Cautiously, I allowed my horn to glimmer with a faint sheen of magic, casting a dull purple light out around me. No fireworks this time. The grey parasprite was there. Watching me.
"Well," it said, comically raising an eyebrow, "Are you going to introduce yourself? Or is that something else you can't handle?"
This is too much. A parasprite talking to me in the middle of the night? I'm going insane. No, it wasn't just talking to me, it was insulting me. I stared menacingly at the bug, "That storm was perfectly under my control. Watch your tongue, worm. Or I'll close it for you!"
Sweet Celestia. What did I just say? That didn't make any sense at all!
The parasprite seemed just as confused. It fluttered there idly, soaking in the retort. "I was about to complement you. That storm was an exquisite display of magical genius. No ordinary pony could have even attempted such a spell. However, with that last comment of yours I'm worried that display may have taken a bit more out of you than you anticipated. How do I put this, the energy and concentration necessary may have... scrambled your brain, if you will."
He quickly added, "Or you may be a complete idiot with a bit of talent, who am I to judge." The parasprite grinned.
"Yes, who exactly are you to judge the Great and Powerful Trixie!" I shouted. "remember your place, unless you want to end up like that tree behind me!"
The parasprite's grin only widened at my display. "Finally, we're getting somewhere. Trixie. How quaint. Now, what tree are you talking about? I can't seem to remember, would you mind point it out for me?"
I swung around to point out the tree, only to find a wall of perfectly healthy trees behind me. The blackened timber, the scorched skeleton of the tree, all perfectly replaced. Once again, indistinguishable from the rest of the forest.
"I know it's around here somewhere." It said innocently. "But, then again, it might have disappeared. Just like that storm of yours I took care of." I risked a glance at the parasprite. The ghostly glow of purple light only served to make the wicked grin on it's face even more intimidating. "Now..." the parasprite hissed, "are. you. scared?" The parasprite's appearance changed immediately, taking on a more thoughtful expression. "I want to be a tad frightening, but not melodramatic, you know? I thought I'd get an opinion from a fellow performer."
"Wh-wh-wha?" was all I could muster. The parasprite rolled its eyes.
"Never mind, I'll get a second opinion later." It shook it's head. "Regardless, you must be dying to know who I am."
I nodded dumbly.
"I have many names. I am the Forest Lord. The Everfree Avenger. The Warden of the wood. But, you can call me Dave."
"Dave?"
It (he?) nodded.
"Well, Dave," I ventured, "Why would a parasprite be the all powerful master of the EverFree forest."
The sprite laughed, "This is a form I created to follow you around. This is a projection, just like that storm of yours. Besides, I needed a body to speak with you, to ask for your aid."
I felt a sudden surge of pride. Of course an all powerful being would require my assistance. This was the shot I needed. The first step to recover my career.
"I need a courageous pony…" It continued.
“fearless!” I shouted.
“… To go on a dangerous quest that may prove to be fatal.”
“Of cour- w-wait. What? How dangerous are we talking about here?” The enthausiasm leaked out of my voice suprisingly quick. “Not that I’m scared of danger, just… an important pony needs to know what she’s up against.” I said, for his reassurance.
A frown took root in the parasprite’s face. It was silent for a few moments before saying slowly, “I have something in mind that may be slightly risky, for an average pony. For the Great and Powerful Trixie it wouldn’t be more than a minor annoyance.”
I felt a flush of relief. Of course I was up to it. The Great and Powerful Trixie was no common pony! I had the skill to accomplish this spirit’s request, without a doubt. “The Great and Powerful Trixie would be glad to assist you, spirit.”
No doubt. Whatsoever.
What are you doing? A talking parasprite appears out of nowhere deep in the Everfree forest with a ‘quest’, and you accept? Are you crazy! This is how your picture ends up on the front page of Equestria Daily with you in a body bag!
“However,” I added quickly, “Trixie requires proof that solving this ‘minor annoyance’ of yours is worthy of my assistance.” I studied my hoof with mock interest, “Trixie assures you her time is very valuable.”
"I can't reveal the details of the quest at this moment. However, I can leave you with a promise, and, a gift." With those final words, there was an audible pop, and a flourish of sparkles, a brown paper package tied with twine appeared between us. "Go ahead, open it. Take it as early payment."
I loosened the twine easily with a bit of magic, and mangled the wrapping paper to see, my, my....
"Your cap and cape. The original pair. i managed to take them from the wreckage of your cart."
I immediately searched the two for their distinctive markings, they were there. I couldn't believe it. I thought I had lost them forever. I wiped away some water on my face, something leftover from the storm I reasoned. I looked at the Parasprite's eyes.
Dave continued, "I can't promise that you will be successful in what I ask of you. What I can promise is that if you succeed, I will reward you with wealth beyond description. You will never be of want. Whatever you desire will be before your hooves. You will not only have material wealth, but will also be peerless in fame, you will be the most famous unicorn in living history. No pony will ever forget you Trixie, you will be immortalized in the minds and history books of Equestria."
The parasprite waited. Allowing me to process everything it had uttered.
"Trixie has one request." I finally answered.
"Name it." the insect responded.
"You control the beings of the EverFree, correct?"
"Hmm, the lesser beings, insects and the like."
"Can you operate outside the EverFree Forest?"
"No, my magic is limited to the confines of the Forest, but, I can implant commands in the minds of the sprites that they will follow regardless of location."
"Trixie would like you to beset Ponyville with a horde of parasprites. Create chaos. Show those ponies the wrath of Trixie."
"why didn't I think of that," the sprite muttered, "Done. You know, Trixie. I think this might be the start of a beautiful friendship."
I stared down the Forest Lord. "Silence, Dave. You have Trixie's attention, not her friendship."