//------------------------------//
// Mirth and Madness 
// Story: Unfamiliar Familiar 
// by Addiccus Phinch 
//------------------------------//

	From my peripherals I could tell Trixe was grinning, and was quite smug in capturing my attention. So in return I kept staring and she quickly became unsettled. I couldn't blame her, i was staring intensely enough to melt steel. And as I kept staring, two things kept echoing in my skull.
First was her name. She had called herself the Great and Powerful Trixie, Which is odd considering the fact that the name belonged to a particular cartoon unicorn. Who was a character in a particular cartoon. Which also, if I forgot to mention, was a FICTIONAL KIDS SHOW. Fictional defining as something that does not exist. This alarmed me, but then I remembered I was hallucinating so it was no big deal.
Second was, strangely enough, the part of this that i found most strange. The words "summon" and "familiar" had exited her mouth. Now, any RPG fan worth his D6 would know that summons and familiars are monsters one brings from another plane to fight for them. Its a classic tactic to bring in a badass demon when the larger badass ogre is currently whooping your collective low level asses...im straying from the point, which  was that she had referred to me as such.
It took me thirty whole seconds to process this information and come to a conclusion, in that time which the hallucination known as Trixie grew ever more and more unsettled. As did I, for i came to the realization that my brain was trying to ensnare me in the illusion that I had been summoned to a fantasy cartoon world by a fantasy cartoon pony in order to fight her battles as some sort of summoned character.
While extremely unhappy with this turn of events, I had to give my psychosis points for originality at least. Better than hopping through some strange mental landscape avoiding hairy pterodactyls which represented my insecurities.
because that would just be weird.
Suddenly I had found myself gasping for breath and attempting to curl to one side. It felt as if something rather hard had just introduced itself into my sternum. A quick glance downward confirmed not only what happened, but the perpetrator. If the blue hoof was any indication, Trixie was to blame.
I let out a heavy cough and returned my stare to her eyes. This time there was definite satisfaction, as well as slight anger. She appeared to be irritated by the fact that I still appeared to be ignoring her, despite her commands. I suppose it wasn't helping the situation at all that I considered her to be a hallucination but It be what it be.
But despite the fact she was only a figment of my imagination, that hoof was slightly painful and made it difficult to breath. We stared at each other for a moment, and I knew what had to be done. My expression changed, and again smugness broke over her face. This time she knew she had my attention. It was only after my expression had morphed from irritation into full blown anger did she seem to realize the mistake in that accomplishment.
Gathering what air I could into my lungs, I spoke for the first time since waking up. only two very simple words, that carried a cornucopia of complex concepts to be considered by her. 

"Get off."

It wasn't loud, or particularly threatening, but it got the job done. I suppose it was my eyes that may have sealed the deal, as when i spoke i tried to impart my every intention of forcing her off if need be through them. Her eyes widened comically, and she rushed to step off. In that rush she accidentally pushed down on the hoof which was pressed against my torso, causing me to let out a grunt. 
Now that she was removed from my person, I sat up. My headache at least was mostly gone, seemingly a symptom of waking up. That, or I simply did not notice it anymore considering the what lay before me.
When I had first sat up, I didn't notice much aside from the big-blue-purple-eyed-thing which took up most of my blurred vision. Now that my vision was cleared and the now identified big-blue-purple-eyed-thing  was sitting off to the side, I was able to see more of my surroundings and actually see where exactly I was.
...Which was surrounded by a crap-ton of trees, in the middle of a clearing. Over to my left was Trixie's Trailer, which i remembered seeing before in the show. I mentally applauded my insanity for its attention to detail, as it truly looked like a run down beat up trailer. Down to the splintered wood and raggedy walls. My crazy sure knew how to make something look real, id give it that.
Aside from the trailer, there were a few scattered objects. A large black pot next to a pit which I could only assume was used for fires. A few bags half-filled with who knows what. And a large, and I mean LARGE black book sitting not three feet away from me. It laid Right outside the outline of a circle drawn into the dust. As i followed the circle with my eyes I realized that I was sitting dead center within. Honestly, that part made sense so I paid it no mind. You need a magic circle to summon something after all, which she probably learned either in whatever unicorn school she went too.
Or my brain knew I would think that and pay it no mind, thus trapping me further in the hallucination by accepting things as logical. To more things made sense, the more this world would seem real. Which wasn't the case as I knew I was crazy, so id have to be on my guard to keep from getting complacent.
What I could be considered an attempt at a polite cough came from the direction where Trixie was, and even though I knew i should be ignoring her, I slowly turned my head in her direction. She was standing right outside the circle, a few feet right of the big black book. He stance and expression showed some unease, but generally broadcasted the arrogance she was known for. perhaps feeling more safe outside of the circle. She was watching me, with a keen interest. Studying me as if looking or waiting for something in particular.
I wasn't sure where to go to from here. If this had been a real encounter, if I had actually been in Equestria meeting the real Trixie Lulamoon I probably would have said something of value. Instead, this was a hallucination and so I raised one hand in casual greeting and said,

"Sup."

