled. "Ah... Right." I nodded. "Ahem." Coughed Zecora, with an eyebrow raised. "Oh yeah, right. Now then, go Creature." I said and cast a spell on him. He vanished. The plan had begun. Twilight then proceeded to bang on the shield. Trixie, in a huge golden carriage, pulled by Snips and Snails came trundling along. "This better not be another false alarm, or the Great and Powerful Trixie will–" Trxie cut off as she gasped when she saw us. "You! What's the matter, Twilight Sparkle? Not enjoying your exile? What about you Ego?!" She asked. "We know about the Alicorn Amulet. We know you both cheated." Informed Twilight. "Cheated? Moi?" Asked Trixie, seemingly offended by the notion. "You're just Xanlosch's puppet, little Pony." I smirked. "Yeah. And I thought you might wanna see what a real magical amulet looks like." Said Twilight and produced the Amulet. "Zecora gave it to me. It's from beyond the Everfree Forest, and it's way more powerful than your measly little Alicorn Amulet!" Exclaimed Twilight, challenging Trixie. "Ha! Nothing's more powerful than the Alicorn Amulet! And nopony's more powerful than the Great and Powerful Trixie!" She exclaimed. "Care to put your amulet where your mouth is? How about another duel?" Asked Twilight. "And I'll duel Xanlosch. If I win, you get my power. All of it." I said. "Why should we? We already beat both of you." Said Trixie smugly, but it was clear she was intrigued. "That's up to you! But I guess you'll never see the totally awesome magic from beyond the Everfree Forest. Come on, Ego, Zecora." Said Twilight and we began to walk. "Wait!" Yelled Trixie. She lifted the barrier from Ponyville. I gasped as I saw the Flying Fortress being constructed above the town... "Okay, okay, you're on! A second duel." Nodded Trixie. "You must invite me back in." I said, if I enter without permission, dishonour. "Very well, you are granted temporary entrance." She agreed. We followed her into the square. I swear Xanlosch shat himself when he saw us. "What- but- you're banished! You're dishonoured by being here!" Exclaimed Xanlosch, pointing in a panic. "I granted them entrance." Stated Trixie. "What??!!!!" He yelled in anger, raising his fist. "W- w- w- well, t- t- t- they offered us another duel! Claiming we cheated! Plus, Ego offered us all of his power, and Twilight offered us another Amulet of immense power." She stuttered "ALL of his power???" Asked Xanlosch in shock. "ALL of it." I nodded with a grin. "Well then, good job my Apprentice." He said with a smile of glee. "Ready?" I asked, raising my eyebrow. "Sooooo much..." He giggled in glee. "Well then. Shall we?" I asked, gesturing with my hand. "You first." He shrugged. "A simple, so simple, creation spell, yes?" I asked. "Why not?" He asked. I used my creation magic to wrap him in weak vines. "Pathetic." He shrugged and used his Necromantic Magic to wilt them, breaking free with no issue. "How about this?!" He exclaimed an used the Reality Suspension spell. I froze. Then I danced a little. "Try again!" I grinned. "Impossible!" He exclaimed, I then wrapped him in my strongest vines, he couldn't break free. I turned to Twilight and Trixie. It was up to her now. She was just about done showing Trixie. "Duplication spell. Ever see one pony play ten instruments?" Asked Twilight. She zapped Pinkie who began playing a one-Pony band... "This... just can't be!" Exclaimed Trixie. "Ooh, one more. I can turn a mare into a stallion." Stated Twilight and blasted Applejack. "Eeyup." Stated Big Mac dressed as AJ. I made a 'big sign' with my hands to Twilight behind Trixie's back. "Tell you what? Want to see something REALLY awesome?" She asked. "Huh?" Asked everypony present, clearly not knowing this part of the plan. "I bet you I can make a meteor shower happen right now." She challenged. "No you can't!" Exclaimed Trixie, shaking her head. "Watch me." Stated Twilight she then put on a huge light show. I picked up a few small pebbles around the area, brought the universe up in front of me so only I could see it, and threw the pebbles into it, on a trajectory to fly close to Equestria without hitting it. Suddenly, everypony looked up and saw