It was obvious to me that this wasn't what she was expecting for she seemed to be thrown off guard, and began to lift her hoof to wave back. Then she caught on, and shook her head before glaring at me indignantly, As if I had done something wrong by being friendly. Bitch.So I just sat there, unsure of where this was going to go next.
Neither did she apparently, as she walked over to consult her book. Her horn glowed a light pink, and so did the grimoire as she used her magic to lift it off the ground and to her face. Carefully she used her magic to open the cover, but a large amount of dust still flew out of the old pages, causing her to sneeze. I let out a snicker at the look on her face, and she shot me another glare before returning her attention to the tome.
For a few minutes she browsed through the book, and I simply sat their looking around. I had no desire to get up and explore further, as I was sure my insanity had aptly prepared for that. Possibly leaving traps, or mental snares to lock me tight in the mental prison I occupied. And truth to be told, I was rather curious as to what Trixie would do. Although I doubted it would be anything of importance.

Good lord was I wrong about that.

Eventually she had found the page she was looking for, and began to scan over it. Her eyes greedily soaking up every word and searching for some particular phrase or incantation. she must have found what she was looking for because she whispered something to herself. I couldn't tell from where I was but it sounded suspiciously like, "Here goes nothing." 
Taking a moment to reread the spell, she took a deep breath looked me dead in the eyes, before shouted at me in something remarkably similar to the Royal Canterlot voice over the entire THREE FEET OF SPACE between us. I was remotely sure that my eardrums had popped from her irresponsible use of the Thu'um, yet her words still reached me.

"SERVANT! SERVITAS! BEING I HAS BROUGHT TO THIS PLAIN! THROUGH BLOOD AND PAIN I HAS BROUGHT YOU HERE. AND THROUGH BLOOD AND MAGIC I SHALL SUSTAIN YOU! YOU WILL FIGHT MY FOES AND WIN MY BATTLES! YOU WILL BRING GLORY TO US BOTH! I AM THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE, AND YOU ARE MY FAMILIAR! YOU ARE BOUND!"

When the last syllable had finished exploding forth from her mouth, she then did something particularly alarming. Never breaking eye contact, she lifted up one hoof and bit down on her leg. My eyes widened at this, and I moved to get up and make her stop forgetting for a moment that this wasn't real at the sight of ruby liquid staining her fur. It was then I discovered that I was unable to move from my sitting position, I couldn't even look away from her eyes. Gingerly, she ceased her biting and pulled away. Crimson blood oozed from the wound, and dripped to the ground. But before the first drop could touch the base earth, it changed direction. Heading directly for me.
The first drops of her blood hit me directly in the throat, and wherever they landed a searing pain followed. Like that of a light burn. Then more blood began to flow from her leg, and that time struck different places. Both of my wrists were struck, as were my ankles. I opened my mouth to either cry out it pain, or ask what the fuck was happening I wasn't sure which, when the last few drops flew directly into my mouth and down my esophagus. Causing me to choke and sputter.  
In my stomach I felt a strange heat from the blood, which then spread out through my entire form causing the burning pain from my neck, wrists, and ankles to ignite into an inferno. It felt as if something was being branded into my skin and soul, with those good old fashion iron brands people used to use to torture one another. It hurt like HELL. All the while through this agony, I could never take my gaze off of her. As I was being tormented she watched on impassively, although I could make out the slightly green tint to her cheeks.
And then, with some sort of unspoken signal, it stopped. I didn't realize i had been standing till i fell to my knees. All that was left from the pain was a dull ache, and I could swear i smelled smoke.  Finally i could break eye contact, and I did so in order to stare at my wrists. Namely the large black markings that were seared into my flesh. 
They were large, maybe two inches thick and went around the entire wrist like some kind of twisted bracelet. The markings themselves were some kind of runic script of which i knew absolute shit about what it said, and were fashioned to link together in an imitation of a chain. Both wrists bore the markings, and I lifted up my pants legs to find that my ankles had them as well. Knowing what Id find but feeling the need to check anyway, i lifted my hands to feel around my neck. I was not disappointed, as i felt the hot imprinted flesh beneath my fingertips. 

"What...did you just do to me?" I asked her. My voice slightly unsteady as I was in shock from whatever the hell just occurred. She swallowed down the green in her cheeks and replied with confidence.

"Why, the great and powerful Trixe just bound you as her familiar of course! While it was indeed a complex spell, it was an easy feat for one as skilled and as amazing as Trixie!" She even did a prideful bow once she finished speaking, to illustrate her supposed greatness. 