a meteor shower occurring. Trixie was flabbergasted. "Well, Trixie, looks like my amulet is more powerful than yours–" Began Twilight before Trixie grabbed it from her. "Hey! Give it back!" Exclaimed Twilight angrily. "Destroy them my Apprentice!" Laughed Xanlosch manically. "Yes Master! With this amulet, we shall now rule all of Equestria!" She laughed, taking the Alicorn Amulet off and replacing it with Twilight's. "Witness, my subjects. Gaze upon an ever greater and 'powerful-er' Trixie!" She exclaimed and laughed evilly. "We're witnessing." I shrugged. Suddenly one Rainbow Dash(the real one) snatched the Alicorn Amulet and dropped it into my waiting, outstretched hand... Ohhh boy was it tempting. No wonder it's so dangerous. "Hey!" Exclaimed Trixie but stopped. "I don't need that old Alicorn Amulet. I have this!" She exclaimed. She blasted myself and the Dash that nicked the Amulet. "Stop it! Tha— that tickles!" Laughed Rainbow, giggling and rolling around in the air. "Ohh, tingly." I chuckled, shivering a few times. "Tickles?! Tingly?! That was supposed to make you writhe in agony! This amulet is defective! Give mine back!" She exclaimed and tried to blast me. I just absorbed the blast into my hand. "Not happening sweetie. The Black Ring no longer have a hold over you, and neither does this." I said, floating the amulet above my open palm. I teleported it to the Battle Tower. "It is currently being locked in the vaults of the most secure place in the universe." I spoke with a grin. Twilight wrapped a hoof around Trixie. "By the way, Trixie, the amulet around your neck?" She tapped it. "It's one of Zecora's doorstops." She said as the gem fell and smashed. "But... how did you do those spells? Nopony can do those spells!" She exclaimed. "Not quite. Ego can actually do all of them, but he didn't this time. I certainly can't do them. Zecora taught me so much about magic while I was in exile. She even taught me when not to use it. My magic alone wasn't powerful enough to take on the Alicorn Amulet head to head." She explained. "So I needed to use a different kind of magic – the Magic of Friendship. I also knew that the only pony who could get the amulet off your neck was you." She stated. "But... what about the pony with the ten instruments?" Asked Trixie. "That's not magic. That was just Pinkie Pie." Shrugged Twilight. "She's a mystery and always will be..." I chuckled as she continued playing. I shook my head in disbelief... "But... The meteor shower!? How?!" She asked. "That was me, lass." I said, claiming responsibility. "Draconic Magic is an awesome and powerful thing, what you saw was no illusion." I said, holding the universe in my palm before clenching my fist, making it vanish. "If you were so powerful, how did Mast- err, Xanlosch, beat you?" She asked. "Trapped me between both realities I belonged to, it constricted me. Now I am anchored to the reality am in." I stated. I heard the slicing of vines as Xanlosch cut himself free with a knife. Suddenly Creature appeared. "Well?" I asked him. "Done. Give it a minute." He said with a slight grin. "Ha! You may have deprived me of a student! But I can still have your power! Your potion! The Potion of Draconic Power! It is mine!" He exclaimed and produced the vial full of orange liquid. "No! Don't drink that! Really, don't." I told him. "Too late fool!" He exclaimed and drank a sip. "Power is mine! Min- ughhh..." He stated as he dropped the sealed vial and collapsed to his knees, wheezing and then coughed blood, his mouth foaming. "Told you not to drink it." I shrugged. "How...?" He wheezed, grasping his throat. "Creature is a poison master. I sent him back through time to sabotage my potion, and tell himself about it and tell himself to tell you about it. He knew you'd use it when backed against the wall." I spoke. "You put a great deal of trust in just a Creature..." Said Xanlosch. "Not a Creature. A friend. I put my trust in our friendship." I corrected. "After I got over my initial fear of failure, I realised that by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. I realised my friends would always be there no matter what and I had to trust