Her boastful attitude irritated me, as it had done before on the show. Whatever she did, it freaking hurt, and she was proud of it? I was beginning to get angry. I stood up again, and unsteady walked to the edge of the circle, Stopping right before the line in the dirt. The closeness seemed not to worry her, possibly because of the protection the circle was supposed to offer.

Speaking of the circle, I wondered...

I suppose slamming it with my fist wasn't the smartest idea. If something was there i would have injured my hand, and if it wasn't i would have looked pretty dumb swinging at the air. Fortunately, or unfortunately for me my fist slammed directly into an invisible barrier, which shimmered blue where i had struck it. It felt similar to hitting a wall, which made me very happy I didn't try to punch it. Happy being relative. Despite the ache in my hand now, punching it would have defiantly left me with some broken bones. Despite the fact I wasn't sure if I could even break bones in a hallucination, I knew for certain that I was in no sort of hurry to find out.
So the circle had worked, and she was safe as long as I was inside of it. I was at the mercy of the same Trixie who had just struck me with an agonizing spell. The same Trixie which i could only assume summoned me to this world. The same Trixie which was most likely a figment of my imagination sent to torment me through some strange Freudian fantasy. wasn't this just Wonderful?
Well, if I had gone through my entire life so far just being sarcastic and agonized, I probably would have been a film critic. Hallucination it was I needed to get some answers as to the 'rules' of the situation, and I couldn't do that if I was being silent and angsty. The only way I would would be by talking to her, as she was obviously a focal point. Plus I needed to get out of the damn circle too, as claustrophobia and paranoia mixed as well as water and potassium. I tilted my head to look at her, and went to confirm my thoughts on the matter.

"Trixie, did you bring me here?"
While it was a rather blunt and obvious question, it seemed to confuse her, but the answer clearly inflated her ego. Her chest puffed up with pride, and she tossed her hair in a haughty gesture. I would have put money down that id be getting sick of that extremely fast.

"Why of course I did! Only the Great and Powerful Trixie could cast such a high level spell to bring you onto the Eques plane! I admit it was difficult procuring the materials," She waved a hoof in the general direction of the sacks and large black book. ",but once I had them it was a foals play for one such as Trixie!" Her face then grew a dark in a way I found complacently out of place" And if your as vicious as the Hexicon promised then it will all be worth it."

My anger was lessened, mainly because I was disturbed at her last statement. Me, vicious? only if I hadn't had my coffee that morning. The unsettling part of that statement helped me to realize what part of the timeline I was in, or at least, what part my brain wanted me to think I was in. There was only one reason why Trixie would have summoned something 'vicious' and that meant that...

"Trixie, I will not help you to get vengeance on Twilight Sparkle."

As I spoke her confidence seemed to fall a notch, as I suppose she didn't expect me to know of her plan, or that I would refuse her. I was wondering how much of that 'Hexicon' did she actually read, and how many of the warnings she had ignored. She better thank her lucky stars she didn't choose summon an eldritch abomination out of Lovecraftian or something of the like. otherwise this encounter would have likely went the way of the internet. Horrifying and arousing.

"How," She swallowed "how did you know that?"

I kept in mind that none of this was real as I decided to mess around abit and play up the whole 'omnipotent summon' routine. Hopefully if I was convincing enough, she would forget my earlier writhing in pain and catatonic behavior and and on the off chance this was real send me home. If not, at least Id get a laugh.

"I know many things Trixie Lulamoon," I spoke in the most gravelly voice I could muster. Also I decided to use her full name instead of that wizard of Oz esqe title she chose for herself. This mix had the desired effect, as she took a step back away from the circle.
"I know of your boasts, I know of your humiliation at the hands of Celestias Protegee, I know of your arrogance and pride," For added effect I slammed my palms against the circle, causing a loud noise and a flash of light. I smiled as it made her jump.
"I know of your tampering with magics beyond your control, and summoning that which no pony should ever see in the light of day." She was defiantly unsettled and frightened, good. My ploy was working nicely. Now to finish her and, hoping beyond hope, get sent home. I shouted the last words with all the force I had.
"RELEASE ME TO MY PLANE AND BE SPARED THE ENDLESS TORMENT THAT AWAITS! THIS I COMMAND!"

With  most of my strength behind the blow, i hammerfisted the circle with both hands. Both me and Trixie were surprised  when the light died down, as where I struck spider-webbed with hairlike cracks that glowed softly in the air. Well everyone knew she was more bark than bite, and that her magical skills were somewhat sub-par. I rationalizes that she probably had messed up and made the circle weak or the like, because I knew for a fact I wasn't strong enough for that.
Whatever the reason for the cracks, she looked on at me with pure terror upon her face. My act had well and thoroughly scared the bejeezus out of her, and I had to hide my smile. No point in ruining it now. She opened her mouth to speak and I cut her off with a shout,

"WELL?"