them. Goodbye, Xanlosch. May you pass in peace." I spoke as he breathed his last and collapsed onto his face, dead. I picked up the potion, glancing at the Ponies staring at me. I formed a grin. "Well, bottoms up!" I exclaimed and downed the potion. "EGO!!! NOO!!!!!!" Yelled Twilight in a panic. I finished the vial, burped, walked toward them and tossed the glass, hearing it smash. I then collapsed to the floor and began choking, when the girls looked as if they were about to collapse form shock and fear I stood on my knees and pointed at them, laughing my arse off. "B- B- But you... Oh you bucker!!" Yelled Twilight and tackled me to the floor, she pinned my arms with her hooves, glaring at me. "Ah ha... Sorry?" I asked more than said. She nodded with a sigh and got off me. "Don't worry girls, I took so many poison arrows back during my first conquest against Damien that poison is just extra flavouring now." I chuckled. "We'll get you back for this." Swore Dash. "Good. I anticipate it. Now, you mare." I pointed to Trixie who gulped. "Yessir?" She asked timidly. "You are under arrest. The charges are treason: conspiring against the crown and assault: causing harm to others." I spoke. "You joined the Black Ring little Pony. You relinquished your status as a citizen of Equestria when you did so. Do you understand?" I asked. "Yessir, I do! I'm so sorry! Please! I just... I was lost! He did truly care about me... At first, anyway, he offered me a way to be somepony! I don't want to be part of this Black Ring anymore! Please!" She sobbed and pleaded. "Do you relinquish the Black Ring?" I asked. "Yes! Look!" She said, she went over to my sword and helmet, she lifted the sword out of the ground and held the helmet both in her magic she placed the sword in my open palms and the helmet on my head. I was slightly shocked. "My last act as Ruler of the town Ponyville... You are no longer banished from Ponyville." She said, bowing to me, as did everypony else, even the Mane 6 and Spike... "Prince Ego! Prince Ego!" They all began chanting my name. I threw the sword up slightly, catching by the hilt in my left palm. I threw my left arm up with the sword pointing to the sky, with a smile on my face. I shot a blue beam from the sword that blasted the black clouds away, destroying the Flying Fortress and allowed the setting sun to shine on Ponyville once more. Everypony cheered for me louder... ;That night; I summoned the mirror again. "Tyrath! It's only been a few minutes here, how did it go?" Asked Lucien. "Very well. The town, Ponyville, has been cleansed. There is a show on tonight that I will be attending, and then there is a banquet later." I said. "Can we visit this world? Maybe observe this event?!" Asked Zandalor excitedly. "Of course." I nodded. "Very well." Said Lucien. Suddenly, they vanished in blue light. I turned and saw the three of them in Human Form behind me. "Lucien!" I said. I gripped his arm and he gripped mine and we brought each other close for a hug. I patted him on the back with a fist and he did the same. "Zandalor!" I exclaimed and shook his hand. "And Deodatus!" I said, patting him on the arm. "It is good to see you my friend." Smiled Zandalor. "And you." I nodded. "How have you been?" Asked Lucien. "I've been fine for the most part! Come, the show is about to begin." I smiled and we headed to the stage. Twilight used Fluttershy's animals, floating them in different shapes. Spike was cuddling Fluttershy to comfort her. Suddenly, fireworks began to go off and everypony began cheering. Twilight and I turned to see Trixie was the cause of them... "Trixie?" Asked Twilight. "It's the least I could do. I treated you and your friends so horribly when I was wearing that Alicorn Amulet. I just couldn't control myself. You can forgive me, can't you?" She asked me. Twilight looked thoughtful. "Hmmm. Sure." She nodded. "Why not?" I asked and shook her hoof. "Oh, good. Don't you think the Great and Apologetic Trixie is the most magnificent humble pony you've ever seen?!" She exclaimed and a poof of smoke went off and we saw her running away. Twilight and I shook our heads... I prepared for the night ahead.