She gaped like a fish out of water for a moment before regaining her voice. It was shaky, and frightened as to be expected, but also exceedingly quiet. Almost a whisper which i had to strain to here.

"...I cant..."

This wasn't surprising to hear, as I doubted it would be that easy to beat my brain. It still was exceedingly irritating. and I showed it as I slammed my fist against the magical barrier, causing more cracks to spiderweb.

"And just why, prey tell, can you not Trixie Lulamoon?"

Personally, I found her terror amusing as I had no doubt that even her crappy magic could throw me around like a ragdoll in a physics engine, yet she was scared to death of this 'vicious creature'  she had summoned. I kept my smile down, as smiling would ruin the act. I already had my answer, but I could play this out some more. Get a few more kicks out of it. She audibly gulped as I glared, and stammered when she began her explanation.

"Well usually a summon would disappear after a set amount of time, due to either damage or the summoner having less that sufficient amounts of mana to sustain it. That is to keep stability on the summoned plane because anything from another plan could destabilize the plane simply by existing. That is the the point of the summoners mana, to act as a barrier between the summon and the plane..."

Oh wow, I had scared her into rambling mode. In the funniest manner too, as she sounded abit like the unicorn she despised so much. The jargon she was spouting out was, thankfully understandable due to my years of gaming experience. Yet it was not explaining why I couldn't be returned. aside from the obvious explanation, which was I couldn't be returned because I had not been summoned. Still, I would let her continue.

"...Except your not a summon, not anymore at least. When Trixie summoned you, you were not acting as the book said you would. It told Trixie to use a certain spell in case you were a wild one, for Trixies own protection. Those marks indicate that you are now a familiar spirit, Trixies to be exact, So you are now, through Trixie's blood, bound to this plane forever...Sorry?"

All mirth I had gained from tormenting her dissipated the moment she finished speaking. The weight of her words hit me. Bound? Forever? Never to return to the ones I love?  I found myself forgetting that it wasn't real, forgetting I was in my head. I could have been returned, I could have been sent home but she made me her familiar?
Like an old friend, a familiar sensation ran up my spine. One I generally acquainted with me needing to calm down, lest my sickness take charge. I paid it no mind, out of rage.
This time I wasnt faking the growl as I spoke. I was livid, furious. How dare she, who didnt even know who or what I was, make such a descision?

"Send me back."  Simple statement, simply stated. Do it Trixie.

"I cant..."

This response did not help my issues. Accordingly I did punch the circle, causing it to crack some more as I sure my bones followed suit. Yet I didn't care, as I was still more pissed than anything. She let out a whimper.

"Send me back!" I shouted at her. In the back of my head, I could feel familiar thoughts stirring. Restless thoughts that I always tried to subdue. The voices that I was sure were causing this entire charade. They whispered bloody madness into my ear, horrible fates to match horrible actions. They told me she was to blame. She saw the murder in my eyes, and cried out almost desperately.

"I cant!"

Again I punched the wall, having it crack more. I gave it two more punches but my hand quickly grew sore. I stepped back a couple feet and kicked out. The cracks grew to spread around half of the cylinder, and a straining noise was heard. Through the haze of voices in my ears, I heard Trixie shouting.

"Trixie is sorry! Trixie is so very sorry! Please stop, youll break the circle! Please!"

Under my breath I growled at her, much to the voices delight 
"That was the idea bitch."
And then I tackled the damn thing, slamming through it with all my weight. 

With a flash of light, and a roar of thunder the circle was broken and scrambled to stand from the dirt. There must have been a shock-wave too, as Trixie was lying on her side, temporarily knocked silly and trying to regain her bearings. Looking down at her, the voices whispered into my ear

"vulnerable..."

She was vulnerable, wasn't she? In this state I could easily hurt her dominate her, Perhaps breaking off her horn to protect me from her magic? There was that cooking pot and fire pit. Maybe I would cook her and eat her, using the damnable book she summoned me with as fuel. Maybe I-

Maybe I should stop. 

The voices roared in anger as I caught on to what they were saying, and what they were doing. As they always did, they were using my emotions against me to influence my actions. Slipping in between the cracks of righteous anger to corrupt it into sadistic revenge. I felt a little sick as I realized what I had just been thinking. Fucking Christ, eat her? What the fuck was wrong with me?

It was then and there I began to have doubts that this was a hallucination. If it was, Trixie was obviously the focal point. That said, killing her could possibly end it. Which made it very curious as to why the same voices keeping me under the illusion would want her dead. My crazy was smart, but not smart enough to use reverse psychology, and dumb enough risk its entire ploy on such tactics.  

I didn't know what to do. 

So I sat down and waited for Trixie to regain her senses.